Where is the best place to find drinking water test kits? Ever wonder what's actually coming out of your kitchen faucet when you fill up a glass of water? While most tap water in the US looks perfectly clear, it may not be as safe as it seems. It doesn't matter if you're on city or well water - you might want to double down on your safety (especially if you have little ones).
Best Option
Detekt is a DIY drinking water test kit that you can find at a variety of retailers. This option is an all-in-one kit that promises to look at microbial and chemical inclusions in your water. Detekt is a manufacturer of lateral flow readers, and it partners with water diagnostic companies around the world. Detekt is used across medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, animal health, food safety, public health, forensic science, and environmental monitoring industries.
Detekt has tons of different tests for home use
Detekt offers consumer test kits for drinking water. Its main option for general customers is the #1 Total Drinking Water Test Kit. Detekt also offers Lead in Drinking Water Test Kit, Algae Toxin in Water Test Kit, Water Microbes Test Kit, Sanitation Test Kit, Full Home Inspection Certification Kit, Baby-Prep Nesting Home Test Kit, and an All-in-One Water Testing Kit. Detekt also offers test kits for air quality and surface contamination, including mold and gas detection kits. The main kit in our review is an all-in-one drinking water test kit that requires no lab and can be completed right in your home with no assistance.
Test for 7 types of contaminants
The #1 Total Drinking Water Test Kit includes 7 different water safety tests. It will screen for lead, bacteria, mold, pH levels, hardness, iron content, and total microbial content. You can do this test no matter if you're on city water or well water. It's made with Detekt's proprietary lateral flow technology for a broad spectrum of possible contaminants and promising high precision for the results. You can use it in your kitchen, a well, an RV, a school, rentals, or even at your Airbnb if you're traveling.
Cost is $39.99 per kit
Detekt's #1 Total Drinking Water Test Kit is $39.99 at the top retailer we found. This includes an option for free 2-day shipping for many customers. However, we were not able to get a discount for signing up for an ongoing shipment (if you're on well water and need to do this every few months). Sadly, this is also a one-use kit, which isn't ideal cost-wise. On the bright side, the lab-quality results are pretty impressive for a test under $50 (which is usually the minimum for basic mail-in lab tests).
Gives you species results and amounts
Detekt offers a large species guide for contaminants, and you can see what your results look like and compare them to what possible bacterial species you might see. For example, some of the bacteria results we saw on the examples for the listing include Salmonella, Fusarium, Staphylococcus, Bacillus Cereus, and more. This is more than a positive vs. negative result; you can see the visual degree of contamination and which species are present with this drinking water test kit. It sure looks gross, but you'll be well-informed.
2-day shipping available for free
Detekt may have different shipping times depending on where you browse, but at our recommended retailer (linked in this review), you can get free 2-day shipping if you're a member. Plus, some customers who live closer to the delivery area might enjoy same-day shipping at no cost. This will ultimately depend on your location, of course. Non-members will also qualify for free shipping for Detekt since it meets the $35 minimum requirement. You get a 30-day refund or replacement policy at our recommended retailer, helping with your peace of mind if some part of your drinking water test kit doesn't work.
Customers love how complete it is
Detekt does not currently have a page with the Better Business Bureau or on popular third-party review sites like Trustpilot. However, its verified review feedback on retailers is notably high. Detekt has rave reviews from retailers with verified customers. For example, at one location, it held an impressive 4.8 stars out of 5. Customers love that the kit is easy to use and provides an impressive look at your water quality. People appreciate the wide range of screening options without the need to send their water into a lab. Shoppers also note that this drinking water test kit comes with all the necessary materials in the package, including gloves and tools.
All-in-one powerhouse
Detekt is a standout option for drinking water test kits, both for its all-in-one approach and for its impressive level of detail that shows you specific strains of bacteria and how much of each species you might have in your water. Customers claim that this is one of the best options aside from sending your water into a lab to get the same type of results. While we'd like to see multiple uses for a kit of this price, it doesn't break the bank the way a one-use lab test will. On that merit, Detekt's #1 Total Drinking Water Test Kit earns 5 stars in our review.
Great
Tap Score is a brand of drinking water test kits that's similar to a few others in our review. It has plenty of different ship-to-lab kits that you can buy depending on your water worries. The neat part is that you can get the Tap Score app and see your results in a user-friendly format right from your phone as soon as they're ready from the lab. All of the tests are certified laboratory options that can be used for your home or business. It's respected as well, with high praise from news outlets like Consumer Reports, The Washington Post, The Economist, and The Guardian.
Pick from 5 water tests
Tap Score offers 5 main drinking water test kits at our suggested retailer (linked in our review). You can pick from the Ultimate Home Water Test Kit for Drinking Water (250+ test parameters), the Advanced Home Water Test Kit (for well or city water with 116 parameters), the Professional PFAS Test for Drinking Water (for PFAS test only), the Essential Home Water Test Kit for Drinking Water (50 parameters), and the Tap Score Lead & Copper in Water Test Kit. Three of these are general water tests, and the others (like PFAS and Lead & Copper) are more limited but very specific.
