An allergist and immunologist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy regarding what to look for in at-home COVID-19 tests, when to use them, and when to contact a healthcare provider.
When looking for an at-home COVID-19 test, you should consider each test’s ease of use, comfort, speed, cost, size, and supportive technology . We tested at-home COVID-19 tests in our lab to narrow down your search. While we didn’t test for accuracy, we did test for ease of use and clarity of instructions to ensure you have the smoothest testing process possible.
At-home COVID-19 tests are typically designed for adult administration. In most cases, adults must administer them to children aged two to fourteen years, but older kids and adults can test themselves. And it’s a good idea to stick to brands authorized by the FDA and to check expiration dates before use, according to David Souleles, MPH, director of the COVID-19 Response Team at the University of California, Irvine.
If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or feel symptomatic, it’s important to test yourself to avoid spreading the virus. Although vaccination protects you from COVID-19, you can still get the disease if vaccinated. If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 , such as cough, runny nose, or fever, it’s better to test yourself to be sure of whether or not you have the virus. It’s also recommended that you test if you plan on attending a large gathering and you want to ensure you don’t mistakenly infect others.
With four tests included in each package at just $15 per pack, the FaStep Rapid 15 Minutes COVID-19 Antigen Home Test is an excellent value. Besides the large quantity and affordable price, we appreciated how simple and easy the test was to use. The instructions were easy to follow, with helpful photos of what to do during each step of the testing process. Although the results are expected in 15 minutes, our results appeared and were accurate within just 8 minutes, the quickest results we received during testing.
As at-home COVID-19 testing has evolved, it's also become more complicated; many at-home tests now require accompanying apps or complex setups to get a simple positive or negative result. The OraSure InteliSwab At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test is a great option for anyone looking to avoid a testing process that requires a manual (and accidental misuse), which is why we named it our most straightforward test. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3, which was our favorite part; users just need to insert the nasal swab, activate the swab with the testing vial, and wait for results. We also liked that the screen on this test is large and easy to read , which is a major plus for anyone who has trouble reading small screens on other tests—or having to involve their smartphone in the process.
If you're going to be away from home for a few days, and you don’t want to unwittingly expose others to COVID-19, it makes sense to carry a self-test along with you. The Indicaid COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test is easy to administer, read and understand . It's gentle on the nasal cavity and small enough to fit into your hand luggage . There's no app or video to worry about, and its minimalist packaging means less waste and less strain on the environment.
When you have to test frequently or you have to test a crowd, you need a product that's easy to use, easy to read, quick, and affordable. The Clinitest Rapid Covid-19 Antigen Self-Test was designed to be used without assistance and with minimal hassle. This kit has a unique port on the box that you could punch in and use as a holding slot for the testing vial . We found that clever feature to be handy and made the testing so much easier to do .
This FDA-authorized kit contains a swab, solution, test unit, and a tray for the vial. The instructions also have drawings , which make them easier to understand. There's also an instructional video available online for more details. The results are pretty quick, coming in at only fifteen minutes.
Testing as a family can be expensive and inconvenient. But the Boson Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Card makes it somewhat easier. Each pack contains up to 8 test kits , which can serve a family of two or more or can be used by a single user multiple times.
The test components include a tube pre-filled with liquid, a testing stick, and a swab. The instructions are intuitive —everything works just how we expected them to. There are instructional videos on their site and downloadable instructions in different languages . The compact packaging also supports testing on the go.
At-home testing can be uncomfortable and stressful, especially for a first-time user. That's where the FlowFlex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test can come in handy. We found it the easiest to use above all other tests. With this test, there’s no hassle, complicated steps, extra technology , or hard-to-use components.
It’s important to note that there's a warning not to read results after fifteen minutes. So while the test is great for getting results quickly, you have to make sure to read your results within a short, five-minute window.
On/Go At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test delivers results in ten minutes, which is noticeably faster than similar products . Plus, the results were easy to read . The components include a swab solution, test unit, and tray.
This test was more comfortable than others we tested because of the shorter, softer swab and the tube came pre-filled with the reagent fluid, so we didn't have to contend with any unintentional spills. The wait time for results was 15 minutes, but it gave an accurate reading much sooner than that timeframe.
