In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsTypes of Pulse OximetersWhat Healthcare Providers Want You to KnowWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderHow We Tested and SelectedHow Pulse Oximeters WorkHow to Use and ReadOur ExpertsFrequently Asked QuestionsWhy Trust Verywell Health
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
Types of Pulse Oximeters
What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
When to See a Healthcare Provider
How We Tested and Selected
How Pulse Oximeters Work
How to Use and Read
Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Verywell Health
Verywell Health / Kevin Liang
A pulse oximeter is a noninvasive medical device thatestimates the saturation of hemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cellsresponsible for carrying oxygen to your organs and cells, saysFrançois Lellouche, MD, PhD, member of the American College of Chest Physicians and professor at the Department of Medicine at Laval University. They are commonly used tomonitor oxygen levelsin doctor’s offices, emergency departments, and homes—especially in peoplerecovering from illnessor with respiratory conditions likeasthmaandchronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Pilots and athletes also use pulse oximeters to track their oxygen saturation (SpO2) during high-altitude and high-intensity activities. Most people have anormal oxygen saturation level of 95–100%. That said,Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, triple board-certified physician and chief medical advisor for Sleep Advisor, says not to rely on a pulse oximeter for a health diagnosis.
To find the best pulse oximeter on the market, we researched dozens of products and tested 14 options in theVerywell Testing Labunder the expert guidance of a board-certified physician. We consideredease of setup, fit, ease of use, data readability, and overall valueduring testing. Additionally, a board-certified physician from ourMedical Expert Boardreviewed this article to ensure medical accuracy.
Pulse oximeters are becoming more advanced and increasingly accessible, and several types are now available, such as fingertip, wrist-worn, and sleep trackers. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of pulse oximeters:
If you see alow oxygen reading, first ensure you’re using the device correctly and that no external factors are affecting the readings, such as poor circulation, cold hands, nail polish, or low battery. Dasgupta advises to stay calm and recheck the home reading. If youroxygen saturation level is 92% or lower, he advises that you call your healthcare provider. If it’s88% or lower, immediately get to the nearest emergency department. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain also warrant immediate medical attention.
Our Top PicksBest for Most Users and Usecases:Zacurate Pro Series 500DL at Amazon$23Jump to ReviewBest for Kids:Zacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeter at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest for Chronic Conditions:Wellue Wearable Oxygen Monitor at Amazon$200Jump to ReviewBest for Overnight Monitoring:SLEEPON Go2Sleep Wearable Sleeping Monitor at Sleepon.usJump to Review
Best for Most Users and Usecases:Zacurate Pro Series 500DL at Amazon$23Jump to ReviewBest for Kids:Zacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeter at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest for Chronic Conditions:Wellue Wearable Oxygen Monitor at Amazon$200Jump to ReviewBest for Overnight Monitoring:SLEEPON Go2Sleep Wearable Sleeping Monitor at Sleepon.usJump to Review
Best for Most Users and Usecases:Zacurate Pro Series 500DL at Amazon$23Jump to Review
Best for Most Users and Usecases:Zacurate Pro Series 500DL at Amazon$23
Best for Most Users and Usecases:
Best for Kids:Zacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeter at Amazon$30Jump to Review
Best for Kids:Zacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeter at Amazon$30
Best for Kids:
Best for Chronic Conditions:Wellue Wearable Oxygen Monitor at Amazon$200Jump to Review
Best for Chronic Conditions:Wellue Wearable Oxygen Monitor at Amazon$200
Best for Chronic Conditions:
Best for Overnight Monitoring:SLEEPON Go2Sleep Wearable Sleeping Monitor at Sleepon.usJump to Review
Best for Overnight Monitoring:SLEEPON Go2Sleep Wearable Sleeping Monitor at Sleepon.us
Best for Overnight Monitoring:
