Tabla de contenidos para January/February 2026 en 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 The Best Bar Soaps ○ A good soap should cleanse and moisturize well—but still rinse clean without leaving any residue behind or drying out your skin. It should also last through multiple showers (or many hand washes) without dissolving into a soft, goopy mess. To find out which soaps are up to the task, we tested 11 popular bars, evaluating each one’s feel on the skin, comfort during use, and scent. To assess longevity, we placed equalsized samples of each soap under cold running water for 20 minutes. The bars that held up best, such as the Dove Original (shown unpackaged at far right), should last over more uses and so offer better value. But our favorite product overall, the Kirkland Signature bar (shown unpackaged at the…

Hard-water minerals may be clogging the holes and limiting flow. To descale the showerhead, unscrew it and submerge face down in a bowl of white vinegar for an hour, then clean it with a sponge or cloth. If you can’t unscrew it, fill a plastic bag with vinegar, secure it around the showerhead with a zip tie or rubber band, and let it sit for an hour. Remove the bag, then wipe the head clean. NEED A NEW SHOWERHEAD? This Hopopro model is one of the best performers in our evaluation of spray force, coverage, and droplet size. Hopopro High Pressure Fixed Showerhead $20…

LG ADFD5448AT A NEW DISHWASHER usually isn’t high on anyone’s wish list. But appliances wear out, so you might find yourself shopping for one anyway. With new tariffs having a potential impact on costs—and dishwasher prices already at a three-year high, according to the market insight firm OpenBrand—it’s important to know how to get the most bang for your buck. If it’s been a while since you bought your last dishwasher, you’ll find that today’s options offer plenty of bells and whistles (such as WiFi connectivity) but that the most important attributes haven’t changed much. The best models clean well, leave dishes dry (and even plastics), and are easy to use. With our testing and survey data, we can point you to the options that check those boxes while also being…

Q Is it okay to let dirty dishes sit in the dishwasher for a couple of days? It can take some time for a small household to use enough dishes to have a full load, so it’s fine to wait. Just be sure to run a rinse cycle when you add dishes to prevent odors and mold. Q What’s the best way to deal with a stinky dishwasher? If your appliance has an odor, food debris is probably hiding somewhere inside. Clean the filter and make sure your drain isn’t clogged. Also, remove any buildup that may have collected on your dishwasher’s walls and door. Wipe down the interior with a smooth, damp cloth or run a self-cleaning cycle once a month if your dishwasher has this function. For the…

There’s no question that the omega-3 fats found in fish are good for you. Studies show the people who regularly eat fatty fish have lower rates of heart disease, dementia, and age-related macular degeneration. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fatty fish (such as salmon) each week for heart health. But some research suggests that these benefits may not translate to supplements, with a couple of exceptions: in people who have already had a heart attack and among those who have very high triglycerides. (If that’s you, ask your doctor about prescription fish oil, which is regulated as a drug.) Higher amounts of omega-3s may also raise your risk for atrial fibrillation. Recent tests by CR found that some (non-expired) fish oil supplements may be rancid, which…

Ages 19-26 ▶ FLU Once a year. ▶ COVID-19 1 dose or more a year. ▶ MENINGOCOCCAL B 2 to 3 doses if you’re 19 to 23 and haven’t yet had it. ▶ TDAP 1 dose if you didn’t get it in childhood, then a booster every 10 years. ▶ HPV 2 to 3 doses if your doctor recommends it. ▶ MMR 1 to 2 doses if you didn’t receive it in childhood. ▶ VARICELLA (CHICKENPOX) 2 doses if you were born in or after 1980 and didn’t get them as a child. ▶ HEPATITIS B 2 to 4 doses if you didn’t get them in childhood. ▶ POLIO 3 doses if you didn’t get the series as a child. Ages 27-49 ▶ FLU Once a year. ▶ COVID-19 1 dose or…

