Best digital thermometers: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice

Digital thermometers are typically placed in the ear, under the tongue or use no-contact readings. They've been designed to make the process of taking a temperature quicker and less invasive than with traditional thermometers.

If you're still using an old mercury-filled stick thermometer or a strip-type forehead thermometer – which the NHS doesn't recommend – now's probably the time to find a better replacement.

Find out the different types available, how much you can expect to pay and the best place to buy one.

The best digital thermometers from our tests

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The digital thermometers we tested

All the digital thermometers we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best digital thermometers from our tests.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

Beaba Thermospeed Infrared Forehead and Ear Thermometer

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Available from Sanareva (£51.40).

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Type In-ear and forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 20 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode, age precision function

Boots Bluetooth Enabled Non-Contact Thermometer

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Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 60 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Boots Ear Thermometer

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Type In-ear

Memory Yes (stores 10 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Boots Non-Contact Thermometer

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Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 60 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Braun No Touch + Touch Thermometer with Age Precision BNT400

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Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory No

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode, age precision function

Braun ThermoScan 3

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Type In-ear

Memory Yes (stores one reading)

Need to know LCD screen, but no backlight, silent mode or age precision function

Braun ThermoScan 7 with Age Precision IRT6520

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Type In-ear

Memory Yes (stores nine readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, age precision function

Dreambaby Non-Contact Fever Alert Infrared Forehead Thermometer

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Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 10 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight

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Kinetik Wellbeing Ear and Forehead Thermometer

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Type In-ear and forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores nine readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Kinetik Wellbeing Inner Ear Thermometer

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Type In-ear

Memory Yes (stores 10 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, but no backlight, silent mode or age precision function

Kinetik Wellbeing Smart Ear & Forehead Thermometer

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Type In-ear and forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 20 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode, age precision function

Lloyds Pharmacy Digital Ear Thermometer

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Type In-ear

Memory Yes (stores nine readings)

Need to know LCD screen, but no backlight, silent mode or age precision function

Tommee Tippee InEar Infrared Digital Thermometer

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Type In-ear

Memory Yes (stores 20 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Tommee Tippee NoTouch Digital Forehead Thermometer

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Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 20 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Vital Baby 4 in 1 Contactless Thermometer

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Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores one reading)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight

Withings Thermo

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Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores eight readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode, age precision function

Which? Don't Buy digital thermometers

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

To find out which two thermometers we named Don’t Buys, log-in or join Which?

How we test digital thermometers

We only recommend digital thermometers that deliver accurate temperature readings, have easy-to-use functions and are comfortable to use. We put every simple digital thermometer through the same set of rigorous tests to find out which one is best.

Our tests include practical assessments carried out by our ease-of-use specialists and technical measurements to ensure that each of our thermometer reviews answers all the key questions you might have:

• Is this digital thermometer accurate? To test whether a digital thermometer will guarantee you consistently accurate results, we use criteria based on an international standard. We take readings using each of the digital thermometers on test and compare them with a platinum resistance thermometer with calibration traceable to a national standard of temperature. The accuracy measurements are performed with a thermostat-controlled circulating water bath that has settable temperatures and a stability of 0.01°C. All measurements are performed in an air-conditioned lab which is stabilised at an ambient temperature of 22°C. We test across 11 temperature measuring points to get a complete idea of how accurate each thermometer is. For a thermometer to be a Best Buy, it has to pass our accuracy tests first time. It also has to achieve high scores for ease of use, the time it takes to get a temperature reading, comfort in use and the consistency of the readings.
• Is it simple to use? We use a mix of lab experts and a user panel made up of members of the public to work out how simple each digital thermometer is to use. They comment on how easy it is to take temperature measurements, how clearly the numbers show up on the display, how simple it is to navigate through any additional features and functions, and how clear and complete the instruction manual is.
• How comfortable is it to use? Taking a temperature reading from a poorly child can be tricky if they're not feeling cooperative, and using a thermometer that feels uncomfortable certainly won't help. To help you find the thermometers that feel best, our panel of triallists rate how comfortable each model is to use. Scores take into account self use and use on a child.
• How fast is it at taking temperature readings? We rate each digital thermometer on the time it takes to take a reading. This is based on the length of time in seconds each model takes to generate a stable temperature recording. The overall result is based on times taken for each of the 11 different test temperatures we measure.

We regularly revisit the digital thermometers on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing and when we find them we do. 

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

Types of digital thermometer

The type of thermometer you choose will depend on how much you want to spend and how many extra features you want. 

• Digital stick thermometers: This is the most common type, and a decent basic option. They should produce accurate readings if used correctly, although they can be uncomfortable to use because they work by sitting under the tongue.
• In-ear thermometers: These use infrared technology for quick, easy readings but are unsuitable for newborns and can be inaccurate if mispositioned or blocked by earwax.
• Infrared no-contact thermometers: Good for measuring temperature quickly without touch, making them ideal for children. However, they're typically more expensive, and the accuracy can dip if they're not used correctly.
• Smart digital thermometers: Some thermometers can link with an app on your phone or tablet, so you can store a larger database of past readings or read up on health advice. They're usually far more expensive than other types.

What not to buy: forehead strip and mercury thermometers

Forehead strip thermometers cost less than most, at £10 or less, and have some novelty value. You place them on your forehead and the strip changes colour to indicate temperature.

The price might be appealing, but the NHS doesn't recommend them as they measure the temperature of your skin, rather than your body. If you want a lower-priced basic option, you're better off using a digital stick thermometer to get an accurate reading from the armpit or mouth.

The use of mercury in newly manufactured thermometers has been banned in the UK since 2009. But you might still have one of these old-school thermometers lying around the house.

If you do, we'd recommend you dispose of it properly through a local hazardous waste disposal service and replace it with a safer and quicker digital model.

Digital thermometer features to look out for

• Backlight on the display for seeing readings easily in the dark.
• Traffic-light system or fever alarm that automatically indicates a high temperature by turning the display red or sounding an alert.
• Room and liquid temperature readings are available on some models.
• Memory function lets you store previous temperature readings, so you can track progress.
• Pre-warmed tip so the probe doesn't cool the ear canal, which might affect the accuracy of the temperature reading.
• Silent function so you can take readings without a beep that might disturb a sleeping baby.
• Storage case to help protect the thermometer when not in use or when you're travelling.

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What's a safe temperature range for a baby or child?

We spoke with Dr Donald Macgregor, a consultant paediatrician and spokesperson for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, for tips on thermometer best use and the causes of a high temperature in a baby or child.

He said while there can be variation with kids' temperatures, the normal range for children is 35.8 - 38°C, with it usually falling around 36.4°C. However, it’s worth taking your baby’s temperature when they’re well a few times so you get an idea of what’s normal for them.

‘If your baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38°C, that’s considered a fever,’ Dr Macgregor says. ‘In this case, we’d recommend you take your baby to a doctor, regardless of whether he or she has any other symptoms of illness.’

Any child aged three to six months with a temperature of 39°C or higher, or six months and over and with a temperature of 40°C, should be assessed by a clinician.

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