WEATHER ALERT
Black women's hair products are in the safety spotlight. Here's what to know
Read full article: Black women's hair products are in the safety spotlight. Here's what to knowBlack women around the world spend hours at a time getting synthetic braids but are wondering if the convenience and fashion benefits are outweighed by potential health hazards.
๐Stop your car from collecting, sharing your data
Read full article: ๐Stop your car from collecting, sharing your dataIf you bought a new car in the last five years, you might be sharing more than just the road. A new Consumer Reports investigation reveals that automakers could be tracking and selling your driving data, often without you even knowing it.
๐ฉ๐ฟDangerous chemicals found in 100% of the braiding hair tested by Consumer Reports
Read full article: ๐ฉ๐ฟDangerous chemicals found in 100% of the braiding hair tested by Consumer ReportsConsumer Reports sent to the lab 10 of the most popular synthetic braiding hair products on the market, from brands including Magic Fingers, Sassy Collection, Sensationnel, Shake-N-Go, and others. Carcinogens were detected in all of them.
These child car seats did not do well in Consumer Reports' crash tests
Read full article: These child car seats did not do well in Consumer Reports' crash testsConsumer Reports exclusive child car seat testing recently revealed significant problems with two infant seats. Hereโs more on what thetests found and what parents can do.
๐ฅ Eat healthier, save time and money with these meal prep tips
Read full article: ๐ฅ Eat healthier, save time and money with these meal prep tipsThe right tips and tools can make a big difference for your health and wallet. Consumer Reports shares some practical recommendations to help you get started.
Parenting stress prompts health warning from US surgeon general
Read full article: Parenting stress prompts health warning from US surgeon generalParenting is hard. So hard, that the Surgeon General says it has become a public health issue, issuing a public health warning. Consumer Reports has more on what this warning means and offers advice on dealing with stress in a demanding world.
๐งพGift return? Retailers with best, worst return policies
Read full article: ๐งพGift return? Retailers with best, worst return policiesSome retailers have flexible return and exchange policies all year long; others are a bit stricter. But many retailers often extend their return windows around the holidays, offering more generous return guidelines for holiday purchases.
๐Stumped on holiday gifts? Hereโs some ideas from consumer experts
Read full article: ๐Stumped on holiday gifts? Hereโs some ideas from consumer expertsIf youโre frantically trying to finish your holiday gift-giving, Consumer Reports is here to help! Well, the product testing experts at Consumer Reports have the help. Theyโve spent the past year testing and reviewing thousands of products just in time to reveal the best gift ideas for you and your loved ones.
Consumer Reports survey finds electric vehicle reliability improving but lagging gas models
Read full article: Consumer Reports survey finds electric vehicle reliability improving but lagging gas modelsThe reliability of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids has dramatically improved, narrowing a gap with gas-powered automobiles.
๐ฏAre โnaturalโ sweeteners better for you?
Read full article: ๐ฏAre โnaturalโ sweeteners better for you?But we all want something sweet on occasion. Honey, maple syrup, and agave are often touted as natural, better-for-you options. If you switch from sugar to one of these, are you doing your health a favor?
๐ฅซ Making pumpkin pie from a can? Hereโs whatโs really inside
Read full article: ๐ฅซ Making pumpkin pie from a can? Hereโs whatโs really insideFall is in the air, or is that scent pumpkin bread, muffins, and of course pumpkin pie? All recipes that depend on that little can of pumpkin, but do you really know whatโs in the can? Consumer Reports lifts the lid to reveal whatโs really in your can of supermarket pumpkin.
๐ Carโs air conditioner blowing musty smell? Hereโs how to fix it
Read full article: ๐ Carโs air conditioner blowing musty smell? Hereโs how to fix itMusty smell could be coming from your car's evaporator inside the heating and cooling system. Consumer experts have tips on how you can fix the issue without going to the mechanic.
