Infrared thermometers are non-contact devices that check a person's body temperature. Due to the ongoing pandemic, temperature checking has become mandatory before entering any public or private building or premises. This safety protocol is important because having a fever is a common COVID-19 symptom, considering that the disease is highly contagious.
Choosing one that is best suited for your organization or company can be daunting. So in this article, we will guide you on how you can select the best infrared thermometer. We collated a list of the 10 best IR thermometers, plus we prepared a buying guide, reviewed by pharmacist Robi Uy that outlines what you need to know so you can get the best one!
Quick List - Top Infrared Thermometers
K3 Plus
High-Quality Stationary Thermometer for Hands-Free Temperature Checking
Yonker
Medical Equipment Combo for Home Monitoring
K9 Pro
Multi-Feature IR Thermometer for Walls or Countertops
Robi began his career in Watsons Philippines as the Senior Pharmacist in SM Mall of Asia Entertainment Mall branch. His experience as a Dispensing Pharmacist enabled him to become an expert in Community Pharmacy practice and the overall Retail Pharmacy operations. Currently, he is the Regulatory Affairs Senior Assistant Manager of Unilever Philippines. His knowledge about Pharmacy and related Regulations enables him to provide and share relevant information about regulated products such as food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices to consumers.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Every IR thermometer has a specialized type of lens that helps analyze the light coming from the person or object called infrared. This type of light is not visible to the naked eye. As the light focuses through a sensor, it somewhat absorbs the heat of the human body. Then, the thermometer can measure and determine the person's temperature.
After determining the temperature, the device displays it on the screen for the user to see. The normal human temperature ranges from 36.5 to 37.5 °Celsius. Anything higher is already considered a fever, which means that the establishment won't allow the person to enter due to the possibility that they might have COVID-19.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
There are two types of IR thermometers available in the market: handheld and standee. Both are battery-operated, and each has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages.
The first type is the handheld thermometer. It resembles a gun that the checker needs to hold, aim at the forehead, the back of the ear, or the wrist, and push the button or pull the trigger to measure the temperature.
This IR thermometer is straightforward and more affordable than the standee type. It is compact and can even fit in a person's pocket. However, such a tool needs a human checker for it to function accordingly. Also, be wary of some cheaper versions that can break easily.
The standee or stationary thermometer is set up on an entrance walkway. With this, people can stand still for a moment, point their forehead or wrist at the infrared sensor, and the device automatically scans the temperature independently. It is no different from your standard handheld thermometer when it comes to accuracy.
This high-tech IR thermometer may come with a slew of additional features such as a tripod, real-time camera, and better recording features. Hence, they are pricey, ideal for medium and large-scale businesses and establishments.
Accuracy is the most critical consideration in any thermometer. Getting the right temperature reading keeps us relieved and vigilant at the same time to determine whether the person can go inside the establishment or not. Many commercially available thermometers are pretty accurate, with at most ± 0.3°C or 0.6°F margin of error.
However, beware of dubious products that are highly inaccurate and do not give clear temperature readings. Usually, high-tech thermometers provide automatic calibration and reset features when discrepancies occur, but they may be hard to find and very expensive.
Suppose you are using it to scan people's temperature for your establishment. In that case, a regular IR thermometer can do the job just fine. You just need to re-calibrate or reset it manually after every use. To select the best product, you can read the product reviews and ratings from previous buyers.
The temperature range affects the thermometer's accuracy. It refers to the highest and lowest temperature that the thermometer can scan. A standard medical IR temperature can detect temperatures ranging from 10°C to 45°C (50°F to 113°F).
With a margin of error of ± 0.3°C or 0.6°F, it is the ideal range when you are scanning the temperature of a human body. However, the temperature range can be different from each thermometer brand, so make sure to read the product description for more information.
All thermometers are designed to measure temperature, but not all are designed for the human body. Some are meant strictly for construction equipment and even cooking. So, you must make sure they are for medical purposes.
Why is it necessary, you ask? Well, each infrared thermometer is calibrated differently. They also have different margins of error. For the medical ones, it's usually ± 0.3°C or 0.6°F - more precise and accurate for body temperatures.
For industrial IR scanners, the margin of error is ± 2°C or 3.5°F, which creates a significant discrepancy in temperature critical to humans, especially in these current times. So, make sure they are designed for medical purposes and not for other fields of work.
For standee thermometers, adjustable tripods are a must-have because they need to be hands-free. People can conveniently reach the infrared sensors with a flexible tripod support. Some offer liquid hand sanitizing dispensers, too!
