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Consumer Reports

All articles tagged with #consumer reports

technology14 hours ago•3 min saved

AirPods Max 2 Tops Consumer Reports’ Audio Quality Scores in Wireless NC Headphones

Consumer Reports crowned Apple's AirPods Max 2 as the top-sounding wireless, noise-canceling headphones, giving it a perfect sound-quality score and tying for the best overall score thanks to the new H2 chip’s improvements in bass, vocal clarity, and soundstage, plus Adaptive Audio for ANC and a Loud Sound Reduction feature. The Max 2 also offers wired, lossless playback via USB‑C and enhanced call quality via Voice Isolation. Bose and Sony did not lead in audio quality this round, and reviewers view the Max 2 as a meaningful upgrade over the original AirPods Max.

via bgr.com|

#airpods-max-2 #audio-quality #consumer-reports

science9 days ago•3 min saved

Consumer Reports Picks Lemon Eucalyptus as Top Non-DEET Bug Repellent

Consumer Reports names Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent the leading non-DEET option, scoring 90% in lab tests and matching DEET performance for up to 6 hours of protection while avoiding surface damage; it’s praised for its pleasant scent and has strong Amazon reviews, positioning plant-based repellents as credible alternatives to DEET.

via House Digest|

#consumer-reports #deet #lemon-eucalyptus

automotive1 month ago•3 min saved

Subaru Crosstrek Named Best Subcompact SUV, But Its Classification Sparks Debate

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek earned Consumer Reports' top subcompact SUV thanks to a comfortable ride and a new 36-mpg hybrid, with a starting price around $28,415. However, the piece notes the Crosstrek is essentially an Impreza with extra ground clearance, prompting discussion about whether it should be classified as a subcompact SUV, a compact crossover, or simply a lifted hatchback.

via Jalopnik|

#automotive #car-classification #consumer-reports

business1 month ago•4 min saved

Abt Electronics Tops Consumer Reports' Appliance Retail Ranking

Consumer Reports’ survey ranks Abt Electronics as the top large-appliance retailer, outperforming Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s in selection, customer service, delivery and installation options, and pricing, with a standout in-store atmosphere and a distinctive showroom experience.

via House Digest|

#abt-electronics #appliances #business

technology2 months ago•14 min saved

CR Ranks Hearing Aid Brands: Five Best and Five Worst Revealed

Consumer Reports evaluated 20 hearing aid brands across 10 categories using feedback from over 13,000 people, naming Philips, Jabra, Rexton, Phonak, and Oticon as the best five and Audibel, Miracle Ear, Signia (Siemens), Beltone, and MDHearing as the worst five. The article notes wide price ranges and model variation, highlights pros and cons across comfort, clarity, battery life, and service, and emphasizes that no specific models are recommended.

via SlashGear|

#brand-rankings #consumer-reports #hearing-aids

technology2 months ago•2 min saved

CR Names Midea Washer as 2025's Worst Performer

Consumer Reports’ 2025 washing-machine tests found several models underperform, with the Midea MLTW41A1BWW rated the worst for cleaning performance and noise; Midea ranked 14th out of 20 brands, while GE, LG, and Speed Queen led the pack. The article also notes Midea’s wide product range and urges shoppers to compare features and be wary of signs of impending breakdown like increased noise, leaks, or smells.

via SlashGear|

#appliance-quality #brand-comparison #consumer-reports

health2 months ago•42 min saved

49 Infant Formulas: Mixed Safety Findings on Lead and Arsenic

Consumer Reports tested 49 ready-to-feed, concentrated, and powdered infant formulas and found that about half had low or undetected contaminants, while 26 formulas contained inorganic arsenic or lead at concerning levels. The results show a mix of safer, affordable options (especially among ready-to-feed liquids) and products with notable contamination, plus some hypoallergenic formulas performing poorly. The report underscores the need for more transparent, frequent testing and regulatory action in the U.S., notes EU limits for context, and advises parents to consult pediatricians and be cautious with imported formulas not under FDA oversight.

via Consumer Reports|

#arsenic #consumer-reports #contaminants

business2 months ago•3 min saved

CR Tests Put Hankook on Par with Michelin in Key Areas

Consumer Reports’ review finds Hankook tires ranking well overall, sometimes outperforming Michelin in wet braking and handling for the Hankook Kinergy XP versus Michelin Defender 2, and showing Hankook advantages in dry braking, ice braking, and noise in all-terrain tests against Michelin LTX A/T2; Michelin tops the overall chart and has better tread life, while Hankook’s warranties are strong and several Hankook tires are CR Recommended. However, owner satisfaction with Hankook tires tends to be middling or low, highlighting a gap between expert testing and consumer sentiment.

