Due to the disappearance of mercury thermometers, it is no longer necessary to wait numerous minutes to read a faint red line. There are presently five main types of thermometers that may show a temperature in seconds on a digital display: rectal, mouth, axillary (armpit), temporal (forehead), and tympanic (far ear). Many thermometers additionally have hue backdrops and fever indications, a log of previous readings, and the capacity to measure ambient temps, such as the temperature of a baby’s bottle.
To get an understanding of thermometers, we consulted with two medical professionals. While results may vary by a few degrees depending on whether you use an oral or forehead thermometer, all varieties can accurately detect a fever. Therefore, except for infants younger than three years old (for whom an internal thermometer is ideal), it literally boils down to personal preference.
We evaluated the 15 options with the highest ratings in our hunt for the best and most innovative thermometers in 2022. We repeatedly tested all thermometers on the same individual to ensure accuracy and consistency. In addition to reviewing the measurements, we assessed the convenience of use, the speed of the readings, and any other desirable features.
General information on thermometers
Thermometers types
We evaluated the rectal, oral, axillary (armpit), temporal (forehead), and tympanic thermometers (remote ear). A medical specialist helped us determine which kind is most appropriate in each situation, even though some people may have a predisposition for one type over the other.
Our medical expert underlined the significance of using an age-appropriate thermometer, especially when measuring a child’s temperature. Rectal thermometers are always the best choice for children younger than three years old since they record an internal temperature (as opposed to the forehead).
The ear canals of infants and toddlers are too tiny for an ear thermometer, and obtaining a reliable reading orally is difficult (and it is not advised to place a thermometer in a baby’s mouth). Simply said, a rectal thermometer leaves less opportunity for error. The thermometer reading is essential to be precise, as clinical choices rely on it.
For youngsters ages three and above, we suggest using the following in order: oral, armpit, forehead, and ear for precision. Although our expert does not advise forehead or ear thermometers for kids because they can provide a broad range of readings when a fever is present, they are accurate in detecting the presence of a fever and continue to be very precise in measuring the average body temperature.
This is why forehead and ear thermometers are useful for rapidly and readily testing for the existence of a fever when the precise numerical measurement isn’t relevant. These thermometers are ideal for taking the temperature of a big group of individuals, as they are efficient and pose little cross-contamination risks. In addition, while checking your temperature as a precaution, you need to determine whether or not you have a fever; the actual temperature reading is less crucial.
How to diagnose a fever
The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some people have abnormally high or low body temperatures, making it vital to determine your typical body temperature. Before taking your temperature when unwell, you should measure your average body temperature with the same thermometer — because many thermometer measurements have a small margin of error — so that you may compare the reading to a predefined normal baseline. The American Academy of Pediatrics also has recommendations for taking children’s temperatures, which should be checked.
For instance, if your normal temperature with a particular thermometer is 97.8 degrees, you may be more worried when it reads 100.8 degrees than if your average body temperature is 99.1.
The technique you use to take your or your child’s temperature is important because your doctor may often add or remove a degree to decide whether or not the reading is worrying.
Precision
Here are some techniques for obtaining reliable readings. First, be consistent with the location from which you take measurements. Temperatures collected from various bodily areas may not be equivalent. For example, there are inherent differences between your right and left ears, and armpit temperatures (as tested in newborns) are less reliable.
Second, ensure that all thermometers are appropriately positioned. This is particularly crucial when using non-contact thermometers to ensure that the instrument is held at the proper distance from clean, unencumbered skin.
Last but not least, oral thermometers should not be used immediately after drinking something hot or cold since this might distort results. Allow at least fifteen minutes.
Our testing methodology
After sifting through editorial and user ratings, we chose 15 of the best-reviewed thermometers to test. To verify consistency, we took repeated readings from every thermometer (within the same time frame) and compared them to the results of each other thermometer.
In addition, we evaluated everything you’d want in a thermometer, such as its practicality immediately upon unboxing (and then after following the manual), the display settings, the speed at which you can take your temperature, and any indication that you have a fever.
Here is how each thermometer was analyzed to determine the winners:
Effectiveness
- We took our temperature with each thermometer on the same individual during the same 10-minute time frame to determine whether the results were significantly different from the others.
- To ensure that the readings were consistent, we measured our temperature four times on the same person with each thermometer (twice a day during testing).
- We measured the data on every thermometer to determine how quickly it needed to obtain the reading.
