Articles by Steve May

Steve is a home entertainment technology specialist who contributes to a variety of UK websites and mags, including Louder Sound, Yahoo UK, Trusted Reviews, T3, The Luxe Review and Home Cinema Choice. Steve began his career as a music journo, writing for legendary rock weekly Sounds, under the nom de plume Steve Keaton. His coverage of post punk music was cited in the 2015 British Library exhibition Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination, as a seminal influence on the Goth music scene.

Articles by: Steve May

The best audiophile headphones for Hi-Fi listening 2025: Wired, Bluetooth, noise cancelling and more

By Steve May last updated 18 August 22

High performance audiophile headphones will give you the most from your music. Here’s our pick of the best you can buy from wired over-ears to pro-style in-ear monitors

Best Apple AirPods alternatives 2025: Wireless earbud wannabes and sonic superstars taking the fight to Apple AirPods

By Steve May last updated 6 July 22

Apple's AirPods aren't the only earbuds on the scene - but what others are worth your consideration? Here's our pick of the best AirPods alternatives available today

Lossless audio streaming: Is it worth it?

By Steve May last updated 29 June 22

Is it now time to step-up to hi-res audio with your streaming service of choice?

Apple Music review: Apple take a bite out of the competition

By Steve May last updated 29 June 22

Apple's music streaming service sparkles thanks to its wide range of audio options, vast array of albums, tracks, promo videos and podcasts

Tidal review: Music streaming with a difference

By Steve May last updated 29 June 22

Tidal are looking to change the way music streaming services operate and with two points of entry, we’re think you’ll find the flexibility refreshing

Spotify vs Tidal 2022: which music service is best for you?

Spotify vs Tidal 2024: which music service is best for you?

By Steve May last updated 29 June 22

Spotify and Tidal are two of the most prominent music streaming services around. We've put them head to head to see exactly what you get for your money

Woman sits on couch listening to music with her arms in the air

Amazon Music Unlimited review: get your streaming fix on a budget

By Steve May published 22 June 22

One of the best value streaming services out there, particularly if you’re already a Prime member

Which music streaming service pays artists the most?

By Steve May published 13 June 22

Streaming accounts for 83% of UK music consumption. But how much do artists earn from the likes of Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Qobuz?

Closed-back vs open-back headphones: What's the difference and why does it matter?

By Steve May published 8 June 22

The differences between closed-back and open-back headphones is rarely explained. Here, give you everything you need to know

Best budget noise cancelling headphones 2022: Rock out for less with 10 of the best

Best budget noise cancelling headphones 2022: Listen for less with 10 of the best

By Steve May last updated 23 May 22

Updated Our pick of our favourite cheap noise cancelling headphones from Bose, Sony, Marshall and more prove you don’t have to break the bank to get great sound

Spotify review: Is one of the world's most popular streaming services worth it?

Spotify review: Is one of the world's most popular streaming services still worth it?

By Steve May last updated 5 May 22

Spotify is one of the biggest music streaming services in the world, but in the face of stiff competition, does it still have what it takes

Spotify vs Apple Music vs Tidal: which streaming service is best for rock and metal?

By Steve May last updated 27 January 22

Apple Music, Spotify or Tidal? The three biggest names in music streaming go head-to-head

Bose noise cancelling headphones 700 review

By Steve May published 26 January 22

These sleek-looking Bose headphones boast brilliant noise cancelling and great sound… but at a price

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 review

By Steve May published 24 January 22

Audio legend Bowers & Wilkins brings home the class with these refined noise cancelling headphones

Marshall Major IV review

By Steve May published 22 November 21

These aggressive on-ear headphones are perfect for everyday use, offering brilliant battery life and boisterous bass

Sennheiser HD 350BT review

By Steve May published 8 September 21

These Sennheiser HD 350BT Bluetooth headphones come with almost everything but a big price tag

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review

By Steve May last updated 10 August 21

Can the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 earphones cut the mustard when it comes to rock and metal?

Sony WF-1000XM3 true wireless earbuds review

By Steve May last updated 10 August 21

The leaders of the pack for rock-friendly true wireless, noise cancelling headphones

Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones review

By Steve May last updated 10 August 21

The new Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones embrace the power of artificial intelligence to take rock and metal to another level

Are Marshall's new Monitor II A.N.C. noise cancelling headphones the best cans for rock and metal?

By Steve May last updated 4 March 21

A first-look at Marshall's brand new, rock-friendly headphones

Beats Studio 3 Wireless noise cancelling headphones review

By Steve May last updated 10 February 21

The Dr Dre-endorsed Beats Studio 3 Wireless noise cancelling headphones are a safe pair of cans

Sony WH-1000XM3 review: Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones

Sony WH-1000XM3 Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones review

By Steve May last updated 10 February 21

The super-smart Sony WH-1000XM3 Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones are hard to beat

Apple AirPods (2019) review

By Steve May published 12 November 20

Apple AirPods launched back in 2016 - but how do the 2019 versions stack up against the competition?

Powerbeats Pro true wireless headphones review

Beats Powerbeats Pro review

By Steve May published 26 February 20

These are ace true wireless earbuds for running and the gym – but how hard can they rock?

Steve May

Get the Louder Newsletter