The Best Forth Alternative in 2026: A Comprehensive Comparison

If you're searching for a Forth alternative, Lola Health offers the most significant upgrade in biomarker depth and collection quality available in the UK. Forth provides solid at-home blood testing with up to 47 biomarkers via finger-prick kits and a well-regarded app. Lola Health delivers professional phlebotomist-drawn venous blood tests at home with up to 70 biomarkers, UKAS-accredited lab processing, and doctor-reviewed results oriented around longevity and health optimisation.

Forth has earned a strong reputation in the UK home blood testing market. With flexible subscription options, a "Build Your Own" test feature, NHS-accredited laboratory processing, and the HealthCoach app that translates biomarker data into personalised health scores, they've made proactive health monitoring accessible to a wide audience. Their 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating from over 1,600 reviews reflects genuine customer satisfaction, particularly around their app experience and results presentation.

But as more people move from basic health monitoring into serious health optimisation, the limitations of finger-prick collection and 47-biomarker ceilings become apparent. That's where the search for a Forth alternative begins. In this guide, we'll compare Forth and Lola Health across every dimension that matters: collection method, biomarker depth, pricing, results experience, app quality, and overall philosophy. We'll acknowledge what Forth does well and be honest about the tradeoffs.

Forth vs Lola Health: Quick Comparison

Feature	Lola Health	Forth
Collection Method	Professional phlebotomist at home (venous draw) — included in price	Finger-prick home kit (standard); nurse visit available at +£60
Max Biomarkers	Up to 70 (Peak Insights)	Up to 47 (Ultimate Health Check)
Panel Tiers	Core Health (45), Vital Check (56), Peak Insights (70)	Baseline (25), Advanced (39), Ultimate (47) + Build Your Own
Results Review	Doctor-reviewed, longevity-focused interpretation	GP-reviewed with HealthCoach personalised scores
Pricing	From £130 (phlebotomist included)	From £40 (finger-prick); venous +£60
Results Turnaround	2–5 working days	2 working days (standard); up to 15 for Ultimate
Lab Accreditation	UKAS ISO 15189 accredited	NHS-accredited laboratory
Trustpilot Rating	4.8/5	4.2/5 (~1,600+ reviews)
Custom Tests	Fixed panels optimised for comprehensive insight	Build Your Own from 40+ individual biomarkers
Subscription	Lola One 6-month membership	Flexible: every 3, 6, 9, or 12 months
Beyond Blood Testing	NMN supplements, TruAge epigenetic testing, GutID microbiome	Blood testing and health tracking only
Focus	Longevity & health optimisation	Performance, wellness & health tracking

Why People Search for a Forth Alternative

Forth has built a genuinely useful service. Their HealthCoach platform, which translates biomarker results into ten health area scores with personalised improvement targets, is one of the better results experiences in the UK market. The Build Your Own test feature gives users control over exactly which markers they test. And their subscription flexibility — allowing testing every 3, 6, 9, or 12 months — suits a range of monitoring frequencies.

However, there are several reasons Forth users begin looking elsewhere:

Finger-Prick Collection Frustrations

Forth's standard collection method is a finger-prick lancet kit. While validated as accurate for the biomarkers they offer, a significant number of Trustpilot reviewers report difficulty collecting enough blood. Common complaints include needing multiple lancets, spending extended periods squeezing fingers, and sometimes failing to fill the collection tube entirely. One reviewer described using all three included lancets and spending an hour without successfully collecting enough blood. For users who struggle with finger-prick collection, the experience can be stressful and may require repeating the test.

Forth does offer a phlebotomy option — a nurse visit for a venous blood draw — but this costs an additional £60 on top of the test price. At Lola Health, the professional phlebotomist home visit is included as standard in every test price.

Biomarker Ceiling

Forth's most comprehensive test, the Ultimate Health Check, covers 47 biomarkers across 10 health areas. That's a reasonable panel for general health monitoring. But for users interested in deep cardiovascular risk profiling, comprehensive hormonal assessment, advanced inflammatory markers, or metabolic health at a granular level, 47 markers represents a ceiling. The finger-prick collection method also limits which biomarkers can be reliably tested — Forth themselves acknowledge that full blood count differentials have poor comparability to venous tests and are not offered via finger-prick.