You might be surprised how much prices for the same item can differ among stores in the same area. Here are some of the most extreme variations Strategic Resource Group found. (Some are sale prices.) BOSTON Maxwell House Original Roast 27.5-ounce container $19.39 Big Y $9.88 Stop & Shop DALLAS Barilla Pasta 16-ounce box $1.99 El Rancho 98¢ WinCo CHICAGO Cheerios 18-ounce box $8.99 Jewel-Osco $ 4.44 Walmart DALLAS Hellmann’s Mayonnaise 30-ounce jar $7.99 Fiesta $4.98 H-E-B CHICAGO Quaker Chewy Granola Bars 8-pack $5.19 Mariano’s $2.50 Food 4 Less VIRGINIA BEACH Pepsi 2-liter bottle $4 Publix $1.99 Target LOS ANGELES StarKist Chunk Light Tuna 5-ounce can $1.79 Vons 88¢ WinCo…

INNERSPRING ▶ HOW TO SHOP Filled with steel coils or springs, these mattresses are generally a good choice if you like a firmer, bouncier surface. Pocketed coils (individually wrapped springs that move independently) tend to do a better job of minimizing vibrations when a partner shifts positions (known as “motion transfer”) and contour better to the body, reducing pressure points and improving spinal alignment. Look for models with sturdy, reinforced edges. A sure way to tell? Sit on the edge of the bed. It should stay fairly stable, so you can, say, pull on a pair of socks. Pay attention to the comfort layers, too. When testing a mattress in a store, lie on your back and focus on your spine. It should be in a neutral position, not arched.…

Acura ADX The ADX is the luxury version of the Honda HR-V subcompact SUV. It has more dramatic exterior styling, an upgraded interior, and a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined. CR’S TAKE The ADX has secure handling, easy-to-use controls, and a comfortable ride. However, it doesn’t feel like a true luxury vehicle. We wish Acura had tuned the powertrain for quicker acceleration, fitted more comfortable seats, and better suppressed interior noise. BASE PRICE RANGE $35,000-$44,000 DESTINATION CHARGE $1,350 PRICE AS DRIVEN $41,350 AskCR I lease my car. What happens if I have a collision? Most lease contracts require that, after any crash, you pay for repairs. If you return the lease with any dents, scrapes, or other damage, you may be charged.…

MIDSIZED TWO-ROW SUVs Honda Passport Rugged Off-Road Looks and Easy On-Road Ride ROAD-TEST SCORE 81 HIGHS Smooth V6 engine, short stopping distances, clear and easy-to-use controls, roomy rear seat, generous cargo area LOWS Lackluster handling agility, inconsistent transmission performance POWERTRAIN 285-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine; 10-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive FUEL 21 mpg on regular PRICE $44,750-$53,650 base price + $1,495 destination charge Total MSRP as tested $46,655 THE REDESIGNED PASSPORT is Honda’s entry into the booming market of car-based SUVs with off-road styling. We’re relieved that the RTL trim we tested didn’t feel as rugged as it looks. (The more off-roadoriented TrailSport trims have all-terrain tires and different suspension.) The new Passport has a smoother ride than before, which complements its comfortable seats, roomy cabin, generous cargo area, and easy-to-use…

KNOWING WHO IS WORTH LISTENING TO on matters of health is getting harder than ever. Online ads and social media posts offer simple solutions. This pill. That diet. Order now. Too often these promises are empty—or, worse, actually dangerous. Consumer Reports has spent 90 years earning consumer trust on health issues by powering our work with science and staunch independence. You’ll never need to wonder what company might have influenced our product testing or reviews—because no company ever has. And when you read this month’s cover story, “CR’s Guide to Popular Supplements,” you can be certain the advice is offered in your best interest, not in support of a sponsor. CR is always working to find new ways to provide you with the facts you need to stay well. Our Food…

