Articles by James Holland, Freelance writer

James Holland loves checking out gadgets of all sorts, whether it's audio equipment, laptops, or vacuums (especially of the robot variety), and does so for a number of Future Publications including TechRadar, Top Ten Reviews, Homes & Gardens, and T3. He's built up an expertise for in-depth reviewing over the last four years. When he's not putting in the work on the latest tech, he loves to travel, play music, and eat questionable food.

Articles by: James Holland

I tested this Sony Dolby Atmos soundbar for a few weeks, and was blown away by its bass

By James Holland published 5 July 25

Recommended

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is a bit pricey, but it’s got good overall sound quality and great bass for a 3.1.2-channel system.

After testing the cheapest Roku streaming stick, I’ve found one of the best values in streaming

By James Holland published 12 June 25

The Roku Streaming Stick is a cheap and very compact streaming stick that’s just a little underpowered.

I spent a week testing the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, and it’s a solid budget option for 4K streaming

By James Holland published 2 June 25

Recommended

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is a cheap way to add 4K streaming to a TV, but its menu navigation can be a bit slow, and there’s no Dolby Vision HDR support.

Shark Detect Pro cordless vacuum being tested in a living room

Shark Detect Pro Cordless vacuum review: lightweight, efficient and modern

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 9 May 25

Recommended

Although not the most powerful vac we've tested, the Shark Detect Pro Cordless is an excellent all-rounder that'll suit most people's needs.

How to check what graphics card you have

By Aleksha McLoughlin last updated 28 April 25

Don’t reach for that screwdriver. Here’s an easy way to find out what graphics you have.

TechRadar freelance writer James Holland, using the JBL EOn One Compact with his guitar for an intimate gig

How I powered an intimate concert with the JBL Eon One Compact speaker and PA system

By James Holland published 26 April 25

I put on a small concert with the JBL Eon One Compact, and found it to be ideal for any situation where you need some amplification and more than one channel.

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus review: If you're looking for an affordable MacBook Air alternative, this is it

By James Holland published 15 April 25

Recommended

The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 has just about all the makings of a MacBook Air alternative for Windows fans.

How to set up your new powered or active stereo speakers for the best sound

By James Holland published 3 April 25

Using the Fluance Ai61 as a guide, we take a look at how to set up and get the best audio out of your stereo speakers.

Microsoft Surface laptop 7 on the left side versus Apple MacBook Pro M4 14-inch on the right side, TechRadar vs background

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 vs. Apple MacBook Pro M4 14-inch: Mac and Windows go head to head once again

By James Holland published 26 March 25

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 and Apple MacBook Pro M4 14-inch appeal to the same people, but are very different. We take a closer look at where each one excels.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 on the left side and Dell XPS 13 (2024) on the right side of a TechRadar versus background

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 vs. Dell XPS 13 (2024): Which laptop should you trust to fuel your productivity?

By James Holland published 24 March 25

The Microsoft Laptop 7 and the Dell XPS 13 (2024) are both AI-powered Ultrabooks that are, in some ways, similar, but in others, very different.

The best HP laptop in 2025: our top picks from this trusted laptop brand

By Christian Guyton last updated 24 March 25

We've come to trust HP for its reliability and quality when it comes to laptop hardware - these are our picks for the best HP laptops money can buy.

Asus ROG Strix G16 vs Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 against a TechRadar background

Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) vs Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025)

By James Holland published 20 March 25

2025 brings a host of gaming laptops, and Asus has offered up two fantastic options. We compare them to see which one is better.

Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) vs Asus RT-AX55 on a TechRadar background

Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) vs Asus RT-AX55: What's the best budget router for your setup?

By James Holland published 13 March 25

These two computer speakers are both affordable and punch above their weight, but one is better and one is much cheaper (while still good).

I loved the aspect ratio of the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell but not so much the battery

By James Holland published 1 March 25

The Lorex 4K Battery Doorbell does some things really well. However, there are a couple big concerns here, including battery life.

Logitech Z407 and Creative Pebble Plus desktop speakers against a TechRadar background

Logitech Z407 vs Creative Pebble Plus: Neither of these budget speakers sound cheap, but which go best with your setup?

By James Holland published 28 February 25

These two computer speakers are both affordable and punch above their weight, but one is better and one is much cheaper (while still good).

I swapped my everyday display to the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor for a month, here's my verdict

By James Holland published 28 February 25

Recommended

The BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor is a very affordable monitor perfect for those who prize productivity over all else.

Two gaming monitors, Gigabyte M32UC on the left side vs the Corsair Xeneon 32UHD144 on the right against a TechRadar background

Gigabyte M32UC vs Corsair Xeneon 32UHD144: Which 4K display is right for you?

By James Holland published 28 February 25

Cheaper and more features or more expensive with better colors

Lenovo Legion Go on the left side and Legion Go S on the right side against a TechRadar background

Lenovo Legion Go vs Lenovo Legion Go S: both handhelds compared

By James Holland published 27 February 25

The Lenovo Legion Go is a bit more robust but older, while the Lenovo Legion Go S is more portable and newer, but loses a feature. Read on to see which is the better fit for you.

Bose Smart soundbar on TV stand with TV showing The Batman

I'm amazed by the Bose Smart Soundbar’s features for the money, and am also impressed with its Dolby Atmos sound

By James Holland published 19 February 25

Recommended

The Bose Smart Soundbar is packed to the brim with features. It sounds pretty good too, though it’s not cheap.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRU9 angled with coffee

I tested the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRU9 and found a no-frills laptop at a decent price

By James Holland published 12 February 25

Recommended

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is a decent laptop at a decent price and is portable enough for a 15-inch laptop.

I tried the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid and found it very unique - and very expensive

By James Holland published 11 February 25

Recommended

Redefining two-in-one, the Thinkbook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid offers two distinct devices that can be used separately in one package.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus in living room with subwoofer

I tested Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar Plus system, and it’s wireless 5.1 surround sound without the expense or fuss

By James Holland published 7 February 25

Recommended

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is easy to set up and use. Its price is affordable, but a bit higher than expected.

The best Asus router 2025: top routers from Asus for gaming and beyond

By Michelle Rae Uy last updated 24 January 25

Buying Guide We’ve chosen the best Asus routers, from the top gaming router to the model with the strongest Wi-Fi coverage.

GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulb illuminated pink

GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulb review: colorful, bold lighting in traditional bulb form

By James Holland published 9 January 25

The GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulbs provide fantastic dynamic effects and rock solid connectivity, though it is limited to certain smart home ecosystems.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review: The ideal runner’s headphones

By James Holland published 9 January 25

Light, comfortable, good sound, and long battery life are just part of what make the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 great for runners.

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