Abstract HIV remains a pressing public health challenge in the UK. Although HIV prevalence and incidence are high among MSM, rates of HIV testing in this group remain low. Some do not perceive themselves to be at risk of HIV, while others prefer not to test due to fear of stigma. This study set out to understand a group of MSM's perceptions and experiences of testing for HIV in three distinct contexts: genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, LGBT community settings and at home using a self-test kit. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 MSM, and the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results indicate that interviewees generally perceived stigma due to their sexual minority identity in GUM clinics. Although they regarded LGBT community settings as more affirmative of their sexual minority identities, fears of homophobia and HIV prejudice could impede access to testing in these settings. There was a general concern about the loss of self-efficacy associated with HIV testing in GUM and community settings, which was restored by testing for HIV at home using a self-test kit. However, interviewees manifested concerns about the possibility of testing positive at home in the absence of social support. The results demonstrate the opposing concepts of risk and stigma in the narratives of MSM, and the overarching desire to maintain and protect a coherent sense of identity - principally as gay/ bisexual, HIV-negative men. Some practical recommendations for promoting HIV testing among MSM are provided.