All prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Unfortunately, being fully vaccinated isn't enough to ensure you don't carry and spread the virus. In order to allow normal life to continue, rapid antigen tests (RATs) are proving essential. Currently in NSW you are required to pay for your own RAT testing kit, unless you are a concession card holder and are eligible for 10 free rapid antigen tests.
Compare rapid antigen tests in Sydney
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 varies consideration. You can expect to pay anywhere between $5-$20 for a 2-pack of rapid antigen tests. Many retailers only offer testing kits in packs of 5, which are typically priced at $20-$30. Some stores are only offering bulk buying solutions where you'll need to purchase in packs of 20+. These generally cost in excess of $150. You can find more information on where to buy COVID testing kits for home here.
Can I buy rapid antigen tests in-store?
After initial limited availability, RAT stock levels have stabilised around the country. You shouldn't have much difficulty purchasing RATs from the brick-and-mortar storefront of your choosing.
Check out our round-up of online stores stocking reliable COVID rapid antigen tests with speedy delivery to your door below.
Where to buy COVID home testing kits in Sydney and NSW
Note: The products in this guide have all been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for purchase in Australia. For a full list of approved COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests, head to the TGA website.
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
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 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
In NSW, PCR tests are generally reserved for those who are at risk of severe illness or for those who have been directed to receive a PCR test by their doctor. In other cases, rapid antigen tests are considered satisfactory.
If you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, contact your doctor for testing advice. If your doctor suggests a COVID-19 PCR test, they will provide you with a pathology referral form to obtain a free test.
Option #3: COVID tests for international travel in Sydney
Some nations still require incoming travellers to provide a negative PCR test in order to enter the country. Check the requirements of the country you are planning to enter to find out if this applies to your situation.
If a negative PCR test is required, you'll need to receive certification at a private pathology clinic.
PCR tests in Sydney
COVID-19 testing for pre-departure international travel clearance is only available at private pathology collection centres.
It's not too difficult to book a PCR test and get your certification for as little as $79. You can arrange a test from a number of clinics around New South Wales up to 72 hours before you fly. The amount you pay will depend on the clinic and how quickly you need the results.
How to book a PCR test before arriving at the airport
A number of private clinics provide PCR tests for travel from collection centre locations around New South Wales. Clinics operating in Sydney and wider New South Wales include Australian Clinical Labs, 4Cyte Pathology and Histopath.
To book a test, simply head to the website of your preferred (or most local) testing provider and follow the appointment booking instructions. Many of the testing locations don't actually require an appointment and offer services on a walk-in basis.
How much do express PCR tests cost?
An Express RT-PCR Swab test from Histopath Pathology costs $79 This test is available at the organisation's drive-through clinics and at Sydney International Sirport. If you are travelling to China and you are unvaccinated, you will also need to take a Blood Antibody test. Both tests combined cost $120.
Option #4: Bulk buy and professional COVID tests for Sydney businesses
For businesses wanting to ensure their staff are met with a safe working environment, there are multiple suppliers that sell large quantities of rapid antigen tests in the table below. However, if your business requires COVID tests that need to be administered by a health professional, check out our where to buy professional COVID tests guide.
Wondering what to do next? Learn more about how COVID-19 testing works. If you're looking for other ways to keep yourself safe from COVID, check out our where to buy face masks in Sydney and New South Wales listing.
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
Check these online stores to see where you can buy RATs in Australia.
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