Blood tests are essential for monitoring health, but in the U.S., costs can vary dramatically depending on which lab you choose. The two biggest names in diagnostics — Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics — both serve millions of patients every year.

But one of the most common questions patients ask is: “Which one is cheaper: Labcorp or Quest?”

In this guide, we’ll break down pricing, insurance coverage, self-pay options, and hidden costs for both Labcorp and Quest in 2025 so you can make the most cost-effective decision.

Labcorp Pricing Overview

Labcorp is known for slightly more affordable self-pay rates, especially for routine blood work.

Estimated Self-Pay Prices (2025):

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): $30–$40
• Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): $35–$45
• Lipid Panel (Cholesterol): $40–$60
• HbA1c (Diabetes Test): $35–$50
• Thyroid Panel (TSH): $45–$70

Key Pricing Advantages of Labcorp

• Lower baseline prices for common tests
• Discount programs for uninsured patients
• Strong insurance partnerships reducing out-of-pocket costs

Downsides

• Price transparency can be inconsistent (you may need to request an estimate)
• Some specialty tests may be just as expensive as Quest

Quest Diagnostics Pricing Overview

Quest is slightly more expensive for self-pay patients, but has strong direct-to-consumer and insurance-friendly options.

Estimated Self-Pay Prices (2025):

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): $35–$50
• Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): $40–$55
• Lipid Panel (Cholesterol): $45–$65
• HbA1c (Diabetes Test): $40–$60
• Thyroid Panel (TSH): $50–$75

Key Pricing Advantages of Quest

• At-home testing kits available for direct order (no doctor’s visit)
• Strong digital tools for ordering and paying for tests online
• Wide insurance acceptance, sometimes lowering costs compared to Labcorp.

Downsides

• Higher self-pay costs on average (5–15% more than Labcorp)
• Some specialty panels may carry additional fees

Side-by-Side Pricing Comparison

Test	Labcorp (Self-Pay)	Quest Diagnostics (Self-Pay)
CBC	$30–$40	$35–$50
Basic Metabolic Panel	$35–$45	$40–$55
Lipid Panel	$40–$60	$45–$65
HbA1c	$35–$50	$40–$60
Thyroid Panel (TSH)	$45–$70	$50–$75

👉 Key takeaway: Labcorp is generally cheaper for self-pay patients, while Quest may be more cost-effective if your insurance plan has better deals with Quest.

Labcorp vs Quest: Hidden Costs

Labcorp

• Some tests require physician’s order, adding potential doctor visit costs
• Billing can be confusing if insurance is out-of-network

Quest

• Direct-to-consumer kits may include shipping/processing fees
• Slightly higher base prices for uninsured patients

Who Should Choose Labcorp?

Labcorp may be better if you:

• Don’t have insurance and want lower out-of-pocket costs
• Need routine labs like cholesterol or diabetes testing
• Live in an area where Labcorp has better accessibility

Who Should Choose Quest Diagnostics?

Quest may be better if you:

• Have insurance that partners with Quest
• Want at-home test kits or online ordering convenience
• Prefer digital tools for managing test results and payments

Real Patient Insights

• “I saved about $20 going with Labcorp for a cholesterol test compared to Quest.”
• “Quest was more expensive without insurance, but my insurance covered it fully, so I paid nothing.”
• “Labcorp was upfront about costs when I asked, while Quest made it easier to order online.”

When comparing Labcorp vs Quest Diagnostics in 2025, the answer to which is cheaper depends on your situation:

• For uninsured or self-pay patients, Labcorp usually offers lower baseline prices.
• For insured patients, Quest may end up being cheaper if your plan has stronger partnerships.
• Both labs remain reliable, accurate, and widely available across the U.S.

👉 Bottom line: If you want the lowest upfront price, go with Labcorp. If you want insurance-backed savings or at-home convenience, Quest Diagnostics may be worth it.