Innehållsförteckning för July/August 2025 från Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1936 that works side by side with consumers to create a safe, fair, and transparent marketplace. To achieve our mission, we test thousands of products and services in our labs each year and survey hundreds of thousands of consumers about their experiences with products and services. We pay for all the products we rate. We don’t accept paid advertising. In addition to our rigorous research, investigative journalism, and consumer advocacy, we work with other organizations, including media, consumer groups, research and testing consortiums, and philanthropic partners. We also license our content and data, as well as work with business partners to offer shopping and other consumer services, and may receive fees from these programs. We maintain a strict separation between our…

IN THE KNOW Do ‘Eraser’ Sponges Really Work? ○ When you need a little more scrubbing oomph than you can get from a regular sponge, you might reach for an “eraser” sponge. These mildly abrasive pads, typically made of melamine foam and activated with plain water, often go by the name “magic eraser” in homage to the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, one of the first of the type on the market. Now, a new crop of competitors has emerged to give Mr. Clean a run for its money. So we rolled up our sleeves and tested them on tough jobs: removing crayon marks from walls and base-boards, getting soap scum off grout, wiping sticky residue from mirrors, and de-scuffing some icky old sneakers. After all that cleaning, we found many…

Add Captions to Your Calls, Videos, and More When you turn on Live Captions, you’ll be able to read any speech coming from your phone’s speakers, from podcasts and videos to phone calls and even FaceTime chats. That can be a big help on long calls or if you’re in a place with lots of background noise or don’t want to turn up the volume. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility and toggle on Live Captions. Then scroll down to toggle on the FaceTime switch. On an Android phone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Enhancements > Live Captions and select OK. Try Voice Commands to Type Less Voice assistants like Siri and Google can do a lot more than tell you the weather—they can help you…

It’s more important than ever to get the most value for your money. And that’s where CR can help. Each year, we test hundreds of products and survey thousands of CR members about their experiences while owning them. Many of those products earn high ratings for their impressive performance—and some are also a really great value. They have most (if not all) of the attributes of more expensive products but at a much lower price. We share these Better Deals on the back page of every issue, and now we’re bringing you even more of the great buys you love. Read on for 10 pages of Better Deals on everything from refrigerators to mattresses, TVs to trucks—plus favorite bargains from CR staffers and savings tips from our shopping experts.…

COLOMBIAN COFFEES STARBUCKS COLOMBIA GROUND MEDIUM ROAST 83¢ per ounce THE BETTER DEAL GREAT VALUE (WALMART) 100% COLOMBIAN GROUND MEDIUM DARK 44¢ per ounce THE LOWDOWN Either of these ground Colombian coffees will give you a medium-bodied brew. But even though they’re both labeled “medium,” they have slightly different flavors. Starbucks coffee is strong and bold, with the characteristics of dark-roasted coffees—chocolate, caramel, and some smokiness. Walmart’s brand tastes lighter and smoother, and it’s a little fruitier. Our expert tester thought both coffees made a good cup, but choose Walmart’s if you’d prefer to pay half as much per serving. OLIVE OILS COBRAM ESTATE $24 for 25.4 fluid ounces 4/5 OVERALL QUALITY THE BETTER DEAL GRAZA SIZZLE EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL $15 for 25.3 fluid ounces 4/5 OVERALL QUALITY THE LOWDOWN…

In our lab tests of several over-the-counter hearing aids, we assessed loudness (maximum output volume), distortion (noisy static), and frequency (the range of pitches an aid can amplify). The models below all offered sufficient volume, little distortion, and a wide range of frequency, and fit within Food and Drug Administration parameters for these factors. We also checked for helpful features such as automatic noise reduction and directional microphones. SELF-FITTING Lexie Lumen $500 per pair Receiver: Behind-the-ear Noise reduction and directional microphone: Yes Battery type: Replaceable Call or audio streaming: No CR’S TAKE To set these up, you simply take a short online hearing test. In addition to using settings that the test results determine are best for you, you can toggle among settings like “noisy indoor” and “outdoor.” You control volume…

