Clearblue vs Easy@Home: Which OPK Is Better?
Two of the most popular ovulation tests compared head-to-head.
Quick Answer
- Choose Clearblue Advanced if you want ease of use, no line interpretation, and 4 fertile days notice
- Choose Easy@Home if you want great value, app integration, and don't mind reading lines
- Both are 99% accurate — the right choice depends on your priorities
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Clearblue Advanced Digital | Easy@Home 50-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Digital with reader | Test strips |
| Hormones Detected | LH + Estrogen | LH only |
| Fertile Days Detected | Up to 4 days | 1-2 days |
| Reading Results | Smiley face (no interpretation) | Lines (interpretation needed) |
| App Integration | No | Yes (Premom app) |
| Tests Per Package | 20 tests | 50 OPK + 20 HCG |
| Price | $35-45 (~$2/test) | $16-20 (~$0.30/test) |
| Best For | Convenience seekers | Value seekers |
| Accuracy | 99% | 99% |
Clearblue Advanced Digital: In-Depth
What Makes It Different
Clearblue Advanced is unique because it tests two hormones: estrogen and LH. Most OPKs only test LH, giving you 24-36 hours notice before ovulation. By also detecting the estrogen rise that precedes LH, Clearblue can identify up to 4 fertile days.
The display shows:
- Empty circle: Low fertility (not your fertile window)
- Flashing smiley: High fertility (estrogen detected — you're entering fertile window)
- Solid smiley: Peak fertility (LH surge — ovulation in 24-48 hours)
Pros
- ✓ No interpretation needed — smiley face is clear
- ✓ 4 fertile days — more chances to conceive
- ✓ Reduces stress — no squinting at lines
- ✓ 99% accurate at detecting LH surge
Cons
- ✗ Expensive — about $2 per test
- ✗ Must use first morning urine
- ✗ Can't test multiple times per day affordably
- ✗ Holder is brand-locked — can't use other test strips
Easy@Home: In-Depth
What Makes It Different
Easy@Home strips offer incredible value — you get 50 ovulation tests plus 20 pregnancy tests for about $16-20. At around $0.30 per OPK, you can test twice daily without worrying about cost.
The strips integrate with the free Premom app, which photographs your tests and analyzes the test/control line ratio. This provides semi-digital interpretation of your strip tests.
Pros
- ✓ Amazing value — ~$0.30 per test
- ✓ Premom app integration — photo analysis and tracking
- ✓ Test multiple times daily — catch short surges
- ✓ Includes pregnancy tests — convenient combo
- ✓ 99% accurate at detecting LH surge
Cons
- ✗ Line interpretation needed — learning curve
- ✗ Only detects LH — 24-36 hour window
- ✗ App photo reading isn't perfect — sometimes misreads
- ✗ Requires separate cup for dipping
Accuracy: Are They Equal?
Both Clearblue and Easy@Home claim 99% accuracy at detecting the LH surge. In practice, they're both reliable when used correctly.
The key differences aren't about accuracy—they're about:
Timing window: Clearblue Advanced detects fertility earlier (thanks to estrogen detection), giving you more fertile days to work with. Easy@Home only shows the LH surge itself.
User error: Clearblue's digital display eliminates interpretation errors. With strips, you might misread a test that's "almost positive" or miss a peak if you're not testing at the right times.
💡 Pro Tip
Many TTC veterans use both: Clearblue Advanced for the main fertile window detection, plus Easy@Home strips for additional testing (like afternoon confirmations) when they see the flashing smiley.
Cost Comparison
| Scenario | Clearblue Advanced | Easy@Home |
|---|---|---|
| Per test cost | ~$2.00 | ~$0.30 |
| One cycle (10 tests) | ~$20 | ~$3 |
| 3 months TTC | ~$60 | ~$9 |
| 6 months TTC | ~$120 | ~$18 |
| 12 months TTC | ~$240 | ~$36 |
Over a year of TTC, Clearblue costs about $200 more than Easy@Home. For some, the convenience is worth it. For others, that money is better spent on other TTC essentials.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Clearblue Advanced If You:
- Want zero guesswork with clear digital results
- Find line interpretation stressful or confusing
- Want the maximum fertile window detected (4 days)
- Are new to OPKs and want simplicity
- Have regular cycles and can predict when to start testing
- Don't mind paying more for convenience
Choose Easy@Home If You:
- Want maximum value for your money
- Don't mind learning to read test lines
- Want to test multiple times per day
- Have irregular cycles and need many tests
- Like app-based tracking with Premom
- Want pregnancy tests included
How to Read Easy@Home Strips
If you choose Easy@Home, here's how to interpret results:
Negative (not fertile): Test line is lighter than control line—keep testing.
Positive (LH surge): Test line is as dark or darker than control line—have sex today and tomorrow!
The Premom app helps by photographing your tests and assigning a numerical ratio (T/C ratio). A ratio above 1.0 is typically positive.
💡 Testing Tips for Easy@Home
- Test between 12-6pm (LH often surges in morning, appears in urine later)
- Reduce fluid intake 2 hours before testing
- Test twice daily when approaching ovulation
- Take photos in consistent lighting for app accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both Clearblue and Easy@Home together?
Absolutely! Many users use Clearblue as their primary test for the clear digital results, then supplement with Easy@Home strips for additional testing (like afternoon tests to watch for the surge peak). This gives you the best of both worlds.
Why does Clearblue require first morning urine but Easy@Home doesn't?
Clearblue tests for estrogen, which is most concentrated in morning urine. Easy@Home only tests LH, which often surges during the day and shows better in afternoon urine. Follow each test's specific instructions for best results.
I have PCOS—which is better?
Neither is ideal for PCOS on its own. Both may show false positives due to elevated baseline LH. Consider a quantitative monitor like Mira that shows actual hormone levels, or use OPKs in combination with BBT charting to confirm ovulation.
What if I never see a solid smiley on Clearblue?
Some cycles, you may only see flashing smileys without a peak. This could mean you missed the surge, didn't ovulate that cycle, or have hormonal patterns the test doesn't detect well. If this happens regularly, consult your doctor.
The Bottom Line
Clearblue Advanced wins on convenience and user experience. If you want simple, stress-free testing and don't mind the cost, it's excellent.
Easy@Home wins on value and flexibility. If you want to test frequently, track in an app, and save money, it's the better choice.
Both are 99% accurate at detecting ovulation. The "best" choice is whichever one fits your lifestyle, budget, and comfort level. Many TTC veterans end up using both! 💚