Articles by Becky Scarrott, Audio Editor

Becky became Audio Editor in 2024, but joined TechRadar in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things audio and hi-fi. Before joining the team, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing, reviewing and generally enjoying everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge, multi-product high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance is of course tethered to a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage.

When not writing, she is usually throwing shapes in a dance studio, spinning in the air to improve the tolerance of her inner ear to dizziness, drinking coffee, watching football or trying to surf in Cornwall with her other half; an irritatingly good surfer and an even better football writer.

Articles by: Becky Scarrott

Sony WF-C710N in blue glass on beige background

Sony WF-C710N earbuds land, and I think they'll be the 2025 budget buds to beat

By Becky Scarrott published 25 March 25

I loved the inexpensive April 2023 Sony WF-C700N and now, a new 2025 model is in with improved battery, wearer detection, and a colorway I adore.

An Apple Music pink/pixellated poster advertising DJ with Apple Music

DJ with Apple Music lands, allowing subscribers to build and mix DJ sets directly from its +100 million-song catalog

By Becky Scarrott published 25 March 25

Let's get this party started you Apple Music DJ, you!

iFi iDSD Valkyrie in gold, on a beige desk

iFi's iDSD Valkyrie DAC wants to guide your music to the great hall of Valhalla

By Becky Scarrott published 25 March 25

In Norse mythology, a Valkyrie is one capable of guiding souls to Odin's great hall, Valhalla. iFi's Valkyrie, however, may guide you to celestial hi-res audio.

Will.i.am speaking about XBoom speakers at CES 2025, wearing all black with a black cap

'Exploitative use of AI is social media; we already have it – it's called you don't own your data’: will.i.am talks tech, LG, and using AI responsibly

By Ural Garrett published 22 March 25

‘The public is not aware of just the power of data’: will.i.am on speaking to our speakers, responsible use of AI and, er, scrolling Insta on the toilet.

Three phone screens with Amazon Music, Apple Music and Spotify apps displayed

The best music streaming services: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, more

By Becky Scarrott last updated 21 March 25

Updated The very best music streaming services and apps for every kind of music fan.

Vertere DG-X turntable on a pink/white TechRadar background

Vertere's elite DG X turntable is modular, expensive, and hugely desirable

By Becky Scarrott published 20 March 25

UK-based turntable specialist Vertere's new and easy-to-set-up turntable is for audiophiles and fledgling vinyl lovers alike – if they can afford it.

FCC filing for the Nothing CMF Buds 2 Plus

Waiting for new Nothing cheap earbuds to go with the Phone 3a? It won’t be long – but audiophiles should skip 'em

By Becky Scarrott published 18 March 25

Nothing's CMF Buds 2 Plus are very near launch now – just don't expect the LDAC support you get in Nothing's flagship Ear lineup.

Campfire Audio Clara earbuds, with TR's Money No Object badge

I listened to Nine Inch Nails' With Teeth on Alessandro Cortini's Campfire Audio IEMs, and now everything else is just… less than

By Becky Scarrott published 16 March 25

Thought hi-res audio was all a terrible lie? Not anymore you won't – just try Campfire Audio's Clara.

The Apple MacBook Air next to the Dyson Supersonic R and new AMD GPU

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from the best tech at MWC to Apple's new iPads and MacBooks

By Hamish Hector published 8 March 25

The week's 7 biggest tech stories from MWC, Apple, Meta and more for March 8, 2025.

Victrola Stream Carbon turntable playing David Bowie, with the tonearm being operated

Victrola adding Bluetooth and Roon to its Sonos-only turntables is the hi-fi equivalent of ‘I think we should see other people’

By Becky Scarrott published 7 March 25

Victrola has expanded the wireless streaming capabilities for its Stream Carbon, Pearl, Onyx and Sapphire decks to go beyond Sonos.

Apple has quietly updated its guidance on how to clean your AirPods, and suggests you buy a kit… from Belkin

By Becky Scarrott published 6 March 25

You have an AirPods cleaning kit, right? Oh you don't? That's OK, Apple's got new some advice on that.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro against a leafy background.

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro just got 5 much-needed upgrades, but you need a Galaxy S25 to get ‘em

By Becky Scarrott last updated 5 March 25

Your Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Buds 3 are about to get 5 much-needed upgrades, but only if you’re running One UI 7 (which currently, is limited to the Galaxy S25).

