The 7 Best At-Home STD Tests of 2023

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At-home STD tests can provide an accurate and convenient method for knowing your STD status. Find out which test kit is best for you.

Best overall:Everlywell | Skip to review
Best for medical support:LetsGetChecked | Skip to review
Best for fast results (lab-based):STDCheck.com | Skip to review
Best for variety of tests:myLAB Box | Skip to review
Best for insurance:Nurx | Skip to review
Best for privacy (lab-based):PrioritySTD | Skip to review
Best for bundling tests:iDNA | Skip to review

Regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is important for overall health and any necessary treatments. At-home tests can provide an accurate and convenient method for knowing your status.

The older you get, the more you will be forced to spend on healthcare. A couple retiring at age 65 in 2018 will spend $280,000, on average, on medical costs throughout their retirement, not counting the expense of over-the-counter medications or the cost of living in a nursing home, CBS News

STDs and STIs are very common. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 million STIs are acquired daily worldwide.

One reason for this is that even contraceptive methods, such as condoms, are not always failproof. Overall, if you’re sexually active, you could contract an STI.

Nowadays, there are dozens of at-home testing kits that may make getting tested easier.

Here’s some information on quality at-home testing options, how to figure out what type is best for you, and when to contact a doctor.

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing an at-home STD test, which is why we turned to the experts.

To make sure you have the best options available to you, every product we recommend or brand we work with is thoroughly vetted by our team. If there are any lawsuits, recalls, or regulatory action letters documented about these products or companies, our vetting team makes sure they’re reported and listed.

In addition to legalities, our team always checks for for medical credibility, good business practices, privacy practices and security, validating any health claims made by the product, and social impact.

Pricing guide

Many insurance plans cover the cost of at-home STD tests. Unless otherwise noted, the prices listed reflect out-of-pocket costs.

Best overall

Everlywell

Price: $–$$
Type: self-collection
Tests for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis
Results: within days
Insurance accepted?: No
Medication provided?: No
Follow-up care?: If positive results

Everlywell sells an STD kit geared to males and one geared to females. With a finger prick and vaginal swab, the Everlywell at-home STD kit for females lets you test for six of the most common STDs. Each purchase comes with instructions, the materials for sample collection, prepaid shipping both ways, and both digital and printable results.

Aside from the kits, Everlywell also offers individual tests for trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV.

Every Everlywell test is reviewed and approved by an independent board certified doctor in your state. If there are positive results, Everlywell will connect you with their independent physician network (at no additional cost) to discuss questions and treatment options.

Best for medical support

LetsGetChecked

Price: $–$$$
Type: self-collection
Tests for: chlamydia, Gardnerella vaginalis, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, Mycoplasma, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and Ureaplasma
Results: 2–5 days
Insurance accepted?: No
Medication provided?: Yes, at an additional cost
Follow-up care?: Yes, for $39

Available at CVS locations across the country and covered by both FSA and HSA accounts, LetsGetChecked is a convenient and accessible at-home tests and diagnostics company.

They offer three types of tests:

Simple 2 ($99): This test checks for chlamydia and gonorrhea, the two most common STDs.
Standard 5 ($149): This includes the tests in Simple 2 and tests for trichomoniasis, HIV, and syphilis. This is their most popular STD test and uses a finger prick and urine sample.
Complete 8 ($249): This checks for all the tests in Standard 5, and it also includes testing for Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma. This uses finger prick and urine testing methods.

LetsGetChecked tests require you to collect a urine and blood sample, depending on which test you select.

The service also includes a medical support team to answer any questions. If your results are positive, a nurse or physician will call you to explain your results and provide treatment options.

Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off

Best for fast results

STDCheck.com

Price: $–$$
Type: lab-based testing
Tests for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis (A, B, and C), HIV, herpes type 1 and 2, and syphilis
Results: 1–2 days
Insurance accepted?: No
Medication provided?: Yes, for $95
Follow-up care?: Yes, for $95

Quick, secure, and completely confidential, STDCheck․com is a lab-based at-home test. This means you order the test over the phone or online and then go to a facility for sample collection.

Lab-based tests are generally more thorough than self-collected examinations. STDCheck․com has 4,500 locations nationwide.

While you can order individual tests from $24 to $99, the company’s full 10 Test Panel is their most comprehensive offer.

If you’re concerned about a recent exposure, you can add the HIV RNA Early Detection Test, which can detect an HIV transmission as early as 9 to 11 days after exposure.

