Editor’s note: Originally published October 2021. 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.
For checking a fever at home, most families now reach for a digital infrared thermometer that reads the forehead or ear in about a second. Below are four models that were popular for home and clinical-style use, from a dual forehead-and-ear thermometer to non-contact forehead “temp guns”, described from manufacturer information.
Quick answer
- Forehead and ear in one: iProven DMT-489, with a reading in about a second and batteries included.
- Non-contact with a large memory: a non-contact digital temp gun that stores 50 readings and reads from 2 to 6 inches away.
- Body, room and object temperatures: Berrcom JXB-178, a 3-in-1 non-contact thermometer with a mute mode.
- Simple non-contact forehead model: AXHKIO, reading from 2 to 5 cm away.
- A fever is generally 100.4°F (38°C) or higher; for infants under 3 months, rectal readings are the most accurate.
Which thermometer type suits which age?
Before choosing, know which method fits who you’re checking. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, rectal readings are the most accurate and best for infants under 3 months, ear thermometers are for babies 6 months and older, and oral readings are for children 4 and older. Call a doctor right away if a baby 2 months or younger has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher. Our guide on how to take a temperature walks through each method.
The 4 thermometers
1. iProven DMT-489 Ear and Forehead Thermometer
The iProven DMT-489 reads from either the forehead or the ear, with results in about a second. The backlight changes color with the reading, and the display shows simple icons as the temperature changes, which can help with children. It runs on two AAA batteries, which are included, and turns itself off after 10 seconds of inactivity to save power.
See how it compares with its sibling in our iProven DMT-489 vs DMT-316 comparison.
Listed specifications
- Forehead and ear modes
- Reading in about 1 second
- Color-changing backlight
- Two AAA batteries (included)
- Auto-off after 10 seconds
- One-year warranty and 100-day return window (at the time of writing)
- Listed as HSA/FSA eligible (at the time of writing)
Pros
- Two measuring modes in one unit
- Fast reading
- Batteries included
- Auto-off saves battery
Cons
- Requires batteries
- Ear mode is only suitable for babies 6 months and older
2. Non-Contact Digital Temp Gun
This forehead “temp gun” (the original listing didn’t name a brand) measures without touching the skin, from a distance of 2 to 6 inches. That reduces contact between people when checking several family members. The screen changes color and alarms sound to flag readings, and it stores 50 records so you can compare readings over time. It runs on two AAA batteries.
Listed specifications
- Non-contact forehead reading at 2 to 6 inches
- Suitable for adults and kids
- Memory for 50 readings
- Color and alarm indicators
- Two AAA batteries
- One-year warranty (at the time of writing)
Pros
- No contact needed
- Large 50-reading memory
- Clear color and sound alerts
Cons
- Generic listing, so check the brand, manual and support before buying
- No ear mode
3. Berrcom JXB-178
The Berrcom JXB-178 is a 3-in-1 non-contact thermometer. Along with body temperature from the forehead, it can measure room temperature and the surface temperature of objects. It switches easily between Celsius and Fahrenheit and has a three-color backlight, plus mute and buzzer modes so you can check a sleeping child quietly. It turns off automatically after a period of inactivity.
Its multi-purpose design also makes it a practical choice for places like schools and workplaces. Batteries are not included.
Listed specifications
- Non-contact forehead reading
- Body, room and object modes
- Celsius and Fahrenheit
- Three-color backlight
- Mute and buzzer modes
- Auto-off
- Batteries sold separately
Pros
- Three measuring modes
- Mute mode for sleeping patients
- Color-coded display
Cons
- Batteries not included
- No ear mode
4. AXHKIO Forehead Thermometer
The AXHKIO is a straightforward non-contact forehead thermometer for adults. Hold it 2 to 5 cm from the forehead and the result appears on the LCD in about a second. It switches between Celsius and Fahrenheit and turns itself off after 19 seconds of inactivity.
Listed specifications
- Non-contact forehead reading at 2 to 5 cm
- Reading in about 1 second
- LCD display
- Celsius and Fahrenheit
- Auto-off after 19 seconds
Pros
- Simple to use
- Fast reading
- Easy-to-read LCD
Cons
- Marketed for adults
- No ear mode or extra measuring modes
Bottom line
If you want both forehead and ear readings, the iProven DMT-489 is the most flexible of the four. For non-contact checks, the Berrcom JXB-178 adds room and object modes and a mute option, while the AXHKIO keeps things simple. Whatever you choose, match the method to the person’s age, and remember that rectal readings are the most accurate for young infants. For more options, see our medical infrared thermometer guide or the Vicks Rapid Read thermometer.
FAQ
What counts as a fever?
A fever is generally a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
Can I use a forehead or ear thermometer on a newborn?
For infants under 3 months, rectal readings are the most accurate and recommended. Ear thermometers are for babies 6 months and older. Ask your pediatrician which method to use.
Do non-contact thermometers need batteries?
Yes. The models here run on batteries; the iProven includes two AAA batteries, while the Berrcom’s batteries are sold separately.
