Consumer Reports Urges Shoppers to Watch for Subscription Costs in Tech Gifts

Consumer Reports warns that many popular tech gifts come with ongoing subscription fees that can turn a thoughtful present into an unexpected expense. 

Devices like fitness trackers and video doorbells often offer basic features for free but lock useful tools—such as advanced metrics, cloud storage, or alerts—behind paid plans. 

Shoppers are advised to compare models, check compatibility, look for devices with local storage or bundles, and review return policies to avoid extra costs after the holidays.