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Household Utilities

The Best International Cell Phone Plans

You come home from vacation. You’re relaxed. You’re refreshed. Then you check your cell phone bill and find that you owe $800. International roaming rates are nothing to mess around with. Understand what you’re on the hook for before you travel abroad. We surveyed the mobile landscape to find cell phone plans and add-on options that are friendly to out-of-country travelers. Pick a plan that’s right for you and you can save money.

Oct 2, 2026·3 min read

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Household Utilities

13 Best Business Phone Plans: Services, Prices, & Reviews

Choosing the right business phone plan depends on whether you need a VoIP system, a mobile plan for field teams, or both. This guide compares 13 providers by price, features, and use case, so you can match the right plan to your business size and structure. Let's get more information...

Oct 2, 2026·3 min read

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Household Utilities

The Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans 2026

If you want the best cheap cell phone and don't mind paying for a full year of service, Mint Mobile has the most attractive plans — and reliable service on T-Mobile's network to boot. But if you'd prefer unlimited data and the flexibility of monthly payments, check out Visible's Visible Plus plan. Turn to one of the best cheap phone plans that we've discovered, and you won't have to worry about rising costs affecting your phone bill. These plans all cost less than $40 a month, with more than enough data to go around — and in some places, those low rates are locked in for the foreseeable future.

Oct 2, 2026·3 min read

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Household Utilities

Electric Cars 101: Answers to All Your EV Questions

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly common, thanks to new long-range offerings from major automakers, lower costs, and volatile gas prices. Despite a rocky period for EVs in the U.S., the worldwide trend toward electrification continues. But is an EV right for you? The experts who have purchased and tested nearly every electric vehicle on the market for Consumer Reports are here to help you decide.

Oct 2, 2026·3 min read

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Household Utilities

How to Find the Best Home EV Charger

If you’re thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll probably also want to get a home charger installed. That way, you’ll be able to conveniently recharge the battery while your car is parked at home. Many of the technicians and reviewers at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center have gone through the process of installing and using an EV charger at their homes, and we’ve installed dozens of chargers at our test track. Our experience can help guide you through the process and address any questions you might have.

Oct 2, 2026·3 min read

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Household Utilities

Are Solar Panels Worth It?

Homeowners who install solar power systems can receive many benefits: reduced electric bills, lower carbon footprints, and potentially higher home values. However, these benefits can come with significant installation and maintenance costs and gains can vary from one house to another.

Oct 2, 2026·3 min read

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Household Utilities

The New Home Affordability Hurdle: Keeping The Lights On

Whether it’s wars, wildfires, inclement weather or growing energy demand, electricity prices are rising and have been for some time. With the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, Americans are witnessing yet another inflection point that could further spike their electric bills. That uncertainty adds another notch of anxiety for homeowners. Homeownership was once viewed as financially more predictable than renting and absorbing annual rent increases. But regularly rising property taxes, homeowners insurance and HOA fees have changed that in recent years — and those don’t account for the higher mortgage rates and home values creating greater costs simply to purchase a home in the first place. Now you can add utilities to the list of expenses impacting home affordability and giving potential homebuyers pause.

Oct 2, 2026·3 min read

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All Household Utilities articles

The Best International Cell Phone Plans

13 Best Business Phone Plans: Services, Prices, & Reviews

The Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans 2026

Electric Cars 101: Answers to All Your EV Questions

How to Find the Best Home EV Charger

Are Solar Panels Worth It?

The New Home Affordability Hurdle: Keeping The Lights On

More in Household Utilities

How Much Does Internet Cost Per Month — And Is It Worth It?

6 Ways to Get Cheap Internet

The Best International Cell Phone Plans

13 Best Business Phone Plans: Services, Prices, & Reviews

The Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans 2026

Explore more in Household Utilities.