Consumer Reports Staffers Share Their BIFL Favorites

Going to the beach? Consider a pair of flip-flops from Rainbow Sandals, which CR social producer Jamison Hermann swears by. “These sandals are sturdy, comfortable, and have a classic design. I’ve worn them on countless beach trips and hot summer days,” he says. “I’m not a small person, and as a result I often wear…

Read More

Garmin Forerunner 970 Review: A Very Extra Running Watch

It has 15 new sport profiles compared to the Forerunner 965, including things like Backcountry Snowboarding, Pickleball, and even some motor sports. The list isn’t as extensive as the Fenix 8, though, which can track surfing and now works as a full-on dive watch for recreational scuba and freediving. It really feels like the lack…

Read More

Best Treadmills of 2025

CR’s tests focus on ease of use, the quality of construction (including design, noise, feel, and durability), ergonomics (how well the machine accommodates different users), exercise range, and user safety. For exercise range, we assess whether a machine is suitable for a variety of fitness levels. Our tests factor in the range of treadmill speeds,…

Read More

What’s the Best Mac Laptop or Desktop for You?

While we have not yet had a chance to run the new M5 MacBook Pro through our suite of lab tests (we have to buy it first), we will update this article with the results and analysis once that testing is complete. In the meantime, this guide can help you understand how the current models,…

Read More

5 Best Dash Cams of 2025, Tested by Our Experts

These guidelines, based on our experience shopping for a dash cam, will give you a head start and save you time (and maybe even money). Determine your needs. In what situations do you think a dash cam would be useful? Will you need to use it at night? Do you want it to record inside the…

Read More

The Pixel Watch 3 Is $100 Off

Are you an Android user who is constantly looking at Apple Watch owners with envy? You’re in luck, as the Pixel Watch 3 is marked down to just $200 at Amazon in several colors. I spotted three discounted colors of the 45mm aluminum version in matte black, champagne gold, and polished silver. Photograph: Julian Chokkattu…

Read More

What’s the Best Hair Straightener for You? It Depends (2025)

Compare Our Top 10 Hair Straighteners Other Straighteners We Tried Photograph: Kat Merck Paul Mitchell Neuro Style+ for $150: The latest in Paul Mitchell’s lineup of otherwise standout hair straighteners, this ceramic iron with Paul Mitchell’s new NeutraHeat temperature-regulating technology goes up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and has dual voltage for travel. However, the body…

Read More

Meta Has Already Won the Smart Glasses Race

There’s a reason the first successful smart specs look like they’re from the 1950s. That extra thickness isn’t just retro flair, it’s hiding a processor and a battery. But that technical constraint creates a creative opportunity: In the right frame, smart tech can disappear. And transforming functional, medical-grade eyewear—like prescription glasses—into stylish, mass-market fashion accessories…

Read More

How to Apply Wood Stain

These extra steps, taken before you even open the can, will help make your stain go on more easily and help ensure a frustration-free experience and seamless results. Sand the wood, starting with coarse-grit sandpaper. You can use a belt or orbiting sander, but renting a drum sander may be more effective for very large…

Read More

How to Change a Car Tire

“Changing a tire is a straightforward task in perfect conditions,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, Consumer Reports’ tire program manager. “But often the location is dangerous, such as a busy roadway, or there’s a wrinkle, such as when you find out your car doesn’t have a working spare tire. It’s wise to know how to change a…

Read More