These are the most accurate and reliable water tests for fluoride.
Tap Score Essential
City Water Test
Tap Score Essential
Well Water Test
Tap Score Specialized
Fluoride Water Test
Hey, fluoride hater! Welcome to our best fluoride water test kits guide.
If you’re looking for an affordable, effortless way to test for fluoride in your drinking water, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve tried a selection of the most popular fluoride testing kits on our fluoridated water, and ranked our favorites in this guide.
Feel free to impulsively purchase a cheap test kit that won’t deliver accurate results, but we strongly recommend buying a reliable fluoride test that’s tailored to your water supply.
#1 is our top pick for fluoridated municipal water, but #2 is best for well water containing fluoride, and #3 is our top fluoride-specific test.
Table of Contents
- 🥇 Best Fluoride Water Test
- 📊 Comparison Chart of Fluoride Water Testing Kits
- ⭐ Reviews – Fluoride Water Testing Kits 2023
- 🧾 Fluoride Test for Drinking Water Buyer’s Guide
- 🙋♀️ Who This Guide is For
- 🧫 How to Test Water for Fluoride
- 📝 Things to Consider Before you Buy a Fluoride Test Kit
- 🕵️ Our Research
- 📊 How We Chose
- 🧪 How We Tested
- 🧠 Best Fluoride Test Kits: FAQs
🥇 Best Fluoride Water Test
- Best for Municipal Water: Tap Score Essential City Water Test
- Best for Well Water: Tap Score Essential Well Water Test
- #1 Test for Fluoride Specifically: Tap Score Specialized Fluoride Water Test
- Runner Up Lab Test: National Testing Laboratories Water Test Kit
- Top DIY Test Kit: Safe Home DIY City Water Test Kit
- Digital Instrument Option: Extech FL700 Fluoride Meter
📊 Comparison Chart of Fluoride Water Testing Kits
| Product | Tap Score Essential City Water Test | Tap Score Essential Well Water Test | Tap Score Specialized Fluoride Water Test |  National Testing Laboratories Water Test Kit |  Safe Home DIY City Water Test Kit |  Extech FL700 Fluoride Meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th |
| Ratings | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Price | $160 | $195 | $70 | $129 | $24.99 | $230.99 |
| Type | Lab Test | Lab Test | Lab Test | Lab Test | At-home Test Strips | Electronic Meter |
| Test Kit For | City Water | Well Water | City/Well Water | City/Well Water | City Water | City/Well Water |
| Analytes Tested/ Max Reading | 47 | 52 | 1 | 53 | 13 | 25 |
| Turnaround Time | 5 business days | 5 business days | 5 business days | 1-3 business days | ≥1 minute | <1 minute |
| Free Shipping | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
⭐ Reviews – Fluoride Water Testing Kits 2023
Tap Score Essential City Water Test
The Tap Score Essential City Water Test is our top test kit for fluoridated city water. This certified laboratory test conforms to all industry standards and delivers results in a comprehensive water quality report.
Key Features
- Tests for a variety of contaminants – As well as fluoride, Tap Score tests for a range of common city water contaminants, like lead, chlorine, hardness, and iron.
- Conforms with industry methods – Tap Score’s Essential City Water Tests are designed to conform with industry standards and methods, such as EPA standards.
- Everything included in one package – This test kit includes everything you need to test your water for fluoride, including sample vials, a container, a shipping label (prepaid), and instructions.
- Two optional upgrades – The Tap Score Essential City Water Test is the lowest-cost test available. You could choose to upgrade to the Advanced City Water Test (with 109 analytes) or the Extended City Water Test (with 118 analytes) if you’d like your testing to cover an even greater number of contaminants.
| Tap Score City Water Test Options | Price |
|---|---|
| Essential City Water Test | $160 |
| Advanced City Water Test | $269 |
| Extended City Water Test | $675 |
Best For: Anyone looking for a comprehensive fluoride analysis of their public drinking water supply, that also tests for other common city water contaminants.
Pros:
- We were impressed with how quickly we received results from the Tap Score Essential City Water Test. Five days after shipping our sample to the lab, our results were emailed to us.
