Cheap vs Expensive Pregnancy Tests: Do They All Work?
Spoiler: Yes—but there's one important exception.
Quick Answer
- From the day of your missed period: Cheap tests work just as well as expensive ones
- For early testing (before missed period): First Response Early Result is significantly more sensitive
- The verdict: Use FRER for early testing, cheap strips after that
The Truth About Pregnancy Test Accuracy
All home pregnancy tests detect hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)—the hormone produced after implantation. The question is: at what concentration can they detect it?
This is measured in mIU/mL (milli-International Units per milliliter). Lower numbers mean more sensitivity—the test can detect smaller amounts of hCG.
| Test | Sensitivity | Earliest Detection | Price Per Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Response Early Result | 6.3 mIU/mL | 6 days before missed period | ~$4-5 |
| Clearblue Digital | 25 mIU/mL | Day of missed period | ~$6-8 |
| Easy@Home / Pregmate / Wondfo | 25 mIU/mL | Day of missed period | ~$0.30-0.40 |
| Dollar Store Tests | 25 mIU/mL | Day of missed period | $1 |
Notice something? Most tests have the same sensitivity (25 mIU/mL)—whether they cost $0.30 or $8. The only outlier is First Response Early Result at 6.3 mIU/mL.
When Tests Perform Equally
From the day of your expected period (14 DPO), all tests perform equally. By this point, hCG levels in a viable pregnancy are typically 50-100+ mIU/mL—well above even the least sensitive test's threshold.
This means:
- Dollar store tests work perfectly
- Amazon strips work perfectly
- Expensive digital tests work perfectly
You're paying for packaging, brand name, and convenience—not accuracy.
💡 Smart Strategy
Stock up on cheap strips ($8 for 25) for testing from 12+ DPO. Save expensive tests for early testing or confirmation.
The One Exception: Early Testing
If you want to test before your missed period (10-13 DPO), First Response Early Result genuinely performs better. Its 6.3 mIU/mL sensitivity can detect hCG about 1-2 days earlier than 25 mIU/mL tests.
Here's why this matters:
| DPO | Typical hCG Level | 25 mIU/mL Test | 6.3 mIU/mL Test (FRER) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 DPO | ~5-10 mIU/mL | ❌ Negative | ⚠️ Maybe positive |
| 10 DPO | ~10-25 mIU/mL | ⚠️ Maybe positive | ✅ Likely positive |
| 11 DPO | ~25-50 mIU/mL | ✅ Likely positive | ✅ Positive |
| 12+ DPO | ~50-100+ mIU/mL | ✅ Positive | ✅ Positive |
If you're testing at 10 DPO, FRER gives you a meaningful advantage. By 12+ DPO, the advantage disappears.
Our Recommendations
Best Cheap Tests
For testing from 12 DPO onward, any of these work great:
Easy@Home 25-Pack — ~$0.32/test, syncs with Premom app
Check Price →Pregmate 25-Pack — ~$0.32/test, reliable strips
Check Price →Wondfo 25-Pack — ~$0.32/test, used by many clinics
Check Price →Dollar Store Tests — $1 each, same accuracy
Best for Early Testing (Before 12 DPO)
Only one test is significantly more sensitive:
First Response Early Result — 6.3 mIU/mL sensitivity
~$10-15 for 3-pack
Check Price on Amazon →Best for Confirmation
After a positive strip, confirm with a digital for that satisfying "Pregnant":
Clearblue Digital — Clear words, no line interpretation
~$12-18 for 2-pack
Check Price on Amazon →The Best Testing Strategy
- If you can wait: Test at 14 DPO with any cheap strip. One test, clear result, no wasted money.
- If you can't wait: Use FRER at 10-11 DPO. Understand a negative may become positive later.
- After a positive: Use cheap strips to watch line progression over several days.
- For confirmation: Use a digital test for the satisfying "Pregnant" in words.
Total cost with this strategy: ~$15-20 for a whole cycle of testing vs. $30+ using only expensive tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dollar store pregnancy tests accurate?
Yes! They have the same 25 mIU/mL sensitivity as most drugstore tests. The FDA requires all pregnancy tests to meet accuracy standards. You're paying $1 instead of $10 for essentially the same thing.
Why is First Response more expensive?
First Response Early Result genuinely has better technology—its 6.3 mIU/mL sensitivity is about 4x more sensitive than standard tests. You're paying for earlier detection capability, not just branding.
Are blue dye tests bad?
Blue dye tests (like some Clearblue and store brands) are notorious for showing faint blue "evaporation lines" that can be mistaken for positives. Pink dye tests (FRER, Easy@Home, Pregmate) are easier to read accurately.
What about expired tests?
Expired tests may be less sensitive or give unclear results. Always check expiration dates, especially with bulk strips that might sit around for months.
Why test with first morning urine?
First morning urine is most concentrated (you haven't diluted it with fluids). This gives the highest hCG concentration for detection. This matters most for early testing; by 14 DPO, any urine should work.
The Bottom Line
Cheap tests are just as accurate as expensive ones—from the day of your expected period. Dollar store tests, Amazon strips, and Pregmate all work perfectly when hCG levels are high enough.
The only exception: First Response Early Result genuinely detects pregnancy 1-2 days earlier than other tests. If early testing matters to you, it's worth the premium.
Our strategy: Buy a box of cheap strips for regular testing and keep a FRER for when you really can't wait. Best of both worlds. 💚