Best for variety of tests

myLAB Box

Price: $–$$$
Type: self-collection
Tests for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, HPV, Mycoplasma, syphilis, and trichomoniasis
Results: 2–5 days
Insurance accepted?: No
Medications provided?: For chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis
Follow-up care?: If positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis

myLAB Box offers several at-home STD kits:

Safe Box ($169): This box includes tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and HIV (1 and 2).
Total Box ($369–$389): The company’s most comprehensive test includes tests for every condition in the Safe Box, plus hepatitis C, herpes type 2, syphilis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and HPV (an optional add-on for people over 30 years old).
Uber Box ($199): This comprehensive 8-panel test option tests for the most common STIs, including HIV (1 and 2), hepatitis C, herpes type 2, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
V-Box ($189): This at-home vaginal test pack tests for all common causes of atypical vaginal discharge, including yeast, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Love Box – Couple’s Kit ($499): This comprehensive 8-panel test option tests couples for the most common STIs. It has tests for HIV (1 and 2), hepatitis C, herpes type 2, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. It includes a vaginal swab, urine collection, and blood test.

Aside from these, the service sells individual tests for each STD or STI. These allow you to get the answers you need without driving to a lab or spending money on copays to visit a doctor’s office.

Every kit comes with a single-use collection kit, instructions, specimen bag, and a prepaid return envelope.

Best for insurance

Nurx

Price: $$–$$$
Type: self-collection
Tests for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis
Results: within 7 days
Insurance accepted?: Yes
Medications provided?: Yes
Follow-up care?: Yes

Although self-collected samples aren’t typically as good as those taken in a lab, Nurx ensures accuracy by collecting fluids from various areas, such as a vaginal swab, throat swab, and rectal swab. This makes it possible to test for oral and anal STDs that might otherwise be missed.

Nurx offers three at-home test kits to choose from:

Healthy Woman Kit ($190): This kit tests for infections most common in people with vaginas: HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
Basics Covered Kit ($150): This is a great option for people who have completed comprehensive testing before and just want a checkup. It includes testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Full Control Kit ($220): This is a comprehensive test for anyone who hasn’t gotten tested before or who hasn’t gotten tested in over a year. It tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis C.

These tests are usually covered by insurance, and Nurx will bill your plan directly (or you can pay out of pocket, too). With insurance, you’ll pay $75 for the test kit, shipping both ways, and a $15 medical consultation fee.

Once Nurx collects your samples, they’ll bill your insurance directly for the cost of the lab testing. Without insurance, see the rates for each kit above. These prices include the test kit, lab work, and shipping.

Best for privacy while not at home

PrioritySTD

Price: $–$$
Type: lab-based testing
Tests for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis
Results: 1–3 days
Insurance accepted?: No
Medications provided?: For chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis
Follow-up care?: If positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis

Though this is not an at-home testing service exclusively, PrioritySTD is one of the most reputable STD testing options. Most reviews say the tests are fast, private, and accurate. You can get same-day testing, same-day medications, and results in 24 to 72 hours.

You can purchase your PrioritySTD test privately, online, or over the phone. PrioritySTD has more than 4,000 labs across the country. After your testing, you can access your results online or by calling a care counselor. Treatment options are available as well.

Aside from individual STD tests, PrioritySTD offers the following panel tests:

Twin STD Panel ($119): This panel tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
10-Panel Test ($198): PrioritySTD’s most popular test option tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, herpes type 1 and 2, HIV 1 (Ab and Ag), and HIV 2 (Ab).

The service complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and will not mail anything to your home or report anything to your healthcare professional.

Best for bundling tests

iDNA

Price: $–$$$
Type: self-collection
Tests for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, herpes, HIV, HPV, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma, syphilis, trichomoniasis
Results: 2–7 days
Insurance accepted?: No
Medications provided?: Part of membership
Follow-up care?: Part of membership

iDNA has a number of individual STI tests, including a test for Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma, the leading causes of bacterial vaginosis. They use a self-collection method, which means that you don’t need to go into a lab to get your results.

Additionally, they offer two combination tests and a customizable test bundle. The customizable bundle — which starts at $78 — is useful if you want to be tested for numerous STIs, as it can be more convenient than ordering individual tests.

Their pre-selected bundles include:

Complete Test ($298): This kit includes 10 STI tests, namely chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, herpes 2, hepatitis C, HIV I/II, HPV, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma.
Standard Test ($198): This kit includes seven STI tests, namely chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, herpes 2, hepatitis C, and HIV I/II.

iDNA also offers memberships. Their $24.99 per month membership offers you discounted tests, affordable doctor consultations, and one free monthly test of your choice. Their $49.99 per month membership offers the same benefits, but with the option of taking a free doctor’s consultation or a free test every month.

