CONSUMER REPORTS

Parents shopping for a laptop don't have to spend a fortune to find a quality device. Consumer Reports offers recommendations to fit a range of back-to-school budgets.

Consumer Reports breaks down how to fuel your body to get the most from your workouts.

When you're headed to the pool or beach and want to listen to your tunes, a Bluetooth speaker that can hold up to travel and a splash can help. Consumer Reports offers some suggestions that cost between $80 and $200.

If you're looking for some hot August deals, Consumer Reports found deep discounts on some top-rated back-to-school tech and more.

Doing the laundry is something that is on most people’s to-do lists.

Consumer Reports looked at some tried and true gadgets and some with a modern twist to see which ones really stand the test of time.

Consumer Reports digs into the latest research on how to stay sharp.

Shopping for the new school year is underway.

Text marketing is on the rise. If you’re fed up with unwanted text messages, there are some ways to put a stop to them.

Having a picnic or cookout at a park or beach may be a summer tradition, but the warm weather can turn tasty treats into nasty bacteria in a short amount of time. Consumer Reports’ food safety experts have tips for making sure you keep food poisoning off the menu.

While there is no shortage of social media beauty fads, one called "slugging" can actually be good for some people's skin.

You know you need to wear sunscreen, but do you know what the claims and numbers on the labels mean?

How safe is the ground meat you feed your family? Consumer Reports tested hundreds of samples of ground beef, chicken, pork and turkey and found dangerous and potentially deadly bacteria in some samples purchased from stores around the country.

In this triple-digit heat, the inside of your car can get stifling hot. The first step to cooling it off quickly is to get moving, according to auto experts.

There’s a lifesaving change coming to some baby products that all parents need to know about. Consumer Reports explains the new guidelines and how parents can make sure their babies are safely sleeping.

Dogs hot off the grill are a summer tradition. Consumer Reports offers recommendations for hot dogs and some grills to cook them.

USDA says it is rethinking its approach to bacteria in poultry that sickens hundreds of thousands of people every year.

With Fourth of July discounts and Amazon Prime Day, it's almost like Black Friday in the middle of summer.

Plant-based burgers, nuggets and more are taking up more space at the grocery store. Consumer Reports checked out dozens for taste and nutrition.

Peer-to-payment apps are fast and convenient, but what if something goes wrong? Consumer Reports says doing this one thing may protect your money from scammers and errors.

First it was kale, then acai berries and chia seeds, but there’s a new “it” food in town: The mighty mushroom! Consumer Reports explains why mushrooms are having quite a moment.

The disrupter economy has set its sights on your bedroom, offering gel capsules, ice fabric, green-tea memory foam, and copper-infused toppers. Will they help you get a better night’s sleep?

Companies are getting creative in passing along rising costs to consumers —  and making it harder to comparison shop — by tacking on fees and surcharges at the last minute.

Maybe you’re a die-hard fan and grill year-round, but for many of us, spring and summer are the best times for a barbecue. And if your grill has seen better days, Consumer Reports is here with recommendations from its latest tests of charcoal and gas models.

When you're shopping for sunglasses, it's important to look for more than a fashion statement. Your eyes need protection from damaging rays, and not all glasses, even pricey ones, can do that.

Just in time for Father's Day, some top-rated tools, trimmers and more are on sale.

Before you stock on sunscreen for summer fun, Consumer Reports put several to the test.

Consumer Reports has some tips to get your car to 200,000 miles or beyond.

Be honest: Are you a nighttime snacker? Maybe cookies, some pretzels, ice cream, a piece of fruit? Well, you’re not alone. Well over half of us confess to nibbling at night. As Consumer Reports explains, all those snacks before bedtime can have an impact on your health.

Consumer Reports has some great ideas to help make your pet as snug as a bug in a rug.

You don’t have to be a rock star to lose your hearing. People of all ages are vulnerable, and audiologists say it’s important to understand the causes.

Consumer Reports has some advice if you’re ready to upgrade to the latest smart speaker.

Consumer Reports investigates the pros and cons of a juice cleanse.

As wireless carriers begin shutting down old 3G networks, millions of connected cars may lose important safety features.

If it's time for a tablet upgrade, Consumer Reports offers recommendations for low and high budgets.

As the price of groceries continues to creep up, it's pays to plan meals and spending.

A growing number of online pharmacies offer big savings on many prescription drugs.

Coast to coast, drivers are getting a harsh lesson in how geopolitical events and a war halfway round the world can have a direct impact on their wallets. With gas prices at record highs, Consumer Reports has some easy ways to maximize fuel economy by changing how you drive.