Results Turnaround for Comprehensive Tests

While Forth's standard tests return results in around 2 working days, their Ultimate Health Check — the most comprehensive option — has a turnaround of up to 15 working days because it includes the Omega 6:3 ratio test. That's three weeks from sample collection to results, which can be frustrating for users who want timely insight into their health.

Customer Service Responsiveness

A recurring theme in Forth's Trustpilot reviews is slow customer service. Multiple reviewers report waiting days or weeks for email responses, with some noting that the company does not offer phone support. When issues arise with sample collection or results interpretation, delayed support can be a significant frustration.

Collection Methods: Finger-Prick vs Professional Venous Draw

The collection method is the single most consequential difference between Forth and Lola Health. It determines sample quality, biomarker range, result reliability, and user experience.

Forth: Finger-Prick Home Kits

Forth's default method is self-administered finger-prick collection. The kit includes lancets, a collection tube, and a Tracked-24 return envelope. The process takes approximately 5 minutes when it goes smoothly. Forth states that their finger-prick tests have been validated through an NHS study for comparability to venous blood, and for most of the biomarkers they offer, this is accurate.

The practical challenges are well-documented. Cold hands, dehydration, or poor circulation can make collection difficult. The sample volume is inherently small, which limits the number and type of biomarkers that can be tested. And the postal transit time — from finger-prick to arrival at the lab — introduces a variable that doesn't exist with same-day venous collection and dispatch.

Forth offers a venous draw upgrade through their phlebotomy partner network. For an additional £60, a mobile nurse visits your home to collect a venous sample. This addresses the collection quality concern but adds significant cost to the overall test price.

Lola Health: Professional Phlebotomist Included

Every Lola Health test includes a professional phlebotomist visit at your home, at no additional cost. The phlebotomist performs a standard venous blood draw — the same procedure you'd experience in a hospital or GP surgery. The visit takes approximately 15 minutes, and the sample is processed and dispatched to the laboratory immediately.

Venous blood draws provide a substantially larger sample volume, which enables testing of up to 70 biomarkers from a single draw. The sample type is the gold standard used by clinical laboratories worldwide, meaning results are directly comparable to hospital-grade testing. There is no user error, no failed collections, and no postal delay between collection and lab processing.

For users who value clinical accuracy and want the widest possible range of biomarkers tested, the venous draw is the superior method. For users who prefer complete self-service convenience without scheduling an appointment, Forth's finger-prick kit offers that independence — provided the collection goes smoothly.

Biomarker Depth: 70 vs 47

Lola Health tests up to 70 biomarkers in a single panel — 49% more than Forth's maximum of 47. But the difference isn't just numerical; it's about the scope of health insight each service provides.

Forth's Testing Range

Forth offers three main wellness tiers plus the Build Your Own option:

• Baseline Plus — 25 biomarkers across 5 health areas. Covers essentials like vitamin D, B12, ferritin, cholesterol, and liver function. A solid starter panel.
• Advanced Health Check — 39 biomarkers across 10 health areas. Adds thyroid function, kidney health, bone and muscle markers, and hormonal indicators.
• Ultimate Health Check — 47 biomarkers. Their most comprehensive test, adding thyroid antibodies, electrolytes, Omega 6:3 ratio, and antioxidant vitamins including A and E.
• Build Your Own — Choose from 40+ individual biomarkers to create a custom panel. Useful if you want specific markers without paying for a full panel.

Forth also offers condition-specific tests (thyroid, hormones, heart health, PCOS, cortisol) that let users focus on particular health concerns. This modular approach is a genuine strength — you don't need to buy a comprehensive panel if you only want to check your thyroid.

Lola Health's Testing Range

Lola Health offers three panel tiers, all using venous blood collection:

• Core Health — £130 for 45 biomarkers. Already close to Forth's maximum, covering cardiovascular health, metabolic function, liver, kidney, thyroid, vitamins, minerals, inflammatory markers, and a full blood count.
• Vital Check — £170 for 56 biomarkers. Extends into hormonal assessment, additional cardiovascular risk markers, and a broader metabolic profile.
• Peak Insights — £220 for 70 biomarkers. A comprehensive assessment covering advanced inflammatory markers, a detailed hormonal profile, comprehensive metabolic assessment, and markers specifically relevant to longevity and biological ageing.

