- No matter how many people are in your household, you need to have a thermometer on hand because everyone, at some point, will get sick.
- The iProven Thermometer is the best one you can buy because it has two temperature-reading functions that provide a quick, accurate reading.
The ability to quickly and accurately determine a person's body temperature is imperative for assessing their condition during an illness, after an injury, or in the event of exposure to inclement conditions. Whether you're dealing with a temperamental toddler, a nonresponsive accident victim, or anyone in between, when you are trying to determine what is wrong with a person and to gauge the severity of the issue, a thermometer can play a big part in the diagnostic process.
Thanks to today's modern thermometers, getting a temperature reading is remarkably easy and safe. Gone are the days of sticking a mercury thermometer under the tongue and waiting for five minutes, and then trying in vain to read the temperature of where the rising red liquid leveled off — which is always an approximate, but never precise.
The thermometers in our guide get readings in myriad ways, but they all get results fast and with minimal chance of error.
Here are the best thermometers you can buy
- Best thermometer overall: iProven Forehead and Ear Thermometer
- Best budget thermometer: Vicks ComfortFlex Digital Thermometer
- Best ear thermometer: Braun ThermoScan 5 Digital Ear Thermometer
Prices and links are current as of 3/3/2020. We updated our overall pick to a model from the same company but designed for both adults and children. We also have a new low-cost option. We are currently testing the Innovo Forehead and Ear Thermometer, Braun ThermoScan 7, and non-contact options for our next update.
SEE ALSO: The best baby thermometers
The best thermometer overall
The iProven Thermometer can take readings through ear and forehead, so it's ideal for cross-referencing measurements to get accurate temperature readings.
The iProven Forehead and Ear Thermometer is remarkably easy to use, and it's designed for use on adults, kids, and babies. You operate it with a single press of a button, and readings are quickly displayed on a large, clear LCD screen. Second, the thermometer can take readings in two ways: ear or infrared. And finally, an automatic fever alarm takes the guesswork out of the equation.
The first method for attaining a temperature is to use its ear canal probe. You gently insert the ear probe, press the Ear button, and get your reading. To use the infrared forehead sensor, you pop on the infrared lens attachment, press the Head button, then either gently drag the sensor across the forehead or lightly tap it to several spots on the brow.
Using the ear probe will get you the most accurate results in the most efficient manner possible, but it might not always be a viable method with a fussy toddler or otherwise unwilling participant.
The infrared sensor requires leaving the thermometer in the room where it will be used for about a half-hour prior to measurement. This ensures it is at the room's temperature and thus can accurately determine body heat as a contrast. Gently swiping the sensor against the head of a resting patient will be minimally invasive and is an ideal option for babies.
While this thermometer works for the entire family, iProven also makes a version for kids.
Pros: Dual measurement functions, easy operation, automatic fever alarm
Cons: Infrared sensor requires 30-minute calibration
The best budget thermometer
The Vicks ComfortFlex takes temperatures in multiple ways and the affordable price tag makes it a steal.
The Vicks ComfortFlex is a thermostat that can be used by people of all ages — it's safe to use for kids and babies. In our testing, we found readings to be accurate and easy to read on the digital display. It's affordable, so you can keep one for adults and one for kids.
For older kids and adults, the ComfortFlex can be used orally. For babies, you can place it under their arms or insert it rectally. Readings are accurate, but compared to the Vicks RapidRead, it's not as fast; the ComfortFlex registers between 8-to-11 seconds.
It's lightweight and slim enough to throw in a bag. For such a compact device, however , the ComfortFlex makes extremely loud beeps. And, you have to turn it off and turn it on again in order to take back-to-back temperature readings. — Les Shu
Pros: Affordable, multi-use, accurate, clear digital display, well-designed probe covers
Cons: Slow readings (by comparison) of 8-11 seconds, very loud beep, lag time when taking multiple readings
Check out our guide for the best baby thermometers.
The best ear thermometer
What the Braun ThermoScan 5 Digital Ear Thermometer lacks in a wide range of functions, it makes up for in reliability and accuracy.
If you just want an exceptionally good thermometer that's easy to use, reliable, and will last for years, then the Braun ThemoScan5 Digital Ear Thermometer is the one for you.
This is one of the most basic digital ear thermometers out there, but it's well-made. Thanks to its accuracy and durability, it's a number-one pick for use in pediatrician's offices and is the go-to choice for families.
Part of the reason this device is so accurate is the pre-warmed tip, a feature that not only helps with precise measurements but that also makes the experience of having temperature taken less unpleasant for the patient. The thermometer also emits a beep and lights up once good ear placement is achieved, so you know the measurement recorded is as accurate as possible.
Because the Braun ThemoScan5 Digital Ear Thermometer uses disposable ear probes, you can minimize the chance of spreading germs from one person to the next. This thermometer only has a single memory function and only takes temperatures in one manner (the ear).
Pros: Excellent accuracy, lasts for years, replaceable covers limit germ spreading
Cons: Screen is not backlit, pricey
What else we considered
Disposable thermometers: Single-use disposable thermometers come in slender strips that can be used orally or tucked under an armpit. They can be stored in first aid kits for campsites, cars, and offices. While disposable thermostats are useful for quick, emergency situations, they aren't as accurate as our recommended products, but readings are critical enough to determine if someone needs medical attention. Although we aren't recommending them for everyday use, they are handy in some cases.
Check out our other health guides
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