Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you wish to track ovulation when trying to conceive, it’s time to buy the best basal thermometer. Read this post as we list the best options available online and tell you how to use them.
Basal thermometers help you measure your lowest body temperature and offer an accurate reading. With one of these tried-and-tested products, you can now keep records of your basal body temperature when trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy or to keep records of your menstrual cycle.
Top Picks
7 Best Basal Thermometers
1. Best High-Precision:Shecare Digital Basal Body Thermometer
The Shecare basal body temperature thermometer has a soft temperature probe that makes it comfortable to measure temperature. The waterproof probe of this smart thermometer is easy to clean, making the thermometer hygienic. You can use Shecare App, a temperature charting tool, to input body temperature data and keep a record of your basal body temperature, and the easy-to-install app automatically creates an accurate basal body temperature chart to calculate your ovulation period.
Pros
- Freely switch between Celcius and Fahrenheit
- Accurate thermometer with temperature accuracy up to two decimal places
- Large LCD screen for easy reading
- Compatible with iOS and Android smartphones
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Requires manual data entry into the app
- May be slow in taking temperature readings
2. Best Multipurpose:Femometer Digital Basal Thermometer
Suitable for all ages, the safety-tested basal thermometer by Femometer can be used for family planning, pregnancy, and fever measurements. Its advanced sensor probe has an accuracy of 1/100th degree, allowing ovulation and menstrual cycle monitoring. It can be connected to the femometer app that automatically draws your BBT chart and notifies you on your ovulation days. The ovulation tracking device shows temperature in both Fahrenheit as well as Celsius and has a last memory recall switch, enabling you to track body temperatures efficiently.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Automatic tracking
- Clinically tested
- Easy to clean
- Dust-proof case included
Cons
- Some might find the instructions complicated
- Beeping sound might be very faint
"Upon using this thermometer, I found the instructions a bit complicated, although the actual device is simple to use. And while the absence of a backlight makes early morning and late night checks a bit tricky, it's been a decent buy for basic temperature reading."
Trivia3. Best With Memory Recall:iProven Digital Basal Thermometer
The basal body thermometer from iProven is the perfect way to track your monthly cycle for natural family planning by determining when you are ovulating. This ovulation prediction kit includes a clinically accurate thermometer that detects your ovulation pattern to point out your fertile window. Additionally, this smart basal thermometer has a chip for accurate readings, and you can manually enter your body temperature in any ovulation app to track your cycle.
Pros
- Offers high precision and quick reading
- Has a memory recall feature
- Easily replaceable batteries
- Empty battery alert
- Displays readings in Fahrenheit and Celsius
Cons
- Thermometer doesn’t connect to any mobile app
- Lacks a backlit display
"This thermometer has been great for charting my ovulation cycle. The quick reading output and memory function are practical features. I wish it had a backlit display, but its accuracy has made it worthwhile."
Shecare Digital Basal Body Thermometer Best High-Precision | Femometer Digital Basal Thermometer Best Multipurpose | iProven Digital Basal Thermometer Best With Memory Recall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required | 1 LR44 batteries required | - |
| Color | - | Pink | - |
| Dimensions | - | 5.43 x 0.87 x 0.47 inches | 26 x 0.01 x 0.01 inches |
| Weight | - | 11.99 Ounces. | 1.41 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4 | 14 | 728 |
| Price | $12.99 | $9.99 | $9.97 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best For All Ages: Vicks SpeedRead Digital Thermometer
This Vicks SpeedRead thermometer records the basal temperature in eight seconds and provides instant results. As per the reviewers, this device features a color-coded temperature display, making it ideal for all ages. A green display indicates a normal temperature, a yellow display a slight elevation in the temperature, and a red-hued light a high temperature. You can insert the thermometer in the mouth, rectum, or armpit to assess the temperature.
Pros
- Automatic shut-off mechanism
- Easy-to-read display
- Water-resistant body
- Includes a storage case and a battery
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- May not make a sound once it has recorded the temperature
- Reading may not always be accurate
"It has been a dependable tool that provides quick and consistent temperature readings. Its large, backlit display and audible alert make it very easy to use, even in dim lighting, and I like that it comes with a case, as it keeps it hygienic."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 1,397 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
5. Best Flexible: iProven DTR-1835 Medical Oral & Rectal Thermometer
This functional thermometer by iProven is ideal for oral and rectal use and gives you reliable results in just 20 seconds. The waterproof thermometer has a flexible and soft tip for measuring temperature without causing any discomfort and has a smiley fever indicator, making it ideal for babies. Furthermore, this safe and flexible thermometer is free of BPA and latex.
Pros
- Automatic shut-off mechanism
- Converts Fahrenheit into Celsius and vice versa
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Includes a sturdy hard case for storage
Cons
- May not have a buzzer
- On/off button may not be easy to press
"While comfortable and lightweight, the absence of a backlight made it hard to read it in the dark. It is also a bit slow to stabilize, but it's accurate, and I like the soft tip and washable design. The large text display is another useful feature."
