Accessing COVID-19 tests is crucial for monitoring your health and preventing the spread of the virus. Fortunately, there are several avenues to obtain these tests for free, ensuring everyone has access to this essential tool. This guide will walk you through where you can find free COVID-19 tests, particularly focusing on at-home options and understanding their usage.
Currently, in the U.S., every household is eligible to order free COVID-19 tests through a government initiative. You can easily request 4 free tests delivered directly to your home by visiting www.COVIDTests.gov. These tests are designed to detect current COVID-19 variants and remain effective until the end of the year, offering a convenient way to test yourself in the comfort of your home.
Understanding At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests
A woman performing a nasal swab for a COVID-19 at-home test, illustrating self-testing for COVID-19 at home.
At-home Over-The-Counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests are a significant tool in managing public health. These tests provide quick results in the privacy of your home, indicating if you currently have a COVID-19 infection. Authorized by the FDA for self-testing, these tests are available for purchase online or at local stores. They eliminate the need for a prescription or sending samples to a lab. You can collect your sample, perform the test, and interpret the results yourself.
For most at-home OTC COVID-19 tests, it’s recommended to perform repeat testing after a negative result, whether you are experiencing symptoms or not. This practice helps minimize the chance of a false negative result. The FDA also encourages users to voluntarily report their test results, both positive and negative, through platforms like MakeMyTestCount.org or via digital apps associated with the test kits. For detailed instructions on understanding your test results, you can refer to the guide on Understanding At-Home OTC COVID-19 Antigen Diagnostic Test Results. For more general information about these tests, including frequently asked questions, visit At-Home COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests: Frequently Asked Questions.
Authorized At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests and Expiration Dates
The following table provides a regularly updated list of FDA-authorized at-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests. This resource includes important details such as expiration dates, intended users (symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals, age groups), and links to the instructions for use, helping you select the most suitable test for your needs. For in-depth information about Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs), see In Vitro Diagnostics EUAs: Tables of IVD EUAs.
Within the table, the “Expiration Date” column specifies where to locate the expiration date for each test, while the “Other Details” column provides the test’s shelf-life. Shelf-life refers to the period a test is expected to perform as intended from its manufacturing date. The expiration date, marking the end of the shelf-life, is the date until which the test is expected to maintain its accuracy. It’s important to note that some tests may have extended expiration dates beyond the printed date.
Expiration dates can be extended if manufacturers provide data demonstrating a longer shelf-life than initially determined. For further information on expiration date determination and extensions, consult the At-Home COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests: Frequently Asked Questions.
To check if your at-home OTC COVID-19 test’s expiration date has been extended, find the corresponding manufacturer and test name in the table below. If an extension applies, the “Expiration Date” column will indicate “Extended Expiration Date” and link to a document detailing lot numbers, original expiration dates, and extended dates. If your specific lot number or original expiration date is not listed, or if the column states “Expiration Date: See box label,” adhere to the original expiration date printed on the test box.
You can search the table by manufacturer, test name, or other criteria to find detailed information and expiration date status. For complete information on smaller screens, use the blue plus (+) button next to the test name.
| Manufacturer and Test Name (Links to Instructions for Use) | Expiration Date | Who can use this test: Symptoms | Who can use this test: Age | Other Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough, Inc.:BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 15 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Requires supervision of a telehealth proctor and a smartphone or computer – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 22 months | |
| Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough, Inc.:BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 15 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 22 months | |
| Access Bio, Inc.:CareStart COVID-19 Antigen Home Test Alternate brand name: | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing) | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Smartphone optional – Alternate brand name: On/go COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test – Results in 10 minutes – Shelf Life: 21 months | |
| ACON Laboratories, Inc:Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test Alternate brand name: | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing) | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Smartphone optional – Alternate brand name: On/Go One COVID-19 Antigen Home Test – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 24 months | |
| Aptitude Medical Systems Inc.:Metrix COVID-19 Test | – People with or without symptoms | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Molecular test – Nasal swab – Saliva – Requires a Metrix Reader (sold separately) – Smartphone optional – Results in 30 minutes – Shelf Life: 18 Months | |
| CorDx, Inc.CorDx TyFast Flu A/B & COVID-19 At Home Multiplex Rapid Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 10 minutes – Shelf Life: 19 months | |
| CTK Biotech, Inc.: ImmuView COVID-19 Antigen Home Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15-30 minutes – Shelf Life: 20 months | |
| Ellume Limited:Ellume COVID-19 Home Test | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 4 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 16 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Mid-turbinate nasal swab – Requires a Smartphone – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 12 months |
| Genabio Diagnostics Inc.:Genabio COVID-19 Rapid Self-Test Kit | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing) | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15-30 minutes – Shelf Life: 18 months |
