What’s the Best Ketone Meter on the Market? We Tested the Top 10

We tested 10 popular blood ketone meters, comparing features and benefits, to find the best ketone meter on the market. Learn what we discovered.

If you’re following a ketogenic diet for weight loss, fat burning, diabetes, general health, or therapeutic purposes, a ketone meter is an essential tool in your health-improvement toolkit.

A good ketone meter takes the guesswork out of ketosis. It confirms you’re correctly following the high-fat, low-carb diet, and helps you stay in nutritional ketosis and on the path to better results.

But what qualifies as a “good” ketone meter? And what’s the best ketone meter money can buy?

That’s what we wanted to find out, so we tested the 10 most popular ketone meters available in stores and at online sites like Amazon. We didn’t test all ketone testing kits, however. We focused solely on blood-ketone meters because blood ketone tests provide more reliable and accurate test results than other types of ketone analyzers, such as breathalyzer ketone meters (a.k.a. breath ketone meters, which measure acetone levels) and urine testing strips (which measure acetoacetate levels).

Blood ketone meters, in other words, are the gold standard for ketone testing.

• FORA 6 Connect Blood Ketone Testing Meter Kit
• Keto-Doc Advanced Ketone Blood Meter Testing Kit
• Keto-Mojo GK+ Blood Glucose & Ketone Meter
• Keto Trak Blood Ketone Monitoring System
• KetoBM Ketone Blood Meter Kit
• KetoCoach Blood Ketone Meter Kit
• KetoSens Blood Ketone Monitor Kit
• Kiss My Keto Ketone Blood Meter Kit
• Nova Max Plus Glucose Meter
• Precision Xtra Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System

To compare the meters, we made a list of important features expected or desired from the best ketone meters, then we tried every meter separately.

This article reports on what we found. Use it so you can make an informed decision on which ketone meter to buy, then get measuring your ketones to ensure you’re maintaining a state of ketosis and see better results on keto.

How We Tested the Ketone Meters

Before making any evaluations, we tested each meter individually. We unpackaged it, set it up, and of course measured blood ketones with it while following a keto diet.

Evaluation Standards

During the testing process, we observed and compared a number of things among the various blood ketone meters. Specifically, we asked:

• How much unpacking and setup is required for the measuring device?
• Are the instructions easy to follow?
• How many strips / attempts did it take to get a successful result?
• Does the meter integrate with your smartphone?
• Are the results logged automatically in a corresponding app?
• Does the meter also measure blood-glucose levels (blood sugar) and give glucose readings?
• And many others

About Testing for Accuracy

While we did test our blood ketones using each meter to see how it performed, it was impossible for us to confirm absolutely accurate results unless we had the same tests conducted at the same time by a professional lab. Thus, we focused on meters that have been put to the test by the pros and have the best reputations for accurate readings of ketone bodies.

Along the way, we found out that the FDA has approved only about half the meters we tested. (See Table 1). This is meaningful in that we have better confidence that a meter is testing in an accurate way if it’s FDA approved.

Meter-Feature Standards

Along with testing performance, we evaluated (and tabulated) the special features of each meter to compare and contrast. (See Table 1). These features ranged from warranty length to size of memory to store past tests to the ability to act as a blood glucose testing meter (and consequently allow you to calculate glucose ketone index or GKI, the all-in-one biomarker for metabolic health and ketosis).

While evaluating features, we chose not to go into detail on those that are common and not distinctive. For instance, all the ketone testing kits contain batteries, lancet devices, and sterile lancets (to prick your fingers). They also possess the ability to generate and produce a blood ketone reading in 10 seconds or less.

Lastly, we looked at cost. A meter may seem affordable at first glance, but then you see the cost of replacement ketone test strips! If you plan to use your meter regularly, this is the cost to focus on.

Now then, onto the meters.

This FDA-approved glucose and ketone meter has many useful features, including integration with your smartphone.

THE SETUP

From unpacking to first measurement took about seven minutes with this meter. Setting up the Fora 6 Connect took slightly longer than other meters, since all items were wrapped separately and not assembled in one carrying case. Also, there were several instructional videos for using the meter available on YouTube.

With the exception of the Keto-Mojo meter (see below), the FORA 6 was the only meter featuring app connectivity via Bluetooth. We downloaded the iFora HM app and it connected to the meter.

THE TEST

The test was easily administered. We had quite a bit higher ketone reading than all other tests that day with other meters but without a lab test, we don’t know if it was inaccurate. The results easily synced with the app.

FEATURES OVERVIEW

We liked that the FORA 6 Connect has the ability to measure both glucose and ketones and integrates with an app.

