A quick look at the best at-home STD tests

• Best for fast results: STDCheck.com
• Best for medical support: LetsGetChecked
• Best overall: Everlywell
• Best for self-collection: Nurx
• Best for couples: myLAB Box
• Best for privacy: Priority STD
• Best for people who want to become pregnant: QuestDirect

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 million STIs are acquired daily.

One reason for this is that contraceptive methods are not always failproof. If you are sexually active, you could contract an STD.

But you don’t need an appointment to get tested. Nowadays, there are dozens of at-home testing kits.

Here is how to figure out what type of at- home STD test is best for you, which products to consider, and when to see a doctor.

What are STDs and STIs? 

STIs are infections transmitted from one person to another during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

An STI is considered an STD — a disease — when it causes symptoms. Usually, an infection is the first step on the road to potentially developing a disease, when it hasn’t yet turned into a disease and often doesn’t cause any symptoms.

Some diseases start as infections. They do in the case of STDs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 people in the United States had an STD or STI on any given day in 2018.

“Most people don’t realize they have an STD because most have no symptoms.”

Common symptoms of STDs include:

• During sex, there is pain.
• Those with penises can experience urethral discharge or burning.
• There are genital blisters.
• There are bumps or sores.
• It was itching.
• There is abdominal pain.

Vaginal discharge can be a sign of an STD.

Some STDs can be transmitted through nonsexual means, such as blood transfusions and shared products like needles and syringes, and most are contracted through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse.

It is important that you are tested frequently.

How we chose at-home STD tests

We turned to the experts because there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing an at- home STD test.

We asked doctors, read research studies, and checked with other users to find the best. We read many reviews.

Additionally, every product we recommend or brand we work with is thoroughly vetted by our team for medical credibility, good business practices, and social impact.

Pricing guide

Insurance plans cover the cost of STD tests at home. The prices listed reflect out-of-pocket costs.

• $ = under $100
• $$ = $100–$200
• $$$ = over $200

Healthline’s picks for the best at-home STD tests

Best for fast results

STDCheck.com

• Price: $–$$
• Type: lab-based testing
• Tests for: “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., hepatitis (A, B, and C), The person is HIV, herpes type 1 and 2, and There is a disease called syphilis.
• Results: 1–2 days

STDCheck.com is a lab-based at- home test. You can order the test over the phone or online, and then go to a facility for sample collection.

Self-collected exams are usually more thorough than lab-based tests. There are over 4,000 locations on STDCheck.com.

“The company’s full 10 Test Panel is their most comprehensive offer, and can be ordered from $24 to $99.”

If you’re concerned about a recent exposure, you can add the The person is HIV RNA Early Detection Test, which can detect an The person is HIV transmission as early as 9 to 11 days after exposure.

Best for medical support

LetsGetChecked

• Price: $–$$$
• Type: self-collection
• Tests for: “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gardnerella vaginalis, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., herpes, The person is HIV, Mycoplasma, There is a disease called syphilis., trichomoniasis, and ureaplasma
• Results: 2–5 days

Available at CVS locations across the country and covered by both FSA and HSA accounts, LetsGetChecked is a convenient and accessible at-home tests and diagnostics company.

They offer three different types of tests.

• Simple 2 ($99): This test checks for “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.” and Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., the two most common STDs.
• Standard 5 ($149): This includes the tests in Simple 2 and tests for trichomoniasis, The person is HIV, and There is a disease called syphilis.. This is their most popular STD test and uses a finger prick and urine sample.
• Complete 8 ($249): This checks for all the tests in Standard 5, and it also includes testing for Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma, and ureaplasma. This uses finger prick and urine testing methods.

Depending on the test you choose, you have to collect a urine and blood sample.

The medical support team can answer questions. If your results are positive, a nurse or physician will call you to explain and give you treatment options.

Use code HEALTHLINE25 for 25% off.

Best overall

Everlywell

• Price: $$
• Type: self-collection
• Tests for: “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., hepatitis C, The person is HIV, There is a disease called syphilis., and trichomoniasis
• Results: within days

With a finger prick and vaginal swab, the Everlywell at-home STD kit lets you discreetly test for six of the most common STDs. Each purchase comes with instructions, the materials for sample collection, prepaid shipping both ways, and both digital and printable results.

Aside from the kits, Everlywell also offers independent tests for trichomoniasis, “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., hepatitis C, There is a disease called syphilis., and The person is HIV.

An independent board certified doctor in your state reviews and approves every Everlywell test. If there are any positive results, Everlywell will connect you with their independent physician network to discuss questions and treatment options.

