We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
Sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), or STIs, affect millions of sexually active people every year. They range from self-resolving and easily curable to chronic and potentially life-threatening. Early detection is essential to receive the most effective treatment and avoid spreading it to others.
Here, we look at the best home STD test ordering companies and what makes them shine above the rest. The best STD test overall is LetsGetChecked, thanks to its convenience and range that includes lesser-known infections.
Best STD Test
The best STD test covers a range of infections, gives you rapid results, and has robust privacy protections. You don’t need to arrange awkward in-person appointments; your insurance company does not need to know. Some even provide treatment options for certain infections or telemedicine consultations.
LetsGetChecked is the best STD test, thanks to advantages including anonymous barcodes, use of the same labs as hospitals, and several panel options.
1. LetsGetChecked – Best STD Test Overall – Ranking 4.9/5
Pros
Choose between tests for two, five, and eight STDs It uses the same laboratories as doctors and hospitals Secure online account Discreet packaging
Cons
Requires a pinprick blood testTreatment is not available to all US states
Why Pick LetsGetChecked?
If you’re looking for the best std tests on the market today, LetsGetChecked is, overall, the best home STD test provider. You can choose between panels of two, five, and eight sexually-transmitted diseases. With discreet packaging, results in two to five days, and treatment options for some infections, you don’t need anyone to know that you may have an STD. With LetsGetChecked, you are guaranteed to have the best std test at home and not even worry about leaving the confines of your home.
If you have a positive result, you can schedule an online appointment with a medical professional for treatment or guidance. Chlamydia, Gardnerella, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma (all bacterial infections), alongside trichomoniasis, have treatment options available for 35 states.
Who Shouldn’t Pick LetsGetChecked?
Even though LetsGetChecked offers the best std test at home, it may not suit you if you live in one of the 15 US states where the company cannot provide medication. These include Alaska, Idaho, and West Virginia.
LetsGetChecked Ranking: 4.9/5
Available Tests – 4.9/5
LetsGetChecked is among the best home STD test options for testing panels. The Simple 2 tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea, while the Standard 5 adds in HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Complete 8 adds Gardnerella, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma.
Cost – 4.9/5
The Simple 2 costs just $99, covering the two most common STDs. The Standard 5 costs $149, and the Complete 8 is $249.
Discreetness – 4.9/5
With anonymized barcodes and online consultations that may prevent a trip to the doctor’s office, LetsGetChecked is one of the best at-home STD test companies for privacy.
Customer Satisfaction – 4.9/5
Online reviews describe LetsGetChecked as the best home STD test for fantastic customer service, such as replacing a botched test kit.
Summary
LetsGetChecked is the best STD test company overall, with private at-home tests, remote medical support, and brilliant customer service.
2. STD Check – Best for Easy Testing – Ranking 4.9/5
Pros
Same-day results available Won’t report results to your insurance company Choose between individual tests or the complete 10-test panel
Cons
You must go to a collection facility
Why Pick STD Check?
STD Check is the best STD test for the range of infections covered, easy testing, and rapid results. After a walk-in test at one of their collection centers, you can expect your results in one or two days. In some cases, their clinicians can prescribe medication if you test positive.
The 10-test panel includes chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, herpes 1 and 2, and hepatitis A and B. Their HIV tests include an RNA test to detect it within nine to 11 days of exposure. Early treatment minimizes the damage to your immune system and almost eliminates your chances of transmitting HIV when your viral load is under 200 copies/mL [1].
Who Shouldn’t Pick STD Check?
If you’re searching for the best at-home STD test, STD Check may not be for you. Consider LetsGetChecked, the best STD test-at-home service that allows you to mail your test samples in discreet packaging.
Additionally, do not wait to use STD Check if you suspect you were exposed to HIV last night. Post-exposure prophylaxis is only effective in the first 72 hours, when even the best STD test won’t detect the virus [1].
STD Check Ranking: 4.9/5
Available Tests – 4.9/5
STD Check is one of the best STD test providers for variety. Their lab tests include chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and herpes. They also have the best STD test for early HIV detection.
Cost – 4.9/5
The 10-test panel costs just $139, or $259 if you include HIV RNA early detection.
Discreetness – 4.8/5
STD Check won’t disclose your results to your insurance company, so your privacy is protected. However, you do need to visit a testing facility.
