With temperature being one of the four main vital signs of health, thermometers have earned their place as an essential health evaluation tool. These humble devices have evolved greatly throughout the years, and are used on a daily basis either by families or health professionals to help diagnose sickness.
Among the most popular and convenient types of thermometers is the forehead thermometer. Able to take accurate readings through non-invasive means, the forehead thermometer is often the preferred option for its ease, speed, and sanitation. If you’re searching for the best forehead thermometer on the market, look no further. We’ve put together a list of 14 of the best options to help narrow your options and speed up your search.
Top 14 Forehead Thermometers Ultimate Chart
Choosing Forehead Thermometer – Understanding Your Options
Often, we make the mistake of making consumer decisions based on packaging, aesthetics, and brands, but finding a quality forehead thermometer entails more than these superficial factors.
To make sure the thermometer you buy is the right one for your needs, take these features into consideration. This way, you can get a better understanding of what each option offers, and whether it suits what you’re looking for.
- Ease of Use – If you’ve ever had to use a glass mercury thermometer, you probably already know how much of a hassle it can be. Because of the design of these obsolete thermometers, getting partially or even fully undressed just to get a reading was an inevitable part of the process.
What’s more, because there aren’t any digital features on these older thermometers, users would have to interpret the readings on their own, making final results susceptible to human error.
With the dawn of digital forehead thermometers, all of these hassles have been effectively reduced. However, the vast variety of models and brands also means that some thermometers will be much easier to use than others.
Some of the key features to consider if you’re looking for a trouble-free and convenient thermometer are:
- Light Indicator – Many digital forehead thermometers come equipped with LCD displays that can have color coded backlights for easier temperature interpretation.
For instance, a mother taking her children’s temperature might not be interested in learning the numbers themselves but would be more concerned with determining whether the child is running a fever. In this case, backlights that change color to indicate high temperatures would be much easier for a mother to use.
- Sound Indicator – The sound indicator is a staple feature for most modern thermometer designs. The main function of sound indicators would be to beep when a reading has been successfully taken. They can also be programmed to emit a specific sound if the thermometer encounters an error.
For some forehead thermometers, the sound indicator can go off if the device detects a fever; this is particularly common among options that don’t incorporate the light indicator feature.
- Instant Readings – For busy healthcare professionals, time is gold. With hundreds of patients walking into medical facilities and clinics every day, healthcare providers always prefer tools and devices that can provide them information at the soonest possible second.
Thermometers that can generate instant readings are highly preferred in the medical setting because it eliminates the risk of losing precious minutes that could greatly impact the service they provide.
- Memory Recall – In some cases, the temperature needs to be taken not as a one-time measure, but as a continuous record; this is particularly true for cases that require round the clock monitoring.
Memory recall features on some digital forehead thermometers make it much easier to keep a reliable record of measurements without having to write everything down. Memory capacity changes from device to device, with some able to keep track of up to 50 readings.
- Battery Life and Power Source – While a thermometer doesn’t require too much power, constant and frequent use can easily drain its battery. For medical professionals, a thermometer can easily be used over a hundred times in a single day, which could significantly shorten its battery life.
There are two common power sources that are used by forehead thermometers, and your chosen device could use one or both of them.
- Batteries – Battery powered thermometers are often cheaper because they don’t come with rechargeable battery units. Across different forehead thermometer options, battery specifications can change. However, the most common type of battery used are at least 2 double A’s.
- Rechargeable – Thermometers that have rechargeable, built-in battery units can cost more, but are also likely to last much longer. On a single charge, a rechargeable forehead thermometer can run for up to 10 hours of continuous use which is particularly ideal for medical professionals who expect to use their device a lot.
- Measurement Mechanism – Forehead thermometers can generate temperature readings either through making contact with the skin or by detecting heat without touching the user. Both have their advantages, so depending on what you need, one might be better for you than the other.
- Non-Contact/Infrared – This technology allows users to obtain temperature readings without touching any skin or surface. In cases when sanitation is an issue – such as for medical workers who don’t want to spread germs from patient to patient – infrared thermometers are an obvious preferred choice.
