The Fast Facts
- At-home testosterone test kits use a finger-prick blood sample, with results generally available within a week.
- Some companies also offer saliva-based tests, which are pain-free and easy to collect, though blood tests remain the gold standard for accuracy.
- We rated the Everlywell At-Home Testosterone Test Kit as best overall for its fast turnaround time and affordability.
The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.
The following table compares the at-home testosterone tests in this article.
| Collection method | Results time | Price | Benefits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everlywell | finger prick | a few days | $69 | • accepts FSA and HSA payments • free shipping • option to pay via Klarna • uses CLIA certified labs • personalized results • membership options |
| Labcorp OnDemand | in-person blood sample | 1 day | $69 | • phlebotomist comes to your home • accepts FSA and HSA payments • 10% discount off first test • quick results • accepts some insurance plans |
| Quest | in-person blood sample | 3 to 5 days | $69 | • phlebotomist comes to your home • accepts FSA and HSA payments • results available via email and MyQuest (free patient portal) • option to pay via Klarna or Affirm |
| myLAB Box | finger prick | 2 to 5 days | $79 | • accepts FSA and HSA payments • uses CLIA certified labs • free shipping on orders $150+ • free phone consultation with a physician to discuss results • women owned business |
| LetsGet Checked | finger prick | 2 to 5 days | $79 | • accepts FSA and HSA payments • uses CLIA certified labs • 24 hour access to nurses • free shipping |
| Verisana | saliva | 1 week | $49.95 | • free shipping |
Medical News Today chooses at-home testosterone tests that meet the following criteria:
- Laboratories: Where possible, MNT chooses companies that process test samples in
CLIA-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations. - Test result speed: MNT selects companies that promise fast results.
- Further support: MNT includes companies that can help interpret a person’s testosterone level result.
- Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets. While most at-home companies do not accept insurance, we include ones that accept HSA/FSA payments.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
A person may consider the following when choosing an at-home testosterone test:
- Price: Some testosterone tests can be expensive. The lowest-cost option in this roundup is saliva-based, whereas blood sample tests are more expensive, but may be more accurate. A person should speak with a doctor to check whether the test will be useful for them.
- Collection method: A person may also prefer a specific sample collection method. Some tests require a blood sample, which typically involves a finger prick or a lab visit for a blood draw. Some may require a person to take a saliva sample.
- Scope of test: Tests will look for different things, and a person should check what a company tests for before purchasing to ensure they will get the information they need in their results.
- Company reputation: A person should buy tests from a reputable brand. This indicates the company uses reliable and regulated labs to produce accurate test results. A person can read independent reviews on the Better Business Bureau site to learn about customer experiences with their chosen brand.
- Support: Some brands offer support from medical professionals when a person receives their results. This could be helpful for people who would like help understanding or interpreting their results. If a person chooses a brand that does not offer follow-up support, they should speak with a doctor about their results before making any decisions about their health.
- Testing speed: A person should research how long a company may take to deliver results. Many companies offer results within 2 to 5 days. A person may also have to send their sample to the lab on certain days to avoid mail delays.
Is a blood or saliva sample better for testosterone tests?
Saliva samples are pain-free and easy to collect. While older studies question their accuracy, newer research suggests saliva testing may be more reliable than once thought.
For example, a
That said, blood samples are still considered the gold standard, especially in clinical settings. As of now, only one at-home testosterone test using saliva samples meets our strict product selection and vetting process. So, we largely recommend blood-based tests for those seeking reliable at-home results.
Testosterone is a hormone that
Typical testosterone ranges for males are between
Symptoms of low testosterone in males include hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and a low sex drive. Symptoms of high testosterone in females
A person could take a home testosterone test if they have symptoms of low testosterone.
In males, these may include:
- low sex drive
- erectile dysfunction
- loss of body hair
- a loss of lean muscle mass
- tiredness
- having a higher body mass index
- low mood and energy
- issues with memory and focus
However, these symptoms may not exclusively relate to low testosterone.
A person could also take the test if they believe they are experiencing an excess of testosterone, with symptoms
Monitoring testosterone levels is important for transgender men and transmasculine people undergoing female-to-male testosterone therapy, which is also called T therapy.
Current guidelines, which date back to 2016, state that people should check their testosterone levels every 3 months for the first year they use hormone therapy. After this, they can check less regularly every 6 to 12 months.
If an individual has severe symptoms of high or low testosterone, they should not take an at-home test and instead contact a doctor for advice. People should not make health decisions according to the results of an at-home testosterone test without first discussing them with a doctor.
Testosterone tests are a way for healthcare professionals to diagnose low testosterone levels.
Testosterone levels are
There is also evidence that testosterone levels change seasonally, with people having the highest levels of this hormone in August to October and becoming lowest in March.
While more research is necessary to investigate the link between season and testosterone levels, results may be more accurate if a person tests during late summer and early fall.
Several causes of low testosterone are not symptoms of a clinical condition, such as:
- aging
- obesity
- using medication, such as antidepressants and narcotic pain medication
A person needs to contact a doctor if they have any symptoms of low or high testosterone.
A doctor will discuss what else may be causing their symptoms and order appropriate tests.
If a person uses a testosterone test kit at home, they need to discuss their results with a doctor before making any decisions about their health.
However, the results of at-home tests should not replace care from a healthcare professional.
Yes, a person can test their testosterone levels in the privacy of their own home using an at-home test kit. Brands to consider include
Although home tests may help indicate a person’s testosterone levels, they may not be as accurate as in-person tests from a doctor’s office. Plus, they will only indicate whether a person’s levels are high or low and are unlikely to indicate the cause. People should contact a doctor to discuss and confirm their at-home test results.
We have chosen the
A man with low testosterone may experience symptoms such as a low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, tiredness, and low mood.
A woman with low testosterone may experience vaginal dryness, muscle weakness, and irregular menstrual cycles, among other symptoms.
A person will need to take a testosterone test if they want to confirm their symptoms are due to low testosterone levels.
The cost of a testosterone test can vary depending on the provider and type of test. Most at-home testosterone test kits cost between $49.95 and $79, while in-person tests may cost more.
Medical professionals expect testosterone levels to decrease with age. However, these levels may fall below average, resulting in adverse symptoms.
A person can test their testosterone levels using an at-home test that they can purchase online. Many use a saliva sample, but some involve a blood or urine sample. Testing companies usually provide results within a few days or weeks.
If an individual’s results are higher or lower than average, it is best to discuss them with a medical professional before making changes affecting their health.