The 12 Best At-Home COVID-19 Tests

A quick look at the best at-home COVID-19 tests

• Best overall: Everlywell
• Best nasal test: LetsGetChecked
• Best for uninsured: Pixel by Labcorp
• Best for fast results: Picture by Fulgent Genetics
• Best for privacy: Vitagene
• Best from “big box” stores: DxTerity
• Best for budget: Flowflex, BinaxNOW
• Best PCR test for budget: Amazon COVID-19 Test Collection Kit DTC
• Best for fast PCR results: Lucira Check It
• Best for buying in bulk: On/Go COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test
• Best for travel: iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test

As of February 23, 2022, more than 215 million people have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, about 76 percent of the population, or 253 million people, have received at least one shot.

Still, testing remains vital to help reduce transmission of the coronavirus. With the development of at-home coronavirus tests, there are several ways to get tested in the safety and privacy of your own home.

Are at-home COVID-19 tests authorized by the FDA?

As of January 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized 16 direct-to-consumer over-the-counter tests for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which warranted a public health emergency, the FDA authorized all of these tests under emergency use authorization (EUA).

The FDA has not approved tests with an EUA designation.

EUA means that products can be used during a public health emergency, but they have not gone through the entire testing and approval process.

“The public can be assured these tests have met our scientific standards for emergency use authorization,” said Jeff Shuren, MD, JD, the director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, in an FDA press release.

Are at-home COVID-19 tests reliable?

The same labs used by medical professionals are used to process the at- home collection kits for COVID-19. They are equally effective and reliable.

It is important to follow the instructions given by the test kit provider to ensure the most accurate results.

It is noted that samples must be collected and sent back the same day. The company lists a number of reasons why the sample may be rejected.

When it comes to the testing method, at-home tests use either saliva or a nasal swab to collect samples. In a 2021 review, studies showed that these are equally accurate methods.

“The current at- home test kits don’t test for prior infections or for antibodies. These tests are only used to test for current infections.”

How do they work?

“If your doctor doesn’t order an at- home test for you, you can order one yourself from the test provider’s website.”

“The website will ask you a few questions about your health, and you will have to fill out an intake survey. The test provider’s own physician will review your answers to determine if you are at risk of or have symptoms of COVID-19.”

They will issue a test to you once they determine your eligibility.

Most of the test kits require a payment up front, though some offer insurance or financial assistance.

You can either collect a saliva sample or a nasal swab from the test kit you choose.

You will need to send your sample back to the test provider either by mail or at a designated drop-off location. Prepaid shipping labels are included in most test kits.

Results can take a few days to be delivered. Virtual consultations are also offered by some test providers.

There are different types of COVID-19 tests.

How we chose at-home COVID-19 tests

We kept in mind the following when choosing the tests to take.

• methods used for collection
• The collection process is easy.
• How quickly results come back?
• Availability of test
• FDA approval.

We read a lot of research studies and reviews to find the best.

Pricing guide

The cost of at- home COVID-19 tests is covered by some insurance plans. The prices here reflect out-of-pocket costs.

• $ = under $100
• $$ = $100–$120

Healthline’s picks for the 12 best at-home COVID-19 tests

Best overall

Everlywell

• Price: $$
• Collection method: nasal swab
• Results: 1 to 2 days
• Pros: quick results, easy to use, eligible for insurance reimbursement
• Cons: have to be 18 years or older to use

Everlywell was one of the first test providers to offer FDA-authorized (EUA) at-home COVID-19 tests.

The COVID-19 home collection kit is one of the many at- home test kits the company has. It can be used to test for coronaviruses.

A lower nasal swab is required. It needs to be inserted into the nose.

You will get your results within 1 to 2 days after the lab receives your sample. Digital results are available while print results are available.

Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts are eligible for this Everlywell test. An itemized receipt can be provided by Everlywell.

The Everlywell test kit is used by many customers who appreciate the simple instructions and the communication.

