Consumer Reports tested eight step and sensor models head-to-head, and the results might surprise you — the $245 Caraway outperformed cans costing more, while the $90 Amazon Basics struggled to contain odors overnight. Whether you want whisper-quiet sensors or just something that fits a standard bag, knowing the tradeoffs before you buy saves you from a smelly mistake.

Consumer Reports tested eight step and sensor models head-to-head, and the results might surprise you — the $245 Caraway outperformed cans costing more, while the $90 Amazon Basics struggled to contain odors overnight. Whether you want whisper-quiet sensors or just something that fits a standard bag, knowing the tradeoffs before you buy saves you from a smelly mistake.