- The analysis of our water quality by Tap Score was incredibly thorough. We received a report that listed the concentrations of fluoride and other city water contaminants and compared these to public health standards. The report also highlights the potential health concerns and aesthetic issues related to these contaminants.
- We were pleased with just how many other contaminants Tap Score will test for alongside fluoride. The Essential City Water Test also tests for hardness, chlorine, heavy metals, nitrate, and more.
Cons:
- While this test isn’t super pricey, it’s still likely out of some peoples’ budgets.
- You don’t get your results instantly – there’s a wait of up to five days.
Read the Full Review: Tap Score by SimpleLab Review
Tap Score Essential Well Water Test
For testing well water that contains fluoride, the Tap Score Essential Well Water Test is our number-one pick. This certified, professional laboratory test analyzes water for fluoride and 50 other parameters.
Key Features
- Tests for 50 parameters and impurities – As well as testing for fluoride, the Tap Score Essential Well Water Test analyzes 50 water parameters and impurities that are common in well water, like hydrogen sulfide, coliform bacteria, and heavy metals.
- Complies with EPA Standards – This Tap Score water test complies with official industry standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies.
- Includes DIY hydrogen sulfide strips – You get free hydrogen sulfide test strips with this laboratory test, so you can do a quick test for this contaminant and get instant results.
- Two upgrade options – The Tap Score Essential Well Water test is the lowest-grade well water test available. You can choose to upgrade to the Advanced Well Water Test (for 112 analytes) or the Extended Well Water Test (for 182 analytes).
| Tap Score Well Water Test Options | Price |
|---|---|
| Essential Well Water Test | $195 |
| Advanced Well Water Test | $285 |
| Extended Well Water Test | $810 |
Best For: Anyone looking for a reliable, accurate well water testing package that tests for fluoride and all the other most common well water parameters and contaminants.
Pros:
- Like the Tap Score City Test, the Well Water Test comes with everything you need to take a water sample and send it to the laboratory, so we found testing a quick and simple process.
- The report for this test is full of useful information about the concentration of well water contaminants (including fluoride) and how these compare to the national health guidelines.
- We were pleased with the 5-day turnaround time. This wouldn’t be ideal if you were testing for incredibly dangerous contaminants, but for fluoride, it’s fine.
Cons:
- As with all Tap Score tests, you don’t get your results back immediately.
- Over $150 for a well water testing kit is expensive, even if the test is thorough.
Tap Score Specialized Fluoride Water Test
If you’re looking for a dedicated fluoride test from a reliable, certified laboratory, the Tap Score Specialized Fluoride Water Test is our top pick. This test is the cheapest laboratory option on this list, costing less than $60 – and the results are 100% accurate.
Key Features
- EPA-compliant fluoride testing – The Tap Score Specialized Fluoride Water Test complies with the Environmental Protection Agency’s testing method 300.0 to accurately test for fluoride in city or well water.
- Tests solely for fluoride – This test will only provide you with information about your water’s fluoride levels, which keeps costs down.
- Results within 5 days – You’ll receive your test results via email within 5 days of posting the sample to your laboratory.
Best for: Anyone who already knows what else their water contains, or isn’t bothered about testing for anything else. If you just want to test for fluoride, you may as well save money and buy a testing kit that solely tests for this mineral.
Pros:
- The Tap Score Specialized Fluoride Water Test is another quick, easy test, with easy-to-follow instructions and everything included to take a water sample and post it off (with Tap Score’s pre-paid postage stamp).
- This testing kit is more affordable than other tests because it tests for a single contaminant: fluoride.
- We enjoyed having a more flexible option. If you only need to test for fluoride, this test is convenient and penny-saving.
Cons:
- The Tap Score Specialized Fluoride Water Test only tests for fluoride, so if you’ve never tested your water before, this test won’t give you an insight into everything your water contains.
- Although it’s cheaper than the other Tap Score tests, this Fluoride Water Test isn’t actually a better value because it only tests for one contaminant.
National Testing Laboratories Water Test Kit
Our runner-up laboratory test for fluoride is the National Testing Laboratories Water Test Kit. This kit comes from a recognized laboratory, ETR Laboratories, and tests for 53 items in city and well water.
