Best Thermometer Devices for Adults and Children
Digital thermometers have largely replaced glass thermometers with mercury. With the absence of the potentially dangerous metal, these medical monitors have become safer to use.
There are two types available on the market today—digital stick thermometers and infrared thermometers. Each one has its share of pros and cons, making it a bit challenging to choose the best thermometer for adults and children. Having the best thermometer means more accurate readings when it matters most.
What are the differences between the two?
Digital stick thermometers
- Cheapest and most widely sold type
- Relies on batteries to function
- Comes with audible beeps or other signal indicators
- Available in either flexible or rigid tip
- Can be used to check oral, underarm, and rectal temperatures, depending on the tip
Infrared thermometers
- Measures heat that is emitted by the body
- More difficult to position than a digital stick thermometer, especially when used on babies or restless children
- Readout can take just 1 to 3 seconds
- Available for ear, forehead, or non-contact use
- More convenient to use
- Comes with audible beeps or other signal indicators
- Not as accurate as a digital stick thermometer
What To Look For In A Quality Thermometer
Who will use the digital thermometer?
Although when digital thermometers are marketed as suitable for both kids and adults, some are better used with a specific age group.
For babies younger than 3 years old, you should buy a thermometer designed for taking a rectal temperature, as it is considered the most accurate by the American Academy of Pediatrics. You should buy a digital stick thermometer with a rigid tip, as this is best for rectal use. More on this below.
For children 3 and up, a thermometer for rectal temperature is highly advised. Although other types are OK, there are problems you might encounter.
For instance, some tots have trouble keeping a thermometer in their mouths, making it difficult for you to get an accurate reading.
An ear thermometer can be used with older babies and children, but positioning it correctly to get the same reading in both ears can be tricky.
Temporal artery thermometers, on the other, hand are best used as an initial screening device for babies 3 months and older.
For teenagers and adults, however, getting a convenient and accurate reading is easy with the use of oral or infrared thermometers.
Now that you know which age group you’re buying a thermometer for, learn about the other factors you need to consider when shopping.
Features
Digital thermometers can be simple and straightforward or come with bells and whistles for added convenience. Learn more about some of the more common features to help you make an informed decision.
- Soft or curved tips
Digital thermometers with such tips are easy and comfortable to use. But they are not recommended for rectal temperatures.
- Rigid tips
Stick thermometers with rigid tips are best used when taking rectal temperatures, so be sure to read the label when shopping for a thermometer for a specific age group.
- Lighted display
This ensures you can easily read temperatures in low or dark light and during the night.
- Insertion guide
This helps prevent injury, especially when taking rectal temperatures. Just follow the line or mark that shows the endpoint and your patient will be fine.
- Fever alerts
Alerts are either audio or visual. Either way, they will tell you if the temperature level exceeds 99.5 degrees.
- Memory feature
A thermometer with a memory feature records the last temperature taken, helping you identify the direction with which a patient’s fever is going.
- Auto shut off
This feature helps preserve a battery life as it automatically shuts down the thermometer when not in use or when idle for a specific period.
- Age and temperature input
Some digital thermometers allow you to input a person’s age to determine if a specific temperature is safe or dangerous for their age group.
Response time
How long before a digital thermometer provides a readout? Depending on the model, a readout can take anywhere from 1 second to more than 80 seconds. A 1 to 3-second readout is common in infrared thermometers but may not be accurate.
Safety
Does the digital thermometer come with accessories, such as protective case covers or proof covers, which pose a choking hazard for children? Unless you’re using the thermometer for adults only, consider safety when choosing a thermometer.
With these in mind, finding the best thermometer will be easier. If you decide on a stick thermometer, remember to buy two if you intend to use one to take rectal temperatures.
Top 5 Best Thermometer for Adults and Children 2023
- Vicks ComfortFlex Digital Thermometer
- QUICK, ACCURATE RESULTS – This Vicks Thermometer provides accurate, simple to understand readings in only 8 seconds, so you can get results quickly, when you need them most. It also has a memory feature that recalls and displays last temperature taken.
