The 5 Best Herpes Test Kits for 2024

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Testing for herpes used to mean a trip to the doctor’s office. But thanks to at-home herpes test kits, you can receive your results privately in just a few days.

Genital herpes is caused by two viruses called herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Globally, approximately 67% of people younger than 50 years oldhave HSV-1, while 13% of people ages 15 to 49 years have HSV-2.

An in-person appointment with a doctor could require a few different tests, including a virus antigen detection test, and/or an antibody test. This could require multiple pricks or trips to the doctor to accomplish.

An at-home test kit, on the other hand, can be done by yourself in private.

You can order a herpes test kit online — which may include a swab test or finger-prick blood test — and send the sample back in the mail. Most companies will send your results within 5 business days.

When researching at-home herpes tests, we looked for options with fast and accurate results and excellent customer feedback to compile our list of best buys.

Here are the criteria we considered:

FYI: We did include a couple of options that may call for you to leave home to pick up your test kit, so they may not fall 100% into the at-home category. But they are solid options, nonetheless.

When you join the LetsGetChecked subscription service, testing is easy and convenient as you receive everything you need to take your sample in a discrete kit through the mail. Plus, you’ll save 25% on the full price of the kits.

There are also helpful videos on the website that explain the instructions in clear, straightforward language so you can be confident you’re taking your sample correctly.

Like all other testing services on our list, LetsGetChecked is privacy and HIPAA compliant. Your results will be available online in 2 to 5 business days. Should your results be positive, you can contact one of the nursing team members who can help you determine a treatment plan.

One of our freelance writers, Breanna Mona, was given the opportunity to test the LetsGetChecked Herpes Test to see firsthand what the testing kit process was, whether the test was difficult to perform, and how long it would take to get the results. Here’s what she found. 

Breanna appreciated how straightforward the ordering process was and shared that “the process was simple and took very little time to complete.” After placing the order, it took about a week to for her to receive the kit, and the actual test results came back in 1 to 2 business days.

But she thought the blood collection process could be an issue for some users. Since Breanna had some experience testing out similar kits, she had already learned the best way to collect enough blood for the test. But she thought users who were new to finger-prick tests might find it difficult to collect enough blood.

Overall, Breanna said this test might be a good match for someone who wants to skip a visit to the doctor, someone who may not have insurance to cover a doctor’s visit, or anyone who would prefer to keep the test and results private.

One of our freelance writers, Breanna Mona, was given the opportunity to test the LetsGetChecked Herpes Test to see firsthand what the testing kit process was, whether the test was difficult to perform, and how long it would take to get the results. Here’s what she found. 

Breanna appreciated how straightforward the ordering process was and shared that “the process was simple and took very little time to complete.” After placing the order, it took about a week to for her to receive the kit, and the actual test results came back in 1 to 2 business days.

But she thought the blood collection process could be an issue for some users. Since Breanna had some experience testing out similar kits, she had already learned the best way to collect enough blood for the test. But she thought users who were new to finger-prick tests might find it difficult to collect enough blood.

Overall, Breanna said this test might be a good match for someone who wants to skip a visit to the doctor, someone who may not have insurance to cover a doctor’s visit, or anyone who would prefer to keep the test and results private.

STD Check has more than 4,500 testing sites nationwide. You can choose an individual test like HSV-1 or HSV-2 for $45 each. You can also order a 10-test panel, which includes the most common STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

The company is known for quick test results, which are sent to your online account in 1–2 days.

Once you complete your order online, you can select a local testing center based on your ZIP code. According to the company, in-person tests only take 5 minutes.

Your test and results will be completely ​​confidential. If your test results are positive, a physician can answer questions about your diagnosis.

For $169, people with a vagina can test for six common STIs at once, including HSV-2. Tests require both a finger prick and a vaginal swab.

For the same price, people with a penis can also test for herpes by purchasing the company’s STD Test for Men. It looks for the same six STIs as the other test, but sample types include a finger prick and a urine sample instead of a vaginal swab.

The kit includes prepaid shipping both ways, digital results, and detailed instructions. Once your kit arrives, you’ll need to register it on Everlywell’s website using the unique ID number included in your box.

In your kit, you’ll receive all you need to collect a finger-prick sample and either a vaginal swab packet or a urine cup and urine sample tube.

