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Cheap Covid tests: best places to buy lateral flow kits
With cases of Covid on the rise as we move into winter, we round up the cheapest places to buy Covid tests and explain who is eligible for free ones
With over 13 years’ experience in health and beauty journalism, Ayesha separates fad from fact to help you feel empowered in your everyday decisions
If you've developed cold or flu-like symptoms, you may want to use a lateral flow test (LFT) to determine whether it's Covid or not.
Most people aren't entitled to free Covid tests any more, however, so we've rounded up where you can buy the cheapest kits yourself.
Keep scrolling for more details on where to buy Covid test kits, as well as information on whether buying multipacks is better value.
Where to buy cheap Covid tests
Single and multipacks of lateral flow tests are widely available at supermarkets and high street pharmacies.
Here's what you can expect to pay – and where you can get hold of them at the cheapest price.
Cheapest single Covid tests
The cheapest price we found was £1.98 at Asda and Amazon, although most single test packs are typically around £2.50 each.
- FlowFlex lateral flow test (x1): £1.98 to £2.50 depending on the retailer. Available at Asda, Amazon, Ocado, Boots, Tesco and Waitrose.
- Silex Covid test (x1): £2. Available at Morrisons.
Cheapest multipack Covid tests
Flowflex tests, stocked at Superdrug, are currently the cheapest at 17p per test.
- FlowFlex lateral flow tests (x5/6): £9.50 (£1.90 each). Available at Boots, Ocado, Sainsburys, Amazon and Tesco.
- Silex Covid tests (x5): £8 (£1.60 each). Available at Morrisons.
Prices correct as of 9 October 2026
Is it cheaper to buy Covid tests in a multipack?
Buying a multipack often works out cheaper than buying a single test, but it depends on the retailer. Generally speaking, multipacks are better value vs single packs at the same retailer.
Typically, tests are good for up to two years before they expire, so if you find a cheaper multipack, this is probably a better bet.
Flu and Covid jabs: who can get vaccinated for free? Our guide explains more, plus the cheapest private options
Who can get free lateral flow tests?
Most people no longer receive free Covid tests from the NHS, but some individuals can obtain free tests from a pharmacy.
Typically, this is an option for people aged 12 years and over who are clinically vulnerable and at higher risk of being seriously ill with Covid.
The government says people who qualify are encouraged to test themselves to gain timely access to treatments.
Check the COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test guide for a complete list of those who are eligible and for information on accessing tests, including local pharmacies that offer them.
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When should you consider taking a test?
There is no longer any official government guidance on when to test, so people are having to weigh whether it is sensible to do so.
It's important to remember that LFTs aren't perfectly accurate, and you also have to take into account other factors such as your symptoms, whether you've had contact with a confirmed case and whether you'll be seeing anyone who is particularly vulnerable, such as pregnant women, older people or people with pre-existing conditions.
LFTs are more prone to false negatives than positives, so if you have suspicious symptoms and test negative, it's still worth erring on the side of caution.
Similarly, if you've had close contact with someone who has confirmed Covid, it doesn't make sense to test immediately, as it's unlikely an LFT will pick it up straight away. But given the transmissibility of the virus, it's sensible to act with extra caution in this situation.
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Symptoms of Covid
Common symptoms include:
- continuous cough
- high temperature, fever or chills
- loss of (or change in) sense of taste or smell
- shortness of breath
- lack of energy or unexplained tiredness
- muscle aches or pains
- loss of appetite
- headache
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- feeling sick or being sick
- diarrhoea
Covid symptoms are similar to other respiratory infections. It might not be possible to tell what you have just from your symptoms, which is why you may want to take a test, as well as take precautions before it's confirmed. Plus, symptoms may present at different times.
Whatever winter bug you may have, ideally you should try to minimise contact with others when you aren't well, such as working from home if possible.
Practise good hygiene too: cover your mouth and nose when you cough, and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, to reduce the spread of infection.
Vaccination continues to be vitally important, so if you are eligible, you should consider getting a seasonal booster if it's offered to you.
This year, COVID-19 vaccination is offered on the NHS for:
- adults who are 75 and over
- residents in care homes for older adults
- people who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months to 74 years
Find out more about private options, in our guide to Flu and Covid jabs.