Protests in Sri Lanka turned deadly this week as the country faces imminent bankruptcy. In Colombo, the capital city, supporters of the now-resigned Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa reportedly attacked antigovernment demonstrators, which led to multiple deaths and property damage, including the burning of several homes owned by current members of the government. In the days since, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, brother of the former prime minister, has refused calls to resign and authorized the military to shoot protesters on sight should they be deemed a threat.

New, free tools from tech companies can help parents monitor and control their kids' screen time and the content they access.

Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate Mexican culture with plenty of food and drink. But before you start the party, there are some ways to spice things up the healthy way.

As gasoline prices remain high, is now the time to consider a hybrid vehicle? Consumer Reports crunched the numbers to see whether fuel savings justifies higher up-front costs.

As spring weather heats up, so do the Mother's Day and Memorial Day sales. Consumer Reports found some of its top-tested products deeply discounted this month.

Doing laundry isn’t a chore that’s going to disappear anytime soon, and neither are the costs involved in doing it. But as Consumer Reports explains, a few simple, eco-friendly changes (and the right detergent) in the laundry room can help lower your energy bills.

Broken cellphone? Repairing it yourself may be more difficult than you think. Now, the right-to-repair movement is gaining traction.

On this Earth Day, there are some simple things you can do at home that can help the environment and reduce waste.

Unsuspecting consumers have complained about surprise medical bills for years, and now there’s a new law that should help. But there are some important exceptions that you need to know.

Consumer Reports put 50 insect repellents to the test to see which can protect you from pesky and disease-spreading mosquitoes and ticks.

Even though gas prices have dropped, they're still making a fill-up pretty pricey. So, is it worth it to get a credit card for gas or join a warehouse club to help you stretch your gas dollar.

It's nerve-wracking when your pet runs off, even if it's for a brief time. So, Consumer Reports tested high-tech pet trackers to see how easy they are to use and how well they work.

Fertilizing your yard too often—or at the wrong time—can do more harm than goodBy Mary H.J. FarrellA lush lawn can make your home’s landscaping shine (and make your neighbors green with envy). Bu...

If your cutting boards and kitchen knives have seen better days, listen up! Consumer Reports’ latest tests reveal some affordable upgrades to make meal prep and cleanup fast and easy.

Over 47,000 pickup trucks from the 2021 model year are included in the recallBy Keith BarryFord is recalling certain 2021 F-150 pickup trucks because their transmissions may unexpectedly shift in...

There are some quick and easy steps to free up storage on your phone without sacrificing your data. It all starts with a bit of detective work.

If you need a new grill or mower, April is a good time to buy some of Consumer Reports' top-tested products.

Restaurant brands make new commitment when study finds dangerous PFAS chemicals linked to serious health problems widespread in fast food packaging

An investigation by Consumer Reports found some level of indicators of PFAS in packaging from 24 different restaurant chains.

If the wipers stop working in bad weather, drivers may not be able to see the roadBy Keith BarryFord is recalling over 157,000 F-150 pickup trucks from the 2021 model year because their windshiel...

Some models are so hard to come by that consumers are paying well above the sticker price for themBy Jeff S. Bartlettwith Todd YoungIf you have your heart set on buying a new car this year, be pr...

Porcelain planks with simulated wood grain and texture have their benefits—and drawbacksBy Tobie StangerWood floors are high on the wish list of many a homeowner and buyer. And it’s easy to see w...

These gas sippers are easy on the walletBy Jeff S. BartlettFuel economy is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a new car, because it has an impact on your weekly operating c...

These power sources can have many uses, CR saysBy Consumer ReportsElectric cars are becoming a more viable option for many car buyers, with almost 100 pure electric models set to debut by the end...

The designation is further validation of Ford CEO Jim Farley's belief the company can not only compete with Tesla but also beat Elon Musk when it comes to EVs.

We explain how this new electric vehicle bumped the Model 3 from our annual Top PicksBy Jeff S. BartlettIn its annual Top Picks, Consumer Reports highlights the standout cars, SUVs, and trucks ac...

According to a Consumer Reports survey, nearly 80% of United States shoppers would rather...

The mistake was discovered two days later, during a routine bandage change.

Consumer Reports ranked most reliable vehicles and brands you can buy. Tesla came in next to last thanks to subpar scores from its SUVs.

Lexus, Mazda and Toyota topped the 2021 Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Report, while Jeep, Tesla, and Lincoln ranked in the bottom three.