For movies, lectures, concerts, and other performances A hearing aid component called a telecoil lets you use assistive listening systems in public spaces like courtrooms and theaters. With this, you can feed the venue’s audio into your hearing aid. Most OTC aids (except Lexie’s Lumen) lack a telecoil, and it’s not standard in prescription aids. Many people buying aids aren’t aware it’s an option, so ask your audiologist about it, says Wynne Whyman of the Center for Hearing Access in Eugene, Ore. For conversations in noisy restaurants and at social gatherings A speech-in-noise feature amplifies the voice of the person in front of you above other sounds, while a noise-canceling feature helps neutralize background sounds. A remote microphone (available at hearing aid retailers and online, $200 and up) lets your…

Many dermatologists suggest that people do monthly head-to-toe skin self-checks. (You’ll need a mirror or a partner to help you.) Don’t forget commonly overlooked areas: the scalp, ears, underarms, under breasts, hands, the genital area, soles of feet, between your fingers and toes, and under fingernails and toenails. Here are some examples of what skin cancer may look like, but it can take other forms, so always see a doctor if you spot anything unusual. Basal cell carcinoma The most common type of skin cancer, it may appear as shiny raised growths, sores that don’t heal, or crusty, reddish patches. Squamous cell carcinoma This can show up as a rough patch that may crust or bleed, an open sore, or a pimplelike growth that won’t go away. Melanoma It often…

Do a room-by-room walk-through. ▶ Focus on capturing video of valuable and big items—electronics and appliances (and if possible, capturing serial numbers), musical instruments, artwork, furniture, rugs, and antiques. Also open drawers and closets to make a record of jewelry, clothing, and any collectible items of value. If you remember what you paid, say it out loud to record the amount. If you have receipts, snap pictures of them. Don’t sweat the small stuff. ▶ Insurance adjusters are likely to create “bulk estimates” for smaller items, so you don’t have to worry about videotaping the contents of, say, your broom closet. Record important documents. ▶ These should include your driver’s license and passport, as well as banking and other financial records, including account numbers and passwords. If they’re not already…

▶ HOW TO SHOP Carpet cleaners are heavy: Many full-sized models weigh about 20 pounds. When shopping, consider the weight and remember that a full tank of water and/or cleaning solution can add 6 to 15 pounds. It’s helpful to pick a model with a second handle for easier lifting, particularly if you need to carry it up and down stairs. Some models come with only one tank, in which you mix water with cleaning solution, but we’ve found that it’s more convenient to have two: one for water and a second tank for the solution. The carpet cleaner will automatically mix them in the right ratio, and you won’t waste any detergent you don’t use. A carpet cleaner might come with attachments for tackling upholstery or stairs. One of…

▶ HOW TO SHOP Our ratings can help you pick a high-quality formula, but you’ll also need to choose the best sheen, or finish. Matte or flat paints excel at hiding chips and scratches, but they can’t handle cleaning as well as glossier finishes can. They are typically used for ceilings, living rooms, and kid-free bedroom walls. An eggshell finish, which you can scrub lightly, is ideal for family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways that could use a smidge of sheen. Satin is a good fit for kitchens, children’s bedrooms, and bathrooms. Semi-gloss is ideal for trim, windows, and doors. You can look for the Greenguard Gold certification to choose a paint that emits lower levels of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). ▶ WHAT TO AVOID Don’t fail to plan…

▶ HOW TO SHOP Your first decision will be whether to buy a gas-powered, corded electric, or battery-powered machine. All three types direct water under pressure through interchangeable nozzles—the smaller the angle of the nozzle you use, the more intense the stream will be. Gas pressure washers are the most powerful, so you can quickly clean large areas such as decks, siding, and driveways. But they can be somewhat noisy and heavy. They require periodic tuneups and need the most winter maintenance. More power also means that you’re more likely to gouge or splinter wooden surfaces or chip paint. Corded electric models work well for small decks and patios, outdoor furniture, and other limited jobs that require basic cleaning, not concentrated stain removal. They’re relatively light and quiet, require little upkeep,…

