5 Best At-Home Testosterone Test Kits For 2023-2024

Have you been feeling extra tired and irritable? You may be exhibiting symptoms of low testosterone, but you can easily determine whether your male hormone levels fall in a healthy range with an at-home testosterone test kit.

A home-based test could use a few different methods to examine your testosterone levels. For instance, some kits check the levels of hormones in your blood, while others take a saliva sample.

Are these test kits accurate, and which brand should you choose? We've compiled a list of the five best at-home testosterone test kits for 2023 - 2024 below so that you can learn more about testing your testosterone at home.

Best At-Home Testosterone Tests

myLAB Box - Best Salvia Test Overall
Everlywell - Best Physician Reviewed Test Kit
LetsGetChecked - Best for Those Who Want To Test Frequently
Verisana - Cheapest At-Home Test Kit
Trybe Labs - Most Accurate Test Kit on The Market

1. myLAB Box At-Home Testosterone Test Kit

myLAB Box sells a wide range of test kits, including COVID-19 tests, flu tests, STD tests, fertility and family planning tests, and more. The company's testosterone test kits sample saliva to determine the range your testosterone levels fall into.

This product includes one male hormone test and a pre-addressed return envelope with the postage paid. It includes simple instructions to ensure that you obtain the saliva sample accurately and preserve it for testing.

Once you've obtained the sample, you can mail it back in the included envelope. You'll receive a detailed email with your results within 1 to 5 days. You can also schedule a free phone consultation with a physician from myLAB Box to discuss your results.

The price of one of myLAB Box’s tests falls in the middle of the range on our review list ($49.95 to $100), though you can subscribe and save a little if you plan to test your testosterone regularly. The company does accept FSA/HSA cards, so you may be able to cover the full cost of your test kit if you have one of these plans.

Pros

Painless saliva testing
Fast results from the lab
Free shipping to and from the lab
CLIA certified

Cons

Tests currently unavailable in New York or outside the United States
Mid-range cost

Overall, myLAB Box is a reliable option if you want to test testosterone levels quickly and without needing to provide a blood sample.

Click Here for the Lowest Price on myLAB Box

2. Everlywell Testosterone Test

Everlywell’s popular general wellness brand sells some of the best at-home test kits, vitamin supplements, and other nutritional products. The finger prick testosterone kit is physician-reviewed and certified by the Clinical-Laboratory Improvement Amendments authority, so it promises high standards for safety and accuracy.

You can purchase the test with free shipping and receive all the materials for sample collection and sending your kit back to the lab. You'll also receive detailed instructions on how to collect your finger prick sample to ensure the accuracy of your results.

The Everlywell test evaluates the total testosterone (Total T) in your blood, which includes your free testosterone and the testosterone bound to the proteins in the blood—called Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin. Once you send back your test, you'll receive the results within a few business days.

Since a physician reviews your test result for accuracy, you can be sure of human eyes picking up any anomalies in the results or urgent concerns. Everlywell will also send you an explanatory video with your T-level results so that you can understand how to interpret the company’s report and what the next steps might be if your results show any abnormalities.

This Everlywell testosterone test kit is the second cheapest on our list. The company accepts FSAs and HSAs, as well.

Pros

Physician-reviewed, easy-to-understand results
Free shipping label
CLIA-certified

Cons

No specific time frame for when you will receive results (other brands are within 5 days)
Tests unavailable in New York

Overall, the Everlywell at-home testosterone test kit is an affordable blood test that should provide you with the tools to monitor your free testosterone levels and SHBG levels in some depth.

Click Here to Learn More About Everlywell’s Testosterone Test Kit

3. LetsGetChecked Testosterone Test

LetsGetChecked’s home health tests include some of the most popular testosterone tests in the industry. The company also offers telehealth services for men and women.

If you go with their T-level test, you’ll use a finger prick to collect your sample and send it back to the lab for an analysis of the total amount of testosterone in your blood. For accurate results, the company advises that you should collect your sample in the morning and return it to them on the same day using the prepaid shipping label.

