
Becky Roberts
Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of the brand's sister magazines Down Under – Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica. During her 11+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.
Latest articles by Becky Roberts

Bose, Beats and Amazon headphones make Top 100 Prime Day deals – but I'd buy these instead
By Becky Roberts published
All are attractively priced, but none is the best you can buy at its price. I have found you better alternatives for each...

I just re-reviewed Spotify – here are 3 things it now needs to beat Apple, Tidal et al
By Becky Roberts published
Spotify currently lags behind its competitors in quality, so what does its forthcoming upgrade need to put the service's nose back in front?

Netflix has just released the gory sequel to this “inventive and captivating” horror movie
By Becky Roberts last updated
The sequel to 2019's acclaimed Spanish dystopian horror kicks off the streaming service's spooky spree for Halloween month.

Heybrook is back! HB1 Evolution speakers reimagine the beloved 80s classic
By Becky Roberts published
The first speakers to win three What Hi-Fi? Awards in a row, the Heybrook HB1 have been reimagined for the modern market.

This overrated hi-fi feature is an excellent concept poorly executed
By Becky Roberts published
EQ aims to deliver sound as you like it, but not without repercussions in 'everyday' products...

FiiO KA15 'cassette player' portable DAC is super fun, flexible and affordable
By Becky Roberts published
The all-new portable DAC resembles a tape recorder, not only in its compact cuboidal shape but also with its one-inch colour screen’s graphic interface.

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Max: which noise-cancelling headphones are better?
By Becky Roberts, Tom Bailey last updated
Sony and Apple make some of the best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones on the planet, but which pair is best for you?

15 best tracks from the 2000s to test your hi-fi system
By Becky Roberts, Tom Wiggins published
Songs released between 2000 and 2009 that will put your system through the wringer...

What is Roon? How the music platform works and what devices are Roon Ready
By Becky Roberts last updated
The music management and listening service of choice in serious hi-fi circles, but what is Roon and how does it work?

Apple’s AirPods line is in great shape, save for one sorry spec
By Becky Roberts published
While the AirPods 4 announced yesterday tick an abundance of boxes, one spec made my shoulders slump upon seeing it...

AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: which new pair should you pick?
By Becky Roberts published
Apple has split its new AirPods into two models, so what are the differences between them and which pair is better value?

AirPods 4 are official: release date, features and price details
By Joe Svetlik last updated
Updated Apple has launched brand-new AirPods 4, with updated audio, features, design and even included ANC for the first time.

AirPods Pro 2 (2022) vs AirPods Pro: should you upgrade?
By Becky Roberts last updated
The AirPods Pro 2 bring several improvements over the originals, but are they worth upgrade to?

IFA 2024: Beyerdynamic guns for Apple and Bose with Aventho 300 Dolby Atmos headphones
By Becky Roberts published
The headphone specialist has also announced premium wireless earbuds with a hefty 38-hour battery life.

Sony looks to master mixing and music listening with affordable MDR-M1 studio headphones
By Becky Roberts published
They sit between the MDR-7506 (also closed-back) and the open-back MDR-MV1 we recently awarded four stars.

Save 15% on Richter's award-winning Wizard S6plus when you trade in any loudspeakers
By Becky Roberts published
Between now and 30th November (or until stocks last), you can now get 15 per cent off the $2,899 Wizard S6plus when you trade in an old pair of Wizards – or any other.

AFL Finals ready? Bag a free subwoofer worth AU$1200 when you buy a Sennheiser Ambeo soundbar
By Becky Roberts published
Sennheiser is giving away a free Ambeo subwoofer with every purchase of an Ambeo Mini or Ambeo Plus soundbar this month.

Noble Audio's debut over-ears take on Apple and Bose with a world's first driver design
By Becky Roberts published
Priced at £599 / $649, the FoKus Apollo use a patented hybrid dynamic and planar magnetic driver.

5 new Netflix documentary movies coming in September – and one lands on Thursday
By Becky Roberts last updated
Non-fiction fans are being treated to a double-digit assortment of docos in the coming weeks...

7 common mistakes to avoid with your stereo amplifier
By Becky Roberts last updated
We address the common gaffes that could prevent you from getting the most out of your amp – and system – and how to avoid making them yourself.

So your hi-fi has both digital and audio connections – which should you use?
By Becky Roberts published
You may have more than one DAC-toting component in your system chain and thus be presented with several ways of connecting them. So which route should you take?

Sony WF-C510 squeeze even more out of Award-winning wireless earbud designs – and offer a unique feature
By Becky Roberts published
Not content with its WF-C500 being the best budget wireless earbuds on the market, Sony has introduced a successor that delivers even more bang for your buck.

I flew across the world and this rarely-seen wireless earbuds feature was an unexpected saviour
By Becky Roberts published
The B&W Pi8's charging case can accept audio signals via a USB-C socket and wirelessly ‘retransmit’ them to the earbuds.
Get the What Hi-Fi? Newsletter
The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox.