It's possible to skip the doctor's office to get results fast. (Everywell, CVS Health, STDcheck.com)
Let's face it: Getting an STD test can be daunting. The traditional route — scheduling an appointment, enduring the endless waiting room stay, then finally meeting with a provider — all for a test that takes mere seconds to perform. It's no wonder people put it off. Fortunately, the best at-home STD tests offer a more convenient option. You can check the status of your sexual health without going to your doctor’s office or local clinic with at-home tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or sexually transmitted infections (STI).
And the need for testing is significant. The US is facing record-high numbers of STDs and STIs, with gonorrhea and syphilis especially on the rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2022, over 3,700 babies were born with syphilis — ten times more than in 2012 — resulting in 231 stillbirths and 51 infant deaths due to syphilis infection during pregnancy. While the younger generation is disproportionately affected by STD and STIs, perimenopausal women and seniors engaging with new partners after divorce or being widowed means they're at risk, too. "Many in this demographic don’t think to use condoms, since contraception may no longer be needed, thus the STI rate increases," explains Alyssa Dweck, MD, a gynecologist and chief medical officer at Bonafide Health.
Regardless of age, if you're sexually active it's important to proactively test for common STDs and STIs at least once a year, especially if you have multiple sexual partners. Fortunately, new testing options make screening more accessible than ever. The best at-home or hybrid at-home tests that screen for STDs and STIs are a reliable and fast, offering benefits like no anxious waiting for provider appointments, privacy to process your results at home and freedom from the hassle of insurance coverage and test pricing. "Access and affordability are benefits of at-home testing," says Dweck.
With dozens of at-home STD tests on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. To identify the best over-the-counter STD and STI tests available — including tests for herpes and syphilis — we consulted multiple doctors and testing experts to help evaluate key factors like the lab's ISO/IEC/CLIA-accredited, test accuracy, ease of use, medical providers availability for consultation, user experience and cost. Since needs and budgets vary, we made sure to include tests for various STDs at different price points. Here are the best at-home STD tests that met our rigorous evaluation criteria.
Update, April 15, 2025: We checked all test kit prices and availability. We added the test kit by Visby and more clearly spelled out the infections each of the products tested for. Our other picks remain unchanged.
Test collection method: Blood, swab (women-only), urine (men-only) | Time until results: 2-5 days | Free shipping: Yes | Infections tested: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C (HCV), HIV, syphilis and trichomoniasis
For comprehensive at-home STD screening, Everlywell tops our list of best at-home STD tests with its male- and female-specific tests you can conduct entirely at home, no doctor or lab visits required.
This STD test kit checks for six sexually transmitted diseases and infections: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis and trichomoniasis. Testing is straightforward: Take a finger prick and vaginal swab (for women) or finger prick and urine sample (for men), then drop your specimens in the mail using the included prepaid shipping box. You'll get results via an app or the website within days.
One stand-out feature is that if you test positive, an Everlywell healthcare provider will reach out to explain your results, discuss treatment options and prescribe medication if necessary. And if you need results quickly, you can opt for express shipping for an extra $30.
While this test is pricy (standard for a complete STD/STI panel), you can save 15% with a semi-annual subscription. The company uses plain and discreet packaging, so you don't have to worry about nosy neighbors or roommates. Insurance coverage depends on your plan, but the tests are FSA- and HSA-approved.
Test collection method: Blood, urine | Time until results: 1-2 days | Free shipping: N/A | Infections tested: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, early HIV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and herpes I and II
STDCheck's test detects 10 STDs and STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, early HIV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and herpes I and II.
After you purchase the test online, you'll get an access code to schedule an appointment at one of the 4,800 affiliated nationwide labs, many offering same-day appointments with results in just 12 to 48 hours. Though this type of hybrid at-home testing approach isn't for everyone, it allows you to skip appointment wait times and awkward conversations with your doctor, keeping results off your medical record without sacrificing the accuracy (and speed) of professional lab testing.
Another major stand-out of STDCheck is you can add the FDA-approved HIV RNA Early Detection test to your order that detects an HIV infection within 9 to 11 days after potential exposure. For focused testing needs, individual STD/STI tests are available.
Test collection method: Urine | Time until results: 1-3 days from the date the lab receives the sample | Free shipping: Yes | Infections tested: Chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis
For budget-conscious testing, CVS's at-home test kit covers three common STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis) for under $100. The test, conducted fully at home, requires a simple urine sample that you ship to the lab using the included prepaid shipping label.