November is traditionally one of the best months to find deals, but many hot products are in short supply or more expensive than usual.

More than 60 percent of adults say they prefer to sleep on their side, at least for part of the night. To make sure we have it right for the majority of sleepers, we run extensive tests on mattre...

Utility bills typically shoot up this time of year, as homeowners crank up their central air conditioning. To keep costs down, you might try to skimp on the AC—but that can create squabbles in th...

TOWN SQUARE | Your credit report — and credit score — can make the difference between a loan approval or denial and the interest you pay on your loan.

Service providers use their lock on neighborhoods — and a lack of rules — to take advantage of us. Here’s how to spot their tricks.

In May, Tesla announced it would no longer include radar sensors in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles made for customers in North America on or after April 27.

Before you try to take out a mortgage or a car loan, check your credit report. It may have a mistake that could cost you.

For many of us this past year, our backyards took on a profoundly important role. In the era of social distancing, yards were transformed into outdoor oases, and even now, there are no signs that...

Over the past months, with folks working and studying at home, homeowners began to appreciate their central air conditioning systems more than ever. In fact, 14 percent of the members we surveyed...

Advocacy group Consumer Reports has linked the products, which were not previously regulated, to at least 106 infant deaths.

Drivers naturally become concerned about reliability as a car ages, because the risk of inconvenience and unexpected expenses rises while the miles rack up. Most modern cars can make it to 200,00...

Consumer Reports’ tough tests continue to find that some laundry detergents clean only slightly better than water—and that some washers use lots of water yet leave clothes dirty and dingy. Some d...

Consumer Reports and IIHS are taking away top safety endorsements from Tesla, after the company's move from radar to vision-based driver assistance systems.

Two key groups that offer automobile safety ratings are yanking their top endorsements from some Tesla vehicles because the company has stopped using radar on its safety systems. Consumer Reports pulled its “Top Pick” status for Tesla's Model 3 and Y vehicles built after April 27, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety plans to remove the vehicles' “Top Safety Pick Plus” designation. The U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is no longer giving the Models 3 and Y check marks on its website for having forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and emergency brake support.

When you start a weight-loss plan, adopting simple strategies that have been shown to work can help set you up for success. One such tactic is using an accurate bathroom scale to help you track y...

A common concern with cars as they age is dependability—not only that they may not get you to work one day but also that a catastrophic failure could cost thousands of dollars. Major problems are...

Shortages spurred by the pandemic have made used cars more expensive.

Getting exercise through walking is as easy as lacing up your sneakers and hitting the pavement or trail. Doing so is a safe way to get a workout without needing a gym, and it can boost your ment...

Consumer Reports said Thursday that in testing this week it found it could "easily" get a 2020 Tesla Model Y to drive "even with no one in the driver's seat."

Mazda just topped Consumer Reports' annual ranking of the most reliable automotive brands for the first time. BMW, Subaru, Porsche and Honda rounded out the top five spots on the Consumer Reports 2021 Brand Report Card, which was released Thursday. To determine the rankings, Consumer Reports buys vehicles anonymously from dealerships for road testing. Genesis fell 13 places this year "due to declining predicted reliability among its models," Consumer Reports said. Consumer Reports noted that the brand's redesigned sport utility vehicles, the Aviator and Corsair, performed well in road tests but had "much below average reliability."

Baby food from several of the country's largest manufacturers are "tainted" with toxic heavy metals, according to a disturbing new government report. The report, released Thursday morning, says those baby foods have "significant levels" of substances including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. But one thing Kerner and her husband Bryan, who is a doctor, never worried about was whether the baby food contained toxic metals. The report says "baby foods are tainted with dangerous levels" of "toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury." Several said they are part of the Baby Food Council, a group formed with the goal of voluntarily reducing heavy metals in baby foods.

Baby food from several of the country's largest manufacturers are "tainted" with toxic heavy metals, according to a disturbing new government report. The report, released Thursday morning, says those baby foods have "significant levels" of substances including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. But one thing Kerner and her husband Bryan, who is a doctor, never worried about was whether the baby food contained toxic metals. The report says "baby foods are tainted with dangerous levels" of "toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury." Several said they are part of the Baby Food Council, a group formed with the goal of voluntarily reducing heavy metals in baby foods.

Microwave ovens will soon have a new safety feature that is long overdue: child-resistant doors. Doctors in pediatric emergency rooms and burn units have long known microwaves to be a fairly common cause of young children getting scalded. It may be that most families attributed the injuries to the hot spills rather than the microwave itself. While pleased that the new standard is coming into play, Quinlan cautions parents and other caregivers to maintain their vigilance. "We think of stoves as getting hot, but we never think of microwaves as getting hot," the doctor added.