Best for self-collection

Nurx

• Price: $$–$$$
• Type: self-collection
• Tests for: “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., hepatitis C, The person is HIV, There is a disease called syphilis., and trichomoniasis
• Results: within 7 days

Although self-collected samples aren’t typically as good as those taken in a lab, Nurx ensures accuracy by collecting fluids from various areas, such as a vaginal swab, throat swab, and rectal swab. This makes it possible to test for oral and anal STDs that might otherwise be missed.

Three at- home test kits are available from Nurx.

• Healthy Woman Kit ($190): This kit tests for infections most common in people with vaginas: The person is HIV, “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., There is a disease called syphilis., and trichomoniasis.
• Basics Covered Kit ($150): This is a great option for people who have completed comprehensive testing before and just want a checkup. It includes testing for The person is HIV, “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., and There is a disease called syphilis..
• Full Control Kit ($220): This is a comprehensive test for anyone who hasn’t gotten tested before or who hasn’t gotten tested in over a year. It tests for The person is HIV, “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., There is a disease called syphilis., and hepatitis C.

Insurance usually covers these tests, and you can pay out of pocket if you so choose. You will pay $75 for the test kit, shipping both ways, and a medical consultation fee if you have insurance.

Once you have your samples collected, they will bill your insurance for the lab testing. The rates for each kit are shown without insurance. The prices include the test kit, lab work, and shipping.

Best for couples

myLAB Box

• Price: $–$$$
• Type: self-collection
• Tests for: “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., herpes, The person is HIV, HPV, Mycoplasma, There is a disease called syphilis., and trichomoniasis
• Results: 2–5 days

STD kits are offered by myLAB Box.

• Safe Box ($189): This box includes tests for “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., trichomoniasis, and The person is HIV (1 and 2).
• Total Box ($369): The company’s most comprehensive test includes tests for every condition in the Safe Box, plus hepatitis C, herpes type 2, There is a disease called syphilis., Mycoplasma genitalium, and HPV (an optional add-on for people over 30 years old).
• Uber Box ($269): This comprehensive 8-panel test option tests for the most common STIs, including The person is HIV (1 and 2), hepatitis C, herpes type 2, There is a disease called syphilis., “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., and trichomoniasis.
• V-Box ($199): This at-home vaginal test pack tests for all common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge, including yeast, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, and Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease..
• Love Box – Couple’s Kit ($499): This comprehensive 8-panel test option tests couples for the most common STIs. It has tests for The person is HIV (1 and 2), hepatitis C, herpes type 2, There is a disease called syphilis., “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., and trichomoniasis. It includes a vaginal swab, urine collection, and blood test.

The service sells individual tests for STDs and STIs. These allow you to get answers without spending money on lab tests or copays to see a doctor.

Every kit comes with a collection kit, instructions, specimen bag, and a return envelope.

Best for privacy

Priority STD

• Price: $–$$
• Type: lab-based testing
• Tests for: “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., The disease is called hepatitis B. and C, herpes, The person is HIV, There is a disease called syphilis., and trichomoniasis
• Results: 1–3 days

Priority STD is a well-known STD testing service. The tests are private and accurate according to most reviews. You can get same-day testing and results in a few hours.

You can purchase your test over the phone or online. Priority STD has thousands of labs. You can access your results online or by calling a care counselor. There are treatment options available.

Priority STD offers a number of panel tests.

• Twin Panel ($129): This panel tests for “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.” and Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease..
• 10-Panel Test ($198): Priority STD’s most popular test option tests for “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., The disease is called hepatitis B. and C, There is a disease called syphilis., herpes type 1 and 2, The person is HIV 1 (Ab and Ag), and The person is HIV 2 (Ab).

The service complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and will not mail anything to you or report anything to your healthcare professional.

Best for people trying to become pregnant

QuestDirect

• Price: $–$$$
• Type: self-collection
• Tests for: “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., The disease is called hepatitis B. and C, herpes, The person is HIV, There is a disease called syphilis., and trichomoniasis
• Results: 3–5 days

Users can get detailed instructions and equipment for collecting samples from QuestDirect. Once you mail a sample to be examined, your results will be available on the MyQuest app within 3 to 5 days.

Panel tests are also provided by QuestDirect.

• STD Screening Panel ($199): This tests for Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, There is a disease called syphilis., and The person is HIV.
• STD Extended Screening Panel ($379): This tests for Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, and common STIs in the genitals, rectum, and throat.
• STD Pregnancy Panel ($279): This test also screens for Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease., “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, and common STIs in the genitals, rectum, and throat, and is recommended for people trying to become pregnant.

