Best digital thermometers 2024: 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.

Compare 25 digital thermometer reviews to find out which is the best investment and which ones failed our tests

Best digital thermometers 2024

Each of the thermometers recommended in the table below has aced our rigorous lab tests, which include assessments of accuracy, speed and ease of use.

Join Which? to get access to all our Best Buys and digital thermometer reviews. We’ve tested thermometers from brands including Boots, Braun, Kinetik Wellbeing, Lloyds Pharmacy, Tommee Tippee and more, but only the very best earn our Best Buy recommendation.

Not found the right thermometer for you here? See all our digital thermometer reviews.

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. 

Digital stick thermometers should produce accurate readings if used correctly. Avoid taking your temperature if you've eaten or drunk anything within the past 30 minutes, you've just come in from outside or finished exercising, as this might result in an inaccurate reading.

• Pros: Cheaper than other types, lots to choose from 
• Cons: Can be uncomfortable to use as they sit under the tongue, usually lack additional features, take longer than other types of digital thermometer to produce a reading

In-ear thermometers

In-ear thermometers are quick and easy to use, taking just a few seconds to get a reading. 

They use infrared technology to measure the temperature inside your ear. Also known as tympanic thermometers, they're designed so that they disturb babies as little as possible, even allowing parents to take a temperature reading when the baby's asleep.

• Pros: Fast temperature readings, better than stick thermometers for use with children who won't sit still for long, simple to use
• Cons: Unsuitable for newborns as their ear canals are too small, often require disposable probe covers which are an ongoing cost, readings might not be accurate if the thermometer isn't correctly placed in the ear or there's a build-up of earwax

Infrared no-contact thermometers

As the name suggests, with no-contact thermometers you don't need to press the device against your skin or place it in your mouth. These thermometers use infrared technology to detect heat from the body.

You simply point the thermometer at the person's forehead (usually at a distance of around 5cm, but this can vary from brand to brand) and they give a reading very quickly.

• Pros: Fast temperature readings, no need for probe covers or cleaning between uses, typically have extra features, some can also measure room and liquid temperatures
• Cons: Typically more expensive than other types, accuracy can vary if you don't hold the thermometer at the correct distance from the forehead

Smart digital thermometers

Some thermometers, such as the Braun ThermoScan 7+ Connect (above), can now link with an app on your smartphone or tablet, so you can store a larger database of past readings or read up on health advice. 

There are smart thermometers available from Kinsa as well.

• Pros: Apps let you easily track the temperatures and symptoms of multiple people across time, lots of extra features
• Cons: More expensive than other types

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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 traveling.

How much do thermometers cost?

Prices for the most basic stick thermometers start from as little as £3. 

Spend up to £15 and you'll still be in the market for a digital stick thermometer, and for between £15 and £25 you'll find several entry-level in-ear digital thermometers, many with memory functions and traffic-light systems.

You could pay as much as £90 for a high-end, no-contact digital thermometer, which is packed with most of the features listed above. The no-contact digital thermometers we've tested cost between £28 and £45, with the average price working out at £36.

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Where to buy a digital thermometer

When buying a digital thermometer, make sure you choose a reputable seller. Check the retailer's returns policy and pay attention to customer feedback and reviews. 

For more details on shopping online safely and arranging refunds for faulty products, see our advice on shopping online. 

• Amazon has thousands of digital thermometers in stock, but try to stick to models that are fulfilled by or sold by Amazon if you can – it’s much easier to resolve issues if something goes wrong. It's also a good idea to stick to brands that you recognise, or look reputable from a search online. You'll get free delivery on most orders if you're a prime member, too. 
• Argos offers a wide selection of digital thermometers from brands including Braun and Kinetik Wellbeing. Prices range from £15 for basic models to around £65. You can get same-day in-store collection at selected Sainsbury's stores and if you collect Nectar points, you'll get one for every £1 you spend.
  
• Boots stocks a handful of digital thermometers costing around £10 or more. You can earn Boots reward points on your Advantage card and delivery is free when you spend more than £25.
• John Lewis has a small offering of digital thermometers from major brands including Tommee Tippee, Braun, Munchkin and Vital Baby, starting from £15 and going up to £55.
• Superdrug has a modest range of digital thermometers to suit all budgets. Brands include Braun, Kinetik Wellbeing, Tommee Tippee and Vital Baby. You can get free home delivery when you spend more than £25 (or £15 if you're a Superdrug member) or free same-day in-store collection. You can collect points on the Superdrug Health and Beauty card. 

