The Best At-Home Testosterone Tests (2023)

Best Overall : Everlywell

Pros

  • Uses only Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified laboratories to test its kits

  • Accepts HSA/FSA payments

  • Subscribe-and-save option

Cons

  • Tests aren’t available in New York

  • Doesn’t report a specific time frame for receiving results

Everlywell is an Austin, Texas-based company that offers more than 30 at-home testing panels. The company has been in operation since 2015.

Its testosterone test measures levels of free testosterone via a saliva sample at a price of $49. There is also an option to subscribe to receive regular testing kits priced at $24.99 each and save 20% on additional purchases. Everlywell will also accept health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) payments or provide you with an itemized receipt for HSA/FSA reimbursement.

There were a few aspects that stood out about Everlywell’s product, in addition to the wide range of testing capabilities. It only utilizes laboratories that have received a CLIA certification, which can indicate the lab’s quality and reliability. The company also has a board-certified physician review each test result before providing your results.

The company’s test measures free testosterone levels, which, it reports, can be a better predictor of low testosterone. The test provides a report of your testosterone levels, which includes the detected level, assigns it a value of low, normal, or high, and provides you with some suggestions on the next steps.

You can’t get Everlywell’s tests in all states—for regulatory reasons, the company cannot sell the tests in New York. It also doesn’t specify a time frame when you will receive your test results, but it does report that you will get results “within days.”

Best for Blood Testing : Imaware

The Best At-Home Testosterone Tests (3)

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The Best At-Home Testosterone Tests (4)

(Video) Best At Home Testosterone Test Review By LetsGetChecked & Shocking Results!

Pros

  • Blood testing makes results more comparable

  • Does not require fasting or special precautions

  • Offered in all states

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Imaware has been in operation since 2018. While most at-home testosterone kits utilize saliva samples, the Imaware test kit uses a small-drop blood sample to measure total testosterone levels. By using blood testing, you can more easily compare and interpret your results to standardized levels of low testosterone.

The American Urological Association says blood testosterone levels lower than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) are considered low (saliva tests use different units of measurements, specifically the picogram).

The Imaware testing kit costs $69 and comes with an alcohol pad, two lancets to stick your finger, a dry-spot blood card to place the blood on, and a small bandage to apply to the finger. After sticking your finger, you cover the blood card (it’s in a special case) and mail it back to the Imaware laboratory.

Because the test is a blood test and not saliva, you don’t have to wait to eat, brush your teeth, or follow any other restrictions before collecting the sample. Within seven days of mailing your test, you’ll receive a results report.

The company does not file the test with your insurance company, but it does provide information should you wish to pursue reimbursement from your HSA/FSA.

We liked the Imaware platform for testing because the company utilizes CLIA-certified laboratories and physicians to review testing results. A study published in the journal Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) validated its testing methods and results. We also liked that you can see a sample report before purchasing the product.

This is a blood test, so that is one major drawback. If you aren’t comfortable sticking your finger or if you have poor circulation, you may not be able to obtain a result. We also didn’t see information on the company's website that explained what happens if you cannot obtain an adequate blood sample.

However, you can obtain this test in all states. Included in the purchase price is a requisition approved by an Imaware telemedicine doctor so there are fewer state-based restrictions. As a result, you don’t need a separate prescription or requisition to purchase the test.

Best for Speed of Results : myLab Box

Pros

  • Returns results within two to five days of receiving the sample

  • Offers free physician phone consultation to discuss results

  • Accepts HSA/FSA card payments

    (Video) AT HOME Testosterone test | Lets get checked

Cons

  • Most educational focus is on sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing

  • No results example on its website

Based in Los Angeles, California, my LAB Box has been in operation since 2014. While its initial offerings were for STD testing kits, it has expanded to other tests, including testosterone.

The myLab Box test kit offers a saliva testing kit for $79 and measures free testosterone levels. MyLabBox does accept FSA or HSA payments if your insurance company accepts the test as a qualified medical expense. The testing kit promises to return results within two to five days of the laboratory receiving your testing sample, making it one of the fastest results return windows we reviewed.

The company uses CLIA and College of American Pathologists (CAP)-certified laboratories to test samples. It promises to deliver your testing kit in discreet packaging to protect your privacy and confidentiality.

As with other saliva-based testing kits, the myLab Box kit is not available to ship to New York. Another potential drawback is that because its predominant service is STD testing, most of the education and frequently asked questions on the site are related to STI testing and its STI products.

After you receive your results in two to five days, you have the extra option of scheduling a free phone consultation with one of myLab Box's contracted physicians. You can use this opportunity to have further questions answered regarding your results.

