The 3 Best Thermometers of 2024

Best Overall Thermometer

GoodBaby Touchless 2-in-1 IR 2000

Sensor Type	Forehead, surface
Display Type	Digital
Measured Read Time	1 second
Measured Average Temperature Deviation at 98° F	0.08

The GoodBaby Touchless 2-in-1 IR 2000 is our go-to thermometer for most people. With its large, easy-to-press buttons located on top of the device and its near-instantaneous temperature reading, it's about as easy to operate as they come. To simplify operation even further, this thermometer is pre-programmed to backlight the LCD screen with green when a normal temperature is read, yellow if the subject is running a bit hot, and red when it might be time to go see a physician. The IR 2000 is also relatively easy to clean — an attribute that is ever so helpful when in close contact with potentially ill individuals.

We don't have many gripes with the IR 2000, but we prefer models that "beep" a bit louder to alert the user that the device has completed its job. In the post-COVID-19 world, these types of thermometers are often used by businesses in crowded, noisy environments, and it's nice to know a complete reading has been taken. While this model is reasonably accurate and is absolutely sufficient for home use, it doesn't offer the near-precise readings of expensive medical-grade alternatives. If you're looking for a top-tier physician-grade thermometer, we recommend the Welch Allyn Sure Temp plus 690/692, which is widely used in the medical industry.

Best Bang for the Buck

Boncare 10-Second Digital

Sensor Type	Tongue
Display Type	Digital
Measured Read Time	10.6 seconds
Measured Average Temperature Deviation at 98° F	0.05

The Boncare 10-Second Digital is a great choice for those that are shopping for a thermometer on a shoestring budget. One of the primary benefits of a probe-style thermometer as opposed to infrared or the ancient mercury models of the past is the impressive level of accuracy. During our 98 °F accuracy assessment, this model was nearly spot on with our medical-grade control models. The Boncare is waterproof, which makes it ideal use with fussy children and also incredibly easy to clean. With three different ways to read temperatures, it is suitable for infants, the elderly, and everybody in between. Best of all, the Boncare is super budget friendly, costing a tiny fraction of the medical-grade models while still producing extremely similar temperature readings.

The main drawback of probe thermometers is the lengthy read time — Ten seconds is a longer time than we would expect some children to sit still. The display is also relatively small and is not backlit, to be prepared to use it in a well-lit area should you choose to go with this model. If you want a touchless thermometer that provides a near-instantaneous reading, we recommend the GoodBaby IR 2000.

Best Smart Thermometer

Kinsa QuickCare

Sensor Type	Tongue
Display Type	Digital
Measured Read Time	5.6 seconds
Measured Average Temperature Deviation at 98° F	0.7

The Kinsa QuickCare is a Bluetooth smart thermometer that tracks more than just the patient's temperature when combined with the accompanying app. The Kinsa is a probe-style thermometer with a large, easy-to-read display and color alerts that correspond in case of fever. The QuickCare is simple to operate, using just a single button on the probe to take temperature and settings. Once the thermometer is paired via Bluetooth with a smartphone, the thermometer really shows its potential. Users can create individual profiles for family members, track temperature and symptoms, track medication administration times, and set reminders for the next dose. Users can also get guidance and care recommendations related to their symptoms or see data about illnesses in the local area.

It is convenient to have information from the Kinsa automatically stored, but sometimes you don't need all the extra technology. Though the thermometer wants you to use the app, you can bypass the screen and use it as a simple digital thermometer. The single button at the top of the probe may be small for someone with larger hands. We found the readings to be inaccurate, around the lower 90s Fahrenheit, and though we like the safety aspect of the flexible tip, some may find it challenging if they have larger fingers. Despite these minor concerns, the Kinsa QuickCare offers a lot of features and is a great option for those who want to keep digital records of illnesses or track medication dosing. For those who have no interest in dealing with yet another smartphone app, we recommend the Vicks SpeedRead, which is accurate, easy to use, and reasonably priced.

