Finding out if you have a fever couldn’t be easier—or quicker—with these picks
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. Bp Machine
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
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.
“It is important to have a working thermometer at home, especially if you live with children,” says Janice Johnston, MD, chief medical officer and co-founder at Redirect Health. “At-home thermometers are quick and easy-to-use tools to determine if someone is feeling unwell. Having a thermometer at home gives [you] this information fast, so you know when to call your doctor and can get the right care.”
Thankfully, thermometers don’t have to be complicated or expensive to work. A basic digital thermometer you place under your tongue can perform just as well as a fancy, no-touch infrared one. Choosing a thermometer is mostly a matter of personal preference, but sometimes it is better to choose one type of thermometer over another depending on who will be using it and why.
The Health team tested 25 thermometers in our testing lab using expert guidance from our on-site expert Grace Mars, RN, and at home for over a month. Our editors tested several thermometers, evaluating them for ease of setup, how quickly a temperature is displayed, how consistent the readings are, and how easy the display is to read and understand. Based on our testing, here are the best thermometers on the market.
It’s easy to use and read, giving results in as little as 2 seconds.
It needs to be positioned precisely in order to get the most accurate reading.
This thermometer from Vicks sets up fast, comes with batteries included, and provides fast, color-coded results in two seconds or less. It gets the job done quickly and is easy to operate which is why we've made it our top choice. In testing, we found this device to be accurate and consistent with 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 depending on your reading (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.
Simply put? 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.
Price at time of publication: $55
A no-touch design with a fever indicator allows you to get quick readings without the risk of contamination.
The display may be hard to read in bright light.
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. It has a mute function that, along with the no-contact feature, allows you to take temperatures without disruption. Throughout our testing, we noted that readings were consistent and accurate to a baseline reading.
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.
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.
Price at time of publication: $30
Clear "ear" and "head" buttons give quick, color-coded readings.
Accessing the stored temperature function is not very intuitive.
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 included batteries and 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 also like that this thermometer can be used on the forehead which may be easier for squirmy children. It's worth mentioning that it doesn't come with ear covers so it needs to be sanitized after each use, but the forehead cap protects the earpiece in between uses.
In testing, we noted some variance in the response time for ear readings from two seconds up to 30 seconds so it could become uncomfortable if you have to hold the thermometer in your ear canal for more than a few seconds, however, the earpiece is small and fits easily. This thermometer also has a storage function for up to 20 readings but does not allow storage for multiple users.
Price at time of publication: $30
You can select from three different age ranges before taking a reading to get the most accurate temperature.
There is no option to store readings to track over time.
This 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 it provides readings in two seconds or less. Throughout our testing, the readings were consistent and accurate across the board. We appreciated how simple it was to use and how easy it was to select from 0-3 months, 3-36 months, or 36+ and then just point, and get a reading in under 5 seconds.
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.
Price at time of publication: $32
Get an instant reading with one button and a magnified screen.
This thermometer doesn't come with batteries.
Out of all the thermometers we tested, this Berrcom thermometer proved to be the easiest to use. It was quick and effortless which is exactly what you want when you or a loved one is feeling under the weather. Simply select the mode and click the trigger button. Readings appear within a second and are color-coded to alert you if there is a fever, so there's no guessing or wait time. We like that this thermometer is ergonomic and lightweight, and the screen is magnified for easy reading.
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.
Price at time of publication: $14
Large screen and buttons make it easy to read and operate.
The device is large and may be awkward to hold.
For fast readings on a large display screen with no contact, this thermometer from HoMedics is a good choice. We noted in testing that readings were consistent, and displayed in about one second with large numbers and a blue or red backlight to indicate normal or high fever temperature. We noticed the backlight is not very bright which may make the screen hard to read. There is also an alarm to indicate a high fever but the thermometer has a night mode so you can turn the alarm and display light off.
Being able to take readings quickly with no contact means you can easily use this thermometer on squirmy or sleeping children, and it can store up to 30 temperature readings to track over time. We noticed the thermometer was large and a little clunky and awkward to hold but readings are so fast, this may not be a big deal for most users. 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 but this is not very intuitive — you would need to read the instructions for that feature.
Price at time of publication: $45
This thermometer has a 50-reading storage capacity that includes date stamps.
Accurate temperatures are dependent on being consistent with how the device is held.
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. The thermometer can change from Fahrenheit to Celsius but we did notice that this feature was difficult to figure out.