A CLIA-certified laboratory processes your specimen and an independent physician licensed to practice in your state reviews the results. You'll get the final report via a secure online portal 1 to 3 days after the lab receives your test.
"I found this test kit to be extremely user-friendly," writes one reviewer. "The step-by-step instructions were easy to follow, and the entire testing process was efficient."
The only downside? There's no test-affiliated provider to offer a consultation after you get your results. you'll need to visit your medical provider to discuss treatment should you test positive.
Test collection method: Blood, urine | Time until results: 3-5 business days | Free shipping: Yes | Infections tested: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV-1 and HIV-2
If the Quest name sounds familiar, it's likely because there's a Quest lab near you — the company has thousands of locations throughout the US and provides services to many major hospitals and physician offices.
Quest offers two in-lab STD panel options: A basic STD screening panel ($139) that covers chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV 1 and 2 and the expanded screening panel ($269) that screens for that same STDs as basic, plus trichomoniasis and hepatitis B and C. Once you choose a test, you'll make the purchase online, schedule with the lab and head over to provide your blood and urine samples. Should you test positive, you can opt for a physician consultation for an additional $6.
While these STD panels are hybrid tests (buy online, then visit a lab to provide a specimen), the company also offers plenty of tests conducted fully at home.
Quest has a total of nine STD testing kit options to zero in on specific conditions. Options range from $45 for the fully at-home HIV 1 and 2 test kit to tests for women's health, including a urinary tract infection (UTI) test ($39) and 15 men's health tests, including a test to show health risks based on your genetics.
Test collection method: Blood, urine | Time until results: 2-5 days | Free shipping: Yes | Infections tested: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV (I and II), herpes simplex 2, syphilis and trichomoniasis
The MyLab Box Love Box is a fully at-home STD test kit designed to serve couples of any gender combination — and it's a great deal! The kit costs $378 (with 15% off your first purchase if you join the mailing list ), making it about two-thirds the cost of purchasing two separate complete panel tests from a competitor.
Each test screens for eight common STDs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV (I and II), herpes simplex 2, syphilis and trichomoniasis. Simply do a finger-prick blood test and a cavity swab (female) and/or urine sample (male). Next, drop the samples in the pre-paid box and ship to a certified CAP and CLIA high-complexity testing lab. You'll get your results electronically 5 to 7 days after the lab gets your samples. Rest assured, HIPAA security protocols are in full effect, so your data and personal info is protected.
If either partner tests positive, you can consult with state-licensed physician over the phone about next steps and receive treatments if needed. (If the tests are negative, you can still connect with a certified STI counselor.) The tests are FSA and HSA eligible.
Test collection method: Blood, swab, urine | Time until results: Within days | Free shipping: Yes | Infections tested: HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis
Most insurance carriers fully cover Nurx's line of STD/STI test kits. Options include the Full Control Kit (HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and hepatitis C), the Basics Covered at-home STI Home Test Kit (HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) and the Healthy V STI Home Test Kit (HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis).
Nurx's STD tests don't require an in-person visit. Simply provide samples at home and ship to a Nurx affiliated lab.
You can order test through the Nurx website or their easy-to-use app. No matter which you choose, you'll need to answer a few questions about your personal and sexual health to zero in on the best at-home STD test for you.
One reviewer called the whole process "easy and confidential," adding that they loved the experience. "I hate going to doctors, especially around sexual health. The fact that everything can be done without having an in person or video/phone call is AWESOME!"
Beyond STD testing, Nurx offers telehealth services for sexual and general wellness, delivering prescriptions for birth control, acne treatment, emergency contraception and hair loss products directly to your home. There's a $15 sign-up fee, but that includes one year of unlimited provider messaging.
Test collection method: Blood, urine | Time until results: 2-5 days | Free shipping: Yes | Infections tested: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis and trichomoniasis
LetsGetChecked holds your hand from beginning to end. Their detailed video tutorials cover your test kit contents, sample collection techniques, common mistakes to avoid, shipping instructions and lab processing expectations. There's even a walk-through on how to use their super-intuitive app.
The test screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis and trichomoniasis. If you test positive for any, a nurse will reach out to provide next steps, including arranging a virtual doctor consultation ($39) that includes any needed prescriptions.
"If you have anxiety about going to the doctor and requesting an STD screening, this is a really good alternative," wrote one user. "Also, I was able to use my HSA to pay."
Several essential aspects can help guide your choice of an at-home STD test.