Customer Satisfaction – 4.9/5
Thanks to their flexible appointment scheduling, customer service, care for your privacy, and the range of tests, STD Check has glowing reviews online.
Summary
STD Check is the best STD test for ease of use and range of illnesses it detects. Testing only takes a couple of minutes with a urine or blood sample, and no paperwork is required.
3. My Lab Box – Best At-Home STD Test – Ranking 4.8/5
Pros
Best at-home STD test range, including a 14-panel optionBest home STD test if you are concerned about HIV, thanks to its PrEP test kit Includes couples’ kits to help you save 10%
Cons
Human papillomavirus test unavailable for women under 30
Why Pick My Lab Box?
When it comes to the best std test at home, My Lab Box is the best STD test-at-home service for convenience. Their offerings include a pain-free HPV swab, a vaginal health panel, and a 14-panel Total Box. With the Love Box, My Lab Box is the best home STD test service for couples.
Even the Total Box tests, which cover chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, and herpes II, only take a few minutes to complete. What’s more, My Lab Box sells a PrEP test kit, including everything you need to qualify for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment and follow-up testing.
You can also purchase convenient at-home UTI testing, which involves nothing more than a urine sample. Testing and treatment are essential, as UTIs are painful at best and may spread to your kidneys or other regions at worst [2].
Who Shouldn’t Pick My Lab Box?
Sexually active women under 30 cannot order an HPV test through My Lab Box, which rules out My Lab Box as the best std test for women. If you are in your 20s, Nurx may be the best at-home STD test for HPV.
My Lab Box Ranking: 4.8/5
Available Tests – 4.9/5
My Lab Box is one of the best at-home STD test providers. It features a diverse range of STI testing options, including single infections, comprehensive panels, and selections for older adults, people taking PrEP, couples, and vaginal health.
Cost – 4.7/5
The at-home test kits from My Lab Box are a little more expensive. For example, the eight-panel Uber Box costs $199, compared to $139 for the 10-panel test by LetsGetChecked.
Discreetness – 4.9/5
Testing with My Lab Box takes a few minutes at home, with no need to book a doctor’s appointment, spend time in a waiting room, and (depending on your test) receive a genital swab from someone else.
Customer Satisfaction – 4.7/5
Besides My Lab Box offering the best std test at home, it’s also worth noting that the brand enjoys high degrees of customer satisfaction. Two-thirds of their reviews on TrustPilot are four or five stars, despite it being a common site for complaints.
Summary
My Lab Box provides the best home STD test options for your convenience, helping you to perform your own genital swabs and other tests at home.
4. Rapid STD Testing – Fastest Results – Ranking 4.8/5
Pros
Learn if you test positive within 24–72 hours All positive results remain off your health records Over 2,500 test centers around the USA Best STD test service for custom panels
Cons
More expensive than others, including LetsGetChecked
Why Pick Rapid STD Testing?
The best std tests are not only high in efficacy but also offer fast results; no one wants to wait too long to find out if they have an STD or not. Rapid STD Testing is the best STD test service if you need fast results. To get started, order your tests online and visit your nearest collection center. You will know if you test positive for any STD you’ve selected in less than three business days.
The company has excellent privacy standards, too. Any positive result stays off your health record, keeping your information away from your doctor, bank, credit institution, and health insurance.
Who Shouldn’t Pick Rapid STD Testing?
If you’re on a budget, this provider may not be right for you. For example, the chlamydia and gonorrhea panel costs $189, compared to $99 by LetsGetChecked.
Rapid STD Testing Ranking: 4.8/5
Available Tests – 4.9/5
The company provides tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea (individually and together); hepatitis B and C; herpes; HIV; syphilis; and trichomoniasis. You can also order a custom panel.
Cost – 4.6/5
This provider is more expensive than some other companies we review here, with singular tests starting from $139.
Discreetness – 4.9/5
No one needs to know about your results, not your doctor, insurance company, bank, or anyone managing your health records.
Customer Satisfaction – 4.7/5
Rapid STD Testing enjoys high customer satisfaction, including 3.9/5 stars on TrustPilot.
Summary
Rapid STD Testing lets you know your results in no more than three business days and provides customizable panels with a wide range of tests.
5. Everly Health – Best at Home STD Test Kit – Ranking 4.7/5
Pros
Male and female six-test panels Subscriptions available Great value for money with some testsA medical professional will call if you test positive for any infection
Cons
There have been some complaints of inaccurate results and poor customer service
Why Pick Everly Health?