Meanwhile, it is wise to buy handheld thermometers with convertible temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice-versa. This feature makes these tools multi-functional since you can also use them to measure the temperature of the room and even while cooking!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | K3 Plus Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer Scanner | ![]() | High-Quality Stationary Thermometer for Hands-Free Temperature Checking | |
2 | Yonker Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer|With Fingertip Oximeter | ![]() | Medical Equipment Combo for Home Monitoring | |
3 | WPierce Infrared Thermometer|KFHW005 | ![]() | A Multi-Functional IR Thermometer With Color-Coded Display | |
4 | K9 Pro Wall-Mounted Digital Infrared Thermometer | ![]() | Multi-Feature IR Thermometer for Walls or Countertops | |
5 | Xiaomi iHealth Infrared Thermometer | ![]() | Adjusts Temperature Reading in Relation to Environmental Temperature | |
6 | Bebear HuBDIC Thermofinder Plus Non Contact Infrared Thermometer|HFS-1000 | ![]() | A Reliable Thermometer Certified in Many Countries | |
7 | K3 Handsfree Thermoscan Infrared Thermometer | ![]() | A Wall-Mounted Thermometer to Save Space | |
8 | ProMED Portable Non Contact Infrared Thermometer | ![]() | A Highly Efficient IR Thermometer Trusted by Most Medical Professionals | |
9 | Docooler Mini Portable Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer | ![]() | A Portable Thermometer for Traveling | |
10 | Helcare Infrared Thermometer | ![]() | Budget-Friendly Thermometer With Two Measuring Modes |
Right off the bat, this product's intelligent IR thermometer showcases the K3 Plus brand's high-quality production. It has a pretty high standard in temperature reading, with a ±0.2 margin of error, which is accurate and very responsive, making it ideal for commercial establishments.
The LCD in front shows the results in less than a second, thanks to the high-tech computer chip installed in the equipment. So, the person will immediately know his or her temperature. It is a hands-free thermometer for convenience and safety, thereby preventing cross-infections.
We highly recommend this bundle if you need other tools for the temperature checking and sanitation station, such as an adjustable tripod and an alcohol or soap dispenser. So, after scanning, you can sanitize your hands automatically. All these benefits and inclusions are the reasons why this product made it to our top spot.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive way to check for COVID-19 symptoms, Yonker offers one of the best deals with this infrared thermometer and pulse oximeter bundle. This handheld IR thermometer highlights precise and consistent results in less than 2 seconds, especially when you use new or charged batteries.
It also has a memory log that can store up to the latest 32 data records, making it ideal for contact tracing. Plus, the color-coded lighting feature automatically warns the checker if the thermometer detects high temperature even without looking closely at the exact figures.
Lastly, the pulse oximeter included can measure the heart or pulse rate as well as the oxygen level, critical for monitoring the symptoms of COVID-19. It is lightweight, compact, and simple to use by clipping it on the middle fingertip. With this device, you can get the correct results in a breeze.
If you are looking for a gun thermometer at a mid-range price that goes above and beyond, then this infrared thermometer is perfect for you! It features state-of-the-art technology with some helpful built-in features, including a high-precision probe for accurate readings, a large 50-entry capacity of memory storage, and just a single button for fuss-free operation.
But perhaps the biggest edge this product has over others is its color-coded display. The screen stays green for normal temperature, yellow for slightly higher, and red for fever. You can see at a glance if there's cause for concern.
Another plus is its use for different purposes; you can switch between modes to measure body and object temperatures. It also has an auto-shut-off feature- the device shuts down after 30 seconds, which conserves battery life. All of these features come with a reasonable price tag, perfect for those who are on a budget!
If you have the budget to invest in a high-tech thermometer to be installed on your wall or countertop, check out this all-in-one IR thermo-scanner. The K9 Pro is a space-saving device, which makes it a great deal if you are hesitant to use a tripod.
It is accurate and responsive in getting the temperature and quickly showing the results. It also has a smart auto shut-off feature when idle. Meanwhile, the dispenser is hands-free via a sensor. You can put alcohol, sanitizing gel, or liquid soap in it.
As for the battery, you can either insert 4 AA batteries or use the battery that is rechargeable via USB cable. To secure the device, mount it with a hook or waterproof adhesive tapes. Just make sure it is mounted to the wall properly to prevent the device from falling.
