Who founded Tom's Hardware and when was it started?
Tom's Hardware was founded in 1996 by Thomas Pabst in Canada, originally under the name Tom's Hardware Guide. The site began using the domain tomshardware.com in September 1997.
Questions about Tom's Hardware
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who owns Tom's Hardware today?
Tom's Hardware is owned by Future plc, which acquired it in 2018 when it purchased Purch's consumer brands. Future also owns related technology publications including Tom's Guide, Laptop Mag, and AnandTech.
Who is the current editor-in-chief of Tom's Hardware?
Paul Alcorn became editor-in-chief of Tom's Hardware in June 2025, succeeding Avram Piltch, who had held the role since 2018. Alcorn previously served as the site's lead editor for CPU content.
What topics does Tom's Hardware cover?
Tom's Hardware covers CPUs, motherboards, RAM, PC cases, graphics cards, display technology, power supplies, storage, smartphones, tablets, gaming, consoles, and computer peripherals. The site publishes articles, news, price comparisons, videos, and reviews.
What happened to the German edition of Tom's Hardware?
The German edition faced closure in March 2018 due to new data and privacy laws, but continued as an independent site at tomshw.de under an exclusive local brand license. That license was returned in July 2019, after which the German CEO and editor-in-chief launched Igor's LAB and a dedicated YouTube channel.
What is Tom's Hardware Premium and when did it launch?
Tom's Hardware Premium is a subscription-only offering that launched on the 6th of August 2025. It represents one of the publication's most significant product expansions since the site's founding in 1996.