Everly Health is the best STD test when it comes to at-home testing kits. Lots of std test providers will claim to offer the best std test at home, but show very little to back their bold claim. With Everly Health, you can choose between male and female six-panel tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, hepatitis C, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. The female test uses a vaginal swab and finger prick blood sample, while the male test requires a urine and blood sample.
Afterward, you will receive the results via a secure online platform. They are easy to understand and include additional resources. If there is a positive test result, a medical professional will contact you at no extra cost and (in some cases) provide treatment.
Who Shouldn’t Pick Everly Health?
The self-administered testing process often requires a small blood sample, which may be unsuitable if you fear needles. STD Check or Rapid STD Testing have collection centers where staff can do this for you.
Everly Health Ranking: 4.7/5
Available Tests – 4.8/5
Everly Health stocks all critical STI tests you would expect to find in the best home STD test kits, including HPV and HIV.
Cost – 4.7/5
Some at-home STI tests by Everly Health are cheaper than other companies we’ve reviewed, with $49 for an HPV test and $69 for the chlamydia and gonorrhea combination.
Discreetness – 4.9/5
Everly Health is one of the best home STD test providers for privacy, which even extends to a free remote medical consultation if you receive a positive result.
Customer Satisfaction – 4.5/5
Overall satisfaction is high, but a few customers complain of inaccurate results or poor service.
Summary
Everly Health makes at-home STI tests convenient, with easy instructions, additional resources, and a free consultation after positive results.
6. Health Lab – Best Online STD Test – Ranking 4.7/5
Pros
Several comprehensive panels RNA rapid HIV testing is available Includes panels for MMA fighters and adult talent
Cons
Some STI testing options, such as Mycoplasma, can be expensive
Why Pick Health Lab?
Health Lab is the best STD test available online. A doctor will sign off on your lab-based tests, which are performed in CLIA-certified facilities. However, you can complete them in as little as 15 minutes without the possibility of your insurance company learning your results.
Additionally, Health Lab includes sexually-transmitted disease panels required for work in the adult entertainment industry and as an MMA fighter.
Who Shouldn’t Pick Health Lab?
Health Lab’s Mycoplasma genitalium test is quite expensive, at $198. LetsGetChecked provides Mycoplasma testing as part of the Complete 8, which costs $249.
Health Lab Ranking: 4.7/5
Available Tests – 4.9/5
Health Lab offers 20 STD tests, including HPV, chlamydia, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
Cost – 4.6/5
Some STI tests cost more than their competitors, and there is a 20% cancellation fee. Additionally, consultations made after 21 days of receiving your results have an extra cost.
Discreetness – 4.8/5
Health Lab won’t inform your insurance company of your test or results. However, you cannot order at-home STI tests.
Customer Satisfaction – 4.9/5
TrustPilot gives Health Labs an average rating of 4.9 stars, making it one of the best STD test providers ranked on the site.
Summary
Health Labs is the best STD test company for all the benefits of a “regular” testing experience, without the privacy risks.
7. Priority STD Test – Best Place to Get STD Test – Ranking 4.6/5
Pros
Choose between 10 individual tests or the complete panel Same-day testing is often available Discreet locations and service
Cons
Extra charges for follow-up treatment
Why Pick Priority STD Test?
Priority STD Test is the best STD test company to get a private, comprehensive test. With non-descript lab locations, no one will know what you’re visiting for. Your healthcare provider, usual doctor, and bank won’t receive any information about your test results.
Who Shouldn’t Pick Priority STD Test?
Priority STD Test does not include HPV, and some tests are more expensive.
Priority STD Test Ranking: 4.6/5
Available Tests – 4.6/5
Priority STD Test provides herpes I and II; HIV; syphilis; hepatitis B; hepatitis C; chlamydia; gonorrhea; trichomoniasis; and early HIV detection.
Cost – 4.5/5
Priority STD Test charges extra for a medical consultation if you need treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, and ordering several individual tests can be more expensive.
Discreetness – 4.9/5
With private, non-descript facilities, other patients, your regular healthcare providers, or financial institutions won’t know why you’re there.
Customer Satisfaction – 4.9/5
Priority STD Test enjoys a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot, making it one of the best STD test companies listed on the website.
Summary
Priority is the best STD test company when it comes to visiting a physical location.
