If you need to measure the oxygen level or the oxygen saturation of the blood then a pulse oximeter is what you may need to do this quickly and painlessly with just a clip-like device or better known as a probe or pulse oximeter. But what are the best pulse oximeters that you should be using? And why might you need one? Let’s discuss these questions and get you the right answers.
Pulse oximeters are excellent small and easy to take with you devices that help to check and measure the oxygen level or saturation of oxygen in your blood. For those that need these devices lets take a look at the ones you should be looking at based off of our reviews.
- Why would you need a pulse oximetry?
- How does Pulse Oximetry work?
- What are the 2 readings on a pulse oximeter?
- Top 6 Best Pulse Oximeters
- 1. Santamedical Generation 2 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Oximetry
- 2. Zacurate Pro Series Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
- 3. mibest OLED Finger Pulse Oximeter
- 4. FaceLake ® FL400 Pulse Oximeter
- 5. Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
- 6. iProven Oxygen Saturation Monitor – Finger Pulse Oximeter
- Best Pulse Oximeters Product Buying Guide
- Accuracy of the Oximeter
- What type of readings do you get?
- What comes with your oximeter?
- Do you have an alarm feature?
- Related Questions
Why would you need a pulse oximetry?
Pulse oximetry is used to see if you have enough oxygen in your blood. We know this, but why might you need this device? Let’s take a look.
- To monitor how well lung medicines are doing
- Persons ability to handle increasing levels of activity
- After a surgical procedure when sedation is used
- During surgery when sedation is used
- Sleep apnea
This device is also used when certain issues and conditions occur that may affect oxygen in the blood like:
- Anemia
- Lung cancer
- Heart failure
- Heart attack
- Asthma
How does Pulse Oximetry work?
Have you ever wondered how pulse oximetry works? If so, you are not alone this question gets asked a lot and we will try and give you a direct and precise answer to how pulse oximetry works. A pulse oximeter is a probe that can attach to the finger or even ear in some cases that uses a LED or light-emitting diodes that shine two different types of light red light through the person’s tissue.
When the light shines throw the tissue and onto the sensor of the pulse oximetry it can then determine which hemoglobin is in pulsatile blood. When this happens it can then know the SpO2 of arterial blood in the peripheral circulation.
What are the 2 readings on a pulse oximeter?
- Pulse rate: This is simply the heart rate which indicates the number of times a heart beats per minute.
- Blood Oxygen Saturation or the (Sp02): This is the measurement that will indicate what percentage of blood is saturated.
Top 6 Best Pulse Oximeters
Our Pick | Pulse Oximeters | Our Rating |
---|---|---|
1. | Santamedical Generation 2 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Oximetry | (4.7 / 5) |
2. | Zacurate Pro Series Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter | (4.7 / 5) |
3. | Mibest OLED Finger Pulse Oximeter | (4.6 / 5) |
4. | FaceLake ® FL400 Pulse Oximeter | (4.7 / 5) |
5. | Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter | (4.6 / 5) |
6. | iProven Oxygen Saturation Monitor – Finger Pulse Oximeter | (4.6 / 5) |
1. Santamedical Generation 2 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Oximetry
If you are looking for the best pulse oximeters the Santamedical Generation 2 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter is at the top of the list. Clinically tested and consistently accurate and reliable for fast and reliable reading.
We love how simple it is to use and read. It just takes a press of the button to your a reading. It takes the Sp02, pulse rate, and pulse rate bar level.
Light and compact with long battery life this oximeter fits most finger sizes.
We also love how easy it is to read the display. It comes in a bright OLED display that can be read in light and dark settings.
What do you get with this Oximeter? The wrist/neck cord, 2 AAA batteries, and user manual. Plus the companies 1-year warranty.
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Clinically tested
- Fast and accurate
- Bright OLED display
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Does not record info and has to be tracked manually
2. Zacurate Pro Series Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Our runner up is the Zacurate Pro-Series Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter. Not only will this device measure your Sp02 levels but it will also measure your pulse rate as well. This device uses a SMART spring system so it can fit a wide range of finger sizes. From ages 12 and up in most cases.
There are some nice features with this Oximeter. For instance, you can set an alarm that will warn you if your SpO2 and pulse rate is beyond the set limits of your input.
We also like the Plethysmograph waveform. This provides a visual presentation of your heartbeat and the amount of blood flowing through the blood vessels.
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Accurate
- Manufactured according to the FDA and CE standards
- Alarm can be set against numbers you want
- 12 year old and up
Cons
- May not read smaller fingers well
3. mibest OLED Finger Pulse Oximeter
For those looking for an out of the box device that is ready to read your level, this device will be a top choice. This Oximeter has a really easy to use the button. The button will allow the SP02 sensor to spot check and then display in real-time the Sp02, PR, Pulse bar graph. This makes this one of our best pulse oximeters of the ones we researched.