โNot ready to get your kid a phone? These smartwatches may be good alternatives
Read full article: โNot ready to get your kid a phone? These smartwatches may be good alternativesThese age-appropriate wearables can put off the purchase of your childโs first smartphone. Hereโs what users and experts say about key features on popular models and what to consider before you buy.
๐ฆทAre you flossing with PFAS, dangerous chemicals? Consumer experts check ingredients
Read full article: ๐ฆทAre you flossing with PFAS, dangerous chemicals? Consumer experts check ingredientsConsumer Reports reviewed 17 dental flosses to bring you safer, more sustainable options. Plus tips on shopping safer, too.
US seeks new pedestrian safety rules aimed at increasingly massive SUVs and pickup trucks
Read full article: US seeks new pedestrian safety rules aimed at increasingly massive SUVs and pickup trucksThe U.S. governmentโs road safety agency wants the auto industry to design new vehicles including SUVs and pickup trucks so they reduce pedestrian deaths and injuries.
๐ Rocket fuel has been contaminating our food, water for years
Read full article: ๐ Rocket fuel has been contaminating our food, water for yearsCR's tests confirm that the chemical perchlorate is widespread in our food. Regulators have known of the risks for decades but continue to drag their feet.
๐Best used, new cars for teen drivers
Read full article: ๐Best used, new cars for teen driversParents choosing a car for their teen driver have a tough decision to make because they need to strike a balance between cost and safety. But the latest analysis by Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that more safety is available for the money in the latest list of best used cars for teens.
๐ฅตGot sunburn? Hereโs how to treat, prevent it
Read full article: ๐ฅตGot sunburn? Hereโs how to treat, prevent itFun in the sun can come to a screeching or scorching halt with a nasty sunburn. If youโve ever gotten one, youโll know how unpleasant it is. Consumer Reports explains that cooling the burn correctly will help alleviate sunburn pain.
๐ก๏ธ Air conditioners working overtime? Do these things to lower your home energy bills right now
Read full article: ๐ก๏ธ Air conditioners working overtime? Do these things to lower your home energy bills right nowYou could save over $1,000 a year by making just a few of these easy, low-cost changes around the house
๐ฆBest bug repellents of 2024, per consumer experts
Read full article: ๐ฆBest bug repellents of 2024, per consumer expertsConsumer Reports tested dozens of repellents, so it should be easy to find a way to beat the bugs thatโs right for you. But not all bug sprays are effective. One factor that matters significantly: a productโs active ingredient.
๐Internet bill confusing? New Broadband โNutrition Labelsโ now required by FCC to help compare prices
Read full article: ๐Internet bill confusing? New Broadband โNutrition Labelsโ now required by FCC to help compare pricesThe FCC is ordering internet service providers to give consumers clearer information on broadband costs and speeds
๐ดIf you snore, have Sleep Apnea, CPAP is not your only option
Read full article: ๐ดIf you snore, have Sleep Apnea, CPAP is not your only optionBe honest: Do you snore? Does your partner say you snore? Snoring is disruptive and, in some severe cases, even life-threatening. Consumer Reports looks at the sleep treatments that can give you and yours some long-awaited, uninterrupted Zzzโs.
๐งนBust dust with these Spring Cleaning essentials approved by consumer experts
Read full article: ๐งนBust dust with these Spring Cleaning essentials approved by consumer expertsThat dust thatโs been collecting while you were stuck indoors has got to go. But donโt try to brush it away with a feather dusterโthat will only make things worse. Here are some recommended dusting tools from cleaning pros and the experts at Consumer Reports who share their advice in "How to Clean Practically Anything."
Amazon, Target stop selling weighted baby blankets, sleep sacks and swaddles amid safety concerns
Read full article: Amazon, Target stop selling weighted baby blankets, sleep sacks and swaddles amid safety concernsAmazon and Target are among retailers now ending their sales of weighted baby blankets, sleep sacks and swaddles as calls mount for more research and oversight of the productsโ safety, according to Consumer Reports.
