Braun ThermoScan 5 Review

Name: Braun ThermoScan 5
Brand: Braun

Fast, dependable ear readings without all the extras

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Credit: Lissette Velasquez

Price: $45 List

Manufacturer: Braun

By Lissette Velasquez ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ March 19, 2026

OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#5 of 10

Accuracy & Consistency - 50% 7.0
Ease of Use - 35% 7.0
Speed - 15% 8.0

RELATED: The Best Thermometers of 2026

Best Ear Thermometer

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Our Verdict

If you like quick and reliable ear readings, the Braun ThermoScan 5 is a great pick. This classic thermometer has been around for over a decade, and its simple, no-nonsense design has made it a trusted staple in homes. It's not the flashiest thermometer, but it consistently scored well in all our tests thanks to its intuitive controls, accurate reads, and easy cleanups. It's not cheap, though, and requires you to pull on the ears — which can be a challenge with wiggly kids — but for dependable, straightforward readings, it's totally worth it.

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)

	This Product Braun ThermoScan 5	GoodBaby No-Touch FC-IR202	Frida Baby 3-in-1	Vicks SpeedRead	Boncare 10 Second
Awards	Best Ear Thermometer	Best Touchless Thermometer	Best Thermometer for Babies and Kids	Best Stick Thermometer on a Budget
Price	$45 List Check Price at Amazon	$20.00 List Check Price at Amazon	$40 List Check Amazon (on sale!)	$10.00 List Check Price at Amazon	$9.00 List Check Amazon (on sale!)
Overall Score	72	80	75	74	64
Star Rating	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5
Bottom Line	This simple ear thermometer is speedy and reliable, but a bit expensive	A low-priced thermometer that hits all the marks	A pricey forehead and ear scanner with spot-on accuracy	An accurate stick thermometer for budget-oriented shoppers	A low-cost stick thermometer that's accurate, but slow
Rating Categories	Braun ThermoScan 5	GoodBaby No-Touch FC...	Frida Baby 3-in-1	Vicks SpeedRead	Boncare 10 Second
Accuracy & Consistency (50%)	7.0	7.0	8.0	8.0	8.0
Ease of Use (35%)	7.0	9.0	6.0	7.0	5.0
Speed (15%)	8.0	9.0	9.0	6.0	4.0
Specifications	Braun ThermoScan 5	GoodBaby No-Touch FC...	Frida Baby 3-in-1	Vicks SpeedRead	Boncare 10 Second
Sensor Type	Ear	Forehead	Ear, Forehead	Oral, Underarm, Rectal	Oral, Underarm, Rectal
Backlight	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Silent Mode	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
Measured Average Read Time	2 sec	1 sec	1 sec	11 sec	15 sec
Measured Deviation from 98.6° F	0.2 °F	0.3 °F	0.2 °F	0.2 °F	0.1 °F
Measured Display Size	Medium	Large	Medium	Medium	Small

Our Analysis and Test Results

braun thermoscan 5 - the thermoscan 5 is a simple, easy-to-use thermometer with reliable... — The ThermoScan 5 is a simple, easy-to-use thermometer with reliable results. Credit: Lissette Velasquez

Likes

The Braun ThermoScan 5 scored well across the board, with a simple, easy-to-use design that's both fast and accurate.

Compared to other thermometers we've tested, the ThermoScan 5 is very reliable, with typical measurements within 0.2°F of medical-grade probes.

braun thermoscan 5 - although the display isn't backlit, it's easy enough to read in most... — Although the display isn't backlit, it's easy enough to read in most lighting conditions. Credit: Lissette Velasquez

Although it skips out on extra perks like a light-up display and silent mode, it's very straightforward to operate. Just turn the power on, hit the scan button, and your result is ready in two seconds. The built-in stability sensor automatically ensures you get a reliable reading on squirmy kids.

Braun says this thermometer is designed for newborns, but most pediatricians suggest waiting until babies are at least 6 months. Ear thermometers are just less reliable in tiny ears.

braun thermoscan 5 - a special lever releases the lens filter, making cleanups a breeze. — A special lever releases the lens filter, making cleanups a breeze. Credit: Lissette Velasquez

This model also comes with disposable lens filters, which make it easy to clean. The filters are conveniently stored in the ThermoScan's storage case, so you don't have to worry about misplacing them.

braun thermoscan 5 - the filters and thermometer are conveniently stored in the included... — The filters and thermometer are conveniently stored in the included case. Credit: Lissette Velasquez

Dislikes

There are two downsides, though: cost and comfort. The ThermoScan 5 is slightly more expensive than other models we've tested, and has the added cost of replacement filters. You'll have to decide if you prefer the convenience of easy clean-ups or the money-saving of a filter-free model.

braun thermoscan 5 - this thermometer requires ear pulling, which not all kids and adults... — This thermometer requires ear pulling, which not all kids and adults will like. Credit: Lissette Velasquez

Plus, like all ear thermometers, it requires pulling the ear back, which some young kids might protest, especially if they're not feeling well. This also makes it somewhat tricky to take a measurement on yourself.

braun thermoscan 5 - if you can stomach the higher price tag, we think most in-ear... — If you can stomach the higher price tag, we think most in-ear thermometer users will love the ThermoScan 5. Credit: Lissette Velasquez

Should You Buy the Braun ThermoScan 5?

If you're looking for a basic thermometer that's accurate, fast, and easy to use, you'll love the Braun ThermoScan 5. Disposable lens filters make it suitable for the whole family, and accurate readings make it a thermometer you can trust for everyday check-ins. However, it can't be used in low light and requires ear pulling, which not everyone likes. Still, if you can afford it, we think the ThermoScan 5 is an excellent choice.

What Other Thermometers Should You Consider?

If you like the ThermoScan 5, but prefer a light-up display or app compatibility, the upgraded Braun ThermoScan 7 and Braun ThermoScan 7+ Connect are worth checking out. Or if you like the simple design, but prefer something cheaper, the Vicks SpeedRead and GoodBaby No-Touch FC-IR202 are great alternatives.

—Lissette Velasquez