Sometimes simple is best, especially when you're not feeling well and want quick, clear results . That's why we loved the Genabio COVID-19 Rapid Self-Test Kit . The test was foolproof, with step-by-step instructions and images of what to do while testing. We also liked that we didn't have to use an app or watch a video to administer this test or get results. Even better than the easy instructions was the price tag at just $6 per test.
We loved how the test was intuitive enough that we barely needed the printed instructions. Figuring out what to do with each component was straightforward, even without the instructions. So, with the instructions, it seems impossible to get wrong. There are also optional step-by-step instructional videos available through the mobile app. The app is available for Apple and Android users and allows an administrator to track results for small group members, which can be useful for events, schools, or work.
The test requires inserting about half an inch of a simple nasal swab into your nostril. People aged 15 years and above can administer this test independently, but those aged 2–14 years will need assistance from an adult.
The iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test is an FDA-authorized, over-the-counter, self-administered test that delivers results in 15 minutes . It easily slid into our best overall spot because its results are clearer than most, and it has minimal components, which makes testing a breeze.
More At-Home COVID-19 Tests to Consider
While not all of the at-home COVID-19 tests made it onto our list, some of these may still be of interest to you.
Our Testing Process
The Health team tested the most popular at-home COVID-19 tests in our testing lab. We tested for factors including how easy they were to use and which ones had results that were definitive and easy-to-understand. We also paid particular attention to things like the number of steps you needed to take, how easy it was to follow the instructions, and whether or not you needed additional technology or assistance to complete the test.
Our Experts
In evaluating COVID-19 tests, we spoke to two experts in infectious diseases:
Where We Stand
After testing more than 20 at-home COVID-19 tests for ease of use, convenience, and speed, we recommend the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test. It's easy to use, convenient and gives clear results. For a budget option, we like the Genabio COVID-19 Rapid Selt-Test Kit because it's also easy to use and costs just $6 per test.
What to Know About At-Home COVID-19 Tests
When to Use an At-Home COVID-19 Test
You should use an at-home COVID-19 test if you believe you’ve been exposed, you’re displaying symptoms of the virus, or you expect to travel or attend a group event where you want to mitigate the spread of the virus. You should use at-home COVID-19 tests to check your COVID-19 infection status quickly and conveniently without going to a clinic, hospital, or laboratory.
What You Should Look for in an At-Home COVID-19 Test
When choosing a test kit for home use, you should look for those authorized by the FDA and be mindful of expiry dates. You may also consider how easy the test is to use, how much it costs, how fast the results are displayed, and how many tests are included within the product.
How Much Can You Expect to Pay for an At-Home COVID-19 Test?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $8 to $50 for a standard at-home COVID-19 test. Larger kits with many tests may have a lower unit price. But there's a product for almost every budget.
Your Questions, Answered
Should I trust the results of a self-test?
If you test positive on a self-administered at-home test, you are likely to have COVID-19. However, if you test negative, there’s still a chance you may have the virus. Generally, antigen tests tend to be more accurate if a person has COVID-19 symptoms, says Pia MacDonald, PhD, MPH, an Infectious Disease Epidemiologist at RTI International, a nonprofit research institute.
Are at-home COVID-19 tests accurate?
At-home COVID-19 tests are less accurate than molecular tests but better than not testing at all. They are less accurate in the early stages of infection and if you have no symptoms, according to Dr. MacDonald.
The FDA advises that people repeat at-home COVID-19 tests if they have a negative result. The repeat tests should be carried out 48 hours apart. You should repeat the test once if you have symptoms and twice if you don't, but think you may have been infected. If you still test negative after these tests and you have no symptoms but are concerned that you could have COVID-19, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Who We Are
Nsisong Asanga is a public health physician and field epidemiologist. She has been actively involved in testing, surveillance, and prevention since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She researches and shares information that helps people prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Jessica Wozinsky Fleming is an award-winning health writer and the Senior Commerce Editor for Health.com. She has four children, so she prefers to buy large packs of tests at once, like the Boson Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Cards from Amazon.
JBT and AST testing units have been designed to interface with modern “smart alternators” that communicate with the vehicle’s computer.
D&V’s JBT-1 is the perfect in-store testing unit developed to test all automotive alternators and starters. D&V’s AST-10 is best suited as a small repair shop unit for alternator and starter testing.