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The 7 best pregnancy tests for at-home use that you can trust
Finding out whether you’re pregnant can be a nerve-wracking process. Put yourself at ease with these trustworthy pregnancy tests.
Whether you’re trying to start a family or notice you’ve had a missed period, it’s vital to use an accurate pregnancy test that can reliably confirm a positive or negative result.
While most pregnancy tests available over the counter are 99% accurate when used correctly, they each come with caveats and advantages. That’s why we researched the seven best pregnancy tests to help you choose.
From a dependable cheap pregnancy test to a digital option, our expert selection of tests is sure to contain the right option for you.
Read more: Discover the best gifts for new parents
Browse the best pregnancy tests
Best overall
Pros & Cons
Detects pregnancy as early as six days before expected period
Comes in a set of two
Pricier compared to other brands
If you’re wondering which pregnancy test is the best, look no further. The First Response Early Response Pregnancy Test is not only over 99% accurate but it’s also one of the most sensitive pregnancy tests in the market.
Thanks to its First to Detect technology, which has been laboratory-tested, this test can detect pregnancy from as early as six days before your period date. Plus, you can get your results within three minutes.
If you’re still unsure, don’t worry. This pack comes in a set of two for added assurance.
Best value for money
Pros & Cons
Affordable price
Detects low levels of pregnancy hormones
Doesn’t come with urine cup
If you like to keep a reliable home pregnancy test handy in case of an emergency, this is the one for you. This pack contains 10 test strips that can detect HCG levels (Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, which is found during pregnancy) as low as 25 mIU/mL.
Not only will you be spending less than a dollar for each strip, but you can also start testing 10-14 days after ovulation. All you need to do is dip the strip in a urine sample, wait five minutes and look for the lines appearing on the strip.
This product also supports the Premom fertility app that you can use to track your results.
Pros & Cons
Includes test strips for ovulation
Can be synced with an app for easy tracking
App tracking can be confusing for some
Actively trying to get pregnant? You’ll want to have this Easy@Home Combo Kit with you. Containing 50 ovulation test strips and 20 pregnancy test strips in a packet, you’ll have all the tools you need to plan your pregnancy journey.
Additionally, you’ll get access to the Premom fertility app to help you with family planning. The tests are also FDA-approved with more than 99% accuracy, making it one of the most accurate pregnancy tests on our list.
Best eco-friendly option
Pros & Cons
Net-zero plastic footprint
Detects low levels of pregnancy hormones
Doesn’t come with urine cup
This one’s made for all the eco-conscious women out there. Natalist Pregnancy Test Strips is not only more than 99% accurate but also uses 100% plastic neutral packaging.
As a company dedicated to helping save Mother Earth, they facilitate the removal of a pound of plastic with every pound of plastic they sell, making your purchase a net-zero plastic footprint.
You can start using the test strips as early as six days before your missed period and you also get 15 test strips in the package.
Best test strips
Pros & Cons
Detects pregnancy hormones up to six days before period
10 strips included in the package
Doesn’t come with urine cup
Invented by fertility experts, this kit is created to provide expecting mothers with a peace of mind. It can detect pregnancy for up to six days before your expected period date, making it one of the best early-detection pregnancy tests to have.
The test strips are also laboratory tested to reveal results within five minutes. With a 99% accuracy rate, you don’t have to worry about false results. But if you do need extra assurance, it’s a good thing that this package comes with 10 strips.
Best digital test
Pros & Cons
Results are easy to read
Smart countdown indicates the test is working
Some reports of test not working
Thanks to this Clearblue digital pregnancy test, you’ll no longer have to be confused about blurry lines as it shows worded results. It also comes with a smart countdown that indicates the test is working and the duration you have to wait.
To make things easier, it has an extra wide tip to ensure proper absorption and Floodguard Technology to keep excess urine from potentially affecting the result. You can use this test as early as five days prior to your expected period and with over 99% accuracy rate, it’s no wonder that this is one of the best home pregnancy tests in the market.
Best for early detection
Pros & Cons
Quick results - less than three minutes
Detect as early as six days before the period
Reports of faint result lines
If you’re the anxious type, you’ll definitely want to get the Clearblue Early Detection Pregnancy Test. It’s one of the best pregnancy tests to detect early expectancy – it can identify pregnancy hormones from as early as six days before your missed period.
The test is also easy to use. Its wide dipping tip allows for better absorption – just stick the tip in your urine stream for five seconds and you’ll see a result within three minutes. Plus, this pack comes with two tests at less than $10, making it one of the best at-home pregnancy tests out there.
What to know before getting a pregnancy test
If you’re still confused about what to consider when purchasing a pregnancy test, here are some facts to help guide your decision.
How accurate are pregnancy tests?
Luckily for us, most pregnancy tests currently available are at least 99% accurate when used according to the directions given. This is about the same accuracy you get when doing a urine test in most clinics. To ensure you’re getting the most precise result possible, remember to read the label and follow the directions.
What pregnancy test brand is most accurate?
There are many brands that produce trusted pregnancy tests. Most of them come in packs of two or more to provide you with the option of retesting for assurance. Clearblue and First Response are prominent names in the pregnancy test kit market but there are also more emerging brands that provide accurate results.
How early can you test for pregnancy?
Most tests can detect HCG (pregnancy hormones) in urine as early as 10 days after conception. Some home tests can detect HCG from as early as six days before an expected period. If you’re looking to test early, look for an early-detection pregnancy test as they are more sensitive to the low hormone levels present in your urine. It is also advisable to test first thing in the morning.
Which test is most sensitive?
The most sensitive home pregnancy tests are the ones that can detect HCG levels as low as 20 mIU/mL from as early as six days before an expected period. They are usually highlighted on the package box and can be easily found in most stores and pharmacies.
Which pregnancy tests get our vote?
All of the options above will serve you well in getting accurate results. However, if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, we’ve narrowed down our top two for you to choose from.
First Response Early Response Pregnancy Test: This test can detect pregnancy hormones from as early as six days before your period and get you the result within three minutes, which is quicker than most. It’s definitely the best pregnancy test for early detection.
Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Smart Countdown: This digital pregnancy test gives you results in words so you never have to worry about blurry lines. Plus, the smart countdown assures you that it's working while you wait for results.
When deciding which pregnancy tests are the best, ensure you’ve considered other factors like how early you need to get tested and what your budget is. In short, any test from this list will give you the peace of mind you seek.
Prices updated on 08/14/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.