Product comparisons, downsides first

Every product has a catch. See it before you buy.

Most "best of" lists lead with the good parts. We read what owners actually complain about — in Amazon and retailer reviews and in expert tests — and put the downsides up front, so you can pick the one whose flaws you can live with.

1. Complaints first

The main complaints for every model, how common they are, and where we found them.

2. Regret signal

The share of 1–2 star Amazon ratings, with the date we checked.

3. Who should skip it

A plain "skip it if…" line, so you can rule models out fast.

Shopping Black Friday? See the catch for every top pick →

Categories 123 categories · 976 models

Kitchen

Air fryers8 models comparedMost common gripe: nonstick coatings that wear or peelCoffee makers8 models comparedMost common gripe: coffee that isn't hot enoughEspresso machines8 models comparedMost common gripe: breaking within months or a yearBlenders8 models comparedMost common gripe: noiseElectric kettles8 models comparedMost common gripe: breaking within a year or twoToaster ovens8 models comparedMost common gripe: uneven heatingElectric pressure cookers8 models comparedMost common gripe: inner pots without handlesStand mixers8 models comparedMost common gripe: struggling with stiff doughRice cookers8 models comparedMost common gripe: slow cookingFood processors8 models comparedMost common gripe: cracked bowls, lids and bladesNonstick pans8 models comparedMost common gripe: coatings that wear, chip or lose slicknessCast-iron skillets8 models comparedMost common gripe: food sticking at firstVacuum sealers8 models comparedMost common gripe: seals that fail or cycles that stopCountertop ice makers8 models comparedMost common gripe: machines that stop workingMeat thermometers8 models comparedMost common gripe: probes and batteries that give outSlow cookers8 models comparedMost common gripe: running too hot or not hot enoughCoffee grinders8 models comparedMost common gripe: jams, clogs and breakdownsWater filter pitchers8 models comparedMost common gripe: slow filtering and clogsHand mixers8 models comparedMost common gripe: struggling with stiff doughToasters8 models comparedMost common gripe: uneven or one-sided toastWaffle makers8 models comparedMost common gripe: uneven heatPizza ovens8 models comparedMost common gripe: hard-to-control heatChef's knives7 models comparedMost common gripe: edges that aren't as keenCookware sets8 models comparedMost common gripe: food that sticksBread machines8 models comparedMost common gripe: inconsistent loavesBaby bottle warmers8 models comparedMost common gripe: inconsistent temperaturesIce cream makers8 models comparedMost common gripe: loudSous vide cookers8 models comparedMost common gripe: app and wi-fi trouble

Cleaning

Robot vacuums8 models comparedMost common gripe: getting stuckCordless vacuums8 models comparedMost common gripe: runtime shorter than the box saysCarpet cleaners8 models comparedMost common gripe: machines that stop working or leakWet-dry floor cleaners8 models comparedMost common gripe: short runtimeGarment steamers8 models comparedMost common gripe: spitting and drippingSteam mops8 models comparedMost common gripe: mops that break or stop steamingWindow-cleaning robots7 models comparedMost common gripe: streaks and extra passes

Home comfort

Space heaters8 models comparedMost common gripe: units that shut off or stop workingHumidifiers8 models comparedMost common gripe: leaksAir purifiers8 models comparedMost common gripe: loud on highDehumidifiers8 models comparedMost common gripe: units that stop workingElectric fireplaces8 models comparedMost common gripe: modest heatFans8 models comparedMost common gripe: weak airflowHeated vests8 models comparedMost common gripe: shorter heat than claimed

Audio & tech

Wireless earbuds8 models comparedMost common gripe: fitNoise-cancelling headphones8 models comparedMost common gripe: comfortBluetooth speakers8 models comparedMost common gripe: battery life below the claimSmartwatches & fitness trackers8 models comparedMost common gripe: locked to one phonePortable chargers8 models comparedMost common gripe: less real capacity than the labelPortable power stations8 models comparedMost common gripe: less usable capacity than the labelE-readers8 models comparedMost common gripe: locked into one storeGaming headsets8 models comparedMost common gripe: platform compatibilityProjectors8 models comparedMost common gripe: dim pictureSmart rings8 models comparedMost common gripe: batteries that fade or rings that dieSoundbars8 models comparedMost common gripe: remotes, apps and controlsBluetooth item trackers8 models comparedMost common gripe: tied to one phone ecosystemKids' tablets8 models comparedMost common gripe: slow, basic hardwareInstant cameras8 models comparedMost common gripe: film cost adds upTurntables8 models comparedMost common gripe: thin or limited soundKids' headphones8 models comparedMost common gripe: headphones that breakWireless chargers8 models comparedMost common gripe: chargers that stop workingStreaming devices8 models comparedMost common gripe: crashes and dropped connectionsFitness trackers8 models comparedMost common gripe: hit-or-miss trackingKids' smartwatches8 models comparedMost common gripe: battery that doesn't last

