COVID-19 — it’s still a thing, which means it’s always a good idea to have one of the best at-home COVID test kits around.
- Best Overall: iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (2-Pack)
- Best Under $10: Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test
- Best FSA/HSA: Pixel by LabCorp COVID-19 Test
- Best Single Test: On/Go At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Test
- Best 2-Pack: BinaxNOW COVID‐19 Antigen Self Test (2-Count)
According to the CDC, COVID-19 self-tests — also known as at-home tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests — are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking and physical distancing, that protects you and others from the spread of COVID-19, even though it’s no longer mandated in most regions.
While at-home covid tests were nearly impossible to find back in 2020, it’s easier than ever in 2024. They’re available at Amazon, Walmart and other online retailers, so you can add a kit to your cart right along with your probiotics and other wellness must-haves.
Where to buy at-home COVID test kits
Best Overall: iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (2-Pack)
Pros:
- Two tests per box
- PU foam swab for quick absorption
- Results in 15 minutes
- Easy-to-read results window
Cons:
- The product expiration date. According to reviews for 2024, the test are still viable
This product comes with two rapid antigen tests that are simple to use.
Prepare the testing materials, collect and process the sample, then receive your results in just 15 minutes.
Best Under $10: Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test
Pros:
- FDA-authorized
- Good until June 2025
Cons:
- Unclear how many varients it tests for
The FlowFlex Covid-19 Antigen Home Test is selling for as low as $8, an accurate, easy to use and quick-result option to buy online.
This FDA-authorized Antigen test requires only one test to get results in 15 minutes using a nasal swab.
Best FSA/HSA: Pixel by LabCorp COVID-19 Test
Pros:
- Detects known SARS-CoV-2 Variants, including Delta and Omicron
- Lab results without leaving your home
Cons:
- Have to send in your results
If you want a test that’s even more reliable but you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home, an at-home PCR test is the way to go. The Pixel by LabCorp kit is a great option that gets you results within 1-2 business days (on average) after receiving your nasal swap sample via FedEx.
Best Single Test: On/Go At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Test
Pros:
- Fast results
- Detects all major COVID-19 variants
Cons:
- Must check the app for an accurate expiration date
If you work best with technology, On/Go is the COVID-19 self-test for you. This kit gives you 95% accurate results in just 15 minutes using the companion mobile app, which guides you through each step of the process — from sample collection to results.
Best Two-Pack: BinaxNOW COVID‐19 Antigen Self Test (2-Count)
Pros:
- FSA/HSA eligible
- Test for multiple variants, including Delta and Omicron
Cons:
- Some reviewers mention having their order damaged in the shipping process
Get your test results in 15 minutes or less with a simple nasal swab in the comfort and convenience of your home. BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test is available under FDA Emergency Use Authorization.
Best Rapid: QuickVue At-Home COVID-19 Test
Pros:
- 10-minute results
- Easy to use
- Two tests per kit
Cons:
- Results may read invalid if there’s an efficient sample on the swab
This simple at-home test is authorized for non-prescriptive home use with self-collected direct anterior nasal (NS) swab specimens from individuals aged 14 and older, and with adult-collected anterior NS samples from those 2 years or older.
It’s most effective within six days of symptoms or 24 to 48 hours after suspected exposure.
Best Easy to Use: InteliSwab™ COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test
Pros:
- Features a shallow nasal swab for a more comfortable testing experience
- No drops to measure
Cons:
- Results take 30 minutes, which is significantly longer than other tests in our roundup
This test requires less than one minute of hands-on time. InteliSwab has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization for self-testing. You do not need to ship samples to a lab or get a prescription from your healthcare provider. Get your result in 30 minutes.
Best Two-Pack: BOSON Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test
Pros:
- Two tests in a pack
- Easy-to-follow instructions
Cons:
- A few customer reviews report tests arriving with items missing
The BOSON Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test is an at-home test where you’ll receive results in 15 minutes. Each kit contains two tests and is recommended for ages 14 and up. More, you’ll enjoy its convenience and ability to skip the lab.
How to use at-home COVID-19 tests
Of course, read the complete manufacturer’s instructions for use before starting the test and make sure you talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about the test or your results. Here are general steps to take a self-test, according to the CDC.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Open the box and follow the instructions included with the self-test to collect your own nasal or saliva specimen. (If you don’t collect the specimens as directed, your test results may be incorrect.)
- Perform the steps in the order that they are listed. Some manufacturers may also provide quick reference guides or instructional videos.
- Collect either a nasal specimen or saliva specimen, depending on the self-test being used.
- Next, wait to see what result comes back. Generally, this takes 15 minutes.
Accuracy of at-home COVID tests
Invalid test results are rare but can occur. Chief Infection Control Officer Roy Chemaly, M.D. at the University of Texas MD Cancer Center said that “the tests are only accurate 80% of the time, and sometimes less.”
Sometimes invalid results or an error can show on the test device. Invalid results or an error can occur for many reasons — your specimen may not have been collected correctly, or the test may have malfunctioned.
Due to the current infection rate of the coronavirus being so high, many professionals suggest retesting with a PCR test if you have symptoms and test negative using an at-home antigen test as it could be a false negative.
A few things to note:
- Select at-home covid tests are FSA and HSA-approved.
- The tests listed in this article go in and out of stock often so make sure to check back regularly if some aren’t available at this given time.
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