Top 5 Pulse Oximeters in 2023
Having low levels of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) can be very dangerous.
It’s important to always have a pulse oximeter in the house, so that you can check SpO2 and pulse (heart rate) from your home.
In addition to home use, it is recommended when climbing, hiking, cycling, etc.
However, all pulse oximeters aren’t made the same.
We’ve researched over 27 different oximeters and looked for high-grade accuracy, fast results, bright LCD display, no coding, any many other important factors.
Here are this year’s top 5 picks:
Penny M - Research Specialist
With over 15 years of experience researching and inspecting tech gadget and health tools, Penny dived deep into world of technology and health industry. Check out her world-class knowledge in our Top 5 series.
Overall Grade
A+
Rating
9.8/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
The Osmo PulsoTip is by far our favorite choice on the market.
The first thing that makes it unique is its high-grade software to always provide you with accurate readings of SpO2 (blood oxygen) and pulse (PR & PI) heart rate levels.
Talking about accuracy it provides ±2% accuracy and ±1% resolution – it’s hard for any other brand to compete with PulsoTip.
What’s interesting about PulsoTip is a 12 group memory which shows you your last 12 readings of both oxygen levels and heart rate (pulse). This is super helpful to track your progress and your improvements.
Once you receive results from PulsoTip, you”ll have a visual and sound reminder – this is super helpful for seniors.
What’s great about Osmo PulsoTip is that it’s designed to fit all finger sizes. This makes it suitable for both men and women and even kids.
Another interesting fact is that it is 3x faster than some oximeters on the market. It shows results after just 6 seconds of use.
Osmo PulsoTip is also trusted by sports enthusiasts who carry it with them while climbing mountains, hiking or cycling.
Osmo offers a 14-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied, you’ll receive a full refund.
Pros
High-grade accuracy software
±2% accuracy
12 memory groups
Results in just 6 seconds
Fits all finger sizes
Pulse & SpO2 readings
Visual and sound reminder
Pocket-size design
Approved by sport enthusiasts
Easy to use
Free Shipping in US
14-day money back guarantee
Cons
Often runs out of stock due to high demand
Often runs out of stock due to high demand
WRAP-UP
PulsoTip is competitively priced for a market-leading pulse oximeter that provides accurate and fast readings. Take advantage of this limited-time discount while supplies last. PulsoTip offers a 14-day money-back guarantee and free shipping. PulsoTip was unanimously voted the best pulse oximeter of 2023.
Overall Grade
B+
Rating
8.8/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Zacurate’s 500DL isn’t their first finger pulse oximeter designed for the home market, so they’ve had a chance to iron out some issues, not least of which was that the predecessor could only display up to 99% rather than 100% maximum SpO2.
With CE and FDA approval, this device can provide a reading to its large, clear display in 10 seconds, and (according to the manufacturer) is less prone to inaccuracies if moved slightly and has better ambient light compensation.
The 500DL is intended for adults, but can read any finger large enough, so children over 12 should be fine. There’s no memory, but the batteries should be good for 40 hours of reading, so even with the ten seconds it takes to shut down after use, one set of AAAs will last a while!
We certainly appreciated that a silicone case and cord that came in the kit (which costs less than the case for a new phone).
Pros
Easy to use
Solid accuracy
Results in 9 seconds
Fits most finger sizes
Batteries included
Small design
Free shipping
Cons
No money-back guarantee
Expensive
Overall Grade
B
Rating
8.3/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
On the face of it, this is a slightly thick (3.8 cm/1.5 inch) black polished thumb ring. A second look shows you that it’s no trinket – the discreet built-in screen gives the game away. Inside the dark pebble is a rechargeable battery that provides up to 16 hours of recording, at 1s intervals, of blood oxygen, heart rate (BPM) and movement.
All your data can be synchronized over Bluetooth 4 to the app or the desktop (the latter offers printing or PDF export).
The ring can also be set to vibrate if it falls below the level you want. Marketed as an alternative to wrist-worn options, this certainly seems more practical, although the outlay is significantly more than a simple “dumb” finger measure, but if you’re monitoring your sleep, this is an excellent choice (you can also use it without removing nail polish too , if that’s important to you!).
