Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are common and preventable infections.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of new infections occur yearly. In the United States in 2022, more than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea were reported.
Many STIs have no symptoms, making it crucial for timely detection and treatment to reduce the spread of STIs and with the rise in STDs, it’s important to be aware of your sexual health.
If you have concerns, at-home STD tests are a private way to discreetly check your sexual health. However, with so many STD tests available, it may be difficult to determine which one is best for you.
We’ve gone ahead and reviewed five of the best STD tests and created this guide to help you make an informed decision.
Best STD tests: shortlist
- Everywell — best female STD test
- myLAB Box — best STD test for quick results
- LetsGetChecked — best discreet STD test
- imaware — best price for STD test
- Evvy — best STD test for overall vaginal health
Your well-being is our top priority. Our in-house Research team and expert fact-checkers diligently review every content piece, ensuring you receive accurate, safe, and up-to-date health information to support your health decisions. Get an inside look at our thorough testing framework.
How we chose the best STD test online
| Privacy | Number of STDs tested | Ease of use | Price | Time until the results | CLIA-certified laboratories | Follow-up procedure |
| Order online with discreet delivery | Four or more STDs tested | Clear instructions | $169–$249 | Test results within a few days | Meets both state and federal certifications | Easy access to a healthcare provider for further guidance |
- Privacy. We chose tests that offered discrete ordering and shipping and protected user data.
- Number of STDs tested. Our tip picks included tests that screened for four or more of the most common STDs.
- Ease of use. We looked for tests with clear instructions and a straightforward collection process of either a finger prick, swab, or urine sample with simple mail-in instructions.
- Price. We considered affordability without compromising on quality or reliability.
- Speed of results. We favored tests with quick turnaround times for results.
- CLIA-certified laboratories. We prioritized tests processed in CLIA-certified labs to ensure reliability.
- Follow-up procedure. We chose tests that offered clear guidance and support in case of positive results.
Best STD test in 2024: overview
After exploring the available options, here are our top picks for the best STD tests. For each test, we break down what STDs it is designed to test for, what type of sample you’ll need to get, how long you can expect to wait for results, and what guidance is available when you get the results.
We share our overall thoughts and the pros and cons of each test to help you find the perfect test for your needs.
1. Everywell — best female STD test
The Everywell STD Test for females stands out as a top contender for at-home sexual health screening.
This comprehensive test covers six common STIs – chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV (type 1&2), syphilis, and trichomoniasis all from the comfort of your home.
The test comes with a convenient QR code that you scan into the secure Everywell app to enter your test ID. Everything you need to collect your small finger-prick blood sample and vaginal swab is included in the kit, along with written and video instructions.
Mail in the completed test with the prepaid shipping. The website says you’ll receive results “within a few days,” and Amazon lists it as a five to eight-day turn-around.
If your test results are positive, you can connect with one of Everywell’s independent physicians at no additional cost, and you may be eligible for treatment.
One Everywell STD Test for females costs $169 with free shipping.
Customers on the Everywell website rate this test with 4.9 out of 5 stars. However, over 350 customers on Amazon give a 4.2 out of 5-star rating and provide a more leveled opinion about the product. Users point out positives such as easy sample collection, convenience, and telehealth assistance in case of abnormal results. Among the negatives, some users point out encountering issues with test return times.
2. myLAB Box — best STD test for quick results
The myLAB Box Safe Box earned its spot on our list of top over-the-counter STD tests. This at-home test checks for four STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV (type 1&2), and trichomoniasis.
The simple process involves collecting your samples — a drop of blood, a urine sample, or swab using the kit provided, mailing it in using the prepaid label, and receiving your lab results in one to five days.
The company also takes it a step beyond providing test results. It educates on the importance of understanding your sexual health and encourages regular testing. Most importantly, if your results are positive, they’ll connect you with a free telemedicine consultation with a doctor in your state.
The myLAB Box kit costs $169 with free shipping.
