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Finding out if you have a fever couldn’t be easier—or quicker—with these picks Cardiology Stethoscope
Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post.
A good thermometer is an important tool in your home health kit, especially if you live with children. Body temperature can tell you a lot about your health, and thermometers are a quick and easy-to-use tool that gives you this information fast, so you know when to call your doctor and can get the right care, says Janice Johnston, MD, chief medical officer and co-founder at Redirect Health.
Thermometers don't need to be expensive or complicated. A basic under-your-tongue digital thermometer can work as well as a fancy infrared one. When choosing a thermometer, personal preference is important, but it is also crucial to consider who will be using it and why. To find the best thermometers, we tested over 25 thermometers for a month and evaluated them for ease of setup, temperature display time, rating consistency, and display readability. Also, a pharmacy director on our Medical Review Board examined the article to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our tested recommendations.
The Vicks Non-Contact Infrared Body Thermometer provides accurate and color-coded results in just two seconds or less. It is easy to operate, gets the job done quickly, and can be used on the body or liquids, which is why it is our top choice. In our testing, we found that this device consistently produced accurate readings within 0.1 degrees of our baseline reading. It beeps when it’s done taking a reading and offers “Fever Insight Technology” that turns the backlit display either green, yellow, or red, instantly alerting you to a fever if you’ve got one.
We like its mute function, which allows you to take a child's temperature without waking them, and it has a memory recall function for up to 50 readings, so you can track temperature over time. We also noted how comfortable and ergonomic it is to hold. It’s budget-friendly, practical, durable, and gives a quick and accurate reading time after time, making it a great choice for kids and adults of all ages.
While some forehead thermometers require you to sweep or scan your forehead for a reading, the GE Digital Forehead Thermometer has a much simpler operation. You just point it at the forehead and wait for your results, which came up within two seconds during our tests. We liked the color-coded display, which changes to green, yellow, or red depending on temperature and alerts you with a beep when the reading is ready. It has a mute function that, along with the no-contact feature, allows you to take temperatures without disruption. This thermometer has a handy storage function that can hold up to 32 readings. Unfortunately, it doesn't record the date or time along with the readings. Once it reaches its limit of 32 readings, you'll need to remove and then re-insert the batteries to clear the memory.
In-ear, or tympanic, thermometers are appealing because they blend ease of use with accuracy, and the iProven Ear and Forehead Thermometer is no exception. Thanks to the large, clear buttons, we found this thermometer very easy for us to use during our tests. It gave us readings within a few seconds, and the backlit screen was color-coded for normal or fever readings. We appreciate that this thermometer can be used on the forehead, which may be more convenient for nervous children. Additionally, it features a storage capability of up to 20 readings, but it does not support storage for multiple users.
This Braun No Touch 3-in-1 Thermometer takes quick, accurate readings based on age ranges and can also be used for foods, baths, and other surfaces, making it multi-functional for households. Its no-contact feature makes it hygienic and provides readings in two seconds or less. We appreciated how simple it was to use: just select from 0-3 months, 3-36 months, or 36+ and point. Another helpful feature we like is the on-screen positioning guide to let you know if you're holding the thermometer in the correct spot to get an accurate reading. It also provides color-coded readings for fast assessment of your temperature.
Out of all the thermometers we tested, this Berrcom Thermometer proved to be the easiest to use. We loved that this thermometer is ergonomic and lightweight, and the screen is magnified for easy reading. It was quick and effortless; simply select the mode and click the button. Readings are color-coded and appear within a second. This thermometer provides consistent readings and has a memory function for up to 32 temperatures. It can also be used to measure the temperature of the room, a bath, and food. And we like that it has an auto shut-off so you don't have to remember to turn it off, saving battery life.
For fast readings on a large display screen with no contact, this HoMedics No-Touch Infrared Thermometer is a good choice. Readings are displayed in about one second with large numbers and a blue or red backlight to indicate normal or high fever temperature. There is a high fever alarm, which also has a night mode to turn off the alarm and display light.
We like that the buttons are large and easy to understand, and the thermometer has different modes that allow you to measure temperature for humans, liquids, rooms, and foods. There's also a low battery indicator and auto-shut-off to save battery life. It has an option to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius and can store up to 30 temperature readings to track over time.
