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

Only logged-in Which? members can view the digital thermometer test results below.

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The digital thermometers we tested

The biggest brands and the most popular digital thermometers are listed below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the digital thermometer test results.

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

Beaba Thermospeed Infrared Forehead and Ear Thermometer

Available from Sanareva (£44)

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

Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 60 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Boots Ear Thermometer

Type In-ear

Memory Yes (stores 10 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Boots Non-Contact Thermometer

Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 60 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Braun Sensian 7 No Touch + Touch Thermometer with Age Precision BNT400

Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory No

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

Braun ThermoScan 3

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

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

Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 10 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight

Find out how to choose the best baby monitors and which ones we recommend

Kinetik Wellbeing Ear and Forehead Thermometer

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 ET-100E

Available from Kinetik Wellbeing (£30)

Type In-ear

Memory Yes (stores 10 readings)

Need to know 2 x AA batteries, LCD screen, backlight, age precision function, travel pouch

Kinetik Wellbeing Ear & Forehead Thermometer ET-100EF

Available from Kinetik Wellbeing (£40)

Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 10 readings)

Need to know 2 x AA batteries, LCD screen, backlight, age precision function, travel pouch

Kinetik Wellbeing Inner Ear Thermometer

Available from Kinetik Wellbeing (£25)

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

Type In-ear and forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 20 readings)

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

Omron Gentle Temp 533

Type In-ear

Memory Yes (stores 30 readings)

Need to know 2 x AAA batteries, LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Omron Gentle Temp 730

Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 30 readings)

Need to know 2 x AAA batteries, LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Tommee Tippee InEar Infrared Digital Thermometer

Type In-ear

Memory Yes (stores 20 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Tommee Tippee NoTouch Digital Forehead Thermometer

Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores 20 readings)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight, silent mode

Vital Baby 4 in 1 Contactless Thermometer

Type Forehead (no contact)

Memory Yes (stores one reading)

Need to know LCD screen, backlight

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?

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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 the 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 won't help. To help you find the thermometers that feel best, our panel of triallists rates 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 the times taken for each of the 11 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 thermometers

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.

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.

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 the best use of a thermometer 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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