- Is the thermometer simple to use straight from the packaging? Or must you read the instructions? Is it simple to discover all extra capabilities?
- Does the thermometer record and keep track of prior temperature readings?
- Does the thermometer come with any additional features, such as signals indicating when a measurement is complete, smartphone connectivity, or the possibility of switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit?
Design
- We assessed the readability of the thermometer in both very well-lit and poor light conditions.
- We took notice of how simple it is to sanitize every thermometer.
- Is the thermometer equipped with an auto-shutoff feature? If yes, we timed the duration of the shutdown process.
- We tested the thermometer’s durability by dropping it 2 – 3 times on a wooden floor. Afterward, we identified problems, if any.
Protection plan
Does the maker provide a warranty? As simple as that is, it’s an important feature to consider.
The best thermometers in 2022
The King: Braun Digital No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
Braun’s Digital No-Touch Forehead Thermometer was the clear winner among our group of candidates. With instructions easily printed on the outside of the thermometer, this thermometer walks you through the whole temperature-taking process. Our medical experts underlined the necessity of following the thermometer’s instructions, as each thermometer operates somewhat differently.
Light from the thermometer shines on your forehead to ensure you’re aiming it at the appropriate spot when measuring your temperature. Unique to this thermometer – if you’re too far away, it will display “FWD” on the huge reading display to indicate that you should go forward.
This feature allowed us to obtain reliable and consistent findings while measuring our forehead temperature; our readings varied from 98.2 to 98.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the transmitting light, we never had to worry about getting forehead temperature measurements too far away or in the incorrect place.
The Braun No-Touch may also be used by placing it firmly on the forehead, making finding your own temperature simpler. This feature is not accessible on the majority of other non-contact thermometers. If you need to take numerous people’s temperatures, the no-touch solution will limit the chance of cross-contamination and the transmission of germs.
This thermometer included an easy-to-read backlit color-coded screen that displayed three distinct colors dependent on the temperature reading: green for an average temperature, yellow for a slightly increased fever, and red for a severe fever. This immediate indication might be helpful if you are collecting many readings in rapid successions, such as children enter a preschool, to determine whether someone is running a temperature. The light-up screen is beneficial for taking a child’s temperature in their dim room when they are asleep; a switch on the side of the thermometer mutes the beeping not to disturb them.
The thermometer comes with a protective lid to keep the screen and sensor clean. It has a three-year guarantee, which is substantially longer than most other thermometers we examined. A glowing battery icon will also alert you when the remaining battery life is 20 percent.
This thermometer lacks a memory option to display previous readings, which we found helpful on other thermometers. If you want a thermometer that keeps track of your readings, this is probably not the one for you since several others offer this feature.
While this thermometer is more expensive than most we evaluated, it is straightforward to use, gives the most uncomplicated instructions, and provides many of the most consistent and accurate readings. It is also the finest frontal and non-contact thermometer we reviewed.
The Value King: Vicks ComfortFlex Digital Thermometer
Despite being one of the least priced items on the list, the Vicks ComfortFlex Digital Thermometer offers a variety of valuable features, including some that you would not find on more expensive thermometers.
This thermometer has three methods for measuring body temperature: orally, rectally, and subcutaneously. There were no significant differences in our results when we tested ourselves orally with and without disposable covers (the thermometer’s tip is covered by a disposable case to keep it clean). This thermometer is far more desired than the other oral thermometers we examined, such as the Femometer Infrared Thermometer, which varied up to 1.64 degrees Fahrenheit with and without probe covers.
This finding indicated that it is still possible to obtain consistent readings even without easy access to probe covers. If probe covers are unavailable, you can simply clean the thermometer’s tip with water and soap or rubbing alcohol. Fortunately, a starter kit of five single-use probe covers is included in the package, and you may purchase 200 more covers for roughly $5 each.
We averaged a reading of 97.7 degrees Fahrenheit when we measured our temperature under the armpit, which was significantly lower. This is typical when obtaining a temperature using this approach, despite its poorer accuracy. In accordance with the instructions, measuring your temp under the armpit “produces an average temperature of 1 degree Fahrenheit cooler than a standard oral temperature.”
We also contacted medical specialists and discovered the explanation for this: The axillary (armpit) is taken outside the body (as opposed to inside); therefore, you are measuring your skin temperature instead of your core temperature. To ascertain whether or not you have an actual fever, you must add around 1 degree Fahrenheit to your reading while checking your temp under the armpit. Although we haven’t tested this thermometer’s rectal reading, it appears to be very accurate.
