Top 10 Best Pulse Oximeters in 2020- Buyers Guide

If you feel uncomfortable all the time and feel like something is wrong with your body and vitals, but does not have the option to go to a hospital or clinic near you, then this product is a must-have for you. These top 10 best pulse oximeters will let you see and monitor your pulse rate even at home, along with your blood oxygen saturation or even more. These products come in the variety of features and options that will let you select what is the best among them. Purchase a unit now and get the opportunity for the product to do the job for you.

Choosing the Right Pulse Oximeter

Consult your doctor first

It is recommended that you seek your doctor’s advice before settling on the type to buy. It is a fact that not all the types can work well for you but just some. While consulting the doctor, you need to be clear about your goals and intention of using the oximeter. Given the several varieties, choosing the best one for might not be an easy task. The doctor, therefore, is the most reliable source of information concerning the features of the best oximeter for you.

Understand the Variety of oximeters that exist

All pulse oximeters are made purposely to perform the same function of measuring the saturation level of oxygen in the blood. However, they vary in performance, efficiency, and reliability going by the models. In connection to that, the following are some of the commonly known types.

      i. Finger or Portable oximeter

This is the type that is used commonly at home. It has a rectangular shape and is small enough to fit the finger. This gadget has a display screen attached to its probe. It is also an easy-to-use type which can be used easily by clinicians, caregivers, as well as the patient himself.

     ii. Handheld Oximeter

The handheld oximeter is a more sophisticated type compare to the portable version. One of the advantages associated with this version is the accuracy of the readings. It has a precise and accurate readings. With this model, the probe is attached to the patient’s finger, and the gadget is connected to an external screen.

     iii. Tabletops with sensors

The tabletop oximeter is bigger than the handled and is the best for continuous monitoring. Given its size, it is not among the recommended models for home use. Therefore, this gadget is used commonly in hospitals, health centers, medical facilities, and subacute setting.

     iv. Wrist won sensors

This is the wireless model used for continuous monitoring. This is the ideal one for measuring the oxygen levels especially when one is sleep or engaging in a tasking activity. Sometimes the doctor may need to know the level of oxygen when you are asleep, and so this gadget would be of great help in such situation.

     v. Fetal pulse oximeter

In case you need to measure the oxygen saturation for children, you have to be sure that you have a fetal pulse oximeter. They are specifically made for use by children hence fits snuggly on the small fingers. Similarly, there are other types of the same that are attachable to the foot or head that can be used by children with very small fingers.

Learn the Various features of pulse oximeter

Apart from the variety of types, oximeters also have a variety of features that one can look for before deciding on the one to purchase. Having the whole range of information on the features is good for making an informed decision. The following are some of the best features that one should consider while purchasing the gadget.

Level of Accuracy

You need to go for a gadget that has a higher level of accuracy. Furthermore, there are some models that encompass warning lights that can show whenever there is an error that can lead to inaccuracy. Remember that using a malfunctioning gadget would automatically lead to wrong readings hence faulty interpretation.

Alarms

How would you know that the level of saturation of oxygen that you are measuring is good or not? Consider purchasing an oximeter that has an alarm system that warns in case a low supply of oxygen is detected. This feature can benefit the users who have no medical backgrounds and are unable to identify the normal oxygen saturation level range.

Readability

Does the screen display readable results? In determining the readability, factors such as the screen size, clarity, text color. It is ideal to pick a gadget with easily readable screens that cannot trouble your eyes.

Durability

Who would like to buy something that would get spoilt on day two? Of course nobody. You need to go for an oximeter that is built on the foundation of durability. In determining the durability, it is important to consider the material used alongside many other factors like the warranty.

Check the size of the Probe against your finger size

Even though most oximeters come in the adult fitting range of 0.3 inches to 1 inch, you just need to be sure that the one you are purporting to purchase fits your fingers well. Also, at times you may be having either a too small finger or a too big finger that does not fit most of the oximeters in the market. In this case, you need to know your real size and match to the online stores like Amazon where you can find a variety of sizes.To know your size, just measure your finger from the tip of the finger to the bottom where the finger attaches to the palm.

Return Policy

Consider going for the product with a good return policy. You might buy a faulty oximeter only to realize that later when you visit the doctor. If you detect malfunctioning of the gadget, you can always return to the seller if the product has a return policy. Therefore, establishing the return policy for the product is an essential element of a good oximeter.

