Best Rectal Thermometers of 2025

Elisa Drew Avatar
Elisa Drew
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Rectal thermometers are a highly accurate way to measure body temperature, especially in infants and young children. They are designed to be inserted into the rectum, where they can provide a quick and accurate reading of the body's internal temperature. Many rectal thermometers are made with a flexible tip and a large, easy-to-read display, making them both comfortable and convenient to use. Whether you're a parent caring for a sick child or a healthcare professional monitoring a patient's temperature, a rectal thermometer is an essential tool for accurate temperature measurement.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Thermometer Cover #TOP 1
FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Thermometer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Safe and Accurate Oral Thermometer for Adults Cover #TOP 2
Safe and Accurate Oral Thermometer for Adults
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer Cover #TOP 3
Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Rectal Thermometers

#TOP 1

FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Thermometer

White
1 Count (Pack of 1)
FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Thermometer Cover
Frida Baby Rectal Thermometer for Baby Digital Fever Thermometer for Babies, Newborns & Infants, FSA/ HSA Eligible

FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Thermometer delivers a 10-second quick read and has a parent-proof rectal insertion stopper to prevent over-insertion. It also has a large display with backlight, memory mode, and is water-resistant for easy cleaning. AAP recommends rectal temperature checks for babies up to three years old.

What We Like
Fast, accurate readings
Baby-friendly design
Compact and easy to use
Safety features for infants
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Short battery life
#TOP 2

Safe and Accurate Oral Thermometer for Adults

GF-MT501
Dark Blue
Safe and Accurate Oral Thermometer for Adults Cover
Boncare 10 Seconds Digital Thermometer for Adults and Kids - Accurate & Safe Rectal Thermometer for Baby with Fever Alarm, Oral Thermometer FSA HSA Eligible (Dark Blue)

A medical-grade thermometer with a soft silicone tip and stainless steel probe that can be used orally, rectally, or underarm. This digital basal thermometer provides a fast and accurate reading in about 10 seconds, with an LCD screen display, beeper alarm, memory function, and auto shut off. It's easy to use, clean, and waterproof, making it convenient and hygienic for you and your family. Plus, it comes with a free storage case for portability.

What We Like
Fast readings
Easy to read
Accurate performance
Great price
Convenient design
What We Don't Like
No plastic covers included
Hard to read in bright sunlight
#TOP 3

Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer

V934
White/Blue
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer Cover
Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer Baby Thermometer for Rectal Temperature, Short and Flexible Tip with Fast Read Times and Large Digital Display

This rectal thermometer is designed for babies with a short and flexible tip that makes it gentle and safe. The digital display provides a fast and accurate reading of your baby's temperature, making it easy to tell if they have a fever. Vicks is a trusted brand that helps you track your family's symptoms during the cold or flu season. It is one of the most used thermometers by pediatricians.

What We Like
Fast temperature readings
Easy to use
Safe design for infants
Accurate readings
Backlit display for night use
What We Don't Like
Cleaning shape is a bit awkward
#TOP 4

iProven Digital Thermometer for The Whole Family

BD9635
Grey
1 Count (Pack of 1)
iProven Digital Thermometer for The Whole Family Cover
iProven Oral Thermometer, Measures in 10 seconds with flexible tip and fever alarm, Digital Medical Thermometer for adults, kids and toddlers - DTR-1221A

The iProven Digital Thermometer is a comfortable and reliable thermometer that measures temperature in 10 seconds. The flexible tip ensures comfort and the fever alarm, smiley indicators, and finishing beep make temperature checking easy. Suitable for the whole family, this waterproof thermometer is easy to clean and hygienic. Plus, it comes with a 100-day refund or replacement policy.

What We Like
Accurate temperature readings
Easy to use
Versatile usage options
Quick reading time
Excellent customer support
What We Don't Like
Initial difficulty opening packaging
Could use low temperature indicator
#TOP 5

Easy@Home Baby Rectal Thermometer

EMT-027
Blue
Easy@Home Baby Rectal Thermometer Cover
Baby Rectal Thermometer with Fever Indicator - Easy@Home Perfect Newborn and Infant Digital Thermometer with LCD Display Reading Body Temperature-Kid and Baby Item with Accurate Fast Reading - EMT-027

The Easy@Home Baby Rectal Thermometer provides a fast and comfortable reading for infants and newborns. Its short, flexible waterproof probe is designed for rectal use only, providing better accuracy than other models. Equipped with Feverline Indicating Technology, it can easily identify when a fever is present. The display takes only 10 seconds to register the temperature, featuring large numbers that can be easily read by both children and the elderly. It displays temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius, and has a long battery life of approximately 200 hours.