Get results on over 250 concerns
Tap Score's largest drinking water test kit offers 250+ different analysis parameters. These are all listed on the product page, so you know exactly which tests are being performed and what results you will see. The categories include metal and minerals, bacteria, inorganics, general properties, herbicides, disinfection byproducts, VOCS, and pesticides. The only area where there is any limitation is the bacteria. You only get results for E. coli, and no other bacterium that might be present in water. Everything else, though, is so detailed that you may have trouble reading all of the possible things that can be analyzed by this test. If you're not worried about all those things, you can get a smaller test that still focuses on the heavy hitters like copper, lead, iron, mercury, and more.
Cost from $59 to $399.95 per kit
Tap Score has a couple of different tests to choose from. Here's what you can expect from all 5 drinking water test kits:
Notably, the Ultimate test is less costly than some of the other similar-sized lab tests with more total parameters, making it a more competitive option if you're looking for complete peace of mind.
Results in 10 days to your phone
Tap Score's results will come in around 10 days after you ship them to the lab. There aren't any associated shipping costs to and from the lab. You'll get your results directly on the Tap Score app, which offers the level of contamination in little bar graphs and specific numbers for every studied item of concern. It's one of the most user-friendly results readouts we've seen right in the palm of your hand. The results for this drinking water test kit will even break down specific health concerns, so you know what you need to take action on right away.
Shipping in 6-10 days from store
Tap Score doesn't qualify for fast shipping at our recommended retailer. Instead, the earliest we could see shipments was about 6-10 business days (which is the standard shipping time, whether you're a member or not). Both members and non-members will score free shipping for all of Tap Score's kits, too, since they are over the non-member free shipping threshold of $35. You will get access to a 30-day refund plan, whether you are a member or not. As long as you haven't sent the drinking water test kit to the lab, you'll be eligible for a return for a full refund.
Top-rated from multiple sites
Tap Score's drinking water test kits currently have a 4.5-star rating out of 5 from verified buyers on different retailers. Customers love how easy this kit is to use, and they praise the easy instructions. The reports are noted to be particularly detailed, which helped homeowners make informed decisions about how to treat their water going forward. Customers reported that using the Tap Score tests showed water needs that they hadn't considered, and were able to make the appropriate plumbing upgrades all at once due to the level of detail. Unlike many of the other drinking water test kits in our review, Tap Score also has a rating on third-party review sites like Trustpilot, where it holds a 4.6-star average out of 5. Praise here is similar to that on the retailer's site, and customers are generally impressed with the level of detail and helpfulness of the results.
Best option if you want labs
Tap Score is an impressive choice if you want your water sent to a lab. It's got a lower cost than similar services and brands, and offers a kit with one of the highest numbers for testing parameters that we've seen during our research. It's about $100 less than its nearest competition for a full-spectrum lab test, which stands out for customers who want peace of mind without breaking the bank. If you're moving in somewhere new, or just haven't had a full test of your water in a few years, this is definitely the top lab option for drinking water test kits out there.
Great
Watersafe bills itself as the "original" water testing kit for drinking water, well water, and tap water. It promises fast results in just 10 minutes with quick, at-home paper strips. Watersafe isn't just for testing drinking water either. You can test water in a pool, at the beach, or in a river just to be sure that it's safe for you or your family to enjoy. It also promises to be one of the easiest at-home kits (that even a middle schooler could do). So, if you're looking for a quick and easy drinking water test kit, this might be a solid choice to explore.
4 total kits with one comprehensive option
Watersafe's main drinking water test kit product that we'll focus on for our review is The Original Water Testing Kit. This kit promises lab-accurate results even for low levels of contaminants like 5 ppb of lead (which is three times lower than the EPA's action level), just so you can know and be sure. Aside from this test, Watersafe also offers the Pool & Spa Test Kit for water safety on vacation, the Ultra Sensitive Rapid Test for Lead, and the Ultra Sensitive Bacteria Test. This way, you can test for your largest concern, everything at once, or just pool or spa water.
Covers 9 possible contaminants
Watersafe's comprehensive test, The Original Water Testing Kit, offers testing for the most dangerous contaminants. It includes lead, bacteria, nitrate, nitrite, iron, copper, chlorine, hardness, and the pH level of your water. This is a lower number of possible contaminants than we've seen with other drinking water test kits, but it remains competitive due to covering the most important contaminants that might be on your radar. However, keep in mind that this is a one-shot deal: you can only do one test per purchase.
Costs $28.90 per kit
Watersafe comes in a 1-pack and a 2-pack of the same thing. Keeping in mind that each package means 1 drinking water test kit, the cost of $28.90 per kit or $54.99 for two kits seems a little steep. Considering that many of the competing drinking water test kits on the market will give you enough strips for multiple tests (and some up to 100 in a package) for a similar cost, Watersafe may not be the best value for your money.
Test your concerns one at a time
Watersafe comes with multiple strips in the box, but each strip is for the related test. So one strip will test lead, one strip will test pH, and so on. This is a little time-consuming as you have to do 9 different dip-tests in order to get accurate results. When compared to other tests that let you dip one strip and see multiple results, Watersafe seems a bit less customer-friendly than some of the other drinking water test kits we've researched.