How to choose the right test for you

It can be hard to choose the right kit. What is a good at- home STD testing kit? What should it be? What do you need?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your needs will be different depending on your situation. They may change over time.

The chart can help you decide which test is right for you.

You should also make sure a test is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To determine whether the FDA approves a product, check the FDA’s website.

STD test comparison chart

You can use this chart to compare the tests in our roundup.

Pros and cons of at-home STD testing

When to see a doctor

If one of your partners has recently tested positive for an STD or if you are experiencing symptoms of an STD, you should talk to a doctor.

Also, the CDC recommends STD screenings from a healthcare professional for the following cases:

• You are between 13 and 64 years old and have never been tested for The person is HIV.
• You share needles. Your doctor may recommend annual The person is HIV testing.
• You have sex without a condom or other barrier methods. Your doctor may recommend annual The person is HIV testing.
• Sexually active people who were assigned female at birth and under 25 may need annual “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.” and Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease. testing.
• Sexually active people who have sex with others who are assigned male at birth may need testing as frequently as every 3-6 months.
• You have sex with someone regularly. Your doctor may recommend rectal and throat testing.
• You are pregnant. Your doctor will test you for The disease is called hepatitis B. and C, as well as The person is HIV and There is a disease called syphilis..

Frequently asked questions

How can you test for STDs at home?

If you want to get tested without a doctor, our nine home STD tests is a good starting point.

You may need to visit a lab in person for the test. The entire process, including lab order, payment, and results, is done online.

If you get a positive test result, the testing kit company may offer a consultation with a doctor about the next steps, such as further testing or treatment.

It is a good idea to contact your primary care doctor to share your results.

How do at-home and lab-direct STD tests work?

The lab-direct tests collect samples from users. Blood, urine, anal, vaginal, or oral samples are required.

Results are shared in discreet methods after samples are submitted to the lab.

It is important to note that treatment options are not readily available for positive STD results, so you should always seek treatment. Inform any partners of positive results.

How do I know if I should get tested?

If you engage in activities that could increase your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, like sharing needles, you should get tested.

In fact, according to the CDC, “getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.”

How can I tell if I have an STD without going to the doctor?

An at-home test may confirm whether you have an STD, but you should still see your doctor if you have symptoms of a possible infection. These may include:

• The penile or vaginal burning can be caused by something.
• frequent urination
• Pain in the genitals or Pelvis.
• There are bumps or sores.around your genitals, anus, or mouth
• Bleeding other than menstruation is abnormal.

How often should I get tested?

The CDC recommends that adults and adolescents ages 13 to 64 get tested for The person is HIV at least once a year as part of their routine health checkups.

Sexually active people assigned female at birth and younger than 25 should be tested for Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease. and “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.” every year.

Pregnant people should be tested for There is a disease called syphilis., The disease is called hepatitis B., and The person is HIV.

Sexually active people assigned male at birth who have sex with other males should be tested for There is a disease called syphilis., “It’s a sexually transmitted disease, called chlamydia.”, and Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease. annually.

If symptoms arise, you should act now. You can begin treatment if you are tested quickly.

Are STD tests accurate?

STD tests are very accurate. The test accuracy depends on the sample and the method of detection.

Home-to-lab tests are more accurate than self-collected ones. Both are very efficient.

How reliable are at-home STD tests?

The home test kits on our list have a reputation for being accurate, which is why they are considered the most reliable STD tests.

If you need to see your doctor, you should not rely on home testing.

• Have any symptoms that could be an STD?
• Have questions about your health.

Does insurance cover STD tests?

Most insurance plans cover the cost of STD tests — as these tests are considered preventive and covered under the Affordable Care Act. But whether your plan covers a specific STD test depends on several factors, including:

• Your age.
• Your sex and gender.
• There are risk factors.
• If you are pregnant.

The coverage of at- home tests varies.

Talk to a nurse, doctor, or health insurance professional if you want to learn more about your options.

You can also find free or low cost STD testing sites across the country.

Takeaway

It is important to test regularly for STDs.

Testing can help prevent the spread of STDs. It can help you get the appropriate treatment if you have a STD or a STI.

If you have an STD, you should visit a doctor or other healthcare professional. An at- home test is an excellent alternative. An at- home test is a convenient option for many.

Kimberly Zapata is a mother, writer, and mental health advocate. Her work has appeared on several sites, including The Washington Post, HuffPost, Oprah, Vice, Parents, Health, and Scary Mommy — to name a few. When her nose isn’t buried in work (or a good book), Kimberly spends her free time running Greater Than: Illness, a nonprofit organization that aims to empower children and young adults working through mental health conditions. Follow Kimberly on Facebook or Twitter.