Simon Cohen

Former Contributing Editor, A/V

Simon Cohen obsesses over the latest wireless headphones, earbuds, soundbars, and all manner of related devices and technologies. Whether it's a review of a new Bluetooth speaker or a deep dive into the benefits of hi-res audio, his approach remains the same: speak as plainly as possible so that readers can learn and discover which products are worth buying. Simon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film & English from Western University, which meant he was ill-prepared for a career in either field. Instead, he became a freelance teleprompter operator, with gigs working on commercials, industrial videos, corporate meetings, political speeches, and one very weird TV special with Buffy Sainte-Marie. However, when he discovered the web in 1993, he knew he had found his calling and began a journey that continues to this day. Along the way, he became the ninth employee at AOL Canada, wrote about technology for Ozy.com, Mobilesyrup, Driving.ca, and VentureBeat, put in 15 years at what was once Canada's biggest website, Sympatico.ca, and appeared as a guest tech expert on international TV and radio programs, including BBC Radio, CTV News Channel, and CBC Radio. The most common question Simon gets is, "are you related to Leonard Cohen?" The second most common question is "which wireless earbuds are the best?" (Answers: no and, it depends). Simon in based in Toronto, where he works from a home office with no door, at the top of a set of stairs. It's as bad as you're probably imagining. He lives with three cats, one goldfish, a few dozen snails, and his wife, who wishes his job involved fewer large boxes. Sometimes his two adult children live there as well, but the less said about that, the better. When he's not writing, he enjoys motorcycles, scuba diving, skiing, and reading sci-fi. He once met Douglas Adams.

Apple tvOS 19 / tvOS 26: everything you need to know

The next version of Apple TV software will be here soon. Here's what we're expecting.

News         June 9

How to enable Auracast on Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones

Sony's new flagship headphones can connect to Bluetooth Auracast -- but you have to know how.

Features         May 30

AirPods Max flaw means you might not be listening to lossless audio, but there’s a fix 

In theory, the AirPods Max offer lossless audio when connected via USB-C. In practice, that doesn't always work.

Features         May 29

How to experience lossless audio

Lossless audio can sound better than MP3s and Spotify, but only if you know what you need to get it.

Guides         May 28

Dolby’s soundbar alternative arrives this summer on select TCL TVs

Dolby Atmos FlexConnect will finally debut on TCL's 2025 QD-Mini LED TVs.

News         May 27

Sony WH-1000XM6 review: The best wireless headphones for almost everyone

Sony's best ANC headphones so far are brilliant in almost every way.

Reviews         May 26

Marshall’s first soundbar will change how we think about home theater

As the first soundbar with Bluetooth Auracast, it could be a game-changer.

Features         May 24

‘A profound mistake’: Sonos’ CEO talks about its broken app and why it’s been so hard to fix

Tom Conrad tells us about his first 100 days as Sonos CEO, and why he's optimistic the disastrous app launch is finally a closed chapter.

Features         May 22

Please, just buy some earbuds

People listening to their phones out loud has become an epidemic. A set of earbuds would help.

Features         May 17

Ifi’s Up Travel is an audiophile-grade, pocket Bluetooth transmitter

Ifi's Up Travel does double duty as a hi-res transmitter and receiver.

News         May 15

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 debut with better ANC, a folding hinge, and a higher price

Sony's new noise-canceling headphones officially launch with several nice upgrades.

News         May 15

I spent 48 hours with Sony’s WH-1000XM6 and I don’t want to give them back

Sony's new flagship wireless headphones are better in almost every way.

Features         May 15

Qobuz Connect launches with Denon, Marantz, and more than 50 other hi-fi brands

Qobuz can now control a variety of streaming devices directly from its app.

News         May 15

Wiim debuts the Sub Pro, its first wireless subwoofer

Wiim adds a wireless sub to its multiroom Sonos-alternative ecosystem.

News         May 14

Wiim’s new Amp Ultra goes above and beyond its amplified streamers

The Wiim Amp Ultra is the company's best streamer and its best amp, in one product.

News         May 14

Exclusive: This is Wiim’s first wireless speaker

Wiim's collision course with Sonos becomes more inevitable with this new addition to its ecosystem.

News         May 13

What is HDMI ARC and eARC? Audio Return Channel expertly explained

HDMI ARC and eARC are useful technologies for streamlining your TV and A/V system's cabling, while giving you the best audio possible. Here's how.

Guides         May 12

Audio gear prices are climbing, but for how long?

The trade war between the U.S. and overseas countries like China no longer poses a theoretical risk of price increases on audio gear — those higher prices are here. Bose told Digital Trends that starting Monday, May 12, it will bump the price of its flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones from $429 to $449, while its […]

Features         May 10

Soundcore Liberty 5 review: Excellent daily driver earbuds

Soundcore ditches a few extras while it doubles down on the basics and the results speak for themselves.

Reviews         May 8

Sennheiser’s Accentum Open earbuds look a lot like AirPods

Sennheiser has added a new set of wireless earbuds to its entry-level Accentum sub-brand: the $130 Accentum Open, which will start shipping in June in both black and cream color options. Though Sennheiser is really leaning into that word, “open,” touting the earbuds’ ability to do away with ear fatigue while providing awareness of your […]

News         May 7

Soundcore Liberty 5 promises better audio and the company’s best ANC so far

Soundcore's latest earbuds lose a few fancy features while they improve on the basics.

News         May 7

Sonos and Ikea call it quits on Symfonisk speakers

Sonos and Ikea have decided to end their wireless speaker partnership.

News         May 6

You can now expand your Sonos system with a Yamaha AV receiver

For some Sonos fans, soundbars — even very capable Dolby Atmos soundbars like the Sonos Arc Ultra — just don’t cut it when it comes to home theater surround sound. They want a fully customizable experience that only an AV receiver (AVR)-based system can deliver. If that’s your point of view, and if you own […]

News         May 5

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Ultraportable speaker that won’t disappoint on sound

On a pure sound-for-size basis, it doesn't get much better than the UE Miniroll.

Reviews         May 5

New music service promises better lossless audio than Apple, Amazon, and Tidal

Pure Audio Streaming says it can deliver 5.1 and 7.1.4 hi-res audio in uncompressed, lossless quality.

Features         May 1

How to mirror your smartphone or tablet on your TV

Casting apps and streaming services to your TV from your phone is cool, but with screen mirroring you can share whatever you see on your device. Here's how.

Audio / Video         May 1

HDMI 2.1: What it is and why your next TV should have it

HDMI 2.1 is the latest mainstream HDMI standard, but how do you make the most of it, and how does it compare to the newer HDMI 2.2?

Guides         May 1

LG reveals it has made a major leap in OLED technology

LG Display says it has verified the commercialization of blue phosphorescent OLED panels.

News         April 30

Sony WH-1000XM5 review: Still the best overall headphones

Now three years old, Sony's best headphones are still a force to be reckoned with.

Reviews         April 30

Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED updated with interactive art, dual audio

Amazon's best Fire TV model gets a promised upgrade that makes screensavers interactive and helps those with hearing aids.

News         April 30

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs. Shokz OpenDots One: Which open-ear clips are right for you?

They're both very good open-ear earbuds, but with big differences in price and performance, you'll need to pay attention to the details before deciding.

Products         April 29

Shokz OpenDots One review: Comfy clip-on earbuds go big on bass and battery life

With some of the best bass you can get in a set of open-ear earbuds, the Shokz OpenDots One are an intriguing option.

Reviews         April 29