10 Best otc cold medicines of 2025

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Best Choice

1

Mucinex
Mucinex Fast-Max Cold and Flu & Nightshift Medicine for Adults, Over-The-Counter Medication Combo Pack for Sore Throat Relief, Decongestant, Cough & Cold Medicine (2 x 6 Fl Oz)
Main highlights

Powerful Multi-Symptom Relief
Provides maximum strength relief for cold and flu symptoms, including sore throat, cough, and congestion.

Ideal for Severe Cold and Flu
Perfect for adults experiencing severe cold and flu symptoms, day or night.

Highly Effective Liquid Formula
Customers praise the liquid formula for its fast-acting relief and pleasant grape flavor.
9.6

Exceptional

Our Rating

8.7
Flavor

8.7
worth the money

8.0
Simple to use
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Value for Money

2

Vicks
VICKS DayQuil & NyQuil SEVERE Co-Pack, Cold & Flu Medicine, Powerful Relief for Headache, Fever, Sore Throat, Minor Aches & Pains, Congestion, Sinus Pressure, Stuffy Nose, and Cough, 48 LiquiCaps
Main highlights

Powerful 9-Symptom Relief
Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Severe provide maximum strength relief for 9 common cold and flu symptoms.

Day and Night Use
Ideal for daytime use with DayQuil's non-drowsy formula and nighttime relief with NyQuil for restful sleep.

Quick Symptom Relief
Customers praise the fast-acting nature, clearing congestion in 10-15 minutes.
9.4

Excellent

Our Rating

8.9
Flavor

8.7
simple to consume

8.2
worth the money
3

Amazon Basic Care
Amazon Basic Care Vapor Ice Day and Night Severe Cold and Flu Relief Caplets, Maximum Strength Medicine, Combo Pack, 48 Count
Main highlights

Maximum Strength Multi-Symptom Relief
Provides around-the-clock relief for cold and flu symptoms with a combination of daytime and nighttime caplets.

Ideal for Families and Busy Individuals
Perfect for those needing effective relief during the day and restful sleep at night.

Highly Praised Nighttime Formula
Customers appreciate the nighttime caplets for aiding sleep and symptom relief.
Key specs
- symptom relief:Cold and flu symptoms
- dosage:N/A
- flavor:Vapor Ice
- form:Coated caplets
- active ingredient:Compare to Vicks DayQuil/NyQuil
9.2

Excellent

Our Rating

9.3
simple to consume

9.1
worth the money

8.7
Flavor
4

Amazon Basic Care
Amazon Basic Care Cold and Flu Relief, Daytime and Nighttime Combo Pack Softgels, Powerful Cold Medicine for Day and Night Multi-Symptom Relief, 48 Count(Pack of 1)
Main highlights

Multi-Symptom Relief
Provides effective relief from headache, fever, sore throat, and more.

Day and Night Use
Ideal for continuous relief of cold and flu symptoms.

Quick Action
Praised for fast-acting relief within a few hours.
9.1

Excellent

Our Rating

9.3
simple to consume

9.3
Flavor

9.1
worth the money
5

Contac
Contac Non-Drowsy Day & Multi-Symptom Night Cold & Flu Medicine, Maximum Strength Relief for Fever, Sore Throat, Nasal Congestion, Head & Body Aches, Runny Nose, 28 Count, 16 Day, 12 Night Caplets

19% Off
Main highlights

Maximum Strength Relief
Provides maximum strength relief for cold and flu symptoms.

Day and Night Use
Ideal for continuous relief with separate day and night formulas.

Customer Praised Effectiveness
Highly praised for relieving nasal congestion and body aches.
8.9

Very Good

Our Rating
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6

Tylenol
Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Medicine Caplets for Fever, Pain, Cough & Congestion, 24 ct.

28% Off
Main highlights

Comprehensive Symptom Relief
Relieves fever, pain, congestion, cough, and loosens mucus.

Ideal for Cold and Flu
Perfect for adults and children 12+ with cold and flu symptoms.

Praised Effectiveness
Customers appreciate its superior efficacy over generic alternatives.
8.8

Very Good

Our Rating

9.9
pain management

9.3
worth the money

8.7
simple to consume
7

Vicks
VICKS DayQuil & NyQuil High Blood Pressure Cold & Flu Relief Liquid Medicine Co-Pack, Powerful Multi-Symptom Daytime & Nighttime Relief for Cold, Cough, and Flu Symptoms, Sugar & Alcohol Free, 2x8oz
Main highlights

Specially Formulated for High Blood Pressure
Decongestant-free cold and flu relief suitable for those with high blood pressure.

Ideal for Day and Night Use
Provides effective symptom relief both during the day and at night.

