HEALTH – TECHNOLOGY
The Best Pulse Oximeters of 2024
Jenna Heyes
2 days ago
by Dr. Sarah O’Connell, PhD in Health informatics
If you’re here, you’re likely focused on your health. Whether you need to monitor your oxygen levels due to a respiratory condition, track them during exercise, or just want extra peace of mind, a pulse oximeter is a simple solution. Unlike more complex devices, a pulse oximeter is easy to use and non-invasive. It works by measuring your blood oxygen levels and heart rate with a small clip that fits comfortably on your fingertip. Best of all, you can use it at home without needing professional assistance.
A pulse oximeter provides important health insights in two key ways::
However, not all pulse oximeters are created equal. Precision, features, ease of use, and overall quality can significantly impact accuracy and reliability. With so many options available, it can be challenging to find the right device that meets your needs.
For this review, we purchased and tested some of the most popular pulse oximeters on the market. These devices were then used by athletes in recovery, elderly individuals, and people managing respiratory conditions. Each user rated the device based on their experience and shared their feedback. Additionally, a team of respiratory specialists provided their professional insights. We’ve compiled their reviews and listed the top recommendations below. Be sure to read our detailed reasoning so you can choose the best device for your needs.
We advise all readers to avoid those cheap (under €25) oximeters as in every case we’ve tested accuracy is all over the place.
The Best Pulse Oximeters of 2024
vitaltrack pro
Overall
5/5
USER EXPERIENCE
5/5
FEATURES
5/5
DESCRIPTION
The Vitaltrack Pro is the leading choice for pulse oximeters, and it’s easy to see why. It combines advanced features with ease of use, making it ideal for both home and clinical settings. With true medical-grade accuracy—the highest recorded in its class—it delivers precise readings for both blood oxygen levels and heart rate. Despite its high-level performance, it’s simple to operate, thanks to a bright, responsive premium OLED display. The ergonomic finger clip ensures a comfortable fit and reliable results every time. Best of all, at its current price point, no other device offers this level of accuracy and value.
We were impressed by the precision and consistency of its readings, delivering fast and reliable measurements every time. Whether checking oxygen levels, heart rate or using the handy PI index – the results were accurate and easy to read. This device is clearly built with high-quality components. Delivered next day, Vitaltrack stands behind the Pro with a lifetime warranty, offering free replacement if any issues arise.
PROS
CONS
nonin onyx 9590
€177.89
Overall
4/5
USER EXPERIENCE
5/5
FEATURES
5/5
DESCRIPTION
The Nonin Onyx Vantage 9590 is widely regarded as one of the most accurate and reliable pulse oximeters available, making it the go-to choice for both medical professionals and home users. Equipped with Nonin’s patented PureSAT® technology, the device ensures quick, precise measurements of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate, even in patients with darker skin tones or poor circulation. The device is designed to be used in various environments, from hospitals and clinics to home care settings, and fits both pediatric and adult patients comfortably. The bright LED display is easy to read from any angle, in all lighting conditions, making it highly user-friendly.
Durability is another strong suit of the Nonin Onyx 9590. Weighing less than two ounces, this compact and portable device has been tested to withstand a minimum of 50 drops, making it tough enough for demanding environments. It can perform up to 6,000 spot checks on just two AAA batteries, making it highly efficient. Additionally, its automatic on/off function ensures ease of use during quick spot checks. Though it comes at a higher price point, its medical-grade accuracy and robust design make the Nonin Onyx 9590 an excellent investment for anyone in need of reliable oxygen monitoring
PROS
CONS
Beurer po30
€45.68
Overall
4/5
USER EXPERIENCE
4/5
FEATURES
3/5
DESCRIPTION
The Beurer PO 30 pulse oximeter is a solid choice for individuals looking for an affordable and reliable way to monitor their oxygen levels and heart rate. With its bright LED display, the readings are easy to see, and the device is designed for quick and hassle-free use. It’s particularly appealing to sports enthusiasts and those living at high altitudes, as it gives fast results at the press of a button. The PO 30’s portability and lightweight design make it ideal for on-the-go use, whether for personal health monitoring or fitness tracking
While the Beurer PO 30 is not packed with advanced features, it offers great value for its price. The included accessories, such as the lanyard and pouch, make it convenient to carry, and the device is compatible with a wide range of finger sizes, which adds to its usability. Despite being a budget-friendly option, it consistently delivers good accuracy. This makes it a good option for home use, particularly for those who want a no-frills oximeter that gets the job done without needing any additional maintenance
PROS
CONS
Geratherm Pulse Oximeter
€95.95
Overall
3/5
USER EXPERIENCE
3/5
FEATURES
5/5
DESCRIPTION
The Geratherm oximeter is a portable, feature-rich fingertip pulse oximeter designed for both professional and home use. It offers reliable spot readings of SpO2 (oxygen saturation) and pulse rate, making it ideal for healthcare settings or individuals needing quick, on-the-go measurements. Its dual-color OLED display provides six adjustable modes and 10 brightness levels, ensuring readability in any environment. Compact in size, the Geratherm is 25% smaller than many competing models, making it highly portable and convenient to carry.
This oximeter also excels in usability, accommodating a range of finger sizes from pediatric to adult. With an accuracy range of ±2-3% for SpO2 and ±5 BPM for heart rate, it provides dependable readings. The device operates on two AAA batteries, offering extended use, and includes a lanyard for easy portability. Its robust build and customizable display make it a reliable choice for both medical professionals and individuals needing regular monitoring. The Geratherm stands out as a well-rounded, durable option for accurate oxygen and pulse tracking at a competitive price point.
PROS
CONS
rs pro pulse oximeter
€46.58
Overall
3.8/5
USER EXPERIENCE
4/5
FEATURES
3/5
DESCRIPTION
The RS Pro is a smart pulse oximeter designed for easy monitoring of blood oxygen levels (SpO2) and pulse rate. It connects seamlessly via Bluetooth to the Health app, allowing users to store and track their health data on their smartphone. This feature is particularly helpful for those wanting to share results with a healthcare provider or monitor their health over time. Its auto power-off feature and long battery life, powered by two AAA batteries, add to its convenience for everyday use
In terms of accuracy, the RS PRO offers measurements with a ±2% margin for oxygen saturation and pulse rates, ensuring reliable results. The device is compact and lightweight, making it highly portable and suitable for both home use and on the go. Additionally, it’s a Class IIa medical device, which ensures it meets rigorous European standards. The oximeter includes a lanyard for easy carrying, and the results are displayed clearly on the screen with adjustable brightness for readability in different lighting conditions
PROS
CONS
Have your say.
That finishes up our roundup of the most popular Oximeters available today. Not all units made the cut to be shown above, just the top five from our clinical and subjective testing. Have you come across a pulse oximeter you’d love to share with us? Have your say and we’ we’ll look into reviewing it and featuring it on our site.
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