๐งพHave you checked your credit report lately? Hereโs how to fix errors
Read full article: ๐งพHave you checked your credit report lately? Hereโs how to fix errorsImagine being turned down for a loan or paying higher interest rates due to errors on your credit report. It happens more often than you might think. Checking the accuracy of your credit report is easy to do with these steps from Consumer Reports.
๐9 ways to lower car insurance premiums
Read full article: ๐9 ways to lower car insurance premiumsNationwide, the average premium increase was more than 20 percent over the past year, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. But people in some states have experienced even more pain, with rates up 88 percent in Florida according to FINN, a car subscription service company that analyzes market data. Here are ways to lower your bill.
๐พ Is pet insurance worth it? Customers, consumer experts chime in
Read full article: ๐พ Is pet insurance worth it? Customers, consumer experts chime inIf you think pet insurance could save money on routine checkups and emergencies, listen up. Consumer Reports found that not all pet insurance parents are satisfied, and there may be better ways to save on medical care for your furry friends.
๐งปConsumer experts put paper towels to the test. Hereโs which product came out on top
Read full article: ๐งปConsumer experts put paper towels to the test. Hereโs which product came out on topYou rip a sheet, wipe up a mess, then toss the paper in the trash. No extra cleanup or washing, and most of the timeโfor small messes at leastโyou donโt need to reach for a second sheet. Consumer Reports put six brands to the test to reveal the best
Credit report errors can have devastating impacts. Hereโs what to know
Read full article: Credit report errors can have devastating impacts. Hereโs what to knowA credit score can determine whether you can get a loan for a home, car or credit card. It can also impact the interest rate on the loan.
๐งAre probiotic sodas, other so-called healthy drinks, good for you?
Read full article: ๐งAre probiotic sodas, other so-called healthy drinks, good for you?Functional beveragesโas the drink industry likes to refer to themโoften contain ingredients that were once found only in supplements or herbal teas, but are they healthy for you? Consumer experts test more than a dozen brands of probiotic sodas and other so-called healthy drinks.
Some doorbell cameras sold on Amazon and other online sites have major security flaws, report says
Read full article: Some doorbell cameras sold on Amazon and other online sites have major security flaws, report saysConsumer Reports says some doorbell cameras sold by Amazon and other online retailers have security flaws that could allow bad actors to view footage from the devices or control them completely.
๐งบRepair or replace your washing machine? Consumer experts help find answer
Read full article: ๐งบRepair or replace your washing machine? Consumer experts help find answerWeโve all been there. The washer sounds like a jet engine and then suddenly stops mid-cycle. Itโs the age-old question every homeowner will face... To repair or to replace? Consumer Reports helps you make the right choice for your family.
Stanley tumblers pose lead risk once button on bottom falls off
Read full article: Stanley tumblers pose lead risk once button on bottom falls offTheyโre big, stylish and all the rage. Weโre talking about those popular Stanley Quenchers mugs. Social media made them famous, and thatโs where recent posts about those tumblers containing lead are raising concerns.
๐ฅ๏ธ Replace cable TV for less than $25, save on streaming services
Read full article: ๐ฅ๏ธ Replace cable TV for less than $25, save on streaming servicesYou know everything is more expensive these days, including how much you pay to watch TV. If one of your New Yearโs resolutions is to slash your streaming bill but find a way to still see your favorite shows, Consumer Reports shares five tips.
๐ค Parentsโ guide to virus triple-threat: Flu, COVID and RSV
Read full article: ๐ค Parentsโ guide to virus triple-threat: Flu, COVID and RSVHere's what you should know about keeping your children healthy, what to do when they're sick with a respiratory illness and how to recognize an emergency.
๐ณ Buy now, pay later regrets? Hereโs what you need to know
Read full article: ๐ณ Buy now, pay later regrets? Hereโs what you need to knowFor Christmas shoppers who signed up for those buy now, pay later plans, the holidays are over and itโs time to pay up โ maybe more than you expected. Consumer Reports is here to make sense of these short-term loans with important advice on how to dodge costly fees and what to do next time.