What We Like
Easy to use
Quick and accurate readings
Comfortable for infants
Clear instructions provided
Multiple units available
#TOP 6

HARIKA LIFE Oral Thermometer

HF-012
HARIKA LIFE Oral Thermometer Cover
℉ Oral Thermometer for Adults and Kids 2PCS - Glass Thermometer for Rectal Temperature - Accurate Easy Reading by HARIKA LIFE

HARIKA LIFE Thermometer is a reliable oral thermometer ideal for adults and kids. The thermometer ensures accuracy in temperature readings, making it a dependable tool for health monitoring. Its triangle shape and mini size make it easy to hold in the mouth without moving around during measurement. With a Fahrenheit scale, it caters well to US customers and offers a more detailed view of temperature changes. Additionally, it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, showcasing the brand's commitment to customer satisfaction.

What We Like
Always accurate
No batteries required
Speedy and functional
Good value for money
Durable design
What We Don't Like
Some units may be faulty
Hard to read for some
#TOP 7

SureTemp Rectal Probe Kit

02892-000
SureTemp Rectal Probe Kit Cover
Compatible Rectal Probe & RED Well Kit for use with Plus 692 & 690 Thermometers

The SureTemp Rectal Probe is designed for use with Plus 692 and 690 thermometers, ensuring accurate temperature readings. Its 4-foot length provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to easily maneuver during use. This probe is made by Welch Allyn, a trusted brand in medical devices, which means you can rely on its quality and performance. The compatibility with SureTemp thermometers makes it a practical choice for both home and clinical settings, helping you monitor temperature effectively when needed.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Stylish design
Comfortable to wear
Affordable price
Versatile for various occasions
What We Don't Like
Limited color options
Size runs small
#TOP 8

Boncare Rectal Digital Thermometer

GF-MT501-Dark Blue+Green
Dark Blue+Green
Boncare Rectal Digital Thermometer Cover
Thermometer for Baby, 2 Packs, Rectal Digital Thermometer with 10 Seconds Fast Reading (Dark Blue+Green)

The Boncare Digital Thermometer is designed for quick and accurate temperature readings, making it ideal for families. Its soft silicone tip ensures safety for both adults and children, while the advanced sensory probe provides results in just 10 seconds. You’ll appreciate the large LCD display, which makes it easy to read the temperature, along with features like a beeper alarm and memory function. Plus, the waterproof tip allows for simple and hygienic cleaning, ensuring you can use it safely anytime, anywhere.

What We Like
Two-pack convenience
Easy to use
Fast temperature readings
Good quality
Clear instructions
What We Don't Like
Instructions could be clearer
#TOP 9

Medline Prelubricated Rectal Thermometer Sheath

MDS9604
Medline Prelubricated Rectal Thermometer Sheath Cover
Medline Prelubricated Rectal Thermometer Sheath - Hygienic, Disposable, Pack of 100

The Medline Rectal Thermometer Sheath offers enhanced comfort for patients with its prelubricated design, allowing for a smoother temperature-taking experience. These disposable covers are compatible with most digital thermometers, making them a practical choice for any healthcare provider. By using these sheaths, you can minimize the risk of cross-contamination, promoting better hygiene during examinations. Additionally, the sheaths do not affect the thermometer's accuracy, ensuring that you receive reliable and precise temperature readings every time.

What We Like
Exactly as described
Arrived on time
Well made
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Missing packing slip
Shiny cardboard packaging
#TOP 10

Snomd Clinical Digital Thermometer

DT008
DT008
DT008
Snomd Clinical Digital Thermometer Cover
Snomd Clinical Digital Thermometer for Adults and Babies, Oral Armpit and Rectal Temperature Thermometer for Fever with Alarm, Flexible Tip

The Snomd Digital Thermometer offers three measurement modes: rectal, oral, and armpit. This versatility allows you to choose the most comfortable method for your family. The thermometer also features a fever alert system, which activates an alarm when a high temperature is detected, ensuring you are promptly informed. Switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit is effortless, letting you easily adjust the settings to your preference. Plus, its flexible tip ensures a gentle and accurate measurement experience for everyone, from infants to seniors, making temperature checks stress-free.