Your results should appear online within 2 to 5 days. A medical provider may also call you to explain your results and recommend steps to raise or lower your testosterone levels. This company also offers a LetsGetChecked app, where you can review the results of any at-home tests you take and connect your health data.

This brand’s test costs more than Everlywell and myLAB Box, but you can subscribe and get a discount on tests every three months.

Pros

CLIA-certified
Results within 2 to 5 days
The company includes the clinical consultation in your costs

Cons

Slightly pricier than other tests
Can only mail samples Monday through Thursday

Overall, while LetsGetChecked is more expensive than other tests on our list, it provides reliable results, a consultation, and support options for getting your hormones under control.

Click Here to Learn More About Lets Get Checked

4. Verisana Testosterone Saliva Test

Verisana is a lab test company that also sells hormone, gut health, and STD tests. Their at-home test measures the levels of testosterone in your saliva sample. You receive your results through the secure Verisana portal, usually within a few days.

At that point, you should be able to see whether your testosterone levels fell in a normal, low, or high range and compare these results to other people in your age group. While Verisana doesn't offer guidance from physicians, the company can help you find a doctor or practitioner in your area. If your testosterone is low, it can also help you find a practitioner specifically for testosterone replacement therapy.

Verisana analyzes test samples for total T in a CLIA-certified lab. The company also points out that your test results from a saliva sample may be different from blood work, as these are not comparable testing methods.

With its no-frills test, Verisana offers the most affordable at-home test on the list and includes free shipping.

Pros

Cheapest at-home test in this Top Five list
CLIA-certified
Easy-to-understand results

Cons

Less detailed test results
Days until results not specified (other brands state between 1 and 5 days)
No physician consult

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable T-level test that doesn't come with any bells and whistles, Verisana may be your best choice.

Click Here for the Cheapest At-Home Test From Verisana

5. Trybe Labs Review

The final pick on our list is from Trybe Labs, another well-established lab test and supplement company. It sells an "advanced” at-home testosterone test kit. Rather than testing the Total Testosterone in your blood, this kit tests the bioavailable testosterone in your system using the Free Androgen Index Calculation.

The test examines three main factors:

Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone
Sex hormone binding globulin, a protein that attaches to sex hormones
Free Androgen Index (the testosterone in your blood compared to SHBG)

The company uses a CLIA and Joint Commission-accredited laboratory to analyze samples. Since the brand processes all its samples in-house, it aims to give your blood sample special attention and a more accurate analysis.

While the test analyzes your blood, it doesn't use the finger prick test of LetsGetChecked or Everlywell. Instead, The Trybe Labs test uses a "pain-free collection device" that takes blood from your arm, and you'll need to collect a full tube for an accurate sample.

Once you mail in your samples, you should get results within 72 hours of the lab receiving them. The price for this quick turnaround and in-depth analysis is, understandably, at the very top of our range at around $100 a pop.

Pros

Detailed results
Analysis of bioavailable testosterone
Pain-free collection device
CLIA-certified

Cons

Expensive compared to other tests
No free shipping

Overall, Trybe Labs is a good choice if you're looking for the most detailed information you can find about your hormone levels without the need to visit a medical professional for testing.

Click Here to Learn More About Trybe Labs

How To Choose the Best At-Home Testosterone Kit for You

Numerous companies sell home-based testosterone tests, so how do you choose the right one for your needs? In the list above, all five brands use laboratories that adhere to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 and the guidelines of the College of American Pathologists. However, there are a few other factors to look for in an at-home test kit if you want quality options.

Accuracy and Reliability

The most important factor in any home T-level test is how accurate your test results are after the trouble of purchasing a test and submitting a sample. You want to feel confident that it will provide reliable information about your health and wellness. The most accurate and reliable testosterone tests have the following:

Overwhelmingly positive reviews
CLIA-certified laboratories
Reviews of the test results by a physician

It’s also helpful to note that blood tests are not more accurate than saliva tests, as some assume. That’s why we’ve included both in our reviews of at-home testosterone test options.