Brand new Tesla Model S cars sit on front of a Tesla showroom on August 2, 2017 in Corte Madera, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty ImagesConsumer Reports is no longer recommending Tesla's Model S and is panning the reliability of the new Model Y. The Consumer Reports' annual Auto Reliability Survey, released Thursday, also dropped a Toyota brand from No. Consumer Reports in 2015 ranked the Model S as its top-rated vehicle ever. Of the 26 brands ranked in the Consumer Reports reliability survey, Japanese automakers fared the best.

A steering wheel light bar and cluster icons indicates the status of Super Cruise™ and will prompt the driver to return their attention to the road ahead if the system detects driver attention has turned away from the road too long. General Motors' Super Cruise system topped Consumer Reports testing of assisted driving technology, leaving Tesla's Autopilot "a distant second," the consumer research nonprofit reported Wednesday. Super Cruise on a Cadillac CT6 sedan scored 69 out of 100 points in Consumer Reports' testing. Tesla's Autopilot on a Model Y was second at 57, followed by Ford Motor's Co-pilot 360 system at 52 and Audi's Pre-sense at 48. Consumer Reports evaluated 17 systems as part of its testing.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The airline industry could run into turbulence on Capitol Hill next week as a U.S. Congressional panel tackles passenger complaints about unpleasant airline experiences, holding a hearing that will include budget airline Spirit Airlines Inc (SAVE.N) and passenger advocates. FILE PHOTO: A Spirit Airlines Airbuys A320-200 airplane sits at a gate at the O'Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois October 2, 2014. Airlines have shrunk the average space between seats and seat width over the last decade to pack more passengers on planes. U.S. airlines revenue from baggage and reservation change fees increased from $5.7 billion in 2010 to $7.6 billion in 2018. Unlike other large airlines, Spirit also charges for bottled water and soft drinks, but their base fares are often significantly cheaper than rivals.

Overall, Tesla climbed eight spots to rank 11th out of 33 auto brands, according to Consumer Reports. In addition, the Consumer Reports auto team made the Model 3 a "Top Pick" among vehicles with a sticker price between $45,000 and $55,000. "We saw a marked improvement in reliability in both the Tesla Model 3 and the Model S," said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing for Consumer Reports. Noticeably better quality in the new Model 3 cars helped Tesla show the biggest improvement among automakers in Consumer Reports' latest brand rankings. In addition, the Consumer Reports auto team tests dozens of new vehicles at the firm's test track in Connecticut.

SAN ANTONIO - Many of us exercise and diet to stay healthy, and millions are spending billions of dollars on supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and even botanicals like turmeric or ginger. While many people assume that supplements are safe, a Consumer Reports investigation reveals thats not always the case. Manufacturers of supplements arent required to demonstrate to the government that their products are effective or even safe before they are sold. The bottom line is that there isnt enough evidence to show how safe or effective many of these supplements are. Load up on superfoods like dark, leafy greens, raspberries, blackberries, and broccoli, which are all good sources of vitamin C.All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

More than 5 million inclined infant sleepers have been recalled. The CPSC commissioned an independent study that concluded none of the inclined sleep products the team tested is safe for infant sleep. Current infant inclined sleepers on the market typically have up to a 30-degree incline. The CPSC has also proposed new rules for infant sleepers that would effectively eliminate all infant inclined sleepers from the market. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SAN ANTONIO - Months after the recall of millions of popular infant inclined sleep products, Consumer Reports is sounding the alarm about another type of childrens sleep products the in-bed infant sleeper. Consumer Reports said it found major safety issues with infant in-bed sleeper products like the Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Infant Sleeper, Dock-ATot and SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper. Their investigation found at least a dozen infant deaths linked to in-bed sleepers similar to those between 2012 and 2018. Unlike cribs, bassinets, play yards and bedside sleepers, in-bed sleepers are not required to meet any federal safety standards related to infant sleep. Consumer Reports urges parents to stop using inclined sleepers or any sleep products, including in-bed sleepers, that do not meet federal safety requirements related to infant sleep.

Now is the time to shop for a lawn care service. But before you commit to spending hundreds of dollars a month, CR says take a look around your yard to get an idea about what you need from a lawn care service. Do the employees have formal training or experience in lawn care? A reputable lawn care company can give your lawn a health checkup and create a customized plan for your property. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.