Effective Multi-Symptom Relief
Praised for easing fever, aches, cough, and providing restful sleep.
Key specs
- symptom relief:Headache, fever, sore throat
- dosage:One dose
- flavor:N/A
- form:N/A
- active ingredient:N/A
8.7

Very Good

Our Rating

9.9
simple to consume

9.3
pain management

9.3
Flavor
8

Coricidin HBP
Coricidin HBP Decongestant-Free Cough and Cold Medicine - Specially Designed Relief for High Blood Pressure, Cough, Runny Nose, Sneezing and Cold Symptoms (16 Count)
Main highlights

Powerful Cold Relief for High Blood Pressure
Specially formulated to relieve cold symptoms without affecting blood pressure.

Ideal for Adults with Cold Symptoms
Targets cough, runny nose, and sneezing, perfect for cold relief.

Praised for Fast and Effective Relief
Customers appreciate its ability to provide quick symptom relief and improve sleep.
8.6

Very Good

Our Rating

9.9
Simple to use

9.7
Freshness

8.9
worth the money
9

Tylenol
Tylenol Sinus Severe Daytime Cold & Flu Relief Medicine Caplets, Non-Drowsy Pain Reliever, Fever Reducer Expectorant & Decongestant, Acetaminophen, Guaifenesin & Phenylephrine HCl, 24 ct

28% Off
Main highlights

Non-Drowsy Symptom Relief
Provides non-drowsy relief from sinus headache, nasal congestion, and chest congestion.

Daytime Use for Adults and Teens
Ideal for adults and children 12+ needing daytime sinus relief.

Quick Decongestion Effect
Customers praise its fast-acting decongestion for stuffy head relief.
8.3

Good

Our Rating
10

Vicks
Vicks DayQuil & NyQuil Co-Pack, Cold & Flu Medicine, Powerful Multi-Symptom Daytime & Nighttime Relief for Headache, Fever, Sore Throat, Minor Aches & Pains, & Cough, 72ct

21% Off
Main highlights

Fast Multi-Symptom Relief
Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil provide rapid relief from cold and flu symptoms, including headache, fever, sore throat, and cough.

Daytime and Nighttime Use
DayQuil is ideal for daytime activities, while NyQuil ensures restful sleep at night, offering 24-hour symptom management.

Customer Satisfaction
Customers praise the effectiveness of NyQuil for sleep and DayQuil for maintaining productivity while sick.
Key specs
- symptom relief:Cold & flu symptoms
- dosage:One dose
- flavor:N/A
- form:N/A
- active ingredient:N/A
8.2

Good

Our Rating

9.1
Flavor

9.1
worth the money

10 Best otc cold medicines of 2025

1

Mucinex Fast-Max Cold and Flu & Nightshift Medicine for Adults, Over-The-Counter Medication Combo Pack for Sore Throat Relief, Decongestant, Cough & Cold Medicine (2 x 6 Fl Oz)

8.7

8.7

8.0

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

VICKS DayQuil & NyQuil SEVERE Co-Pack, Cold & Flu Medicine, Powerful Relief for Headache, Fever, Sore Throat, Minor Aches & Pains, Congestion, Sinus Pressure, Stuffy Nose, and Cough, 48 LiquiCaps

8.9

8.7

8.2

3

Amazon Basic Care Vapor Ice Day and Night Severe Cold and Flu Relief Caplets, Maximum Strength Medicine, Combo Pack, 48 Count

9.3

9.1

8.7

4

Amazon Basic Care Cold and Flu Relief, Daytime and Nighttime Combo Pack Softgels, Powerful Cold Medicine for Day and Night Multi-Symptom Relief, 48 Count(Pack of 1)

9.3

9.3

9.1

5

Contac Non-Drowsy Day & Multi-Symptom Night Cold & Flu Medicine, Maximum Strength Relief for Fever, Sore Throat, Nasal Congestion, Head & Body Aches, Runny Nose, 28 Count, 16 Day, 12 Night Caplets

6

Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Medicine Caplets for Fever, Pain, Cough & Congestion, 24 ct.

9.9

9.3

8.7

7

VICKS DayQuil & NyQuil High Blood Pressure Cold & Flu Relief Liquid Medicine Co-Pack, Powerful Multi-Symptom Daytime & Nighttime Relief for Cold, Cough, and Flu Symptoms, Sugar & Alcohol Free, 2x8oz

9.9

9.3

9.3

8

Coricidin HBP Decongestant-Free Cough and Cold Medicine - Specially Designed Relief for High Blood Pressure, Cough, Runny Nose, Sneezing and Cold Symptoms (16 Count)

9.9

9.7

8.9

9

Tylenol Sinus Severe Daytime Cold & Flu Relief Medicine Caplets, Non-Drowsy Pain Reliever, Fever Reducer Expectorant & Decongestant, Acetaminophen, Guaifenesin & Phenylephrine HCl, 24 ct

10

Vicks DayQuil & NyQuil Co-Pack, Cold & Flu Medicine, Powerful Multi-Symptom Daytime & Nighttime Relief for Headache, Fever, Sore Throat, Minor Aches & Pains, & Cough, 72ct

9.1

9.1

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