8. Persona Lab – Good Variety – Ranking 4.6/5
Pros
Includes antibody test and antigen test for hepatitis B Epstein-Barr virus testing available CD4+ cell count tests are provided, which measure the severity of an HIV infection and medication efficacy
Cons
The website is difficult to navigate and provides little information on some infections
Why Pick Persona Lab?
Persona Lab is the best STD test provider in terms of variety. Out of all testing companies we review in this article, it is the only one that screens for Epstein-Barr virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), and herpesvirus type 6.
We recommend Epstein-Barr virus testing if you suspect an active infection, which may cause fatigue, a sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Getting tested can help you prevent spreading the disease, as it can contribute to autoimmunity in people genetically at risk [3]. HTLV causes no symptoms in over 95% of cases but can be dangerous in some people [4].
Who Shouldn’t Pick Persona Lab?
If you find medical information confusing, Persona Lab may not be right for you. The site is more challenging to navigate than its competitors. Little information is provided on lesser-known tests or the two similar options for each infection.
Persona Lab Ranking: 4.6/5
Available Tests – 4.9/5
Besides common STDs, Persona Lab provides tests for infections that most modern STD tests still neglect, such as the Epstein-Barr virus and HTLV.
Cost – 4.5/5
Some common tests are more expensive than competitors, and lesser-known tests are often pricy.
Discreetness – 4.8/5
Although at-home testing is unavailable, you can enjoy the privacy of discreet lab testing that won’t reveal results to your insurance company.
Customer Satisfaction – 4/5
The Persona Lab website is hard to navigate and may confuse those without extensive medical knowledge.
Summary
Persona Lab is the best STD test company for product variety, including some infections that top competitors don’t cover.
9. Nurx – Discreet Packaging – Ranking 4.4/5
Pros
Friendly, discreet packaging Option to use your health insuranceBest at-home STD tests for access to a medical professional, who you can contact regardless of results
Cons
Lower privacy standards than competitors
Why Pick Nurx?
Nurx is the best STD test-at-home provider when it comes to discreet packaging and access to care. With their friendly branding style, the STD test kits look like almost any other health product. Even better, Nurx is the best home STD test for follow-up care, with services including medication and consultations after negative results.
Who Shouldn’t Pick Nurx?
Unlike other competitors, Nurx does attach identifying information to your results which go into your medical record. Consider Rapid STD Testing instead if you are concerned.
Nurx Ranking: 4.4/5
Available Tests – 4.5/5
Nurx offers testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C, which is substituted for trichomoniasis in the Healthy V test. It is also the best home STD test for HPV, which only requires a vaginal swab and is accessible to women at least 25 years of age.
Cost – 4.9/5
Nurx is the best at-home STD test for value, with five-test panels starting at $75 with insurance.
Discreetness – 4/5
Although your test kit arrives in discreet packaging, your results will go onto your health record and are more likely to be shared.
Customer Satisfaction – 4/5
Many customers describe Nurx as one of the best at-home STD tests. Others on TrustPilot complain of automatic charges and poor customer service.
Summary
Nurx is the best at-home STD test service for discreet packaging. However, it may offer less privacy than competitors.
Is At-Home STI Testing Worthwhile?
STDs, also known as sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), affect several hundred million people yearly. Just four, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and trichomoniasis cause 357 million infections worldwide [5]. The best home STD test panels cover all four.
The best STD test at home is one you will use. Studies show that people are more than twice as likely to follow through with testing if a home-based option is available. The best STD test at home will come in really handy; you don’t need to worry about a stranger seeing or touching an intimate part of your body, unless follow-up treatment requires it, and you can perform the test any time instead of visiting a doctor’s office [6].
How Accurate Are Home STD Tests?
The best STD test at home will have the same standard efficacy as one at an STD center or hospital. Depending on the infection in question, accuracy ranges from 85–100%, with no difference between home- and clinic-based testing. However, even the best home STD test won’t be accurate unless you perform it correctly, so remember to follow all instructions.
When To See a Doctor
See a doctor in-person if you have a fever, bleeding from your genitals, or difficulty urinating; or if your assigned health professional instructs you to do so. The best at-home STD test companies won’t make treatment promises they cannot keep.
If you may have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, seek emergency medical attention for PEP treatment. Although it’s most effective in the first several hours, you are still likely to benefit if you stick to the 72-hour limit, and even the best STD test at home or at a clinic cannot currently detect HIV in this period [1].