The top 3 ground-breaking earbuds innovations we saw at MWC 2025

By Becky Scarrott published 4 March 25

The thinnest earbuds case ever from Honor, the first wi-fi earbuds from Xiaomi, plus a set of buds with a case that'll act as a power bank your phone.

I tried Honor's new Earbuds Open and for me, they jumped straight to the top of the pile

By Becky Scarrott published 2 March 25

Honor has just launched its first ever open earbuds, and unusually for this category, I'm really impressed by the bass weight.

Pro-Ject AC/DC Turntable on dark background

Hells bells! Pro-Ject's AC/DC turntable just left me thunderstruck

By Becky Scarrott published 27 February 25

Much like the beloved Acca Daccas themselves, Pro-Ject's new turntable screams 'let there be rock'.

A woman holding Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 with perfectly-matching purple nail polish

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: a hit for heart-rate monitoring, stamina and fit, but the sound isn't perfect

By Becky Scarrott published 26 February 25

Beats has done more than up its game with the Powerbeats Pro 2; the brand has actually made me reconsider what I prioritize in fitness buds – and it isn't sound quality.

Audio Research Reference 330M valve amp in black, showing the valves, on a black carpet, with TR's 'Money No Object' franchise badge in the top right corner

The American gods of valve-based audio have released a huge monoblock power amp and I've never wanted 92kg of hi-fi more

By Becky Scarrott published 25 February 25

Money no object: Audio Research's 'finest-ever power amplifier' is the culmination of 55 years at the apex of valve amp design and boasts a huge 330W of power.

The Sonos Roam headphones for TV, on a colorful background

Best headphones for TV: home theater without the speakers, all tested by our experts

By Matt Bolton last updated 21 February 25

Buying guide Meet the best headphones for movies or TV viewing, with specialized features such as Dolby Atmos spatial audio.

McIntosh DS200 on gray background with TR's MNO branding

McIntosh's gorgeous DS200 streaming DAC is here, thus completing the nonpareil hi-fi system of my dreams

By Becky Scarrott published 18 February 25

When McIntosh releases a hi-fi separate, I typically stop what I'm doing and take a look – and this one could grace pretty much any setup you care to imagine.

Huawei just unveiled fully waterproof IP57-rated open earbuds and I think they could be the bargain of 2025

By Becky Scarrott published 18 February 25

Like the look of Beats' new Powerbeats Pro 2 but want to bag a fully-waterproof design –and a significant saving? Huawei's got just the thing…

Powerbeats Pro 2 worn by Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: everything you need to know about Beats' all-new athletic earbuds

By Jacob Krol last updated 17 February 25

Updated Beats' much-teased Powerbeats Pro 2 arrived on February 11, so here's the scoop on the sports-centric earbuds from Apple's subsidiary brand.

Rotel Michi Q5 Transport DAC in a hi-fi listening room with TR's 'Money no object' franchise badge

I heard Rotel's ultra-luxe CD player and Hi-Res Audio DAC, and I'd buy it in a second if I could (even if it won't play my SACDs)

By Becky Scarrott published 5 February 25

The Rotel Michi Q5 Transport DAC is also a CD player and having heard it, I just want one…

A quartet of images claiming to depict the Powerbeats Pro 2, in lilac and orange colorways

More Powerbeats Pro 2 images have surfaced, and there's a 'Heart Rate' button

By Becky Scarrott published 28 January 25

Hot on the heels of rumors that Powerbeats Pro 2 could beat AirPods to the punch for heart-rate monitoring, fresh images have landed – and they look good.

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

Apple's banking on camera-equipped AirPods to trounce Meta smart glasses, but I'm not sure it's enough

By Becky Scarrott published 27 January 25

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman doubles down on claims Apple's priority (and answer to Meta AR glasses) is to fit future AirPods with IR cameras.

Cory Henry wearing Beyerdynamic's new pro-specific IEMs, sitting at a piano

Beyerdynamic just released four IEMs pitched at different members of your band – yes, even the bassist

By Becky Scarrott published 23 January 25

All band members are equal in Beyerdynamic’s new four-strong range of IEMs, even the bass player.

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