Ships as quickly as 2 days
If you buy Watersafe from our recommended retailer (linked in our review), you can qualify for free 2-day shipping if you pay for a membership. If not, you'll get the standard shipping, which is 8-10 business days, and it will only be free on purchases of $35+, which sadly, the Watersafe kit is not (if you only buy one). Whether you're a member or not, though, you will be able to use the 30-day return policy, which will let you return the drinking water test kit even if you have opened it.
Limited but high-quality results
Watersafe currently holds a 4.2-star average rating out of 5 across reviews from verified buyers. According to the feedback, customers agree that the results are lab-quality, so despite the higher cost for a one-use kit, Watersafe does offer value through the quality of the results. However, there are some complaints about the ease of use. Customers don't like that it's more complicated to use this drinking water test kit since the strips are separated out. There is definitely still some frustration with the limited use of the kit, but overall, it seems the quality of results earns it its current rating.
Less costly than other one-use options
Watersafe is quite similar to our top pick in terms of how many contaminants it studies and being a one-use package. However, it doesn't detail the types of bacteria the way our #1 pick does, which leaves us to judge Watersafe just on the remaining features. It doesn't have as great a value for many customers who want to be able to do multiple tests in one purchase. On the other hand, the lab-quality results do keep this option competitive. For this reason, it earns a solid score in our review. If it had more detailed results, this drinking water test kit would overtake our number 1 pick due to lower cost, but for now, Watersafe is our second-place home kit and third-place choice overall.
Very Good
Heveis is a brand that offers impressive drinking water test kits. For example, the main kit in our review is the 21-in-1 Home Drinking Water Testing Kit. Yep, you read that right: twenty-one testing features. Heveis is a more limited brand, however. Compared to other companies that make drinking water test kits, we couldn't find a standalone corporate website or brand history for Heveis. It is recommended and sold by a variety of retailers, many of which are.org sites, meaning they are often well-researched and often include peer-reviewed products.
One test with 120 uses
Heveis doesn't appear to have any other tests other than the 21-in-1 Home Drinking Water Testing Kit. Even on our recommended retailer, where you can research items by brand, there weren't any further options from this manufacturer. So, the Heveis 21-in-1 Home Drinking Water Testing Kit is where it's at. The drinking water test kit promises to be complete and comprehensive, with a 3-step process that Heveis states even kids can do. The tests are completed with strips that you dip into a glass of water. Simple, quick, and with 120 strips in the package, you can test over and over with the same kit. Be aware, though, that the tests for bacteria have fewer uses, with only 4 kits included.
Test for 21 possible parameters
Heveis allows you to test for 21 different possible problems with your water using this drinking water test kit. It includes physical properties of your water like pH, hardness, and alkalinity; metals like copper, lead, zinc, mercury, manganese, iron; and other substances like chlorine, chloride, fluoride, hydrogen sulfide, sodium, carbonate, sulfate, nitrate, nitrite, QAC, and MPS. You can get a total coliform look at bacteria (which means the results don't show you separate counts of specific bacteria), as well as specific tests for E. coli bacteria.
Costs $22.98 per kit
Heveis can be purchased for $22.98 for the entire kit. This is an impressive price for a kit that you can reuse for general mineral and metal testing 120 times (though you can only test for bacteria four times). This is more impressive still than many higher-priced drinking water test kits out there due to the usability. Some kits that are more costly come with only two test strips with fewer inclusions measured. Heveis is definitely a good deal.
Clear results with safe margins shown
Heveis tests show you results in terms of the area of comfort. For example, each test item has a few different color squares and then a green line under the squares that are "safe" results. Some show up to 7 levels of possible contamination for detailed measuring. If your drinking water test kit results show up in the green area, you're good to go. If not, you'll need to do something to make your water safer pronto.
Free 2-day shipping for members
Heveis is offered through our preferred retailer (linked in our review) with free shipping within 2 days. Depending on your location, you may see offers for next-day or same-day shipping for free as well. This will also depend on whether you have a membership with our preferred retailer. If not, shipping may cost between $5.99 and $6.99 since free shipping for non-members starts with orders of $35+. On top of that, you will have access to the 30-day refund and replacement policy for this drinking water test kit, which is extremely generous and offers possible returns even if your kit has been opened.
Solid score for value for money
Heveis has plenty of reviews from verified buyers through its retailers. According to one site, Heveis had a 4.4-star average out of 5. Customers said that it was easy to use, and they loved that they could test their water again and again with the generous 120 strips. Repeatedly, reviews mention that the value for the price customers paid was worth it for Heveis. However, there are some recent reports that Heveis drinking water test kits aren't as accurate as some of its competitors. This complaint was mainly for the bacteria test portion, which could be disappointing if you're looking specifically for that portion of the results.
Tons of uses for one purchase
Heveis has an impressive price point for what you get in the kit. You can test for metals and water properties 120 times, making this a great option if you have well water and need to test your water source regularly. While there could be more results for bacteria (since the results mostly focus on E. coli), and we'd like to see more bacteria test strips, the overall value for your money with this drinking water test kit remains high. So, if you know you're going to need to test your water more than once, Heveis is a great option to consider.