Upgrading leaky old windows is an effective way to cut heating and cooling bills, reduce noise, and eliminate drafts. Windows are pricey, and so is installation, so you’ll want to get it right. Buying replacements that are the same size as your existing windows will minimize the need for new framing, not to mention siding and trim on the outside of your house. Many energy-efficient windows qualify for federal tax credits of up to $600. ▶ HOW TO SHOP Start by choosing the window material, or composition. Vinyl tends to be the least expensive option, but most models have limited color options, and vinyl can’t be painted or stained. Composite windows, typically made with a mix of fiberglass and other materials, cost somewhat more. And wood windows, which offer a natural…

WHEN SHOPPING for a new car, it’s easy to let your emotions take over. You might start out by looking at important factors such as safety and reliability. But then other influences creep in, like a brand’s popularity, a flashy design, or—given today’s average new-car price of nearly $50,000 and market uncertainty about tariffs—a really deep discount. Letting those factors guide your buying decision can leave you stuck with a car purchase you’ll regret, and our testing and survey data prove it. For example, the Volkswagen Jetta far outsold the Mazda3 in 2024, but Mazda owners told us they were happier with their cars. Similarly, we found that Mercedes-Benz’s confusing controls took some of the luster off the brand’s luxury image, the Nissan Pathfinder’s discounted price didn’t make up for…

WITH ALL THE TALK of tariffs, rising prices, and volatile markets, recent months have brought a great deal of economic uncertainty. But we can’t put our lives on hold while we wait for things to turn around. The bills keep coming. Necessary expenses keep piling up. That’s why CR is always looking for ways to help you save money. This issue’s cover story is a case in point. Using the results of our extensive lab tests and owner surveys, “The Better Deal,” on page 24, will help you choose products—from appliances to autos—that deliver the best performance for a great price. Advice from our shopping experts can help you save big on everything you buy. Want to lower your monthly bills? CR can help there, too. Go to CR.org/billnegotiator and…

Door Locks WE TESTED: 91 models WE TEST FOR: A model’s ability to withstand a door being kicked in or the lock being picked or drilled, how convenient smart features are to use, and more. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 49 Range: 12-96 HIGH-SECURITY CHOICE Bowley Lock Grade 2 $150 94 OVERALL SCORE SMART WIFI MODEL Yale Assure Lock 2 YRD450-WF1-BSP $260 84 OVERALL SCORE BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTION Kwikset Juno 991J15SMTCP $50 80 OVERALL SCORE All-Season Tires WE TESTED: 22 models WE TEST FOR: How well a tire brakes in wet and dry conditions, how long its tread lasts, ride smoothness and quietness, and more. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 61 Range: 53-68 TOP-RATED & LONG TREAD LIFE Michelin Defender2 $187 68 OVERALL SCORE SMOOTH RIDE & GOOD ON ICE Vredestein Quatrac Pro+ $144 67…

SMART AC CONTROLLER Mysa Smart $140 86 OVERALL SCORE Plugging this device into a wall outlet will let you use the Mysa phone app to control any window AC unit or mini-split that has an infrared remote. Then, with a few taps, you can turn the AC on or off, change the temperature, set a schedule, and more. BEST TABLETOP FAN Vornado Flippi V6 Personal Air Circulator $18 This tabletop model earned first place in our tests, delivering a stream of air that’s perfect for keeping one person cool. It’s quiet and easy to adjust, and used less energy than any of the other small fans we tested. EFFICIENT CEILING FAN Westinghouse Comet Indoor 52” $117 86 OVERALL SCORE Running a ceiling fan—like this top-scoring model—counter-clockwise lets you raise your…

VOLKSWAGEN VEHICLES Volkswagen is recalling more than 177,000 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs from the 2024 and 2025 model years because if the engine cover is not properly reinstalled after a vehicle service, it could come into contact with a hot surface such as the exhaust or turbocharger. That could increase the risk of melting and/or fire. What to do: Dealers will remove the plastic engine cover, free of charge. The repair should take less than an hour. Owners can call Volkswagen at 800-893-5298. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 25V100. TESLA CYBERTRUCKS Tesla is recalling more than 46,000 Cybertrucks from the 2024 and 2025 model years because an exterior trim panel can detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a…