Also, you can use this chart for a quick comparison of the nine tests in our roundup:

Company	Price	Type	Test for	Insurance accepted?	Medication?	Results	Follow-up care?
STDCheck	$–$$	lab-based	basics*, hepatitis (A, B, and C)	No	Yes; $95	1–2 days	Yes; $95
LetsGetChecked	$–$$$	self-collection	basics, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma*	No	Yes, for an additional cost	2–5 days	If positive; for $39
Everlywell	$–$$	self-collection	basics*, hepatitis C	No	No	within days	If positive
Nurx	$$–$$$	self-collection	basics*, hepatitis C	Yes	Yes	within 7 days	Yes
myLAB Box	$–$$$	self-collection	basics, Mycoplasma*	No	For chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis	2–5 days	If positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis
PrioritySTD	$–$$	lab-based	basics*, hepatitis B and C	No	For chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis	1–3 days	If positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis
iDNA	$–$$$	self-collection	basics, hepatitis C, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma*	No	Part of iDNA membership	2–7 days	Part of iDNA membership

*Note that we use the term ‘basics’ to encompass chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, HPV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Other STDs tested are unique to that brand

STIs are infections transmitted from one person to another during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

An STI is considered an STD when it causes symptoms. Usually, an infection is the first step on the road to potentially developing a disease.

Not all diseases start as infections. But in the case of STDs, they do. In both cases, STIs and STDs are used interchangeably, mostly because of the stigma that is associated with the term “STD.” We also use these interchangeably throughout the article.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018, 1 in 5 people in the United States had an STD or STI.

Although common, most people don’t realize they have an STI because most of these infections have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.

pain during sex
urethral discharge or burning for people with a penis
genital ulcers
sores or bumps
itchiness
abdominal pain

Vaginal discharge can also be a symptom of an STD.

Common STIs include:

syphilis
genital herpes
gonorrhea
hepatitis B
HIV
genital warts or human papillomavirus (HPV)
chlamydia

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While most STIs are contracted through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, some can be transmitted through nonsexual means, such as blood transfusions and shared products, like needles and syringes.

While not all STIs cause symptoms, knowing what to look out for can make it easier to get prompt treatment. Here are some of the most common symptoms of STIs:

itchiness or burning of the vagina or penis
pelvic pain
discharge from the vagina or penis
strong vaginal odors
vaginal bleeding that isn’t a period
sores around the genital area, anus, or mouth
a need to pee frequently
pain when urinating or having a bowel movement
vaginal pain when having sex

With dozens of at-home testing kits available, it can be hard to choose the right one. After all, what does a good at-home STD testing kit look like? What should it entail? What do you need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your needs will vary, depending on your situation and circumstances. Also, they may change over time.

This chart can help you determine which type of test is right for you.

Reasons to test	Fully online test	Home-to-lab test	In-office test
out of curiosity	X	X	X
after sex without a condom, a broken condom, or another barrier method	X	X
experiencing unusual symptoms	X
before or after a new partner	X	X
to confirm a prior infection cleared	X	X
recent or current partner received a positive test	X
want to stop using a condom with your current partner	X	X
haven’t had an in-office test in 1 or more years	X	X	X

If you think you’ll need help determining results from your at-home test, taking an in-office test may be preferable. It’s an immediate source of information, and an action plan can be created on-site in the case of a positive result.

Also, be sure the test you choose is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To determine whether the FDA approves a product, you can check the FDA’s website .

Pros

It’s more discreet.
They can test multiple STDs and STIs at once.
The timing for collecting the sample may be more convenient for you.

Cons

If results are positive, treatment is not readily available.
The results may be difficult to read.
There may be potential delays in sending and receiving tests.
The tests may be expensive.

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While every home STI testing service is different, most of the brands recommended here offer professional advice or support for reading test results at home.

If you do a fully at-home STI test, there is a risk that you’ll misinterpret your results. Lab-based tests can also be difficult to interpret if you have no medical background.

As such, it’s best to opt for a testing service where you have access to a healthcare professional who can discuss your results with you. They can help you interpret your results and advise you on treatments and safety.

Talk with a healthcare professional if one of your partners has recently tested positive for an STD or STI or if you’re experiencing possible symptoms of an STI.

The CDC recommends STD screenings from a healthcare professional for the following cases:

You’re between 13 and 64 years old and have never been tested for HIV.
You share needles. Your doctor may recommend annual HIV testing.
You have sex without a condom or other barrier methods. Your doctor may recommend annual HIV testing.
People who are sexually active and assigned female at birth, people assigned male at birth, and people under 25 years old may want to undergo annual chlamydia and gonorrhea testing.
People who are sexually active and assigned male at birth who have sex with other people assigned male at birth may want to undergo testing as frequently as every 3 to 6 months.
You have oral or anal sex regularly. Your doctor may recommend throat and rectal testing.
You’re pregnant. Your doctor will test you for hepatitis B and C, HIV, and syphilis.

