Top 6 Ovulation Tests: 14 OPK Brands Compared & Tested

For many, trying to conceive can be a huge rollercoaster ride full of ups and downs. We all try to find ways to improve our odds of getting pregnant fast. How about that one magic supplement? Have sex that one specific day? Or just hope for the best?

There are MANY different things you can do to boost your odds (I go over all of them in TTC School), but I always say that the easiest and best way to increase your chances of getting pregnant is using ovulation tests (like this one; they're also known as Ovulation Predictor Kits, or OPKs).

Before going down this road, there's two things I want you to know: you want to make sure you use the best ovulation test out there and you want to make sure you use it the right way. This article is all about that first part: finding out which ovulation tests are the best (or at least, which worked best for me). The second part — using them the RIGHT way — is what I teach in TTC School.

First, let's talk about what OPKs can do for you. I'll keep this short and focus on what actually matters.

Then we'll get to the main setup of my not-quite-scientific OPK experiment, after which the results will follow. Can't wait to see the results? Then jump ahead to the results. And if you're really impatient, jump ahead to see my Top 6 Ovulation Tests.

Picking the Right Ovulation Prediction Test for You

This article will help you identify what I believe to be the best Ovulation Predictor Kits on the market. Because if you're anything like me, you want to know which brand is the most sensitive and which brand can tell you when you're in the fertile window. You've probably even tried out a bunch of brands yourself already! But what I'm pretty sure you have not done is test more than a dozen brands using the exact same urine sample.

Now before diving in, I want to let you know that I'm a huge fan of ovulation tests. I LOVE OPKs! They're simple, effective, cheap and most importantly, accurate. And because I love all OPKs, going in, I don't have a favorite OPK brand or any preconceived notions about who should come out on top. What I want is to simply know which is the best in my little test, or if they're all equally good. That would be just as awesome as well!

How Does an Ovulation Test Work?

Ovulation Predictor Kits do exactly what their name suggests: predict ovulation!

They do this by detecting a hormone called LH (luteinizing hormone) in your urine. So what you do is you pee in a cup and stick the LH strip into the urine for a few seconds. Then you lay it down and wait for the lines to appear.

The LH surge starts 1-2 days before ovulation. This means the LH hormone starts rising and becomes detectable in urine, and this rapid rise is what causes the egg to break free — you have ovulation. Just look at this chart:

See the dotted line? That's when ovulation happens! And that red line? That's how your LH levels change during your cycle!

Once luteinizing hormone starts to really increase (also known as the LH surge), which happens right at the start of the yellow highlight, that's when an OPK becomes positive too: the test line will be (almost) the same intensity as the control line. Now you're at peak fertility: go have sex!

Why Your Baseline LH Level Matters

Looking at that chart, you may think everyone has that exact LH surge, with the exact same rise in LH levels. Nope!

We all differ in:

• Baseline LH levels
• How fast the LH level rises
• How high the LH level gets
• How long it takes until you ovulate

That's why it's worth starting testing early in your cycle, long before you expect to ovulate.

Why?

Because you need to know what your baseline LH test looks like — that will show you exactly what your personal negative looks like! And your negative may look a lot different than mine.

That's because if your baseline LH levels are very low, that could mean that even with a 10-fold increase in LH leading up to ovulation, your test line will be lighter than the test line from someone with a very high baseline LH and only a 5-fold increase in LH.

My tests are unique to me and your tests will be unique to you. We're all different! Having said that, all the OPK comparisons in this article can be compared to each other because they're done using the same urine sample.

So make sure you pee on a stick early in your cycle so you know what YOUR baseline test looks like!

Testing the Popular OPK Brands

With so many brands out there, how do you know which is best? Does it even matter, or are they all equally good? Which test is most sensitive? And which OPK is the easiest to interpret?