Infrared measuring allows you to get an accurate temperature reading without any contact and this thermometer from HoMedics does it in two seconds or less. We like that it has a 50-reading storage capacity with a date stamp so it's easy to monitor temperature over time. Readings are color-coded and include easy-to-understand face graphics (smiley face for normal, frowny face for fever), and different beeping sounds for each temperature level. When we were testing this thermometer, we found that the beeping sounds were handy for when you're taking your own temperature but this feature can be turned off for a quiet mode.
We found the device to be very lightweight and easy to hold but needs to be held at a consistent distance for accurate temperatures. It can also measure food, liquids, and surfaces and since it's non-contact, you won't spread germs or need to sanitize as often.
With the benefit of a free app, this Kinsa QuickScan Non-Contact Smart Forehead Thermometer is perfect for logging multiple family members' temperature readings, tracking symptoms, and sharing information with your healthcare provider. We like that the app sets up in less than a minute and can give you personalized guidance on what to do based on age and temperature. As we tested, the temperature readings were consistent and ready in about two seconds, indicated by a sound, and displayed with large numbers for easy reading.
The soft, flexible tip of this Boncare Digital Oral Thermometer makes it comfortable to hold under your tongue, and the one-button operation makes it easy to use. The stainless steel tip of the probe is waterproof and easy to clean. 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.
When your baby is sick, trying to get an accurate temperature reading can be stressful. The Evenflo PreciseRead™ Touchless Thermometer is a non-contact thermometer that offers a seamless way to measure body temperature from the forehead without any physical touch, making it ideal for maintaining hygiene and minimizing disturbance, especially with children. Its intuitive design ensures ease of use, featuring a simple one-button operation for fast readings, typically within two seconds. We loved the user-friendly interface, including a bright display with large, bold numbers and emoticon feedback for easy interpretation of results. We like that this thermometer is enhanced by features like memory storage and sound options with a lightweight, ergonomic design that can also be used for liquids and food.
The Oxiline Therma 9 Pro Thermometer impressed us with its large LCD screen that provides large, clear numbers offering visibility in any light, ideal for dark settings. We easily set up the thermometer thanks to its straightforward instructions and included AAA batteries. It is designed for forehead use, and the rapid, lab-grade sensor ensures accuracy and delivers quick, reliable readings from a short distance. It measures skin, room or object temperature anddstores up to 20 readings. Its simplicity is highlighted by a one-click operation and a design that's both lightweight and easy to handle. though its lack of a manual shutdown option for quicker memory access is a slight drawback.
The Vicks ComfortFlex Thermometer is an affordably priced, practical choice that offers straightforward functionality without unnecessary extras. We easily set up this thermometer and appreciated its straightforward, one-button operation despite the small font of the instructions. This oral thermometer surprised us with its quick 2-3 second readings—much faster than typical models. We found its accuracy reliable, with minimal variation between consecutive readings. Its large, easy-to-read display that changes color based on temperature severity—green for normal, yellow for moderate fever, and red for high fever—stood out, especially useful in low-light conditions.
The Health team tested 40 thermometers over the course of a month in the Lab and at home to find the best thermometers that easily and accurately took our body temperatures.We evaluated each device for the factors most important when choosing a home-use digital thermometer.
We also spoke to experts to discuss what to look for in thermometers including:
There are different types of thermometers available to measure body temperature. The available types of thermometers differ based on where temperature readings are taken. There are three main types:
The most common ones are oral, rectal, and armpit thermometers, which usually come with replaceable tips and disposable covers for hygiene purposes. Forehead thermometers, on the other hand, can be either touch or no-touch and are usually held across the forehead or in front of it for a moment to take a quick reading using an infrared scanner. Lastly, tympanic thermometers are inserted just inside the ear canal and use infrared technology to determine body temperature.
It is not recommended to use mercury thermometers anymore as they can break and release toxic mercury. Marc Helzer, MD, a primary care physician with the University of Michigan Health-West suggests that if you still have one of these, you should dispose of it in a hazardous waste collection. It is better to choose a digital thermometer for accurate readings.
In general, the user-friendliness of a thermometer depends on how easy it is to unbox, read the instructions, and get temperature results. A complicated thermometer can be frustrating to use, especially when someone is sick and irritable. However, there are certain ease-of-use issues that can vary based on the age of the person using the thermometer. For instance, young infants may not be able to stay still for a forehead or ear reading, while older children may not be comfortable with a rectal reading.