SINGLE-SERVE COFFEE MAKERS KEURIG K-SUPREME PLUS SMART $129 78 OVERALL SCORE THE BETTER DEAL INSTANT SOLO SINGLE SERVE $70 70 OVERALL SCORE THE LOWDOWN Both of these single-serve coffee makers brew up your first cup quickly, and they’re easy to use, refill, and clean, too. The pricier Keurig outperforms the Instant when it comes to brewing range—it lets users adjust the strength of their coffee—and it has WiFi connectivity, so you can turn it on or off remotely via a smartphone app. But its temperature consistency from cup to cup is not very good. For about $60 less, the Instant is a more consistent brewer, and it accepts both K-Cups and loose grounds. NONSTICK FRY PANS GREENPAN !0 PARIS PRO CERAMIC NONSTICK $100 82 OVERALL SCORE THE BETTER DEAL $0 BLUE…

SMARTWATCHES APPLE WATCH ULTRA 2 GPS + CELLULAR $800 91 OVERALL SCORE THE BETTER DEAL APPLE WATCH SERIES 10 $400 90 OVERALL SCORE THE LOWDOWN Both Apple Watches impressed our testers, and they both deliver all the basic health monitoring features, such as sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and fall detection. But the Ultra 2 offers premium upgrades aimed squarely at outdoorsy types: longer battery life, a larger watch face, and the ability to make calls without your phone nearby. Unless you plan to take your watch off the grid—or you really prefer the Ultra’s rugged titanium design—the Series 10 likely does everything you need at half the price. INDOOR-OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS EUFY SOLO CAM S230 $130 78 OVERALL SCORE THE BETTER DEAL TP-LINK TAPO C310 2K $30 78 OVERALL…

Exterminators These pros can identify and eliminate insects and rodents by using chemicals. To find one, go to pestworld.org/find-local-exterminators; check your state’s pest regulatory agency (often the state Department of Agriculture); or check the Better Business Bureau. Angi and HomeAdvisor can also offer leads. Angi says pestcontrol treatments run about $170. If you have pets, ask in advance about safety protocols. Wildlife Control Professionals These experts are trained to handle most small critters, including squirrels, bats, skunks, and snakes. Search the Find a Pest Pro section at pestworld.org; use a specialized directory, like the one at batworld.org; or find local licensed practitioners on Angi or Home Advisor. Companies such as Critter Control operate nationally. A wildlife-removal visit costs about $400, according to Angi. If an animal is endangering public safety,…

MOSQUITOES AND TICKS The deadliest creature in the world isn’t a shark, snake, or spider, says Jim Fredericks of the National Pest Management Association. It’s the mosquito, which can spread diseases including malaria, yellow fever, dengue, encephalitis, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water and need only half an inch of it to lay eggs, Fredericks says, so eliminate pools in flower saucers and clogged gutters. Plant basil, catnip, marigold, mint, lavender, or lemon balm; their scent may help repel mosquitoes. To protect yourself against bites, cover up, and use a repellent containing deet, like our product picks below. Ticks, which can carry Lyme disease, tend to live in dense landscaping, tall grass, and wooded areas. Mow often and thin out dense plantings. Patio furniture,…

With Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 earbuds, you can listen to music, audiobooks, and podcasts, of course. But you can also get an overall boost to your hearing, without buying a dedicated pair of hearing aids. That’s because Apple’s Hearing Aid feature software, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last September, makes it possible for people with mild to moderate hearing loss to use these earbuds as self-fitting OTC hearing aids. To set them up as hearing aids, you take a quick audio test that plays a series of tones through the AirPods. Afterward, you’ll be able to choose the amplification that suits you in a number of specific situations, such as listening to a conversation or the TV, and turn down any intrusive background noise. The AirPods…