Remember how I promised this guide will help you identify the best ovulation test? Well, that's exactly what I'll be showing you in the next section, in great detail. I wrote this article to find out which test is best, but what does "best" even mean? To try to quantify what I'm looking for in a good OPK, here's the list of questions I wanted answered:

• Will baseline urine (with very little LH present) show up as a negative (no line visible)?
• Can the OPK detect an early LH surge (several days before your peak day)?
• Is the test line darker than the control line when testing at peak LH?
• Is the OPK easily readable after only a few minutes?
• Can the test still identify peak LH even when you're extremely hydrated / after drinking a LOT of water?

If the answer to all these questions is a resounding "yes," then we're dealing with a good test. If some or all of them are "no," well, then it's probably best to avoid.

How the Test Was Set Up

To answer these questions, I collected and tested 5 urine samples:

1. A baseline urine sample with very low LH, which should always be negative.
2. An early LH surge urine sample. This is perhaps the most important test of all. Ideally, a good OPK would show a test line darker than the baseline sample — depending on how close you are to ovulation, it may be as dark as the control line, or not quite as dark just yet. This experiment is the equivalent of testing right at the start of your fertile window!
3. A peak LH urine sample. Here, the test line must be as dark or darker than the control line.
4. A 50% water / 50% peak urine sample. The test line should ideally still be very visible. This mimics drinking a lot of water — a strong test line means the test is sensitive enough even if you stay hydrated.
5. A 75% water / 25% peak urine sample. Same idea, but mimicking being super hydrated. A strong test line here also means the test is very sensitive.

Each urine sample was kept in a sterile plastic cup, and each OPK test was dipped for approximately 5 seconds. Filming and taking photos was done using the same setup every time.

I recorded 5 OPKs at a time (one strip for each urine sample), which looks like this:

I made sure to record each test for a total of 10 minutes. In this example, the 5 urine samples (ranging from no LH to peak LH) were tested using the same brand, 5 minutes after dipping.

For the purposes of this article, I'll show you the final result after 10 minutes. If you're curious how fast the ovulation tests show a result, download the PDF guide, where I show the progression from 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes and 10 minutes.

For the rest of this article, I'll discuss the findings after 10 minutes.

DISCLAIMER: In no way is this a true scientific test. This is me testing OPK brands that I bought (none were provided for free), using my own urine samples. I am reviewing and comparing the different ovulation tests — it is likely you will have different outcomes.

The Brands

Needless to say, it was a lot of dipping, testing, checking, and recording. Doing the math, that's 70 tests: 14 brands × 5 urine samples!

These brands were tested (affiliate links):

E.P.T. Digital Ovulation Test (digital, quantitative)
Clearblue Digital Ovulation Predictor Kit (digital)
Wondfo (cheapie)
Easy@Home (cheapie)
Generic (cheapie)
Femometer (cheapie)
Smilereader (cheapie)
Pregmate (cheapie)
iProven (cheapie)
Checkurate (cheapie)
EZ Level (cheapie)
ClinicalGuard (cheapie)
Healva (cheapie)
MomMed (cheapie)

FYI: it's possible some of these brands look different than the images below. That's because I conducted these tests a while back, and manufacturers occasionally change packaging and stick color.

I think it's time I stop with all the prefacing — let's dive headfirst into the results. Shall we?

Test Results: Full Breakdown

I'm going to go in great detail below about which ovulation test is best and which isn't. If you'd rather save a copy for yourself, download the printable PDF version of this article.

Test Results: Digital Ovulation Tests

When it comes to OPKs, the most expensive option — and potentially also the best and most accurate — is the so-called quantitative digital OPK test. These give you an actual reading, a number, of the LH hormone.

Generally, if the test tells you your level is 30 mIU/mL or higher, it's considered a positive OPK: your surge is happening! If it gives a very high score, say 80 mIU/mL or higher, you're probably right at your LH peak. But, as noted above, all of us have different baseline scores and different "peak" scores too. So always establish your own baseline first!

