{"menuItems":[{"label":"Top retailers for RATs online","anchorName":"#top-retailers-for-rats-online"},{"label":"Compare rapid COVID test kits","anchorName":"#testkits"},{"label":"Best rapid antigen tests by accuracy and where to buy","anchorName":"#accuracy"},{"label":"How stock levels and prices are holding up","anchorName":"#how-stock-levels-and-prices-are-holding-up"},{"label":"Video guide: How to use your rapid antigen testing kit","anchorName":"#video-guide-how-to-use-your-rapid-antigen-testing-kit"},{"label":"How do rapid antigen tests work?","anchorName":"#how-do-rapid-antigen-tests-work"},{"label":"How much do rapid antigen tests cost?","anchorName":"#how-much-do-rapid-antigen-tests-cost"},{"label":"Oral vs Nasal rapid antigen tests","anchorName":"#oral-vs-nasal-rapid-antigen-tests"},{"label":"Where can I get an antigen test?","anchorName":"#where-can-i-get-an-antigen-test"},{"label":"Are some rapid antigen tests more accurate than others?","anchorName":"#are-some-rapid-antigen-tests-more-accurate-than-others"},{"label":"Do I need a COVID test for travel?","anchorName":"#do-i-need-a-covid-test-for-travel"},{"label":"Free tests","anchorName":"#free-tests"},{"label":"COVID-19 isolation requirements","anchorName":"#covid-19-isolation-requirements"},{"label":"Latest COVID-19 testing news","anchorName":"#latest-covid-19-testing-news"}]}
Finder checks stock levels of all online suppliers daily so you can quickly buy a rapid antigen test (RAT).
Be careful! Things to check with rapid antigen tests
We're checking availability for RAT testing kits regularly but delivery times are subject to change. All tests sold in Australia must be approved by the TGA. Some sellers try and charge prices far above the average ("price gouging"). This isn't legal in Australia. Always consider your options carefully before buying.
Pricing
Rapid antigen tests vary in price, but currently typically cost between $10 to $30 each.
Free eligibility
Rapid antigen tests are free to some groups, including aged care, education workers and some health and pension cardholders.
Test types
Unlike a PCR test, RAT tests are performed at home. Oral or nasal test kits are available. Results typically take around 20 minutes.
Aussie Pharma Direct offers Fanttest COVID-19 / Influenza A&B Antigen Test Kit Test in packs of 1 to 20, with prices ranging from $9.95 to $165.95. Items are shipped the next day.
Accurate detection with high sensitivity and specificity
Save up to 10% on Good Riddance Deet-Free insect repellent, up to 50% off sunscreen and up to 90% off rapid antigen tests at Aussie Pharma Direct. Limited time offer, while stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Virafree offers Clungene COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Test 5-pack for $19.95 and Testsealabs COVID-19 Antigen Test 5-pack for $69.95. Items are for same-day shipping.
Healthy Life is the official COVID-19 test provider for Woolworths. It offers 2San LYHER rapid antigen test kits and TouchBio in packs of 2 to 20, priced from $20 to $70. Dispatch is in 2–3 business days.
Approved by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
As one of the biggest online marketplaces in the world, eBay is a reliable source of COVID-19 RAT kits. It offers JusChek Nasal, HIGHTOP, 2SAN Lyher, RightSign, Testsealabs, and AllTest Nasal sold in 1- to 20-packs, priced from $10.99 to $55.
Approved by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
As one of the biggest online marketplaces in the world, Amazon is a reliable source of COVID-19 RAT kits. It offers Testsealabs, Fanttest, JusChek Nasal and Oral, RightSign, Clungene, InnoScreen, AllTest Nasal and Oral, OnSite, VivaDiag, Panbio, TouchBio, EcoTest, 2San Lyher, Orawell, Roche, Medriva and Hough sold in 1- to 1200-packs and priced from $3.99 to $3,199.
Approved by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
To give you a sense of how dire matters used to be, here's a graph showing the average stock levels for RATs from the beginning of 2022. We also have a graph reflecting the average pricing of RATs during the same period.
The average cost of one rapid antigen test was the highest in South Australia, costing $13.77 per test. The state that spent the least was South Australia, where they paid $12.11 per test.
Video guide: How to use your rapid antigen testing kit
Confused about how to administer the test? We've got you covered. Here's a generic step-by-step guide from NSW Health. Remember steps vary from brand to brand.
How do rapid antigen tests work?
A rapid antigen test is a screening tool used to detect COVID-19. You can take the test at home without the need for lab equipment or a health professional. Instead, place a saliva sample or nasal swab into a chemical solution. Results usually take less than 10 minutes.
Rapid antigen tests are not as accurate as PCR tests, with a higher chance of a false negative. However, it is generally unnecessary to confirm a RAT result with a PCR result.
COVID-19 testing kits require Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval and inclusion in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before being sold legally in Australia. Stock is limited, so grab yourself a kit when they are available.