Price at time of publication: $40
The app is easy to set up and can track readings for multiple people.
Using this device without the app is not very intuitive.
With the benefit of an accompanying app, this 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, we found that the app was easy to set up however, if you want to use the thermometer without it, the process is not intuitive and you have to bypass the app after each reading. The temperature readings were ready in about two seconds, consistent throughout our tests, indicated by a sound, and displayed with large numbers for easy reading.
Price at time of publication: $40
It's simplistic design and soft, flexible tip make it easy and comfortable to use.
The time it takes to get a reading can vary widely from 5 to 30 seconds.
The soft, flexible tip of this 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. We noted in testing that the readings on this thermometer are accurate and consistent but the time it takes to get a reading varies from five to 30 seconds which could be challenging with a squirmy child, or anyone who just doesn't feel well.
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.
Price at time of publication: $8
It has a soft, flexible tip and sleek design for easy rectal or underarm readings and an app to track readings over time.
This thermometer is not intuitive to use without the app.
When your baby is sick, trying to get an accurate temperature reading can be stressful. The thin, flexible tip of this device from Kinsa makes taking a rectal or underarm reading on an infant simple and comfortable. The screen is large and easy to read and we like that it has an accompanying app that can store and track multiple users' data to share with healthcare providers. The app also provides guidance on the next steps based on age and symptoms.
We noticed during our tests that the thermometer was difficult to use without the app. We liked that the device turns on with one click, takes a reading automatically, and beeps when it's done making it quick and easy to use with children. Readings took from six to 10 seconds to appear which is a little longer than most other thermometers on our list.
Price at time of publication: $30
With the supervision of medical professionals, the Health team tested 25 digital thermometers in our Lab, and at home over the course of a month to see how easily and accurately they took our body temperatures. We evaluated each device for setup, response time, accuracy, ease of use, data readability, and durability since these are the factors we determined to be the most important when choosing between digital thermometers for at-home use.
After getting a baseline temperature taken by a medical professional, all of our testers took their own temperatures in the lab with each device twice to measure accuracy. For home testing, our testers took their temperature three times in one day each week for four weeks and recorded it to compare to baseline readings.
We considered how easy it was to get started using each thermometer right out of the box, as well as how simple the instructions were to follow, and how comfortable the thermometer was to use, especially in the mouth and ear. We also noted how long it took for readings to be measured with each thermometer.
For data readability, we evaluated how large and clear the numbers were on the display, whether it was backlit, and whether the thermometer could store our temperature readings for future comparison.
We also spoke to experts to discuss what to look for in thermometers including:
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.
The types of thermometers available differ mainly in location, i.e., where you’ll take your temperature readings. There are three main kinds:
Oral, rectal, and armpit thermometers are the most traditional type; they usually come with interchangeable tips and disposable covers for sanitary use. Forehead thermometers can be either touch or no-touch but are typically scanned across the forehead or simply held in front of the forehead for a moment, giving a quick reading using an infrared scanner. Tympanic thermometers are usually placed just inside the ear canal and use infrared technology to determine body temperature.
Generally speaking, a thermometer’s ease of use will come down to how simple it is to unbox the thermometer, skim through the instructions, and receive your temperature results. (A thermometer that’s complicated to operate is going to be annoying to use when you or your family member is sick and cranky!)
But there are ease of use concerns that can vary depending on age; for example, an infant might not be able to hold still for a forehead or ear reading, and older children are likely to resist a rectal one.
“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.
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.
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.
Here’s some good news: you don’t have to spend a lot to get a reliable thermometer.
“You can easily get a very good thermometer for less than $20,” says Dr. Hejeebu. “It’s really not necessary to get a high-priced unit.”
Dr. Helzer agrees, adding that not only are digital contact thermometers available for a budget-friendly cost, but they also come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are readily available at most grocery stores and pharmacies, making them easy to grab when needed.
It’s pretty hard, actually, unless you’re willing to do some experimentation. You can test your thermometer repeatedly on yourself, observing whether your temperature changes significantly each time, even when all other parameters (like your location and activity level) don’t change.
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).
Technically, mercury thermometers are the most accurate, says Dr. Johnston, but they’re not the safest option and no longer recommended for home use. 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
American Academy of Pediatrics. How to take your child's temperature.
Mayo Clinic. Fever: First aid.
Hospital Forehead Thermometer By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.