The E.P.T. Quantitative Test

The first OPK I'll test is a quantitative one: the e.p.t. Digital Ovulation Test. This digital test can tell us a few things a simple test can't:

First, we can answer: what are the actual LH levels of the 5 urine samples? Is the baseline close to 0? What's the LH level at surge and peak? Does diluting the urine cut down the LH level?

Answering these questions can really help you understand your own body. And knowing actual LH levels can also come in handy when interpreting regular old-fashioned OPK tests!

Second, we can answer: is the device reliable? By testing each urine sample twice (a "test-retest"), we're hoping to see the same LH reading on the second go-round as the first try. Alright, enough talk — let's start comparing!

At baseline, we get the result I had hoped for: 0 LH detected.

At the start of the LH surge, the LH level was 15 mIU/mL on the first test and 18 mIU/mL on the second — pretty close, and in line with a (very) early LH surge!

Peak LH shows a very high level both times (95+ mIU/mL). In fact, you can't score higher than 100 mIU/mL! According to e.p.t., any score above 30 on this test is a positive OPK.

And finally, diluting the urine does make the LH levels drop, but not by that much. The test is still very positive after using only 25% urine / 75% water (46 mIU/mL and 67 mIU/mL)!

In other words, drinking plenty of fluids is unlikely to be a problem.

E.P.T. Conclusion & Score

It's pretty amazing seeing an actual quantitative value representing LH. I'm impressed by the results — they're steady and give a good indication of your LH levels. Of course, I don't have lab equipment to verify the number is accurate, but it's good enough to help you find your optimal fertile window!

Price: 💰💰💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Check price on Amazon

Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test

I tested the Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test (pink stick) — there's also a purple one that measures both LH and estrogen, but that wouldn't be a fair comparison to the others in this test.

Here's what I found testing Clearblue on the 5 different urine samples:

As expected, the baseline sample was a "no."

The Clearblue test, however, missed the early LH surge. This isn't very surprising, since the e.p.t. digital test estimated that sample's LH level at 15-18 mIU/mL, and Clearblue has a sensitivity of 40 mIU/mL. For anyone who wants an early heads up that they're entering their fertile window, this test simply isn't sensitive enough!

At peak LH, the smiley face appears.

And diluting to either 50% or 25% peak LH urine still gives us that smiley face.

Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test Conclusion & Score

If you know your LH levels tend to rise really high, the Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test can be a good choice. It does miss the early LH phase though, so for anyone with lower LH, or who wants an early heads up that the fertile window is approaching, this one isn't the best pick.

Price: 💰💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐

Check price on Amazon

Test Results: Cheapie Ovulation Tests

The most common type of OPK is colloquially named a "cheapie" or "internet cheapie," but it's also known as a paper LH test, simple LH test, or just OPK.

Cheapies are my favorite kind of OPK because you can buy a whole box of them for $20 and there's a lot less plastic waste than with digital OPKs. And being cheap doesn't make them bad in any way — in fact, I like them the most! But there are distinct differences between brands, and that's what I'll compare next.

In any case, the most important thing to remember with cheapies is that a test line as dark or darker than the control line is considered positive. But if your baseline LH levels are very low (like mine), an early LH surge is unlikely to be quite as dark as the control line just yet — I'd still count it as positive!

One thing to note about cheapie ovulation tests: I've never been able to find them in a brick-and-mortar store. I get all my ovulation tests from Amazon, and you'll probably have to as well (or another online retailer).

So without further ado, let's show the cheapie test results!

Wondfo Ovulation Test Predictor

Baseline: test line is barely visible. So far so good!

Early LH surge: the line is somewhat faint, but much darker than the baseline sample.

Peak LH: the test line is much darker than the control line, as expected.

Diluted samples: even diluted with water, the test remains very positive — you don't have to worry about how much water you drank before testing!

Wondfo Conclusion & Score

The Wondfo is affordable, doesn't feel flimsy, and does what it needs to do. A very decent choice worth considering.

