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Having been both a fretful young woman not wanting to be pregnant and also, later, a woman desperately wanting to see a second line, I understand that pregnancy tests are fraught little devices. Because so much is riding on them, you should know how they work, how to use them, and which ones are the best. To find this out, I spoke with Dr. Veronica M. Alvarez-Galiana, M.D. of Community Health of South Florida, Inc.
How Do They Work?
Pregnancy tests test your urine for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG is a hormone produced by trophoblast tissue, which is found in early embryos. Alvarez-Galina says that the tests on the market test for the beta type of this hormone at differing levels. Traditional pregnancy tests look for HCG at higher levels than early-type pregnancy tests, which are more sensitive and can predict pregnancy even before your cycle is set to begin.
There are several different types of pregnancy tests, including digital readout tests, plus sign or line applicator-based tests, and those jumbo packs of urine dip tests that many a TTC mom has purchased after spending too much on digital tests. (It’s me, I was the TTC mom buying tests in bulk.)
It turns out that there’s no one pregnancy test better than another. Galina tells Best Products, “The only advantage is that digital tests don’t leave room for any questions.” Digital tests are black and white, yes or no, pregnant or not pregnant. No holding the test up to the light to squint and look for a faint line, no vagueness at all. Also, early pregnancy tests are good for people tracking their ovulation who want to test a bit sooner.
Besides that, it's all a matter of choice, convenience, cost, and the age of your tests. The one big thing that Dr. Alvarez-Galina stresses is that an expired test is not a reliable test. If your tests have been in your drawer for a while, you should throw them away. Expired tests can lead to false-positive results, which no one wants.
Each of these pregnancy tests has shown to be accurate, and I chose a variety of the best-reviewed pregnancy tests at every price point and in every style.
1
Well-Known Early Result
FIRST RESPONSE Early Result Pregnancy Test (Packaging & Test Design May Vary)
Whether you've been trying to get pregnant for months or weren't even trying in the first place, First Response is the most-popular early result brand that gives you answers up to six days before your missed period.
This is a double-line type, three-pack of tests, which should last three months — but if we're being honest, we're peeing on all three at once.
More: Pregnancy Essentials You Didn't Know You Needed
This digital stick test will clearly tell you if you’re “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant.” This test is 99% accurate at detecting pregnancy from the day of your missed period, along with a countdown timer that only leads to just a little bit of palm sweat.
A five-pack for under $30 is a great deal for the sometimes pricey tests. Easy to use and easier to read, these are truly great tests.
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If you’re the type of person who tests multiple times each cycle, this set of 50 test strips for under $20 is your best bet.
It’s a urine dip test that shows two lines when you’re pregnant and one line if not pregnant. Yes, it’s a bulk test, and you do have to provide your own urine receptacle — but for the price and peace of mind, it can’t be beaten.
And don’t worry, they’re no less accurate than any other test on the market — just sure you’re using a clean, disposable cup for each test!
We get it — you want multiple tests at an affordable price, but you don't want to do a dip test. Fair. This five-pack of tests is the simple standard variety, easy to use, no cup needed.
The kit is under $9, which is a very good deal at less than just $2 per pregnancy test.
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This pack of pregnancy test strips is an affordable way to stock up on HCG detection without the frills. What sets this bulk buy apart is the individual packaging.
It doesn't hurt to have a bunch on hand for easy access — you might test up to three times per suspected pregnancy for ease of mind.
Everything has an app these days, including pregnancy tests. This four-pack of line-style tests is highly sensitive, testing for the lowest levels of HCG available in any test.
The available accompanying app helps you determine when to test, tells you what that means, and can even follow you through TTC and pregnancy.
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Whether you're just starting your TTC journey, or if it's old hat, this set of both pregnancy and ovulation tests makes the whole thing easy and affordable. This kit comes with 20 pregnancy tests, 60 ovulation tests, and 80 urine collection cups. The only thing it doesn't come with are prenatal vitamins.
So, you want to be sure. Really, really sure? Well, let me introduce you to triple-check tests.
One is an early test, one is a rapid test, and one is a digital test. The three-pack costs just $15, and one thing is for sure — there will be no gray area about your pregnancy status after these three tests.
Cat Bowen
Senior Editor for Commerce, Reviews
Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
Dana Baardsen
Senior Editor at BestProducts.com
Dana is the former Parenting Editor at BestProducts.com, where she’s been using her degree in nutrition and food science and experience in parenting editorials to cover trending topics in the family and fitness industries since 2012; Her work has been featured on Fit Pregnancy, Refinery 29, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, Men’s Health, Parents, and more. Dana also reported for the health vertical at NBC Universal’s iVillage.com for two years and in 2018 she edited the book, The Cool Girl’s Guide to the FODMAP Diet. In a previous life, Dana coached nutrition at WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) centers and fitness facilities in New York City, New Jersey, and beyond. She’s also certified in corporate wellness management and food and alcohol management.