If you have toddlers or children who are averse to holding their breath, a forehead, ear or dual-mode device is likely a better fit. We measured our temperature both with and without the covers — within the same time period — and unfortunately, our readings were quite different. When using the protective covers, we received readings between 98.9 degrees Fahrenheit and 99.3 degrees Fahrenheit. But when taking off the cover, the reading was more than a degree less, as we received between 97.7 degrees Fahrenheit and 98 degrees Fahrenheit. If accuracy and consistency are your main priority, then this might not be the best thermometer for you.

We found the thermometer incredibly easy to move across the forehead, and it felt better than some of the other forehead thermometers that go against your skin, some of which felt a little too rigid and hard. When we tested against a 4-year-old’s forehead, he concurred that this one was smooth and in fact actually felt “nice.” He even asked for his temperature to be taken with the Elepho eTherm over and over again, just for fun.

What you need to know about your new thermometer.

For newborns up to age four, it is best to take their temperature under the armpit or rectum [while] children older than two can also have their temperature taken by ear,” says Dr. Johnston. “It’s also common to take a temperature orally once a child can sit long enough and they are able to hold a thermometer under their tongue, and most adults use oral thermometers.” With the supervision of medical professionals, the Health team tested 25 digital thermometers in our Lab, and at home over the course of a month to see how easily and accurately they took our body temperatures. We evaluated each device for setup, response time, accuracy, ease of use, data readability, and durability since these are the factors we determined to be the most important when choosing between digital thermometers for at-home use. Amongst the four readings when taken in our ear canal — which is considered to be more accurate than a forehead reading — we ranged anywhere between 96.9 degrees Fahrenheit and a 97.2 degrees Fahrenheit. So although the readings were consistent, we didn’t feel it would do the best job actually identifying a fever. On the forehead, we then again saw consistent readings, but at a 99.5-degree temperature. While the directions state that “the measured forehead temperature can fluctuate up to 1 degree Fahrenheit,” we saw a significant difference between the two, which we didn’t see with our other thermometers that have multiple reading options. Dr. Johnston also flags the issue of cleaning and caring for your thermometer. Thermometers with a probe will require cleaning after use, she explains, while infrared thermometers won’t since they’re not used internally. The thermometer is one of the easiest to clean, as it’s fully waterproof, meaning you can use just soap and water. It also comes with a plastic container to ensure the entire thermometer is kept clean when it’s not being used.

Pre-warmed tip so the probe doesn't cool the ear canal, which might affect the accuracy of the temperature reading. To help you spend your money wisely, we've launched more than 500 Great Value recommendations across 71 different product areas, from TVs and kettles to smartphones and washing machines, as well as everyday essentials such as food and laundry detergent. Feeling crummy and need to monitor your temperature? After researching dozens of thermometers, we tested 17 of the most compelling models available today. Our healthcare experts compared these models side-by-side in real-world testing scenarios and recorded the results. Each thermometer was then assigned a rank based on important factors like accuracy, ease of use, cleaning, and speed. There is a surprising variety of thermometers available, with each manufacturer adding their own twist to different styles and features, from traditional probe-style thermometers that go under the tongue, temporal artery scanners, and touchless infrared devices that record from a distance. Our comprehensive thermometer review will help you to navigate the multiple options and find the perfect one to cover your specific needs. So by choosing a Great Value product, you’re getting the best of both worlds: you’re paying much less than the typical price in that category, while getting a high-quality model that won't let you down.

After extensive testing, the iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer PT3 is our top choice for a no-touch thermometer — it delivers results within a second with an easy-to-read display. This thermometer uses infrared sensors to measure the temperature of the forehead, and it can be used on babies, children, and adults. Just scan the center of someone’s forehead to get a temperature reading, cued by a vibration. We took our temperature under the armpit and received a slightly lower reading, averaging 97.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Although lower, this is expected when taking a temperature with this method. As the directions state, taking your temperature under the armpit “produces a temperature 1 degree Fahrenheit lower than a temperature taken orally.” We also consulted with the medical experts and learned the reason behind this: The axillary (armpit) is taken outside of the body (versus inside), so you’re taking the temperature of your skin versus your core. That’s why, when taking your temperature under the armpit, you’ll want to add approximately 1 degree Fahrenheit to your reading to determine whether or not you have a real fever. (Note: We did not test the thermometer’s rectal reading, so we cannot specifically speak to this thermometer’s accuracy in that realm.) Ease of reading results - Is the result displayed digitally or do you need to measure and interpret the reading yourself? Does it give a reading in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, or can you alternate between the two? If you’re worried your child is unwell, the sooner you can see the result the better.

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. With that being said, the thermometer comes in a great storage bag — something that most thermometers don’t provide — and is extremely easy to use without having to read the full directions manual. It’ll record your last 20 temperature readings, has the capability to change the fever alert threshold based on your own body temperature and offers a one-second reading. This thermometer allows you to take your temperature readings three different ways — orally, rectally or under the armpit. First, we tested our temperature orally — with and without probe covers (disposable casings that go over the thermometer tip to keep the device sanitary), and we received similar readings between 98.3 degrees Fahrenheit and 98.8 degrees Fahrenheit with each method. That wasn’t the case with all of the oral thermometers we tested — such as the Femometer Infrared Thermometer, which had up to a 1.64 degree Fahrenheit difference with and without probe covers — making this thermometer much more desirable. The Omron No-Touch Digital Infrared Forehead Thermometer offers a large font that is easy to read despite a screen that is not very bright, and a design that holds your hand away from your face to avoid spreading germs. In testing, we noted that operation of the thermometer was not intuitive — we had to refer to the directions often. The Kinsa Smart Thermometer offers the exact same app as the Kinsa Smart Ear Digital Thermometer, but it allows you to take your temperature orally, rectally or under the armpit.

We took our temperature with both methods and found about a degree difference between the two. Our ear canal readings were more accurate — and consistent — which is exactly what we expected, since the instructions state that the ear is more of an “exact measurement” and head mode is an “indicative measurement.” Traffic-light system or fever alarm that automatically indicates a high temperature by turning the display red or sounding an alert. Products with our Great Value badge are good products that are also at least 20% cheaper than the average product we’ve tested in that area, so they’ve punched well above their weight despite a lower asking price.