Cheapest RATs in Australia: From $3.33 per test
The need for rapid antigen tests has increased as a new wave of COVID coincides with winter. Here are the cheapest RATs you can buy online in Australia, from $3.33 per test.
Cheapest rapid antigen tests
- Rapid Proof: $3.99 per test
- Healthy Life: $7.20 per test
Purchasing a rapid antigen test (RAT) for COVID-19 can be stressful and expensive. To ease these concerns, we've collected the cheapest RATs you can buy online, so you can be sure you are keeping your family and community safe without paying an unnecessary premium.
All tests in this list are TGA approved and come from local sellers.
How did we pick this list?
This article was assembled from the 24 sites listed on our rapid COVID test purchasing guide, which is updated multiple times a day. The price and shipping of each test was verified. The cheapest prices on single-pack oral and nasal tests, as well as the cheapest prices on each size of multi-packs, are listed below.
All the tests listed below have been endorsed by the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA).
Cheapest rapid antigen test kits (1 pack)
$4.99 for nasal test kit on Amazon
Purchase a JusChek nasal RAT from Amazon for $4.99 (free shipping on first order).
- Clinical nasal test kit
- Illustrated step-by-step instructions
- Express delivery available
Buy for $4.99
$4.49 for oral test kit on Amazon
Oral RAT kits are a popular alternative to the more common nasal test kits. You can purchase a JusChek oral RAT from Amazon for $4.49 (free shipping on first order).
- Clinical oral test kit
- Illustrated step-by-step instructions
- Express delivery available
Buy for $4.49
$15.99 on RightSign COVID 19 Antigen Test on Chemist Warehouse
From Chemist Warehouse you can grab a twin pack of RightSign COVID 19 Antigen Tests (Nasal Swab) for $15.99. That works out to $7.99 for each test.
- Clinical nasal test kit
- Illustrated step-by-step instructions
- Same-day dispatch before 10am (from Sydney)
Buy for $15.99
Cheapest rapid antigen test kits (multi-packs)
$19.98 for 20 JusChek COVID-19 Nasal Rapid Self Tests from Rapid Proof
Rapid Proof is selling 4 5-packs of JusChek COVID-19 Nasal Rapid Self Tests (20 tests in total) for $77.52 (with free shipping). That's just $3.87 per test.
- Clinical nasal test kit
- Illustrated step-by-step instructions
$75 for 10 RightSign COVID 19 Antigen Tests from Chemist Warehouse
Chemist Warehouse is selling 2 5-packs of RightSign nasal RATs (10 in total) for $75 (plus $8.95 shipping). That's $7.50 per test.
- Clinical nasal test kit
- Illustrated step-by-step instructions
- Click and collect available
Buy 10 tests for $75
$19.99 for 5 JusChek nasal RAT kits from eBay
You can purchase a JusChek nasal RAT from eBay for $7.20 (plus $7.95 express shipping). You can get free shipping with eBay plus.
- Clinical nasal test kit
- Illustrated step-by-step instructions
- Express delivery available
Buy for $19.99
About COVID rapid antigen tests
Rapid antigen tests are screening tools, used to assist in the detection of COVID-19. These simple kits allow you to perform a test at home, without the need for specialised equipment and health professionals.
They come in 2 main forms. Nasal tests involve inserting a swab into your nose, while oral tests require the collection of saliva. In both cases, the sample is added to a chemical solution to produce a result, which usually takes under 20 minutes.
While the tests are not as accurate as the PCR tests you can get at testing centres, they have been endorsed by the government as an important tool in the fight against COVID-19. If you test positive, the current government advice is to self-isolate for 7 days following the date of your positive result, and to register your result. You do not need to receive a PCR test.
Video guide: How to perform a rapid antigen test
If you're confused as to how to perform a rapid antigen test, NSW Health has produced this helpful, generic video guide. Remember, instructions vary from brand to brand.
Free rapid antigen tests
From 24 January to 30 April 2022, the government will run a scheme in which free tests are provided to certain Australians. Eligible concession card holders will be able to collect a maximum of 10 RATs in a 3-month period, with a maximum of 5 in a 1-month period.
Eligible concession hard holders are those with a valid Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Senior Health Care Card, Health Care Card (including Low Income Health Care Card) or a Department of Veterans' Affairs (Gold, White or Orange) Card.
Shopping tips for rapid antigen tests
Shopping for RATs may seem overwhelming, but you can apply some basic consumer principles to make the process much easier. For example, bulk buying can be a great strategy to save money when it comes to RATs, especially if you have a big family who will likely be in need of a large number of test kits over time.
If you're in need of RATs for a specific event or time, ensure you check delivery dates to make sure you'll get your tests in time. The best way to know you'll always have test kits when you need them is to maintain a supply so you aren't caught without. This strategy is also very helpful if you become a close contact.
Remember that online shopping is only 1 tool in your consumer toolbox. Shop around your local area to make sure you're finding the best prices. (The crowdsourced website FindaRAT can help in this area.) If you are shopping online, make sure you factor shipping fees into your calculations.
Something else to consider is the effectiveness and accuracy of the tests you're buying. The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has produced this helpful web page, where you can both confirm that a brand is TGA-certified, and compare the "clinical sensitivity" of the test.
The higher the clinical sensitivity, the less likely a brand is to produce a false negative.
Want to learn more about COVID-19 rapid antigen tests? See Finder's complete guide here.