Infrared thermometers also have the advantage of being able to take temperatures of other subjects, such as rooms or even hot packs for therapy. The only downside is that if there is interference with ambient temperature, such as the space between the surface being measured and the thermometer itself, readings can be slightly inaccurate.
- Contact/Temporal – Along your temples runs the superficial temporal artery – one of the largest and most prominent blood vessels around the area of your forehead – is the structure that allows contact thermometers to generate readings.
These thermometers are often more affordable and more accurate. However, they can take up to a minute to generate final readings, which in some cases might be too lengthy.
Top 14 Best Forehead Thermometers Reviewed
1. AccuMD Instant Infrared Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – 20 readings
Standing proud as the best forehead thermometer based on consumer reviews, the AccuMD Instant Infrared Thermometer for Ear and Forehead is a reliable, accurate, and convenient option that’s ideal for both medical professionals and family use. This forehead thermometer boasts a variety of advanced features that make it a stellar option for individuals seeking a worthy investment.
The non-contact technology allows users to take readings on sensitive babies and rowdy children without worrying about having to keep them still for too long. It also comes equipped with both a light indicator and a sound indicator to help you interpret results as easily and quickly as possible.
The device can store up to 20 previous readings, and also comes with an ear thermometer so you can cross check your forehead reading to guarantee accuracy. Powered by just 2 triple A batteries, this thermometer surprisingly lasts much longer than many of its other battery-powered counterparts.
Fast, straightforward, convenient, and reliable, the AccuMD Instant Infrared Thermometer for Ear and Forehead is a top notch thermometer that can easily satisfy any buyer’s needs.
2. QQcute Dual Mode Clinical Digital Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – 20 readings
The QQcute Dual Mode Forehead and Ear Clinical Digital Thermometer is another accurate infrared thermometer that also converts to an ear thermometer for more temperature measurement options.
Using the device is uncomplicated, and results can be produced in as little as one second after scanning. The conversion shell on the head of the device can be removed to reveal a small metal spoke which functions as an in-ear thermometer. Placing the shell back on easily converts it back into a forehead thermometer.
Equipped with both a light and sound indicators, the thermometer can immediately inform users if a febrile temperature has been reached; this helps parents and medical workers provide faster treatment to stabilize the situation.
Able to store up to 20 previous readings, this device can also be used to measure temperatures for baby milk, bath water, hot compresses, and room temperature, to name a few. While all of these features do make it a very viable option, you should know that some users have complained of its structure. Many describe the body to be flimsy at best, which might not be ideal for those who intend to use it daily.
3. Innovo Medical Forehead and Ear Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – 20 readings
If you’re in the market for the best forehead thermometer in the contact category, then the Innovo Medical Forehead and Ear Thermometer would be a good place to start.
While it does use infrared technology, its unique lens requires that users place the thermometer against the skin for accurate readings. This thermometer also comes with a sensor cap that can be removed to reveal an in-ear thermometer that gives the device greater versatility.
A sound indicator beeps multiple times to warn of a fever. However, the device does not come with a light indicator. While this isn’t technically a deal breaker, users who want the convenience of a visual cue might find this thermometer a little behind other options.
The main feature that the Innovo Medical Forehead and Ear Thermometer has above other options is that it does not require users to wait before taking another reading. Able to take consecutive temperature measurements without lag time, this fast and reliable device is perfect for users who need a speedy thermometer.
4. Jumper Forehead and Ear Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – 20 readings
One of the most sensitive and accurate thermometers on the market is the Jumper Forehead and Ear Thermometer. Equipped with one of the most sophisticated infrared sensors for forehead thermometers, this device can provide highly accurate measurements ideal for users in the medical setting.
It uses both an auditory and visual cue to indicate whether the measurement acquired indicates a fever. It can also be interchanged to an in-ear thermometer to help verify the accuracy of the forehead readings.
Much like other thermometers on the list, the Jumper Forehead and Ear Thermometer promises to provide results in as little as one second. However, because of its ultra-sensitive infrared sensor, elements such as dirt and wind can greatly affect the accuracy of the acquired readings.
5. PREVE Non Contact Infrared Forehead Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – 32 readings
The PREVE Non-Contact Infrared Forehead Thermometer was designed with parents in mind, incorporating numerous features that help make it easier to provide young children and infants with timely and proper care.