After shipping your sample, you’ll receive digital results on your account within a few days. If your results are positive, a board certified physician in your state will contact you at no additional cost to discuss your case and prescribe medication if necessary. Everlywell will also send you a personalized report detailing your results.

The site is HIPAA compliant and physician reviewed. This means your information is kept private, and medical information is approved by independent, board certified healthcare professionals.

With a finger prick, myLAB Box‘s at-home genital herpes test is pretty straightforward. Online lab results are provided within 2 to 5 days.

When you order a kit, you’ll receive materials to take your finger-prick sample in discreet packaging. It also comes with simple instructions and a prepaid envelope to send the sample off for testing.

If your results are positive, you can schedule a free consultation with one of myLAB Box’s doctors. The company works with labs that are certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments Act of 1988 (CLIA) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Plus, the website itself is HIPAA compliant.

Testing is not yet available in New York. The company is waiting for its state application to be approved.

Priority STD has ​​a 4.8 rating on Trustpilot with more than 2,600 reviews.

You can order the Priority STD individual herpes test online or by phone, which normally requires a waiting period of at least 12 days after exposure.

After scheduling an order, you’ll be directed to find a lab near you. There are more than 4,000 labs to choose from, and you can use the site’s online scheduling system to make an appointment.

STI test results are available online through a secure patient login, typically within 1–3 days of collection.

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). You can contract it by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the STI.

HSV-1 can also cause oral herpes, which may lead to sores or blisters around the mouth. You can contract oral herpes by kissing or engaging in oral sex with someone who already has it.

Some cases of oral herpes (HSV-1) can lead to genital herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) since the virus can spread from the saliva of someone with the infection into your body through oral sex.

It generally takes 4–7 days for herpes symptoms to appear. In addition to sores or blisters — which are called herpes lesions — around your mouth or genitals, other possible symptoms may include:

Some people don’t experience any symptoms at all, but they can still transmit the infection to others.

The popularity of at-home testing has increased over the past several years, and there are many reasons for this.

At-home herpes testing offers convenience and privacy and can be less expensive than in-person testing. Instead of making an appointment with your doctor for an in-person visit, you order the test kit online, collect your sample at your convenience, and mail it to the lab.

Collection methods are typically the same with both kinds of testing — you’ll either do a genital swab, urine collection, or blood sample.

Keep in mind that some at-home test kits allow a finger-prick blood sample that you can collect at home. But for others, you may have to visit an in-person lab to have your blood drawn by a professional.

The downside of some at-home testing is that you may not have a doctor to help you interpret your results. In some cases, sample results are sent right to you, and it’s up to you to interpret the information.

With herpes testing, you’ll generally get a positive or negative, so the results aren’t as complicated as some other types of tests. But having a doctor’s guidance can be helpful if you don’t know the proper next steps to take.

That being said, we recommend that with all the at-home herpes tests you have a physician follow-up or phone consultation with the clinical team when you get your results.

If you receive a positive result, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor to talk through treatment and next steps, regardless of whether you received follow-up care.

It’s important to note that while testing for STIs is essential for your health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that only people with herpes symptoms test for it.

Otherwise, people without symptoms or exposure may have inaccurate test results. The CDC states that those with a low risk for infection have a higher chance of getting the wrong test results.

It’s also a good idea to test for herpes if you have been exposed to it or have been sexually active with a partner who has a history of herpes.

After receiving a positive test result, following up with your healthcare professional for fast treatment is the best next step.

If you’re considering getting tested for herpes, you may wonder how to choose between the various options. Here are some things to consider:

Your HSV test results will likely be reported as negative (sometimes called “normal”) or positive (sometimes called “abnormal”):

If your test results are positive for HSV, talk with a healthcare professional about your next steps.

Talk with a healthcare professional if you notice any sores on or around your genitals. Other STIs, like syphilis, can look like herpes but need different treatments. Treatment is needed to prevent complications and transmission.

Your doctor will let you know whether you should test for herpes or another STI, and they can help you get treatment if needed.

These tests use the same type of samples used in a doctor’s office. The accuracy of a herpes test primarily depends on when you get tested.

These tests use the same type of samples used in a doctor’s office. The accuracy of a herpes test primarily depends on when you get tested.

If you haven’t had an initial outbreak, the best time to get tested for herpes is 12 days after exposure. This is because your body will have had time to produce antibodies that can be detected on a test.

