We Tested 40 Thermometers to Find the 12 Best for Every Family Member (2024)

Our Top Picks

Why We Like It

The Vicks Non-Contact Infrared Body Thermometer provides accurate and color-coded results in just two seconds or less. It is easy to operate, gets the job done quickly, and can be used on the body or liquids, which is why it is our top choice. In our testing, we found that this device consistently produced accurate 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, 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. 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.

It’s Worth Noting

• It needs to be positioned precisely in order to get the most accurate reading.
  

Product Details:

• Type: Forehead
• Power Source: AAA batteries
• Dimensions: 3.46”L x 1.57”W x 5.51"H
• Weight: 2 ounces
• Response Time: 2 seconds
• Extra Features: Colored display for normal, mild, and high temp readings

Why We Like It

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. We liked the color-coded display, which changes to green, yellow, or red depending on temperature and alerts you with a beep when the reading is ready. It has a mute function that, along with the no-contact feature, allows you to take temperatures without disruption. This thermometer has a handy storage function that can hold up to 32 readings. Unfortunately, it doesn't record the date or time along with the readings. Once it reaches its limit of 32 readings, you'll need to remove and then re-insert the batteries to clear the memory.

It’s Worth Noting

• 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.
  

Product Details:

• Type: Forehead
• Power Source: AAA batteries
• Dimensions: 5.5”L x 1.7”W x 1.7”H
• Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Response Time: 1 second
• Extra Features: No-touch readings

Why We Like It

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 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 appreciate that this thermometer can be used on the forehead, which may be more convenient for nervous children. Additionally, it features a storage capability of up to 20 readings, but it does not support storage for multiple users.

It’s Worth Noting

• 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.
  

Product Details:

• Type: Ear, Forehead
• Power Source: AAA batteries
• Dimensions: 6.1”L x 1.7”W x 1.8”H
• Weight: 4 ounces
• Response Time: 1-3 seconds depending on mode
• Extra Features: Colored display for normal and fever readings

Why We Like It

This Braun No Touch 3-in-1 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 provides readings in two seconds or less. We appreciated how simple it was to use: just select from 0-3 months, 3-36 months, or 36+ and point. 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.

It's Worth Noting

• There is no option to store readings to track over time.
  

Product Details:

• Type: Forehead
• Power Source: AAA batteries
• Dimensions: 1.89”L x 5.91”H x 1.89”W
• Weight: 8 ounces
• Response Time: 5 seconds
• Extra Features: Age range selection for more accurate readings
  

Why We Like It

Out of all the thermometers we tested, this Berrcom Thermometer proved to be the easiest to use. We loved that this thermometer is ergonomic and lightweight, and the screen is magnified for easy reading. It was quick and effortless; simply select the mode and click the button. Readings are color-coded and appear within a second. 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.

It's Worth Noting

• This thermometer doesn't come with batteries.

Product Details:

• Type: Forehead
• Power Source: AA batteries
• Dimensions: 7.4”L x 2.2”H x 4.7”W
• Weight: 5.44 ounces
• Response Time: 1 second
• Extra Features: Magnified screen, auto shut-off feature

Why We Like It

For fast readings on a large display screen with no contact, this HoMedics No-Touch Infrared Thermometer is a good choice. Readings are displayed in about one second with large numbers and a blue or red backlight to indicate normal or high fever temperature. There is a high fever alarm, which also has a night mode to turn off the alarm and display light.

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 and can store up to 30 temperature readings to track over time.

It's Worth Noting

• The backlight is not very bright which may make the screen hard to read.
  

Product Details:

• Type: Forehead
• Power Source: AAA batteries
• Dimensions: 5.1”L x 1.9”H x 1.5”W
• Weight: 2.9 ounces
• Response Time: 1 second
• Extra Features: Low battery indicator, high fever alarm
  

Why We Like It

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.

It's Worth Noting

• Accurate temperatures are dependent on being consistent with how the device is held.
  

