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The 10 best ear thermometers to buy in the UK

Picture of a ear thermometer

If you have a child or baby, then owning a good ear thermometer is always recommended. This device lets you easily measure the temperature of your child (or yourself) with minimal disruption, making it a worthwhile investment for most families. However, choosing the right ear thermometer can be difficult for first-time buyers, as it’s not always clear what product is best suited for your requirements. Check out the below buying guide for all the info you need to find the best ear thermometer:

What are ear thermometers?

Known as a tympanic thermometer, an ear thermometer is a device used to measure an individual’s body temperature through the ear canal. Unlike old thermometers that used mercury, an ear thermometer is a digital device, using infrared sensors to measure the temperature inside of the ear canal.

Why should you buy a good ear thermometer?

Buying the best ear thermometer means you own a device that can quickly read your child’s body temperature with minimal disruption. It is gently placed next to the ear and will accurately measure their temperature, letting you identify if they have a fever with minimal effort. An ear thermometer is not just for children either, as it works just the same as on an adult, meaning you can measure your temperatures to determine if you are unwell.

How to choose the right ear thermometer in 2024?

Another picture of a ear thermometer

Choosing the best ear thermometers can be daunting if you are unsure what to look for in the device. Here are some things to consider:

  • Adjustability: An ear thermometer that can be adjusted to suit different age groups is highly recommended, especially if you have children of varying ages. This is because temperatures that are considered dangerous for one age group is not the same for another, so these devices adjust their warning levels depending on the age of the child, saving any false alarms.
  • Display: It helps to choose an ear thermometer with a large display screen and digits, preferably with a backlight, as you’ll find it much easier to read. This is especially useful in darker conditions like when they are sleeping and you don’t want to disturb them.
  • Alerts: The best ear thermometers come with an alert system when a temperature is too high or approaching high, which is useful as you won’t need to research what the temperature rating means for your child. These alerts are usually a beeping noise or a visual display on the screen, often being colour-coded. It’s a simple feature but one that offers more convenience.
  • Speed: The best ear thermometers provide a quick reading, usually within 2-3 seconds, so always check the speed of the device to ensure you aren’t waiting too long. Bear in mind that quicker speed does not always mean an accurate reading.

What is the best kind of ear thermometer in the UK?

Here are some of the most popular types of ear thermometers you can buy:

  • Digital Ear Thermometer: All standard ear thermometers are digital, using infrared technology to scan the temperature inside of the ear canal. They come in both basic and advanced models, with some worthwhile features including one-button operation, fever alarms, and memory for storing previous readings.
  • Smart Ear Thermometer: This variation of the digital ear thermometer links to your smartphone or tablet, letting you analyse more detailed data regarding the temperature reading and what it means. While more expensive, the extra information it provides is a worthwhile investment for many parents.
  • Dual Ear Thermometer: This type combines the functionality of an ear thermometer and a contactless thermometer, the latter of which can be used on the forehead to measure temperatures. Using the ear and forehead to measure temperature can provide a clearer picture of any issues when tracking over longer periods.

Top 10 list of ear thermometers in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their ear thermometers. Which thermometer is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Braun IRT3030EE ear thermometer
Braun ThermoScan 3 Ear thermometer - Fast 1 second measurement - Audio…
  • EASY TO USE: Accuracy made easy thanks to user-friendly, compact, intuitive design;…
  • SAFE AND HYGIENIC: Includes 21 Braun Hygiene Caps that ensure device accuracy by…
  • VISUAL AND AUDIO FEVER INDICATOR: Numeric results are displayed on a digital screen;…
BUY NOW
TOP 2
Image of Braun BRAIRT6520 ear thermometer
Braun ThermoScan 7 Ear thermometer - Age Precision Technology - Colour-coded…
  • READY TO USE: Comes equipped with 2 AA batteries plus a protective cradle for safe…
  • RELIABLE RESULTS: The ear is the best site to measure fever as it allows for more…
  • EXACTEMP STABILITY INDICATOR: Accuracy made easy thanks to the user-friendly technology…
BUY NOW
TOP 3
Image of Viproud FC-IR109 ear thermometer
Highly Accurate Ear Thermometer, Digital Ear Thermometer for Kids…
  • Complete Package with Warranty and Support: Your purchase includes 1 × Ear…
  • VERSATILE USAGE: The thermometer can also be switched to object temperature mode…
  • USER-FRIENDLY & CONVENIENT: Features an easy to read colourful coded display,…
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Offer TOP 4
Image of OxiPro OXI-TH1 ear thermometer
OxiPro TH1 Thermometer - MHRA Registered - NHS Supplier - In-Ear,…
  • CLEAR, COLOUR CODED RESULTS: The digital thermometers results are displayed to 0.1°C,…
  • IN-EAR, FOREHEAD AND SURFACE MODES: The OxiPro TH1 features four usage modes; In-Ear,…
  • BABY THERMOMETER & ADULT THERMOMETER: The OxiPro TH1 is clinically validated…
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TOP 5
Image of AILE MDI261 ear thermometer
AILE Digital Thermometer for Kids and Adults, Temperature Thermometer…
  • What You Get: 1 x AILE infrared thermometer (the basal body temperature thermometer…
  • Easy to Use: The body thermometer is ready to use out of the box and quickly displays…
  • Fever Alarm with Backlight: The baby thermometers comes with 3 backlit indicators…
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TOP 6
Image of femometer family DET-1015 ear thermometer
Ear Thermometer, Professional Accuracy Ear Thermometer for Adults…
  • What You Receive: Your purchase includes 1 Ear Thermometer, 2 AA batteries, 24 probe…
  • User-friendly Design: Achieve accurate readings with the one-touch measurement function,…
  • Track Body Temperature Status: With the capacity to store up to 30 sets of memory…
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TOP 7
Image of Braun 1 ear thermometer
Braun Thermoscan 7 IRT6520 Thermometer with Protective Storage Ca…
  • Braun Thermoscan Thermometer with Protective Storage Case bundle
  • Interior provides space for ear thermometer and a box of 20 lens filters
  • Hard case for extra protection to keep ear thermometer safe during storage and t…
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TOP 8
Image of yuwell YHT101 ear thermometer
yuwell Ear Thermometer for Kids and Adult, Digital Infrared Thermometer…
  • WHAT YOU GET: 1 Ear Thermomete, 1 carrying case, 2 AAA Alkaline batteries, 1 User…
  • Thoughtful design - Family-friendly: large high-definition screen, digital display;…
  • Precise measurement - Integrated temperature probe: yuwell YHT101 infrared thermometer…
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TOP 9
Image of LLOYDS PHARMACY 5037560022932 ear thermometer
LloydsPharmacy Digital Ear Thermometer
  • Hygienic and safe measurement in the ear
  • Disposable ear covers included
  • Green light for normal and red light for high temperature
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TOP 10
Image of femometer family FC-IR205 ear thermometer
Temperature Thermometer for Ear and Forehead, 2 in 1 Infrared Digital…
  • WHAT'S INCLUDED: 1 Ear/Forehead Thermometer, 1 User Manual, 1 Quick Start Guide,…
  • SOFT FILL LIGHT: In ear mode, two soft LED fill lights on the probe help accurately…
  • DIGITAL FEVER ALARM & MUTE FUNCTION: Features color-coded fever indicators (green…
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