The Best picks for 2020

10. Beurer Digital Fingertip Pulse Oximeter, Blood Oxygen Saturation, and Pulse Rate Monitor

This pulse oximeter from Beurer is just perfect for persons with heart failure, even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma among others. It substantially determines oxygen saturation SpO2 and pulse and displays four open views with pulse curve display. Included in the package are batteries, carrying case, and restraining strap. This pulse oximeter is a convenient and helpful self-monitoring tool for the level of oxygen saturation in your body. More so, it has incredible features of a flexible display for comfortable viewing of the measured results and shows orientation may be changed by pressing the Start button.

Pros

• Very accurate


• Long lasting


• Has a relatively sophisticated display


• Well built


• Very handy

Cons

9. Starhealth SH-C2 Pink with Carrying Case OLED Display Sports Finger Pulse Oximeter, Spo2 Monitor, Pulse Oximetry

Starhealth’s pulse oximeter has color OLED display, a simultaneous display for testing value and plethysmograph. Also, this pulse oximeter product manually adjusts the direction of interface and alarm function with real-time spot-checks. It uses standard two pieces of AAA 1.5V Alkaline battery which are included in the package. Plus, it has advanced DSP algorithm inside that monishes the influence of motion artifact and improves an accuracy of low perfusion.

Pros

• Small and lightweight


• Accurate


• Easy to use


• Very handy


• Well built

Cons

• A little difficult to use

8. Facelake  FL400 Pulse Oximeter with Carrying Case, Batteries, Neck/Wrist Cord

This pulse oximeter from Facelake is a product individually tested for accuracy. This means that each device undergoes rigorous testing and is approved for use by the FDA. Likewise, it has quick readings which find in incredibly easy to use. You just have to turn on the device only, place your finger on it, and have your pulse rate read and SpO2 instantly displayed. Included in the package are two pieces of AAA batteries for free, a convenient carry case, useful lanyard and illustrated instruction manual. This product is recommended to use for sports and or aviation use only. And for factory defects, Facelake also gives one year warranty period.

Pros

• Works fine


• Very convenient to use


• Reliable


• Pocket size


• Very sturdy


• Easy to hold and handy

Cons

7. Santamedical SM-230 OLED Finger Pulse Oximeter

This Santamedical’s pulse oximeter is a SpO2%, and the pulse rate is displayed on a screen, very straightforward and convenient to use in operation. Likewise, this product is very light, and compact weighing only 50g including batteries. More so, it has low power consumption with two pieces of AAA batteries that can be continuously operated for 30 hours. This pulse oximeter is perfect to be used by a variety of sports enthusiasts, including mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, bikers, among others who are interested in measuring oxygen saturation and pulse rate. It comes with a hanging neck and wrist strap and case on the move. It is even easy to carry and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Pros

• Reads fast


• Very accurate


• The display is great


• Very functional


• Handy


• Easy to use

Cons

6. Quest 3-in-1 Pulse Oximeter

This pulse oximeter from Quest measures the number of heart beats per minute, defining a normal adult pulse rate while resting or at work. This likewise measures oxygen saturation determining how much oxygen the blood is carrying as a percentage of the maximum it could carry. It also measures saturated hemoglobin in this useful screening tool for learning underlying respiratory. It has a perfusion index which is an indication of the pulse strength and the sensor site. However, this product is not suggested to use as a medical device, but for sport and aviation use only. And this lightweight, portable pulse oximeter takes fast, non-invasive measurements at the fingertip making it ideal for monitoring heart rate, and oxygen saturation during sports activities, while exercising or during air travel.

Pros

• Works great


• Lightweight and portable


• Very compact


• Displays accurate readings


• Simple to use


• Economical

Cons

5. Nonin Medical GO2 Achieve Personal Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Made in the USA

The Nonin pulse oximeter shows an accurate PureSAT technology with pulse-by-pulse readings for oxygen level accuracy. This product is very easy to use, for you just need to clip it on your fingertip. More so, it is an imported product from the USA, and backed by two-year warranty period, making it different from most oximeters with only one-year warranty period only. Nonin is the company trusted by most medical professionals, is now making the technology available for home use. And this pulse oximeter is small, portable, non-invasive fingertip oximeter product for your home use to provide you with the right amount of pressure to record fast and accurate readings. This does not require a prescription and comes with easy follow guidelines.

