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Where to buy COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits online in Australia (updated daily)

Need a rapid antigen test? Get the best price at these online stores where you can buy RATs in Australia, checked daily.

Finder checks stock levels of all online suppliers daily so you can quickly buy a rapid antigen test (RAT).

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All prices are subject to change without prior notice.

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.

Top retailers for RATs online

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Little Whales

Little Whales

Little Whales sells Touchbio 4 in 1 Self-testing Kit for RSV, Flu A/B, & COVID-19 for $26.

  • Buy 1, Get 1 Free
  • 2 tests per kit
  • Free shipping on orders over $100
Go to Little Whales
Aussie Pharma Direct

Aussie Pharma Direct

Aussie Pharma Direct offers Sonictec COVID-19 / Influenza A&B Antigen Test Kit Test in packs of 1 to 12, with prices ranging from $3.95 to $65.90. Items are shipped the same day.

  • 10% OFF your first order when you subscribe
  • Convenient self-testing
  • Accurate detection with high sensitivity and specificity
Go to Aussie Pharma Direct
HealthyLife

HealthyLife

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
  • Free shipping with membership sign-up
  • Quick results in 15–30 minutes
Go to HealthyLife
eBay

eBay

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
  • Free standard shipping for some sellers
  • Click and collect available
  • Results in 15 minutes
Go to eBay
Amazon

Amazon

As one of the biggest online marketplaces in the world, Amazon is a reliable source of COVID-19 RAT kits. It offers InnoScreen, All Test, 2San, Cellife, RightSign, JusChek Nasal and Oral, Clungene, EcoTest, and TouchBio RSV and is priced from $6.50 to $1,960.

  • Approved by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
  • Free delivery on orders over $39
  • Results ready in 15 minutes
Go to Amazon

Compare rapid COVID test kits

Name Product AUFSD-CVT Test type Price from Price per test Delivery Cost
Little Whales
Little Whales
Nasal
$26 (Touchbio 2-pack)
$13
Ships Australia-wide.
$15 flat rate or FREE on orders over $100
Aussie Pharma Direct
Aussie Pharma Direct
Nasal
$3.95 (Sonictec 1-pack)
$3.95
Free shipping
HealthyLife
HealthyLife
Nasal
$20 (2San Lyher 5-pack)
$7.79
$7 or FREE on orders $30+
eBay
eBay
Oral, Nasal
$10.99 (Juschek 5-pack)
$4.40
$9 or FREE for select sellers
Amazon
Amazon
Oral, Nasal
$3.99 (Juschek 1-pack)
$3.74
$9.99 or FREE on orders $39+
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We check stock levels daily.



Best rapid antigen tests by accuracy and where to buy

How stock levels and prices are holding up

After nationwide shortages in January and February, RAT stock levels have thankfully begun to stabilise. It is now far less difficult to purchase a RAT online and in-store.

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 , costing per test. The state that spent the least was , where they paid 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.

Picture not described

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.
  • Western Australia – Western Australian households can collect 20 free RATs from designated RAT Collection Points.
  • 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.

Find rapid antigen tests around the world
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Written by

Lead shopping editor

Chris Jager is the lead shopping editor at Finder, specialising in consumer technology and hunting down the best deals. With over 15 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 five 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. See full bio

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