The key difference is that Lola Health's entry-level panel (45 markers) already approaches Forth's ceiling (47 markers), and then extends significantly beyond it. For users who have been getting Forth's Ultimate and still feel they're missing important data points, Lola Health's Vital Check and Peak Insights panels fill those gaps.

Pricing: An Honest Comparison

Forth is the more affordable option for basic blood testing. Lola Health offers better value per biomarker when you factor in venous collection. The right choice depends on what you're optimising for.

Forth's Pricing Structure

Forth's tests start from £40, with individual condition-specific tests and custom builds available at various price points. Their Baseline subscription is available from £59 per kit on a recurring basis. The Advanced and Ultimate tiers cost more, though Forth does not always display pricing prominently on their product pages.

The important cost to note is that if you want venous blood collection through Forth, the phlebotomy add-on costs £60. This means a Forth test with venous collection can approach or exceed Lola Health's pricing for a more comprehensive panel.

Lola Health's Pricing Structure

Panel	Biomarkers	Price	Cost per Biomarker
Core Health	45	£130	£2.89
Vital Check	56	£170	£3.04
Peak Insights	70	£220	£3.14

Every Lola Health price includes the professional phlebotomist home visit. There are no add-on fees for venous collection. When comparing like-for-like — a venous blood draw with comprehensive biomarker testing — Lola Health's pricing is competitive. Forth's Ultimate with the £60 phlebotomy add-on would cost a comparable amount for fewer biomarkers.

If your priority is the lowest possible entry price for basic health markers via finger-prick, Forth wins on affordability. If your priority is the most comprehensive assessment with clinical-grade collection, Lola Health offers better value per biomarker and includes the phlebotomist visit in the price.

Results Experience and App Quality

Both Forth and Lola Health provide results through digital platforms, but their approaches to interpretation differ in meaningful ways.

Forth's HealthCoach Platform

Forth's HealthCoach is one of the better results dashboards in the UK home testing market, and this deserves acknowledgement. The platform translates biomarker results into scores across ten health categories — heart, hormone, metabolic, nutrition, bone and muscle, mental health, and more. It then identifies the specific area to focus on that will have the biggest impact on your overall health score.

Key features include personalised incremental targets for each biomarker, reminder notifications, improvement tips, and the ability to track changes over time. The app is available on iOS, Android, and as a web dashboard. Results for standard tests are delivered within 2 working days, and all results are reviewed by a UK-based medical professional who comments on any out-of-range values.

The HealthCoach scoring system is genuinely useful for users who want a simplified view of their health. Rather than interpreting 47 individual biomarker values, you get a health score with clear areas for improvement. For many users, this is exactly the right level of abstraction.

Lola Health's Results Experience

Lola Health provides doctor-reviewed results through its app within 2–5 working days. The interpretation framework is oriented around optimisation rather than just flagging problems. Results are assessed against optimal ranges — not just the standard NHS reference ranges, which are derived from population averages that include unhealthy individuals.

This distinction matters for health-conscious users. A marker might sit within the "normal" range but still be suboptimal for long-term health. Lola Health's interpretation highlights these nuances, connecting blood work results to actionable steps around nutrition, lifestyle, and where relevant, supplementation.

Forth's app is arguably more developed in terms of gamification and scoring. Lola Health's results are more clinically detailed and longevity-focused. The choice depends on whether you prefer a simplified health score or a more granular, medically-oriented interpretation.

Beyond Blood Testing: The Longevity Ecosystem

Forth is a blood testing company. Lola Health is building a longevity platform. This difference shapes the long-term value of each service.

Lola Health offers several services beyond standard blood panels:

• TruAge Epigenetic Testing — Measures your biological age using DNA methylation patterns, providing insight into how your body is ageing relative to your chronological age. This is one of the most scientifically robust measures of biological ageing currently available.
• GutID Microbiome Testing — Analyses your gut microbiome composition, which influences everything from immune function to mental health and metabolic efficiency.
• NMN NAD+ Booster Supplements — NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a precursor to NAD+, a coenzyme critical for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and healthy ageing. Having supplements from the same provider that monitors your blood work enables a more integrated approach to health optimisation.