If you have an STI but are experiencing more or worsening symptoms, like genital discharge or urinary symptoms, contact a healthcare professional to further evaluate your symptoms.

How can you test for STDs at home?

Our roundup of seven at-home STD tests is a good starting point if you want to get tested without contacting a doctor.

Depending on the test, you may need to visit a lab for collection. Every other part of the process, including the lab order, payment, and results, is done online.

If you receive a positive test result, the testing kit company may offer a consultation with one of their doctors. During that consultation, you can discuss any next steps, such as further testing or treatment.

At this point, it’s also a good idea to contact your primary care doctor to share your results.

How do at-home and lab-direct STD tests work?

With both at-home and lab-direct tests, you’ll provide a sample. The samples may include blood, urine, anal, vaginal, or oral swabs.

The samples are submitted to a lab, and results are shared discreetly.

If you receive a positive STD result, contact your primary care doctor to discuss the best treatment option for you. Also, be prepared to notify any partners of the positive result.

How do I know if I should get tested?

If you’re sexually active or engaging in activities that have the potential to increase your chance of an STD or STI, it’s important to get tested.

In fact, according to the CDC , “Getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.”

How can I tell if I have an STD without going to the doctor?

An at-home test may confirm whether you have an STD, but it’s important to contact your doctor if you have symptoms of a possible infection. These symptoms may include:

vaginal or penile burning or discharge
frequent urination
pelvic or genital pain
sores or bumps around your genitals, anus, or mouth
atypical bleeding (bleeding other than menstruation)

How often should I get tested?

The CDC recommends that people ages 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once a year as part of their routine health checkup.

The CDC also recommends that sexually active women under 25 years old get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.

In addition, the CDC suggests that pregnant people get tested for syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV early in their pregnancy.

Sexually active men who have sex with men may want to also get tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea annually.

If you experience symptoms at any time, don’t wait to get tested. The quicker you’re tested, the sooner you can begin treatment.

Are STD tests accurate?

Most modern STD tests are very accurate. Still, test accuracy can vary, depending on the type of sample and the test detection method.

Traditional in-office tests are more accurate than fully online tests, and home-to-lab tests are more accurate than self-collected tests. But all are highly efficient.

How reliable are at-home STD tests?

While in-office STD tests may be considered the most reliable, the at-home test kits on our list also have a reputation for being accurate.

It’s important that you don’t rely on home testing in place of contacting your doctor if you have any possible symptoms of an STD or STI or have other important questions about your overall health.

Does insurance cover STD tests?

Most insurance plans cover the cost of STD tests, as these tests are considered preventive and covered under the Affordable Care Act. But whether your plan covers a specific STD test depends on several factors, including your:

age
sex and gender
risk factors
pregnancy status

Also, the coverage of at-home tests varies.

To learn more about your specific options, talk with a nurse, a doctor, or your insurance company.

You can also find free or low cost STD testing sites across the country.

Can you test for STDs by yourself?

Yes. For at-home STD testing, you collect a urine sample or an oral or genital swab and then send it to a lab for analysis. You can collect the sample in the privacy of your home without the need for a pelvic exam or office visit.

Testing for STDs and STIs regularly is important.

Testing can help prevent the transmission of STIs. It can also help you get the appropriate treatment if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, as many STDs and STIs can be treated or cured.

Contacting a doctor or other healthcare professional is generally the most reliable way to know whether you’ve contracted an STI or have an STD. But an at-home test is an excellent alternative. For many, an at-home test is a confidential and convenient option.

Kimberly Zapata is a mother, writer, and mental health advocate. Her work has appeared on several sites, including The Washington Post, HuffPost, Oprah, Vice, Parents, Health, and Scary Mommy — to name a few. When her nose isn’t buried in work (or a good book), Kimberly spends her free time running Greater Than: Illness, a nonprofit organization that aims to empower children and young adults working through mental health conditions. Follow Kimberly on Facebook or Twitter.

Kristeen Cherney is a freelance writer and PhD candidate who specializes in covering topics related to mental disabilities, women’s health, skin health, diabetes, thyroid disease, asthma, and allergies. She’s also currently working on her dissertation, which explores intersections of disability studies and literacy studies. When she’s not researching or writing, Cherney enjoys getting outdoors as much as possible. She also practices yoga and kick-boxing.

Last medically reviewed on March 24, 2023

The 7 Best At-Home STD Tests of 2023