Very Good
Safe Home is a brand with lots of different drinking water test kits. Whether you want a kit that offers basic testing over and over, a certified laboratory kit, or you just want to test for one or two contaminants, there are plenty of options with Safe Home. This brand is well known online and has been praised by Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, and The Spruce. There is a mix of in-lab and at-home kits from Safe Home, so you can get the level of detail for your drinking water test that makes you feel most comfortable.
Two full-spectrum test options
Safe Home offers plenty of different water tests. Most of the ones at our recommended retailer (linked in our review) are the in-lab tests that you will buy and ship to the lab for analysis. These include two all-around water testing kits, which are the Safe Home 200-in-1 Ultimate Drinking Water Test Kit, which tests for 200 parameters, and the Safe Home 50-in-1 Premium Drinking Water Test Kit (with 50 test parameters. The rest look at specific concerns like the Safe Home Lead in Drinking Water Test Kit (with a 1-sample and a 2-sample option), Safe Home Arsenic in Drinking Water Test Kit, Safe Home Glyphosate in Water Test Kit, and Safe Home Heavy Metals Test Kit. There are some basic test kits from this brand that you can do at home as well, but these are harder to find.
See every test parameter before you buy
Safe Home's drinking water test kits are extremely clear about what concerns they test for. Even in the 200-parameter test, you can see every specific metal, physical property, organic compound, and more. For example, some of the elements included are aluminum, arsenic, barium, boron, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, lithium, nickel, thallium, zinc, and more. Physical properties include alkalinity, bicarbonate, conductivity, pH, tannin, total dissolved solids, and turbidity, among other features. If you choose one of the more limited packages, you will see exactly what your results will give you before you buy. The level of transparency with Safe Home is extremely impressive.
Cost from $79.95 to $499.95 per lab kit
Safe Home's costs have a high range. If you're looking at the lab tests, you'll be paying for more than just the materials, but the shipment to and from the lab and the time of the lab tech as well. The lowest-cost lab test option at Safe Home is the Safe Home Arsenic in Drinking Water Test Kit, which costs $79.95. The highest cost option is the Safe Home 200-in-1 Ultimate Drinking Water Test Kit, which costs $499.95 at our recommended retailer. We did find some in-home water test kits by Safe Home for around $20 on our recommended retailer as well.
Usually takes about 10 days to get results
Safe Home is a little more costly than some of the lab test kits out there, but it's extremely detailed. Remember to register your drinking water test kit online before you try to send it in to Safe Home. Once your testing is complete, you'll get an online report of your sample. This usually takes about 10 days. You can view it through the Safe Home portal or wait for an email. Some kits can be rush-ordered, and the instructions for doing so will be inside the package.
Free 2-day shipping for some customers
Depending on where you buy your Safe Home drinking water test kit, you may get different shipping options. At our recommended retailer, the test kits are available for 2-day free shipping (if you have a membership), and standard shipping times (5-8 business days) if you don't, but the cost of shipping is still free if you order more than $35 worth (which almost all of these test kits will qualify for). Member or not, you will also get access to the 30-day refund policy if you haven't sent your kit to the lab yet.
Easy to use, but can be slow
Customers say that the send-to-lab kits are easy to use and generally have clear instructions. The reports are noted to be "comprehensive" and offer detailed information about the water quality. The negative reviews mostly focus on the high cost of Safe Home. However, some customers have reported excessively long wait times for results. One customer said he didn't get his labs back for 6-7 weeks. While this seemed to be in the minority for people, it's a little concerning if you need results urgently.
Good for new home inspections
Safe Home is a costlier choice, but it has impressive transparency and different levels of results depending on how much you want to spend. You can easily see up to 200 different concerns in your water, and you know exactly what you're buying before you get into it. With the reports of trustworthy and helpful results, it may be worth the higher cost, especially if you're moving into a new home and want a comprehensive look at the water quality. Considering this drinking water test kit is a strong choice for those who want a lab result with full peace of mind, it earns a respectable score overall.
Good
getTested is an at-home drinking water test kit that has an impressive test range. There are no labs or delays necessary. You can get fast water test results at home with this dip-strip style kit. getTested is an online lab testing company known for providing the largest range of at-home health tests. These tests aren't limited to just drinking water test kits. You can also find gut health tests, hormone tests, STI tests, pregnancy tests, and more. getTested is extremely clear about its testing process, too. If it says "rapid test," you can do it safely at home. If you need a lab (which your water test kit will not), it'll say "lab test" right on the listing. Super helpful.
Tons of personal health tests, as well as water
getTested appears to have only one water testing kit (though it offers lots of other health tests). The getTested at-Home Water Quality Test Kit is its main offering. This is an at-home kit that screens for 15+ indicators and is usable whether you have well water, city water, or just want to test the tap water coming out of your kitchen. This drinking water test kit is a strip test, which means you fill a clean cup with water, dip the test strip into the water for about 2 seconds, and then wait while you hold the strip. getTested's test kits will come with a color chart to help you see the results and compare.