Best nasal test

LetsGetChecked

• Price: $$
• Collection method: nasal swab
• Results: 1 to 3 days
• Pros: quick results, eligible for insurance reimbursement, real-time tracking
• Cons: shipping isn’t available to all countries

LetsGetChecked offers a wide range of health tests, including their at-home COVID-19 test.

Easy-to- follow instructions are included with the kit for this test.

You can use the pre-paid shipping label to send the test back once you have completed it. You can receive text messages or email updates about where you are on your test, and you can track it in real-time.

A medical professional at LetsGetChecked will review your test results with you.

Virtual support is cited by customer reviews as making the process more pleasant.

An itemized receipt can be provided by LetsGetChecked.

Best for uninsured

Pixel by Labcorp

• Price: $$
• Collection method: nasal swab
• Results: 1 to 2 days
• Pros: quick results, don’t need insurance, free consultation
• Cons: difficult to find

There may be less at- home test collection kits available due to high demand.

“The only test that doesn’t require an upfront payment is the one called Pixel by Labcorp. You don’t need health insurance to take the test.”

If you choose to take the intake survey, you can either use federal funds to cover the test or have your insurance cover it. You can pay upfront if you skip the survey.

The test involves a simple nose sample.

You will get your results within 1 to 2 days after the lab receives your sample. A clinician is available for a free consultation with people whose test results are positive or not.

Best for fast results

Picture by Fulgent Genetics

• Price: $$
• Collection method: nasal swab
• Results: 2 days
• Pros: quick results, free consultation, eligible for insurance reimbursement
• Cons: limited tests available per day

The Picture COVID-19 is a test for nucleic acid amplification. The testing process is fast.

Picture will send you a test kit after you take an eligibility screening.

Your report will be available in your online portal within 48 hours after Picture receives your sample. You can schedule a consultation with a doctor.

You can contact your health insurance provider if you want to be reimbursed for the picture.

Best for privacy

Vitagene

• Price: $
• Collection method: saliva sample
• Results: 3 days
• Pros: affordable, accepts HSA and FSA
• Cons: does not file insurance claims

Partnering with Rutgers University Cell & DNA Repository (RUCDR) Infinite Biologics, Vitagene offers saliva test kits for at-home collection. The company provides results through their health platform, 1health.io.

After ordering your test kit online, you will be delivered within 2 to 3 days.

You can get your results within 72 hours if you follow the instructions on 1health.io.

Payment is required upfront and it accepts both payment options.

Insurance claims are not filed by Vitagene. It is possible that your doctor will prescribe the test.

Best from “big box” stores

DxTerity

• Price: $
• Collection method: saliva sample
• Results: 1 to 3 days
• Pros: affordable, readily available
• Cons: result time varies

The home test from DxTerity requires a saliva sample. You may get results in as little as one day. There are several options to buy this kit, including employer programs, as well as two big box retailers: Amazon and Walmart.

You can send the sample back to DxTerity via FedEx once you have purchased the kit. You need to register the kit and create an account to get the results when they are available.

You can order a test kit without taking a survey. It is possible to receive results in as little as 24 hours.

“DxTerity doesn’t work with insurance, but they do provide an invoice with the information you need to submit a claim.”

Best for budget

Flowflex

• Price: $
• Collection method: nasal swab
• Results: 15 minutes
• Pros: affordable, rapid test
• Cons: not as accurate as PCR tests

The Flowflex COVID-19 antigen home test comes from ACON Laboratories. ACON also manufactures the Distinct brand of at-home pregnancy tests and the On Call brand of glucose meters.

Like other over-the-counter coronavirus tests, this one requires you to take a sample from your nasal passage using the sterile swab provided. The FDA granted this test EUA status in October 2021.

BinaxNOW

• Price: $
• Collection method: nasal swab
• Results: 15 minutes
• Pros: affordable, rapid test, readily available
• Cons: not as accurate as PCR tests

The COVID-19 testing kit is the fastest at- home kit on the market. The kit is not available from Walgreens. You can purchase online and pick up your purchase at the pharmacy drive-trek.

