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Doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals use finger pulse oximeters daily. Although pulse oximeters became available for personal purchase long ago, it took some time for people to start using them privately.
If you are thinking about purchasing this device, then it would be a good idea to check out the pulse oximeter reviews we are about to present in today’s article.
The thing is, the sheer number of options on the market may overwhelm you, making it hard to choose the right one.
We have decided to narrow the research to the best of the best available products.
That means, if you are looking for a pulse oximeter for home use, you will undoubtedly find one appropriate for your needs.
What Is a Pulse Oximeter and What Is Its Purpose
A pulse oximeter measures the proportion of oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the blood, pulse strength, and pulse rate quickly and accurately.
In other words, it calculates the proportion of how well parts of the body (arms and legs are furthest from the heart) to which arterial blood flows are supplied with oxygen. People with COPD or respiratory health issues find this noninvasive electronic device extremely useful.
The use of a pulse oximeter is simple and easy. This device most commonly comes in the form of an ear clip or a finger clip, but you can find other varieties for different patient’s needs. You would place the device on a fingertip or an earlobe to conduct the measurement.
The device then measures the absorption of hemoglobin in the patient’s blood and calculates how much oxygen is in his/her blood. It is a small device that gives you the measurement within seconds. Oxygen saturation normally fluctuates during the day.
Readings above 92% are safe, while the optimal oxygen level should reach 97% or higher. Some of the common factors that may result in inaccurate results are cold hands, hand movements, weak pulse, and fingernail polish.
Serious athletes and mountain climbers monitor oxygen levels during workouts. Wearing a pulse oximeter is definitely not necessary during a workout, but it is useful for measuring oxygen levels in case of oxygen reduction at higher altitudes or during strenuous workouts.
However, it is highly recommended to use a pulse oximeter in case a patient is recovering from surgery or a recent illness, as well as for ones with certain medical conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, asthma, lung cancer, or COPD.
What is more, the main reason for having the insight into oxygen levels is the safety concern. In case a person has low levels of oxygen saturation, that may be hazardous for his/her health and indicate serious pulmonary issues.
Also, check out our article on Blood Sugar Monitors
Pulse Oximeter – Buyer’s Guide
Buying a pulse oximeter may seem like entering a labyrinth, as there are so many devices on the market.
Yet, if you identify your needs correctly and clearly state what you are looking for, you will simplify the process.
A pulse oximeter allows you to check on the current heart rate status, blood flow, and oxygen saturation levels. Your case will help you identify the type of oximeter your condition requires.
For example, you can find a device for recreational tracking, sports training, or sleep analysis. As you can see, we did a couple of pulse oximeter reviews to help you pick the right one among the wide range of products on the market.
In case you need an extra solution for eventual dilemmas, here is how you can ensure that you are purchasing the product you need.
We will tell you what the most important features are to look for in a pulse oximeter so that you can eliminate the ones that don’t seem to align with your needs and make the best possible purchasing decision.
Which Things to Consider When Buying a Pulse Oximeter
Accuracy and Speed
Probably the most important features of a pulse oximeter are accuracy and speed. You certainly want to purchase a device that is reliable and provides accurate readings each time you use it. That is why you should look for a reliable brand in the first place.
Oximeters come in a couple of variants, of which we already mentioned finger pulse oximeters. Some other types that are proven to be accurate are:
- Handheld oximeters (the most commonly used in hospitals)
- Wrist- oximeter
- Tabletop sensors
- Newborn oximeter (made for children’s use).
All of them are designed to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels as well as pulse rates and are highly accurate.
Additional features
You will definitely find it useful to get a pulse oximeter with additional features that provide you with readings that are more detailed. Some of these features include:
- Data recording
- Mobility
- Extended battery life
- Alarms
- Sensors
A device with audible alarms is excellent for identifying eventual health abnormalities. It will help you detect the concert at a glance so that you can take the necessary measurements. The history saves feature gives you the option to compare and keep track of previous readings. You will easily notice the improvement if you can liken recordings from the previous period to the most recent results.
As you are making an investment, you will probably expect to get a quality device for the money spent.
Aim for an oximeter that shuts off automatically after a certain inactive period. Automatic battery preservation mode will also extend the battery life of the device. Customers, especially sportsmen, really appreciate the device’s mobility.
You can keep a record of the oxygen levels while on the go, depending on your needs. In the end, you want a device that is durable and will suit your needs best without breaking the budget.
Price
As we mentioned, it is also important to find a device that is reasonably priced and provides adequate and accurate readings.
Some of the factors that form the price are brand, material, additional features, and accuracy. The great thing is that you don’t have to spend a significant amount for a decent oximeter. Be careful about warranties and return policies, as these indicate you are working with a reliable brand.
Best Pulse Oximeter Reviews
Reading through our best pulse oximeter reviews will help you significantly with finding the right product for you.
In case you may still have second thoughts, we prepared a buyer’s guide as well.
Loaids supports our seniors’ community by researching assistive products you need to live your best life. If you purchase a product after clicking on our affiliate links we earn a small commission at no cost to you.
1. Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Pro Series 500 DL by Zacurate BUDGET PICK
Among many expensive pulse oximeters on the market, you can choose the one that provides the best value and high accuracy – for a double lower price!
Zacurate Pro Series 500 DL Pulse Oximeter is definitely the product that ranks so high in the matter of value and affordability.
For athletes like the Zacurate 500 DL comes with a lanyard. They can take the device with them while training and easily fit it where it is most suitable.
