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The Mobi CONNECT Smart DualScan Bluetooth Ear & Forehead Thermometer sets up easily with a connected app, and gives color coded readings in about two seconds. We found in testing that the temperatures were not consistent or accurate so other thermometers on the list may be a better choice for similar features. Dr. Jossen gave us some tips to help ensure accurate readings. First: Be consistent with where you’re taking your measurement. Temperatures taken from different parts of the body may not be comparable. For instance, there are natural variations between your right and left ears, and temperatures measured in the armpit (as done with infants) are less accurate. After getting a baseline temperature taken by a medical professional, all of our testers took their own temperatures in the lab with each device twice to measure accuracy. For home testing, our testers took their temperature three times in one day each week for four weeks and recorded it to compare to baseline readings.
Infrared thermometers measure the heat your body emits, generally via the forehead or ear, by reading infrared light.These give results almost instantaneously and are more comfortable for young kids, though not recommended for newborns. (Readings from a rectal thermometer are more reliable, and with babies, reliable readings are key.) Patented technology captures twice as much body heat to ensure accurate results (in comparison to the competition) Ultimately, as the most expensive thermometer on the list — by quite a bit — we don’t believe it’s worth the extra money. As we tested, we found that the app was easy to set up however, if you want to use the thermometer without it, the process is not intuitive and you have to bypass the app after each reading. The temperature readings were ready in about two seconds, consistent throughout our tests, indicated by a sound, and displayed with large numbers for easy reading.When purchasing a thermometer online or in a store, beware of retailers from outside the United States,” says Dr. Helzer, adding that the FDA offers guidance on purchasing and selling thermometers since they are considered medical devices (and some of those guidelines were modified during the pandemic). The types of thermometers available differ mainly in location, i.e., where you’ll take your temperature readings. There are three main kinds:
Right out of the box, we found the ThermoWorks Wand easy to use. But that’s where it stopped. The thermometer offers many extras, but we found getting those options to work was complex. For example, the thermometer will not only take body temperatures, but it’ll also record surface temperatures (up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit). Many other no-touch thermometers will do this as well, but figuring it out was significantly easier due to multiple labeled buttons on the device. The ThermoWorks Wand has only one button that does everything, which we found troublesome. It's worth mentioning that this thermometer has a storage function for up to 32 readings, however, it doesn't store date or time along with the readings. After it reaches 32, the batteries need to be removed and re-inserted to clear the memory. However, if memory functionality is important to you, the iProven will store an impressive 50 readings, whereas the Braun doesn’t offer any storage capability. This eliminates having to write down readings — with the possibility of losing that scrap piece of paper — and having all temperatures readily available when speaking to a doctor. It’ll also help you determine whether or not your fever is going up or down over time.
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The Kinsa brand is unlike anything else we tested. The thermometer connects to an app and will record the time and date of every temperature reading. Prior to taking your temperature, the device will pair with your phone via Bluetooth and you’ll take your temperature in your ear canal just like any other ear thermometer. The temperature will then immediately show up in the app and you’ll indicate which family member received this particular recording. You can then also include any symptoms you have or your child has, which could be helpful when speaking to your doctor. This thermometer allows you to take your temperature readings three different ways — orally, rectally or under the armpit. First, we tested our temperature orally — with and without probe covers (disposable casings that go over the thermometer tip to keep the device sanitary), and we received similar readings between 98.3 degrees Fahrenheit and 98.8 degrees Fahrenheit with each method. That wasn’t the case with all of the oral thermometers we tested — such as the Femometer Infrared Thermometer, which had up to a 1.64 degree Fahrenheit difference with and without probe covers — making this thermometer much more desirable. We interviewed two medical experts — Michael Elkort, M.D., pediatrics at Newton Wellesley, and Jacqueline Jossen, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics gastroenterology at Columbia University — to gain a better understanding of thermometers and how they work. Age-specific settings or smart features: These are more nice-to-haves than necessities, but app syncing and custom fever alerts by age add some ease to your temperature-taking process.
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