| iHealth Labs, Inc.:iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Alternate brand name: | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 15 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Smartphone optional – Results in 15 minutes – Alternate brand name: GoodToKnow COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test – Alternate brand name: GoToKnow COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test – Shelf Life: 15 months | |
| InBios International Inc:SCoV-2 Ag Detect Rapid Self-Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 20 minutes – Shelf Life: 13 months | |
| Immunostics Inc.: Swab-N-Go Home Test COVID-19 Ag | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15-30 minutes – Shelf Life: 20 months |
| Pfizer Inc:Lucira CHECK-IT COVID-19 Test Kit | – People with or without symptoms | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Molecular test – Nasal swab – Smartphone optional – Results in 30 minutes – Shelf Life: 18 months | |
| Maxim Biomedical, Inc.:MaximBio ClearDetect COVID-19 Antigen Home Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 24 months | |
| Mologic, Inc.:COVI-Go SARS-CoV-2 Ag Self-Test | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 20 minutes – Shelf Life: 6 months |
| OraSure Technologies, Inc.:InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 18 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Smartphone optional – Results in 30 minutes – Shelf Life: 24 months | |
| OSANG LLC:OHC COVID-19 Antigen Self Test Alternate brand name: | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing) | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Alternate brand name: QuickFinder COVID-19 Antigen Self Test – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 24 months | |
| OSANG LLC:QuickFinder COVID-19/Flu Antigen Self Test | – See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 4 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 18 months |
| PHASE Scientific International, Ltd.:INDICAID COVID-19 Rapid Antigen At-Home Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 20 minutes – Shelf Life: 15 months | |
| Quidel Corporation:QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test Alternative Brand Names: | – People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Alternative Brand Names: CVS Health At Home COVID-19 Test Kit and Walgreens At-Home COVID-19 Test Ket – Results in 10 minutes – Shelf Life: 16 months | |
| Watmind USA: Speedy Swab Rapid COVID-19 + Flu A&B Antigen Self-Test | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 18 months |
| SD Biosensor, Inc.:Pilot COVID-19 At-Home Test 1 FDA Safety Communication – Recall of Certain Lots | – People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 20 minutes – Telehealth Proctor Supervised (optional) – Shelf Life: 16 months | |
| Siemens Healthineers:CLINITEST Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15 minutes – Smartphone/Web access (optional) – Shelf Life: 24 months | |
| Watmind USA:Speedy Swab Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing) – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 21 months | |
| Xiamen Boson Biotech Co., Ltd.:Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Card | – People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 18 months | |
| SEKISUI Diagnostics, LLC.:OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Home Test | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15-30 minutes – Shelf Life: 11 months |
| Beijing Hotgen Biotech Co., Ltd.:Hotgen COVID-19 Antigen Home Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15-30 minutes – Shelf Life: 10 months | |
| CorDX, Inc.:CorDx COVID-19 Ag Test | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 10-30 minutes – Shelf Life: 15 months |
| Azure Biotech Inc.:Fastep COVID-19 Antigen Home Test | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15-30 minutes – Shelf Life: 24 months |
| Oceanit Foundry LLC:ASSURE-100 Rapid COVID-19 | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 20-30 minutes – Shelf Life: 12 months |
| Advin Biotech Inc.:Advin COVID-19 Antigen Test @Home | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15-30 minutes – Shelf Life: 24 months | |
| GenBody Inc.:GenBody COVID-19 Ag Home Test | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15-20 minutes – Shelf Life: 24 months |
| Azure Biotech, Inc.:Azure FaStep® COVID-19 Antigen Pen Home Test | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15-30 minutes – Shelf Life: 21 months |
| Pfizer Inc.:Lucira by Pfizer COVID-19 & Flu Home Test | – People with symptoms | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Molecular test – Nasal swab – Results in 30 minutes – Shelf Life: 18 months | |
| Princeton BioMeditech Corp:Status COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test for Home Use | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 24 months |
| Nano-Ditech Corporation:Nano-Check COVID-19 Antigen At-Home Test | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 6 months |
| BioTeke USA, LLC:Bio-Self COVID-19 Antigen Home Test | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). – People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing) | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15-30 minutes – Shelf Life: 12 months |
| 3EO Health, Inc.:3EO Health COVID-19 Test | – Expiration Date: See box label | – People with symptoms. | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Molecular test – Nasal swab – Results in 30 minutes – Shelf Life: 4 months |
| SEKISUI Diagnostics, LLC:OSOM Flu SARS-CoV-2 Combo Home Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 4 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 10-30 minutes – Shelf Life: 12 months | |
| Wondfo USA Co., Ltd.WELLlife COVID-19 / Influenza A&B Home Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 10 minutes – Shelf Life: 10 months | |
| iHealth Labs, Inc.:iHealth COVID-19/Flu A&B Rapid Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 4 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 17 months | |
| ACON Laboratories, Inc.:Flowflex Plus COVID-19 and Flu A/B Home Test | – People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing). | – Age 14 years and older – Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult | – Antigen test – Nasal swab – Results in 15 minutes – Shelf Life: 18 months |
Related Information:
- 1The Pilot COVID-19 At-Home Test, distributed by Roche Diagnostics, is previously known as the COVID-19 At-Home Test. As the manufacturer, SD Biosensor, transitions to this new brand, customers may receive a product with the previously authorized COVID-19 At-Home Test labeling.
