Best cholesterol monitors 2026

Cholesterol monitors let you check your levels at home using a finger-prick blood sample. Some kits only measure total cholesterol while others also test HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides.

A healthy total cholesterol level is below 5mmol/L – or 4mmol/L if you have cardiovascular disease – with HDL above 1.0mmol/L for men and 1.2mmol/L for women, and LDL below 4mmol/L.

We independently tested a range of reusable digital monitors and kits that you send off to a lab, with prices ranging from around £35 to more than £300. 

Accuracy is crucial, so we carried out multiple repeat tests on every kit to see how consistent and reliable the results are. 

We investigated cholesterol monitors as we know consumers are buying them, but they should never replace professional medical advice. If you're concerned about your cholesterol or heart, it's important to see a doctor who can interpret your results alongside other risk factors, suggest lifestyle changes, and recommend treatment if needed. 

The cholesterol monitors we tested

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Fora 6 Connect

Type Digital meter

Need to know Smart functionality, measures total cholesterol only

Fosun Diagnostics Dry Chemical Analyzer (MLA-1)

Type Digital meter

Need to know Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides

Fosun Diagnostics/SpeedGUC Multifunction Analyzer

Type Digital meter

Need to know Measures total cholesterol only

Konsung Pro Dry Biochemical Analyzer

Available from Fitech (£562)

Type Digital meter

Need to know Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides

London Health Company Cholesterol Test Kit

Type Send-away blood collection kit

Need to know Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides, results returned via lab report within 48 hours

London Medical Laboratory Cholesterol Test

Available from London Medical Laboratory (£39)

Type Send-away blood collection kit

Need to know Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides, results returned via lab report within 48 hours

Get the full at-home health check with our pick of the best blood pressure monitors

Mission Cholesterol Meter Kit

Available from Connect2Pharma (£308)

Type Digital meter

Need to know Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides

MulticareIN Multiparameter Diagnostic Device

Available from Mediworld (£126)

Type Digital meter

Need to know Measures total cholesterol and triglycerides

My Health Checked Cholesterol Profile Test

Type Send away blood collection kit

Need to know Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides, results returned via lab report within 96 hours

Randox Health Heart Health Home Test

Available from Randox Health (£35)

Type Send away blood collection kit

Need to know Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides, results returned via lab report within 72 hours

Veri-Q Multi Whole Blood Lipid Analyser

Available from Miller Medical Supplies (£99)

Type Digital meter

Need to know Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides

Welzo Home Cholesterol Test

Available from Welzo (£35)

Type Send-away blood collection kit

Don’t Buy cholesterol monitors

Our tests uncover the best and the worst. If a product performs so poorly that we think you should avoid it, we call it a Don't Buy. 

We tested seven digital cholesterol monitors with 12 participants, taking two measurements per person (and a third if readings differed by more than 10%). 

Results from these monitors in our tests did not consistently align with clinical reference measurements, which is why we’ve rated these products as Don’t Buys:

• Mission Cholesterol Meter Kit
• Veri-Q Multi Whole Blood Lipid Analyser
• MulticareIN Multiparameter Diagnostic Device
• Konsung Pro Dry Biochemical Analyzer, Fora 6 Connect
• Fosun Diagnostics Dry Chemical Analyzer (MLA-1)
• Fosun Diagnostics/SpeedGUC Multifunction Analyzer

How we test cholesterol monitors

We know consumers are buying at-home cholesterol tests and we wanted to check if they are fit for purpose, so we put them through a series of tough scientific checks to see which ones you can trust.

• Accuracy We assessed digital meters and postal 'send-away' kits on fasted participants, who have a mix of low, normal and high cholesterol levels. Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides are measured, where applicable. All results are compared with a hospital-grade clinical analyser.
• Ease of use Our experts assess the full user experience from the clarity of the instructions to how straightforward the device is to set up and use. We consider the ergonomics of handling the test, how easy it is to collect a blood sample, and how quickly results are delivered. For postal kits, we also assess the return process and how clearly the laboratory presents results for non-experts.

We buy the best-selling and most searched-for cholesterol monitors from UK retailers. We buy every cholesterol monitor we test – no freebies from manufacturers – meaning our reviews are honest and unbiased.

Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.

Are cholesterol test kits or monitors accurate?

Our testing shows that accuracy varies widely between cholesterol kits and monitors. The most reliable options in our tests were send-away blood collection kits, with the five we tested passing all our accuracy checks for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

In contrast, many at-home cholesterol monitors fell short on one or more measures, meaning results could be misleading if used on their own. Even when a device gives an accurate reading for one marker, it may fail for another, so a single home test should never be taken as definitive – professional testing remains the most trustworthy way to assess your cholesterol levels.

Are colour-change cholesterol test strips accurate?

We also looked at three colour-change cholesterol test strips, which estimate total cholesterol by comparing the colour change of a blood sample against a reference chart. While simple to use, these only provide a total cholesterol result and don’t offer the additional detail needed to put results into proper context.

In our testing, this limited level of information made it harder to interpret results or understand what action, if any, might be appropriate.

For anyone looking to check their cholesterol at home, we recommend send-away kits instead, as they provide laboratory analysis and a fuller set of results that are easier to interpret and discuss with your GP or a health professional.

For guidance on using self-test kits safely and interpreting results, see our wider advice on at-home health testing.

Understanding Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and Triglycerides

Total cholesterol is the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, made up of the different types carried by lipoproteins. It gives a snapshot of your lipid health, but total cholesterol alone doesn’t tell the whole story – it’s the balance between the different types that really matters.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called 'bad' cholesterol because excess LDL can build up on artery walls, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Non-HDL cholesterol (all 'bad' cholesterol, including LDL) is the key component to watch for cardiovascular risk.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from your bloodstream and transports it to the liver for disposal. Higher HDL levels are generally seen as protective.

Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that your body uses for energy. High levels are linked to an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease, and at very high levels, they can cause other health problems such as pancreatitis.

Together, these four measures – total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides – provide a fuller picture of your heart health than any single number alone. Understanding them can help you and your healthcare professional make more informed decisions about lifestyle, diet, and treatment if needed.

What is a normal cholesterol test reading?

For most adults in the UK, healthy target levels are:

• Total cholesterol: below 5 mmol/L
• HDL ('good') cholesterol: above 1 mmol/L for men, above 1.2 mmol/L for women
• LDL ('bad') cholesterol: below 4 mmol/L
• Triglycerides: below 2 mmol/L (non-fasting)

These numbers provide a guideline, but your healthcare professional will interpret your results alongside other factors such as age, family history and overall cardiovascular risk.

Where can I get a cholesterol test?

You can always get a cholesterol test for free on the NHS. 

For adults aged 40 and over, the NHS Health Check includes a cholesterol measurement alongside checks for blood pressure, weight and other heart‑health markers.

If you have any concerns about your cholesterol or heart health, it's best to see your GP. While home cholesterol tests can be convenient, they shouldn’t be relied on in isolation - a single result may not give a complete picture of your cardiovascular risk.