Forth does not currently offer epigenetic testing, microbiome analysis, or supplements. Their focus remains on blood biomarker testing and health tracking, which they do well — but for users who want a comprehensive longevity toolkit, Lola Health provides a broader ecosystem.

When Forth Is the Better Choice

Forth remains a good service for certain users and use cases. Choosing a health testing provider isn't one-size-fits-all, and there are clear scenarios where Forth is the stronger option:

• You want maximum customisation. Forth's Build Your Own feature lets you select individual biomarkers rather than committing to a fixed panel. If you know exactly which 5 or 10 markers you want to track, this a la carte approach can be more efficient and cost-effective than buying a full panel.
• You prefer self-service convenience. If scheduling a phlebotomist appointment feels like friction and you're comfortable with finger-prick collection, Forth's kit-by-post model offers genuine independence. Order, collect, post, results — all on your own schedule.
• You want the lowest entry price. Forth's tests start from £40. For someone taking their first step into private blood testing and wanting to check a handful of markers, this is an accessible starting point.
• You value the HealthCoach scoring system. If you prefer a simplified health score over detailed clinical interpretation, Forth's HealthCoach app translates complex biomarker data into intuitive categories with personalised targets. For some users, this is more actionable than raw clinical data.
• You want flexible subscription frequency. Forth offers testing every 3, 6, 9, or 12 months with the ability to change frequency at any time. If automated recurring testing at your chosen interval is important to your monitoring routine, Forth's subscription model is well-designed.
• You want condition-specific tests. Forth offers targeted panels for thyroid, hormones, heart health, PCOS, cortisol, and other specific concerns. If you have a particular health question rather than wanting a comprehensive overview, these focused tests can be practical and affordable.

When Lola Health Is the Better Choice

Lola Health is purpose-built for users who want clinical-depth testing with a focus on long-term health optimisation. The service makes the most sense if:

• You want the most comprehensive testing available. With up to 70 biomarkers in a single panel, Lola Health offers 49% more markers than Forth's maximum. If 47 biomarkers feels limiting and you want a systems-level view of your health, Lola Health fills that gap.
• You want clinical-grade collection without add-on fees. Lola Health includes a professional phlebotomist home visit in every test price. There's no £60 surcharge for venous blood collection, no risk of failed finger-prick attempts, and no postal transit delay.
• You've struggled with finger-prick collection. If previous experiences with finger-prick kits — from Forth or any other provider — have been stressful or unsuccessful, Lola Health's phlebotomist-drawn venous blood eliminates that frustration entirely.
• You're focused on longevity and healthy ageing. If your health goals extend beyond "am I within normal ranges?" into active optimisation for long-term healthspan, Lola Health's interpretation framework, supplementation options, and additional services (TruAge, GutID) support that journey.
• You want integrated longevity services. Blood testing, biological age testing, microbiome analysis, and NMN supplementation from a single provider creates a more coherent approach to health optimisation than assembling services from multiple companies.
• You want your results within one week. Lola Health returns doctor-reviewed results in 2–5 working days across all panels. Forth's standard tests are faster (2 days), but their Ultimate Health Check can take up to 15 working days.
• You've outgrown Forth's biomarker ceiling. If you've been using Forth's Ultimate and want deeper insight into hormonal health, advanced inflammatory markers, or metabolic function, Lola Health's Vital Check and Peak Insights panels provide that next level of detail.

Verdict: Which Service Should You Choose?

Forth and Lola Health serve different segments of the health-conscious market, and both do their respective jobs well.

Choose Forth if you want affordable, flexible blood testing with the convenience of self-collection, the ability to customise exactly which markers you test, and a well-built app that simplifies your results into actionable health scores. Forth is particularly strong for users who want regular basic monitoring, condition-specific testing, or a low-commitment introduction to private blood work.

Choose Lola Health if you want the most comprehensive blood testing available in the UK, with professional venous collection included, up to 70 biomarkers per panel, doctor-reviewed results focused on optimisation, and access to a broader longevity ecosystem including epigenetic testing and NMN supplements. Lola Health is built for users who are serious about understanding and improving their long-term health.