How Do the Best Home STD Test Companies Work?
Home STD tests screen for sexually-transmitted infections by urine sample, fingerprick blood test, vaginal swab, or sometimes rectal swab. Simply order your at-home test kit, follow the instructions to complete it, and mail it back for analysis. The best STD test-at-home services will even use anonymous barcodes to protect your privacy.
What Infections Does an At-Home STD Test Cover?
The best STD test at-home companies will include:
Chlamydia, a bacterial infection and the most common STD in the US [5]. Gonorrhea, another bacterial STI. Both can cause difficult urination and pelvic or testicular pain.Syphilis, a bacterial STD that features a well-defined lesion.Herpes, a viral infection that can also cause cold sores. As well as on the genitals, it can also lead to oral and anal STDs.Trichomoniasis, a protozoa that damages the genital lining.Human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts, but may lead to cervical or anal cancer. Some of the best home STD test companies provide this separately to panels.
When Should You Take a Home STD Test?
Take an at-home STI test every year if you are sexually active or if you notice symptoms appearing. As you can take the best STD test at home, you don’t need to feel anxious or take time off work.
FAQs
What are the most common questions surrounding STD tests?
What STDs Are Tested in a Full Panel?
Their range can vary but expect chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, herpes, syphilis, at least one form of hepatitis, and trichomoniasis in the best at-home STD test panels.
Do STDs Show Up in Regular Blood Tests?
No; regular blood testing will reveal vital information such as your blood cell counts, iron levels, and liver enzymes. They do not test for infectious diseases. It’s important to regularly test for STDs if you are sexually active.
What STD Can Be Detected by Urine Test?
You can detect chlamydia and gonorrhea with a urine sample available through the best at-home STD test companies, such as LetsGetChecked.
How We Chose the Best STD Test Companies
The best STD test providers offer a broad range of tests, follow-up support, and strong privacy protections.
Available Tests
The best at-home STD test services provide a broad range of available tests. Urine testing, a blood sample, a vaginal swab, or even a rectal swab are typical home STI test options.
Cost
Consider your budget when choosing an at-home test. The best home STD test won’t necessarily be the most expensive one.
Discreetness
The best at-home STD test keeps information on your sexual health away from insurance companies and financial institutions. Ensure that you read the company privacy policy, including the packaging design and how it will look on your bank statement, so you can discreetly test at home.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is another important factor when searching for the best STD test. Look for average reviews of at least 4/5 stars that describe essential considerations such as privacy and customer service.
The Best STD Test Available in 2022: Final Verdict
The best STD test company will offer testing for a wide range of infections, often including lesser-known diseases. Their STD tests are convenient, accessible to those anxious about seeing doctors and protect your privacy.
Overall, the best STD test options available in 2022 belong to LetsGetChecked. Their anonymous barcodes, telehealth support, and range of STI tests make them our top choice.
Related Articles:
References:
DeHaan, Elliot et al. “PEP to Prevent HIV Infection [Internet].” Baltimore (MD): Johns Hopkins University; 2022 Aug 11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562734/Geerlings, Suzanne E. “Clinical Presentations and Epidemiology of Urinary Tract Infections.” Microbiology spectrum vol. 4,5 (2016): 10.1128/microbiolspec.UTI-0002-2012. doi:10.1128/microbiolspec.UTI-0002-2012Houen, Gunnar, and Nicole Hartwig Trier. “Epstein-Barr Virus and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases.” Frontiers in immunology vol. 11 587380. 7 Jan. 2021, doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.587380Bryan, Elizabeth S. and Prasanna Tadi. “Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus.” [Updated 2022 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560825/Garcia, Michael Ray, and Anton A. Wray. “Sexually Transmitted Infections.” [Updated 2022 Jul 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560808/Ogale, Yasmin et al. “Self-collection of samples as an additional approach to deliver testing services for sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” BMJ global health vol. 4,2 e001349. 22 Apr. 2019, doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001349
Robert is a full-time freelance writer and editor specializing in the health niche and its ever-expanding sub-niches. As a food and nutrition scientist, he knows where to find the resources necessary to verify health claims.
Daniel Boyer is a practicing Doctor of medicine with a passion for medical research. He specializes in molecular biology, histology, and pharmacology.
Discovered on: 2022-11-16 21:00:00
Source: The Best At-Home STD Test in 2022: 9 of the Most Accurate STD Tests
