Vicks SpeedRead Review
Our Verdict
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 This Product
Vicks SpeedRead | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Stick Thermometer on a Budget |  Best Touchless Thermometer |  Best Thermometer for Babies and Kids | ||
| Price | $10.00 List Check Price at Amazon | $20.00 List Check Price at Amazon | $40 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $20.00 List Check Price at Amazon | $9.00 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | An accurate stick thermometer for budget-oriented shoppers | A low-priced thermometer that hits all the marks | A pricey forehead and ear scanner with spot-on accuracy | Easy temperature checks, but you'll pay for it with frequently battery changes | A low-cost stick thermometer that's accurate, but slow |
| Rating Categories | Vicks SpeedRead | GoodBaby No-Touch FC... | Frida Baby 3-in-1 | iHealth No-Touch PT3 | Boncare 10 Second |
| Accuracy & Consistency (50%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (35%) | |||||
| Speed (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Vicks SpeedRead | GoodBaby No-Touch FC... | Frida Baby 3-in-1 | iHealth No-Touch PT3 | Boncare 10 Second |
| Sensor Type | Oral, Underarm, Rectal | Forehead | Ear, Forehead | Forehead | Oral, Underarm, Rectal |
| Backlight | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Silent Mode | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Measured Average Read Time | 11 sec | 1 sec | 1 sec | 1 sec | 15 sec |
| Measured Deviation from 98.6° F | 0.2 °F | 0.3 °F | 0.2 °F | 0.6 °F | 0.1 °F |
| Measured Display Size | Medium | Large | Medium | Large | Small |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
The best feature of the Vicks SpeedRead is the accuracy. In our tests, this trusty budget buy stayed impressively close to our core temperature at every measurement site — within 0.2°F, to be exact.
Oral and rectal readings offer the best accuracy, but underarm readings are still pretty darn good. Just be sure not to eat or drink prior to taking the measurement, as it could throw the oral results off.
We also love its simple, intuitive design. Press one button to read, then wait for the large, color-coded display to give you your results. The thermometer emits a soft beep when it's done, and though we didn't find a problem with it, some users may find it too quiet.
The tip is waterproof, making cleanups and sterilization easier after each use.
Dislikes
Although the Vicks is intuitive, it can be hard for little ones to sit still long enough for a proper read.
Plus, the probe is rigid, which makes oral and rectal readings less comfortable than with a flexible-tipped probe. Still, with gentle pressure, it feels totally fine.
Should You Buy the Vick SpeedRead?
When accuracy and price matter most, the Vicks SpeedRead is an excellent choice. With options for underarm, oral, and rectal reads, this thermometer is suitable for all ages, newborn to adult. Sure, we wish the probe were a little more comfortable and speedy, but that's a tradeoff we're willing to make for dependable reads.
What Other Thermometers Should You Consider?
For better comfort, we recommend the Vicks SpeedRead ComfortFlex, which features a soft, flexible tip. Alternatively, if you're looking for something faster and less invasive, we also like the GoodBaby No-Touch FC-IR202, an incredibly easy-to-use forehead scanner with excellent accuracy.
—Lissette Velasquez