Over the years, Xiaomi has produced high-quality gadgets like smartphones. Now, it offers a thermometer as part of its iHealth product line. It is FDA-approved and provides high precision results and a fast response time through its Heimann technology thermopile sensor that distributes the infrared light evenly on the body surface.
It includes an environmental temperature compensation sensor to recognize the heat of the room or the surroundings for more accurate temperature data. Aim it at the center of the forehead, press the button, wait for a few seconds, and see the results! It also comes with vibration reminders and warning indicators if the person has a fever.
This thermometer has been well-tested throughout the years in Korea. It has been a dependable device for measuring temperature in government offices, public hospitals, and the national universities there from the time of H1N1 virus in 2009 until now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, it is certified across 40 countries.
It is a bit pricey, but it does come with premium quality and useful features, such as a 32-data memory log, a sound button for quiet operation, and a color-coded fever guidance feature. It is easy to hold and also useful for baby care when measuring bath water or milk temperatures.
If you already have a tripod, this thermoscanner is ideal because it has a hole at the bottom for installing on a tripod. But if you'd rather have a hands-free thermometer that saves space, it also gives you the option of mounting it on the wall using double-sided adhesive tape.
With a small margin of error, it is precise in temperature recording. You can connect it to a USB charger or power bank to operate, which is practical if you don't have batteries on hand. It also contains a small computer chip for faster response and is definitely hands-free and contact-free when measuring the temperature.
ProMed is a Philippine-based medical equipment provider. It is one of the leading brands when it comes to providing high-quality medical equipment to consumers such as this prime-quality thermometer. With accurate temperature measurements, this one is highly sought after by both consumers and medical professionals.
It offers both body and object temperature scanningーuseful for health monitoring and also for other activities like cooking and baby care. It only requires two AAA batteries and also has a power-saving feature to extend the battery life. Simply aim it at the forehead or the wrist of the person and press the button to get a fast temperature reading in less than 2 seconds.
If you are looking for a mini thermometer to carry inside your bag, then this compact thermometer is the perfect item for you. It is lightweight and small enough to fit even inside your pocket! But don't underestimate its capacity-this one can save up to 30 memory logs and record temperature in just a second.
Another great feature is its versatility in its three switchable modes: body temperature mode for human temperature, object temperature mode for food, and room temperature mode. It automatically beeps and displays the results on the screen when detecting a high or low temperature. This sleek yet multifunctional IR thermometer would definitely be a valuable addition to your emergency kit!
Whether you own a small-scale business establishment owner or want a practical thermometer at home, consider this affordable infrared thermometer that is lightweight and portable. With its single-switch button, you can change modes to measure body temperature from the forehead or from the eardrum.
It has a memory function of 32 readings and a fever alarm to alert you in case it registers a high temperature. Despite the low price, it is FDA-approved and medical-grade; thus, you can be assured that you get a good quality and internationally recognized product. Just keep in mind to double-check if it's set in the right mode to get a more accurate result.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
The best body part to scan with an IR thermometer is the wrist, or alternatively, the armpit because these parts are usually covered by clothing and less affected by the external environment.
To thoroughly check accuracy, you would need access to devices with a known and established temperature measurement, such as blackbody calibrators, pyrometers, comparator cups, and more. However, these devices aren't always readily accessible to the average person and are typically found only in manufacturing settings. For the average user, here are a few things you can do that may give you an estimate of your thermometer's accuracy.
Unless your IR thermometer has different modes for reading body and food/object temperatures, it would not be accurate for measuring the temperature of the latter. IR thermometers designed for body temperatures can only measure surface temperatures and would typically not have a wide enough temperature range for use with cooking.
Despite vaccines becoming available in the country, our battle with COVID-19 is not yet over. Hence, we cannot be complacent and should still continue to follow health and safety protocols. Having said this, consider checking out our article reviews below on the different items that can protect you from the virus.
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Author: Roel Pillas Malubay
Re-editor: R. Umlas
Reviewed by: Jonh Robinson Uy, RPh, MBA
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
For expert-reviewed articles, we ask experts to check and review our buying guide to make sure there aren't any false, misleading, or outdated information. Our experts do not participate in choosing the recommendations, and they do not endorse any of the products we mention.
No. 1: K3 Plus|Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer Scanner
No. 2: Yonker|Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer|With Fingertip Oximeter
No. 3: WPierce|Infrared Thermometer|KFHW005
No. 4: K9 Pro|Wall-Mounted Digital Infrared Thermometer
No. 5: Xiaomi|iHealth Infrared Thermometer
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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