What you're testing for: For routine screening with a new partner, consider a test kit that checks a wide range conditions. If you've had known exposure to a specific STD or STI, you might opt for a targeted test or select combination of screenings.
Testing methods: At-home tests include instructions for self-collecting blood, urine or internal swab samples, which you then ship to a lab for testing. If you're not comfortable with home collection, consider a hybrid option that lets you visit a lab for specimen collection.
Budget: Test kits range from $45 for one or two conditions to over $300 for panels testing 10+ conditions. Insurance may cover the cost, and most tests accept HSA and FSA payments. Figuring out your budget beforehand helps narrow your choice between a full panel or specific condition screening.
Follow-up care: Some tests include healthcare provider counseling, while others don't — an important distinction, according to Stephen W. Leslie, MD, associate professor at Creighton University School of Medicine. "There are issues of follow-up and high anxiety when a test is positive and no healthcare professional is available," he says. Consider whether you'd be comfortable waiting to connect with your doctor about positive results, or if you'd prefer a test kit that includes immediate provider consultation.
To find the best at-home STD tests, we consulted multiple doctors, asking them for their professional take on what to look for in an at-home or in-lab STD and STI kits — and which types to consider. From there, we researched more than 25 at-home options, evaluating their sensitivity, ease of use, follow-up care and user reviews.
While the STD tests listed above are the best to test for a range of possible STDs or STIs, there are other solid choices out there, especially if you're looking to test for a specific condition. These include:
While yeast infections aren't considered STDs, it is possible to pass them to your partner during sexual activity. If you suspect you may have a yeast infection, check out the best at-home yeast infection tests, too.
With an at-home test, you collect all specimens in the privacy of your home, then mail them to an affiliated lab in a prepaid envelope or included box. Just because this is a DIY type of situation, doesn't mean doctors aren't for it. In fact, John A. Nelson, PhD, an associate professor at the Rutgers School of Nursing is a huge fan: "I'm a big advocate of home tests and home collection," he says. The tests are easy to use, allow for discretion and privacy — and allow you to avoid any potentially awkward conversations with your doctor or a stranger at a clinic. Plus, the results are accurate and received relatively quickly, says Nelson.
If you're uncomfortable drawing blood or taking samples on your own — and you prefer to skip a trip to your doctor or health clinic — the hybrid at-home test approach might be for you. Here, you purchase the test online and get your results electronically, but you need to visit a nearby lab to get samples taken, usually about a 5 to 10 minute process. Kevin Huffman, DO, a board-certified bariatric physician, shares that a benefit to the hybrid at-home test approach is that "proficient experts conduct in-lab testing, which provides a more extensive and precise evaluation."
Even though the terms STI and STD are often used interchangeably, STIs are infections that have not yet developed into diseases, such as bacterial infections, viruses and parasites. In other words, STIs (infections) can develop into STDs (diseases) if left untreated.
Fun fact (or not): There are more than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites that can be transmitted sexually, yet no single test screens for all of them. Also, different STIs require different detection methods: some through urine, others via blood or swabs. Your chosen test will specify the collection method and what to expect.
Testing methods vary based on what's being screened. "Some require an oral or genital swab; others require urine or blood samples, which will then go to a lab," says women's health expert Jennifer Wider, MD, co-host of the Open Wider podcast. Read the test instructions carefully beforehand to ensure you're comfortable with the procedure.
The only way to know for sure is to get tested. Many STIs have no symptoms, which means you could be positive without knowing it, says Wider. This puts you at risk for health complications such as fertility issues. And it increases the likelihood you'll spread the infection to others.
Yes. According to the American Sexual Health Organization, most home tests should be as accurate as tests done in a doctor’s office. Though some experts are concerned that home herpes tests result in too many false positives. In the end, "many at-home tests are quite reliable, especially when specimens are collected properly and brought to a lab quickly," Wider says.
Local health departments and sexual health clinics such as Planned Parenthood usually offer free or very low-cost sexual health tests. If you prefer to try a nearby clinic, visit your local health department's website to see what's offered. You may even be able to schedule an appointment for testing on the site.
Alyssa Dweck, MD, gynecologist and chief medical officer at Bonafide Health
Kevin Huffman, DO, board-certified bariatric physician
Stephen W. Leslie, MD, associate professor, Creighton University School of Medicine
Jennifer Wider, MD, a women's health expert and co-host of the Open Wider podcast
John A. Nelson, PhD, STI screening researcher and director of the AIDS Education and Training Center at the Rutgers School of Nursing
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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