- EASY TO READ – Color coded Fever InSight guide helps get temperature readings at a glance and understand them easily. A green display suggests a normal temperature, yellow signifies an elevated temperature and a red display indicates a high temperature.
- VERSATILE – With an 8-second turnaround time and flexible, comfortable tip, it’s great as a thermometer for adults as well as infants, toddlers and kids. ComfortFlex can be used as an oral digital thermometer, a baby rectal thermometer or under the arm.
- SPECIAL FEATURES – This Vicks digital thermometer is waterproof for easy, thorough cleaning and is BPA free. Plus, it includes a storage case, battery and has a limited 1 year warranty.
- A CENTURY OF POWERFUL RELIEF – At Vicks, we believe everyone deserves a touch of care. You can rely on our line of adult, kids and baby thermometers to provide quick, accurate results when you need them most.
Providing you fast, reliable, and accurate readouts, the Vicks ComfortFlex definitely takes the top spot for the best digital thermometers. It comes with features designed for your convenience and the comfort of your patient.
These include easy-to-read, backlit display, and a fever alarm that changes color based on the temperature reading. It can go from green, yellow, and to red. If you’re unsure that the digital readout qualifies as a fever, you can rely on the fever alert.
Readouts can be displayed in as little as 8 seconds. The digital thermometer comes with a memory and automatic shutoff features.
Pros
- Accurate and reliable
- Records last temperature readout
- Helps preserve battery life
- Alerts you of a fever in two ways—digital readout and color indicator
- Quick response time
Cons
- Response time could be faster
- Accurate reading is challenging to get with a restless baby or child
- Some say accuracy can vary
- Battery life could be better
- Kinsa Digital Smart Ear Thermometer
- Kinsa thermometer gives you personalized guidance based on age, fever and symptoms – know whether you’re better off treating this at home or going to the doctor
- Fast temperature reading in 8 seconds or less
- Use the QuickCare thermometer orally, rectally or under the arm
- Track medication dosages and set reminders
- Keep a log of your family’s health – refer to this health history later or share with a doctor
Although labeled as Amazon’s Choice, this digital thermometer from Kinsa takes the second spot for the reason that it only works for taking ear temperature. Unlike the #1 choice, it is not flexible, function-wise.
What is great about it, however, is that it takes an accurate reading in just 1 second. It has a one-button design and connects via Bluetooth to several Android and iOS devices. Apart from temperature readings, this digital thermometer also provides personalized guidance in real-time. That is, you can get tips on how to soothe symptoms, when to take meds, or call the doctor.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Accurate reading almost instantly
- Gentle enough for squirming or sleeping baby
- Long-lasting battery with 1000 readings battery life
Cons
- In-ear use only
- Some reports inconsistent readings
- Very loud beep
- Medical Ear Thermometer with Forehead Function
- EASY TO USE - One-Push button design allows for instant and accurate readings; Patented magnetic cover provides easy operation and delivers ultimate protection and maintains the cleanliness of the thermometer probe.
- ACCURATE and RELIABLE - Clinically tested for precise, fast, and reliable measurement; Provides storage of up to 20 readings to allow for simple recall; Easily switch between oC and oF.
- EASY TO READ - Clear, supersized number is back-lit to show temperature results; Color coded results allows you to quickly determine if your family member has a fever; Silent mode allows for operation at night during sleep or during nap time.
- 4 IN 1 SMART THERMOMETER – Offers 4 temperature measurement mode: Adult forehead mode, Child forehead mode, Ear mode, Object mode.
- ALL IN ONE PACKAGE - This kit is an all-in-one package and comes with everything you need to easily and quickly take your temperature reading; Purchase with confidence with 1-year limited warranty and customer support.
This digital thermometer by iProven can be used as ear and forehead thermometer. It offers fast and accurate readouts and is recommended for children 6 months and younger.