๐๏ธBest workout equipment, what to do with the old gear
Read full article: ๐๏ธBest workout equipment, what to do with the old gearItโs the start of the new year and you may have health and fitness as one of your goals. But what if you want to start fresh and get rid of your old or unused equipment?
๐ Most reliable cars of 2023, per consumer experts
Read full article: ๐ Most reliable cars of 2023, per consumer expertsWith todayโs stubbornly high auto prices and interest rates, buying a car, whether itโs new or used, is a high-stakes financial decision. Consumer Reports is here to help with its just-released exclusive car reliability report of cars that owners consider the most reliable and the ones that are regulars at the repair shop.
๐ณNever pay hospital bills with a medical credit card. Here are 5 reasons why
Read full article: ๐ณNever pay hospital bills with a medical credit card. Here are 5 reasons whyNearly 100 million adult Americans carry some form of medical debt, according to figures from a 2022 Kaiser Family Foundation national survey. And more and more commonly, patients are being steered to financial products like high-interest credit cards or loans designed expressly to help pay for medical expenses. Consumer experts are warning, think twice before getting a medical credit card.
Best nanny cams, baby monitors per consumer experts
Read full article: Best nanny cams, baby monitors per consumer expertsOut of over 70 models, Consumer Reports picks the best nanny cams, honing in on cameras that perform well data security tests โ since privacy is critical with these cameras โ and have features well-suited for keeping an eye on kids and caregivers and babies.
๐Need new glasses? Expert advice on frames, lenses, coatings and more
Read full article: ๐Need new glasses? Expert advice on frames, lenses, coatings and moreThese days, buying eyeglasses can be complicatedโespecially if youโre looking for options beyond those your eye doctor sells. Consumer experts break down everything you need to know about shopping for spectacles in-person or online while saving money.
๐ง Swap the salt: How these salt substitutes really taste
Read full article: ๐ง Swap the salt: How these salt substitutes really tasteIf youโre trying to cut back on sodium, youโve probably gotten the advice to cook with plenty of herbs and spices. But it can sometimes still feel like somethingโs missing. Consumer experts test and review salt alternatives.
๐ Guide to leasing vs. buying a new car, per consumer experts
Read full article: ๐ Guide to leasing vs. buying a new car, per consumer expertsThe average price of a new car is over $48,000! So, itโs no wonder leasing this year will account for 21% of new vehicle sales. Consumer experts break down benefits of leasing versus buying a new car.
Best pet insurance providers, per consumer experts
Read full article: Best pet insurance providers, per consumer expertsIn a first-ever evaluation for Consumer Reports, eight pet insurance providers were rated based on a survey of 2,061 Consumer Reports members with insured pets, looking at things such as how much the premium cost, the claims process, and whether people had choice in which vets to see.
๐ถUsed baby car seats, cribs: Are they safe?
Read full article: ๐ถUsed baby car seats, cribs: Are they safe?Having a baby brings many joysโand expenses. Itโs tempting to save by buying secondhand or accepting a freebie from a friend, and that may be fine for onesies. But going for secondhand gear is generally not a good idea when it comes to certain infant and toddler products, including three essential investments: car seats, strollers, and cribs.
๐ตTake control of your childโs social media use on phones, computers
Read full article: ๐ตTake control of your childโs social media use on phones, computersMore teens are depressed compared to 10 years ago, and the U.S. Surgeon Generalโs advisory issued in May 2023 indicates that social media may be playing a role in the teen mental health crisis. Consumer Reports explains how we can help our teens control their social media consumption with some small steps at home.
๐ธFront blind spots in trucks, SUVs pose danger for kids
Read full article: ๐ธFront blind spots in trucks, SUVs pose danger for kidsPickup trucks and crossover SUVs dominate our roadways. And as pickup trucks and large SUVs grow in size, so does the risk to people around them โ when drivers hit people directly in front of them because of dangerous blind zones just past the hood.