Best Discount Options : LetsGetChecked

Get 25% off with code VERYWELL25

Pros

  • Offers coupon codes and subscribe-and-save discounts

  • Accepts HSA or FSA payments

  • Offers free call from a nurse to review your results

Cons

  • Must mail your sample the same day you collect it

  • Must fill sample in a blood collection tube

LetsGetChecked was founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 2014 and launched in the United States in 2017, with an office in New York.

The base price for the LetsGetChecked test is $69, but discounts are often available. For example, the company's website listed a subscribe-and-save option that offers the kit at $48.30 if you sign up to receive one every three months for testing. It also accepts HSA and FSA payments.

The test requires a blood sample and provides results for total testosterone. The test kit comes with alcohol swabs, three lancets, a bandage for your finger, instructions, and a blood collection tube. This is different from most tests, which require you to press your blood onto a dry sample collection. As a result, you may need more blood and the collection process could be messier.

It asks that you don’t collect or mail your sample Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. This means you must commit to and plan for the testing and mailing process, which may be difficult if you don’t have a flexible schedule.

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The website features a video on how to collect and package your sample for greatest accuracy. Once the sample arrives at its laboratory, you can expect results within two to five days. LetsGet Checked uses laboratories that are CLIA-approved or CAP-accredited. It also manufactures the testing kits at a medical device-accredited facility.

Once the laboratory has established your results, the company will not only make your results available on a secure portal, but you may also receive a call from a member of the LetsGetChecked clinical team, who will review your results with you.

There's a 30% discount for Verywell users; the code is Verywell30.

Best Personalized Planning : Thorne

Pros

  • Results offer recommendations on dietary changes and activities

  • Tests both free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin

  • Subscribe-and-save option

Cons

  • At $100, the test was one of the most expensive we reviewed

  • The company may suggest its products with your results

  • Results come in eight to 10 business days

Thorne is based in Summerville, South Carolina, and initially started in 1984 as a nutritional supplements company. Since then, it has expanded to include at-home testing.

The company offers a blood spot test for $100 that tests both free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). By having these two results, you can also calculate your total testosterone value. The price was higher than most other testosterone tests we reviewed, but it tests both hormone values and offers a subscribe-and-save discount, which are beneficial.

The test kit contains an alcohol prep pad, a blood collection card, a plastic box in which to place the blood collection card, two safety lancets, a gauze pad, bandages, and a return label. The blood collection card has nine spots to put blood drops on, so it may require more finger-squeezing than most of the other one-spot products we reviewed.

Thorne utilizes laboratories that are either CLIA compliant or accredited by the CAP to test your sample. Although the company does not offer free medical reviews with a doctor or nurse, it has a listing of doctors in your area with whom you can consult should you have more questions regarding your test. The promised return time is eight to 10 days after receiving the sample in its laboratory, slightly longer than most testing kits.

Thorne sells supplements and other wellness products on its site, so it does make recommendations regarding these in your results. The pitch doesn’t seem too aggressive, but be aware that you may receive information about these products.

In reviewing the product and results, the strength of its testing is in the results panels Thorne provides. The sample results page shows it will assign a value of low, normal, or high to your testosterone results. It also provides education about your test results, including any notes from the laboratory that tested the sample. In addition to these results, Thorne will make recommendations regarding your overall health. Examples include diet and activity levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an at-home testosterone test?

Most at-home testosterone tests measure your testosterone levels by analyzing your saliva. Your body naturally secretes hormones like testosterone in your saliva, and laboratories can use different methods to test the amount present.

People have used at-home testosterone tests as an alternative to a blood test for detecting the amount of testosterone present in your body. To do this, purchase a test kit, follow the directions, and send it to the laboratory via mail. The laboratory tests the saliva and provides your results.

Other at-home test kits require blood samples for testing, which usually involve a finger stick and applying the blood to a spot or tube for collection.

(Video) Low Testosterone Test At Home (Men Do This!)

The American Urology Association recommends collecting a testosterone sample first thing in the morning. This is when testosterone levels are likely to be at their lowest.

What does an at-home testosterone test include?

Most at-home testosterone testing kits include the following:

  • A tube or specimen collection receptacle
  • Directions on how to provide a sample
  • A biohazard bag to put the sample in
  • An envelope with prepaid shipping

If at any time you have questions about providing your sample, contact the company directly to ensure you get the best results.

Are at-home testosterone tests reliable?

