We’ve assessed 26 different tests, scoured online reviews and manufacturers’ testing data, and talked with a clinical chemist, a fertility specialist, and an expert on the pregnancy hormone hCG. We’re confident that First Response Early Result is the home pregnancy test to take.
A pregnancy test result should be clear and trustworthy. Choosing a reliable test upfront may save you the emotional turmoil of an uncertain result. Or, at the very least, it will save you some cash.
Another inexpensive test option, these strips are a touch less sensitive than MomMed strips at the time of a missed period.
As accurate and nearly as sensitive as First Response Early Result at the time of a missed period, these inexpensive strips (currently about 40¢ per test) are useful for anyone who anticipates testing often.
If having an ultra-easy-to-read result is your top priority, this pricey test bests the digital wand competition.
Clearblue Early Detection is another great choice for early testers. It’s slightly less sensitive than First Response Early Result, but it has a wider absorbent tip and a longer handle.
The First Response Early Result wand test is the most sensitive home pregnancy test available in the US. We also found it very easy to use and read.
If you have any questions after taking a home pregnancy test, consult a medical professional.
A test’s sensitivity is defined as the lowest amount of hCG it can detect 99% of the time. Most tests are comparably sensitive.
A test’s accuracy changes depending on when you test. The same test will be less accurate before an expected period than after.
Home pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG, which is found in urine after a fertilized egg has implanted in the uterus.
Of course, the best test for you depends on your needs and your budget. We have recommendations for other traditional wand tests, digital wand tests (which display a “yes” or “pregnant” or “no” or “not pregnant” result on a screen), bulk packs of test strips, and store-brand tests.
The First Response Early Result wand test can detect the pregnancy hormone hCG at lower levels than most home pregnancy tests, so it’s a good choice for anyone who wants to test before they’ve missed a period. This test is a good size, easy to handle, and produces sharp pink lines.
Cost per test (at the time of publication): about $4.50
Clearblue is best known for its blue-dye plus-sign tests, but the pink-dye Clearblue Early Detection test is more sensitive and, in our experience, easier to read. This test’s sensitivity is similar to that of the First Response Early Result. The Clearblue Early Detection test has a nice long handle and a wide absorbent tip (though it needs plenty of urine to work properly).
Cost per test (at the time of publication): about $4.50
With digital tests, you won’t have to squint to determine a test result, but they’re not as sensitive as our other wand picks. On a per-test-basis, this one is expensive, but we think the Clearblue Digital is worth the added cost compared with store-brand digital tests.
Cost per test (at the time of publication): about $5
If you prioritize paying less per test (above testing early), and you prefer or are okay with the dip method, consider test strips. MomMed Pregnancy Test strips are as accurate—and, at the time of a missed period, nearly as sensitive—as our wand picks (they’re less accurate when used earlier). Plus, these strips come in a pack with disposable cups for urine collection.
Cost per test (at the time of publication): about 40¢
Easy@Home Pregnancy Test Strips are nearly as sensitive as the MomMed strips we recommend, but they cost a bit more and don’t come with cups.
Cost per test (at the time of publication): about 50¢
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