Pros
Fits all finger sizes
Comfortable design
App included
Vibration mode
Free shipping
Long-lasting battery
Durable
Cons
Expensive
Not so accurate
No money-back guarantee
Overall Grade
B
Ratings
7.8/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
The Wellue O2 isn’t significantly more expensive than some standard finger pulse oximeters, with the added bonus that it can connect to your phone – iOS or Android – to collect your data and graph it over time if you choose.
There is a built-in memory for up to 10 uses, beyond this you need to connect the app which can store it indefinitely. A device like this is cheaper and easier to share around the family than a sports watch (and suitable for taking readings for anyone over the age of twelve), so it’s a handy way to assess your family’s health and Bluetooth data availability – while somewhat limited – may be attractive to some given the minimal extra outlay.
In sync with the phone, up to ten hours of continuous data can be stored and plotted, and you can also add notes about each data group.
Pros
Solid software
Compatible with smartphone
10 memory modes
Free shipping in the US
Easy to use
30-day money back guarantee
Cons
Some users report that it isn’t suitable for all finger sizes
Not approved by physicians
Poor battery life
Overall Grade
c+
Rating
7.5/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
While you may have been hoping to share a pulse oximeter between everyone in the family, kids will need their own pulse oximeter that’s designed for small fingers. “Most pulse oximeters on the market are larger in size and meant for use on adult fingers [but] if the pulse oximeter is too loose while placed on a finger, it may be unable to obtain an accurate reading,” says Sanjeev Jain. He continues, “If you are planning to use a pulse oximeter on a child or a person with frail hands, it would be best to purchase a smaller pediatric device.”
Designed for kids’ hands, the Zacurate 500DL Pro Series likely won’t fit most adult finger sizes. As expected, our adult tester found it too tight, and was pleased with the kid-friendliness. It only takes a few seconds to place one’s finger in the device and press the “on” button. However, we recommend kids initially use the device with an adult’s assistance as they may not know how to interpret the data. This is what made it receive a four out of five for data display, though other attributes received consistent five star ratings.
Pros
Easy to use
Free Shipping
Designed for kids
Two-number display
Long-lasting battery
Cons
Not suitable for seniors
Could be more accurate
No sound reminder
Mixed reviews
WHAT IS A PULSE OXIMETER?
The pulse oximeter is a small, clip-like device. It attaches to a body part, most commonly to a finger. It uses light beams to estimate the oxygen saturation of the blood and the pulse rate.
Benefits of Pulse Oximeter
- Accurate readings of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2)
- Shows your precise heart rate levels (pulse)
- It helps you track your health progress
- It's very easy to use
- It's a lot cheaper than visiting doctor's office
- You can carry it wherever you go
- Great for sport enthusiasts
- Whole family can use it
Things To Consider WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST Pulse Oximeter
Accuracy and Reading Consistency
You should always look for oximeters that have high-grade software that allows them to have accurate and consistent readings displayed on LCD screen.
Suitable for all finger sizes
The last thing you want is for your oximeter to be loose because then you won't have accurate readings. Another benefit of having oximeter that suits all finger sizes is that your whole family can use the same device.
Memory
It's important for oximeter to have at least 8 memory groups that allows you to track your health progress. Also, this is super helpful for seniors to not forgot their yesterday's results.
Results
You don't want an oximeter that takes 10 minutes to display results - always look for something below 10 seconds. This saves you time and energy.
Warranty
If the brand isn't offering a warranty or money-back guarantee, stay away from them. A good and well-known brand will offer a 90-day money back guarantee followed with 2 year warranty.
What To Avoid When Choosing Oximeter
Not measuring pulse
Some oximeters only measure blood saturation levels (SpO2) and they can't measure heart reate. With so many option on the market, you shouldn't buy a oximeter that can't measure pulse.
Not portable
If oximeter isn't portable then most likely it won't be accurate. You want something that you can put in your pocket and measure your pulse or oxygen on every occasion - no matter if it's in the office, restuarant, or even at the gym.
Too cheap products
There's a bit truth in the saying "you get what you pay for". There are some cheap knockoffs that cost around $20 that won't give you accurate readings, so make sure to stay away from those.
Penny M - Research Specialist
With over 15 years of experience researching and inspecting tech gadget and health tools, Penny dived deep into world of technology and health industry. Check out her world-class knowledge in our Top 5 series.
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