Pros

• Measures both glucose and ketones
• Integrates with the iFora HM app
• Bluetooth enabled
• FDA-Approved
• Covered by FSA/HSA
• Large memory (1,000 tests)

Cons

• The iFora HM app only rates 2.1 stars on the app store, and 2.8 stars on Google Play, suggesting that many users struggled with functionality and connectivity issues.
• Would be nice if the app calculated GKI
• No lifetime warranty (instead, it’s 5 years)
• No control solution (control solutions allow you to check the meter to ensure accuracy)
• Larger than average blood drop required (minimal 0.8μl)

COST

The FORA 6 Connect costs $59.99 for the meter and 20 ketone strips. Replacement ketone strips cost slightly under a dollar a piece. Not the worst value for what you get, but not the best either.

This proved to be an easy-to-set-up ketone meter with good web support but questionable accuracy.

THE SETUP
We had no issues setting up the Keto-Doc meter, and the entire process took about six minutes. It merely required the install of AAA batteries, and a quick perusal of the instructional manual. The Keto-Doc website features an instructional video that walks users through setup, too.

THE TEST

Testing was more of a challenge. The Keto-Doc, which exclusively measures blood ketones, showed a test result of 0.0 mmol/L despite higher ketone test results with other meters. A second test also showed results of 0.0 mmol/L, which made us dubious as to whether the meter was working properly.

FEATURES OVERVIEW

Compared to the other meters, the Keto-Doc has a shorter warranty, lacks FDA approval, cannot conduct glucose testing, and hangs on the upper end of measurement time. (See Table 1).

Pros

• Contains control solution
• Requires small blood sample (minimal 0.5µL)

Cons

• Not FDA approved
• No lifetime warranty (2 years)
• Small memory (180 tests)
• No app connections
• Not covered by FSA/HSA

COST

The Keto-Doc costs $39.95 for a meter and 10 ketone test strips. Replacement strips are about $1 each, a comparable value to that offered by other companies.

This is an FDA approved meter that has the ability to measure both glucose and ketones, sync with a smartphone app, and has robust functionality and website resources.

SET UP

Using the Keto-Mojo meter was a breeze. The meter arrived with batteries inside, ready to go. And the manual was detailed and easy to follow. To set up the meter manually and change any of the other functions takes about five minutes. But setup was even faster because we downloaded the app, which synced to the meter and automatically set the time and date.

In addition to the manuals that come with the kit, the Keto-Mojo website has extensive instructional videos and guides. It’s a rich resource for the keto lifestyle.

THE TEST

We tested our ketones and our glucose with the Keto-Mojo blood ketone and glucose meter. We needed to use different strips to conduct each test, but we used the same drop of blood for the ketone test-strip and the glucose test-strip. After we tested, we synced the meter to the app and saw our glucose and ketone readings. The app automatically calculated the Glucose Ketone Index (GKI) for us.

FEATURES OVERVIEW

The Keto-Mojo meter has a long list of impressive features. Most notable is the smooth app integration that makes tracking glucose and ketones on your phone really easy, and the ability to calculate your GKI (a key marker of metabolic health) automatically in the Keto-Mojo Classic app.

Pros

• Bluetooth integrated
• One of the few meters with an app
• App calculates GKI automatically from your ketone and glucose readings
• Measures both glucose and ketones
• FDA approved
• Lifetime warranty
• Control solution included
• Large memory (1,000 tests)
• Small blood sample (minimal 0.5µL)
• Covered by FSA/HSA
• Rich web support with instructional videos and resources for the keto lifestyle

Cons

• Based on comments in the app stores, sounds like some Android users are having issues syncing.

COST

There are two purchasing options for the Keto-Mojo GK + Blood Glucose & Ketone Meter:

1) Basic Starter Kit, which for $44.99 includes:

• The meter
• 10 glucose test strips and 10 ketone test strips
• Lancing device and 20 lancets
• Glucose and ketone control solutions
• High quality clamshell travel case
• 2 AAA batteries

2) Promo Bundle, which for $90.99 includes everything that the basic kit includes plus:

• 70 glucose test strips, 70 ketone test strips (instead of 10)
• Keto Kickstart Guide (a 100-page eBook on how to succeed on the keto diet)

Considering the high cost of keto strips, both packages are good values. To buy extra ketone test strips, the cost is $0.80 per strip, which is less than most competitors.

This is a basic ketone meter with adequate web support and a low initial cost, but few features to speak of.

THE SETUP

Battery installation took a minute and we had no issues setting up the KetoBM meter. The quick start guide helped, along with how-to videos on the brand’s website.

THE TEST

We were able to easily conduct a successful test with our first strip.

FEATURES OVERVIEW

Compared to other meters we tested, the KetoBM has a shorter warranty, isn’t FDA approved, doesn’t measure glucose, has no app integration, and hangs on the upper end of measurement time. (See Table 1.)