Smart home

Home security cameras8 models comparedMost common gripe: subscriptions to make them usefulVideo doorbells8 models comparedMost common gripe: subscriptions to see recordingsMesh Wi-Fi systems8 models comparedMost common gripe: dropped connectionsBaby monitors8 models comparedMost common gripe: wi-fi and app dropoutsDigital photo frames8 models comparedMost common gripe: needs wi-fi and the cloudSmart locks8 models comparedMost common gripe: batteries that drain fastSmart thermostats8 models comparedMost common gripe: wi-fi drops and units that failSmart displays7 models comparedMost common gripe: ads and on-screen clutterSmart plugs8 models comparedMost common gripe: dropped connections

Personal care

Electric toothbrushes8 models comparedMost common gripe: dying or not charging within a yearWater flossers8 models comparedMost common gripe: stops charging or breaks within a yearHair dryers8 models comparedMost common gripe: early failuresHair straighteners8 models comparedMost common gripe: paying more without better resultsElectric shavers8 models comparedMost common gripe: not as close as a bladeMassage guns8 models comparedMost common gripe: heavy or awkward to holdHair clippers & beard trimmers8 models comparedMost common gripe: units that break earlyMulti-stylers & Airwrap alternatives8 models comparedMost common gripe: units that stop workingBidets & bidet seats8 models comparedMost common gripe: leaks and failuresFoot massagers8 models comparedMost common gripe: weak or missing heatSmart scales8 models comparedMost common gripe: pairing problems and dead scalesNeck & shoulder massagers8 models comparedMost common gripe: massagers that stop workingAt-home IPL hair removal8 models comparedMost common gripe: results vary a lotMassage chairs8 models comparedMost common gripe: too intense or too hard

Bedroom

Pillows8 models comparedMost common gripe: going flatMattress toppers8 models comparedMost common gripe: firmness is hit or missWeighted blankets8 models comparedMost common gripe: sleeping hotHeated blankets8 models comparedMost common gripe: dying within a few monthsWhite noise & sound machines8 models comparedMost common gripe: units that stop workingAir mattresses7 models comparedMost common gripe: losing air overnightBed sheets8 models comparedMost common gripe: fitted sheets that don't fitMattresses8 models comparedMost common gripe: firmness that doesn't suit you

Car & travel

Dash cams8 models comparedMost common gripe: missed or stopped recordingsTire inflators8 models comparedMost common gripe: battery not includedPortable jump starters8 models comparedMost common gripe: inflated peak-amp claimsHandheld & car vacuums8 models comparedMost common gripe: tiny bins that clogCarry-on luggage8 models comparedMost common gripe: wheels, zippers and shellsElectric scooters8 models comparedMost common gripe: range well short of the claimRechargeable hand warmers7 models comparedMost common gripe: shorter heat time than claimedCar phone mounts8 models comparedMost common gripe: mounts that slip or fallE-bikes8 models comparedMost common gripe: heavy

Pets

Self-cleaning litter boxes8 models comparedMost common gripe: sensor glitches and buggy appsPet cameras8 models comparedMost common gripe: subscriptions for the useful partsPet water fountains8 models comparedMost common gripe: pumps that die earlyPet GPS trackers7 models comparedMost common gripe: a subscription on top of the deviceAutomatic pet feeders8 models comparedMost common gripe: feeders that fail or lose powerDog beds8 models comparedMost common gripe: seams, zippers and fill that give outPet grooming clippers8 models comparedMost common gripe: clippers that quit

Home office, tools & yard

Office chairs8 models comparedMost common gripe: price of the best chairsGaming chairs8 models comparedMost common gripe: firm seats and thin paddingStanding desks8 models comparedMost common gripe: wobble at standing heightWalking pads8 models comparedMost common gripe: belts and parts that wear outWebcams8 models comparedMost common gripe: glitchy software and connectionsComputer monitors8 models comparedMost common gripe: reflections in bright roomsDesk lamps & monitor light bars8 models comparedMost common gripe: awkward or limited controlsLabel makers8 models comparedMost common gripe: wasted tapeCordless drills8 models comparedMost common gripe: check what's in the boxCordless leaf blowers6 models comparedMost common gripe: runtime far below the boxSnow blowers8 models comparedMost common gripe: struggling in deep or heavy snowPressure washers8 models comparedMost common gripe: heavy, bulky and hard to storePortable generators8 models comparedMost common gripe: fuel tanks and runtimeString trimmers8 models comparedMost common gripe: durability and reliability