How to use a digital stick thermometer

1. Get prepared Avoid eating or drinking any liquids, exercising, taking showers or baths, or exposure to particularly hot or cold conditions at least 30 minutes before use. Some manufacturers also recommend you sit or lie down for at least five minutes before taking a temperature reading. 
2. Under the tongue Place the tip of the stick thermometer under the tongue, toward the back of the mouth. To ensure a faster and more accurate reading, make sure the mouth is kept closed throughout.
3. Under the arm Make sure the armpit is dry before taking a reading. Place the tip of the thermometer under the arm with the thermometer parallel to the body, then bring the arm down on top of it to hold it in place. This will help ensure an accurate reading, by making sure the tip is well covered and preventing room air from affecting it. 
4. Different method, different temperature reading Braun says 'temperature readings vary depending on the site of measurement. An oral temperature is generally 0.1°C higher than underarm (axillary) temperature and rectal temperature is generally 0.6°C higher than underarm temperature.'
5. Clean the thermometer Experts recommend using soap and warm water or rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) to clean a stick thermometer after every use.

How to use a digital in-ear thermometer

1. Set it up for use Most in-ear thermometers come with probe caps (or 'lens filters'), and some won't work at all without one in place. Once the cap is on and the thermometer is switched on, you're ready to go.
2. Correct position The thermometer probe should sit snugly in the ear canal without being forced in for accurate readings. For babies under one year old, gently pull the ear back to access the ear canal, while lifting the ear up and back is optimal for older children.
3. Use the same ear Temperature readings may differ slightly from right to left ear, so use the same ear to maintain consistency in your readings.
4. Finishing up Some in-ear thermometers have a button that will pop the probe cover off without you having to touch it, which is more hygienic. If you do use the thermometer without a cap, make sure to clean it immediately after use. Most manufacturers suggest gently cleaning the probe tip with a cotton swab or soft cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol.

How to use an infrared no-contact thermometer

1. Prepare for use The forehead should be clear of hair and sweat before use, to help ensure an accurate temperature reading. Some manufacturers also suggest the forehead should be free of cosmetics.
2. Taking the reading Before using your no-touch digital thermometer it's important to read the instructions to see exactly how to use your specific model. Some, like the Boots Non-Contact, should be moved side to side across the forehead, while others should be aimed at one spot in the centre of the forehead. 
3. Distance A distance of no more that 5cm from the forehead is recommended to get the most accurate temperature reading.

Read our digital thermometer reviews to compare all the models we've tested in our lab and find the model that best suits your needs

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°C to 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.

How to spot the first signs of a temperature

If your baby or child seems a little under the weather, it’s worth checking if he or she has a temperature. Typical signs to look out for include:

• Hotter-than-normal forehead, back or stomach
• Skin and head feeling sweaty
• Flushed cheeks

More serious signs of illness (such as sepsis) that might accompany a temperature include:

• Pale skin, lips or tongue
• Not responding to social cues
• Decreased activity
• Waking only with prolonged stimulation
• Breathing difficulty
• Dry mouth or no tears
• Poor feeding in infants
• Producing less urine.

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What causes a high temperature in a baby or child?

A high temperature or fever is often in response to a viral or bacterial infection in the body. In fact, it’s the body’s way of fighting it off, which is why doctors often recommend you try to avoid giving Calpol unless your child is distressed by the fever or until after you’ve seen a doctor.

‘High temperature and fever can also happen after immunisations, allergic reactions, inflammatory conditions and severe dehydration or sunstroke,’ says Dr Macgregor. ‘There’s no science to suggest teething causes fever.’

What should you do if your baby or child has a temperature?

If you see any of the symptoms mentioned above in your baby or child, and they have a high temperature, it’s worth contacting your doctor.

‘However, it’s best to hold off giving any baby paracetamol such as Calpol until after the health professional has assessed them,’ Dr Macgregor advises.

If you need to speak to someone outside of normal surgery hours, call your GP’s out-of-hours service or NHS 111.

‘Sometimes parents get so worried about their child having a fever, and seeing that as the sign of illness (when in fact it’s the body fighting the illness), that they give infant paracetamol or ibuprofen when it’s not needed,’ Dr Macgregor says.

It’s been dubbed ‘fever phobia’, and many expert paediatricians have warned against routinely giving Calpol and other fever-reducing medicines (known as antipyretics) unless their child is in clear distress.

‘If your child is running a temperature, but generally feeling OK, they should be treated with rest and fluids,’ Dr Macgregor says.

If the fever continues for more than five days, you should contact your GP for your child to be assessed again.

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Febrile convulsions

These are a type of fit (seizure) that can happen when a child has a high temperature, although it’s not thought that the fever itself causes the convulsions. While they can be scary for parents to watch, in most cases they are not harmful to your child.

They usually last about five minutes. Your child will become stiff, their legs and arms may twitch, and they may lose consciousness and wet or soil themselves. Your child may be sleepy after the seizure.

If your child has a febrile convulsion, you should stay with them, and try to put them in the recovery position. Make a note of how long the seizure lasts. If this is the first fit they’ve had, or it lasts longer than five minutes, call emergency services on 999.

Calpol or other infant pain relief will have no effect on preventing febrile convulsions.