Pros

• Very accurate


• Easy to use


• Easy to read the display


• Very sturdy


• Compact and lightweight

Cons

4. EasyHome Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

This EasyHome pulse oximeter is used to measure and monitor your pulse, pulse strength and blood oxygen level or SpO2. It shows the reading in numbers as well as the waveforms and bar graphs. Moreover, it has OLED 4 directions displays to see the result from any direction quickly. Likewise, the Waveforms and Bar Graph give the visual indication of the irregular, weak heartbeat or inaccurate reading. At the same time, it has comfortable and convenient one-button operation, auto power-off after 5 seconds, and is adjustable for both indoor and outdoor environment. This pulse oximeter is super-fast and shows accurate measurements of SpO2 and pulse rate by digital processing. It even comes with an elegant case and neck/wrist cord.

Pros

• Very lightweight


• Shows accurate measures


• Has OLED display screen


• Well built


• Easy to read


• Easy to use

Cons

3. AccuMed CMS-50DL Finger Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen SpO2 Sports

This pulse oximeter from AccuMed has a digital LED display with low power consumption plus auto-power off feature that allows for 40 continuous hours of battery life. Furthermore, it covers against the ambient light that offers superior ease of reading as well as fast and accurate SpO2 and pulse measurements. It can accommodate pediatric to adult finger sizes that can be used by sports and exercise enthusiasts as well as anyone interested in measuring pulse rate and oxygen saturation. This pulse oximeter product contains materials made from rubber and includes two pieces of AAA batteries, lanyard, and convenient carrying case in the package.

Pros

• Very accurate


• Easy to use


• Very affordable


• Portable


• Lightweight

Cons

2. Acc U Rate Pro Series CMS 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor

This pulse oximeter from Acc U Rate can accurately determine your SpO2 or blood oxygen saturation levels, pulse rate, and even pulse strength in just 10 seconds and display it conveniently on a large digital LED display. This product is best for sports enthusiasts such as mountain climbers, skiers, bikers or anyone interested in measuring their SpO2 and pulse rate in their home. Likewise, it is suitable for all ages with start finger chamber with SMART spring system; it can accommodate the wide range of finger sizes. It is loaded with accessories and includes two pieces of AAA batteries that will allow you to use the pulse oximeter. At the same time, it has a silicon cover to protect your pulse oximeter from dirt and damage and a lanyard for convenience and comes with 12 months warranty period.

Pros

• Has good battery life


• Easy to clean


• Very accurate


• Lightweight


• Compact

Cons

1. Deluxe SM-110 Two Way Display Finger Pulse Oximeter with Carry Case

This pulse oximeter from Deluxe is top in this review; it is newly redesigned in 2020 with additional major improvements made to the previous pulse oximeter model. It even has new two-way display feature that allows you to read in two different directions. This is product can give you accurate and reliable and suitable for all sports enthusiasts. Likewise, it is very easy to carry and suitable for all ages and accommodates wide range of finger sizes from children to adult.

Pros

• Light and portable


• Comfortable on the finger


• Came with batteries


• Very accurate


• Has self-shut off


• Good quality

Cons

Getting Accurate readings from an oximeter

Even if the oximeter is functioning perfectly without any fault, you might at times end up with wrong and inaccurate results if you do not follow the procedure. Therefore, the following points must be followed in the quest for accurate readings.

Wash your hands properly.

When a pulse oximeter works, it shines some light through the skin. Therefore, in case the skin is dirty, the functioning of the gadget can get interfered with resulting in wrong readings. This call for the cleaning of your fingers and skin before applying the clip on your fingers.

Remove the nail polish

The nail polish similarly blocks the oximeter functionalism by absorbing the produced light. As a result, the information that you would receive would be inaccurate.

Avoid subjecting the oximeter to bright light when in use

Since the gadget operates by emitting the light, exposing it again to excess light when in use would interfere with the light from the system leading to inaccuracy.

Stay still when using the oximeter

It is advisable to avoid moving the body parts when taking the readings for a perfect and accurate result. However, even when measuring the level of oxygen while exercising, you need to stay still when taking the readings.