How much do rapid antigen tests cost?
Pricing for RATs varies. You can expect to pay between $20 and $30 per pack, which typically contains 5 rapid antigen tests. It's possible to get the price down to under $3 per test if you buy multiple packs in a single purchase. This is a sensible option if you live in a large household or need to test yourself regularly due to travel.
RAT suppliers with the cheapest prices include Medmate and COVID Solutions Australia. If you prefer to buy from traditional retailers, Chemist Warehouse consistently has discounted RATs available.
Oral vs Nasal rapid antigen tests
There are currently 2 types of rapid antigen tests available in Australia: oral and nasal testing.
Nasal tests involve inserting a nasal swab into your nose. You then twirl it around for a few seconds allowing the soft bristles to collect a sample of the cells and fluids present to be analysed. The nasal swab needs to be inserted quite far to collect a good specimen for an accurate test result. Some people find nasal RATs extremely uncomfortable. But it's all over in a few seconds.
Pictured: TGA-listed and verified rapid antigen testing kits from Rapid Proof. Image: Supplied
Oral or saliva tests are much less invasive and can be performed in 2 different ways depending on the provider. Some tests will require you to spit into a tube, while others instruct you to suck on the bristled end of a swab just like the ones you'd find in a nasal testing kit.
Both tests detect the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. Both tests are deemed to be equally effective at detecting the virus. And a range of both types of tests has been TGA-approved.
However, which test you want to carry out is completely up to you. You can see how both RAT types fare in our in-depth test.
Where can I get an antigen test?
Multiple providers sell rapid antigen home testing kits in Australia, many of which we have listed above. You can also buy kits from major supermarket chains, pharmacies, online retailers or directly from the provider.
When buying online, make sure that the product has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). This is a legal requirement for any kit sold in Australia. So long as you're making sure the provider's service matches your budget, requirements and turnaround time, you can't go too far wrong.
Keep an eye on the Trustpilot reviews for any unknown providers, and don't be afraid to speak to their customer service if you're unsure about anything. Always check the refunds policy too. Government guidelines are continuously changing, so it's worth making sure you can get your money back if you need to.
Are some rapid antigen tests more accurate than others?
Yes. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) applies a clinical sensitivity rating to rapid antigen tests based on performance testing. To be sold in Australia, the test must receive one of the following ratings:
Very high sensitivity: Clinical sensitivity greater than 95% PPA
High sensitivity: Clinical sensitivity greater than 90% PPA
Acceptable sensitivity: Clinical sensitivity greater than 80% PPA
Needless to say, a test with very high sensitivity is technically superior to a test with acceptable sensitivity. You can see the clinical sensitivity rating of all approved rapid antigen tests on the TGA website. We have also ranked popular RATs by sensitivity in this table.
Do I need a COVID test for travel?
Some countries and airlines require a pre-departure test result at check-in before you can board your flight. You can check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to at the SmartTraveller website.
Free tests
There are a variety of ways you can access free rapid antigen tests depending on where in Australia you live. The following is a brief rundown of the major ways individuals in each state and territory can access free RATs.
NSW – Free RATs are available to eligible concession card holders, those living with a disability and immunocompromised individuals.
Victoria – Most local councils offer free RATs. All Victorians are able to collect up to 2 packs of 5 RATs per person. People with disabilities and their carers can get 20 free tests.
Queensland – Free RATs are available to eligible concession card holders, individuals who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless or individuals who are seeking asylum in Queensland.
South Australia – South Australians can collect 5 free RATS from designated RAT Collection Points.
Tasmania – Tasmanians can request a free RAT here.
Northern Territory – Free RATs are available at a range of participating health providers throughout the Northern Territory, including GPs and health clinics.
ACT – Free RATs are available for collection at the Garran Surge Centre and for eligible concession card holders at ACT libraries.
COVID-19 isolation requirements
Isolation is no longer a requirement following a positive COVID result. However, the practice is strongly recommended by health authorities.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you must not visit high-risk settings such as aged and disability care facilities for 7 days and until you have no symptoms of COVID-19.
