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A trustworthy thermometer is a staple for every family’s medicine cabinet, as keeping tabs on you and your child’s temperature can help detect infection. It can be tough for children to clearly communicate exactly what’s wrong when they feel unwell, and a thermometer can be an important tool for parents to use for monitoring their overall health and wellness.

To find the best thermometers out there, the Forbes Health editorial team assessed data on more than 50 thermometers for adults and children, looking at metrics such as price to special features like fever indicators, historical readings log and ability to use on multiple sites. Discover which thermometers stand out.

Note: All prices are accurate as of publication date and are subject to change.

This thermometer from iProven delivers readings in just one second and stores up to 35 different readings. Additionally, its color-coded fever indicator and alarm make interpreting your results painless. iProven also offers a 100-day money-back guarantee on this thermometer in the event that you’re unhappy with your purchase.

With readings available in just one second and the ability to register a temperature in either the ear or on the forehead, the iProven TMT-215 provides caregivers with options helpful when dealing with a sick child. It features a silent mode and lights up red for a fever, orange for a decrease in temperature and green for no fever, taking the guesswork out of it. This thermometer also comes with a storage pouch and a set of batteries.

Providing one-second readings and a memory storage of up to 20 readings, this thermometer is a solid choice for families that include kids, babies and adults. Calibrated for both ear and temporal readings, the iProven DMT-489 also works for gathering surface temps on items like bath water and even the room temperature. The company says the included pair of triple-A batteries should power the thermometer long enough to take 2000+ readings.

The Alcedo Thermometer AE171 provides color-coded results and a large, backlit display for easy reading in any environment. It also only has one button, making it simple to operate. It offers modes to measure forehead temperature in both children and adults along with ear and object modes.

HoMedics Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer is multipurpose, with the ability to read body, liquid, food and room temperature. This thermometer features a fever alarm to alert you instantly to any temperature above 100.4. It’s backlit for easy use during the night and has a quiet mode so you won’t wake anyone when checking their temperature. It’s suitable for babies, kids and adults.

Using infrared scanning technology, Innovo Upgraded EF100 Forehead and Ear Thermometer claims to be as accurate as possible for temperature measurements in both babies and adults. Temperature can be taken in either the ear or on the forehead with readings provided in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. This thermometer is recommended for adults and children over age 1.

This thermometer features big buttons for easy use, a tri-colored fever indicator, a beeping fever alarm and an automatic shutdown, making it a great thermometer for everyone from kids to seniors.

This multi use thermometer can gather temperature readings through the forehead or ear along with foods or liquids, such as milk for babies. Results are available in one second.

To determine our Best Thermometers for Adults and Kids of 2023 ranking, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on over 50 best selling thermometers, considering the following metrics:

A thermometer is an instrument used to measure your body temperature. Your body temperature can signal an illness or infection, so it can be an important metric to monitor in terms of disease progression and whether treatment is helping.

There are a few types of thermometers that read temperature in similar ways, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

Digital multi-use thermometer works by sensor, which reads the body’s temperature when the tip of the thermometer is touching it. It can be used orally, in your child’s bottom or in the underarm.

Temporal artery thermometer works by registering and measuring infrared heat waves that come off the forehead. The heat waves are coming from the blood vessel right below the skin.

Tympanic thermometers are used in the ear and measure temperature by picking up heat waves coming from the eardrum (these are not reliable for babies under 6 months).

The steps you take when using a thermometer vary based on the type of thermometer you’re using and the site of the reading. Follow the manufacturer’s directions closely when using a thermometer. Generally, you place the thermometer on or near the site of the body at which you’re taking your temperature and hold it there for a few seconds until the thermometer signals that the reading is complete.

While the end goal of all thermometers is the same—to get an accurate reading of your body temperature—how a thermometer actually takes your temperature differs by type.

The accuracy of temperature readings can also vary by type and the site at which it’s taken. For example, rectal readings are considered the most accurate, followed by forehead, and axillary readings are typically the least accurate. Some types of thermometers might be more appropriate for different age groups, so talk to your doctor about what they recommend for you and your family.

The best type of thermometer is a digital thermometer, and the rectal temperature will be the most accurate reading for an infant or young child, according to the AAP. The next most accurate method is using a temporal artery thermometer to get a temperature reading on the forehead.

A normal temperature reading varies by age, activity level and even time of day. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it’s typically considered to be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, although studies show a “normal” reading can range from 97 degrees Fahrenheit to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is typically considered a fever.

Meanwhile, for children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that a rectal reading of above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or an oral reading of above 99 degrees Fahrenheit generally indicates a fever.

Checking a person’s temperature with a thermometer is the only way to know for certain whether they have a fever, but there are some signs of fever to look out for if you don’t have a thermometer handy:

A digital thermometer is the best choice with the temperature taken rectally, orally or via the armpit. Experts don’t recommend plastic strip thermometers— which affix to the forehead and change color to show a temperature reading—as they’re not always accurate. Glass thermometers are breakable and some have mercury, which is poisonous. The AAP advises against using them. Measuring Your Temperature Has Never Been Easier Oxiline's Therma 9 Pro aims to measure your temperature with great accuracy, and with 3 touchless modes and an in-ear mode, you have options. Shop Now On Oxiline's Website

Measuring Your Temperature Has Never Been Easier

Oxiline's Therma 9 Pro aims to measure your temperature with great accuracy, and with 3 touchless modes and an in-ear mode, you have options.

If your thermometer doesn’t seem accurate to you, try to locate another thermometer to use and compare the readings. You can also watch for general symptoms of fever including hot, dry skin, flushing in the face, loss of appetite, bladder and bowel changes, nausea or vomiting and headache or body aches. If you have doubts about the accuracy of your thermometer and are concerned about yourself or your child’s body temperature, contact your physician or pediatrician.

While cleaning methods vary based on the type of thermometer you have, to clean a digital thermometer, wipe it with rubbing alcohol or lukewarm, soapy water, rinse with cool water, wipe it with a clean cloth and then let it air dry.

You should not use a mercury glass thermometer. These readings tend to be less accurate and if the glass breaks and mercury is released, it can poison you. Additionally, fever strips are not recommended, as they are often inaccurate.

The AAP recommends using a digital thermometer (which is not the same as a smartphone) to obtain temperature readings rectally, orally or via the armpit.

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Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.

Uv Sterilizer Wand Jessica is a writer, editor and media professional who has spent her career working with some of the most influential names in media. Prior to joining Forbes Health, Jessica was the manager of creative communications at Hearst, where she specialized in high-level production and project management. As a freelance writer, Jessica has written across a range of topics, including entertainment, travel and career. Her work can be found in Variety, Paste Magazine, The Muse and on her personal website (jessicamlester.com).