Mira vs Inito vs Clearblue: Fertility Monitors Compared
Premium fertility monitors that go beyond basic OPKs—which one is right for you?
Quick Comparison
- Mira: Most data-driven. Shows actual hormone numbers. Best for data lovers and irregular cycles.
- Inito: Confirms ovulation with progesterone. More affordable than Mira. Clips to phone.
- Clearblue Monitor: Simplest premium option. Easy to use. Longest track record.
Why Choose a Fertility Monitor Over Regular OPKs?
Basic OPKs (like strips or digital tests) show you whether LH is high or low—a simple yes/no answer. Fertility monitors go further:
- Quantitative hormone data: See actual hormone concentrations, not just positive/negative
- Multiple hormones: Track LH, estrogen, and progesterone for the complete picture
- Ovulation confirmation: Verify that ovulation actually occurred (progesterone rise)
- Better for irregular cycles: Quantitative data helps identify patterns when cycles vary
- Clinical-grade accuracy: Lab-quality measurements at home
The trade-off? Higher upfront cost and ongoing test strip/wand expenses. For many TTC veterans, especially those with irregular cycles or who've been trying for a while, the investment is worth it.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Mira | Inito | Clearblue Monitor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device Type | Standalone reader | Clips to smartphone | Standalone monitor |
| Hormones Tracked | LH, E3G, PdG, FSH* | LH, E3G, PdG, FSH | LH, E3G |
| Confirms Ovulation | ✓ Yes (with Plus wands) | ✓ Yes | ✗ Predicts only |
| Quantitative Data | ✓ Actual numbers | ✓ Actual numbers | ✗ Low/High/Peak only |
| Device Cost | $199 | $149 | $150-180 |
| Per-Cycle Cost | $50-80 (wands) | $49 (strips) | $30-40 (sticks) |
| App Quality | Excellent | Good | No app |
| Best For | Data lovers, irregular cycles, PCOS | Ovulation confirmation, budget-conscious | Simplicity, ease of use |
*Mira offers different wand types: Basic (LH only), Plus (LH + E3G + PdG), and Max (adds FSH)
Mira Fertility Tracker: In-Depth
What Makes Mira Different
Mira is essentially a mini lab on your nightstand. Instead of showing "positive" or "high," it displays your actual hormone concentrations—like "LH: 45 mIU/mL" or "E3G: 82 ng/mL."
This quantitative data is powerful because:
- You can see your personal hormone patterns over time
- Detect subtle rises that qualitative tests miss
- Identify issues like anovulation or luteal phase defects
- Share precise data with your fertility doctor
Wand Options
Confirm Wands (most popular): Test LH, estrogen (E3G), and progesterone metabolite (PdG). Confirms ovulation actually happened.
Max Wands: Add FSH testing—useful for assessing ovarian reserve alongside other hormones.
Pros
- ✓ Actual hormone numbers (lab-quality accuracy)
- ✓ Tracks up to 4 hormones
- ✓ Confirms ovulation with PdG
- ✓ Excellent app with trends and predictions
- ✓ Great for irregular cycles and PCOS
- ✓ Data can be shared with doctors
Cons
- ✗ Most expensive option
- ✗ Ongoing wand costs add up ($50-80/cycle)
- ✗ Learning curve to interpret data
- ✗ Requires 2-3 cycles to learn your patterns
Inito Fertility Monitor: In-Depth
What Makes Inito Different
Inito takes a unique approach: instead of a standalone device, it's a reader that clips to your smartphone. Your phone's camera reads the test strip, and the app processes the results.
Like Mira, Inito shows actual hormone concentrations—not just positive/negative. It tests 4 hormones including PdG, so you can confirm ovulation occurred.
How It Works
- Clip the Inito reader to your phone
- Dip the test strip in urine
- Insert strip into reader
- Phone camera analyzes and shows results in app
Pros
- ✓ Confirms ovulation (tests PdG)
- ✓ Quantitative hormone data
- ✓ Cheaper than Mira ($149 vs $199)
- ✓ Lower per-cycle cost
- ✓ Tests 4 hormones: LH, E3G, PdG, FSH
- ✓ Compact—uses your phone
Cons
- ✗ Requires compatible smartphone
- ✗ Phone camera quality can affect readings
- ✗ App not quite as polished as Mira's
- ✗ Newer to market (less track record)
Clearblue Fertility Monitor: In-Depth
What Makes Clearblue Different
The Clearblue Fertility Monitor is the original premium fertility device—it's been around since the late 90s and has a long track record. It tests both estrogen and LH to identify your fertile window.