You should get your results in 15 minutes. You can either get the test shipped to you or you can wait for it to be shipped to you.

The two tests that come with each kit are for the purpose of retesting yourself within 36 hours of the initial test. The test is for people over the age of 15.

One of the most affordable options on our list is BinaxNOW. It is available at a number of stores and online through Amazon.

Best PCR test for budget

Amazon COVID-19 Test Collection Kit DTC

• Price: $
• Collection method: nasal swab
• Results: 2–3 days
• Pros: easy to use, affordable
• Cons: result time varies

Amazon claims its own FDA-authorized COVID-19 home test kit is the gold standard of home test kits. The kit works via a nasal swab, which is perhaps the most affordable out-of-pocket test available.

You will need to drop off your sample at a location that is open on the same day. You can expect to see your results within 24 hours after you receive your sample.

The lab can text you the results if you register your kit. The collection tube ID is linked to your information on AmazonDx.com.

Amazon has a 4-star rating for its test. Many users found the experience easy and reliable, but others had trouble reporting their results.

The COVID-19 test is for adults 18 years and older.

Best for fast PCR results

Lucira Check It

• Price: $
• Collection method: nasal swab
• Results: up to 30 minutes
• Pros: rapid results, affordable, child-friendly
• Cons: won’t tell you if you’ve had an infection in the past

The Lucira Check It COVID-19 Test Kit is said to give the results in 30 minutes, all from the comfort of home. The company claims their test is accurate.

Once you have used the nasal sample to collect your sample, you have to put it into a solution vial. The company says it can take up to 30 minutes to process a negative result, with some positive results returning in as little as 11 minutes.

The online company that sells the Lucira Check It COVID-19 Test Kit is called Nurx and they provide affordable prescription treatments. The first home kit that is FDA authorized is the one that tested this.

Best for buying in bulk

On/Go COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test

• Price: $
• Collection method: nasal swab
• Results: 10 minutes
• Pros: rapid results, can purchase in bulk, easy to use
• Cons: customer service is lacking

The On/Go test uses a shallow nose swab. Results are processed in 10 minutes.

The On/Go box has two tests. You can buy the kit in 20 boxes, 50 boxes, or 80 boxes, and it will cost you up to 160 tests. It may be beneficial for people who need multiple tests for school, work, or large get-togethers.

The company recommends that you download the On/Go app on your phone before you collect your sample. This allows you to track multiple test results, while also keeping them organized for sharing with others.

The users are happy with the ease of use and the low cost. Some users say there was a lack of customer service.

“You can shop for On/Go at major retailers such as Walgreen’s, Kroger, and Walmart.”

Best for travel

iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test

• Price: $
• Collection method: nasal swab
• Results: 15 minutes
• Pros: affordable, easy to access, rapid results
• Cons: issues with false-negative results

If the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test looks familiar, you may have seen it in your mailbox when ordering free tests from COVIDtests.gov or at test pickup stations throughout the country.

The FDA authorized this test and it works via a nasal swab. You can use the two tests in a few days if you need them. You can order up to 50 packs from the website.

The iHealth test kit is widely available because of its potential use when traveling. You can use the test kit at re-entry points. Within 15 minutes, results show up.

There are reports of false-negative results once confirmed with a PCR test, but many users like the ease of use at a low cost. If you have a negative test result but still have symptoms, you may want to consider re-testing.

Comparison of the best at-home COVID-19 tests

How to choose

It can be difficult to choose the right test with so many at- home testing kits. It is important to determine how much you are willing to spend and how quickly you need the results.

“Pick tests that have been approved by the FDA. Check the FDA’s website to determine if a product is approved.”

When to contact a doctor

If your test is positive, you should inform your healthcare professional.

If your symptoms get worse, you should seek emergency care.

