When your throat feels a bit scratchy and you press your hand above your forehead to see if it’s warm, grabbing a thermometer is your next leap of action.
For that reason, a quality thermometer is always good to have on hand for those inevitable under-the-weather feelings. Not to mention, as we’re amid flu season and — much to our dismay — an uptick in COVID cases (from plenty people we’ve encountered in the last few weeks who tested positive), it’s now more important to have one — for checking adults, kids and babies alike.
Thermometers are also an essential part of any home first aid kit, so now’s a smart time to make sure yours has one, too.
“Any temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is a fever,” Rosaria Trovello, physician assistant at Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care with eight years of experience, told the New York Post. “Sometimes, the number isn’t always the concern as much as the behavior or symptoms, shortness of breath, feeling lethargic. You should always perk up an hour after taking something for the fever. If not, improving that can warrant further care.”
Ahead, we put together some FAQs about detecting and treating a fever, along with top thermometers for every age and preference. Most thermometers can be purchased with money in your FSA or HSA account if you shop through the FSA store, which is good to keep in mind.
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Click to jump to a specific section:
- Best Thermometer Overall
- Best Budget Thermometer
- Best Thermometer for Babies
- Best Thermometer for Kids
- Best Thermometer for Adults
- Best Ear Thermometer
- Best Forehead Thermometer
- Best Oral Thermometer
Best Thermometer Overall
Braun ThermoScan 7 Digital Ear Thermometer
When we asked Trovello about thermometers, she instantly said “Braun all the way.” And we wholeheartedly agree.
“Braun is the most accurate,” Trovello told The Post. “It’s quick, painless and easy to use and keep clean.”
The Braun ThermoScan 7 Digital Ear Thermometer is the latest and greatest model the brand has to offer — an investment, for sure, but a one-and-done purchase you’ll have for years. Specifically, it has garnered nearly 8,000 rave reviews on Amazon alone for its accurate reading, versatility, comfortable tip and sanitary design.
Best Budget Thermometer
Viproud Digital Thermometer
If you’re looking for a basic, run-of-the-mill thermometer, grab the Viproud Digital Thermometer. For less than $25 on Amazon, it’s beloved for providing results in one second (yes, you read that correctly!) and for its slim, lightweight design.
More, its easy-read LED display is visible even in the dark, and it has a 30-second auto-shutoff setting to conserve energy. Overall, it’s well worth it.
Best Thermometer for Babies
Frida Baby Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer
The Frida Baby Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer is an affordable thermometer that’s readily available to order online — and we recommend it for a multitude of reasons, based on our research. For starters, it delivers a quick, 10-second read and features a rectal insertion stopper to prevent the adult from inserting it too far. In short, it’s a gentle option for your baby.
“This is the most accurate thermometer for any children younger than two years old,” Trovello said.
Its LED light makes temperature readings easy as ever, too. You’ll also appreciate how it’s both BPA- and latex-free — a testament to its near-10,000 review rating on Amazon alone.
Best Thermometer for Kids
Braun ThermoScan 3 Digital Ear Thermometer for Kids
The Braun ThermoScan 3 Digital Ear Thermometer for Kids is truly great for any age, but we recommend it for kids because (1) it’s an expert-recommended brand and (2) its curved design makes it easier for younger children to have a firm grasp on it, allowing them to detect their temperatures individually.
As a fan of Braun, Trovello said that “this is the most accurate thermometer for any children older than two years old.”
This fairly priced model is applauded by nearly 3,000 satisfied shoppers on Amazon alone for its sanitary design and ability to produce extremely quick readings.
Best Thermometer for Adults
Amplim Non-Contact No-Touch Digital Forehead Thermometer
For its smart, high-tech design, we recommend the Amplim Non-Contact No-Touch Digital Forehead Thermometer as a worthy choice for adults. Because it’s a no-touch option, it has a sanitary appeal that has earned it more checks toward its approval.
“If you’re unable to achieve an ear or oral temperature reading, use this,” Trovello said.
Impressively, it boasts 7,000 gleaming reviews for its versatility (kids will love this one, too) and fast and accurate reading on its well-lit LED screen. Plus, it has an energy-saving mode thanks to its auto-shutoff function.
Best Ear Thermometer
iProven Dual Ear and Forehead Thermometer
With the iProven Dual Ear and Forehead Thermometer, you won’t have to spend more than $10. This model has earned its spot as our best overall ear thermometer for its versatility. Yes, it’s an ear thermometer, but it can also detect one’s fever — if any — with a forehead reading.
“The iProven thermometer is best used in the ear for accuracy and only should be used if you cannot achieve an oral or rectal reading,” Trovello said.
Based on our research, it doesn’t seem to compromise quality despite its low price tag. Over 1,500 shoppers vouch for the model, with one reviewer writing: “It works fine and is a great value for the price.”
Best Forehead Thermometer
iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
The iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer is an Amazon bestseller with a whopping 168,000 Amazon reviews — and counting! — because of (1) its value and (2) its sanitary, no-touch design. It features three sensitive sensors for an accurate reading, large LED lights and quiet vibration feedback to make it a pleasing experience for both adults and kids to use.
We also love its crisp white design and easy-to-read settings, making it a worthy and simple-to-use option.
Best Oral Thermometer
Vicks SpeedRead Digital Thermometer
With much acclaim, the Vicks SpeedRead Digital Thermometer is an option we recommend for oral use, namely because it’s so quick — you don’t have to have it in your mouth longer than you need. Talk about minimizing germs!
Additionally, Trovello said that “this is the most accurate for all individuals who are able to keep a thermometer in their mouth.”
It’s readily available to order online, too, and is also rather affordable. With more than 14,000 glistening reviews on Amazon alone, its easy-read display and energy-conserving shutoff feature make it worth adding to your cart.
An FAQ on Thermometers
Trovello gave us her to-the-point, insightful tips on helping to treat a fever, detecting one using a thermometer and more.
What qualities should one look for in a good thermometer?
Simply put, Trovello called out the two most important features any good thermometer should have: “a good battery life” and being “painless for the patient or user.”
She also said it’s “important to read the package insert for each type,” as thermometers are not a one-size-fits-all type of product — although they generally all work the same way (regardless if you’re using an oral, forehead, ear or rectal thermometer, they’ll all detect a fever).
What causes a fever? If I have a fever, should I take a COVID test?
According to Trovello, it’s better to be safe than sorry. “You should take a COVID test if you have a fever, as most COVID patients have a fever as a primary symptom.”
For treating a fever, Trovello recommended drinking plenty of water, wearing one light layer of clothing (don’t bundle, even in colder temps or climates) and taking antipyretic (in other words, fever-reducing) medications. These include acetameinophen and ibuprofen, per Trovello.
When taking medication, be sure to read the product label for the proper dosing per your weight, and to always read the maximum dose per day.
What else to know when you have a fever, according to a medical expert
An important tip to make note of: always treat the fever.
“Even if you plan to go to the doctor, so many patients come in with a 102-degree or 103-degree Fahrenheit reading and wait to give or take medicine, largely because they want to make sure they don’t interfere with evaluations,” Trovello said. “As long as you mention to your provider what you took and when, it will not interfere with management or tests done at the office. The patient’s comfort comes first.”
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