Inito vs Mira: Do You Really Need a Hormone Monitor?

Sandra Wu
Apr 7
3 min read

If you’ve spent any time in TTC (trying to conceive) communities, you’ve probably seen people spend hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars on gadgets and tests to boost their chances. It’s easy to feel like you have to get it all just to stay in the game.

Hormone monitors like Inito and Mira are some of these popular tools out there. They claim to give you a deeper look into your cycle by tracking multiple hormones, not just LH like a basic ovulation strip. But are they worth the money? And if you’re going to invest in one, which one should you get?

Why You Might Want a Hormone Monitor (and Why You Might Not)

If you're just starting out and your cycles are pretty regular, you probably don’t need a fancy monitor. You can learn a lot with ovulation strips, BBT tracking, and paying attention to your body’s signals.

But here’s when a hormone monitor might make sense:

You have PCOS or irregular cycles and want more clarity.
You’ve been TTC for a while and want to optimize every fertile window.
You suspect hormone imbalances (low estrogen, delayed LH surge, etc.).
You’re data-obsessed and love having a full dashboard of what’s happening in your body.

That said, if none of those sound like you, you might be better off saving your money for other things (like a nice massage or just...life).

What’s the Big Difference Between Inito and Mira?

Both devices use test wands and a reader to analyze your urine hormones at home. But here’s where they differ:

Inito tracks four hormones: LH, estrogen (E3G), progesterone (PdG), and FSH.
Mira tracks up to four, depending on the wand: LH, estrogen, progesterone, and even hCG (for pregnancy testing).

Inito plugs directly into your phone, while Mira has a separate device that connects through Bluetooth, so you’re not stuck using a specific device.

What’s Good About Inito

Tracks more hormones at once (FSH is nice if you’re over 35 or worried about ovarian reserve).
Slightly cheaper upfront. The starter kit is around $149 USD and includes the device plus 15 test strips.
Strips cost around $2–3 per test, and you can find them on Amazon (if they’re in stock).

Downside? It’s only compatible with certain iPhones, so if your phone isn’t on their list, you’re out of luck. Also, their availability outside the U.S. is hit or miss.

What’s Good About Mira

You don’t need to plug it into your phone. The device connects via Bluetooth and stores data, so it’s more flexible.
Their website is full of clear education, their support team is responsive, and they have a big community of users.
It’s available internationally and often offers deals (up to 30% off during major sales like Black Friday).

The Mira Starter Kit is more expensive, about $229 USD with 10 test wands. Refill wands are $3–5 each, depending on the type (LH-only, plus estrogen, progesterone, or hCG).

Why I Prefer Mira

Personally, I prefer Mira. I don’t like being tied to a specific phone to use the device, and Mira’s international shipping is way smoother. I also just found the shopping and brand nice overall. Their blog, guides, and support made me feel like I wasn’t flying blind.

Why I Don’t Recommend Either… Unless You Really Need One

Look, I love innovation in femtech. These gadgets are amazing, and it’s exciting to see tools made for us. But they’re not cheap. Over time, especially if you’re testing daily or across multiple cycles, the costs add up, fast.

Unless you’re trying to troubleshoot something specific, you can get a lot of the same insights with ovulation tests, BBT, and maybe even an Oura Ring + Natural Cycles combo (also expensive, but well worth it for the overall health + sleep tracking). If something seems off, those signals can help you build a case to get tested by a doctor.

And if your doctor won’t run the tests? Find another one. It’s annoying, but necessary. These tools should support your journey, not drain your bank account or your peace of mind.

Download the Lume App to Make Smarter Choices

The Lume app, on iOS and Android, is built to be your TTC wingwoman. You’ll get a personalized supplement list, a full fertility course, positive affirmations (we see you, two-week wait), and real stories from people who’ve been where you are. Whether you’re using hormone monitors or just peeing on strips, Lume can help you make it make sense.