Editor’s note: Originally published December 2020. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
Medical disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about your situation.
A medical infrared thermometer reads the heat your body gives off, either from the forehead or inside the ear, and shows a result in about a second. That speed makes it handy for checking a restless child or someone who is asleep. Below are ten forehead and ear models, described from manufacturer information, plus a short guide to how these thermometers work and when another method is better.
Quick answer
- For both forehead and ear readings on a simple two-button design, look at the iProven DMT-489, QQcute, Innovo or ANKOVO.
- If you want an ear-only thermometer with a pre-warmed tip and positioning guidance, the Braun ThermoScan 5 IRT6500 is built around that feature.
- For non-contact forehead readings without waking someone, the Dr. Madre, TempIR, Equinox and AccuMed models offer backlit displays and fever alerts; the Equinox and AccuMed also read room and surface temperatures.
- A fever is generally 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Rectal readings are the most accurate and best for babies under 3 months; ear thermometers are for babies 6 months and older.
A fever is a symptom, not the cause of an illness, but knowing whether someone has one and how high it is helps you decide what to do next. For a step-by-step on every method, see our guide on how to take a temperature.
The 10 infrared medical thermometers
1. iProven DMT-489
The iProven DMT-489 is a simple dual-mode thermometer for the forehead and the ear. It has just two buttons, one for each mode, and gives a reading in about a second. A fever alarm and color-changing screen flag high readings, and it keeps your last 20 results for comparison.
It has no room or surface mode, and the tip is not pre-warmed. The voice readout is loud; the manual explains how to silence it, but there are no instructions on the thermometer itself. See our iProven DMT-489 vs DMT-316 comparison for how it stacks up against its sibling.
Listed specifications
- Forehead and ear modes
- Reading in about 1 second
- Memory for the last 20 readings
- Color-changing display and fever alarm
Pros
- Quick read-out
- Forehead and ear in one unit
- Only two buttons, very easy to use
- No warm-up needed before use
- Large, easy-to-read screen
Cons
- No room or surface mode
- Tip is not pre-warmed
- Loud voice readout with no on-device instructions to mute it
- Ear readings can vary from ear to ear, so consistent technique matters
2. Braun ThermoScan 5 IRT6500
If a pre-warmed tip matters to you, the Braun ThermoScan 5 IRT6500 is designed around it. Braun says the warmed tip and its ExacTemp positioning system, which beeps and lights up when the thermometer is placed correctly in the ear, help improve accuracy. A filter indicator reminds you to fit a fresh lens filter instead of reusing an old one.
It is ear-only, so there is no forehead option for checking someone without disturbing them. It stores only the last reading, the display does not light up, and there is no color guidance for high readings. Results take a few seconds, slightly longer than some forehead models. Compare it with the newer model in our Braun ThermoScan 5 vs 7 guide.
Listed specifications
- Ear (tympanic) thermometer with pre-warmed tip
- ExacTemp positioning system with beep and light
- Lens filter indicator
- Includes 20 additional lens filters
Pros
- Pre-warmed tip designed for accuracy
- Positioning guidance for correct placement
- Extra lens filters help avoid cross-contamination
Cons
- No forehead mode
- Remembers only the last reading
- Display is not backlit
- No color-coded fever guidance
- Ongoing cost of replacement lens filters
3. QQcute Digital Infrared Forehead and Ear Thermometer
The QQcute is a standard two-mode thermometer that adds a forehead option to the ear reading. It returns results in about a second in either mode. When it detects a fever, the backlight turns red and it gives 10 short beeps. Two buttons make it easy to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Listed specifications
- Forehead and ear modes
- Reading in about 1 second
- Large backlit screen
- Auto-off after 30 seconds of non-use
- Red backlight and 10-beep fever alert
Pros
- Large backlit screen
- Fast reading
- Auto-off saves battery
- Clear fever alert
Cons
- Tip is not pre-warmed, which some buyers prefer for ear readings
4. Innovo Infrared Forehead and Ear Thermometer
The Innovo is another two-in-one forehead and ear thermometer. The manufacturer says its AccuSense sensor and reflective finish keep stray infrared from the surroundings from affecting the reading. It stores 20 readings and changes color to signal a possible fever.
The sensor is very sensitive, so clean it before every use even if it looks clean; a dirty lens can throw off the result.
Listed specifications
- Forehead and ear modes
- AccuSense sensor
- Memory for 20 readings
- Color-changing fever indication
Pros
- Dual mode
- Logs 20 readings
- Color-coded fever display
Cons
- Sensor must be cleaned before each use for consistent readings
- No pre-warmed tip
5. Dr. Madre Medical Infrared Thermometer
The Dr. Madre is a non-contact forehead thermometer, so you can check a sleeping child without touching them. Press SCAN and hold it about 2 to 4 inches from the forehead; the reading appears in under a second on a large backlit display. It can also speak the result in English or Spanish.
Listed specifications
- Non-contact forehead reading at about 2 to 4 inches
- Memory for the last 12 readings
- Fahrenheit and Celsius
- English or Spanish voice readout
- Two-year warranty and plastic storage case (at the time of writing)
Pros
- Non-contact, no need to disturb the patient
- Backlit display for night use
- Bilingual voice readout
Cons
- Smaller memory than several rivals
- Non-contact forehead readings depend on distance and technique, so repeat if a result looks off
6. Metene Medical Forehead and Ear Thermometer
The Metene switches modes with a snap-on cap: attach the cap for forehead readings, remove it for ear mode. Results take under a second. In forehead mode, the display turns red and an alarm sounds for a fever. The manufacturer says this thermometer is not recommended for infants under 3 months.