The reliability of at-home testosterone kits (and hormone saliva tests in general) has been in question since researchers started using them. Several research studies have found that at-home testing kits can vary in their abilities to predict a consistent testosterone level. Each manufacturer may use its own formula to calculate your testosterone levels, so it’s tough to know which one is “right.” You also have to consider factors such as closely following the package’s directions in order to collect the best sample.

Tip:

The presence of blood in a saliva testosterone test can throw off results (blood usually has a higher level of testosterone). This is why many kits will recommend refraining from brushing your teeth for at least an hour before collecting a sample.

It’s also good to know that at-home testosterone test kits may not be as effective in detecting hormone levels in women, who usually have lower levels of testosterone. Some testing kits will say they are just for men, while others will say they are for men and women.

However, doctors and researchers use saliva test kits to measure testosterone for a number of purposes, including for sports performance and anti-doping testing. The kits are also easy to use and cost-effective, which can make their results a helpful first step in identifying if you have low testosterone.

Evaluating the test kits and choosing one that is upfront about its testing methods can help ensure its accuracy. Plus, if you get results that are concerning, it’s always best to talk to your doctor to see if you need further testing.

What do I need to send in for an at-home testosterone test?

At-home testosterone test kits involve collecting your saliva, blood, or both. While test kits may vary by brand, they will usually include swabs or a test tube-like receptacle that allows you to spit into the collection tube. Most will also include a return envelope and information for you to fill out to return to the testing laboratory. If for any reason your provided sample may be invalid (likely due to improper capping of the tube), the laboratory should notify you.

Important:

It’s important to follow the directions on the testosterone test’s packaging carefully. For example, many require you to not eat or drink for a certain amount of time before providing a saliva sample. Doing so helps to ensure the test’s accuracy.

How much do at-home tests cost?

At-home testosterone tests can vary in costs, but most start at about $60–$105. Some testing companies will offer “bundles,” in which you can buy multiple tests for a lower price or special discounts for purchasing the test. These may vary by season and by the test (or tests) you purchase.

Companies also may offer subscribe-and-save options in which you can agree to get more testing kits at a duration of your choosing to receive a discount. If you are tracking your progress with testosterone supplements, this option may be cost-effective for you.

Are at-home testosterone tests legally acceptable for paternity?

Most courts will not consider at-home tests legally acceptable for paternity cases because courts require a “documented chain of custody” for a saliva sample to prove legal issues. Chain of custody means how your sample is handled (and by who) from the minute you provide it until the results are submitted to the courts. An at-home test is not currently considered legally acceptable because there is little way of proving that you were the person that sent in the sample.

In legal paternity samples, you’re usually required to go to a physical laboratory, which will collect and maintain custody of the sample until your results are received. While both of these samples use a cheek swab or saliva collection, maintaining the chain of custody is what makes the difference in terms of legal use.

Will my insurance cover at-home testosterone tests?

Insurance companies do not typically cover at-home testosterone testing. They will usually require in-office or other types of laboratory testing and generally require a doctor’s referral if you have symptoms that indicate you may have low testosterone.

However, you may be able to reimburse yourself for your at-home testosterone kit if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA). Some FSA and HSA programs consider at-home kits, testosterone kits included, as a “qualified medical expense” and will reimburse the cost. You may want to check with your benefits coordinator or company to determine if you can claim this expense.

You also may wish to contact your insurance company individually if you have circumstances that may keep you from in-person testosterone testing (such as being homebound or not having a testing facility within a certain driving distance). You may be able to work with your doctor and insurance company to potentially obtain an exemption.

How We Chose the Best At-Home Testosterone Kits

In conducting our research, we reviewed more than 18 at-home kits from varying companies. We evaluated each one based on company history, testing kit quality, laboratory review policies, results sampling, website navigability, cost, and turnaround times. We also reviewed company privacy policies, if the company provided reimbursement information, and if additional counseling was available. Through this process, we selected and recommended six testing kits.

A Word From Verywell

At-home testosterone tests are considered unreliable by medical professionals. We recommend you consult a healthcare provider for interpretation of test results, confirmation of results, and advice regarding your needs.