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	87	GoodBaby Touchless 2-in-1 IR 2000 Best Overall Thermometer	$30
	86	Welch Allyn Sure Temp Plus 690/692	$329
	83	Exergen TAT-5000	$475
	81	GoodBaby FCIR-1000	$20
	78	iHealth No-Touch Infrared Forehead	$30
	77	BerrCom Non-Contact Infrared	$17
	77	Famidoc Touchless	$40
	77	CHOOSEEN Thermometer	$40
	77	Braun ThermoScan 7+	$74
	72	Boncare 10-Second Digital Best Bang for the Buck	$8
	72	Kinsa QuickCare Best Smart Thermometer	$30
	67	Vicks SpeedRead	$17
	64	Exergen Tat-2000c	$56
	56	iProven Dt-R1221AWG	$10

How We Test Thermometers

Gearlab purchases each product we test at retail prices and does not accept manufacturer samples, so you get unbiased information to help make an informed decision. Over the past few years, we have researched dozens of different thermometers and tested 17 different models to compare ease of use, accuracy, ease of disinfection, and how long to register a reading. We also take note of any additional features that may impact the performance or be important to the user. We subjected each thermometer to multiple tests and recorded how each individual device performed in the given area. Scores of the individual test metrics are weighted and combined for a product's overall score.

We calculated our total scores using these four rating metrics:

• Accuracy (40% of overall score weighting)

• Ease of Use (25% weighting)

• Cleaning (25% weighting)

• Speed (10% weighting)

Why You Should Trust Us

Spearheading the thermometer review is Travis Reddinger. Travis has almost 20 years of experience in the medical field, from prehospital EMS to in-hospital emergency medicine and critical care, along with being an automotive mechanic since he graduated high school. Because of his experience and technical knowledge, he is often asked for input on new products and devices the hospital is considering to improve patient care. While caring for some of the sickest patients in a Level 1 Trauma Hospital, Travis understands the necessity for fast, accurate results in a simple-to-use device.

How to Choose The Best Thermometer

We've provided four important buying considerations to help you choose the right thermometer for your needs based on accuracy, budget, and age.

Infrared or Digital?

Thermometers are typically offered in digital or infrared sensors for reading temperatures. A digital thermometer relies on direct contact through the ear, mouth, or rectum, while infrared thermometers can be used without contact on the forehead or ear. Digital thermometers are great for providing accurate readings and budget-friendly options, while infrared thermometers are great for their ease of use and no-contact readings. If you need the most accurate reading, a digital thermometer may be better suited, but if you need quick readings or have to take multiple readings quickly, infrared thermometers will excel.

What Sensor Type Should You Go With?

Accessing a person's temperature can be achieved through multiple locations around the body. The most common areas include the mouth, forehead, and ears. For infants, rectum readings are recommended for the most accurate results and ease of access, or alternatively, an infrared thermometer on the forehead can be used. Children above six months typically can accommodate ear thermometers, and children above four can begin using mouth readings. It's important to consider how location affects accuracy and results. While noncontact thermometers can provide accurate results, they can be disrupted by clothing, sunlight, and air. Additionally, sweat or heat from wearing head items such as hats can affect certain body locations, such as foreheads. When deciding on a thermometer type, consider the age of your children, the tolerance to thermometers in locations on the body, and the ease of use to receive accurate readings.

How Important is Cleaning?

Utilizing a thermometer with easy cleaning is important for proper hygiene and allows for more accurate results. When looking at thermometers, consider whether probe covers are used and whether they are reusable for cleaning or disposable one-time-use covers. Also, consider the shape and complexity of the design to see how easy it is to wipe down and clean the surfaces of your thermometer. For folks with multiple sick people in the household, being able to quickly and effectively clean your thermometer is worth considering.

Are Specific Features Important?

While accessing an accurate reading is the most important quality of a good thermometer, certain features can make life easier, especially when under the weather. Thermometers with memory readings that help gauge the progression of fever are useful. Another feature worth considering is finding a thermometer with a large, lighted display to help read temperatures in low light. Some thermometers even provide app accessibility to provide guidance and track symptom progression. Consider how important certain features are for your personal needs and for those in your household.

Analysis and Test Results

Testing for thermometers places an emphasis on four rating metrics. For each one, we highlight top contenders that outperform the rest and others that fall short in the competition. Though we assign a weight to each metric to get an overall score for each thermometer, the intent is to provide more granular information so you can assess each product based on what is important to you.

