How to choose pregnancy tests
Home pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG. Choose based on how early you want to test, how easy you want results to read, and cost per test.
See our top pregnancy tests →Our top picks
Types of pregnancy tests
Midstream
Pee directly on the stick — the most convenient everyday test.
Strip
Dip in collected urine. Cheapest per test; popular for frequent testing.
Digital
Shows clear "Pregnant / Not" words, some with weeks estimate. No line-squinting.
Early-detection
Higher sensitivity to detect lower hCG a few days before a missed period.
What to look for
- ✓For testing early, pick a high-sensitivity (low mIU/mL) test.
- ✓Prefer digital if you find faint lines hard to read.
- ✓Buy strips in bulk if you test often (e.g. tracking cycles).
- ✓Check the expiration date — old tests lose accuracy.
Why trust Robin Cove
How we make our picks
We test against real standards
Every pregnancy test is scored on safety, ease, value, durability, comfort, and features — safety weighted heaviest.
Reviewed by certified experts
A CPST-certified editor and our medical advisory board check safety claims and certifications.
No paid placements
Brands can't buy a ranking. We earn a commission on purchases, never on which product wins.
Continuously updated
Recalls, certification changes, and owner feedback trigger a rescore within 24 hours.
Frequently asked
How early can I take a pregnancy test?
Sensitive early-detection tests can detect hCG about 6 days before a missed period, but accuracy is highest from the day of your missed period onward. Testing too early risks a false negative.
What does test sensitivity mean?
It’s the lowest hCG concentration (in mIU/mL) a test can detect. A lower number means higher sensitivity and the ability to detect pregnancy earlier.
Are cheap strip tests accurate?
Yes — strips use the same hCG detection as pricier tests and are highly accurate when used correctly. They’re just less convenient to read and use than midstream or digital tests.
Glossary
- hCG
- Human chorionic gonadotropin — the pregnancy hormone tests detect.
- mIU/mL
- The unit of test sensitivity; lower = detects pregnancy earlier.
- Evaporation line
- A faint mark from dried urine that can be mistaken for a positive.