Pros

• Simple to use
• Control solution included
• Small blood sample (minimal 0.5µL)

Cons

• Not FDA approved
• No lifetime warranty (instead, it’s 2 years)
• Small memory (180 tests)
• No app connections
• Not covered by FSA/HSA

COST

The KetoBM costs $29.95 for the meter and 10 ketone test strips. Replacement strips are about $1 a piece, a comparable value to the other companies.

This FDA approved ketone meter is easy to use, but on the expensive side.

THE SETUP

The KetoCoach meter arrived ready-to-go and powered up right away. A helpful quick start guide made the initial test a snap.

On the KetoCoach website, there’s a link for video tutorials, but it goes nowhere. This was disappointing.

THE TEST

The kit came with an Owen Mumford lancing device, which is designed to reduce the pain of blood sampling. It was hard to tell if this was true, since the prick felt the same as with other lancing devices. Regardless, the test was easily conducted with no hiccups.

FEATURES OVERVIEW

Here were the pros and cons for the KetoCoach meter:

Pros

• FDA approved
• Covered by FSA/HSA 

Cons

• No lifetime warranty (instead, it’s 5 years)
• No control solution
• No app connection
• Larger than average blood drop (minimal 0.8μl)
• Small memory (500 tests)

COST

At $49.95 for a meter and 10 strips, the KetoCoach meter costs more than similar meters. But since you can buy 50 ketone strips for $39.95 (or $0.80 per strip) on their website, continued use could prove economical.

This is a basic, affordable ketone meter with good web support and a lifetime warranty, but it has some problems on the setup.

THE SETUP

Setup wasn’t easy. It even resulted in a small finger cut while struggling with the plastic insert guarding the battery slot. Finally, after several minutes, the lithium battery was installed.

Kiss My Keto’s website features several instructional videos, but we were hit with three pop-ups during one session.

THE TEST

After the set-up snag, the Kiss My Keto meter performed adequately. Our reading was stored in the device, but there was no app integration.

FEATURES OVERVIEW

The Kiss My Keto meter features a lifetime warranty and a well-designed website with instructional videos. Other than that, the features are fairly standard. (See Table 1).

Pros

• Lifetime warranty
• Requires a small blood sample (minimal 0.5µL)

Cons

• Not FDA approved
• Small memory (450 tests)
• No control solution
• No app connection
• Not covered by FSA/HSA

COST

At $39.99 for the meter and 10 ketone strips, the Kiss My Keto meter is a reasonable value. To buy extra strips, the cost per strip is about $1 each.

This is an affordable ketone meter that works adequately but lacks the auto-coding feature.

THE SETUP

Following the instructions on the Keto Trak quickstart guide, we inserted the batteries, powered up the meter, and prepared the lancing device.

Before taking the test, we had to install a coding chip (included) so the results could be tabulated correctly in the meter. Every other meter we tested had “auto-code” test strips, eliminating this step.

KetoTrak has an instructional video on their website, for those who prefer to learn by video.

THE TEST

Our first sample triggered an error. (We neglected to insert the coding chip. Oops!) With the coding chip installed, the second test worked well and easily.

FEATURES OVERVIEW

The KetoTrak meter requires a large-ish sample of blood (1.2 uL, more than twice most other meters), isn’t FDA approved, and needs a separate coding chip.

Pros

• Control solution included

Cons

• Not FDA approved
• No lifetime warranty (instead it’s 5 years)
• Larger than average blood drop (minimal 1.2μl)
• Small memory (450 tests)
• No app connection
• Not covered by FSA/HSA

COST

The KetoTrak meter kit costs $33.99 for a meter and 10 strips. Replacement strips work out to only $0.60 a piece. If cost is your only concern, this may be the meter for you.

This is a no-nonsense, FDA-approved ketone meter with standard features and a large memory.

THE SETUP

We had zero problems setting up the KetoSens meter. Everything was nicely packed in the carrying case, and the instructional manual made setup easy to understand. An instructional video is posted on YouTube if additional help is needed.

The package also contained a reference card to help type 1 diabetics avoid the dangerously high-ketone state of diabetic ketoacidosis. This was a nice touch.

THE TEST

We easily completed a successful test on the first attempt.

FEATURES OVERVIEW

The KetoSens meter has a large, easy-to read display, along with several other features we liked.

Pros

• Large, easy-to-read display
• FDA-approved
• Large memory (1,000 tests)
• Small blood sample (minimal 0.5µL)

Cons

• No lifetime warranty (instead it’s 5 years)
• No control solution
• No app connection
• Not covered by FSA/HSA

COST

The meter costs $36.99 and includes 10 ketone strips. Replacement strips are reasonable at $0.86 each.

