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

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.

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.

What is a DAC? And why do you need one anyway?
By Verity Burns, Becky Roberts last updated
Got digital music? You should probably learn about digital-to-analogue converters and what they bring to the digital audio party.

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.

3 reasons why students should choose Tidal over Spotify
By Becky Roberts published
Spotify’s student plan is famously good value, but it isn't the cheapest or best-sounding out there...

Travel like a What Hi-Fi? editor with these 5 portable audiophile devices
By Becky Roberts published
Our technology travel checklist includes 5 recommended audio and video devices for your holidays and business trips...

Dan D’Agostino's Momentum C2 preamplifier can double as a dream source
By Becky Roberts published
Dan D’Agostino has expanded its Momentum range with a preamp that also has the potential to become a dream source.

4 new Netflix movies and TV shows I can’t wait to watch in August – and one is out now
By Becky Roberts published
Netflix’s August haul looks likely to feature more lowlights than highlights, but there are a handful of releases whetting my appetite...

Should you buy a streaming amplifier? Pros and cons to consider before owning a network amp
By Becky Roberts last updated
One-box-streamer-and-amplifier components are one of the hottest trends in hi-fi now, but are they worth choosing over separates? We discuss the pros and cons of both paths...

Here's how to watch the Olympics in the highest quality: 4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos
By Becky Roberts published
Get the Games glowing on your screen in the UK, US and Australia...

Astell & Kern's affordable Activo P1 portable music player could be a Sony Walkman alternative
By Becky Roberts last updated
Unveiled at High End Munich earlier this year, Astell & Kern has officially launched the Activo P1 portable music player for a more affordable price tag.
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