Value

Though value is not formally considered in overall product scoring, it likely plays an important role in your purchase decision. In our reviews, value is what you get relative to what you pay. In quantitative terms, products with a comparatively high score and low price have a higher value. Based on our testing, models that come away as high-value options include the BerrCom Non-Contact Infrared for a contactless model and the Vicks SpeedRead for a more traditional, digital stick thermometer. We purchased two high-end professional-grade models to use as controls in our experiments — the Welch Allyn Sure Temp Plus 690/692 and the Exergen TAT-5000. These models may offer the most in terms of practically precise accuracy but fall short when it comes to overall ease of use and are devoid of any special features, which is great news — it means that you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a reliable and accurate thermometer that is much more user-friendly than the versions used by hospitals.

Accuracy

Accuracy is the degree to which the thermometer displays a number corresponding to a person's actual core temperature. The accuracy of a device compared to core temperature does depend on the method used for temperature testing. Typically, a thermometer offers the most accurate temperature if it is inserted inside the body for a reading and deviates as you move further away from the core of the person's body. For example, a rectal temp would be most accurate, followed by oral, temporal, or axillary. It is important to consider that some methods are much more comfortable and convenient than others and understand that a deviation of 0.5-1 degree Fahrenheit is considered to be an acceptable compromise.

Accuracy was given the highest priority for the testing process because the output from the device is what influences healthcare decisions. For each thermometer we tested, we recorded five readings at three different temperatures. We then averaged the recordings and measured the deviation from the control device. The amount of deviation from the control was then translated into the accompanying score accordingly for each temperature group. Once each thermometer had a score for each of the control groups, those three scores were averaged to give the overall accuracy rating for each thermometer.

We used a heating device and a glass of water to maintain a constant temperature for each test group and verified it with our professional-grade control models — The Welch Allyn Sure Temp Plus 690/692 and the Exergen TAT-5000. The constant low temperature we tested was approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The next temperature we tested was meant to mimic the "normal" body temp, which was 98 degrees.

We understand that number varies with each individual. The final temperature we tested was approximately 105 degrees to simulate a high fever. We did not have any extreme outliers when it came to normal temperature or fevers and were pleased with the overall results. The testing process gave us confidence that we could rely on the consumer-grade models to assess temperatures on ourselves or family members.

Every model tested well overall for accuracy, but some had less deviation from the control than others. The Boncare 10-Second Digital, Braun Thermoscan 7+, GoodBaby FCIR-1000, Goodbaby Touchless 2-in-1 IR 2000, and iHealth No-Touch were the most accurate infrared thermometers. The Vicks SpeedRead was the probe-style model with the smallest deviation from the control temperature.

The next group includes the Chooseen and the Famidoc Touchless for minimal deviation, closely followed by the BerrCom Non-Contact, Kinsa QuickCare, and the Exergen Tat-2000c. The Kinsa had some larger deviations for the low temperature of 90 degrees, but the lower temp is where most showed the largest inaccuracy. All of the thermometers did very well in the normal and fever controls, which are understood to be the most important areas.

Ease of Use

Ease of use examines how simple a device is to assess a temperature. We look at how intuitive a device is to use, button size, button location, button engagement, the screen size and location, power supply and changing batteries, how difficult it is to change settings, and if it needs to be removed from a case or uses probe covers.

The Kinsa QuickCare probe thermometer is a single-button device that proved to be one of the easiest models to use that we've ever tested. The Kinsa has a round head with a large, bright, color-coded screen that is easy to read. The probe end is flexible and more comfortable than some other thermometers since they read temperature internally. The thermometer has a small single button on the top that turns the probe on and is ready for measurements. Some may find the button a little difficult to use if they have large hands or lack dexterity, but we found no issues during testing. The Quickcare does have an app that can be downloaded and paired with the device, but it is not necessary for use. Battery replacement is simple: remove the backplate to access the CR2032.

The Braun Thermoscan 7 is an in-ear thermometer with a large display, making it really easy to read with well-placed buttons, but it loses points by needing a disposable plastic probe cover to take a reading. The Vicks SpeedRead is also simple with a single button and easy-to-read display, but we found accessing the battery to be more difficult than necessary.

Many of the other infrared thermometers shared a similar design and had a large color display on the back, trigger-style button placement, sound notifications, and batteries in the handle, but a few had notable findings during testing. The BerrCom Infrared placed the auxiliary buttons on the side, making it more difficult to make adjustments while viewing the screen. The Famidoc FDIR-V22 has power and setting buttons on the back that we found difficult to press and activate because of their small size and flexible rubber caps. The bottom battery cover also opened on its own multiple times, allowing the batteries to fall out.