A blood test can determine whether you have these antibodies.

Swabs, on the other hand, can detect the virus directly from an active herpes lesion.

If you haven’t had an initial outbreak, the best time to get tested for herpes is 12 days after exposure. This is because your body will have had time to produce antibodies that can be detected on a test.

A blood test can determine whether you have these antibodies.

Swabs, on the other hand, can detect the virus directly from an active herpes lesion.

Although latex condoms can reduce the risk of transmitting STIs, condoms don’t prevent herpes transmission. This is because not all herpes sores occur in areas that are covered by a condom.

If you’re experiencing an active outbreak, you can prevent herpes transmission by:

Taking a daily antiviral herpes medication can also help prevent transmission, shorten outbreaks, and manage symptoms.

Although latex condoms can reduce the risk of transmitting STIs, condoms don’t prevent herpes transmission. This is because not all herpes sores occur in areas that are covered by a condom.

If you’re experiencing an active outbreak, you can prevent herpes transmission by:

Taking a daily antiviral herpes medication can also help prevent transmission, shorten outbreaks, and manage symptoms.

Yes. All the tests listed here are completely confidential and private.

Your results won’t be reported to your insurance company and, therefore, won’t be placed on your permanent medical records.

The package you receive will only have the shipping label — no test name or visuals that indicate what it’s for. These online platforms are also HIPAA compliant.

Yes. All the tests listed here are completely confidential and private.

Your results won’t be reported to your insurance company and, therefore, won’t be placed on your permanent medical records.

The package you receive will only have the shipping label — no test name or visuals that indicate what it’s for. These online platforms are also HIPAA compliant.

Many at-home services have independent physicians or nurses reach out to people with positive test results. They’ll discuss your results with you and suggest a plan of action, possibly including medication.

If your results are positive, it’s important to let any recent sexual partners know so they can also get tested.

Many at-home services have independent physicians or nurses reach out to people with positive test results. They’ll discuss your results with you and suggest a plan of action, possibly including medication.

If your results are positive, it’s important to let any recent sexual partners know so they can also get tested.

If you have a primary care doctor who you regularly visit, you can share your results with them to provide better insight into your next steps.

If you don’t have a primary care doctor, you can consult with a physician or nurse from the testing site about treatment options.

If you’ve been treating your symptoms with medication and are still in pain or discomfort, reach out to a healthcare professional.

If you have a primary care doctor who you regularly visit, you can share your results with them to provide better insight into your next steps.

If you don’t have a primary care doctor, you can consult with a physician or nurse from the testing site about treatment options.

If you’ve been treating your symptoms with medication and are still in pain or discomfort, reach out to a healthcare professional.

You’ll have to check with your insurance network to see whether at-home STI tests are covered.

Insurance does typically cover them, but sites like Everlywell recommend verifying the purchase with your insurance.

Additionally, some networks may reimburse you for your purchase.

However, most at-home testing sites aren’t currently partnered with any insurance companies, which means you’ll have to reach out yourself.

If you don’t have insurance, you’ll likely have to pay for the test out of pocket. Some sites like Priority STD don’t accept insurance, so it’s a flat rate of $99 regardless of your coverage.

You’ll have to check with your insurance network to see whether at-home STI tests are covered.

Insurance does typically cover them, but sites like Everlywell recommend verifying the purchase with your insurance.

Additionally, some networks may reimburse you for your purchase.

However, most at-home testing sites aren’t currently partnered with any insurance companies, which means you’ll have to reach out yourself.

If you don’t have insurance, you’ll likely have to pay for the test out of pocket. Some sites like Priority STD don’t accept insurance, so it’s a flat rate of $99 regardless of your coverage.

Yes. Research suggests that in couples where only one partner had genital herpes, the other partner contracted genital herpes within 1 year in only 5% to 10% of couples.

You can prevent transmission by:

Yes. Research suggests that in couples where only one partner had genital herpes, the other partner contracted genital herpes within 1 year in only 5% to 10% of couples.

You can prevent transmission by:

There’s no current cure for herpes, but treatment can prevent or shorten outbreaks and manage symptoms.

Getting tested can prevent oral herpes from spreading to the genital area. It can also protect your sexual partners from contracting the virus.

Bonnie Azoulay Elmann is a freelance writer with 6 years of experience. She’s written for Glamour, Marie Claire, Health, and more publications. You can find her work here.

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