The report card
- Accuracy & reliability30% of score7.0
Described as clinically validated and a Class IIa medical device, but no accuracy figure is given on the product page.
- Suitability by age20% of score6.5
Forehead mode from birth, ear mode from 3 months, so young babies only get the forehead method.
- Ease of use20% of score7.5
1-second readings and a large backlit display; the app adds some setting up.
- Night-time use10% of score7.0
Backlit display, but no dedicated night mode is listed.
- Fever guidance & memory10% of score8.0
Syncs over Bluetooth to the free MedM app, with dated, timed readings you can share with your doctor.
- Value & running costs10% of score5.5
Around £60 is more than Braun's ThermoScan 7+ connect.
The full review
Kinetik Wellbeing is a UK health-gadget brand, and this is its connected 2-in-1: an in-ear thermometer and a contactless forehead thermometer in one device. Readings sync over Bluetooth to the free MedM app with the date and time, and you can share them with your doctor from the app. It reads in a second, has a large backlit display and a child measurement mode, and comes with a travel pouch.
The catch for parents of young babies is the age guidance. Kinetik says the forehead mode is suitable from birth but the ear mode is for 3 months and up. So for a young baby you're relying on a forehead reading, which isn't one of NICE's recommended methods for under-5s, and you'd still want an underarm stick.
For an older baby or toddler it's a reasonable all-rounder, and the app history is useful. But at around £60 it costs more than Braun's ThermoScan 7+ connect, which adds a pre-warmed tip, Age Precision and a night mode, so it's hard to recommend over it.
Pros and cons
What I like
- Ear and forehead modes in one device
- Bluetooth sync to the free MedM app
- Large backlit display
What I don't
- Ear mode only from 3 months
- No accuracy figure on the product page
- Pricier than Braun's connected ear thermometer
Key specs
- Type
- Infrared ear and contactless forehead
- Model
- JPD-FR409-BT
- Age guidance
- Forehead from birth; ear from 3 months
- Reading time
- 1 second
- App
- MedM, via Bluetooth
- Power
- 2 x AAA (included)
- Warranty
- 2 years when bought direct
What I read
This is a research-led review. These are the main sources behind the scores, alongside patterns in verified owner reviews. How I review.