Billy Steele

Deputy editor, reviews

After beginning his career in tech journalism as a news freelancer at Engadget in 2011, Billy progressed through the ranks and now leads the reviews program as deputy editor. During that time, he has written hundreds of headphone, soundbar, speaker and gear reviews. In addition to hardware, his expertise includes audio platforms and streaming services with significant long-form reporting on those topics. In 2019, Billy was Engadget’s most prolific reviewer, completing more product testing than anyone else on staff. He's also an aspiring backyard pitmaster with a number of smart grill reviews and outdoor gear guides under his (apron) belt.

Articles by Billy Steele

Amazon Echo Studio (2025) review: A comprehensive redesign for Alexa+
The new Echo Studio is a comprehensive overhaul that makes Alexa+ the star of the show.
The best wireless headphones for 2026: Bluetooth options for every budget
Here's a list of the best wireless headphones you can buy right now, as reviewed by Engadget editors.
Sennheiser HDB 630 review: A sonic marvel with room for improvement
Sennheiser moves closer to open-back performance in a set of closed wireless headphones with the HDB 630, but they look more midrange than high-end.
Engadget review recap: New Pixel devices, Meta Ray-Ban Display, ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X and more
A roundup of the reviews at Engadget from the last few weeks.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd gen) review: Impactful upgrades to a familiar formula
The best noise-canceling headphones are even better with improved ANC, enhanced sound and more efficient power usage.
Google Pixel Buds 2a review: Affordable earbuds that are better with ANC
Google’s most affordable Pixel Buds are an even more compelling option with the addition of active noise cancellation (ANC).
Sennheiser's HDB 630 headphones combine wireless convenience with wired lossless audio
Sennheiser's latest model offers audiophile-grade listening and ANC, but it costs $500.
Engadget review recap: Ray-Ban Meta, GoPro Max 2 and more
A roundup of the reviews published on Engadget over the last two weeks.
Amazon's redesigned Echo Studio speaker has upgraded drivers and a new chip for Alexa
Amazon announced its first premium speaker since the original Echo Studio in 2019.
Beats announces the Powerbeats Fit, a slightly updated successor to the Beats Fit Pro
The Powerbeats Fit is the follow-up to the Beats Fit Pro, the fitness-focused earbuds that debuted in 2021.
How to use the AirPods Pro 3's heart rate tracking feature
A step-by-step guide on how to use the AirPods Pro 3 to provide real-time heart-rate data for multiple apps.
How to use Live Translation with AirPods
Get an interpreter in your AirPods with this step-by-step guide.
Engadget review recap: iPhone 17 lineup, AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11 and more
A roundup of the reviews published on Engadget over the last few weeks.
AirPods Pro 3 review: A significant update to Apple’s best earbuds
With the AirPods Pro 3, Apple's additions of heart-rate tracking and Live Translation provide major advances on a familiar formula.
How Apple used ANC to build its best AirPods features
A conversation with Apple hardware VP Matthew Costello and marketing director Eric Treski.
iPhone 17 review: Closer to Pro
The “regular” iPhone got a big refresh this year with the addition of a ProMotion display and Center Stage camera.
Inside the Apple audio lab where AirPods are tested and tuned
A tour from Apple’s software, acoustics and sound design experts.
A closer look at the AirPods Pro 3: ANC, Live Translation and heart-rate tracking
We spent extra time with the AirPods Pro 3 to get more info about the biggest updates.
Apple iPhone 17 hands-on: No Plus, no problem
The best part of the iPhone 17 may be the upgraded display, but that's not the only notable update.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 hands-on: Impressive ANC improvements
Apple really packed the updates into AirPods Pro 3. Here's our first look at the new earbuds.

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