Test for 10 important water quality concerns
getTested includes testing for pH, hardness, chlorine, bacteria, iron, copper, nitrates, nitrites, sulfates, and hydrogen sulfide. The color results will tell you how many common contaminants are in your water, which is helpful. However, the bacteria check is a little less detailed than some of getTested's competitors, too. With this drinking water test kit, you get a "yes/no" answer on bacteria rather than a more detailed report.
Cost is $39.99
Like a few other drinking water test kits in our review, the getTested at-Home Water Quality Test Kit costs $39.99. At the time of our review, this was 20% off the normal price of $49.99. At our preferred retailer (linked in this review), there was an option to open a Visa card with that store and earn 5% back on this purchase. There was no option for a Subscribe and Save feature for future discounts on this drinking water test kit at the time of our review.
Keep an eye out for red zone numbers
getTested's results are detailed, but harder to read than other drinking water test kits. The color strips show different levels of contaminants or levels like pH, total alkalinity, total hardness, and water metals checks. Some of the other color strips have a "red" zone marked like chlorine, iron, copper, sulfates, nitrates, and chloride. It is unclear from the test what these red numbers mean. According to our outside research, this number is the danger zone where your water test results have exceeded the recommended maximum content level set by the EPA. It would be helpful for getTested to say this clearly.
Free 2-day shipping at our top retailer
getTested is offered with free 2-day shipping at our recommended retailer. This is an optional free shipping option for those who have memberships. Occasionally, some customers can get next-day shipping depending on their location. If you don't have a membership, you should still qualify for free shipping, as the threshold for non-members is any purchase over $35. getTested's drinking water test kits qualify for the retailer's 30-day refund/replacement policy for peace of mind. Note that if you shop elsewhere, the terms and refund policy may be different.
Fun, but could use more strips
getTested has an impressive rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from verified buyers on our top retailer. According to the recent feedback, getTested is praised for being "fun" like playing with a kid's chemistry set. Customers used it for comparing tap water to filtered water or to do wellness checks for peace of mind. While some customers were a little frustrated that the getTested at-Home Water Quality Test Kit only had two strips to test (compared to other test kits, which include 100+ strips sometimes), it was still useful and easy to do. While getTested did not have a page with the Better Business Bureau, we were able to find some reviews for the company on Trustpilot. The company itself has a 3.6-star average out of 5. Recent reviews generally said the at-home tests are solid, but some who sent in lab tests did not get results after 3 months of waiting. Thankfully, this won't be a problem for those getting drinking water test kits from getTested.
Best if you're interested in metals and minerals
getTested is a strong option if you want to do a quick at-home strip test. There are plenty of contaminants listed. However, we would like to see a more detailed response for the types of bacteria. With other test kits around the same price offering clearer results for type and quantity of bacteria, this drinking water test kit might not be as competitive in that capacity. It remains helpful for minerals and metals, including lead, but if you want more detailed results, getTested may not be your first choice. For this reason (and the cost for what you get), getTested earns an above-average rating.
Average
Varify is a company known for its at-home water testing products. If you're looking for a quick drinking water test kit for home use (no lab shipping), this is a competitive option to explore. Promising "lab-grade accuracy" at home, it's noted for being helpful to homeowners on city and well water. And Varify isn't just for drinking water. If you have a pool, you can test that water with this brand as well. That way, you can evaluate all of your water sources with one shop.
4 water testing products
Varify's main product we're researching is the Varify 17-in-1 Complete Drinking Water Test Kit. This comes with 100 strips and 2 bacteria tester kits. As for other kits and products, Varify offers a Digital TDS Meter (4-in-1) with five instant reading results on mineral content in your water. The brand also offers Water Hardness Test Strips and Pool & Spa Strips. This offers an option for both drinking water and for your outdoor fun and pool safety.
17 test parameters included
Varify's 17-in-1 Complete Drinking Water Test Kit tests for 17 possible toxins in your water. It will look at your water's pH levels, hardness, hydrogen sulfide, iron, copper, lead, manganese, total chlorine, mercury, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, zinc, fluoride, sodium chloride, and total alkalinity. The bacteria test kits included in the package will test for coliform bacteria (E. coli) and are a 48-hour home test option.
Cost is $26.97 per kit
The main full-spectrum test kit we researched for Varify (the Varify 17-in-1 Complete Drinking Water Test Kit) costs just $26.97 per kit. This includes 100 strips (up to 100 uses for the general tests) and two bacteria tests. This is an impressive deal, with possible options to get lower costs if you want to use Subscribe and Save at this retailer. This feature is offered for premium members at our recommended retailer (linked in our review) and offers a Subscribe and Save cost of $24.27 per kit if you sign up for 1 kit per month.
Great solution for those on a budget
Varify's large number of strips for the price is extremely impressive compared to similar brands that offer fewer strips (or one-use packs) for more money. If you're someone who lives on well water or has other reasons to need a drinking water test kit regularly, this is going to be a solid, cost-effective option. If budget is one of your number one concerns alongside water safety, you may want to check out Varify.
Premium members can get 2-day shipping
Varify is eligible for free 2-day shipping. For some customers who live closer to shipping locations, you can get same-day delivery for the Varify 17-in-1 Drinking Water Test Kit. If you aren't a premium member at our recommended retailer, you will need to pay for shipping, as the free shipping threshold for free members is $35 minimum. So, the cost to ship for Varify will be between $5.99 and $6.99. You will qualify for the 30-day refund policy regardless of your membership status, which will allow you to return or replace the kit even if you've opened it.