The GE Trucheck TM3000 and the iHealth PT3 are comfortable, single-button thermometers with a simplified design and easy-to-read screens.

The GoodBaby FC IR-100 has two buttons on the top, but it is more intuitive to push the feature button instead of scan. The Goodbaby Touchless 2 in 1 FCIR 2000 has a trigger for scan and places the additional buttons on the right side, similar to the Berrcom. The Chooseen FC IR-1010 has the temperature button on the top, but the mode and memory are underneath and inefficient.

The Exergen TAT 2000 is a temporal thermometer with a backlit, small grayscale screen. The probe is used by sliding it across the forehead for reading, but the ergonomics of pushing the small button on the front while maintaining contact is uncomfortable. Power is supplied by a single 9v battery, which seems to be falling out of favor for electronic devices. The iProven ProTemp Flex has a non-backlit grayscale display with a small button next to the screen that requires more pressure to activate. We also found that replacing the battery requires removing the cover with a very small screwdriver. Another probe thermometer, the Boncare TH2, has a small, non-backlit grayscale screen with a recessed button that may be challenging for some to use. We also were concerned about replacing the SR41 battery because it may cause unnecessary damage to the wires connected to the tip.

Cleaning

Thermometers are typically used when someone is showing signs of an illness. The temperature increases because the body has activated the immune system to rev up and fight off bacteria or illness. The ability to easily disinfect a device and prevent further spread of illness is an important consideration, especially if you have little ones in the household or someone who is immunocompromised. We considered the recommended method of cleaning and examined which has the least amount of crevices, recesses, and areas that may be challenging to access when disinfecting the device.

The champion of this metric is the Welch Allyn Sure Temp plus 690/692 because disinfecting the probe between readings is as simple as tossing the disposable cover and attaching a new one. While this is far from the most environmentally friendly approach to cleaning, in instances where temp reading volume is high, it makes the most sense.

The Goodbaby Touchless and Vicks Speedread both rated high on the scale of ease of disinfection among the consumer-grade models due to smooth surfaces, flush screens, and less crevices for germs to hide.

The Kinsa QuickCare was also near the top, with the Braun Thermoscan 7+ close behind. All but one of the remaining thermometers received similar scores due to the number of buttons to clean, recessed screens or sensors, or extra pieces to be removed. The Exergen Tat-2000c scored the lowest due to a deeply recessed screen, number of ridges, and different shapes requiring much more effort to get all the areas with cleaning cloth.

Speed

The time it takes a thermometer to display an accurate reading is important to consider when deciding on a thermometer. It can be difficult to get somebody to sit still for the amount of time it takes the device to result. For this metric, we used a stopwatch when obtaining five temperatures with each device and averaged the time it took to record and display a temperature.

During the testing process, it became obvious that one type of thermometer is much faster than the other. All of the infrared devices offered an almost instantaneous result for each reading in less than a second. This list includes the GoodBaby Touchless 2-in-1 IR 2000 and FCIR-1000, iHealth No-Touch, Famidoc, CHOOSEEN, and BerrCom.

Very close to the top and taking just a second or so longer to result is the Braun Thermoscan 7+ and the professional grade Exergen TAT-5000, and just a hair slower is the Exergen Tat-2000c temporal artery thermometer.

As we move into slower results, the probe-style thermometers make up the remainder of the list. The Kinsa was the fastest of the probe style, followed by the Boncare TH-2, Vicks SpeedRead, Welch Allyn, and the iProven ProTemp Flex Digital Thermometer. Though they are slower than infrared devices, these thermometers only range from 5 seconds to about 14 seconds to display results, which is a big improvement over the mercury thermometers of the past.

Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality thermometer means investing in your and your family's health and well-being. A good thermometer can help determine if someone needs some over-the-counter medications and rest or if they need a trip to the clinic or urgent care. Though you hope to rarely have to use it for an illness, some of the thermometers can also assist with duties like testing bath water temperature, food or drink temps, or other surfaces around the house. With all the options on the market, though, making a decision to fit your needs can be stressful and time-consuming. Thankfully, we have performed comprehensive testing and analysis of many thermometer options so you can find the one that best meets your needs and budget.