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

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.

Shark Detect Pro cordless vacuum being tested in a living room

Shark Detect Pro Cordless vacuum review: lightweight, efficient and great value

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 12 February 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.

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.

Three video doorbells on pink background

The best video doorbell 2025: security for your home, wherever you are

By Cat Ellis last updated 6 February 25

Updated We've spent months testing video doorbells from big and small brands to help you make the right choice.

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

By Christian Guyton last updated 29 January 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.

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.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 on a wooden table

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: awesome wireless headphones in almost every way

By James Holland published 30 December 24

Recommended

The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 have great sound quality, battery life, and just about every feature you could want.

H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport review: A triathlete’s dream

By James Holland published 13 December 24

The H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport have the build and features that make them ideal for long runs, swims, or both.

Roku Ultra (2024) review: a souped-up streamer with a fantastic remote

By James Holland published 16 November 24

Recommended

Though a bit pricey, its performance, intuitive interface and fantastic remote make it worth it.

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell installed on door

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell review: mostly great, slightly frustrating

By James Holland published 22 September 24

The Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is great in just about every way, except the price and the fact that there’s a bit of a delay.

JBL 104-BT speakers on either side of a gaming laptop

JBL 104-BT Compact Desktop Reference Monitors review: great, but not for their intended purpose

By James Holland published 19 September 24

The JBL 104-BT are affordable and very pleasant to listen to, though you should consider them more for general use than production work.

Origin EON17-X v2 gaming laptop resting on a desk between two speakers

Origin EON17-X v2 review: powerful, big, hot, and loud

By James Holland published 18 September 24

The Origin EON17-X v2 is a powerhouse that runs hot and loud. It’s not cheap, but it provides premium performance.

Acer Swift X14 review: a powerhouse machine with Ultrabook looks

By James Holland last updated 18 September 24

Recommended

The Acer Swift X14 has all the makings of an Ultrabook. It’s fairly light and thin, yet it also holds the power of a gaming laptop.

Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) review: an almost perfect mid-range Chromebook

By James Holland last updated 18 September 24

Great Value

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is an excellent value thanks to its versatile form factor, powerful performance, and strong battery life along with some premium touches at a reasonable price.

Narwal Freo X Plus robot vacuum and mop cleaning next to furniture in reviewer's home

Narwal Freo X Plus robot vacuum review

By James Holland published 14 September 24

The Narwal Freo X is supremely budget-friendly, but doesn't always do as it's told.

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