The Nova Max Plus measures glucose and ketones with the smallest blood requirement of any meter we tested, but the features and website support are lacking.

THE SETUP

Everything was packaged separately (lancets, strips, meter, etc.) in the Nova Max kit. Compared to other meters, this added roughly three minutes of unpacking time. Beyond that, setup was intuitive.

The Nova Max website is bare bones, with no instructional videos. Only a phone number and online question form are provided for additional instruction purposes.

THE TEST

The Nova Max Plus measures both glucose and ketones, but we only tested ketones. For reasons unknown, we received an error message on the first test. The second test was successful.

FEATURES OVERVIEW

This meter wins points for having both glucose and ketone functionality, and for requiring only a 0.3 uL blood sample, the smallest of any meter we tested. Beyond that, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Pros

• Measures glucose and ketones
• Requires a small blood sample (0.3 uL)
• Covered by FSA/HSA

Cons

• Not FDA approved
• No lifetime warranty (it’s limited to 3 years)
• No control solution
• No app connection
• Small memory (400 tests)

COST

The Nova Max Plus costs $39.98 for the meter and 10 ketone strips. Ketone replacement strips cost about $2 per strip, a poor value.

FDA approved and glucose/ketone ready, the Precision Xtra is a highly functional meter, but you need a big drop of blood to make it work and the cost of replacement strips is high.

THE SETUP

After about five minutes of unpacking and setup, it was time to measure ketones and glucose with the Precision Xtra.

THE TEST

The glucose test worked on the first strip. The initial ketone test, however, failed. We had moved too fast, before the meter flashed to “ketone.” The second ketone strip failed as well because there wasn’t enough blood left to fulfill the Precision Xtra’s hefty requirement. The third time was the charm. It was frustrating to have to test three times, but this would probably happen less frequently as we became familiar with the meter.

FEATURES OVERVIEW

Made by pharmaceuticals company Abbott Labs, Precision Xtra was one of the first ketone meters to hit the commercial market, but it has pros and cons.

Pros

• Measures glucose and ketones
• FDA approved
• Long history of commercial use

Cons

• No lifetime warranty (instead, it’s 4 years)
• No control solution
• No app connection
• Larger than average blood drop (minimal 1.5μl)
• Not covered by FSA/HSA

COST

The Precision Xtra meter costs $27.50 (plus $7.95 shipping) on Abbott’s website. Ketone strips must be purchased separately, and are pricey at $14.99 for a pack of 10, or nearly $1.50 per strip. Glucose strips cost $15.99 for 30.

Why did it win? Here are the main reasons:

• App integration. Pairs with your smartphone (aka, your life) so you can track your keto results over time.
• Glucose and ketones. Measuring both biomarkers gives you a better picture of metabolic health than either alone and helps you identify foods that might negatively affect ketosis.
• When the meter syncs with the app, the app calculates glucose ketone index, your all-in-one metabolism metric.
• Easy setup. Thoughtful packaging with everything you need in the right places (strips, lancets, etc.) and a high-quality carry case.
• Simple testing. An intuitive testing process so you get it right the first time and don’t waste strips.
• Amazing value. Considering the unique features and ketone/glucose strips included, the value is undeniable.
• FDA-approved and lifetime warranty. No other meter we tested had both these advantages.
• Online resources. Keto-Mojo.com has a rich supply of instructional videos—along with tons of content on following a keto lifestyle, including hundreds of free recipes.
• Customer Service: Keto-Mojo has highly-reviewed customer service, who apparently are all U.S based folks living the keto lifestyle.

All things considered, we recommend the Keto-Mojo GK+ Blood Glucose & Ketone Meter.

Here’s why we picked KetoSens as the #2:

• Ease of use. Setup was a breeze and we had a successful ketone test on his first attempt.
• Attractive display. You won’t need glasses to read your ketone levels!
• Good value. The cost of the meter and 10 strips is below $40, and replacement strips are only $0.86 each—both good relative values.
• FDA approved. So you have more confidence in the accuracy of your ketone reading.

Now you know the pros and cons of the top 10 ketone meters on the market. But there’s more to ensuring you get the most out of your meter, regardless of which brand you buy.

First, be cautious about buying replacement strips from third party dealers, as these sometimes arrive in an expired state. Also, remember that the point of a blood-ketone meter is to test your state of ketosis. Keep this in mind when you devise your testing regimen. For reliable insight, test ketones before and an hour or two after meals.

Finally, a good ketone meter offers more than blood ketone levels. It also provides insight into how your body handles food, especially if you are testing glucose alongside ketones, and allows you to meal plan for success. So pick one up, start measuring, and forge on towards greater keto success.

We’ve highlighted cells where a brand feature is above standard in comparison to other brands.

(click on the image to open a PDF)