The display has something for everyone. Meaning you can change the display into 6 modes, it shows waveforms in 4 directions and has 10 levels of adjustable brightness.
This device can be used on children and adults of all agents in most cases.
Score: (4.6 / 5)
Pros
- Easy-to-use one button
- All ages can use these devices in most cases
- Multiple display settings
- Case included
Cons
- Reviews state of inconsistent readings
4. FaceLake ® FL400 Pulse Oximeter
Facelake pulse oximeter is another highly used device to measure your blood oxygen saturation levels and average heart rate. This easy-to-use and read Oximeter gives readings in several seconds. Simply put your finger into the device and then press the button to start the measurement. The BPM range is 30-240BPM.
This device uses 2 triple (AAA) batteries that are included and a carry case and lanyard include.
The device has an ergonomic design, is lightweight, can be used on most people and kids as long as their fingers are not too small.
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Easy-to-use
- Lightweight ergonomic design
- Comes with batteries and carry case with strap
Cons
- Mixed results with really small fingers
5. Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
This particular Oximeter reads and can read and display up to 100% for Sp02. Great for sports like bikers, skiers, climbers, and more that are wanting to know their Sp02 and pulse rate levels.
The smart spring system chamber allows for a wide range of people to use this particular model From twelve years and older.
What comes with this Oximeter?
You get a good amount of stuff with this purchase. It includes:
- 2 AAA batteries
- Silicon cover to keep your oximeter clean
- lanyard
- 12-month warranty
- USA technical phone support
Score: (4.6 / 5)
Pros
- 100 percent read and display for Sp02
- Excellent accessories
- 12-month warranty
- USA based technical phone support
Cons
- Poor lanyard design
6. iProven Oxygen Saturation Monitor – Finger Pulse Oximeter
This oxygen monitor with pulse rate tracking is a great choice for those of you who want a lightweight, easy-to-read oximeter to measure Sp02 and pulse rates. You can view this by numbers and also includes a bar graph.
Lightweight and easy to take with you wherever you go to take these types of measurements.
We like that this model uses an alarm that goes off when your Sp02 drops below 94%.
You get a 30-day money-back guarantee and technical support when you need it.
Score: (4.6 / 5)
Pros
- An alarm that goes off if Sp02 drops below 94 percent
- 30 day money-back guarantee
- Easy to read display
Cons
- Reviews state it could take a long time to get readings
Best Pulse Oximeters Product Buying Guide
There are some key features you should look at when purchasing a pulse oximeter. We will discuss these features and what to look for on your next purchase. These devices are just not for seniors. but anyone who needs to or wants to monitor oxygen levels in the blood.
Accuracy of the Oximeter
You want your oximeter to be as accurate as possible. We know how an oximeter works from our writing above and not all oximeters are as accurate as each other. Most reviews will State that there is some discrepancy in accuracy but that is to be expected when you have thousands of users.
The ones above have thousands or hundreds of user reviews and they are quite accurate when looking at in-depth reviews of accuracy.
Typically you should be looking at a 2 percent swing inaccuracy. So for example, if you get a reading of 85 it can be anywhere from 82 to 87 percent. 89 percent of your blood should be carrying oxygen.
What type of readings do you get?
Typically you will find that you can get readings from the Sp02 oxygen levels and your pulse rates when using a home oximeter. These are the two readings you will most often see and get.
What comes with your oximeter?
Some of the best pulse oximeters provide some accessories that will be useful. For one a carrying case can keep your oximeter clean and in good working order. For those that need a layered, you can find readers that provide those as well. Most will also come with the necessary 2 AAA batteries as well making it a right out of the box product that can be used.
Do you have an alarm feature?
Some units have an alarm feature that alerts you if your levels dip lower than a certain limit. These are important features for those who need to monitor levels. Not all of the models above have these features by some do.
For example, the iProven model has an alarm that goes off when your Sp02 drops below 94%.
Related Questions
What is the normal Sp02 oxygen level for a covid patient? A good rule is someone with COVID-19 should monitor their Sp02 levels if possible. You want to ensure that the Sp02 readings are always at or above 90 to 92%. If you have a difficult time breathing you should always contact emergency services as quickly as possible.
How accurate is a pulse oximeter? Pulse oxygen levels can be different depending on the person. BPL pulse oximeters have a four-direction display that can have an accuracy within a +2% accuracy.
So, what is the best Pulse Oximeters?
After researching many models of Oximeters. We have narrowed down our pics to the top 6 that provide accuracy, ease of use, and great features that we think will make a great and best pulse oximeter choice.
Our top choice for the best pulse oximeter is…
Santamedical Generation 2 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Oximetry
This device has accurate readings, it is easy to use, comes with some necessary features, and has a good price point. This Oximetry will make a solid choice for just about anyone who needs to monitor there Sp02 and pulse levels.