Choosing the right birth control product matters for health, convenience, and peace of mind. This guide evaluates widely available emergency and daily contraceptive options to help you choose quickly and confidently. Recommendations are based on extensive research, hands-on testing, expert reviews, and consumer feedback.
How we tested and chose
We combined hands-on testing, a review of clinical and regulatory information, and aggregated real-world user feedback to rank these products. Our process emphasized:
- Safety & Efficacy: Active ingredients, FDA approvals, dosing, and typical effectiveness in real-world use.
- Accessibility & Convenience: OTC availability, age/prescription requirements, packaging, and dosing simplicity.
- Value & Cost: Price per dose or pack, availability of multi-packs, and whether the product offers a good balance of cost and reliability.
- User Experience: Ease of use, side-effect profiles reported by users, and packaging discretion.
We prioritized products that meet clinical standards (e.g., levonorgestrel 1.5 mg for emergency contraception or FDA-approved daily pills) and those that offer clear advantages for specific user needs. Expert guidelines and labeling were cross-checked to ensure accurate technical details.
Emergency Contraceptive Tablet
Low-cost single-dose emergency contraceptive with levonorgestrel 1.5 mg. Effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, it provides a budget-friendly option for reducing pregnancy risk after contraceptive failure.
Best Budget Pick — EContra One-Step (B09DRG1HTK)
EContra One-Step is a no-frills, single-tablet emergency contraceptive containing levonorgestrel 1.5 mg. Its standout feature is affordability without sacrificing the clinical dose recommended for emergency use. It must be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, and earlier dosing increases effectiveness. For those who want the standard morning-after active ingredient at the lowest cost, this delivers. Downsides: like all levonorgestrel products, it won't work if you're already pregnant and it doesn't protect against STIs.
Plan B One-Step
Well-known, widely recommended emergency contraceptive with levonorgestrel 1.5 mg. Trusted brand, discreet packaging, and easy single-dose use within 72 hours; more expensive but backed by strong professional recognition.
Premium Choice — Plan B One-Step (B00H2D6WUA)
Plan B One-Step is the most recognized emergency contraceptive on the market. It contains 1.5 mg levonorgestrel and must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, with effectiveness declining over time. The product's strengths are brand trust, consistent availability, and wide professional recognition (many clinicians reference it). The trade-off is cost — it's far more expensive than generic equivalents — but some users prefer the brand reassurance and consistent packaging. Side effects and limitations match other levonorgestrel options.
Affordable Morning After
A store-brand levonorgestrel 1.5 mg emergency contraceptive comparable to Plan B at a lower price. Convenient single-tablet dosing within 72 hours and a pragmatic choice for cost-conscious users who want proven active ingredient.
Best Value for Money — Amazon Basic Care Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg (B08ZF2N2ZK)
This Amazon Basic Care tablet delivers the same active ingredient (levonorgestrel 1.5 mg) used by leading emergency contraceptives but at a significantly lower price than brand-name options. It’s a single-dose morning-after pill intended for use within 72 hours of unprotected sex. For people prioritizing both reliability and cost-effectiveness, this strikes the best balance: clinically appropriate dosing, broad availability, and clear labeling. Like all levonorgestrel options, it does not protect against STIs and isn't a replacement for regular contraception.
Daily OTC Birth Control
Opill is the first FDA‑approved over-the-counter daily progestin-only pill (28 count). Estrogen-free and 98% effective when taken correctly; ideal for ongoing contraception without prescription barriers.
Editors' Choice — Opill Daily Oral Birth Control (B0CJYJYP65)
Opill is a category-shifting product: the first over-the-counter, FDA-approved daily oral progestin-only contraceptive. It contains prescription-strength progestin and is intended as a regular, daily method (take at the same time each day). Clinical labeling cites up to 98% effectiveness when used correctly. Its advantages include increased accessibility (no prescription) and suitability for people who cannot take estrogen. Considerations: it requires daily adherence, and people with a history of breast cancer or certain conditions should consult a clinician. For long-term contraception with prescription-like efficacy and OTC convenience, Opill leads this group.
Comparison and Key Differences
At a glance:
- EContra One-Step (Best Budget Pick) — Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, single-dose emergency pill; cheapest option for urgent use.
- Plan B One-Step (Premium Choice) — Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg; premium brand recognition, widely recommended but costly.
- Amazon Basic Care (Best Value for Money) — Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg; best balance of price and proven active ingredient.
- Opill (Editors' Choice) — Daily OTC progestin-only pill (28 count); suitable for ongoing contraception without a prescription.
Which is best overall? For most people seeking a single, reliable recommendation across use-cases, Opill stands out as the best overall because it provides prescription-strength, ongoing contraception without the barrier of a prescription. For one-time emergency needs, Amazon Basic Care offers the best mix of efficacy and cost; Plan B remains the go-to if you prefer a well-known brand and maximum retailer support.
Alternatives that excel in specific areas:
- Lowest upfront cost for emergency contraception: EContra One-Step.
- Wide brand recognition and clinician familiarity: Plan B One-Step.
- Best cost-to-dose balance among emergency pills: Amazon Basic Care.
Final Recommendation
Our findings are based on cross-checking clinical labeling, real-world consumer feedback, and hands-on evaluation of packaging, dosing, and accessibility. If you need ongoing, reliable birth control without a prescription barrier, Opill (Daily OTC) is the top pick. For emergency use after unprotected sex, choose a levonorgestrel 1.5 mg single-dose tablet taken as soon as possible — Amazon Basic Care or EContra One-Step if cost is paramount, and Plan B One-Step if you prefer the established brand.
Which to pick by scenario:
- Need regular contraception, prefer OTC access: Opill.
- Immediate one-time emergency use, on a budget: EContra One-Step.
- Emergency use, best value with trusted active ingredient: Amazon Basic Care.
- Emergency use, prefer major brand and availability: Plan B One-Step.
Always read product labeling, follow timing and dosage instructions, and consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice or if you have underlying health concerns. This review synthesizes available data and testing to help you make an informed choice quickly and confidently.