Article Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Mulhall JP, Trost LW, Brannigan RE, et al. Evaluation and management of testosterone deficiency: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(2):423–432. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.03.115

  2. American Urological Association. What is low testosterone?

  3. Terryberry J, Tuomi J, Perampalam S, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of a fully automated multiplex celiac disease antibody panel for serum and plasma. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2019;57(8):1207–1217. doi:10.1515/cclm-2019-0088

  4. Welker KM, Lassetter B, Brandes CM, Prasad S, Koop DR, Mehta PH. A comparison of salivary testosterone measurement using immunoassays and tandem mass spectrometry. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2016;71:180–188. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.05.022

  5. Florida Legislature. The 2020 Florida Statutes: chapter 742.12 Scientific testing to determine paternity.

    (Video) At-Home Testosterone Test to measure testosterone levels & detect possible imbalances

FAQs

Are home testosterone tests accurate? ›

Are home testosterone tests accurate? Although home tests may help indicate a person's testosterone levels, they may suggest the need to consult a medical professional to confirm results. However, a 2014 study concluded that saliva samples were reliable in testing testosterone levels.

What is the most accurate test for testosterone? ›

While these kits offer a quick and easy way to check for testosterone levels, the gold standard for accuracy remains a blood test. As a study in Human Kinetics Journals notes, saliva tests do not track changes in the hormone levels as quickly or accurately as serum tests.

Is a saliva testosterone test accurate? ›

In conclusion, salivary testosterone does not accurately and reliably diagnose Low-T in men. Salivary testosterone is a good indicator of free testosterone. Free testosterone has been utilized as a diagnostic marker by the Endocrine Society Guidelines for the management and diagnosis of hypogonadism in men.

Can I order my own testosterone test? ›

Shop for tests and pay online. An independent physician will review and approve your test requests; no doctor's visit is required.

Is it worth getting testosterone tested? ›

You may want to test your testosterone levels if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as hair loss, weight loss, or acne, especially if you're under 40. A test can help reveal whether any underlying conditions, health issues, or lifestyle choices are affecting your testosterone production.

Does masturbating reduce testosterone? ›

What to know about masturbation and testosterone. Many people believe that masturbation affects a man's testosterone levels, but this is not necessarily true. Masturbation does not seem to have any long-lasting effects on testosterone levels.

How can I check my testosterone level at home? ›

How to test testosterone levels? You can check testosterone levels with an at-home test or at a clinic. The Everlywell at-home test uses a saliva sample that you collect in the morning by spitting in a tube that comes with the kit. You then mail the sample to a lab and get your results online.

What is normal testosterone by age? ›

But by 15 to 16 years old, the ng/dL should be 100-1,200. Late Teens: Anyone between 17 to 18 years old should have testosterone levels between 300 and 1,200 ng/dL. Adults: An adult (19 years and older) should have anywhere between 240 and 950 ng/dL.

What should you not do before testosterone test? ›

You might be asked to have a fasting test early in the morning. In that case, you should stop eating by midnight, then only have sips of water in the morning. You can usually continue to take any medications you need but check with your doctor.

What is a dangerously low testosterone level? ›

What is a low testosterone level? The American Urology Association (AUA) considers low blood testosterone to be less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for adults. However, some researchers and healthcare providers disagree with this and feel that levels below 250 ng/dL are low.

Is saliva or blood test better for testosterone? ›

For some tests, though, and, especially to measure levels of steroid hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, or cortisol, a blood sample might not be the best choice. Bottom line: saliva is the clear choice versus blood for hormone testing.

How can you tell you have low testosterone? ›

A simple blood test can reveal your testosterone level. The normal range is 300 ng/dL to 1,000 ng/dL—remember that testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day. Because they are normally highest in the morning, your doctor will probably want to do the blood test in the morning.

How can a man naturally increase testosterone? ›

Starke offers the following tips:
  1. Improve your diet. Adopting and maintaining a healthy diet benefits your testosterone levels in two primary ways: ...
  2. Mix cardio with strength training, and vice versa. ...
  3. Get plenty of sleep. ...
  4. Take steps to reduce stress. ...
  5. Address any underlying medical conditions.
9 Apr 2021

What is normal testosterone by age? ›

But by 15 to 16 years old, the ng/dL should be 100-1,200. Late Teens: Anyone between 17 to 18 years old should have testosterone levels between 300 and 1,200 ng/dL. Adults: An adult (19 years and older) should have anywhere between 240 and 950 ng/dL.

What's the average testosterone level for a man? ›

Normal Results

Male: 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or 10 to 35 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) Female: 15 to 70 ng/dL or 0.5 to 2.4 nmol/L.

How do you know if you have low testerone? ›

Specific Signs/Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency (TD)
  1. Reduced sex drive.
  2. Reduced erectile function.
  3. Loss of body hair.
  4. Less beard growth.
  5. Loss of lean muscle mass.
  6. Feeling very tired all the time (fatigue)
  7. Obesity (being overweight)
  8. Symptoms of depression.

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