via SlashGear|

#business #consumer-reports #dynapro-at2-xtreme

technology2 months ago•4 min saved

CR’s 2025 Auto Duds: Cybertruck, 4Runner, and EX30 Draw Criticism

Consumer Reports’ 2025 wrap highlights a trio of disappointments: the Tesla Cybertruck’s awkward steering and maneuvering, the redesigned Toyota 4Runner’s noisy, unsettled ride and lack of meaningful evolution, and Volvo’s EX30 for an overcomplicated, driver-monitor–heavy cabin—though most cars tested were competent or better.

via Jalopnik|

#auto-testing #consumer-reports #technology

business3 months ago•6 min saved

Rivals Take the Lead: CR-V Trails in 2026 Compact-SUV Rankings

Consumer Reports’ latest rankings place the 2026 Honda CR-V behind several rivals in the compact-SUV segment, with the Subaru Forester (gas and Hybrid), Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, and Mazda CX-5 scoring higher overall; the Forester Hybrid tops the rankings, Mazda CX-5 posts the best predicted reliability, and the CR-V’s Hybrid lags in owner satisfaction and reliability compared with its rivals.

via Jalopnik|

#business #compact-suv #consumer-reports

automotive3 months ago•11 min saved

CR’s 2026 Top Picks Spotlight 10 Electrified Cars Across Segments

Consumer Reports’ 2026 Top Picks span 10 models across segments, and for the first time every Top Pick is a hybrid or electric vehicle. The lineup features Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru Forester Hybrid, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, Lexus NX Hybrid/PHEV, BMW X5 (gas and plug-in), Ford Maverick Hybrid, Ford F-150, and Tesla Model Y, with high Overall Scores based on road-test performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.

via Consumer Reports|

#automotive #consumer-reports #electric-vehicles

technology3 months ago•6 min saved

CR's 2026 Top 10: All-Electrified Picks Across Car Classes

Consumer Reports has released its top 10 vehicles for 2026, and for the first time every model on the list is electrified—hybrids or battery-electric. The lineup spans from compact cars to full-size pickups and includes Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru Forester Hybrid, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, Lexus NX Hybrid, Ford Maverick Hybrid, BMW X5 Hybrid, Tesla Model Y (the sole all-electric on the list), and Ford F-150 (hybrid option). The rankings emphasize efficiency, reliability and safety, with many models priced under $50,000.

via CBS News|

#auto-industry #consumer-reports #electric-vehicles

automotive3 months ago•15 min saved

Michelin Dominates Consumer Reports' 2026 Tire Lineup

Consumer Reports' 2026 tire guide spans all-season, EV, ultra-high-performance, and winter tires, with Michelin Defender2 leading the all-season category, Hankook Ion Evo AS topping EV tires, Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 and Pilot Sport 4 S winning their respective UHP categories, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 as the top winter tire, and Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 as the top performance winter tire; prices, tread life, and owner satisfaction vary across picks.

via Jalopnik|

#automotive #consumer-reports #hankook

automotive3 months ago•3 min saved

Sumitomo Tires Finish Last in Consumer Reports’ Owner-Satisfaction Study

Consumer Reports’ tire-brand satisfaction survey ranks Sumitomo at or near the bottom across all four tire types (all-season, all-terrain, winter/snow, and summer), citing weaker handling, wet-grip, and quicker wear. Dunlop and GT Radial also underperform, while brands like Michelin, Vredestein, Bridgestone, Nokian lead in several segments.

via Jalopnik|

#all-season #automotive #consumer-reports

business3 months ago•3 min saved

CR and JD Power Put Walmart Auto Center Last in Tire-Service Satisfaction

Consumer Reports and JD Power rank Walmart Auto Center as the lowest among national tire retailers for customer satisfaction, citing slow installation times, difficult scheduling, trouble securing specific tire models, and weak sales assistance. Other chains like Pep Boys, Mavis, and Tires Plus underperform as well, while top retailers such as Les Schwab, Midas, and Jiffy Lube score higher for installation and service. The piece advises researching perks (e.g., free rotation/balancing), understanding warranties, reading reviews, and comparing pricing and policies when choosing where to buy and install tires.

via SlashGear|

#business #consumer-reports #customer-satisfaction