Customers on the myLAB Box rate this test with 5 out of 5 stars. Many comments highlight how easy it was to collect the sample and mail it in and would recommend this test. However, Amazon customers give this product a 3.8-star rating out of 5. Users point out easy and clear instructions, discretion and convience, but some individuals note a delay in receiving results.
3. LetsGetChecked — best discreet STD test
LetsGetChecked secured its place among our list of top STD tests for its seamless blend of privacy, convenience, and professional support.
The kit tests for a broad range of eight STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV (types 1&2, as well as viral P24 antigen), syphilis, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, trichomoniasis, and Gardnerella.
Order your test online and receive the kit with free shipping in discreet packaging, with everything you need for sample collection. Simply mail it back using the prepaid label and receive results online within two to five days.
LetsGetChecked also offers virtual consultations, at an additional cost, with healthcare providers if your test results are positive. They can provide guidance and prescribe medications for treatment.
One LetsGetChecked Complete 8 STD test costs $249 with free shipping. Customer reviews on Trustpilot rate this test with 4.6 out of 5 stars. Most comments give positive remarks on the ease of the test and fast result. One negative comment was regarding the need to download the app to get results.
Over 200 customers on Amazon give this product a lower star rating of 3.6 out of 5. Users highlight discreet, quick results but point out the importance of following instructions carefully because some other individuals faced challenges with blood sample collection, leading to insufficient samples.
4. imaware — best price for STD test
The imaware STD Complete STI test earned its place on our list with its comprehensive and user-friendly approach.
This test stood out to us with its broad coverage screening for ten key STI biomarkers, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus (type 1&2), syphilis, HIV (type 1&2), hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium.
After receiving your imaware kit in the mail with free shipping, simply take a urine and blood sample and mail the kit using the prepaid packaging. Receive your physician-reviewed results in your secure portal in less than seven business days.
If your online STD test results are positive, imaware offers a complementary telehealth service for further guidance and prescription services. You can also share your lab results with your primary healthcare provider.
The imaware STD kit costs $169 with free shipping. Currently, there are no customer reviews for us to read through.
5. Evvy — best for overall vaginal health STD test
The Evvy Vaginal Health Test + STD Test stood out to us for going beyond traditional STD screening by providing a comprehensive analysis of vaginal health.
Unlike other tests that focus on a limited number of bacteria and viruses, Evvy identifies over 700 microbial species in the vaginal microbiome, including four STIs, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium.
This approach allows you to have a deeper understanding of how your microbiome may contribute to overall health and possible recurring infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections, as well as infertility.
After collecting a vaginal swab from the provided kit, mail it in using the prepaid packaging and receive preliminary results within one to three business days. Use the free 1:1 coaching call to discuss your results and develop a treatment plan.
One Evvy Vaginal Health Test + STD Test costs $248 with free shipping. Customers rate this test with five out of five stars. Many comments rave about the extreme details this test provides and the peace of mind they have now that they know what's going on with their vaginal health. Most users recommend this product.
Comparing the top STD tests in the market
| STD test | Number of STDs tested | Sample type | Price | CLIA-certified laboratory | Result time | Follow-up |
| Everlywell | 6 | Blood, Swab | $169 | Yes | 5–8 days | Yes |
| myLab Box | 5 | Blood, Urine or Swab | $169 | Yes | 1–5 days | Yes |
| LetsGetChecked | 8 | Blood, Urine | $249 | Yes | 2–5 days | Yes, with additional cost |
| imaware | 10 | Blood, Urine | $169 | Yes | 1–7 days | Yes |
| Evvy | 4 | Swab | $248 | Yes | 1–3 days | Yes |
When should you get tested for STD
While some STDs may have symptoms, some infections are asymptomatic – meaning they have minimal or no symptoms.
The CDC gives several guidelines for who and when to get tested:
- Anyone who is sexually active with a new person
- Anyone sexually active with multiple partners
- Anyone sexually active with a partner who has an STI
- Anyone who shares drug injection equipment
- Anyone who has anal or oral sex
It’s also recommended to seek medical care if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as discharge from the penis or vagina, genital sores, pain during sex, or pain during urination.
