We tested 25 thermometers in total but only included 10 in our final list of recommendations. The following thermometers didn't make the final cut but we did find some features worth mentioning. To gain some insights on thermometers, we spoke to two medical experts. They explained that, while readings may differ a degree or two depending on whether you’re using an oral or a forehead thermometer, all types can aptly alert you to the presence of a fever. So, aside from toddlers under 3 years old (for whom a rectal thermometer is best), it all comes down to personal preference. (You can read their full insights below.)

The thermometer comes in a plastic pouch to keep it safe and clean — and is also helpful for travel purposes. There’s a flexible tip, and readings are recorded in approximately eight seconds. Positioning system reduces user error: gentle LED light and on-screen indicators ensure proper placement While all of these added features are useful, they’re not always necessary. And, as our list shows, you don’t need to spend top dollar to get one of the best thermometers. Consider your budget and what you want from your thermometer before you start shopping. That way, you wont overspend and will only get what you will likely use. Which thermometer is best for kids?If you want a thermometer for every member in your family to use, then the iProven No-Touch Thermometer fits the bill — plus more. It was even tested by a 4- and 7-year-old without issue. And with a large number display, reading the temperature recording can be done by anyone — even a child. In fact, this thermometer is very comparable to our best overall, the Braun Digital No-Touch Forehead Thermometer, but it doesn’t offer the same positioning light. Products with our Great Value badge are good products that are also at least 20% cheaper than the average product we’ve tested in that area, so they’ve punched well above their weight despite a lower asking price. We also analyzed everything you’d want in a thermometer, including usability right out of the box (and after reading the directions), the display options, the speed of getting your temperature taken and any indicator to let you know if you have a fever. This thermometer allows you to take your temperature readings three different ways — orally, rectally or under the armpit. First, we tested our temperature orally — with and without probe covers (disposable casings that go over the thermometer tip to keep the device sanitary), and we received similar readings between 98.3 degrees Fahrenheit and 98.8 degrees Fahrenheit with each method. That wasn’t the case with all of the oral thermometers we tested — such as the Femometer Infrared Thermometer, which had up to a 1.64 degree Fahrenheit difference with and without probe covers — making this thermometer much more desirable.

With its slim and durable design, this thermometer is the perfect choice to throw in your bag on your next trip — especially since you don’t have to worry about probe covers, the batteries draining or it breaking. We liked that the display was color-coded with green, yellow, or red depending on temperature and that the thermometer beeps when the reading is ready. We did notice that the screen can be hard to read in bright light and some of the functions are not very intuitive — so you'll need to read the instructions. The Kinsa brand is unlike anything else we tested. The thermometer connects to an app and will record the time and date of every temperature reading. Prior to taking your temperature, the device will pair with your phone via Bluetooth and you’ll take your temperature in your ear canal just like any other ear thermometer. The temperature will then immediately show up in the app and you’ll indicate which family member received this particular recording. You can then also include any symptoms you have or your child has, which could be helpful when speaking to your doctor.The thermometer beeps when a reading is ready, and the screen is easy to see. It also recalls the last reading taken when it's turned on, has an auto shut-off feature, and we like that it can be used rectally and under the arm with infants and small children. Lastly: Oral thermometers should not be used shortly after drinking something hot or cold, as that can skew readings. Give it at least 15 minutes. It's worth mentioning that this thermometer has a storage function for up to 32 readings, however, it doesn't store date or time along with the readings. After it reaches 32, the batteries need to be removed and re-inserted to clear the memory.

For example, if you typically have a 97.8-degree temperature with a certain thermometer, you might be more concerned when it gives you a 100.8-degree reading than if your normal temperature is 99.1. According to CNN Health’s reporting, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers a person to have a fever when his or her temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. Here are a few additional factors to weigh when determining which thermometer is right for your family. Traffic-light system or fever alarm that automatically indicates a high temperature by turning the display red or sounding an alert.

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Even if you keep your medicine cabinet pretty sparse, a good thermometer should always be part of your home health toolkit. Your body temperature can tell you a lot about your health, from when it’s time to stay home and rest to when it’s time to call your doctor and seek more urgent medical care. Our guide will help you choose the best digital thermometer. We also explain the different types available, how much you can expect to pay and the best place to buy one. Best digital thermometers 2023

From the beginning, we were intrigued with the ThermoWorks Wand — especially since a delicious bag of jelly beans came in the box. It doesn’t look like any other thermometer we’ve seen before, and at such an expensive price point, we had high hopes.According to Marc Helzer, MD, primary care physician with the University of Michigan Health-West, mercury thermometers are no longer recommended because they can break and leak mercury, which is toxic. If you still have one of these, he says you should dispose of it in a hazardous waste collection. Opting for a digital thermometer is your best bet. We took our temperature under the armpit and received a slightly lower reading, averaging 97.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Although lower, this is expected when taking a temperature with this method. As the directions state, taking your temperature under the armpit “produces a temperature 1 degree Fahrenheit lower than a temperature taken orally.” We also consulted with the medical experts and learned the reason behind this: The axillary (armpit) is taken outside of the body (versus inside), so you’re taking the temperature of your skin versus your core. That’s why, when taking your temperature under the armpit, you’ll want to add approximately 1 degree Fahrenheit to your reading to determine whether or not you have a real fever. (Note: We did not test the thermometer’s rectal reading, so we cannot specifically speak to this thermometer’s accuracy in that realm.) You need a basic thermometer that can take an accurate temperature reading, but you may want one that does more than just tell you what your numerical temp is.