This thermometer has a 14-second overall processing time for measuring temperatures. However, although this was the fastest oral thermometer we tested (with results ranging from 10 to 25 seconds), 14 seconds might seem like a lifetime to youngsters. Comparatively, most ear and temple thermometers display the reading within a single second. Even though the difference is only a few seconds, both a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old preferred the forehead method over the oral method, so that is something to keep in mind if you have small kids.
Despite the small size of the thermometer, it features a large display with a backlight that displays three different colors based on the temperature — green for no fever, yellow for fevers between 99.9 and 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and red for fevers above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit — so you can quickly determine where your temperature falls.
This thermometer was the best mouth thermometer and the best thermometer for newborns (for whom a rectal temperature is advised) among those we evaluated.
The Travel King: Elepho eTherm Infrared Ear & Forehead Thermometer
A thermometer is a must-pack item when planning a trip out of town. The best option is the Elepho eTherm Infrared Ear & Forehead Thermometer. This thermometer is readily storable in a zippered pouch or a handbag due to its compact size and practical design.
The thermometer was easy to glide over the temple, and it felt a lot better than other forehead thermometers that touched the skin, some of which seemed a bit too tight and harsh. When we put it on the forehead of a 4-year-old, he agreed that it was smooth and “pleasant.” He repeatedly requested that his temperature be measured with the Elepho eTherm for fun.
With this thermometer, you can also get readings from your ear canal, unique among all three thermometers we tested. It was one of the few ear thermometers we tested that didn’t require a probe cover. The Elepho eTherm provided substantially more accurate results than the other two options.
We obtained consistent and reliable forehead readings ranging from 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which is within the usual range for the frontal check. It is also comparable to what we obtained with our overall top choice. Our ear canal temperature readings were within the usual range but were significantly lower: between 98 and 98.24 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rather than using colored backlights, a beep is used to alert you to a fever, and the LED display can be seen in the dark. An average temperature is indicated by one beep, a slightly higher temperature by two beeps, and fever by four beeps. The color-coded system on the Braun was better than beeps, particularly if you have a napping infant, although beeps were equally effective.
This thermometer automatically goes off after eight seconds, which was a feature we found to be helpful. You’ll be able to preserve battery life if you need to use the thermometer while on the road. In addition, it passed our drop test with flying colors, causing no damage to our hardwood floor when we dropped it.
With its compact and sturdy construction, this thermometer is ideal for your next vacation since there is no need to bother with probe covers, dead batteries, or damage.
Other options
Kinsa Smart Ear Digital Thermometer
If you have a chronic illness that requires frequent temperature monitoring, this is the ideal brand. However, if you’re searching for something more straightforward, the Kinsa brand may exceed your expectations.
Kinsa is unlike any other brand we evaluated. Connected to an app, the thermometer logs the date and time of each temperature reading. You must first connect it to your phone through Bluetooth and then insert the thermometer into your ear canal to use the gadget. The temperature will then appear in the app, and you’ll be able to select which family member got this particular recording. You can then indicate any symptoms you or your kid are experiencing, which may be helpful when discussing with your doctor.
When you develop a fever, the app will tell you when to take your medicine and when to contact a doctor. If necessary, you may also schedule medication reminders. There are also cartoons within the app to engage children while their temperatures are being taken.
However, to use the app, you’ll need to be within the Bluetooth range of your smartphone when it’s on your person or nearby.
This is an excellent idea for some people, but the vast majority would probably appreciate a simple thermometer to use straight out of the box without downloading an app.
Chooseen Digital Forehead and Ear Thermometer
Unfortunately, the Choosen Digital Forehead and Ear Thermometer did not meet our expectations. This thermometer did not provide an accurate temperature measurement, which is our highest requirement. You may take the temperature across the forehead or via the ear with this thermometer.
Four ear canal measurements, which are generally more accurate than forehead readings, varied from 96.9 degrees Fahrenheit to 97.2 degrees Fahrenheit. So, although the values were valid, we did not believe it was the most effective method for recognizing a fever. The forehead then displayed comparable measurements but at a temperature of 99.5 degrees.
While the instructions mention that “the measured forehead temperature may vary by up to 1 degree Fahrenheit,” we observed a substantial variation between the two, which we did not observe with our other thermometers with various reading choices.
