# Consumer Reports vs Ace Hardware

Consumer Reports and Ace Hardware both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 66% of Ace Hardware's written reviews are positive against 28% of Consumer Reports's. Ace Hardware also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (410K vs 64K). Consumer Reports's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). On price, rating, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Consumer Reports sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $10.00 per month. Ace Hardware asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Consumer Reports against 4.8 for Ace Hardware. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ace Hardware has 410K ratings behind it against 64K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 28% of Consumer Reports's written reviews are positive against 66% of Ace Hardware's.

Consumer Reports ships an update every 2 weeks, Ace Hardware monthly. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Consumer Reports | Ace Hardware |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (64K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/consumer-reports/id606511415/reviews) | **[4.8 (410K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ace-hardware-home-improvement/id1495294584/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 64K | **410K** |
| Positive reviews | 27.7% of reviews | **66.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#8** | #102 |
| Size | 98 MB | 99 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Consumer Reports](https://appshunter.io/developer/294945193) | [Ace Hardware Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/811583847) |

## What reviewers say

### Consumer Reports

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/consumer-reports/id606511415)

**Currently charting:** #8 Top Grossing · Shopping (US App Store)

Access unbiased product reviews, ratings, and shopping guides to make informed purchasing decisions. Features include a smart advisor for product questions, tools for savings, and exclusive member deals.

**Highlights:** Product ratings and reviews, Buying guides, Bill Negotiator tool, Smart advisor for product questions, Image Scan for product comparison, Best Time to Buy tool, Exclusive member deals

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CR Monthly Subscription | $10.00 | per month |
| CR Yearly Subscription | $39.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful product information
- 🚀 Convenient mobile access
- 💡 Unbiased, expert reviews
- 🤑 Potential savings on purchases

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app performance
- 🔍 Limited product coverage
- 🤔 Outdated or incomplete information
- 🧭 Poor search and navigation
- 📱 Subpar iPad experience

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes and freezes
- Login issues and lost credentials
- Inconsistent or missing product data

**Requested features**

- Ability to access all website content in the app
- Improved search functionality with better filtering options
- Native iPad app with optimized layout
- Integration with subscription management and account features


### Ace Hardware

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ace-hardware-home-improvement/id1495294584)

**Currently charting:** #102 Top Free · Shopping (US App Store)

This app enhances your shopping experience by providing access to your rewards, local store information, and a wide selection of home improvement products. You can shop for items, choose pickup or delivery options, and track your rewards progress.

**Highlights:** Ace Rewards tracking and offers, Find and contact local stores, Shop thousands of home improvement products, In-store, pickup, and delivery options, Visual search for products, View purchase history and store items

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful and knowledgeable staff
- 🏪 Convenient neighborhood store experience
- 💰 Competitive pricing compared to big box stores
- 🛒 Wide selection of products
- 🏆 Excellent customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and slow app
- 🔍 Ineffective search functionality
- 🤔 Inconsistent inventory information between app and stores
- 💳 Inability to save payment information in app
- 🤷‍♀️ Confusing and frustrating app experience

**Reported bugs**

- Endless login loop issues
- App crashes and white screen problems
- Incorrect or outdated product information
- Rewards program integration problems
- Inconsistent app behavior across devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to check real-time in-store inventory
- Integration with password managers for easy login
- Improved search with better filtering and sorting options
- Seamless online ordering and in-store pickup experience
- Modern, intuitive app design and user interface


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Consumer Reports free?

Consumer Reports is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Ace Hardware free?

Ace Hardware is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Consumer Reports or Ace Hardware?

Ace Hardware is rated higher. Consumer Reports averages 4.8 out of 5 from 64K ratings, while Ace Hardware averages 4.8 from 410K ratings.

### Do Consumer Reports or Ace Hardware have ads?

Ace Hardware shows ads; Consumer Reports does not.

### Which is updated more often, Consumer Reports or Ace Hardware?

Consumer Reports ships an update every 2 weeks, and Ace Hardware monthly. Most recently, Consumer Reports was updated on October 30, 2026 and Ace Hardware on October 30, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Consumer Reports or Ace Hardware?

Consumer Reports currently peaks at #8 in the App Store charts, and Ace Hardware at #102. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*