Collection Method

The collection method is another crucial factor in choosing a reliable test for testosterone. Trybe Labs, LetsGetChecked, and Everlywell examine your blood to check your testosterone, whereas myLAB Box and Verisana use saliva samples.

Both types of samples indicate general information about your total testosterone levels, but the lab processes differ. For example, even among the three brands that use blood tests instead of saliva samples, Trybe Labs gives extremely detailed reports, whereas the others only give an overview.

Consider your budget and comfort level. Some people dislike the idea of a finger prick test or collecting blood at home, so they choose the less invasive saliva sample brands instead. Blood tests also tend to be more expensive.

Testing Method

While most companies require you to send your saliva sample or blood sample to their lab, other types of tests may offer instant results. A home test that provides instant results likely won't be as accurate as one that processes samples in a certified lab. However, if you need to examine your testosterone levels in a pinch without 100% accuracy, it’s still a viable option.

Turnaround Time

The best at-home testosterone testing kits have fast turnaround times, which means receiving results in 5 days or less. myLAB Box and LetsGetChecked will send your results within 1 to 5 days of receiving your sample, while other companies may take upwards of a few weeks.

If you've decided to take a T-test, quicker and more accurate results mean being able to begin testosterone replacement therapy or making changes to get back to feeling like yourself. If the testosterone testing kit you’re thinking of purchasing isn’t offering results within 2 to 5 days at most, there are better options you can explore.

Cost and Insurance

Does your insurance cover an at-home testosterone testing kit? At anywhere from $40 to $100+ for a single kit and the possibility of having to do multiple tests over weeks or months, it’s helpful to take the price and insurance coverage options into account. Companies like myLAB Box advertise HSA/FSA eligible tests for just that reason.

Your insurance may cover the cost of your testing kit if your doctor recommends testing, but you'll need to check with your health insurance company to be sure. If your testosterone levels are too high or low, you may require ongoing testing as therapy or lifestyle changes get them back into a normal range.

Customer Support

How could choosing a testosterone testing company with an excellent customer support team improve your overall experience? Tests aren't always self-explanatory. If you have questions about collecting your blood or saliva sample or mailing back your kit, an at-home test kit company that is available to answer these questions makes a difference.

For example, LetsGetChecked has great customer support, as it employs a dedicated clinical team to help its customers understand your at-home testosterone test results.

Reviews and Recommendations

You should always read customer reviews and recommendations before choosing a kit to test your testosterone levels at home. A kit may look like it checks all the boxes and have great marketing, but does it offer reliable results?

While testing companies often post customer reviews on their websites, they typically hand-select the most positive reviews. Reading reviews from real customers can key you into any problems or concerns more objectively via websites like the Better Business Bureau, Google Business Profile, or Trustpilot.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a sex hormone present in both men (or people assigned male at birth) and women (or people assigned female at birth). These hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to different parts of the body, impacting numerous bodily processes.

While testosterone is present in both men and women and plays a role in helping both men and women maintain a normal mood, it is a major male sex hormone. As such, it contributes to the following aspects of male growth and development:

The development of the male organ and testes
The appearance of facial and pubic hair during puberty
The deepening of the voice during puberty
Sex drive
Muscle mass and strength
Sperm production
Bone growth and strength

In women, testosterone can impact:

Sexual behavior or libido
Ovarian function
Bone strength

Many men begin to experience a decline in their testosterone levels as they age, which could affect any of the above functions and more.

Should You Check Your Testosterone Levels?