Shopping for Salt Salt used to be the most ordinary kitchen staple, but it has gone gourmet. With the tempting array in grocery and specialty stores, it can be hard to know what to reach for. Then there’s the question of whether you should. Isn’t salt bad for you? Wouldn’t it be best to lower your sodium intake? The answers start with understanding the difference between sodium and salt. Sodium is a mineral that your body needs to function. It makes up about 40 percent of salt by weight. (The rest is mostly chloride.) Yet getting too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and raise your risk for kidney disease and osteoporosis. Americans consume an average of 3,400 mg of sodium a day. The maximum recommended amount is…

You can use the same sunscreen for your body and face, but facial formulas “don’t clog pores and are made to blend easily into your skin tone,” says Rebecca Hartman MD, a melanoma specialist. Here’s more advice. Check the water resistance Most sunscreens on the market will protect you when your skin is wet, but that’s not the case with all facial sunscreens. You probably don’t need a water-resistant sunscreen as you go about your day, but if you’ll be swimming or exercising outdoors, you definitely do. Use enough One full teaspoon (a blob about the size of a quarter) will effectively cover your face, neck, and ears. As with any sunscreen, you should reapply it every 2 hours. Don’t rely on makeup with SPF It can add a little…

▶ HOW TO SHOP If a model doesn’t produce enough steam, it won’t clean very well. So look for models with high scores for both cleaning and steam rate. Choosing one with a large water tank will let you clean longer without pausing to refill. It’s also worth looking for a steam mop that has indicator lights—one to alert you when the water is fully heated and a second to show when the tank is nearly empty. Multiple steam settings will allow you to produce more steam for tougher stains. Not every model is a winner, of course, but we’ve noticed improvements in performance in the past few years. So even if you have tried one of these tools in the past and been disappointed, you might be pleasantly surprised…

▶ HOW TO SHOP Start by choosing a high-scoring paint from our ratings. Note that if you’re hiring a pro, they may have their own preferences. Let your home’s location help dictate which paint you buy. Warm regions with high sun exposure may require UV-and mildew-resistant acrylic-based formulas, while cold areas could require “cold set” or “low temperature” formula, which will be labeled accordingly. Next, consider the finish. Flat finishes can camouflage flaws, while eggshell or satin looks best on smoother surfaces. Highlight trim with semi-gloss or gloss finishes. For homes built before 1978, have an expert determine whether any lead paint is present. Even if the house has been painted multiple times, lead might be released during sanding. ▶ WHAT TO AVOID Don’t scrimp on exterior paint. You might save a…

▶ HOW TO SHOP For smaller yards—under half an acre—a walk-behind mower is your best bet. There are two types: push mowers, which tend to cost less, and self-propelled mowers, which you simply have to steer. You’ll find gas and batterypowered models in both styles. Many battery mowers can run for about an hour—covering about a quarter acre of lawn—on a single charge. For yards of more than a half acre, a lawn tractor or zero-turn-radius mower may make more sense. Gas riding mowers are a great option for the largest lawns because they’re designed to run for hours. If you have an irregularly shaped space or lots of trees to maneuver around, a zero-turn mower can offer more nimble handling than a riding mower. Rather than a steering wheel, you…

Nissan Murano For its 2025 redesign, Nissan’s two-row SUV loses its slick V6 engine and continuously variable transmission in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic. With optional all-wheel drive, EPA-estimated fuel economy is 23 mpg combined. CR’S TAKE The Murano is stylish, inside and out, and its interior is more comfortable than its predecessor’s. But visibility is compromised and acceleration feels lurchy. The small touchscreen and steering wheel controls are confusing. Despite its size, there’s not much cargo room. BASE PRICE RANGE $40,470-$49,600 DESTINATION CHARGE $1,390 PRICE AS DRIVEN $49,320 ASK OUR EXPERTS My dealer tried to sell me a prepaid maintenance plan. Should I get one? Potentially. These plans cover routine scheduled maintenance but often exclude “wear items” like brakes and tires. Take time to…