6. Best With Digital LCD: Konquest KDT-1201 Digital Medical Thermometer
This mercury-free thermometer is easy to read with its digital LCD. It allows you to take basal temperature readings orally, rectally, or axillary and gives fast and precise readings in ten seconds. In addition, this waterproof thermometer is relatively easy to clean, has a flexible tip that can bend up to 45 degrees, and is soft, making it suitable for babies and children.
Pros
- Recalls the previous readings
- Triple beep alarm to warn about high fever
- Automatic power-off
- Displays in Fahrenheit and Celsius
Cons
- Power button may be a bit inconvenient to use
- May be difficult to read in low-light settings
"After using this thermometer for a bit, I appreciate its quick reading time. It's easy to use, with a beep to signal it's done. Also, the sturdy plastic case is a plus, as it protects the device when not in use."
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 690 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
7. Best App-Based:Natural Cycles Plan a Pregnancy Kit Fertility Tracker
The Natural Cycles is one among the primary apps of its kind to be FDA cleared within the US and CE Marked in Europe. This fertility tracking aid, having positive reviews, uses the science of your unique ovulation cycle to seek out your fertile days, so you can plan conception with precision. It can measure blood temperature to two decimal places. The women’s fertility tracker is more sensitive than a daily fever thermometer because it detects shifts in temperature during the cycle.
Pros
- Comes with six months of natural cycle subscription
- Ten ovulation tests
- Supports five pregnancy tests
- Works with an irregular cycle
- Prompts to take ovulation and pregnancy tests
Cons
- Need to pay charges after six months of trial usage
- No backlit option in thermometer
"I've explored various cycle tracking options and found this particular system best suited for my cycle. It's informative and user-friendly and offers me a non-hormonal birth control alternative. I only wish it would connect to my phone via Bluetooth for added convenience."
How Do You Use A Basal Thermometer?
To use a basal thermometer, follow the steps:
- Uncap your oral thermometer and hold it under your tongue for at least 90 seconds.
- Remove your thermometer when you hear beeping sounds.
- If you are using a digital thermometer without the feature of auto-save functionality, note down your measurements manually.
- Try to measure your temperature every day at the same time for the best results.
How To Choose The Right Basal Thermometer?
Choosing the right basal body temperature tracking thermometer can be simple if you keep the following considerations in mind.
- Type: Basal thermometers are of three primary types, digital, glass, and smart basal thermometers. Depending on the one you select, they can vary in functionality, display, ease of reading, smart functionality, and the likes.
- Accuracy: Thermometers can also vary in their accuracy of reading, differing on your experience and result. You should consider a physician-recommended thermometer that provides the most accurate results within a short span of testing, reducing any hassle of waiting.
- Battery type: Basal thermometers are backed by either rechargeable batteries for multiple uses or replaceable, whereby the latter would need replacement after optimal use. Rechargeable batteries are preferable to the other ones.
- Memory retention: Not all basal thermometers are designed to retain the reading memory from previous tests. However, such a feature can help you accurately predict ovulation days and pregnancy, which makes them preferable to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should my basal body temperature be?
Your basal body temperature before ovulation will usually be between 97.0℉ and 98.0 ℉. The temperature could then increase to 0.5℉-1℉ after ovulation and until you start your menstruation (1).
2. How should I measure my basal body temperature?
Measure your BBT in the morning. You can use digital or oral thermometers to take oral, rectal, and vaginal readings. Ensure that you place the thermometer in the same place daily.
3. How do basal body thermometers work?
Basal thermometers work like regular thermometers. However, these thermometers can read the minute change in temperature by even a tenth of a degree.
4. Can a regular thermometer be used for measuring basal body temperature?
Yes, if your regular stick thermometer is accurate to 1/10th a degree, it can be used to measure the basal body temperature (1).
5. What is the difference between a basal and a regular thermometer?
Unlike regular thermometers, basal thermometers are more sensitive thermometers as they warn about important body changes by more accurately recording tiny changes in body temperature. They are also faster and help record a person’s at-rest temperature.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have put together this list of the best basal thermometers after carefully studying the requirements of the readers through numerous user reviews. We have also reviewed the data from trustworthy sources and related forums to choose the products that will best suit your needs. A buying guide has also been prepared to help you confidently make a well-informed decision.
Monitoring your body’s temperature using the best basal thermometers can help keep track of the menstrual cycle and ovulation. When buying one, it is important to consider the accuracy of the temperature, durability, and time taken to read and display the temperature. It is also essential to pick one that is FDA-approved, easy to use, and displays information effectively. We recommend you buy a healthcare professional-recommended basal thermometer that can be paired with your smartphone and sync data. They keep you informed about any temperature changes and help you in a big way, especially when you want to delay pregnancy.
Infographic: Tips To Use A Basal Thermometer Properly
A basal thermometer is a specialized tool used to track subtle changes in body temperature and determine the most fertile period for women. However, using the device with precision is crucial to obtain accurate deductions. Refer to the infographic below to learn how to use a basal thermometer efficiently.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Physiology, Ovulation And Basal Body Temperature
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546686/
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