You should check your testosterone levels with an at-home testosterone test if any of the following are true for you:

You are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone
Your healthcare provider has ordered testosterone tests
You have a medical condition associated with deficient testosterone

Testosterone tests are relatively affordable, so why not purchase a test and monitor your own testosterone fluctuations? Taking a male hormone test could provide insight into certain symptoms you've been experiencing, helping you to maintain better overall health and wellness.

Common Signs of Low Testosterone

Knowing the common signs of low testosterone can help you identify when you may need to take a test to monitor your testosterone levels. Prevalent symptoms of low testosterone levels include the following:

Low sex drive
Fatigue
Loss of lean muscle mass
Obesity
Sleep problems
Hot flashes
Concentration and memory issues
Less beard growth or body hair
Depression
Low sperm production

Experiencing even a few of these symptoms could indicate that you have deficient testosterone. If so, taking an at-home testosterone sample could help you pinpoint whether low T is the culprit. That way, you can take steps to get back to normal.

What If My Testosterone Levels Are Low?

Low testosterone levels are natural for many men and women. Both sexes experience declines in their testosterone as they age, usually starting at age 40 for many people assigned male at birth. However, testosterone levels can also decrease for the following reasons:

Health conditions, such as a testicular disorder or pituitary gland dysfunction
Injuries, such as damaged or missing testicles
Medications, such as antianxiety and antidepressant medications, chemotherapy, opioids, or beta-blockers

Whatever the cause, your first step after discovering that your testosterone levels are low should be to consult a healthcare provider. They can conduct further testing to rule out any serious conditions and determine the cause of your low testosterone. For many men, there is no serious cause of low testosterone, and it has simply happened due to natural reasons.

How To Boost Testosterone

Have you discovered that you have low testosterone? Talk to your doctor about boosting your testosterone levels through the following methods:

Testosterone Supplements

Testosterone supplements are one way to boost testosterone for individuals experiencing mild deficiencies. You can look for supplements containing ingredients that boost testosterone levels naturally, such as:

Zinc
Aspartic acid
Fenugreek
Ashwagandha
DHEA
Magnesium
Arginine

Many natural supplements across the market can boost testosterone levels. While these products won't produce a huge increase in your testosterone level, they may help minimize your symptoms of low testosterone and help you feel better. However, always check with your healthcare provider about interactions and the possible side effects of supplements if you’re taking chronic medication for heart issues, blood pressure, diabetes, and other conditions.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy is an effective method of boosting low testosterone. Hormone replacement therapy involves external hormone injections through the following channels:

Transdermal skin patches applied to the arm or upper body
Mouth patches that stick to the upper gums
Gels that absorb through the skin
Testosterone injections and implants

Hormone therapy after an at-home testosterone test poses several benefits and could raise low testosterone fast. However, while many men report a better mood when undergoing testosterone therapy, it also has a few risks. Minor side effects would be rashes, itching, and irritation at the application site, but other patients may experience an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Additionally, testosterone therapy will not be suitable for people with the following conditions:

Benign prostatic hypertrophy
Prostate cancer
Blood clots
Sleep apnea

If you have severely low testosterone, talk to your doctor about whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you.

Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle changes can also boost testosterone. For example, many men follow the tips below to increase testosterone levels naturally:

Maintain a healthy body weight. As your belly fat increases, the activity of the enzyme "aromatase" increases, converting more of your free testosterone into estrogen.
Sleep well. Your body produces much of your free testosterone levels during the deep sleep stage known as REM. Disrupting your sleep cycle can disrupt your testosterone production.
Exercise more. Aerobic and resistance training may increase testosterone production. Exercising regularly with activities that increase your heart rate could balance your testosterone.
Avoid opioid pain medications. Opiates tend to lower testosterone over time. Another type of analgesic might be better if you are experiencing a significant decline in testosterone.
Eat well. Poor nutrition can affect the male hormone balance. It's best to avoid foods with excess sugar, caffeine, food dyes, and processed ingredients. Incorporate foods like green tea, nuts, ground flax seed, and multicolored fruits and vegetables.