Key Features
- Range of contaminants tested for – As well as fluoride, the National Testing Laboratories Water Test Kit tests for bacteria, heavy metals, nitrate and nitrite, hardness, tannins, TDS, and more.
- Ideal for well water – This test focuses on well water contaminants. While it does test for some contaminants that are also present in city water, it’s most relevant to private wells.
- Trusted laboratory – ETR Laboratories is a trusted, reputable laboratory that was established nearly 30 years ago.
Best For: Anyone looking for a reliable fluoride test that also tests for common well water contaminants, or anyone who prefers to receive a physical copy of their results in the post instead of via email.
Pros:
- We were impressed by the scope of testing offered by the National Testing Laboratories Water Test Kit. As well as fluoride, it tests for multiple forms of bacteria, tens of heavy metals, and more.
- We found it easy to take a water sample following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- You get your results back slightly faster with this kit compared to the Tap Score kit (1-3 days vs 4 days).
Cons:
- You’ll need to pay for overnight postage to ship this test back to the laboratory.
- $130 for a laboratory test package is pretty standard, but it still isn’t cheap.
Safe Home DIY City Water Test Kit
In our opinion, the Safe Home DIy City Water Test Kit is the best fluoride testing kit to use at home. This cost-effective kit tests for 13 different water parameters and gives quick results.
Key Features
- Tests for 13 water parameters – As well as fluoride, the Safe Home DIy City Water Test Kit tests for total chlorine, free chlorine, hardness, alkalinity, nitrate, nitrate, carbonate, copper, iron, pH, calcium, and lead.
- 181 tests included – A single test packet includes 181 tests, so you can test your water time and time again if needed.
- Instant results – This is a test that you can conduct at home and receive results within minutes.
Best For: Anyone who wants to save money with an affordable alternative to laboratory testing, or anyone who wants instant results after conducting the test.
Pros:
- We found it easy to use this test following the instructions in the package. You just collect a water sample and dip the test strip in the sample. The strip changes color to indicate which contaminants your water contains.
- For less than $30, we think this test is a good value. It doesn’t only test for fluoride – it also tests for common city water contaminants, like chlorine and lead.
- Of all the DIY tests we tried, this one was the most accurate, delivering the same results across multiple tests.
Cons:
- This fluoride test won’t give an exact reading of how much fluoride your water contains – it can only detect fluoride.
- You won’t get the same level of accuracy as you’d get with a professional laboratory test.
Extech FL700 Fluoride Meter
Our top digital instrument for detecting fluoride is the Extech FL700 Fluoride Meter. This device isn’t technically a fluoride test – instead, it’s an electronic meter that uses an electrode to give an instant reading of your water’s fluoride concentration.
Key Features
- Can detect fluoride instantly – There’s no waiting around for test results with the Extech FL700 Fluoride Meter. The device uses an ion-selective electrode to provide an instant reading of water’s fluoride concentration.
- Different measurements available – You can use this fluoride meter to measure in ppm, mV, or mg/L, depending on your preferred units of measure.
- Waterproof and safe to use – The Extech FL700 Fluoride Meter is fully waterproof and is safe from dust, with an IP57 rating to prove it.
Best For: Anyone who enjoys using tech and wants a convenient alternative to fluoride test strips that provides instant results.
Pros:
- We like that you can use this fluoride test meter in virtually all situations. It can test total fluoride concentrations from 9.99 PPM (mg/L) down to 0.1 PPM.
- We were able to generate test results in less than one minute with this device, so it’s great if you’re looking for instant results.
- There are a few smart features in this device that give it an advantage over regular test strips. The device can store up to 25 readings, so you can go back and check previous test results if you want to see if a fluoride filter is making a difference to your water quality.
Cons:
- Although this fluoride test meter provides automatic calibration and stability sensing, it isn’t super simple to use. You’ll need to follow the instructions in the manual carefully if you want accurate results.
- This device isn’t cheap. It’s great value if you plan to use it frequently, but not so much if you just want to conduct a one-off fluoride test.
🧾 Fluoride Test for Drinking Water Buyer’s Guide
Now you know some of the best fluoride tests available on today’s market, it’s time to equip yourself with all the knowledge needed to make a well-informed purchasing decision.