A hypoallergenic, latex-free silicon layer makes this oximeter seem sleek, while it protects it from the elements.
Zacurate gifts you the batteries with the 500 DL so that you can try it out the second you take your new oximeter out of the box.
Simply slip it on your finger (if you are a patient), and the large LED bright screen will display 100% accurate results – heart rate, pulse strength, and SpO2 results. You will get the results in only 10 seconds!
SMART (Self-Adjusting Spring System) accommodates any finger size, which means both adults and children can use it.
The 500 DL battery has a great life of 30 hours, which means it won’t require you to replace the batteries too often. Zacurate gives you a one-year warranty for this purchase.
Benefits
- Accurate and reliable
- Hypoallergenic silicone finger chamber
- Bright LED display
- Smart-Adjusting Spring System
- Automatic shut down
- 30 hours of battery life
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- This is not a medical device
2. Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Generation 2 SM-165 by SantaMedical QUALITY PICK
The SantaMedical pulse oximeter has a great design and amazing features, which makes it one of the best devices to buy at the moment. You will obtain a quick assessment of arterial hemoglobin levels and pulse rate and, what is most important – get accurate results.
The device itself is handy and portable. Its bright OLED back-lit display offers great reviews both indoors and outdoors, whether the environment is dark or light.
What is more, the display has a Pulse Rate bar module and integrated SpO2 probe. It turns off automatically and has a low battery level indicator. A single set of SM 165 batteries provides up to 30 hours of continuous operation on one set of batteries.
When it comes to using the SantaMedical oximeter, it is plain and simple, but that is exactly what we are looking for—a hassle-free design. You want to get accurate and fast results, and you will—in just a few seconds. After you press the “on” button, you will see a few parameters on the display: battery level, heart rate, and waveform.
All of this—in four directions, as the display will adjust to any angle you turn. To add protection and mobility, the seller gives you a carrying case with a belt loop and accompanying neck cord so those concerned with damage can sit back and relax.
On the other hand, durable case construction is hypoallergenic and prevents dermatological reactions as well.
This oximeter operates according to a one-button design and has a self-adjusting finger clamp. Adults and children, but not infants, can use the SantaMedical device. It is lightweight, and you can carry it with you wherever you go.
The overall impression is that the SantaMedical 2-SM 165 is an extremely durable and accurate oximeter, perfect for in-home and sports use. If you are not content with the SantaMedical oximeter, the seller will give your money back 100%.
Benefits
- 4 directions and 6 models LED display
- One-button design
- Portable size
- Auto power off
- Waveform results
- 30+ hours of monitoring
- Hypoallergenic
- Money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Instructions don’t make it clear how to replace the battery
- Some of the customers would prefer if this oximeter had an alarm setting
3. Healthtree Pulse Oximeter
Whether you need frequent oxygen saturation monitoring from the comfort of your home and for medical purposes or you are an athlete or a mountain climber, the Healthtree pulse oximeter is the best choice for you. This device can be your travel companion whenever you are on the go, as it is small and comes with a soft carrying case.
Turn it on with a single touch of a button and check your blood oxygen saturation, pulse strength, and pulse rate. You need to look no further, as the Healthtree oximeter includes everything you need – batteries, neck lanyard, foam-padded box, and shock-resistant protective cover.
You can be fully confident about its battery life, as the display turns off automatically once you remove your finger, which saves batteries.
A low battery indicator will notify you before the batteries wear off. This oximeter is suitable for children (7 years and up) and adults. The manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty and excellent customer service and support.
Benefits
- Easy-to-use
- Comes with a protective silicone cover
- Uses 2-AAA batteries
- Runs up to 30 hours with a single battery set
- Low-battery indicator
- 2-year warranty Reversible display
Cons:
- Only stores and records data for up to 10 hours
- Some of the customers rated it as a bit slow
Apple Watch Pulse Oximeter Feature
Although it’s not a standalone oximeter the Apple Watch contains this feature and would be good to consider for purchase.
The pulse oximeter on an Apple Watch is designed to monitor and provide real-time measurements of your blood oxygen levels.
This non-invasive sensor measures the saturation of oxygen in the blood by using advanced algorithms and sensors located on the back of the watch, it shines infrared light through the skin to detect blood color and calculate oxygen levels.
This feature is especially valuable for detecting potential health issues early, such as sleep apnea, respiratory infections, or other conditions that affect oxygen absorption. It integrates into the Apple Health app and allows users to track trends over time.
Conclusion
Some of the pulse oximeters we mentioned in this article are intended for medical use, while the others have their use in the non-medical sector. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional, as all of them are easy to use and provide a great way to track vital measurements.
Our pulse oximeter reviews list should give you a clear idea of what is the best product for you. We wanted to give you insight into the best pulse oximeters on the market that provide a great number of features, are durable, accurate, and affordable.
OUR CHOICE
After our thorough research and pulse oximeter reviews, we can conclude that the Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Generation 2 SM-165 by SantaMedical is the best overall pick.
This device is intended for medical purposes as well for athletes, pilots, and mountain climbers. If you choose this oximeter, you can be completely confident about the quality you get for the price.
This pulse oximeter comes with numerous features and provides an accurate and quick checkup of the oxygen saturation in your blood. With 30+ monitoring hours, 6 models display, waveform results, and hypoallergenic properties, the 2 SM-165 pulse oximeter by Santa Medical beats the competition and wins first place.
What is your favorite best pulse oximeter? Please share with us below.