Just a few of these lifestyle changes may combat your testosterone deficiency without you resorting to more serious treatments like hormone therapy.

Common Signs of High Testosterone

Elevated testosterone typically produces a few identifiable symptoms and effects, such as:

Low sperm counts
Shrinking testicles
Heart muscle damage
Increased risk of heart attack
Liver disease
Increased muscle mass
Mood swings
High blood pressure and cholesterol
Weight gain
Headaches
Stunted growth in adolescents

If you noticed that many of these symptoms are the same as the signs of low testosterone, you would be correct. An imbalance of either low or high testosterone will produce adverse effects. The goal is to keep your testosterone level in a healthy range.

What If My Testosterone Levels Are High?

Your testosterone may be high for a few different reasons, such as:

Using anabolic steroids
Acromegaly or Cushing syndrome
Using certain medications, such as fluoxymesterone
Excess testosterone supplementation

Thankfully, elevated testosterone is not a common problem among men. If you discover through one of the saliva or blood test kits that you have elevated testosterone, seek a second opinion and then talk to a doctor about possible causes.

How To Lower Testosterone

If you have elevated testosterone, the most effective way to lower your testosterone is to identify and target the cause. For example, if steroid or medication use is raising your testosterone, stop taking these medications (at the recommendation of your doctor). If you have an underlying cause, such as a tumor you need to address to lower your testosterone, a medical professional can help.

How To Use an At-Home Testosterone Test Kit

Read the instructions. Every saliva and blood test works differently. Be sure to follow the specific instructions the testing company sends you.
Collect your sample. If you're collecting a blood sample with a finger prick test, clean the area thoroughly before and after collecting the blood. If you're collecting a saliva sample, follow any instructions for avoiding food or liquids before taking your sample.
Package your sample. You'll need to put your blood or saliva sample into the container and envelope very carefully and according to the lab's instructions. Cross-contamination will affect your test results.
Ship your sample. Most testosterone home testing kits include prepaid shipping labels and designated packages in which to return your sample. Companies like LetsGetChecked have requirements for which days of the week you can mail your test sample, as well.
View your digital results. The most reliable companies will have your test's results available on an online portal within 2 to 5 days of receiving your blood or saliva sample. They may also provide recommendations on how to proceed if the results show an imbalance.

Interpreting the Results

Interpreting the results from your testosterone home testing kit looks a little different depending on the company you choose. For example, some companies like Trybe Labs will include in-depth analyses and break down what your lab test showed or didn’t. They will also explain what the various indicators mean.

Other companies, like Verisana, only include general results that break the testosterone level into "low, normal, or high" categories. Your test result may also indicate the number of nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of testosterone in your sample or give the deciliter range it falls into.

A typical range for men’s testosterone lies between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL. In women, the average range is between 20 and 70 ng/dL.

Is your testosterone slightly outside of these ranges? You may not have a cause for concern. However, if it is significantly higher or lower, it’s best to consult your doctor about your next steps.

Remember, many test companies provide free physician consultations to help you interpret your results. For example, myLAB Box offers free phone consultations to its customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are at-home testosterone tests accurate?

Yes, at-home testosterone tests are generally accurate when you follow the instructions. Otherwise, you risk mistakes that could contaminate your blood or saliva sample and skew your results.

Collect the sample in a clean environment.
Prevent cross-contamination in the packaging.
Ensure that you're collecting enough blood or saliva for the lab to analyze.

Some test kits aren't quite as accurate as others, but if you stick within the $45 to $100 price range of the items on our list above, you should avoid subpar products.

Can you get a testosterone test without a doctor?

Yes, you can get a testosterone test without a doctor prescribing one. For example, you could easily order an at-home testosterone test online, test yourself, and get the results back in 5 days or less. Some testing companies also allow you to speak with a doctor after your test to better analyze your results.