🙋♀️ Who This Guide is For
This guide is for:
- Anyone looking for multiple different fluoride testing options, from test strip DIY tests to private laboratory tests.
- People with flexible budgets. Many of the tests in this list are over $100, but some are more affordable.
- Anyone who’s willing to spend a bit extra on a reliable fluoride test that generates accurate results. We’ve only shared products from reputable manufacturers who have decades of experience behind them.
🧫 How to Test Water for Fluoride
The three most common fluoride testing options are laboratory testing, at-home test strips, and fluoride testing meters.
Laboratory Testing
Lab testing is the best way to measure fluoride levels. There are hundreds of certified labs across the country that offer dedicated fluoride tests or test packages that include fluoride.
If you choose to test your water with a laboratory, the responsibility’s off your shoulders. You’ll just need to take a sample of your water and send it off to the laboratory (some labs will send you a prepaid return shipping label, but some don’t, so always check before you buy).
You’ll then receive your results in the post or via email, usually within four days.
Pros and Cons of Lab Testing
Pros:
- Test reports are detailed and accurate
- State-certified labs are reliable
- Hands-off, hassle-free testing option
Cons:
- The most expensive option
- Doesn’t deliver immediate results
At-Home Test Strips
At-home test strips are DIY tests that can be conducted at home. These tests typically cost less than $30 and are widely available in hardware stores and online.
A DIY test kit comes with all the required materials to conduct a water test at home, including test strips, a color chart, and an instructions leaflet.
To use an at-home test strip kit, just collect a sample of your water in a glass and dip a test strip into the water. The test strip will change color to indicate the presence of contaminants. Compare the color of the strip to the included color chart to work out your water’s fluoride levels.
Pros and Cons of At-Home Test Strips
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Instant results provided
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Shelf life may be limited
- Not as accurate as laboratory tests
Looking for great deals? Check out our Best At-Home Water Test Kits Money Can Buy in 2023 👈 Click Here!
Fluoride Testing Meters
Fluoride testing meters are an advanced alternative to DIY test kits. They don’t use test strips or a color chart; instead, they take an electronic reading of water’s fluoride levels using an ion-selective electrode.
Consider buying a fluoride testing meter if you want a more accurate means of testing fluoride at home that delivers instant results. However, these devices are best suited to tech-savvy users because they can be challenging to configure and calibrate.
Pros and Cons of Fluoride Testing Meters
Pros:
- More accurate than DIY test kits
- Provide instant results
- Can be used repeatedly
Cons:
- Can be challenging to operate
- Expensive option
📝 Things to Consider Before you Buy a Fluoride Test Kit
Don’t buy a fluoride test kit without considering the following:
Your Water Source
The majority of fluoride tests are geared towards a certain water source. For instance, if you buy a test package that also tests for chlorine, heavy metals, and nitrate, it’s probably designed for municipal water. Alternatively, a test kit that tests for bacteria, iron, and hardness is probably designed for well water testing.
To get the most out of your purchase, make sure you buy a test kit that’s suitable for your water source.
Learn all about the Well Water vs City Water in Our Comparison 👈 Click Here!
DIY Vs Lab Testing
When choosing how you’ll test for fluoride in drinking water, you’ll need to decide between lab testing and DIY testing. There are pros and cons to both of these types of testing.
Lab testing gives guaranteed accurate results and can test for hundreds of contaminants at a time, while DIY testing can detect a limited set of contaminants and is vulnerable to errors and inaccuracies. However, lab testing is much more expensive than DIY testing.
Ultimately, we’d recommend lab testing, but if your budget can’t stretch that far, a DIY test is a good second-best option.
Your Water Quality
The quality of your water, and what else it contains aside from fluoride, could play a role in the type of test you opt for.
Think about which other harmful contaminants you’re concerned about in drinking water. For instance, chlorine and lead are common city water contaminants, while microorganisms and iron are common in well water.
Fluoride might be the number-one contaminant you want to test for, but you’ll often get a better value for money from a test kit that detects multiple contaminants.
Testing Results
The type of test you conduct will determine the results you receive.