For many users, the journey is sequential rather than binary. Forth is an excellent starting point for health monitoring. Lola Health is where you graduate when you want clinical depth, collection quality, and a longevity-focused interpretation that goes beyond standard reference ranges. Both services contribute to a growing UK market that is making proactive health testing accessible — and that benefits everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lola Health better than Forth?

Lola Health offers more comprehensive testing (up to 70 biomarkers vs Forth's 47), professional phlebotomist collection included in the price, and a longevity-focused interpretation framework. Forth offers lower entry pricing, more customisation with its Build Your Own feature, and a strong health scoring app. Lola Health is the better choice for comprehensive testing and health optimisation; Forth is better for budget-conscious basic monitoring and specific marker testing.

Does Forth offer venous blood draws?

Yes. Forth offers a phlebotomy add-on for an additional £60, where a mobile nurse visits your home to draw venous blood. However, this is not included in the standard test price. Lola Health includes the professional phlebotomist home visit in every test at no extra cost.

How many biomarkers does Forth test?

Forth's most comprehensive wellness panel, the Ultimate Health Check, tests 47 biomarkers across 10 health areas. Their Advanced Health Check tests 39 biomarkers, and the Baseline Plus tests 25. They also offer condition-specific tests with varying marker counts and a Build Your Own option from 40+ individual biomarkers.

Why is Forth's Ultimate Health Check turnaround 15 days?

Forth's Ultimate Health Check includes the Omega 6:3 ratio test, which requires a longer laboratory analysis period. Standard Forth tests return results within 2 working days, but the Ultimate can take up to 15 working days from when the sample reaches the lab. Lola Health returns all panel results within 2–5 working days.

Is finger-prick blood testing as accurate as venous?

For many common biomarkers, finger-prick tests have been validated as comparable to venous blood tests. Forth states their finger-prick tests were validated through an NHS study for comparability. However, certain markers — including full blood count differentials — have poor comparability via finger-prick, which is why Forth does not offer FBC through this method. Venous blood remains the clinical gold standard because it provides larger sample volumes and broader biomarker compatibility.

Can I build a custom test with Lola Health?

Lola Health offers three fixed panels — Core Health (45 biomarkers, £130), Vital Check (56 biomarkers, £170), and Peak Insights (70 biomarkers, £220). These panels are designed to provide comprehensive, clinically coherent health assessments. Forth's Build Your Own feature offers more customisation for users who want to select individual markers. Each approach has merit: Lola Health's panels ensure you get a complete picture without accidentally omitting important markers, while Forth's custom builder lets you focus on specific concerns.

Does Lola Health offer supplements and additional testing?

Yes. Beyond blood panels, Lola Health offers NMN NAD+ Booster supplements for cellular health and longevity, TruAge epigenetic testing to measure biological age through DNA methylation, and GutID microbiome testing. This integrated ecosystem lets you monitor, test, and supplement through a single provider. Forth focuses exclusively on blood biomarker testing.

What is Forth's Trustpilot rating?

Forth has a Trustpilot rating of 4.2 out of 5 from over 1,600 reviews. Customers consistently praise the app experience, speed of results for standard tests, and range of available tests. The most common criticisms relate to customer service response times and difficulty with finger-prick blood collection. Lola Health has a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating.

Which service is better for athletes and performance tracking?

Both services target performance-minded users. Forth has a dedicated sports testing brand (Edge) and positions itself around performance optimisation. Lola Health's 70-biomarker panel provides a more comprehensive data set for performance analysis, including advanced hormonal and inflammatory markers relevant to training load and recovery. For athletes wanting the most data from a single test, Lola Health's Peak Insights panel is more thorough. For athletes wanting regular, affordable check-ins on key performance markers, Forth's focused panels may be more practical.

Do I need to cancel Forth before trying Lola Health?

No. You can try a Lola Health panel without cancelling any existing Forth subscription. Many users do a Lola Health comprehensive panel to compare the experience and depth of results with their existing provider. If you decide Lola Health better suits your needs, you can then adjust or cancel your Forth subscription at any time through your Forth account settings.