Could take a little more work to read
Varify's customer reviews (from verified purchases) show a 4.3-star average out of 5. In general, customers loved the easy instructions and color comparison for the test strips. However, some customers did report getting false readings and had to do the test a couple of times to get accurate results that showed up the same multiple times in a row. Shoppers love that this drinking water test kit helps save on lab fees, but there are some troubles with color accuracy, where some strips don't change colors in some areas or are too difficult to read or bleed into neighboring color squares.
Low cost, but could need verification
Varify is great if cost effectiveness is your number one concern. However, with some reports of the results being a bit harder to read than with some of Varify's competitors, these drinking water test kits may not be the most effective options on the market. They can do the job in a pinch, but if you're really nervous about your water quality, you might find yourself buying a second test from another brand for full verification. For these reasons, Varify earns an average score, but it remains competitive for its low costs.
Fair
Labtech H20 OK Plus is a research-based drinking water test kit that's usable on any drinking water source, including wells or outdoor streams (this is for you camping fans). Labtech H20 OK Plus by the Labtech company is promised to be a comprehensive home testing kit with a quick look at your water safety. The parent company, Labtech, has been around for 80 years. Plus, Labtech H20 OK Plus is not the only testing kit offered by this company, though it is the only one for your home's water.
Two versions of the water test
Labtech H20 OK Plus is the only drinking water test kit offered by Labtech. But if you want other tests for your home safety, Labtech offers a soil test kit, a mold test kit, and a radon detection kit. Labtech H20 OK Plus notably comes in the normal and "plus" versions. The main difference is that the standard Labtech H20 OK kit tests for 10 common water quality issues, whereas the Plus version tests for 12. Otherwise, both tests are identical, so you can decide which one is better for you. The one we will review is the Labtech H20 OK Plus version.
12 tests in one
Labtech H20 OK Plus tests for 12 drinking water quality issues, including lead, coliform bacteria, chlorine, hardness, iron, pH, alkalinity, copper, iron bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, and hydrogen sulfide. The drinking water test kit package includes 2 paper strip tests, so you can use the process twice before you need to buy another kit. Labtech H20 OK Plus goes the extra mile to seal your strips in a heat-resistant aluminum so that your strips won't be affected by outside factors. Neat, right?
Costs $24.95 per kit
The Labtech H20 OK Plus analysis kit is priced at $24.95 at our preferred retailer (linked in our review). This is a reasonable cost, and lower than many drinking water test kit competitors. However, you do only get two strips for this price. This means you can only use the kit twice. It also has fewer total tests than some of its competitors that cost less. So, depending on what you want, this may not be as cost-effective.
Informative and paints a complete picture
One thing we like about the Labtech H20 OK Plus drinking water test kit is that the kit is highly informative. For each of the possible issues that this test looks at, it will tell you the possible source and what problem you might see in your house or health as a result. For example, if you see lead, it may come from your home or city water pipes as the source, and you may see problems with mental or cognitive ability. On other tested criteria like Hardness, it's noted to be a naturally occurring issue, and you might see reduced effectiveness of soap and pipe scales as a result.
2-day free shipping for members
Labtech H20 OK Plus is offered for free 2-day shipping from our favorite retailer. This will depend on whether or not you have a membership. The free shipping is only for those who have paid for a premium account. If you don't have a premium account, you can expect to pay between $5.99 and $6.99 in shipping costs, as the free shipping threshold for free members is $35. On the bright side, you also get access to a free 30-day refund policy. This means that if your drinking water test kit includes packages that are opened or defective, you can have peace of mind that you'll get your money back. However, we also saw a notice that this item is frequently returned.
Harder to use and not enough bacteria testing
Labtech for water testing does not have a page with the Better Business Bureau or on Trustpilot at this time, so verified customer reviews are our only option to see how well it works. Labtech H20 OK Plus has a lower score from verified buyers than we've seen with other drinking water test kits in our review. While customers like the results and fast testing with the Labtech H20 OK Plus, others were upset that the bacteria testing was so minimal. Many customers who returned it noted that the instructions were not as helpful as they'd expected. One customer said she felt like she "needed a PhD just to figure out how to use this test." While this isn't reflected by everyone's experiences, we're a little disappointed in a home test being difficult to use. On average, Labtech H20 OK Plus is scored at 4.1 stars out of 5, which isn't bad, but it isn't as high as many of its competitors either.
May not be worth it since it's often returned
While this is fairly cost-effective for a drinking water test kit, it doesn't quite have all the features we'd like to see. Labtech H20 OK Plus tests for 12 different water problems, but it's pretty low on the options for bacteria. Plus, with reports from customers saying that this test is harder to use than others, and it is noted as a frequently returned item, you might want to put your money somewhere else.
Weak
Pro-Lab is a company known for its sample-taking kits that help keep your home safe from environmental factors. Its drinking water test kit is the Total Water Test Kit, which is recommended for homes, offices, RVs, schools, and private wells. Pro-Lab has a range of possible kits, and isn't known just for water, but it offers instant results (though with some limitations on what you'll see in the water content). Many of Pro-Lab's products are lab-processed, but the drinking water test kit is a home-use option.