Product Details:

• Type: Forehead
• Power Source: AAA batteries
• Dimensions: 5.63”L x 3.5”H x 1.5”W
• Weight: 6.1 ounces
• Response Time: 2 seconds
• Extra Features: 50-reading storage capacity
  

Why We Like It

With the benefit of a free app, this Kinsa QuickScan Non-Contact Smart Forehead 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, the temperature readings were consistent and ready in about two seconds, indicated by a sound, and displayed with large numbers for easy reading.

It's Worth Noting

• Using this device without the app is not very intuitive.
  

Product Details:

• Type: Forehead
• Power Source: AAA batteries
• Dimensions: 8.19”L x 5.79”H x 1.89”W
• Weight: 6 ounces
• Response Time: 2 seconds
• Extra Features: App that tracks readings and provides guidance

Why We Like It

The soft, flexible tip of this Boncare Digital Oral 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. 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.

It's Worth Noting

• The time it takes to get a reading can vary widely from 5 to 30 seconds.
  

Product Details:

• Type: Oral
• Power Source: AAA batteries
• Dimensions: 4.93”L x 0.49”H x 0.76”W
• Weight: 0.37 ounces
• Response Time: 10 seconds
• Extra Features: Waterproof

Why We Like It

When your baby is sick, trying to get an accurate temperature reading can be stressful. The Evenflo PreciseRead™ Touchless Thermometer is a non-contact thermometer that offers a seamless way to measure body temperature from the forehead without any physical touch, making it ideal for maintaining hygiene and minimizing disturbance, especially with children. Its intuitive design ensures ease of use, featuring a simple one-button operation for fast readings, typically within two seconds. We loved the user-friendly interface, including a bright display with large, bold numbers and emoticon feedback for easy interpretation of results. We like that this thermometer is enhanced by features like memory storage and sound options with a lightweight, ergonomic design that can also be used for liquids and food.

It's Worth Noting

• The ear probe covers are not easy to replace.
  

Product Details:

• Type: Forehead, Ear
• Power Source: AAAA batteries
• Dimensions: 51.65" W x 5.59" H x 1.66" D
• Weight: 1.59 ounces
• Response Time: 2 seconds
• Extra Features: Memory storage, sound alarms
  

Why We Like It

The Oxiline Therma 9 Pro Thermometer impressed us with its large LCD screen that provides large, clear numbers offering visibility in any light, ideal for dark settings. We easily set up the thermometer thanks to its straightforward instructions and included AAA batteries. It is designed for forehead use, and the rapid, lab-grade sensor ensures accuracy and delivers quick, reliable readings from a short distance. It measures skin, room or object temperature anddstores up to 20 readings. Its simplicity is highlighted by a one-click operation and a design that's both lightweight and easy to handle. though its lack of a manual shutdown option for quicker memory access is a slight drawback.

It's Worth Noting

• There is no way to shut down the device. You have to wait for it to automatically shut down before you can access the memory mode.
  

Product Details:

• Type: Forehead, Ear
• Power Source: AAA batteries
• Dimensions: 7.56”L x 2.24”H x 2.59”W
• Weight: 0.2 lbs
• Response Time: 1 second
• Extra Features: Memory storage

Why We Like It

The Vicks ComfortFlex Thermometer is an affordably priced, practical choice that offers straightforward functionality without unnecessary extras. We easily set up this thermometer and appreciated its straightforward, one-button operation despite the small font of the instructions. This oral thermometer surprised us with its quick 2-3 second readings—much faster than typical models. We found its accuracy reliable, with minimal variation between consecutive readings. Its large, easy-to-read display that changes color based on temperature severity—green for normal, yellow for moderate fever, and red for high fever—stood out, especially useful in low-light conditions.

It's Worth Noting

• While moderately comfortable and user-friendly, the design could benefit from a longer base for better handling.

Product Details

• Type: Oral, underarm, rectal
• Power Source: CR1632 battery
• Dimensions: 3.1 x 1.2 x 7.5 inches
• Weight: 1.76 ounces
• Response Time: 8 seconds
• Extra Features: Storage case