Best Budget-Friendly Test: Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Smart Countdown

We poured over research papers on the effectiveness of over-the-counter pregnancy tests and spoke with a board-certified OB/GYN with 20 years of experience to come up with our recommendations for the best pregnancy test.

Then we asked our readers for their experiences and feedback.

One thing they told us: pregnancy tests can be expensive—we thought this test was the best balance between accuracy and affordability. It runs about 20% less than other popular tests we researched.

This is accurate when used on the day of your expected period—but can’t detect pregnancy earlier than that (see the next recommendation for an early indicator test).

What We Liked

• Easy to use. There is a sponge to absorb urine—this is easy to use, but the stick itself is hard to hold, said our readers.

• Easy to open packaging.

• Counts down to results.

• Easy to read.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Not as accurate as First Response test recommended above. If you can’t find that test, however, this is a good back-up option.

• Check for expiration dates.

Best Rapid Pregnancy Test: First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test

Speed can be a priority for some folks, so we looked for tests that offered quick results. We decided to pick the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test as the best bet for most folks looking for a speedy test. 

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Early result can detect pregnancy 6 days early. That’s 6 days before the day of your missed period (or 5 days before the day of your expected period).

• Rapid result test gives results in 180 seconds.

• Made in USA.

• Easy to read, easy to use.

What Needs Work

• Check for expiration dates. Yes, pregnancy tests can expire—make sure the one you are using isn’t expired!

• Pricey.

Best Pregnancy Tests Bulk: AccuMed Pregnancy Test Strips

We know, pregnancy tests are expensive—and getting pregnant usually takes longer than you think. We liked AccuMed as the best bang for the buck when buying bulk tests: accurate, easy to use and easy on the wallet.

What We Liked

• Simple to use.

• Affordable.

• Results in about 5 minutes.

What Needs Work

• False positives. While we found this test to be accurate, it isn’t as sensitive as the First Response test we recommended earlier in this article. Hence, there can be false positives or false negatives . . . which unfortunately can happen with many pregnancy tests.

• Watch for expired tests. Yes, pregnancy tests don’t last forever—make sure the test strips you are using aren’t expired.

Best Test For IVF Treatments: PREGMATE 50 Pregnancy Test Strips

If you are undergoing fertility treatments to conceive, you’re going to need lots of pregnancy test strips—that’s because the process can last six months to a year. Bottom line: it’s going to take longer than you think! And you’ll need to buy pregnancy tests in large supply.

For this, we’d recommend PREGMATE’s 50 pregnancy test strips. This affordable option is accurate . . . and great if you plan to test frequently.

What We Liked

• Works up to 5 days before a missed period.

• Individually sealed.

• Only need 25 mIU/ml to work—that’s not much!

• Results in about 5 minutes.

• Affordable, especially for those undergoing fertility treatments.

What’s Needs Work

• False positives. While we found this test to be accurate, there can be false positives. However, that’s true for most pregnancy tests. This test is still 99% accurate, however.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for pregnant moms and new parents since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward safety, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Baby Bargains is your independent and unbiased source for expert product reviews.