It comes with a color-coded, easy-to-read display, eliminating any doubts if your patient has a fever or not. A loud beep will tell you that taking temperature is done. It has a memory function that recalls the last 20 readings.
Pros
- Trusted by pediatricians and medical professionals
- Easy and practical
- Accurate and consistent reading
- Clinically tested and FDA approved
Cons
- Comes with 2-buttons instead of just 1
- Some reports of inconsistency in temperature reading when using the ear function
- Digital Oral Thermometer
- Safe Oral Thermometer for Adults: Soft silicone tip with stainless steel probe is reliable. A medical thermometer that can be used orally rectal or underarm use. Convenient and safe for you and your family
- Accurate and Fast Reading: About 10 seconds read time. This digital thermometer is used latest advance sensory probe and the temperature reading is clinically tested and accurately detect the fever, help you determine whether you need a rest or medical care
- LCD Screen Display: This oral thermometer is easy to read with clear display, beeper alarm, memory display, auto shut off, easily switch the units between ℉ and ℃
- Easy to Use and Clean: Waterproof tip allows you to clean the fever thermometer in an easy and hygienic way. Please use wipe with water and clean with medical alcohol after or before each use. Lightweight and portable, with a free storage case, you can carry it to anywhere and use it anytime
- Note: Please read the product manual carefully before using. Start measuring when you see “Lo℉”. To ensure an accurate result, do not touch the probe with your hands or other objects with high temperature before taking your temperature
Although accurate and reliable, this digital thermometer is slower where response time is concerned. It takes 25 seconds to provide a readout even when it is marketed with an 8-second response time.
But it is capable of switching from Fahrenheit to Celsius, which matters to some users. Among oral thermometers, this one has the largest, backlit display so far. It also comes with a high temperature alarm function, memory recall, auto shut-off, one-button operation, and a gentle flex tip. It is also water-safe and easy to clean.
Pros
- Accurate and reliable reading
- Easy to use, read, and clean
- Comfortable for taking oral and armpit temperature
- Recalls last reading and preserves battery life
Cons
- Can’t be used to take rectal temperature
- Slow response time
- Loud beep can wake a baby
- Braun Digital No Touch Plus Forehead Thermometer
- NON-CONTACT THERMOMETERS – This Braun No Touch Forehead Thermometer allows you to take clinically accurate, reliable readings from 2 inches away, without waking a sleeping child. It can also be used as a traditional forehead thermometer.
- EASY TO USE – It’s simple to use this touch free thermometer. On-screen positioning system confirms proper distance, and guidance light directs for accurate aiming. The color-coded display will glow green, yellow or red to present the temperature reading.
- MOST RECOMMENDED THERMOMETERS BY PEDIATRICIANS - When checking for a fever at home, you want to use a reliable, accurate thermometer. Braun thermometers are the most recommended by pediatricians.*
- EASY TO READ – The color coded temperature guidance helps get readings at a glance, and understand them easily. A green display suggests a normal temperature, yellow signifies an elevated temperature and a red display indicates a high temperature.
- A BRAND YOU CAN RELY ON – Braun thermometers are the most recommended by pediatricians.* Your family’s health is of the utmost importance, and we make contactless thermometers and digital thermometers you can trust.
Operates quietly, you can rely on this no touch forehead thermometer not to wake a sleeping babe. It features a large, backlit display for easy reading and on-screen positioning system that allows for measuring temperature at a good distance.
An optional touch feature is available, along with color-coded fever guidance that takes the guesswork out of identifying a fever.
Pros
- Captures as much body heat for accurate reading
- Can be used from a distance of 2 inches
- Quite, no-touch operation
- Convenient to use, safe and hygienic
Cons
- Limited for forehead use only
- Some reported of inconsistent temperature reading
Conclusion
Given these options of the best thermometer for adults and children, buying one of these would mean a great choice. But do take note of the pros and cons and decide on which feature matters most to you.