Tons of tests, including 3 water options
Pro-Lab offers test kits for moldy surfaces, radon, asbestos, septic treatment packets, lead surface kits, carbon monoxide tests, and more. For water, specifically, you'll find a Lead Water Test Kit, a Bacteria in Water Test Kit, a Drinking Water Quality Test Kit, a Radon Water Test Kit, and a Complete Water Analysis Test Kit (or Total Analysis Test Kit, depending on where you shop). This final drinking water test kit is the one we will focus on for our review. Pro-Lab offers as many tests as you need to keep your home safe, making this manufacturer a competitive one-stop shop.
10+ water safety tests
Pro-Lab's Total Water Analysis Test Kit promises to check for more than 10 water quality issues, including lead, bacteria, pesticides, copper, iron, alkalinity, chlorine, hardness, nitrates, nitrites, hydrogen sulfide, iron bacteria, and pH. The tests are completed with a paper strip, and you'll compare the results to the color markings offered in the drinking water test kit. However, this isn't the most comprehensive test in our review, and the site is unclear about how specific the bacteria results will be.
Cost is $34.21 per kit
Pro-Lab's Total Water Test Kit costs $34.21 at our recommended retailer (which is linked in our review). However, this is a higher cost for something that doesn't list all of the possible water problems or offer transparency on how the results will show bacteria. While the test description does say there are multiple test strips, it also doesn't say how many strips there are in the drinking water test kit, so it's unclear how many times you can use this kit before you have to buy another one.
Needs to work on transparency
Pro-Lab's lack of transparency on how the results look is a bit of a problem. While it does tell you exactly what is tested for, the listing for bacteria is just "bacteria in water" without any details about strains of bacteria. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it does keep Pro-Lab from being as competitive as other drinking water test kits that do offer comprehensive details about the different possible bacteria in your water. Further, other test kits will show a mock-up of results on the listing page, and Pro-Lab does not offer this feature either. So, you're left a little in the dark on what to expect in the box.
30-day refund policy
Pro-Lab does not qualify for 2-day free shipping. So, whether or not you have a membership at our preferred retailer, you'll have to wait a while to get your test kit. Our area showed shipping times as long as 10 days. The shipping is still free for members; however, if you're on a free account, you can expect to pay between $5.99 and $6.99 for your kit. The free shipping threshold for free members is $35, which Pro-Lab is just shy of, unfortunately. On the bright side, at our preferred retailer, you'll still get access to the 30-day refund policy, so if you don't like the experience with Pro-Lab's drinking water test kit, you can send it back for a full refund.
Not much positive buzz
Pro-Lab's Total Water Test Kit only had 1 review on our usual retailer's site, and this had no written review, just a 1-star rating. At other retailers, the Pro-Lab drinking water test kits earned from 2.3 to 2.5 stars on average. Customers complained about the low number of test strips in the box. One customer noted there were only 4 strips, and each strip tests for a few things. To get the full test range promised by Pro-Lab, you'll have to use all the strips to get one complete test. So, this box is one-use only. Sadly, beyond that, we couldn't find ratings for Pro-Lab. It did not have a rating with the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot at the time of our review.
Not worth the cost
Pro-Lab doesn't really hit the mark with its drinking water test kits. Unfortunately, it's not particularly transparent about what you'll find in the box, and with one kit (according to reviewers) providing just enough strips for one complete test, the price just doesn't make sense for what you get. We need to know more about how Pro-Lab reports on bacteria and other concerns before we can recommend it at all.
Poor
PFAS EasyCheck is one of the laboratory-based tests offered in our review. This ship-in option promises an 8-day turnaround so you can get lab-certified results on your water. PFAS EasyCheck is notably good for multiple types of water. You can test tap water, well water, and bottled water if you prefer. This way, you can always have confidence that your water is safe. PFAS EasyCheck is run by Nova EnviroLabs, and you can check the results for your drinking water test kit online. The best part? Shipping to and from the lab is free.
What products are offered
PFAS EasyCheck's parent company is Nova EnviroLabs. It offers three different types of water tests, which is a smaller selection than other drinking water test kit brands. The first two are the PFAS EasyCheck Drinking Water Test (which is what we will review) and the PFAS Compliance Drinking Water Test, which is ideal for those who need to meet regulations and legal requirements for drinking water (like restaurants). There is also a Basic Water Test Kit, which is less costly, but tests for a more limited selection of water concerns like nitrate, iron, manganese, sodium, hardness, pH, and chloride only.
Not transparent about what's being tested
PFAS EasyCheck Water Test Kit (also called the PFAS EasyCheck Drinking Water Test) includes 25 compounds in the test. However, unlike home kits, the PFAS EasyCheck water test kits list the possible water concerns under their scientific or lab names, so it may be hard to tell what it is you're looking at. Thankfully, the drinking water test kit results on the lab portal will tell you if you're at a hazardous level, and you can get more information about the specifics once you've completed your test. We would like to see more transparency about the exact testing parameters, though, especially considering the high cost of the test kit.