๐ธ Cash in on these student discounts all year long
Read full article: ๐ธ Cash in on these student discounts all year longCollege life can be stressful - loans, textbooks, and living on a budget can take a toll. The good news: There are lots of discounts for students, but sometimes you have to know where to look to find them.
๐In the market for a car? Avoid these dealer fees
Read full article: ๐In the market for a car? Avoid these dealer feesPurchasing a new car is stressful enough, so it helps to go into a showroom knowing which of the charges that show up on your bill are unavoidable, which can be negotiated, and which you can skip altogether.
๐ฆปOTC vs. prescription hearing aids: What you need to know
Read full article: ๐ฆปOTC vs. prescription hearing aids: What you need to knowWith FDA approved over the counter options available, you can now get less expensive hearing aids from drug stores like Walgreens Hereโs what you need to know if youโre considering over-the-counter hearing aids.
๐ฅซ Healthy or hype? Food labels explained by consumer experts
Read full article: ๐ฅซ Healthy or hype? Food labels explained by consumer expertsFood labels can be confusing, and telling the difference between similar-sounding claims on food packages is sometimes downright baffling. Consumer experts break down food label lingo and which ones to pass on.
๐ฆ5 top-tested bug sprays, repellents of 2023
Read full article: ๐ฆ5 top-tested bug sprays, repellents of 2023This year we have 53 repellents in our ratings and 22 recommended ones, so itโs easy to find a way to beat the bugs thatโs right for you. But not all bug sprays are effective. One factor that matters significantly: a productโs active ingredient.
โ๏ธTop-rated airlines, travel buying guide from consumer experts
Read full article: โ๏ธTop-rated airlines, travel buying guide from consumer expertsHigh fares. Hidden fees. Long security lines. Shrinking seats. Crowded cabins. Thereโs room for improvement, especially if youโre sitting in coach, according to Consumer Reports members who responded to our most recent airline survey.
๐7 ways to keep you car insurance costs down
Read full article: ๐7 ways to keep you car insurance costs downFeeling the pain of high car insurance costs every single month? And with auto premiums recently rising higher than inflation, Consumer Reports says itโs more important than ever to find ways to lower your bill. The good news is, they found cost saving tips that actually work.
๐งบTop-tested detergents: Hereโs how often you need to do laundry
Read full article: ๐งบTop-tested detergents: Hereโs how often you need to do laundryThink you do a lot of laundry? Believe it or not, the average family does about 300 loads of laundry per year. Thatโs about five loads every week! One way to cut back: Donโt wash your clothes as often. But how long can we really go before we need to wash everyday items?
๐ฎCan police ask for your doorbell video? Know your rights
Read full article: ๐ฎCan police ask for your doorbell video? Know your rightsAs video doorbells and home security cameras grow in popularity, police departments are increasingly asking for homeownersโ videos. But can they get it without your permission? Consumer Reports breaks down the ways law enforcement can access your videos.
๐ปThese programs offer free in-home internet, hot spots in Florida
Read full article: ๐ปThese programs offer free in-home internet, hot spots in FloridaItโs turned from a luxury to a necessity - internet access. If you can't afford in-home high-speed internet, there are some programs that offer discounted and even free service.
๐ฑTop-tested lawnmowers: Gas vs. electric
Read full article: ๐ฑTop-tested lawnmowers: Gas vs. electricMaybe youโre looking for your first lawnmower or itโs time for an upgrade. Whatever the case, Consumer Reports experts put dozens to the test to find the cream of the crop when it comes to performance and your budget.
๐ญ5 signs your gas grill is over the hill, needs to be replaced
Read full article: ๐ญ5 signs your gas grill is over the hill, needs to be replacedEven if you keep it clean and covered, grills don't last forever. So, when is it time for a new one? Consumer Reports reveals five signs it may be time to replace your grill.