“For newborns up to age four, it is best to take their temperature under the armpit or rectum [while] children older than two can also have their temperature taken by ear,” says Dr. Johnston. “It’s also common to take a temperature orally once a child can sit long enough and they are able to hold a thermometer under their tongue, and most adults use oral thermometers.”
Dr. Johnston also flags the issue of cleaning and caring for your thermometer. Thermometers with a probe will require cleaning after use, she explains, while infrared thermometers won’t since they’re not used internally.
It can be hard to tell if your thermometer is giving accurate results unless you’re comparing it to another thermometer, and most of us aren’t spending our sick days conducting thermometer accuracy tests. That said, if you repeatedly get very different results on the same person while using the same thermometer in the same location, it’s possible something is off with your device. If it’s worked reliably in the past, you may just need to change the batteries. If it’s always been a bit unpredictable, look for a more accurate replacement.
Among different types of digital thermometers, a rectal temperature is typically considered to be the most accurate, especially in young children; beyond that, forehead temperatures are the second most accurate, followed by oral and ear, then armpit.
A thermometer that’s accurate but doesn't clearly display your temperature reading won’t be that useful. You need a device that gives you quick, easy-to-read results.
“When you are looking for a thermometer, you should focus on finding the one that is easiest for you to read and use,” says Srini K. Hejeebu, MD, internal medicine specialist at The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, adding that this will probably be some kind of digital thermometer for the majority of people.
Look for devices with large, backlit displays so you can see the reading easily in all types of light. Some thermometer displays will also turn green, yellow, or red when the result is ready, so it’s even easier to know if your temperature is normal, slightly elevated, or high.
Lastly, Dr. Johnston says to make sure the thermometer you purchase is available in Celsius or Fahrenheit, depending on what you use: “Many thermometers have the ability to switch between the two, but you wouldn’t want to end up purchasing a thermometer you aren’t able to read or understand.”
It’s not always a given that a higher-priced thermometer will last longer than a cheaper one; sometimes, all the technology that gives a higher-priced device its costly price tag makes it more prone to failure. But whatever type you choose, you may want to focus on buying one made in the U.S.
“When purchasing a thermometer online or in a store, beware of retailers from outside the United States,” says Dr. Helzer, adding that the FDA offers guidance on purchasing and selling thermometers since they are considered medical devices (and some of those guidelines were modified during the pandemic). Ultimately, if you’re really not certain, talk to a physician or pharmacist before making your purchase.
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. For example, people with chronic health conditions may appreciate the ability to store and track results over time in their thermometer or even on a separate app. Meanwhile, parents might want to focus on color-coded backlit displays and quiet result alerts (like vibration versus beeping) for those middle-of-the-night temperature readings on sick kids.
You can also compare the results of one type of thermometer against another; for example, taking an oral temperature with one thermometer and a forehead temperature with a different thermometer. Keep in mind that these readings will need to be adjusted for their location since some types of temperatures (like oral) are typically lower than other types (like rectal and ear).
Digital thermometers used for reading body temperatures usually can’t go as high as ones designed for cooking. Most of them will max out at 109 or 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Most body thermometers will give you a number with one decimal place, such as 98.6. (Some basal body thermometers, often used for tracking fertility, go to two decimal places.)
It depends on age, time of day, and other factors, but in general:
However, the type of thermometer you’re using can alter what’s considered a normal reading: An oral reading of 100 degrees or higher may be considered a fever, as is an armpit reading of 99 degrees or higher. It’s important to read the manual that comes with your specific thermometer, so you know how it’s calibrated. The manual should specify what’s considered a normal temperature versus a fever based on the device you’re using.
Sarah Bradley has been a freelance writer since 2017, tackling health commerce articles, product reviews, and shopping guides on everything from dry skin moisturizers and wart removers to menstrual cups and toothbrushes for braces. She has personally tested electric toothbrushes and water flossers, so knows what makes a good product stand out from a great one (and really, really wants to tell you about it).
American Academy of Pediatrics. How to take your child's temperature.
Food and Drug Administration. Enforcement policy for clinical electronic thermometers during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) public health emergency.
PeaceHealth. Fever temperatures: Accuracy and comparison.
fingertip pulse oximeter Mayo Clinic. Fever: First aid.