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Boots Pregnancy Test Strips review: a reliable option from a trusted brand
Mumsnetters have trusted Boots Pregnancy Test Strips for years, but with far cheaper strip tests available elsewhere, how does the brand measure up in comparison? MNHQ tester Tina finds out.
By Tina Williams | Last updated Feb 29, 2024
Price on writing: £5 | Buy now from Boots
The verdict
A really good alternative to branded pee-on-a-stick tests. The test requires a little bit of set up, but the instructions are clear and the test result is fairly easy to read.
Trusted brand gives extra reassurance
Good value for money
Accurate results
Instructions are quite text-heavy with a some medical jargon
You'll need a sample pot to hand and a non-absorbent surface on which to place the test while you await results
Results were not as speedy as other pregnancy test brands tried out
Price on writing: £5 for five tests | Results time: Up to 5 minutes | Display method: Line test | Type of test: Strip test
How we tested
I tested six of the most popular pregnancy tests to see how they compared. From budget bulk buys to the premium tests on the market, I wanted to find out which tests explained the process most clearly, how easy it was to take the test, how much reassurance you get that you're doing it correctly and how much packaging would go to landfill when the test was complete.
I also timed how long it took to get a result and how easy (or not) the result was to read. At the time of testing I was in my second trimester of pregnancy, which probably impacted how quickly the test returned a result.
Ultimately I wanted to find out if there really was a benefit to shelling out £15 for a pregnancy test, when you could spend just 20p.
Read next: Discover our verdict on the Boots' rival test strips in our One Step Pregnancy Tests review
Buy now from BootsI got a clear positive at 10 DPO [days past ovulation] with my Boots test strips, which was four days before my period was due.
Read next: Discover Mumsnet's verdict of the best TENS machines and birthing balls to see you through labour.
How does the test work?
You pee in a cup, dip the test in for three seconds and then lie it on a flat, non-absorbent surface to await the result. There's a line on the test strip that shows where to dip up to, so it's very simple to make sure you're doing it correctly.
How easy is the test to use?
The test comes with a small black and white instruction leaflet which is fairly easy to digest. You need a sample pot or cup to pee in and there’s no cap or place to put your test once you’ve completed it. You can’t use a paper towel because it needs to be a non-absorbent surface.
Thankfully we had a sample pot in the house that I could use and the test was so small I was able to rest it on top of the plastic pot.
Related: Refresh your pregnancy wardrobe with our guides to the best maternity clothes, leggings, jeans and bras.
How long did it take to show a result?
The box says up to five minutes with the possibility of a positive result showing at one minute. My test took one minute to show a faint positive.
How do the Boots Pregnancy Test Strips compare to other pregnancy tests?
The lines were much fainter on this test compared to the One Step test I did, if it was the only test I was taking I probably would have taken a second test to be sure I’ve read it correctly. But the instructions were a little clearer than the One Step which makes a big difference when it’s your first test, or you haven’t taken one for a while.
This test can be taken from the day after your period is due whereas the One Step can be taken six days before your period is due.
Taking a pregnancy test is so fraught with emotion that most of us just want some kind of reassurance that we’re doing it correctly, and that the result is accurate.
Do the Boots Pregnancy Test Strips offer good value for money?
Yes, I think these tests offer really good value for money. Obviously they require a few more bits of kit than the classic POAS [pee on a stick] option, but if you're okay with that, I'd really recommend them.
Related: For more pregnancy essentials, check out our guides to the best pregnancy pillow and the top-ranking stretch mark cream
Overall verdict
If you're happy to pee in a cup, I think these Boots tests are really good. Taking a pregnancy test is so fraught with emotion that most of us want some sort of reassurance that we're doing it correctly and that the result is accurate.
While the positive result didn't show up as quickly or as clearly on the Boots test as it did on the One Step, I think there's something comforting about the test being from a brand I've heard of and trust. If it were the only test I was taking, however, I'd probably take a second one just to be sure as the line was quite faint. Luckily it comes in a pack of five so this isn't an issue.
Trying out these strip tests really made me question the need for the larger, premium tests - which are essentially just test strips like these ones covered in a larger piece of plastic.
Related: For more pregnancy essentials, check out our guides to the best pregnancy pillow and the top-ranking stretch mark cream
About the author
Tina Williams is the Head of Editorial Content at Mumsnet where she leads a team of expert writers and editors to develop Mumsnet Swears By, the home for product reviews and buying advice, where parents test and recommend the products they love. She was previously Mumsnet’s Head of Reviews and developed a comprehensive testing system to rigorously test baby essentials and new product innovations.
About Mumsnet Reviews
All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing – this includes recommendations from the Mumsnet Talk boards. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.
All prices correct at time of publication