8 Best Medical Symptom Checkers of 2024

When you're experiencing health issues and need quick insights into your symptoms, turning to a reliable online symptom checker can be your first step toward understanding your health concerns.

There are many symptom checker tools available online, making it hard to choose the best one. 

This article compares the top eight symptom checkers, providing insights to help you make an informed decision. It guides you in choosing the most reliable and user-friendly tool for understanding your health concerns.

About Symptom Checker: What is it?

Symptom Checker is an online tool designed to help users understand potential health conditions based on the symptoms and make informed health decisions. 

Former Vice President of Google Health, David Feinberg stated that around 7% of Google's daily search queries are health-related. As reported by The Telegraph this is equivalent to 70,000 queries every minute. This indicates that a huge number of people are looking up their health conditions online. This underscores the essential need for symptom checkers.

There are two main types of symptom checkers: rule-based and AI-driven.

• Rule-Based Systems: These symptom checkers operate on 'if-else' logic: follow a straightforward logic path, using a series of "if this, then that" rules to suggest potential diagnoses based on the symptoms entered. They are systematic and easy to use but have limitations in complexity and depth.
• AI-Driven Symptom Checkers: These are using advanced artificial intelligence to analyze symptoms more dynamically. They learn from vast medical datasets, improving their suggestions over time and offering more personalized assessments. AI-driven checkers can adapt and refine their analyses, providing nuanced insights into a user's symptoms.

Both types aim to guide users toward informed healthcare decisions, but AI-driven tools often provide more detailed and adaptable evaluations. 

Using a symptom checker wisely can help you achieve a pre-diagnosis of potential health conditions, understand your health issues, and make informed health decisions.

However,  remember that no online medical tool can be a replacement for a doctor's expertise. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

Best Symptom Checkers

Choosing the right symptom checker can significantly enhance your healthcare journey. Our comprehensive overview compares top symptom checkers based on key criteria, helping you find the best fit for your needs. 

1. Docus AI Symptom Checker
2. WebMD Symptom Checker
3. Isabel
4. Ada
5. Mayo Clinic Symptom Checker
6. Symptomate
7. Buoy
8. Docus AI Doctor

Note! Symptom checkers provide general information and preliminary guidance, but they cannot guarantee complete accuracy. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for specific health concerns, a definitive diagnosis, and an appropriate treatment plan.

How we selected the best symptom checkers

When it comes to choosing the best symptom checkers, we carefully evaluate each tool based on several key criteria to ensure they provide reliable and user-friendly assistance for those seeking medical information. Here's the summary of the criteria we used to determine the top symptom checkers:

• Accuracy and Credibility.
• User Interface and Ease of Use.
• Multiple symptom entries.
• Free of Charge.
• Next step guidance.
• Custom symptom entries.
• The number of steps required for the symptom-checking process.

These criteria guided us in selecting symptom checkers that are not only reliable and informative but also align with the needs and expectations of users seeking medical insights. Symptom checkers selected by this article stand out for their user-friendly interfaces, comprehensive databases, and the ability to provide personalized insights into your symptoms. 

Comprehensive Comparison

Let's dive into each of the top symptom checkers available and compare their features to help you find the best one for your needs.

1. Docus AI Symptom Checker

Docus AI Symptom Checker stands out with its AI-powered symptom checker, designed to provide personalized health insights. This tool is particularly notable for its use of artificial intelligence to analyze symptoms, offering users a sophisticated, data-driven resource for health information. 

The Docus AI Symptom Checker is user-friendly, providing clear, actionable insights based on the symptoms entered. Its focus on leveraging cutting-edge AI technology helps deliver more accurate and tailored health information, making it a top choice for individuals seeking reliable symptom analysis.

• Employs cutting-edge artificial intelligence to deliver accurate and personalized symptom analysis.

  Docus.ai leverages sophisticated AI technology to process extensive medical data, ensuring precise symptom analysis. This system uncovers unique health patterns, providing custom insights for every user's symptoms.

• User-centric design ensures ease of use and a seamless experience with 3 step process.