What We Like
Affordable price
Compact and portable
Simple to use
Accurate readings
Quick reading compared to glass thermometers
What We Don't Like
Feels not very sturdy
Quality could be improved
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are rectal thermometers still used?

Yes, rectal thermometers are still used, especially for taking the temperature of babies and toddlers up to 3 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a rectal thermometer for accurate results in this age group.

2. What age is best for rectal thermometer?

Rectal thermometers are best for babies younger than 3 months old and kids 6 months to 3 years old. For babies 3 to 6 months old, you can also use a temporal artery or axillary method, but rectal temperature is still preferred.

3. Where do you put a rectal thermometer?

To take a rectal temperature, lay your baby or child on their back, lift their thighs, and insert a lubricated thermometer 1/2 to 1 inch into the rectum. Alternatively, you can place your child on their belly on a firm surface.

4. How accurate are rectal thermometers?

Rectal thermometers provide the most accurate temperature readings. Forehead thermometers are the next most accurate, followed by oral and ear thermometers. Armpit temperatures are the least accurate.

5. What are the disadvantages of rectal thermometer?

Some disadvantages of using a rectal thermometer include the risk of contamination with bacteria and feces, discomfort and embarrassment for the person being measured, and a slight lag in measuring the core temperature compared to other methods.

6. Do rectal temps hurt?

Rectal temperatures do not usually hurt if you use a thermometer designed for rectal use. Most thermometers have an alarm to indicate when the measurement is done, and they provide a digital readout of the temperature.

7. Can you use aquaphor as lube for rectal temp?

Yes, you can use a lubricating jelly such as Aquaphor or Vaseline to lubricate the silver bulb of the rectal thermometer.

8. How accurate is a rectal thermometer for a baby?

Rectal thermometers are accurate for taking a baby's temperature, as are forehead thermometers. After 6 months old, an ear thermometer can also be used. Armpit temperature is suitable for screening purposes if taken correctly.

9. How long do you leave a rectal thermometer in?

When taking a rectal temperature, insert the bulb end of the thermometer into the anal canal no more than 1 inch. Keep the thermometer in place until it beeps or for at least one minute.

10. Do you add 1 degree to rectal thermometer?

Rectal temperatures tend to be about ½ a degree higher than oral temperatures and 1 degree higher than underarm temperatures. A rectal temperature of 100.4-102 degrees Fahrenheit is considered mild fever, 102-103 degrees is moderate fever, and above 103 degrees is high fever.

Editor's Notes

During our rectal thermometer research, we found 24 rectal thermometer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 240,385 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rectal thermometers list. We found that most customers choose rectal thermometers with an average price of $12.69.

The rectal thermometers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rectal thermometers, including Frida Baby, Boncare, Vicks, Easy@Home, HARIKA LIFE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Elisa Drew Avatar

Elisa Drew is a really professional copywriter specializing in baby products with five years of experience working as a pediatrician once. She has published a series of baby books purchased by over thirty thousand people in the United States.

Rectal Thermometers Comparison Table

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Brand Frida Baby Boncare Vicks iProvèn Easy@Home HARIKA LIFE suretemp Boncare Medline Snomd
Age Range (Description) Infant Newborn, infant, toddler, kid, youth, adult Baby Adult Child Adult - Adult - Infant, Toddler, Kid, Baby, Adult, Older
Display Type Digital Digital LCD Digital Liquid crystal display Digital - LCD - LCD
Product Care Instructions Hand Wash Only Wipe Clean Clean the sensor area of the thermometer only by washing with soap and warm water or rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol). Wipe dry with soft cloth. Do not submerge the readout display of the thermometer in water. This will cause the thermometer to no longer function properly. Do not boil or clean in dishwasher. This will cause the thermometer to no longer function and will void the warranty. Hand Wash Only Wipe Clean Wipe Clean - Hand Wash Only - Wipe Clean
Special Feature Fast Reading System Low Battery Indicator, Alarm, Fast Reading System, Auto Off, High Accuracy High Accuracy High Accuracy Waterproof - - High Accuracy - Large Display, Waterproof, Alarm, Auto Off, High Accuracy
Color White, Blue Dark Blue White/Blue Grey Blue - - Dark Blue+Green - DT008
Unit Count 1.0 Count 1.0 Count 1 Count 1 Count 1.0 Count 2.0 Count - - - 1.0 Count
Outer Material Rubber Stainless Steel - - - Glass - Stainless Steel - Plastic
Power Source Battery Powered - Battery Powered Battery Powered - Battery Powered - Battery Powered - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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