How often you need to test for STDs depends on your individual risk factors. Talk with your medical provider for personalized guidelines.
Types of STD tests
There are several types of STD tests available according to the sample needed. Each type has its own limitations, therefore blood and urine tests or swabs are often used together to have a comprehensive approach to STD detection.
- Blood tests. Blood tests check for syphilis, hepatitis, HIV, and sometimes herpes.
- Urine tests. Urine tests check for trichomoniasis and sometimes gonorrhea.
- Swab tests. Swab tests check for HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.
It’s important to note that while at-home tests can offer convenience and privacy, they may not cover all STDs. Sometimes, a positive result from an at-home test may require additional confirmatory testing at a clinic or healthcare provider’s office to confirm the diagnosis.
Always consult a healthcare professional to discuss your results and determine the appropriate next steps.
STD vs STI: understanding the difference
The terms “sexually transmitted disease (STD)” and “sexually transmitted infection (STI)” are often used interchangeably.
The technical difference between the two terms, is that an STI is caused by a bacteria, virus, fungus, or parasite that is passed through sexual contact. The STI can lead to an STD.
However, the tests used to detect STIs and STDs and the treatments are the same.
The primary goal is to reduce your risk of infections before they start. While abstinence from any form of sex is the only way to completely avoid STIs, there are steps you can take while sexually active to reduce your risk:
- Reduce number of sex partners
- Regularly test for STDs
- Use condoms correctly every time you have sex
- Get the hepatitis B and HPV vaccine
Testing at home or in a clinic: pros and cons
The main differences between testing for an STD at home versus in a clinic are the ways the samples are collected and the sample handling.
At a clinic, a healthcare professional may use a small needle to take blood from your vein and put it into a tube. For urine, they will have you give a sample in a cup and then remove the amount they need for the lab.
If a swab is needed, they will collect the swab. These procedures are performed by highly trained medical staff who know how the collection should be done for the most reliable testing results.
At home, you collect your blood sample by doing a small prick on the end of your finger and dropping some blood on the card or tube provided.
The urine and swab sample you collect yourself. It is crucial to read the sampling instructions for a few times and check if you understand them correctly and follow them to get the most reliable results.
Whether the samples are collected from a clinic or at home, both are sent to a lab for processing.
Best STD test 2024: conclusion
If you are sexually active, taking charge of your sexual health is important. The convenience of at-home testing makes this easier and more discreet.
However, determining which one is best for you can feel complicated.
When making your decision, make sure you know for which STDs you want to get tested and how quickly you need the results. It’s also a good idea to ensure that the lab providing the testing has CLIA certification.
Also, consider what you’d prefer the follow-up process to be like if any of your results are positive. The cost of some tests includes a telemedicine consultation with a healthcare professional, while some tests offer that service at an additional cost.
Overall, taking steps to reduce your risk of getting an STI is important, but because no method is fail-proof, regular testing and early detection is essential for protecting your wellbeing and preventing long-term complications.
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FAQ
Are at home STD tests as accurate as in a clinic?
Depends. At home STD tests can be as accurate as a test performed in a clinic if you correctly follow the instructions. The key to accuracy is proper sample collecting and handling. Also, follow the guidelines for mailing in the collected samples for testing.
What is the best online STD test?
There is no single “best” online STD test, as the ideal choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Factors to consider include, STDs tested, laboratory certifications, discreteness of the test, convenience of ordering and mailing in, cost, and guidance in reviewing results.
Can you live with an STD unnoticed?
Yes. Some STDs can be asymptomatic even if you have an infection. However, you can still spread the infection to others. Some STDs can cause health complications, which is why regular testing is critical.
Will insurance cover STD testing?
Insurance coverage for STD testing varies depending on your plan and provider. Some plans may cover the cost if you test at a clinic, while others may only partially cover or provide no coverage for at-home tests. It’s always best to contact your insurance provider directly to confirm what your plan covers.
5 resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance, 2022
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Sexually Transmitted Infections.
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Diagnosis and Control.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Getting Tested for STIs.
- MedlinePlus. STD Tests.
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