  Docus Symptom Checker is designed with the user in mind, featuring an intuitive interface that's easy to navigate, making health assessments accessible to everyone, regardless of their tech skill level. The straightforward three-step process at Docus.ai guides users smoothly from entering symptoms to understanding their health analysis, fostering user satisfaction and trust in the tool.

• Provides clear and actionable health insights, guiding you on when to seek medical advice.

  The Docus Symptom Checker delivers clear and actionable health insights, offering guidance on when it's important to seek medical advice. It transforms symptom descriptions into valuable information, helping you make informed decisions about your health.

• Single or multiple symptoms.

  Docus Symptom Checker can assist you with any health concern, and single or multiple symptoms.

• Custom symptom entries in your own words and natural language understanding.

  Docus Symptom Checker supports custom symptom entries, simplifying the symptom check process and making it more user-friendly.

• Multilingual support.

  Available in 13 languages, which is broadening its user base. The available languages are English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch (Nederlandse), French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.

• The symptom-checking process is not that extensive. If you need a more detailed diagnosis you should sign up for Docus AI Doctor.

  Docus Symptom Checker was made to make the symptom-checking process simple and easy to use, but if you need a detailed evaluation with reports and guidance, Docus AI Doctor is your go-to resource (described below).

• Is Docus Symptom Checker Free?

  Yes, the Docus AI Symptom Checker is free to use, providing everyone access to advanced health insights without any cost.

• Can I Check Multiple Symptoms in the Docus Symptom Checker?

  Docus Symptom Checker allows you to check multiple symptoms at once, enhancing the accuracy of the potential health conditions identified.

• Are the Docus Symptom Checker results accurate?

  By combining extensive medical data with artificial intelligence, Docus has created one of the most accurate symptom checkers available. However, no online tool can replace a human doctor, our insights should not be seen as a substitute for professional diagnosis.

2. WebMD

WebMD is a well-established name in online health information, and its symptom checker is among the most widely recognized tools. It offers a comprehensive interface where users can select their symptoms and receive information on potential conditions.

The WebMD Symptom Checker is known for its extensive database and user-friendly design, making it a go-to resource for many seeking preliminary insights into their symptoms. It also provides additional resources, such as articles and contact information for local healthcare providers, enhancing its utility as a health information tool.

• Renowned for its comprehensive database of symptoms and conditions.
• Offers additional health-related content, enhancing user understanding.
• Free and accessible without the need for an account.
• Interactive design incorporating an interactive body map.
• User-friendly with a 6-step process.
• Multiple symptom entries.

• No capability for natural language understanding to describe symptoms in your own words.
• Advertisements can disrupt the user experience.
• Limited next-step suggestions.
• Detailed but can be extensive.

• How accurate is WebMD symptom checker?

  According to research published in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) in 2020, the top-3 diagnostic suggestions from the WebMD Symptom Checker contain the correct diagnosis in 69% of cases.

• How to use WebMD symptom checker?

  Go to the WebMD website and look for the Symptom Checker feature. It is usually prominently displayed and easy to find on the home page. After choosing the affected area, select your symptoms and review possible conditions.

• Is WebMD symptom checker for adults only?

  No. The WebMD Symptom Checker is not exclusively for adults; it can also be used for children. When using the tool, you can select the age group of the person experiencing symptoms, which includes options for children and even infants.

3. Isabel

Isabel Symptom Checker distinguishes itself with a system designed by doctors and based on an extensive medical database. It is renowned for its diagnostic accuracy and is used by both medical professionals and patients. 

The tool's interface is straightforward, allowing users to input their symptoms and receive a list of possible conditions with a high degree of accuracy. Isabel is particularly valued for its ability to cover a wide range of conditions, from common illnesses to rare diseases, making it a comprehensive choice for symptom checking.

• Addresses a variety of symptoms and health issues.
• Incorporates professional medical databases for accurate information.
• Includes assessment severity and offers report-sharing.
• User-friendly with a 3-step process.
• Multiple symptom entries.

