The 5 Best Thermometers

When you suspect that your child is sick, the first thing you often reach for is the thermometer to check their temperature to see if they have a fever. Their temperature gives you a strong indication of whether they have a virus or not. Taking a child's temperature may be challenging, depending on if the thermometer needs to be inserted and where. So it is important for a thermometer to have multiple options for taking temperatures. A thermometer needs to be accurate in its readings. That is essential. Simple, easy to use and to read is desirable in a good thermometer as well. Taking the temperature quickly is also helpful, especially for a fidgety child. We reviewed a number of thermometers to find the best ones out there. Read on for our reviews of the 5 Best Thermometers.

Enji Family Digital Thermometer

Any Way You Want It

The new and improved 2020 model of this thermometer does it all.

Best Overall

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Our pick for best thermometer is the new 2020 model from Enji. It will work for kids of any age, with three ways of testing temperature. For children four and above, you can measure their temperature orally with this thermometer. For babies up to three years old, this thermometer also works rectally. And that’s not all, folks. You can also use this thermometer to measure temperature via the armpit of children over three months old. Being able to use one thermometer in three ways is great if you have different age children, or children with strong preferences about where you can insert the thermometer. It’s also great because you can use it on your child when they are a baby and use the same thermometer as they get older. This digital thermometer is mercury-free and safe for use on any age. It is very accurate and used by many hospitals and health clinics.

Pros

Digital
Can be used orally, rectally, and armpit
Very accurate
Safe for all ages

Cons

Screen isn’t backlit

Vigorun Thermometer

Point and Shoot

This thermometer measures temperature quickly and accurately.

Best Design

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Vigorun makes a top-notch thermometer. It uses an infrared sensor and a smart chip to measure temperature. Clinical studies have shown the amazing accuracy of this thermometer. You can take your child’s temperature via their forehead or ear, and you don’t even have to touch your child with the thermometer. As long as it’s within two inches of their skin, the sensor can read the temperature accurately. This thermometer is lighting fast; it reads temperature in one second. You can take the temperature of a sleeping baby without waking them up, and the backlit LCD screen will allow you to see the temperature in the dark. This thermometer works for any age, infant through adult. You can also use this thermometer to measure the air temperature in the room.

Pros

Very accurate
Measures temperature without touching skin
Works in 1 second

Cons

Changing settings is a little bit of a process

Kinsa Smart Thermometer

Get Smart

This smart thermometer does a whole lot more than check your temperature.

Best Tech

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This is an award-winning thermometer from Kinsa. It is called a smart thermometer because it connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to an app on your smartphone. The app really elevates this thermometer to the next level of taking care of your family’s health. The app will keep track of temperatures, symptoms, and medications for everyone in your family. The app will give you guidance on how to treat symptoms, what medications to take and when to take them, and when you should go to a doctor. All of this, and the app is free to download on iPhones and Android phones. The thermometer itself can be used orally, rectally, or in the armpit on any age child or adult.

Pros

Connects to Smartphone app
Keeps track of temperature, symptoms, and medications
Gives you personalized guidance

Cons

Can’t set up the thermometer without the app

Mosen Thermometer

Let's Get Digital

This multi-use thermometer takes the temperature of your child and other things as well.

Best Versatility

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This is a terrific digital thermometer from Mosen. It has been clinically tested to be safe and accurate. This thermometer has several different uses. For measuring your child’s temperature, just put this thermometer up close to their forehead or ear, and press the measure button. You can also just hold it up in the air and press the measure button to take the temperature of the room. If you warm up milk for your baby, put this thermometer close to the milk and press the measure button, so you can make sure it’s the right temperature. This thermometer keeps a record of the previous 32 measurings, so you can keep track. So you don’t miss it, the thermometer display will turn red when your child’s temperature is higher than normal.

Pros

Takes temperature via forehead or ear
Measure temperature of the room or milk
Records previous 32 readings

Cons

Instruction manual is not the clearest

Digital Medical Thermometer

Temperature Taker

This thermometer uses an advanced algorithm for precise temperature taking.

Best Accuracy

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The 2020 model of this thermometer is absolutely fantastic. Its advanced algorithm produces temperature readings accurate up to 0.1 of a degree. That’s incredibly precise. This thermometer can be used orally or rectally on babies or children of any age. The flexible tip allows for easy, pain-free insertion. The tip is also waterproof, which makes it very easy to clean after each use. This thermometer measures temperatures between 41 and 104 degrees fahrenheit. It has an LCD display with large digits that are easy to read. This thermometer beeps once it reads the temperature, which it does in 10 to 30 seconds. This thermometer comes with a hard case, so you can keep it clean and safe in-between uses.

Pros

Accurate advanced algorithm
Flexible, waterproof tip
Measures temperature in 10-30 seconds

Cons

No Celsius display option

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the thermometer be used for adults, as well as children?

Yes, all of the thermometers we reviewed can be used for adults and children.

Does the thermometer have mercury in it?

No. All of the thermometers we reviewed are digital and do not contain mercury.

How do I clean the thermometer after using it?

Wipe it with a damp, soapy cloth and then wipe it with a dry, soft cloth afterwards. Or you can use rubbing alcohol to disinfect it, and then dry it with a soft cloth.