Despite the accuracy concerns we encountered, the thermometer includes several desirable functions, such as monitoring ambient, object, and liquid temperatures. There is an LED illumination for the night, a fever warning, and blacklights with color-coding. Additionally, you may see up to 35 previous temperature measurements, unmute noises, and switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit with ease.
iProven Thermometer, Oral & Rectal
The iProven is a conventional thermometer that can measure oral and rectal temperatures. It is compact, simple to use, and provides a few additional capabilities, but not many.
The tip is incredibly soft, and we did not find it irritating beneath the tongue. However, it takes approximately 20 seconds to finish each reading, the longest of all the thermometers we tried. This lengthy reading won’t do if you’re searching for a fast check or trying to measure a child’s temperature.
In addition, the thermometer does not automatically shut off until 10 minutes have passed, which is nearly nine extra minutes than many of the other thermometers on the list; nevertheless, there is an on/off button that you’ll want to remember to activate to avoid wasting battery life.
There is an “oral” and “rectal” sticker that you may attach to the iProven thermometer to tell you which body region the thermometer is designed for. If you want to use probe covers for sanitary purposes, we examined probe wraps that came with a different thermometer and found that they fit correctly. And even while utilizing the probe shields, the results were the same.
The thermometer is among the simplest to clean since it is entirely waterproof and can be cleaned with soap and water. In addition, a plastic container is included to keep the entire thermometer clean while not in use.
iProven No-Touch Thermometer
If you want a thermometer that any family member can use, the iProven No-Touch Thermometer surpasses your needs. Even 4- and 7-year-olds tested it without trouble. And with a huge number display, anyone, including a youngster, can read the temperature recording. In reality, this thermometer is close to our overall best, the Braun Digital No-Touch Forehead Thermometer, except that it lacks the orientation light.
In contrast, the iProven has a memory capacity of 50 readings, while the Braun does not have any storing capabilities. This removes the need to record readings on paper, which may be lost, and ensures that all temperatures are easily accessible when consulting with a doctor. It will also help you evaluate if your temperature increases or decreases over time.
This non-contact thermometer reads from the forehead without requiring physical contact, and this helps maintain the device clean and prevents the transfer of germs between individuals. Unlike the Braun Digital No-Touch Forehead Thermometer, this thermometer also measures room, object, and liquid temperatures.
We considered Braun’s forehead guidelines and distance reading to be more useful in daily usage, establishing it as the industry leader.
Braun ThermoScan 5 Digital Ear Thermometer
The Braun ThermoScan 5 Digital Ear Thermometer is perfect for ear-only measurements. The prewarmed tip helps to assure accurate readings, as seen by the fact that two of our readings were 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the other two were only 0.1 and 0.2 degrees above.
The thermometer requires replaceable probe filters, and it will not function if no filter is present. While this helps maintain the cleanliness and sterility of the thermometer probe, you must usually have fresh filters available. Additionally, it generates additional plastic trash, if that is your concern. A box of filters is supplied so that you may use the thermometer immediately, but a refill pack of 40 filters will cost you an additional $6.
The thermometer snaps into a storage container, and the probe filter box is tucked within, so you don’t have to fear losing them.
At this price, we would have liked to see a few additional capabilities, such as monitoring more than just the most recent measurement and illumination for nighttime use. And, unlike most thermometers, we examined, while having an on/off switch, the thermometer does not immediately shut off after one minute.
iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
This non-contact forehead thermometer has a similar appearance and feel to one of our absolute favorites, the Elepho eTherm Infrared Ear & Forehead Thermometer, except that it lacks an ear recording option. The thermometer’s form is elegant and thin, and it is significantly smaller than other no-touch forehead choices.
The thermometer is incredibly user-friendly straight from the factory, and it includes a one-page instruction manual for learning the fundamentals.
This thermometer has an infrared temperature sensor that gathers more than one hundred data points per second. This method permits exceptionally consistent measurements since three of the four readings were identical, and the fourth was only 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit lower.
One second after placing this thermometer an inch away from the middle of a person’s forehead, you will obtain a reading. It vibrates once the temperature has been recorded to signify that the process is complete. This was preferable to a beep since it eliminates unpleasant noises while still communicating that the temperature measurement is finished. There is a huge, easily visible LED display in the dark. Unlike many other thermometers, this one does not use a color-coded light to signal a fever.
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