Smartwatches WE TESTED: 58 models WE TEST FOR: How easy a wearable device is to use, heart rate monitor and step count accuracy, water resistance, readability, and more. ABOUT THE SCORES Median: 75 Range: 57-83 BEST OVERALL Apple Watch Series 11 (46 mm), $430 EASY-TO-USE SMARTPHONE APP Garmin Venu X1 $800 BARGAIN BUY Amazfit Bip 6 $80 Treadmills WE TESTED: 55 models WE TEST FOR: Ergonomics, including belt size and handgrip design; sturdiness of construction; ease of using controls and display; and more. ABOUT THE SCORES Median: 81 Range: 52-90 SUPERB FEATURES Peloton Tread $3,295 RUNNER-UP Sole TT8 $2,400 FOLDS TO SAVE SPACE Xterra TRX3500 $730 55-Inch TVs WE TESTED: 87 models WE TEST FOR: A TV’s HD, UHD, and HDR performance; picture quality from various angles; ability to display blurfree motion; and…

Apple iPhone 15 Plus $730 BATTERY LIFE 53 hours To test battery life, we use a robotic finger that simulates a person’s average daily use. This iPhone lasted longest of all 73 smartphones in our ratings, beating out even newer Apple models. Shark Stratos IZ862H $500 BATTERY LIFE 40 minutes If you set this Shark to eco-mode, it lasts up to 56 minutes. Most of the cordless stick vacuums we’ve tested run for just 30 minutes or less—and can cost twice as much as this model. LG Gram 17” (17Z90TL-H.AUB8U3) $2,000 BATTERY LIFE up to 18.25 hours Travelers familiar with outlet anxiety, take note: This LG has exceptional battery life in our tests, well beyond what you need for typical daily use. Hercules (Harbor Freight) HCB91K1 With 2Ah Battery $100 BATTERY LIFE Up to…

HIGHLY RELIABLE Bosch 300 Series SHE43C75N $640 SUPERB WASHING LG LDFC2423V $445 ENERGY SAVER Midea MDT24P3CST $529 GOOD AT DRYING Whirlpool WDP730HAMZ $738 To shop the products in this issue, scan this QR code with your phone or go to CR.org/shopjanfeb.…

In short: Not quite. You might have heard about the purported benefits of NAD+ on a podcast or in an online advertisement. But what exactly is it? And is the hype deserved? NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, often called NAD+) is a coenzyme that helps our cells make energy (among other functions), says Christopher Wiley, PhD, a scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston who has studied NAD. As we age, our bodies’ levels of NAD drop. “There is a hypothesis that the [NAD] loss leads to all the degenerative processes we associate with aging,” he says. Some enthusiasts believe raising NAD levels could help repair damage, increase muscle mass, and improve energy levels, says Rebecca Andrews, MD, a professor of…

CHICKEN NOODLE Target Good & Gather Chicken Noodle $1.55 per cup Panera Bread Chicken Noodle $3.25 per cup Both had good chicken flavor and al dente veggies and noodles. The sodium amounts are about the same, but you’ll save big if you pick the Target option. MINESTRONE Whole Foods Market Minestrone $2.83 per cup Primel Minestrone* $3.50 per cup The Whole Foods soup was the top-tasting in its category, and has 150 mg less sodium. The Primel ranked slightly lower in taste, and it costs almost 70 cents more per cup. LENTIL Trader Joe’s Lentil With Ancient Grains $1.92 per cup Tabatchnick Tuscany Lentil* $2.10 per cup These fiber-rich soups are equally filling. TJ’s had better flavor and texture overall—and it’s a bit less expensive.…

With the right tools and know-how, you can eliminate dead spots, getting better WiFi coverage everywhere. A high-performing single-unit router works beautifully in many households. A mesh router is better for spreading signals from floor to floor and across a large home, reaching spots where signals may be disrupted by brick walls, plumbing, and appliances. And a WiFi extender pushes the signal deeper into just one spot. Here’s how to use each option. ROUTER Asus BE6800 (RT-BE86U) $300 MESH ROUTER TP-Link Deco Pro AX3000 (3-pack) $225 WIFI EXTENDER Netgear AX1800 (EAX15) $100…

