The Best Water Test Kits for Home Use (Lab-Tested, Expert-Reviewed)
Well Water Test Kits
- Tests 50–170 contaminants specific to private well water
- Wirecutter's #1 pick for well water testing (2024, 2025)
- Results in 5 business days. Free shipping both ways.
- Certified laboratory analysis with detailed report
City Water Test Kits
- Tests 50–170 contaminants specific to city/municipal water
- Wirecutter's #1 pick for city water testing (2022–2025)
- Results in 5 business days. Free shipping both ways.
- Certified laboratory analysis with detailed report
Our Top Pick: Tap Score by SimpleLab
Not all water test kits are equal. We recommend Tap Score by SimpleLab — the #1 pick from Wirecutter and the most trusted lab-based water test kit on the market. Get accurate results for 50–170 contaminants with a detailed report that tells you exactly what to do next.
✓ Wirecutter’s #1 pick ✓ Results in 5 business days ✓ Free shipping both ways ✓ Certified laboratory analysis
Got Your Results? Here's What to Do Next.
Your Tap Score report shows exactly what’s in your water. Here’s where to go based on what people typically find:
Got Questions? We Have Answers!
Where to start? Choosing the right water test kit is an investment in your family’s health and safety. It’s easy to get lost in the ocean of information available. Don’t see what you looking for? Answers to all your questions are just a message away.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends to test your water once per year.
You should test more than once a year or immediately if you have the following:
-Notice unusual taste, color, or smell in your water.
-If you are pregnant or have a new baby in the first six months.
-If you install a new well, plumbing, or fixtures.
-If there is a chemical or fuel leak near your well water supply or surrounding area.
-If you are located near construction, agricultural, or mining operations.
Tap Score kits include everything you need to collect a water sample:
– Sample collection bottles and detailed instructions
– Prepaid return shipping label
– Access to your online results dashboard
Simply send the package back to the certified lab and receive your detailed results report in approximately 5 business days.
After sending your water sample back to the lab with the pre-paid postage, it takes approximately 5 business days for your official results after the lab receives your sample.
Whether you have well water or city water, we have you covered. Your report will provide a detailed breakdown of all contaminants detected in your water. It will also benchmark your water against federal safety level benchmarks to show how the contaminants may be impacting your health, plumbing, and appliances. We use this data to curate independent treatment recommendations just for you.
If you have any questions.!
We recommend Tap Score by SimpleLab for both well and city water.
For well water: the Essential Well Water Test ($209) is ideal for an annual checkup. The Advanced Well Water Test ($399) is Wirecutter’s #1 pick and is best if you suspect contamination or want a comprehensive screen.
For city water: the Advanced City Water Test ($299) is Wirecutter’s #1 pick and tests for the most common issues in public utility water, including lead, chlorine byproducts, and PFAS.
Tap Score sends you a kit with everything you need to collect a water sample. Use the prepaid return shipping label to send your sample to their certified laboratory. After analysis, you receive a detailed report showing all contaminants detected, any health risks, and recommended next steps — in approximately 5 business days.