• The tool doesn't ask for extra details of the current condition and might show a long list of possible causes, even if you just enter one broad symptom.
• The large number of possible diagnoses can be confusing, making it hard for patients to understand their condition clearly.
• The next step guidance is too general.
• No capability for natural language understanding to describe symptoms in your own words.
• Daily limit (after 5 queries require a registration).

• How accurate is Isabel Symptom Checker?

  According to research published in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) in 2020, the top-3 diagnostic suggestions from the WebMD Symptom Checker contain the correct diagnosis in 63% of cases.

• Is Isabel Symptom Checker free to use?

  Yes, it's free of charge.

• Is Isabel Symptom Checker for adults only?

  No, the Isabel Symptom Checker is designed to be used for all ages, including adults, children, and even infants.

• Should I consult a healthcare professional after using the Isabel Symptom Checker?

  Yes. Isabel should not be considered a replacement for an in-person medical consultation. It's best used as a resource to assist you in determining the kind of doctor you might need to see and to enhance the efficiency of your visit, thereby accelerating the journey to an accurate diagnosis.

4. Ada

Ada Symptom Checker works with its AI-powered technology and a vast medical knowledge base developed with input from medical experts. It's celebrated for its precision in offering personalized health insights and is utilized by both healthcare professionals and individuals.

The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, enabling users to input their symptoms and receive a tailored list of potential conditions. Ada's capability to analyze a broad spectrum of symptoms, from everyday ailments to less common conditions, makes it a versatile choice for anyone looking to understand their health better.

• Using AI-driven personalized health assessments it is providing targeted support for users.
• Simple and engaging user experience through a step-by-step guidance process.
• Draws from a substantial medical database for accurate, up-to-date information.
• Symptom tracking possibility, providing condition library.
• Multiple symptom entries.

• A multi-step procedure involving over 10-step process of question answering.
• No capability for natural language understanding to describe symptoms in your own words.
• May generate a broad spectrum of potential conditions, requiring further medical evaluation.
• No next step guidance.

• How accurate is Ada Symptom Checker?

  According to the research published in the British Medical Journal in 2020, the average Top-3 suggestion accuracy of Ada Symptom Checker is 70.5%.

• Is Ada Health symptom checker free to use?

  Yes, the Ada Health Symptom Checker is available for free.

• Can the Ada Health symptom checker be used for all age groups?

  Ada Health Symptom Checker is designed to accommodate users of all ages, including children and adults.

• Should I consult a doctor after using the Ada Health Symptom Checker?

  Definitely, while the Ada Health Symptom Checker is a valuable resource for gaining initial insights into your symptoms, it's important to follow up with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.

5. Mayo Clinic Symptom Checker

Mayo Clinic Symptom Checker is a reliable and user-friendly online tool that assists individuals in understanding their symptoms. Users can select their symptoms and provide additional details to receive a list of possible conditions or medical issues. This tool is grounded in Mayo Clinic's extensive medical expertise, ensuring reliable and accurate information.

• Offers detailed, research-based content on symptoms and conditions.
• Provides a straightforward and user-friendly symptom checker tool.
• Minimal 3-step process.

• Focuses more on common conditions, which might limit its scope for rare symptoms.
• Too-long list of possible conditions.
• Not supporting multiple symptom entries.
• No capability for natural language understanding to describe symptoms in your own words.

• Can anyone use the Mayo Clinic symptom checker?

  Yes, anyone can use the Mayo Clinic Symptom Checker. It's an online tool available to the general public and is designed to help users understand the potential causes of symptoms they are experiencing.

• Can I use Mayo Clinic Symptom Checker for emergency medical conditions?

  No, the Mayo Clinic Symptom Checker is not designed for diagnosing or treating emergency medical conditions. In the case of a medical emergency, you should seek immediate assistance from emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

• Is Mayo Clinic Symptom Checker free to use?

  Yes, the Mayo Clinic Symptom Checker is available for free. It's part of Mayo Clinic's commitment to providing reliable health information to the public.

6. Symptomate

Symptomate Symptom Checker, powered by Infermedica, is an AI-based tool that offers users a sophisticated platform for analyzing and understanding their medical symptoms. Users can input their symptoms and answer follow-up questions to receive a list of potential conditions.