Unlike Mira and Inito, Clearblue doesn't show numbers—it shows Low, High, or Peak fertility. This is simpler to interpret but provides less data.
How It Works
- Monitor prompts you to test on specific days
- Use test stick with first morning urine
- Insert stick into monitor
- Display shows Low/High/Peak fertility
Pros
- ✓ Very easy to use—minimal learning curve
- ✓ Longest track record and research
- ✓ Clear Low/High/Peak display
- ✓ Lower per-cycle cost than Mira/Inito
- ✓ Reliable brand
Cons
- ✗ No quantitative data (just categories)
- ✗ Cannot confirm ovulation occurred
- ✗ No app or data export
- ✗ Less helpful for irregular cycles
- ✗ Can show "Peak" even if you don't ovulate
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Mira If:
- You love data and want to see actual hormone numbers
- You have irregular cycles or PCOS
- You want to share precise data with your RE
- You've been TTC for a while and want deeper insights
- Budget isn't your primary concern
- You want the most comprehensive tracking available
Choose Inito If:
- You want to confirm ovulation with PdG
- You want quantitative data at a lower price than Mira
- You prefer a phone-based system (no extra device)
- You want good data without the highest cost
- You have a compatible smartphone
Choose Clearblue Monitor If:
- You want something simple and easy to use
- You have fairly regular cycles
- You don't need quantitative data
- You want lower per-cycle costs
- You prefer a trusted, established product
- You don't need ovulation confirmation
Total Cost Over Time
| Duration | Mira | Inito | Clearblue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device | $199 | $149 | $160 |
| 3 months | $199 + ~$180 = $379 | $149 + ~$150 = $299 | $160 + ~$100 = $260 |
| 6 months | $199 + ~$360 = $559 | $149 + ~$300 = $449 | $160 + ~$200 = $360 |
| 12 months | $199 + ~$720 = $919 | $149 + ~$600 = $749 | $160 + ~$400 = $560 |
Clearblue is cheapest long-term, but provides the least data. Mira is most expensive but most comprehensive. Inito sits in the middle, offering good value for quantitative tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is best for PCOS?
Mira or Inito. Both show actual hormone numbers, which is crucial for PCOS (where baseline LH can be elevated, causing false positives on regular OPKs). Quantitative data helps you see your real patterns regardless of absolute levels.
Can these confirm ovulation?
Mira (with Plus wands) and Inito can confirm ovulation by testing PdG (a progesterone metabolite). A rise in PdG indicates the corpus luteum formed, meaning ovulation occurred. Clearblue cannot confirm ovulation—it only predicts it.
Are these more accurate than regular OPKs?
They're not necessarily more accurate at detecting LH—standard OPKs are 99% accurate too. The advantage is more data: multiple hormones, actual concentrations, and ovulation confirmation. This gives a fuller picture than just LH positive/negative.
Do I need a fertility monitor or are regular OPKs enough?
For most people with regular cycles, standard OPKs (plus BBT for confirmation) work well. Monitors are most valuable for: irregular cycles, PCOS, TTC for 6+ months without success, or anyone who wants maximum data. They're an investment, not a necessity.
Can I use test strips from other brands with these monitors?
No—each monitor only works with its own strips/wands. You can't mix and match. This is part of why ongoing costs can add up.
The Bottom Line
Mira is best if you want the most comprehensive hormone data and don't mind paying premium prices. The actual numbers are invaluable for irregular cycles and sharing with doctors.
Inito offers the best balance of features and price—quantitative data and ovulation confirmation at a lower cost than Mira. Great if you want more than basic OPKs without the highest investment.
Clearblue Monitor is best for simplicity. If you have regular cycles and just want an easy-to-use upgrade from basic OPKs, it delivers reliable results with the lowest learning curve.
All three are significant upgrades from basic test strips. Choose based on how much data you want and what you're willing to spend. 💚