Unlike other thermometers that only have two color-coded screen indicators, the PREVE Non-Contact Infrared Forehead Thermometer boats three light colors – green for normal, yellow for a low fever, and red for a high fever. It is particularly useful for parents who aren’t necessarily aware of what numerical temperatures indicate.
With a dedicated Celsius and Fahrenheit button, this device makes it easy to switch between scales for better result interpretation. It can also store up to 32 previous readings so you can easily keep track of the changes in temperature.
The thermometer also comes with a silent mode function that allows parents to completely turn off any beeping noises; this can be useful when taking measurements for a sleeping infant or child.
The only problem that some users have found with the device is that readings can vary by up to 1 degree with each consecutive use. Unless you’re particularly interested in precise results, this device could still be a good option.
6. TempIR Body Temperature Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – 32 readings
The TempIR Body Temperature Infrared Thermometer is one of the few forehead thermometers on the market that allows users to recalibrate to maintain accuracy. Simple, easy to understand instructions for this function can be found on the thermometer’s official website.
While it doesn’t have a visual color-coded indicator for fevers, the device does emit an audible warning for febrile temperatures. You can also choose to turn off the sound so as not to disturb sleeping users.
It can store up to 32 different readings so you can easily keep track of temperature changes over time. Users can also use this thermometer to check for room, surface, and water temperatures.
Coming with a lifetime product replacement guarantee from the manufacturer in case of manufacturer defects, the TempIR Body Temperature Infrared Thermometer is a smart investment that promises to provide you accurate healthcare assistance for many years to come.
Be aware however that the product does take a few seconds to generate results. This can affect accuracy, especially when measuring results for small children that have difficulty staying still.
7. Metene Digital Non-Contact Forehead Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – 12 readings
Compact and sleek, the Metene Digital Infrared Non-Contact Forehead Thermometer is an accurate temperature measurement device that you can easily and discreetly carry around in your pocket or purse.
With a push of a button, you can set the thermometer to sleep mode which discreetly captures temperatures so as not to wake up a sleeping infant or child. The device is also completely no-contact, which means you can take temperature readings from a slight distance away and get results in a matter of seconds.
Some downsides of the Metene Digital Infrared Non-Contact Forehead Thermometer are that it doesn’t have visual or auditory fever indicators and that users will have to wait more than 30 minutes to take temperature measurements if they’ve just brought the device into the testing room.
So if your child is in bed and you’ve just taken the thermometer out of the bathroom, you will have to wait half an hour for the device to become accustomed to the ambient temperature before taking a reading.
8. Santamedical Professional Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – 32 readings
Santamedical is one of the largest manufacturers of medical products for both professional and home use, so it’s no wonder why their Infrared Forehead Thermometer managed to find its place as an option for the best forehead thermometer.
Designed with healthcare providers in mind, the Santamedical Professional Clinical Large LCD Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer is a no-frills, no-nonsense thermometer that provides readings as accurate as 0.3 degrees. Despite the lack of a color-coded screen, it does have a very loud yet adjustable auditory indicator that helps users easily detect a fever.
The screen is large and easy to read, eliminating the chances of error through false numerical interpretation. What’s more, because it has been stripped of many of the features that other thermometers have, the Santamedical Professional Clinical Large LCD Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer can provide take up to 100,000 readings on just the power of 2 triple A batteries; this makes it one of the most power-efficient thermometers on the market.
Now, while it isn’t the best option for parents or families that aren’t familiar with the indications of numerical temperature measurements, it can be a great companion for a medical professional.
9. Generation Guard Clinical Forehead Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – 20 readings
Developed specifically for babies and young children, the Generation Guard Clinical Forehead Thermometer can also be used for adults and even pets.
It features a non-contact sensor that can take accurate readings a short distance away from the testing surface, which makes it a premium choice to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination. The non-contact infrared sensor can also be used for room temperature and surface temperature on bath water and baby milk.
With a dedicated volume button, you can easily turn off the speaker to take temperature readings on sleeping babies and children without waking them up. It also comes with a button that enables you to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit for greater versatility.
