Best digital thermometers 2023: 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 old-school 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.

Our guide will help you choose the best digital thermometer. We also explain the different types available, how much you can expect to pay and the best place to buy one.

Best digital thermometers 2023

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 had a hot or cold drink or food within the past 30 minutes, you've just come in from outside or done exercise, 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

Does your child seem under the weather? Find out how to spot a high temperature.

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.

Find out how to take a baby's temperature.

Digital thermometer features to look out for

• Backlight on the display for seeing readings in the dark, so you don't need to turn on a light in your child's room.
• 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.

Calpol and other infant pain relief can help to bring down a fever. See our guide covering how much it costs, ingredients and how long it takes to work. 

How much do I need to spend?

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 stick thermometer, but at this price you can expect features such as a backlight and possibly a fever alarm.

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 £65 for a high-end, no-contact Braun digital thermometer, which is packed with all 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.

Great Value digital thermometers

To help you spend your money wisely, we've launched more than 500 Great Value recommendations across 71 different product areas, from TVs and kettles to smartphones and washing machines, as well as everyday essentials such as food and laundry detergent.

Products with our Great Value badge are good products that are also at least 20% cheaper than the average product we’ve tested in that area, so they’ve punched well above their weight despite a lower asking price.

So by choosing a Great Value product, you’re getting the best of both worlds: you’re paying much less than the typical price in that category, while getting a high-quality model that won't let you down.

We've got Great Value digital thermometers that will give you quick, accurate temperature readings without costing you too much.

Choose wisely using our digital thermometer reviews to guide you to the best model.

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, Argos, Boots and Superdrug are some of the most searched-for digital thermometer retailers at the time of writing. We’ve included links to these retailers, handpicked because of their stock availability, best-value price or warranty options. 

• 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.
• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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.