KEEPING YOUR CAR RUNNING WELL for 150,000 miles is a true financial win, according to CR’s auto experts. By then, depreciation slows down, and even as you start paying for more expensive repairs, your overall ownership costs dwindle. Want to make sure your car lasts for the long haul, with fewer pricey problems? It helps to start with a model known for above-average reliability. (Go to CR.org/reliability.) Ideally, choose from a brand with lower-than-average maintenance and repair costs. For any vehicle, the first step is to check the maintenance timeline in the owner’s manual, and follow it to the letter. “The better you take care of your car, the better it will take care of you,” says John Ibbotson, CR’s chief mechanic. Of course, any car’s parts will eventually wear…

ELECTRIC PICKUP TRUCKS Tesla Cybertruck Fast and Capable, but Poor Visibility 58 OVERALL SCORE WITH ANGULAR, SLAB-SIDED styling that evokes comparisons with everything from a sci-fi creation to a refrigerator on wheels, the Cybertruck is one of the most polarizing vehicles ever sold. We found it quick and agile. Unlike most pickups, the Cybertruck’s ride is stable and pretty comfortable. It’s certainly a daring design, but it doesn’t improve all that much upon traditional trucks. Plus, the controls are distracting to use, and visibility is terrible. DRIVING EXPERIENCE With 600 hp from dual electric motors, our Cybertruck zoomed from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 4.1 seconds. Unlike in most EVs, you can’t adjust the regenerative braking levels. Instead, it’s stuck in one-pedal driving mode, which lets you brake by…

58 OVERALL SCORE Subpar Hatchback CHEVROLET TRAX $20,500-$24,500 The Trax may have an appealing price, but it’s one of the lowest-rated hatchbacks in our tests, ranking 18th out of 19 models. The turbo three-cylinder’s power delivery is uneven, the cabin is noisy, the front seats are uncomfortable, and—though it looks like an SUV—there’s no option to get all-wheel drive. Wimpy Washer MIDEA MLTW41A1BWW $665 It had one job—and didn’t do it well at all: This top-load agitator model received our worst score for washing performance. 30 OVERALL SCORE 44 OVERALL SCORE Super-Slow Video ECO4LIFE SC-VDBC-1001 $75 A slow response time—how long it takes to see a live video after someone presses the doorbell—sent this model toward the bottom of our ratings. 32 OVERALL SCORE Dehumidifier Dud COSTWAY ES10260US-WH $154 The cheery yellow finish…

THE LATEST RATINGS FROM OUR LABS Budget-Smart Tank Model Epson EcoTank ET-4810 $299 58 OVERALL SCORE Because it uses less pricey bottles of ink instead of cartridges, ink costs are just $4 a year. EVEN THOUGH WE live in what seems like a paperless age, it’s surprising how often you still need a good printer. Tax forms, legal documents, event tickets, recipes, boarding passes, photos—the list of things you want to print goes on and on. And it’s inconvenient to ask a friend (or head to Staples) every time you do. So you probably want to have a printer at home. But paying a lot for a device you don’t use every day doesn’t make sense. And then there’s the ink, which can be shockingly expensive. Beyond the price differences,…

ROBOTIC VACUUMS DYSON 360 VIS NAV VACUUM CLEANER $1,200 73 OVERALL SCORE THE BETTER DEAL IROBOT ROOMBA COMBO I5 $350 72 OVERALL SCORE THE LOWDOWN The high-priced Dyson is one of the few robotic vacuums that excel in our lab tests for carpet cleaning, thanks to its extra-strong suction. For $850 less, consider the iRobot. Though it’s not quite as effective on carpet, it cleans bare floors very well. It’s also quiet and can double as a robotic mop, a function the Dyson doesn’t offer. ALL-PURPOSE CLEANERS MR. CLEAN CLEAN FREAK $5.94 for 16 fluid ounces THE THE BETTER BETTER DEAL DEAL SIMPLE GREEN $3.92 for 24 fluid ounces THE LOWDOWN In our tests, Mr. Clean easily removed grease and dirt from most surfaces, and it features a power nozzle that lets you control the…

