Best infrared thermometers

As businesses begin to reopen to the public following national shutdowns due to COVID-19, using contactless thermometers will likely be a part of safety protocols. When choosing the best non-contact infrared thermometer, consider the type, price, accuracy and measurement range of the device to ensure it’ll be suitable for your specific needs.

Top thermometer picks

Infrared Forehead Thermometer

DMB Supply

Finder Verified

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XimBro Wall Mounted Thermometer

Amazon

Free shipping on $25+

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ThermoPro TP63B Waterproof Indoor Outdoor Thermometer

Amazon

Free shipping on $25+

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AXHKIO Non Contact Infrared Thermometer for Fever

Amazon

Free shipping on $25+

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Compare some of the best infrared thermometers

Name	Average price	Type	Body temperature measurement range	Batteries included?	Purchase
Infrared Forehead Thermometer	$60	Spot infrared thermometer	89.6°F to 108.5°F	No – 2 AAA	Buy now
iHealth No Touch Forehead Thermometer	$55	Spot infrared thermometer	89.6°F to 109.2°F	Yes – 2 AAA	Buy now
Health & Health Digital Infrared Thermometer	$90	Spot infrared thermometer	89.6°F to 109.2°F	No – takes 2 AAA	Buy now
FDoc Non-Contact Forehead Thermometer	$70	Spot infrared thermometer	N/A	No – takes 2 AAA	Buy now
PREVE Non Contact Medical Infrared Forehead Thermometer	$50	Spot infrared thermometer	89.6°F to 109.2°F	Yes – 2 AA	Buy now
Gorilla Gadgets Wall-Mounted Body Thermometer	$200	Wall-mounted spot IR thermometer	32°F to 122°F	Yes – 18650 lithium cell	Buy now

Types of infrared thermometers

Spot infrared thermometers are the most common type of IR thermometer for general use —and generally the cheapest. But more expensive options may be more accurate and work on larger areas.

How to compare infrared thermometers

Consider these factors when comparing non-contact infrared thermometers:

• Price. Spot infrared thermometers can cost anywhere from around $20 to $200, while thermal imaging cameras and infrared scanning systems can range from around $200 to $5,000 or more.
• Type. For general body and food temperature measurements at home, an average-priced spot IR thermometer will likely suffice. If you’ll be using the device to detect multiple people’s temperatures throughout the day, you may want to upgrade to a scanning system or wall-mounted spot IR thermometer.
• Accuracy. Check to see if the device has been tested for accuracy. Look for what’s called a test-retest reliability rating, which demonstrates how consistent the device is.
• Measurement range. This tells you the temperature range that the device can detect. If using for human body temperatures, look for this specific measurement range. It may be different from the device’s environment measurement range.
• Battery type. Most small hand-held devices take AA or AAA batteries, but some larger wall-mounted devices, scanning systems and thermal imaging cameras may take lithium batteries that could be more expensive to replace when necessary.
• Ease of use and extra features. Is the overall design of the device easy to use? Does it have a backlit display for quick, easy readings? Does it store previous temperature measurements?

What are non-contact infrared thermometers used for?

Contactless infrared thermometers can be used to take temperature readings in a variety of settings:

• Taking body temperatures, especially as businesses, offices and schools reopen following COVID-19 shutdowns
• Taking food temperatures when cooking to ensure safe temperatures are reached
• Detecting overloaded circuit breakers and faulty terminations in electrical circuits
• Detecting mechanical problems within vehicles and motorized equipment

How to use an infrared thermometer

Get an accurate read of your temperature in four steps:

1. Turn on the thermometer.
2. Adjust the settings on the device so that it reads in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
3. Point the thermometer at an object.
4. Pull the trigger and wait for the reading to show up on the screen.

Tips when taking someone’s temperature with an IR thermometer

When using an infrared thermometer to take a person’s body temperature, follow these quick tips to maximize safety and accuracy:

• Do not point the device directly in the eyes of humans or animals. Some devices have a laser pointer to help increase accuracy, and lasers can cause eye damage.
• Stay a safe distance away or wear proper personal protective equipment when taking the temperature of someone who is sick.
• Aim the device perpendicular to the person’s forehead when taking their temperature.
• Do not point an infrared thermometer through glass or other barriers when getting a reading. This will negatively affect the accuracy of the reading.
• Do not use in direct sunlight. This will also negatively affect the accuracy.
• Read the cleaning instructions that came with the device. Most cannot be fully immersed in water, but should be disinfected between uses.

Bottom line

Non-contact infrared thermometers have become popular devices to take human body temperature and have plenty of other uses. If your business, office or school is reopening after shutdowns due to COVID-19, infrared thermometers can be an important part of your new safety protocol.
Ready to buy? Compare top infrared thermometers

If you’d rather shop around to make sure you’re getting the best price, take a look at our guide on the best places to buy an infrared thermometer online.