For example, myLAB Box and LetsGetChecked offer free testosterone test consultations with physicians. Trybe Labs advertises that its results are so detailed you don't need to meet with a physician. Still, you can take any of these tests without a doctor's recommendation.

How do you know if you have low testosterone?

If you want to know if you have low testosterone, take an at-home testosterone test from one of the more reputable brands reviewed above. You may first realize that you have a testosterone deficiency if you notice any of these symptoms:

Low sex drive
Trouble gaining muscle
Irritability
Mood swings
Fatigue or trouble sleeping

What are the signs of high testosterone?

The signs of high or slightly elevated testosterone include the following:

Impotence or low sperm count
Excessive or irregular acne
High blood pressure and cholesterol
Insomnia
Fluid retention in the legs and feet

How accurate are at-home tests for T levels?

Many at-home tests for T levels are just as accurate as one in a hospital or doctor's office because test companies use the same laboratories as medical centers use. The accuracy of your specific test also depends on the company you choose, your sample collection, and more.

What is the turnaround time for home T-level tests?

The turnaround time for home T-level tests is often between 2 and 5 days after the lab receives your sample. Your testing company should indicate this information.

Why should I test my testosterone levels?

You should test your testosterone levels if you suspect you have a testosterone deficiency or are experiencing symptoms associated with low T levels. Testosterone deficiencies are common among middle-aged men and older, and there are several steps you can take to correct a deficiency.

If your testosterone is even a little bit low, you may be experiencing low libido, irritability, or fatigue impacting your daily life and well-being. Monitoring and managing your testosterone can help you feel better overall.

What type of testosterone test should I use?

The type of testosterone test you should use will take the form of a saliva or blood test. These testosterone tests can be equally accurate if you choose a reputable brand and follow the test’s directions.

Some people swear that saliva samples are less reliable than blood samples, while others say that blood includes all of the total testosterone and doesn't indicate more refined free testosterone amounts. The research on both of these viewpoints is inconclusive. A blood or saliva sample seems equally accurate, so just choose the type of test you feel more comfortable with.

For a saliva test, you'll need to fill up a small tube with your saliva.

For a blood test, you'll need to provide a finger prick blood sample or take a small vial of blood through a different method, such as the pain-free device Trybe Labs provides in its at-home testosterone test.

What are the normal testosterone levels?

The normal testosterone level in men typically ranges between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. However, research varies, so you may still be in a normal testosterone range if your readings fall mildly below or above these limits. It’s also common for a man’s natural levels of testosterone to begin to decrease after 40 years old.

The normal level for women is between 15 to 70 on average.

Is a testosterone testing kit covered by insurance?

Insurance policies may cover at-home testing when recommended by a doctor. If your insurance does not offer coverage, you may still be able to cover the cost of your male hormone test under an HSA/FSA if you have one.

How often should I test my testosterone level?

You should test your testosterone level again in two to three weeks after your first test shows an abnormally high or low reading. If your re-test confirms a problem, experts recommend testing every three months after you begin a treatment program to raise your testosterone. Quarterly testing can help you understand whether treatments or lifestyle changes are improving your T levels or whether you should consider another route.

Can stress affect testosterone levels?

Yes, stress can absolutely affect testosterone levels. Men experience low levels of serum testosterone during periods of psychological and physical stress. The opposite is also true: testosterone deficiencies can lead to mood swings and cause feelings of stress.

Reducing stress in your life may help restore your T levels to a more normal range. Consider meditating, journaling, or practicing deep breathing to reduce your physiological symptoms of stress. Using an at-home testosterone test will also help you see whether your levels have normalized or whether you need to seek professional advice.

Summary of the Top At Home Testosterone Testing Kits

myLAB Box - Best Salvia Test Overall
Everlywell - Best Physician Reviewed Test Kit
LetsGetChecked - Best for Those Who Want To Test Frequently
Verisana - Cheapest At-Home Test Kit
Trybe Labs - Most Accurate Test Kit on The Market

Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.