Price: 💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Check price on Amazon

Easy@Home Ovulation Test Predictor

Baseline: only an extremely faint line at baseline.

Early LH surge: not as dark as the control line, but definitely darker than baseline — it's possible to detect this early surge.

Peak LH: a very clear peak test line, visible already after a minute.

Diluted samples: still positive after 50% dilution. At the most diluted sample it loses some color — the control might be slightly darker, but it's close.

Easy@Home Conclusion & Score

The Easy@Home strips are relatively big and chunky, which I like. Results show up quickly and any haziness disappears after 5 minutes or so. Overall, a solid choice.

Price: 💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Check price on Amazon

"Generic" Ovulation Test Predictor

These were the cheapest OPKs I could find — no-name generic ones bought from eBay. I wanted to see whether the "worst" would still offer satisfactory outcomes. Let's try it out!

Baseline: test line completely absent, which is good, but could indicate the test isn't sensitive enough.

Early LH surge: barely visible — hard to know if this is the start of the surge or just a more concentrated baseline sample.

Peak LH: the peak test line is clearly visible, but definitely not darker than the control line.

Diluted samples: mediocre at best — diluting the sample makes the test line much less positive.

Generic Conclusion & Score

The Generic LH strips are very thin and flimsy. Some streakiness and haziness even after 5 minutes, though it eventually clears. Going the cheap route has some real downsides here — only at the absolute LH peak does the test line become very visible.

Price: 💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐

Femometer Ovulation Test Strips

Baseline: a very, very slight hint of a test line.

Early LH surge: not close to control-line darkness, but with a little squinting you can make out the start of a positive.

Peak LH: the test line is darker than the control line, just the way we like it.

Diluted samples: the 50% sample still has a test line darker than control; at 25% peak, test and control are about the same.

Femometer Conclusion & Score

The Femometer strips are slightly thinner than some of the others, but easy to use and fast to develop. I'd like to see a slightly darker "early LH surge" line, but overall the results are what I'd expect.

Price: 💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Check price on Amazon

Smilereader Ovulation Test Strips

Baseline: not visible at all, which may indicate the test isn't sensitive enough at low LH levels.

Early LH surge: extremely faint — may not give you much of an early heads up.

Peak LH: even the peak test line isn't as dark as the control line.

Diluted samples: the 50% sample looks similar to peak, but the 25% sample is far from positive. Could present as a false negative if you're well hydrated.

Smilereader Conclusion & Score

The Smilereader strips are very thin, but quick to develop, and haziness clears after 5 minutes. Overall, less sensitive than most others — could be a good option if your LH levels run naturally high.

Price: 💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐

Check price on Amazon

Pregmate Ovulation Test Strips

Baseline: very light (negative), but still a slight hint of a line — exactly what I like to see, since it means the test is probably sensitive enough to catch an early surge without giving false positives.

Early LH surge: darker than baseline, though not as dark as control.

Peak LH: extremely dark, even darker than the control line, and fast to develop — no waiting around to check the test.

Diluted samples: the 50% sample is about as dark as control; 25% peak is somewhat lighter.

Pregmate Conclusion & Score

I like the Pregmate a lot. It's chunky and simple to use, develops fast, and picks up small changes. Since I tested these, it looks like Pregmate switched to a blue test strip (mine were pink) — no reason to think the new ones aren't equally good.

Price: 💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Check price on Amazon

iProven Ovulation Test Strips

Baseline: barely visible. So far so good.

Early LH surge: a decent test line — gives you a heads up that levels are rising.

Peak LH: darker than the control line, though both lines are a bit patchy.

Diluted samples: the 50% sample's test line is just a tad darker than control; at 75% water, control is darker.

iProven Conclusion & Score

The iProven strips are pretty thin and flimsy, but did the trick — sensitive and fast to develop.

Price: 💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Checkurate Ovulation Test Strips

Baseline: a very faint line, as expected.