Listed specifications
- Forehead and ear modes via removable cap
- Stores up to 32 readings each for one or two people
- Fahrenheit and Celsius
- 100-day money-back guarantee and two-year warranty (at the time of writing)
Pros
- Large memory with two user profiles
- Simple cap-based mode switch
Cons
- Small buttons are hard to use in a dark room
- Easy to misplace the cap you need for forehead mode
- Fever alarm only works in forehead mode
- Sensor tip is not pre-warmed
7. ANKOVO Digital Infrared Forehead and Ear Thermometer
The ANKOVO keeps things simple with two labeled buttons, one for forehead and one for ear. Readings take about a second and are confirmed with a quiet beep. A 20-reading memory lets you track progress, and the fever alert sounds 7 quick beeps and lights the display.
Listed specifications
- Forehead and ear modes
- Reading in about 1 second
- Memory for 20 readings
- Fever alert with beeps and lit display
Pros
- Simple two-button design
- Fever alert
- Reading history
Cons
- No non-contact mode
- Forehead and ear readings may differ noticeably
8. TempIR Clinical Infrared Body Temperature Thermometer
The TempIR is a compact non-contact forehead thermometer with an oversized backlit display. Hold it about 1 to 2 inches from the forehead and the reading appears in a second or less, in Fahrenheit or Celsius. A silent button mode lets you check someone without waking them.
Listed specifications
- Non-contact forehead reading at about 1 to 2 inches
- Memory for up to 32 readings
- Estimated lifespan of about 40,000 readings
- Auto-off after 30 seconds
- No sensor covers required
- Lifetime product replacement warranty (at the time of writing)
Pros
- Silent mode for sleeping patients
- No probe covers to buy
- Non-contact reduces cross-contamination risk
- Fever alarm
Cons
- No ear mode
9. Equinox Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer
The Equinox offers three modes: body temperature, room temperature and surface temperature. The backlit display shows green for normal, yellow for slightly elevated and red for a fever, with an alarm on red. It has more buttons than most, but they are straightforward once you know them.
Listed specifications
- Non-contact forehead, room and surface modes
- Manufacturer-listed accuracy of ±0.3 degrees
- Memory for up to 32 readings
- Three-color backlit display
- One-button Fahrenheit/Celsius switch
Pros
- Three measurement modes
- Large reading memory
- Clear three-color fever guide
Cons
- No ear mode
- Can occasionally get stuck on one reading
10. AccuMed AT2102 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer
The AccuMed AT2102 is similar to the Equinox, with body, surface and room modes and a 32-reading memory. Hold it 1 to 2 inches from the forehead. It has a silent mode and a backlit display for dark rooms.
Listed specifications
- Non-contact body, surface and room modes
- Reading distance of about 1 to 2 inches
- Memory for 32 readings
- Color-coded backlight
- Silent mode
Pros
- Large reading memory
- Color-coded fever display
- Silent mode
Cons
- No ear mode
- Voice readout is loud and may startle small children
What is a medical infrared thermometer?
Digital stick thermometers measure temperature by contact in the mouth, armpit or rectum. Medical infrared thermometers instead measure the heat the body radiates. They are quick and comfortable, which is why many families keep one at home. For the general difference between the two technologies, see infrared vs probe thermometers.
The main types are:
- Forehead (contact): placed on or scanned across the forehead.
- Forehead (non-contact): held a short distance from the forehead, usually 1 to 4 inches depending on the model. Follow your model’s instructions for the exact distance.
- Ear (tympanic): many models add an ear mode that reads the temperature of the eardrum.
Why choose an infrared thermometer?
Speed and comfort are the main reasons. Infrared models also contain no mercury, so there is no risk from a broken glass mercury thermometer.
Are infrared thermometers suitable for babies?
Babies need extra care, and the right method depends on age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- A fever is generally a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
- Rectal readings are the most accurate and are the best choice for infants under 3 months.
- Ear thermometers are for babies 6 months and older.
- Call a doctor right away if a baby 2 months or younger has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher.
That means an infrared ear or forehead thermometer is a convenience for older babies and children, not a replacement for a rectal reading in a young infant. Some manufacturers, such as Metene, also state their thermometer is not recommended for babies under 3 months.
Bottom line
If you want both forehead and ear readings, a simple two-button model like the iProven DMT-489 or ANKOVO covers the basics. If ear accuracy aids like a pre-warmed tip matter most, the Braun ThermoScan 5 is built for that. For checking someone without touching them, a non-contact model with a silent mode, such as the TempIR or AccuMed, is the most convenient. Looking for more options? See our clinical thermometer picks.
FAQ
Are forehead or ear thermometers better?
Each has trade-offs. Ear models like the Braun ThermoScan 5 use positioning aids and a warmed tip, while non-contact forehead models let you check someone without touching them. Many models on this list do both.
Can I use an infrared thermometer on a newborn?
For infants under 3 months, rectal readings are the most accurate and recommended method, and ear thermometers are for babies 6 months and older. Ask your pediatrician which method to use.
What temperature counts as a fever?
A fever is generally 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. For a baby 2 months or younger with a rectal temperature at or above that, call a doctor right away.
