Best Ear Thermometers

Braun proves ear thermometers can be accurate, too

Digital ear thermometers are criticized for inaccuracy, primarily due to the difficulty of positioning the probe correctly. But the Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer (Est. $50) earns positive remarks from owners and good scores for accuracy and consistency in professional reviews. This digital ear thermometer uses disposable probe covers (Est. $10 for an 80-pack), which improves hygiene. The probe is designed to be comfortable for people of all ages, including small children and older adults.

With the Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer, accurate positioning is ensured with a flashing light and audible beep that lets you know it's in the right spot. In one comparison test of 10 digital thermometers, the Braun Thermoscan earns a good rating for accuracy, a good rating for repeatability and a very good rating for features. Owners agree that this thermometer is accurate, and several owners posting feedback to Amazon.com point out that this model is often used in emergency rooms and other medical settings.

If you're torn between an ear thermometer and a forehead thermometer, the Mobi DualScan 2-in-1 Digital Thermometer 70119 (Est. $20) offers both at less than half the price of the Braun Thermoscan. The trade-off for the low price, however, is a thermometer that's not always accurate -- the most common complaint cited in reviews about the Mobi DualScan.

The Mobi DualScan is packed with added features, including a date and clock feature and a backlit display. It comes with its own stand, in which it stands upright to display the time and other data. The thermometer also stores up to 20 prior readings in memory, so it's useful for monitoring a sick child's temperature during the night or over several days. It also has a built-in LED flashlight, making it easy to position the probe correctly in the middle of the night without turning on a light to disturb a sleeping child or adult. If accuracy is your top priority, reviews say the Braun Thermoscan is worth the extra investment.