MIDSIZED SEDANS TOYOTA CROWN $41,440-$54,990 81 OVERALL SCORE THE BETTER DEAL TOYOTA CAMRY $28,700-$36,425 82 OVERALL SCORE THE LOWDOWN These sedans have a lot in common: They’re both hybrids, they both scored well in our road tests, and they’re from the same brand. The Crown comes standard with all-wheel drive (which is optional on the Camry), and it’s bigger, with an especially roomy trunk. But the Crown’s interior is snugger than you might expect, especially in the back seat. In fact, while the Camry is smaller overall, its interior feels about as spacious as the Crown’s. The Camry also offers better fuel economy—48 mpg overall vs. the Crown’s 42 mpg. More important, it costs thousands less. LUXURY COMPACT SUVs ACURA RDX $44,700-$54,450 75 OVERALL SCORE THE BETTER DEAL KIA SPORTAGE…

If you’ve received a homeowners insurance policy renewal lately, your rate may have taken your breath away. Increases averaging about 25 percent are the new normal, says Chuck Bell, a CR policy advocate. In fact, a September 2024 CR nationally representative survey of 2,146 adults in the U.S. found that 83 percent of homeowners who had the same insurer for at least five years saw their rates go up. Of those, about 1 in 10 said they jumped 50 percent or more. Reports by various federal agencies point to the culprits. First up: inflation, which has triggered a 40 percent hike in labor and costs for building materials that insurers build into your premiums. Another is the significant rise in natural disasters in the U.S. over the past decades, which…

▶ HOW TO SHOP The layout of your house, along with your flooring, should dictate which kind of vacuum you buy. A full-sized vacuum, either an upright or a canister, is your best bet for thoroughly cleaning both carpets and hardwood floors. While these vacuums tend to be heavier than stick and handheld vacuums, they also produce stronger suction. If you have a lot of carpet, consider an upright; because the machine’s full weight is centered over the powerhead, it can dig deeper into carpet fibers. Canister vacuums are best for homes with lots of bare floors, and for multilevel homes because their two-part design makes them easier to carry up and down stairs. One of the main decisions you’ll have with a full-sized vacuum is whether to buy a bagged…

▶ HOW TO SHOP Any smoke detector you buy should be capable of quickly detecting both smoldering and flaming fires, which require different kinds of sensors, and any CO detector should accurately identify high and low CO levels. CR’s tests have found significant differences in how well various products can detect CO—so it’s crucial to choose a model that aces that test in our ratings. Interconnected models add a layer of safety because when one detector goes off, they all do. That’s particularly useful in large, multistory homes, where a nighttime fire in the basement, for example, would trigger alarms throughout the house. Some units also have smart home capabilities, enabling them to alert you to a problem via a phone app, even when you’re away. You’ll need to decide on…

▶ HOW TO SHOP Solid stains typically hold up longer than other kinds of stain—three to five years—but they also hide the grain of the wood the way paint does. That’s not ideal if you’ve chosen a decking material partly for the natural appearance of the wood. Also, after a few coats, solid stains can build up a film, which can peel, chip, and crack like paint. Semi-transparent stains color the wood but let the grain peek through, making them a good choice for wood that you want to show off. Some brands also offer what they label semi-solid and/or transparent stains. These give the material more protection without completely hiding its grain. Semi-transparent stains aren’t as tough as the top solid options and will probably last only two to three…

▶ HOW TO SHOP Most people will be best served by a generaluse drill, with a ⅜-inch chuck and (typically) a 12-volt battery. Those models are powerful enough to drill into wood, while also remaining compact and lightweight. For small jobs like drilling into drywall, a light-duty model with a 1⁄4-inch socket could be plenty. Alternately, big projects like building a deck or drilling into brick or concrete are easier with a heavy-duty drill or an impact driver. They are typically powered by 18-to 24-volt batteries and often come with ½-inch chucks, to accept very large drill bits. An impact driver can apply much more torque than a cordless drill, but you’ll need hex-shaped bits, rather than the round bits that can be used with regular drills. For both drills and…