Grocery inflation has hit Brianna Stangarone right in the lasagna pan. The imported pecorino Romano cheese she has always used to make her signature dish has become so expensive that the Irvington, N.Y., teacher recently switched to a domestic substitute. She has also downloaded three grocery apps to help her find the best price for her favorite pasta brand. And she’s gotten used to making sacrifices she hadn’t considered before. “If something’s too expensive and it’s not a necessity,” she says, “I leave it behind.” Like Stangarone, you’ve probably found yourself navigating a new normal at the grocery store. The prices of dairy, beef, and pork products are at or near record highs. Coffee is up an eye-opening 41 percent since a year ago. And across the board, food prices…

THE NEXT TIME you need to replace your tires, we’ve got you covered. Each year, Consumer Reports tests hundreds of them, and our experts have essential advice to help you make the best choice, without overspending. “It may seem natural to replace the tires on your vehicle with the same ones it came with,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, CR’s tire program leader. “But they may have been chosen to suit the manufacturer’s goals, and not yours.” For example, automakers often install tires with low rolling resistance to maximize fuel economy. Most drivers, however, are better off with tires that prioritize safety, with excellent braking, agile handling, and hydroplaning resistance. Similarly, tire shops may push customers toward the most profitable models, instead of the best options for your needs. To help you…

MIDSIZED SUVs LEXUS RX HYBRID $52,025-$62,745 TOYOTA CROWN SIGNIA $44,090-$48,490 THE LOWDOWN THE LEXUS RX HYBRID ranks among the top models in the midsized two-row luxury SUV class, with respectable fuel economy, a well-finished cabin, a generous rear seat, and solid reliability history. But its powertrain lacks the smoothness of other highend models, and it takes time to get the hang of some controls. The similarly sized Toyota Crown Signia is a better value. It’s based on the same platform but offers more straightforward controls, easier access, and better handling. And, at 37 mpg overall in our tests, the wellequipped Crown Signia Limited bests the RX Hybrid’s 34 mpg. REFRIGERATORS THE LOWDOWN BOTH OF THESE FRENCH-DOOR fridges excelled in our temperature tests, keeping food at consistently safe temperatures, and we found…

○ You’ve probably heard this since childhood: Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes, twice a day, clears away the daily buildup of bacteria that causes plaque, which can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Although both manual and electric toothbrushes can get the job done well, some research suggests that power models may have the edge when it comes to reducing plaque and gingivitis. And their thicker handles may be more comfortable to hold. Electric toothbrushes come in two main styles: Oscillating/rotating versions have a round brush head that rotates back and forth, while sonic types have an oblong head, similar to the shape of manual brushes, which vibrates from side to side. Both can deliver good results. All the models we tested have a…

TOYOTA VEHICLES Toyota is recalling Tundra and Tundra Hybrid trucks from the 2022 to 2025 model years, as well as 2023 to 2025 Sequoia Hybrid SUVs—more than 393,000 vehicles—because the backup camera might not display an image when the car is in Reverse, due to a software error. What to do: Toyota dealerships will perform a software update, free of charge. Owners may call Toyota at 800-331-4331. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 25V657. SUNBEAM OSTER FRENCH DOOR COUNTERTOP OVENS Sunbeam Products is recalling about 1.29 million Oster French Door Countertop Ovens because the spring-loaded doors can unexpectedly close, posing a serious burn hazard. They were sold at Bed Bath & Beyond, Costco, and Walmart stores nationwide and online at Amazon and overstock.com from August 2015 through July 2025…

1. Scrape your plates. Dishes don’t need rinsing before you pop them into the dishwasher, but you should scrape off food chunks because they might clog the drain hose, tear the filter, or damage the pump. 2. Clean the filter. If your dishwasher has a manual filter, you should empty and clean it periodically. Otherwise, the machine won’t be able to clean as well. Most manufacturers suggest cleaning the filter every two to three months, though you should do it more often if you use your dishwasher every day. 3. Check the spray arms. Every few months, examine the holes in the spray arms for any trapped food scraps that might block the water flow, hurting performance. It’s easy to disconnect the arms and run them under a faucet or…