{"menuItems":[{"label":"Top retailers for RATs online","anchorName":"#top-retailers-for-rats-online"},{"label":"Compare rapid COVID test kits","anchorName":"#testkits"},{"label":"Best rapid antigen tests by accuracy and where to buy","anchorName":"#accuracy"},{"label":"How stock levels and prices are holding up","anchorName":"#how-stock-levels-and-prices-are-holding-up"},{"label":"Video guide: How to use your rapid antigen testing kit","anchorName":"#video-guide-how-to-use-your-rapid-antigen-testing-kit"},{"label":"How do rapid antigen tests work?","anchorName":"#how-do-rapid-antigen-tests-work"},{"label":"How much do rapid antigen tests cost?","anchorName":"#how-much-do-rapid-antigen-tests-cost"},{"label":"Oral vs Nasal rapid antigen tests","anchorName":"#oral-vs-nasal-rapid-antigen-tests"},{"label":"Where can I get an antigen test?","anchorName":"#where-can-i-get-an-antigen-test"},{"label":"Are some rapid antigen tests more accurate than others?","anchorName":"#are-some-rapid-antigen-tests-more-accurate-than-others"},{"label":"Do I need a COVID test for travel?","anchorName":"#do-i-need-a-covid-test-for-travel"},{"label":"Free tests","anchorName":"#free-tests"},{"label":"COVID-19 isolation requirements","anchorName":"#covid-19-isolation-requirements"},{"label":"Latest COVID-19 testing news","anchorName":"#latest-covid-19-testing-news"}]}
Get prepped for the winter flu season with up to 73% off RAT tests, face masks and more.
{"menuItems":[{"label":"Top retailers for RATs online","anchorName":"#top-retailers-for-rats-online"},{"label":"Compare rapid COVID test kits","anchorName":"#testkits"},{"label":"Best rapid antigen tests by accuracy and where to buy","anchorName":"#accuracy"},{"label":"How stock levels and prices are holding up","anchorName":"#how-stock-levels-and-prices-are-holding-up"},{"label":"Video guide: How to use your rapid antigen testing kit","anchorName":"#video-guide-how-to-use-your-rapid-antigen-testing-kit"},{"label":"How do rapid antigen tests work?","anchorName":"#how-do-rapid-antigen-tests-work"},{"label":"How much do rapid antigen tests cost?","anchorName":"#how-much-do-rapid-antigen-tests-cost"},{"label":"Oral vs Nasal rapid antigen tests","anchorName":"#oral-vs-nasal-rapid-antigen-tests"},{"label":"Where can I get an antigen test?","anchorName":"#where-can-i-get-an-antigen-test"},{"label":"Are some rapid antigen tests more accurate than others?","anchorName":"#are-some-rapid-antigen-tests-more-accurate-than-others"},{"label":"Do I need a COVID test for travel?","anchorName":"#do-i-need-a-covid-test-for-travel"},{"label":"Free tests","anchorName":"#free-tests"},{"label":"COVID-19 isolation requirements","anchorName":"#covid-19-isolation-requirements"},{"label":"Latest COVID-19 testing news","anchorName":"#latest-covid-19-testing-news"}]}
Here's how you can most easily and affordably secure rapid antigen tests in Sydney and NSW.
{"menuItems":[{"label":"Top retailers for RATs online","anchorName":"#top-retailers-for-rats-online"},{"label":"Compare rapid COVID test kits","anchorName":"#testkits"},{"label":"Best rapid antigen tests by accuracy and where to buy","anchorName":"#accuracy"},{"label":"How stock levels and prices are holding up","anchorName":"#how-stock-levels-and-prices-are-holding-up"},{"label":"Video guide: How to use your rapid antigen testing kit","anchorName":"#video-guide-how-to-use-your-rapid-antigen-testing-kit"},{"label":"How do rapid antigen tests work?","anchorName":"#how-do-rapid-antigen-tests-work"},{"label":"How much do rapid antigen tests cost?","anchorName":"#how-much-do-rapid-antigen-tests-cost"},{"label":"Oral vs Nasal rapid antigen tests","anchorName":"#oral-vs-nasal-rapid-antigen-tests"},{"label":"Where can I get an antigen test?","anchorName":"#where-can-i-get-an-antigen-test"},{"label":"Are some rapid antigen tests more accurate than others?","anchorName":"#are-some-rapid-antigen-tests-more-accurate-than-others"},{"label":"Do I need a COVID test for travel?","anchorName":"#do-i-need-a-covid-test-for-travel"},{"label":"Free tests","anchorName":"#free-tests"},{"label":"COVID-19 isolation requirements","anchorName":"#covid-19-isolation-requirements"},{"label":"Latest COVID-19 testing news","anchorName":"#latest-covid-19-testing-news"}]}
The need for rapid antigen tests has increased due to new wave of COVID-19. Here are the cheapest RATs you can buy online in Australia.
Chris Jager is the editorial lead for shopping at Finder. With over 16 years of experience as a full-time journalist, Chris has provided expertise to many leading technology publications, including PC World, Australian Gamepro, Good Gear Guide, ARN, IT News, PC Authority, CRN, GameSpy, Gizmodo, Business Insider, MSN, Kotaku, Lifehacker Australia, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
Before joining Finder, Chris was the editor of Lifehacker Australia for 5 years. He has a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Western Sydney. Outside of Finder, you'll find him playing with retro '80s computers while juggling 3 TikTok-obsessed daughters.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.
Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan and read any disclosure documents (such as any Target Market Determination (TMD) and/or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)) issued by the provider before making a decision.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
Accepts Apple Pay