Why didn’t it top the list? The lack of a color-coded screen lighting feature means that parents might have to double check whether the numerical value indicates a fever or not. What’s more, it wasn’t designed for professional use and is ideal for buyers who intend to keep the device at home for personal instances.
10. Generation Guard Clinical Forehead Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – 20 readings
The Dr. Meter Medical Forehead Thermometer boasts one of the greatest measurement distances at 5 centimeters; this basically means that you can be at a distance of up to 5 cm from your child, family member, or patient, and still take accurate temperature readings.
The Dr. Meter Medical Forehead Thermometer can provide you accurate temperature measurements in as little as one second, sounding off to indicate a fever when detected. For parents who don’t want to disturb sleeping children, the device’s speaker can be easily turned off with a dedicated mute button.
Simple, easy, and with just the right features, this thermometer simplifies the process of taking temperatures by stripping away other features that might confuse users. However, with such a limited number of functions, some buyers might find it a little on the expensive side of the price spectrum, especially when there are more feature-rich options in the same price range.
11. ADC Temple Touch Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Temporal
- Memory – Last readings
As the only temporal thermometer on the list, the ADC Temple Touch Thermometer might have fewer features than its infrared counterparts. Nevertheless, the device does bring some unique functionality to the table, which may just make it the perfect option for you.
Firstly, it’s the only device that’s completely waterproof. Without the sensitive infrared sensor, the ADC Temple Touch Thermometer can be exposed to moisture without worrying about damaging its internal hardware. The device also has a much longer battery life than most other thermometers, thanks to the simpler mechanism that it uses.
Able to take the same accurate measures, the only downside of the ADC Temple Touch Thermometer is that it takes a little longer than infrared thermometers. That aside, its uncomplicated interface, straightforward usage, and incredibly pocket-friendly price make it a very good selection for buyers on a budget.
12. SinoPie Forehead Digital Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – 32 readings
While it isn’t built to be robust and durable, the Forehead Digital Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer is a safe, accurate, and fast device that can be a good choice for families and small medical clinics.
What makes it unique from other options is the fact that it has separate modes for body temperatures and surface temperatures, which can give much more accurate readings when taking temperatures for things like water, food, and baby formula.
It can store up to 32 measurements, making it much easier to recall previous readings to get a better holistic understanding of the user’s progress and health. It pays to know though that because of its low cost, the Forehead Digital Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer can feel flimsy in the hands, so it may not be a great choice if you plan to use it frequently.
13. ARC Devices InstaTemp Digital Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – None
With a sleek design and minimalist aesthetic, you would think that the ARC Devices InstaTemp Non-Touch Digital Thermometer is a brand new type of smart communication device.
This ultra-lightweight thermometer features a single button on its body which is used to take temperature readings in as little as one second. The screen itself doesn’t have color coded display lights. However, the device does have a small LED above its button which changes color to help interpret the measurements for you.
What’s more, unlike other thermometers, the ARC Devices InstaTemp Non-Touch Digital Thermometer has a built-in battery. While it isn’t rechargeable, the manufacturer guarantees to replace a thermometer should it reach the end of its battery life.
For busy medical professionals, the 7,500 temperature readings guaranteed by the battery life may not be enough to cover a 5 year period. Nonetheless, it can be a good choice for families and small to medium sized clinics and medical facilities.
14. Braun NTF3000 Forehead Thermometer
- Measurement Mechanism – Infrared
- Memory – None
Despite being one of the most popular brands on the list, the Braun No Touch Plus Forehead Thermometer just made it to last place. However, that doesn’t make it any less of a contender.
The Braun No Touch Plus Forehead Thermometer is one of the most durable and robust thermometers on the market, made to sustain the wear and tear of daily use.
With a unique positioning system, the thermometer greatly reduces user error, making it much more likely to obtain accurate results without worrying about whether you used the device correctly or not. It also comes with all the standard features of other thermometers in its segment, including the light and sound indicators, the mute function, and the no-touch convenience.
Why didn’t it rank higher? The lack of a memory recall feature, and the fact that the device eats up a lot of power with each use despite having much larger batteries has affected its reputation with most consumers, especially because many other thermometers can offer greater functionality at the same or a lower cost.
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