Symptomate's algorithm, grounded in medical data, provides a structured analysis aiming to guide users on possible health issues and whether to seek professional advice.

• Uses AI to provide a personalized and interactive symptom-checking experience.
• 6-step process including substeps.
• Precise without an overwhelming number of diagnoses.
• Offers comprehensive report.
• Multiple symptom entries.

• No guidance for the next steps.
• No capability for natural language understanding to describe symptoms in your own words.

• How accurate is Symptomate Symptom Checker?

  According to research published in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) in 2020, the top-3 diagnostic suggestions from the WebMD Symptom Checker contain the correct diagnosis in 77% of cases.

• Is Symptomate symptom checker free to use?

  Yes, it’s free to use.

• How does Symptomate Symptom Checker work?

  Users input their symptoms into Symptomate, and the AI system asks a series of follow-up questions to clarify and refine the symptom data. The tool then uses its algorithm to compare this information against a medical database and suggests possible health conditions that correlate with the symptoms.

7. Buoy

Buoy Symptom Checker is an AI-driven online tool designed to provide users with personalized medical information and guidance based on their reported symptoms. By integrating machine learning and an extensive medical database, Buoy Health offers a conversational interface where users can describe their symptoms.

The tool analyzes input to offer a list of potential conditions and suggests next steps, such as whether to seek professional medical advice. While it's a powerful resource for gaining initial insights, Buoy emphasizes that its symptom checker is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation or treatment.

• Interactive AI-driven symptom checker that simulates a conversation with a healthcare provider.
• Guides the next steps, whether it's home care or seeking professional advice.
• Suggests care providers and medicine as an additional service.
• Multiple symptom entries.

• Lengthy process with over 15 steps.
• The large number of possible diagnoses can be confusing, making it hard for patients to understand their condition clearly.
• No capability for natural language understanding to describe symptoms in your own words.

• How accurate is Buoy Symptom Checker?

  According to research published in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) in 2020, the top-3 diagnostic suggestions from the WebMD Symptom Checker contain the correct diagnosis in 50% of cases.

• How Buoy symptom checker is working?

  Buoy Health's symptom checker works by using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the symptoms you report and provide you with a list of potential health conditions that might be causing them.

• Is Buoy Symptom Checker free to use?

  Yes, Buoy Symptom Checker is free for users. It provides accessible health information and guidance without any charge.

8. Docus AI Doctor

Docus AI Doctor revolutionizes the way you manage your health, providing instant, reliable medical insights. With its advanced AI technology, it interprets any of your symptoms and any other health conditions to offer personalized health advice, making it a trusted companion for your wellness journey. Docus AI Doctor is an advanced and extended version of the Docus AI Symptom Checker.

For anyone seeking quick and accurate health information, Docus AI Doctor is a great tool. The service interprets these discussions to present possible health conditions and recommended treatment paths. It offers a complete end-to-end guide through your health monitoring journey. This tool does more than just check your health condition; it also offers top doctors and provides validations from them.

• Provides comprehensive reports, and clear next-step guidance, including when to see a doctor, which is essential for timely medical intervention.
• Offers top doctor recommendations to help bridge the gap between self-assessment and professional medical evaluation.
• Guiding users through the healthcare system.
• Test result attachments and assessment.
• Available in multiple languages, broadening its user base.
• Multiple symptom entries in your own words.

• Weekly 3 messages to AI Doctor are available in the Free Plan.

• How does Docus AI Doctor's virtual consultation work?

  Docus AI Doctor uses artificial intelligence to analyze your health concerns and provides potential diagnoses and treatment options based on your symptoms.

• Is Docus AI Doctor's service free?

  Yes, Docus AI Doctor offers its virtual consultation service free of charge, making medical guidance accessible to everyone.

• How accurate is Docus AI Doctor's advice?

  Docus AI Doctor uses extensive medical data and advanced AI technology, validated by medical experts, making it one of the most accurate online tools available. However, as no online tool can replace a doctor, users are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for a precise diagnosis.