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Best infrared thermometers
Keep employees, students and other groups safe as you reopen.
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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
Non-Contact Infrared Forehead Thermometer
Masks by Whizley
Finder Verified
Gorilla Gadgets Wall-Mounted Body Thermometer
Amazon
Free shipping on $25+
Preve Non Contact Medical IR Thermometer
Amazon
Free shipping on $25+
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 |
Data obtained June 2020. Prices are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.
How did we choose these products?
We chose products that are mid-range in price and suitable for a wide range of everyday uses. We considered the thermometer type, body temperature measurement range and third-party product reviews when creating our list.
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.
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot infrared thermometers | Handheld or wall-mounted devices used to measure the temperature at a spot on a surface, such as a person’s forehead or a grill. |
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| Infrared scanners | These devices scan and measure the temperature of a larger area than spot IR devices. |
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| Infrared thermal imaging | These devices use long-wavelength infrared energy to measure temperatures at multiple points. Reflected light does not affect these cameras — so smoke, dust or oncoming headlights won’t interfere with the reading. |
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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:
- Turn on the thermometer.
- Adjust the settings on the device so that it reads in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
- Point the thermometer at an object.
- 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.
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