If you test negative and still feel unwell, you may need to take a second test. You could also have an alternative problem that requires a visit to the doctor.

Frequently asked questions

When should I order a test?

Feeling symptoms. Order a test as soon as you start feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, especially if you don’t want to risk exposing anyone else by getting tested at an in-person site.

If you have a negative result on the test, it is best to test again 12 to 24 hours later.

Potential exposure based on an event, activity, or status of another person. If you want a PCR test, keeping an at-home test kit stored is useful for when you need it. If you’re ordering a PCR test for at-home collection, keep in mind that most test providers take a few days to ship the collection kit and at least a couple of days to deliver test results.

Some of the at- home tests on our list require you to answer questions about your health to determine your symptoms and your risk of exposure. This is to prioritize people who have been exposed.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms, it is best to seek emergency attention or go to an in-person facility.

Are at-home COVID-19 tests accurate?

The tests are as accurate at home as they are in person.

The test should be done 3 to 5 days after exposure to be the most accurate for people who have been exposed to COVID-19.

There is no guarantee that the at- home test kits will be free of errors.

It is important to follow the instructions of the test provider for collection and shipment.

If you receive an error in your at-home test results, the CDC recommends thoroughly reviewing the manufacturer’s instructions, contacting the manufacturer, and consulting with a primary care doctor.

Where can I buy at-home COVID tests?

You can get free tests from your health department. You can buy tests at retail stores.

Are tests covered by insurance?

“Most at- home tests require a deposit. The only test kit that doesn’t require payment is the one by Labcorp.”

You can contact your health insurance to see if they will reimburse you for the test. Everlywell can provide an itemized receipt for insurance reimbursement.

Home COVID-19 tests in the news

The FDA continues to authorize new at-home testing options

The FDA is constantly analyzing and authorizing new over-the-counter options.

Part of the reason for the urgentness is the emergence of coronaviruses such as Omicron, which are trying to stop the transmission of the virus.

One area of focus from the FDA is the authorization or approval of more reliable rapid tests for point-of-care or home use. This includes tests like BinaxNOW, which can be processed at home without the need to send them back to a lab.

“Increased testing is important in containing the spread of the virus, but this plan isn’t intended to replace other proven containment measures such as vaccines, booster doses, and masking indoors.”

Insurance companies required to reimburse for home tests

On December 2, 2021, the Biden administration announced plans to require private health insurance companies to reimburse the costs of all at-home COVID-19 test kits.

As of January 15, 2022, health insurance companies are required to reimburse individuals on their health insurance plans for COVID-19 tests or provide free tests to insured individuals.

It is important to know that at- home testing reimbursement is not automatic. You will need to submit your receipts with a claim to your insurance company to get money back, as we outlined above.

One COVID-19 home test recalled due to false-positive results

In October 2021, the FDA issued a class I recall for at-home COVID-19 test kits manufactured by Ellume. It was discovered that a manufacturing issue of this nasal swab kit was creating false-positive test results.

The FDA has given information on how to tell if your Ellume COVID-19 kit is from this particular batches.

If the product was manufactured between February 24 and August 11 of 2021, you should return it.

Phosphorous discontinues their COVID-19 test

The first at- home test providers to receive an EUA from the FDA were Phosphorus and their saliva test. It was our pick for the best saliva test.

Phosphorous will stop processing samples on January 14, 2022. The company stopped providing COVID-19 testing services because they were focused on gene testing for preventative healthcare and monitoring other conditions.

The test kit was $119 without insurance.

Hims & Hers COVID-19 saliva test is no longer available

Previously one of our best picks for a saliva-based at-home test, the Hims & Hers COVID-19 screening test is no longer available as of January 2022.

The test was developed by Rutgers Clinical Genomics Laboratory at RUCDR Infinite Biologics at Rutgers University.

Takeaway

If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, it is important to get tested.

“If you want to get tested at home, you should know that it is safe and will not compromise your own or someone else’s health.”

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