# Consumer Reports vs The Container Store

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: The Container Store at none against Consumer Reports's 2. The Container Store also leads on review sentiment (40% vs 28%). Consumer Reports's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and chart position (#8 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Consumer Reports sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $10.00 per month. The Container Store 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 The Container Store. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 64K and 15K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 28% of Consumer Reports's written reviews are positive against 40% of The Container Store's.

Consumer Reports ships an update fortnightly, The Container Store every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Consumer Reports | The Container Store |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (64K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/consumer-reports/id606511415/reviews) | **[4.8 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-container-store/id1604507002/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **64K** | 15K |
| Positive reviews | 28.3% of reviews | **39.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#8** | — |
| Size | 109 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Consumer Reports](https://appshunter.io/developer/294945193) | [The Container Store, INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604507004) |

## 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


### The Container Store

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-container-store/id1604507002)

Shop for storage, organization, and custom closet solutions. Get project inspiration, track store pickup orders, and manage your loyalty account. Scan products in-store for details and reviews.

**Highlights:** Shop storage and organization products, Custom closet solutions, Project inspiration and tips, Track store pickup orders, Loyalty dashboard and offers, In-store barcode scanner, Digital wallet for checkout

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient in-store features
- 💡 Loyalty program integration
- 👍 Helpful customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and sluggish performance
- 🔁 Constant sign-out issues
- 🤔 Confusing navigation and layout
- 💤 Slow page loads and app response

**Reported bugs**

- Cart and checkout issues
- App crashes and freezes
- Login and account problems
- Inconsistent user experience

**Requested features**

- Ability to share products
- Improved search and filtering
- Seamless integration with website
- Customizable drawer/closet planning


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Consumer Reports free?

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

### Is The Container Store free?

The Container Store is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Consumer Reports or The Container Store?

The Container Store is rated higher. Consumer Reports averages 4.8 out of 5 from 64K ratings, while The Container Store averages 4.8 from 15K ratings.

### Do Consumer Reports or The Container Store have ads?

The Container Store shows ads; Consumer Reports does not.

### Which is updated more often, Consumer Reports or The Container Store?

Consumer Reports ships an update fortnightly, and The Container Store every 4 weeks. Most recently, Consumer Reports was updated on September 25, 2026 and The Container Store on September 25, 2026.

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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.*