
Andy Madden
Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.
Latest articles by Andy Madden

If Apple launches two AirPods 4 models in 2024, I can see one big problem
By Andy Madden published
Leaks suggest Apple is working on two different pairs of 4th Gen AirPods, but will the designs go far enough?

9 of the best Halloween tracks to test your hi-fi system
By Ainsley Walker published
We've put together some of our favourite Halloween-themed tracks that are perfect for putting your kit through its paces

Sony's next PS5 controller could have a surprise treat for wireless earbuds fans
By Andy Madden published
Sony has filed a patent for a clever next-gen PlayStation 5 controller that can also house a pair of wireless earbuds.

Apple, I owe you an apology about the AirPods Pro 2
By Andy Madden published
Apple’s earbuds have never been near the top of my list, but its flagship in-ears have changed all that.

I review headphones for a living – and now is a great time to buy the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
By Andy Madden published
Bose’s wireless earbuds boast excellent sound quality and top-drawer ANC - but they won’t be around forever.

Sony's XM5 wireless headphones have dropped in price AGAIN in the Prime Day 2 sales
By Andy Madden published
Now is the perfect time to take the plunge on the Sony XM5 thanks to their current Amazon Prime Big Deal Days deal.

Eye-catching Prime Day 2 deal sees five-star Bose wireless earbuds get over 30% off
By Andy Madden published
As far as early Black Friday deals go, this big saving on one of our favourite pairs of earbuds shouldn't be ignored.

The Sonus Faber Duetto is a KEF-rivalling wireless speaker system with streaming smarts
By Andy Madden published
Sonus Faber’s new active system includes music-streaming smarts, HDMI connectivity and more.

7 of the best Taylor Swift tracks to test your wireless headphones
By Andy Madden published
This hand-picked playlist from pop's finest will put any wireless headphones through their paces.

This awesome hi-fi deal combines a five-star Marantz amplifier with fantastic Dali speakers
By Andy Madden published
We've spotted a great deal combining two five-star and Award-winning products from Marantz and Dali.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphone range goes big on spatial audio – and includes Sony XM5 rivals
By Andy Madden published
The new range of noise-cancelling headphones features Bose Immersive Audio, the company's take on spatial audio.

There's one huge audio announcement that Apple didn't mention at the iPhone 15 launch
By Andy Madden published
The AirPods Pro 2 are going to support Lossless Audio, but only with Apple's Vision Pro headset.

I switched from the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II to the Sony XM5 and... I’m torn
By Andy Madden published
I’ve moved from one pair of fantastic five-star wireless earbuds to another, but I’m not sure I’ll stay.

Hurry! Disney+ slashes 75% off the price of a three-month subscription for a limited time
By Andy Madden published
Thinking about joining Disney Plus? This tempting subscription offer could be the deal you’ve been waiting for.

Focal's clever in-car speaker kits will supercharge the hi-fi of some Tesla models
By Andy Madden published
Focal has launched new plug-and-play speaker kits for anyone wanting to upgrade their Tesla Model 3 or Model Y's hi-fi.

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen
By Andy Madden published
Not yet ratedSamsung's versatile portable projector gets a sequel, but could it be better than the original?

JBL’s PartyBox Ultimate combines Dolby Atmos, hi-res audio and serious power in one crazy package
By Andy Madden published
JBL’s powerful wireless speaker includes two huge nine-inch woofers, Dolby Atmos and even serves up its own light show.

JBL’s first-ever air conduction earbuds promise comfort without sacrificing sound quality
By Andy Madden published
The JBL Soundgear Sense are wireless earbuds that rest on the curve of your ear instead of burrowing inside.

JBL’s new retro-tastic wi-fi speaker range features Dolby Atmos and streaming smarts
By Andy Madden published
JBL’s new wireless speakers feature AirPlay, Spotify Connect, customisable EQ settings and more.

Bowers & Wilkins’ new 600 Series S3 loudspeakers have some Award-winning shoes to fill
By Andy Madden published
The new speaker range comprises two standmounts, one floorstander and a centre channel for a home theatre package.

5 sound settings you shouldn't ignore on the Sony WF-1000XM5
By Kashfia Kabir published
Sony's five-star XM5 wireless earbuds sound fantastic, but follow these tips to get the very best audio quality out of them.

Can’t afford Sony’s XM5 wireless earbuds? We've found a fantastic five-star alternative with a tempting discount
By Andy Madden published
Want an affordable alternative to Sony’s flagship wireless earbuds? We’ve found a great pair at a great price.

Sony's five-star WF-C700N wireless earbuds get two major feature upgrades
By Andy Madden published
Sony has dropped new software for its affordable wireless earbuds, which should improve the user experience.
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