Early LH surge: slightly darker than baseline, but lines were patchy, making it harder to read.

Peak LH: about as dark as control, lines again a bit patchy.

Diluted samples: both the 50% and 25% samples were noticeably lighter than control — not really what I like to see.

Checkurate Conclusion & Score

The Checkurate strips are very thin and flimsy, and weren't fast to develop — I had to wait 10 minutes to read them. Lines were harder to read than most other brands, and it seems less sensitive overall.

Price: 💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐

Check price on Amazon

EZ Level Ovulation Test Strips

Baseline: a shadow of a test line, meaning some LH was detected.

Early LH surge: much more visible than baseline — would give you an early heads up.

Peak LH: clear and darker than the control line.

Diluted samples: the 50% sample is still positive; the 25% sample is a bit lighter than control.

EZ Level Conclusion & Score

The EZ Level strips are thick and sturdy, and weren't the fastest to develop. Overall, I found them great.

Price: 💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Check price on Amazon

ClinicalGuard Ovulation Test Strips

Baseline: just a little hint of a test line.

Early LH surge: may give you a heads up compared to baseline, but it's really faint.

Peak LH: much darker than control, visible already after just 1 minute.

Diluted samples: the 50% sample still looks positive; the 25% sample is fainter, but visible.

ClinicalGuard Conclusion & Score

Overall, the ClinicalGuard strips are somewhat thin, but do the job and are sensitive.

Price: 💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Check price on Amazon

Healva Ovulation Predictor Kit

Baseline: just a little hint of a test line.

Early LH surge: a very faint line — hard to tell if your LH is rising based on this.

Peak LH: darker than control, but the whole test looks very faded, making it harder to read.

Diluted samples: the 50% sample looks okay but faded; 25% is very faint, both lines hard to read.

Healva Conclusion & Score

The Healva strips are thin and the lines faded, like they're missing pigment. I didn't like these — interpreting such faint lines while trying to get pregnant would just stress me out.

Price: 💰
Score: ⭐⭐

MomMed Ovulation Test Strips

Baseline: a very faint test line.

Early LH surge: lighter than control, but definitely darker than baseline. With a bit of squinting, you can catch the early surge.

Peak LH: much darker than the control line.

Diluted samples: the 50% sample is a clear positive; the 75%-water sample isn't quite positive anymore, but still visible.

MomMed Conclusion & Score

The MomMed strips are somewhat thin, but develop fast and clear, with lines that are easy to read and appear pretty sensitive.

Price: 💰
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Check price on Amazon

The Winners: Which Ovulation Test Is the Best?

That was a lot of testing (and a lot of reading on your part!), so I'll keep the final results short and sweet: to me, 6 ovulation tests out of the 14 tested really stood out. These are the ones I'd recommend over the others, because they gave clear results and were sensitive to an early LH surge — which is really important for a heads up about your fertile window. They were also unfazed by dilution/hydration level, with test lines that were clear and easy to read.

The top 6 tests from my OPK Labs comparison are (in no particular order):

Wondfo Ovulation Test Predictor

These earned high marks across every test category. An affordable option you should definitely consider.

E.P.T. Numeric Digital Ovulation Test

Gives an actual estimate of the LH level in your urine, which I found really cool and informative, and it held up well in my test-retest check. The only downside: it's pretty expensive.

Femometer Ovulation Test Strips

A bit thinner than the other top picks, but the test itself worked really well — clear, well-defined test and control lines.

Easy@Home Ovulation Test Predictor

Did an excellent job detecting the peak LH surge and didn't fade much with dilution.

EZ Level Ovulation Test Strips

Very chunky, which inspires confidence. Clear results, with an obvious early-LH warning signal.

Pregmate Ovulation Test Strips

Looked essentially identical to EZ Level to me, with the same good results. My tests were conducted a while back, and Pregmate appears to have since switched to blue tests — no reason to think the updated ones aren't just as good as these pink ones.