We bought thermometers and tested them on our own families to find the best options for your family’s needs. We spent three days taking oral, axillary (armpit), temporal (forehead), and rectal temperature readings under the supervision of pediatrician Lyndsey Garbi, MD, and following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) how-to instructions. We evaluated how simple each thermometer was to set up and use right out of the package, also how easy it was to read the temperature on the display screen, after taking our temperatures over 50 times. We also looked at each best thermometers response time and consistency between readings.
Here is the list of Best Thermometers
Kinsa QuickCare Smart Thermometer
One of the best thermometers available on the market, The Kinsa Smart Thermometer is our favorite choice as the best overall, earning 5 stars in all of the most important categories, including response time, ease of use, data readability, and durability The smart thermometer is now our favorite choice as it is the best overall. This smart thermometer is extremely efficient, taking temperature readings in just eight seconds. The flexible tip makes it ideal for taking temperatures in the mouth, armpits, and rectum. It also syncs with the free Kinsa app to record health data and provide personalized advice based on temperature and symptoms. Because this thermometer connects to the app via Bluetooth, our product testers noted that it may take longer than other thermometers, scoring 4 out of 5 in the ease of setup category. Nevertheless, the overall score for this thermometer was 5.
iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer PT3
The iHealth No-Touch Thermometer PT3 is our top pick for a no-touch thermometer because it provides results in less than a second and has an easy-to-read display. This thermometer measures the temperature of the forehead using infrared sensors and can be used on kids and adults. Simply scan the center of someone’s forehead for a temperature reading, which is triggered by a vibration. This thermometer is simple to use; we didn’t need to consult the instruction manual. It’s by far the fastest, and it’s the one we’d use if we needed to quickly take and report a temperature. This best thermometers is ideal for restaurants, business owners, and anyone who needs to scan multiple people quickly.
Elepho eTherm Ear & Forehead Thermometer
This Thermometer stood out due to its highly effective dual design. The first thing that struck me was how simple it was to switch between tympanic (ear) and temporal (forehead) modes, thanks to the included cap. While our testers found both modes to be simple to use, they were concerned about misplacing the cap, which would effectively eliminate the temporal mode option. The results appeared almost instantly, as with many of the forehead best thermometers we tested, but the Elepho eTherm provided the consistent results with the lowest standard of deviation, this is why we rated it 4.5 for consistency. The display screen is large and bright, making it ideal for late-night readings, and a beeping system warns users of a high temperature or fever. Because of its ergonomic design and helpful beeps, we gave this thermometer a high rating for ease of use.
IPROVEN Oral and Rectal Thermometer
The iProven Oral and Rectal Thermometer is dependable and inexpensive, which is why we recommend it as our best budget option. It’s the most affordable option on the list, and we liked how simple it was to use and clean. When the temperature is displayed on the screen, the arrow points to one of three different faces: a smiley face, a frowny face, or a straight line mouth face, making the results simple and kid-friendly. It also comes with a case, which kept the thermometer intact after our testers dropped it. Except for response time, the thermometer received four and five stars for the majority of its attributes. Our tester observed that the response time was approximately 10 seconds. While it is not the fastest, it does provide information quickly. Currently, this is one of the best Thermometers that you can buy right now.
Vicks Comfort Flex Digital Thermometer
When you first use the Vicks ComfortFlex, it begins with a self-test similar to measuring your weight and displays your latest temperature reading for two seconds. Its compact, reliable design and the rubber coating on the probe make it more comfortable to use than other probes. Although it claims to take “as little as 8 seconds,” it took an average of 15 seconds when we tested it. Still, the instructions are easy to follow, and it vibrates to let you know when it is ready to take a temperature measurement. The display is color-coded for each measurement result, allowing the user to see the result at a glance. It is also very easy after reading the instructions to use the memory function to recall previous measurements and switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Yuwell Infrared Forehead Thermometer
The Yuwell Infrared Thermometer is another high-quality contact-free option. It has a simple design and supports one-touch measurement. It accepts measurements in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. It also has a distance sensor that detects when the best thermometers is within 5cm of the forehead. When a fever is detected, the backlit display turns orange.
Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer
Rectal thermometers provide the most accurate readings, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and are therefore recommended for infants under 3 months old. While many of the thermometers we tested can take a rectal temperature, we liked that the Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer is specifically designed for that purpose. Our tester noted that the shape of the thermometer helped them avoid inserting it too far. And the loud beeps let them know when the temperature was ready to read for caregivers who are nervous about taking a baby’s temperature rectally for the first time. Because of its useful dome-like shape and short tip, we gave the Vicks Rectal thermometer a 5 out of 5 for ease of use. While the price is slightly higher than the average best thermometers (and the lifetime value is limited due to its intended use for babies), the intuitive design and quick response make it a worthwhile investment.
Final Words
The best thermometers is the best option for taking the temperature rectally, orally, or through the armpit. Plastic strip thermometers, which attach to the forehead and change colour to show a temperature reading, are not always accurate, according to experts. Glass thermometers are easily broken, and some contain poisonous mercury. They are not recommended by the AAP.