Protein powders and shakes are popular, but many are also prone to serious heavy metal contamination, according to a recent CR investigation—and for most people, they’re simply not needed. The average adult should get 0.36 gram of protein per pound of body weight, which comes to 54 grams for a 150-pound person. That’s roughly the amount in one small cooked chicken breast or 2 cups of low-fat Greek yogurt. People older than 65 need about 50 percent more. It’s critical to do your research: CR’s testing of 23 protein powders and shakes found that more than two-thirds of them had lead levels that exceeded our level of concern. Those with pea protein as a main ingredient were especially worrisome. The two products with the highest lead levels we found were…

STOCK typically contains vegetables and bones and cooks for several hours. It tends to be unseasoned or lightly seasoned, and used as a neutral base for soups, stews, risotto, and sauces. REGULAR BROTH is usually made by cooking chicken or beef in water with vegetables and seasonings (and sometimes bones). It’s lighter and thinner than stock and often cooks for less time. It can be eaten on its own, or used to flavor side dishes like rice or stuffing. VEGETABLE BROTH is made by simmering vegetables and seasonings. It’s also a light liquid, and it can flavor vegetarian dishes. BONE BROTH is a type of stock made with bones and cooked for up to 24 hours. The long simmer extracts more collagen, resulting in a thicker consistency and higher protein…

We ranked grocery chains with the largest market shares, from least to most expensive, in metro areas representative of their regions. Rankings were based on the total price of grocery baskets that included packaged goods, produce, and meat, but differed by area depending on which items were available in every store. Warehouse clubs and retailers that sell mainly store brands, such as Aldi and Trader Joe’s, were analyzed separately and are not included in the charts here. CHICAGO (MIDWEST) Cost of baskets containing the same 56 items Walmart $225.48 Target $233.21 Food 4 Less $242.75 Meijer $247.74 Mariano’s $287.62 Jewel-Osco $292.53 DALLAS (SOUTH CENTRAL) Cost of baskets containing the same 49 items WinCo Foods $157.18 H-E-B $160.49 Walmart $160.84 Target $175.26 Kroger $184.55 Fiesta $195.79 Albertsons $198.52 Tom Thumb $201.72…

SUBSCRIBE If you use a grocery delivery service three times a month or more, a subscription will probably save you money. Not sure it will pay off for you? Many retailers offer a free trial period. GET A DISCOUNT AARP members, students, and anyone using a government assistance program can get 40 to 50 percent off the Walmart+ Assist program, for example, which includes free delivery. BE FLEXIBLE WITH DELIVERY TIMES FreshDirect offers discounts for midweek deliveries, for example. And Instacart customers who choose a 3-hour “no rush” delivery window get $2 off orders.…

HOW TO SHOP First, look for an option that scores well in our tests for removing particles from the air. You can also check a purifier’s clean air delivery rate (CADR), usually located on the box (or in the product description if you’re shopping online). A higher number means faster, more efficient cleaning. Next, make sure the unit is rated for the size of your room. We organize our ratings this way so that it’s easy to find a high performer for your bedroom. A model that’s too small will struggle to clear the air efficiently, while an oversized purifier will waste energy without getting the air any cleaner. LARGE ROOM Winix 9800 Look for air purifiers with a true HEPA filter, which captures at least 99.97 percent of airborne…

YOU TRY TO TURN ON YOUR CAR, and it just won’t start. Maybe the dashboard doesn’t even light up. A likely cause: The 12-volt battery is dead. All cars lose a little battery power when parked. If you drive it regularly, the car’s electrical system will charge it back up. But if your battery dies after being parked for only a few days, you may have a serious problem that could eventually leave you stranded. “It’s an obvious red flag, and there are a couple of common causes,” says Michael Crossen, lead technician at CR’s Auto Test Center. “The battery might be at the end of its life, or there could be something broken, like a failed control module that’s drawing electricity, and your mechanic will need to find the…