REASONS TO BUY
Cheap
Accurate
Fever alert
3 ways to use
REASONS TO AVOID
Rigid tip
Slow
Vicks SpeedRead Review
A simple, reliable choice that prioritizes affordability over comfort
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Credit: Lissette Velasquez
By Lissette Velasquez ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ March 19, 2026
RELATED: The Best Thermometers
Our Verdict
The Vicks SpeedRead is an incredibly accurate, easy-to-read stick thermometer that won't break the bank. Whether testing your newborn for a fever or tracking your daily temperature trends, this probe has you covered with reliable oral, rectal, or underarm reads. Compared to pricey touch-free forehead scanners, the Vicks can feel a bit invasive and slow. And, if we could change one thing, it'd be adding a flexible tip for better comfort. That said, its simple waterproof design, color-coded display, and consistent readings make it a dependable choice for budget-oriented shoppers.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The SpeedRead is a classic stick thermometer with a simple design and a light-up display that makes fever checks easy. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
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.
The Vicks' works orally, rectally, or underarm, making it a reliable choice for newborns and grown-ups. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
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 large, crisp display and fever indicator are easy to read Credit: Lissette Velasquez
The tip is waterproof, making cleanups and sterilization easier after each use.
The waterproof tip makes it easy to clean after each use. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
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.
Some adult testers didn't love the feel of the rigid tip rubbing against the teeth or pressed into the underside of the tongue, but kids didn't seem to mind. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
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.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Vicks SpeedRead versus top competing products:
| Awards |  Best Stick Thermometer on a Budget |
|---|---|
| Price | $10.00 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | A simple, reliable choice that prioritizes affordability over comfort |
| Pros | Cheap, accurate, fever alert, 3 ways to use |
| Cons | Rigid tip, slow |
| Rating Categories | Vicks SpeedRead |
| Accuracy & Consistency (50%) | |
| Ease of Use (35%) | |
| Speed (15%) | |
| Specifications | Vicks SpeedRead |
| Sensor Type | Oral, Underarm, Rectal |
| Backlight | Yes |
| Silent Mode | No |
| Measured Average Read Time | 11 sec |
| Measured Deviation from 98.6° F | 0.2 °F |
| Measured Display Size | Medium |
—Lissette Velasquez
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