At-home tests deliver basic results. You simply compare the color of the test strip to the color chart. However, that’s all you get – you won’t get a complete water analysis as you would with a laboratory report.
Turnaround Time
DIY test kits are great if time if you need to test for fluoride as quickly as possible. You’ll get your results instantly – but, of course, they’re not 100% accurate.
Private laboratories take much longer to deliver your results. Some take up to three weeks – but we’ve featured labs that deliver results within four days.
🕵️ Our Research
In this section of the guide, we’ve shared how we chose and tested the different fluoride tests featured on our list.
📊 How We Chose
For this guide, we chose the tests on this list based on their testing accuracy, their customer feedback, and their value for money.
Testing Accuracy
Regardless of whether we were using a laboratory or a test strip, we prioritized accuracy.
We know that some people just want to know roughly how much fluoride their water contains, while others want to know their water’s exact fluoride concentrations. That’s why we’ve included options for at-home testing as well as laboratory testing in this guide.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback doesn’t only tell you whether a product is worth your money; it also gives invaluable insight into a customer’s experience with the manufacturer itself.
We read hundreds of customer reviews when selecting the tests for this list. We ignored products with consistently negative reviews, knowing that the quality wouldn’t be satisfactory.
Value for Money
When it comes down to it, value for money is the most important factor when choosing a fluoride test for tap water. We looked at every aspect of a test kit, including its features, its accuracy, its quality, and its capabilities, and determined whether it was worth the money offered.
Because we focused on value for money, we didn’t only feature the most affordable test kits on this list. Many of the laboratory tests in this guide cost more than $100 – but because they’re the very best you can find, they’re an exceptional value for money.
🧪 How We Tested
We tested a number of the fluoride tests in this guide by using them all ourselves. This gave us a clear understanding of how a test performs in real life, including its ease of use, the accuracy of its results, and how it compares to related products.
We combined our own testing experience with feedback from customers and noteworthy professional factors (such as whether a test complied with EPA standards). This gave us the best well-rounded insight into the capabilities of each test we used.
🧠 Best Fluoride Test Kits: FAQs
How does fluoride get in our water?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that sometimes leaches into water as it seeps through the ground. However, the majority of fluoride in drinking water is added by local authorities according to community water fluoridation programs.
Is fluoride dangerous?
Low fluoride levels are considered harmless – and in fact, fluoride is great for dental health. Fluoride can strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. However, too much fluoride in drinking water may have negative effects on the tooth enamel, leading to dental fluorosis. Fluoride may also cause skeletal fluorosis and other adverse effects, including thyroid problems.
How can I reduce my daily fluoride exposure?
Drinking fluoridated water isn’t your only source of exposure to fluoride. Fluoride is also found in some foods, toothpastes, medications, bottled waters, coffees, and brewed teas. To reduce your daily fluoride intake, swap products containing fluoride for fluoride-free alternatives.
How can I remove fluoride from water?
The best way to remove fluoride from your water is with a suitable fluoride water filter. Reverse osmosis systems, activated alumina, and bone char carbon are good filters for removing fluoride. If you’re keen to learn more about your options, check out our best fluoride filters guide.
How can I test my water for fluoride from home?
You can test your water’s fluoride levels from home using a DIY test kit or an electronic fluoride meter.
What’s the cheapest way to test for fluoride in tap water?
The cheapest way to test for fluoride in municipal water supplies is with an at-home test strip kit. You can find at-home water tests for less than $30.
Are home water testing kits accurate?
Yes, home water tests are accurate – but only to some degree. While a home test strip kit can give you an understanding of whether your drinking water contains fluoride, it won’t tell you exactly how much fluoride is present.
Do water filters remove fluoride?
Some water filters remove fluoride, but not all do. If you want to remove fluoride from your city water supply, look for activated alumina, bone char carbon, or reverse osmosis filters.
How is fluoride measured in water?
Fluoride in tap water is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (PPM).
How much fluoride should my water contain?
To prevent tooth decay, the US Department of Health recommends 0.7 PPM of fluoride in drinking water. The maximum amount of fluoride in water, as required by the Environmental Protection Agency, is 4.0 PPM.