Costs $350 per kit
PFAS EasyCheck is a costly water test, there's no way around it: one kit costs $350. You don't have to pay for any other fees (like shipping to and from the lab), and the process is quick and simple to perform. You don't have to do any work on your own, because the lab will tell you everything you need to know about your drinking water test kit results. But, if you're planning to need regular tests (like if you have well water), this may be far too costly in the long run.
Needs to work on the level of consumer-friendly detail
PFAS EasyCheck promises its turnaround time is just 8 days for your full drinking water test kit to be completed. However, the lack of transparency on the more complex tests is a little frustrating. The only test that had any details about what possible contaminants were being tested for was the most basic test. While we know the PFAS EasyCheck test kit we focused on in our review includes 25 possible contaminants, it isn't clear if this includes important bacteria. Given the cost, we would be very disappointed if it doesn't.
Longer shipping timeframe
When you purchase the PFAS EasyCheck drinking water test kit from our recommended retailer (linked in our review), you won't have to pay for shipping. However, the common 2-day shipping isn't offered for this product. In our area, we had to wait 5-10 days for delivery of the kit before we could send it off to the lab. You will get free shipping either way, though (member or non-member), as this item meets the $35 free shipping threshold for free shoppers. Thankfully, at this retailer, you do get access to a 30-day return policy if you change your mind about the cost of this drinking water test kit.
No buzz for PFAS EasyCheck
PFAS EasyCheck has no current customer reviews on the retailers we've checked. We also couldn't find any reviews for this drinking water test kit on third-party review sites like Trustpilot. While Nova EnviroLabs (the parent company for the PFAS EasyCheck) does have a page with the Better Business Bureau, it was not rated at the time of our review. Due to the high cost of this drinking water test kit, we're a bit wary about the fact that there's so little feedback for it.
Not enough info to recommend
At the end of the day, there isn't enough information about this drinking water test kit to truly recommend it. With a price point of $350 per kit, and no transparency about what specific concerns the kit is testing for, we're already a little wary. We were also surprised when our research didn't turn up any reviews for the PFAS EasyCheck. You don't need to pay this much for a lab test when you can't confirm its usefulness or see what is being tested for in advance.
Continued from above...
Ever wonder what's actually coming out of your kitchen faucet when you fill up a glass of water? While most tap water in the US looks perfectly clear, it may not be as safe as it seems. It doesn't matter if you're on city or well water - you might want to double down on your safety (especially if you have little ones).
Whether you're worried about the effects of "hard" water on your skin and hair, or something more concerning like bacteria or heavy metals in your pipes, checking on your water quality with a drinking water test kit can help you feel more secure that the water from your home is safe for you and your family.
Now, just because you have an older house or have well water isn't necessarily a reason to think your water might be dangerous, but it never hurts to check. If you own a private well, you're your own water manager. With no government agency checking the water quality for you, it helps to keep an eye on it during the life of your home. Then again, even if you have city water that goes through a treatment plant, miles of underground pipes (and possibly older pipes inside your walls) can affect the quality of your drinking water before it ever hits your glass.
So, what is "safe" water, exactly? Well, it isn't just one thing. Most drinking water test kits test for a "profile" of different contaminants, like bacteria, nitrates, or heavy metals like lead or copper. Kits can also test the chemical makeup (or pH level, for those of you who remember your chemistry classes) of your water, which determines how many minerals you have in your water flow. Hard water isn't dangerous to drink, but it can have an impact on your appliances or create a filmy texture on glassware, which can be annoying to deal with if you don't know the cause. A solid test kit should help you distinguish between things that make your water taste weird (like too much chlorine or iron) vs. things that could affect your health over time.
On the bright side, you don't need a professional to handle your water quality for you. If you're worried about it, a drinking water test kit is easy to pick up and user-friendly. Many modern DIY drinking water test kits use "lateral flow" technology, which is the same method used by pros. You just dip a small paper strip into a sample and watch for a color change. If you own a pool that uses chlorine, you're probably already familiar with this process.
The kits will come with a label to tell you what the different colors mean for your water. If you have a more serious concern about your water quality, you can grab a mail-in kit where you fill a small bottle and send it to a professional lab for extra peace of mind. These are more detailed and might be preferred if you're worried about tiny amounts of chemicals that a paper strip might miss.
No matter how long you've owned your home (or rented your apartment), clean and safe water is important. So, if you're worried about your water, just grab a drinking water test kit to get that extra peace of mind. If you're not sure where to start, here are a few factors that can help you decide:
Keeping you and your family safe by tracking your water quality is an important move as a homeowner (or even a renter). So, Top Consumer Reviews has researched and ranked the top drinking water test kits out there to ensure that you have the best chance of catching something wrong with your water before it becomes a major home or health issue. Keep on top of your health and safety with a quick water test, and enjoy your peace of mind!
Compare Any 2 Products
Top Products.
Top Reviews.
Top Consumer Reviews.
Reviews
Browse through thousands of reviews.
Social Media
Like us? Follow us! We'd love to have you join our community.
Newsletter
Stay up to date with the latest reviews. We'll keep you informed, and we'll never sell your information to anyone.