Best for Most Users and UsecasesZacurate Pro Series 500DLPHOTO: Amazon$23 at Amazon$23 at WalmartView on Zacurate.comProsLarge displayDoesn’t require an appIncludes carrying case and lanyardConsNo long-term data trackingReports of short battery lifeKey SpecsDisplay:LED |Power:Battery, 40 hours |Connectivity:NoneWhy We Recommend ItTheZacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeteris our best overall pick because it’sstraightforward, easy to use, and accurate. The large display provides clear readings of your oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate. During testing, we found that this modelaccommodates a range of finger sizesandprovides quick results. Unlike other pulse oximeters, the Zacurate Pro Series 500DL doesn’t require an app or additional software.The simplicity alone makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a simple device without advanced (and sometimes time-consuming) features. After slipping the device onto our finger and pressing the power button, our reading was displayed inbright red LED numbers. It comes with two AAA batteries, a lanyard for carrying, and a protective case. Children ages 12 and up can use this device.However, if you’re looking for a high-tech finger pulse oximeter, theiHealth Wireless Pulse Oximetercould be a better fit for you. It uses an app to store readings for multiple users and automatically transfers your readings. However, it’s also highly sensitive, and small movements can create inaccurate readings.Keep In MindIt’s a basic model without advanced insights or data-tracking features, so it may not be the best pick if you’re looking for a device to track your oxygen saturation levels over time. Some users report a shorter-than-expected battery life, so keep extra batteries on hand.Health / Leticia Almeida
Best for Most Users and UsecasesZacurate Pro Series 500DLPHOTO: Amazon$23 at Amazon$23 at WalmartView on Zacurate.com
Best for Most Users and UsecasesZacurate Pro Series 500DL
Best for Most Users and Usecases
Zacurate Pro Series 500DL
PHOTO: Amazon
$23 at Amazon$23 at WalmartView on Zacurate.com
ProsLarge displayDoesn’t require an appIncludes carrying case and lanyardConsNo long-term data trackingReports of short battery life
ProsLarge displayDoesn’t require an appIncludes carrying case and lanyard
Large display
Doesn’t require an app
Includes carrying case and lanyard
ConsNo long-term data trackingReports of short battery life
No long-term data tracking
Reports of short battery life
Key Specs
Display:LED |Power:Battery, 40 hours |Connectivity:None
Why We Recommend It
TheZacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeteris our best overall pick because it’sstraightforward, easy to use, and accurate. The large display provides clear readings of your oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate. During testing, we found that this modelaccommodates a range of finger sizesandprovides quick results. Unlike other pulse oximeters, the Zacurate Pro Series 500DL doesn’t require an app or additional software.
The simplicity alone makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a simple device without advanced (and sometimes time-consuming) features. After slipping the device onto our finger and pressing the power button, our reading was displayed inbright red LED numbers. It comes with two AAA batteries, a lanyard for carrying, and a protective case. Children ages 12 and up can use this device.
However, if you’re looking for a high-tech finger pulse oximeter, theiHealth Wireless Pulse Oximetercould be a better fit for you. It uses an app to store readings for multiple users and automatically transfers your readings. However, it’s also highly sensitive, and small movements can create inaccurate readings.
Keep In Mind
It’s a basic model without advanced insights or data-tracking features, so it may not be the best pick if you’re looking for a device to track your oxygen saturation levels over time. Some users report a shorter-than-expected battery life, so keep extra batteries on hand.
Health / Leticia Almeida
Best for KidsZacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse OximeterPHOTO: Amazon$30 at Amazon$30 at WalmartView on Zacurate.comProsMultiple display formatsLarge, bright numbersGood for kids two years and upConsCan’t be used on infantsNo long-term data trackingKey SpecsDisplay:OLED |Power:Battery, 30 hours |Connectivity:NoneWhy We Recommend ItLellouche says pulse oximeters are safe for children when used correctly. When sickness and illness strike, monitoring their oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate may provide peace of mind and help you gauge their recovery. We chose TheZacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeterbecause it offers the same technology as our best overall pick, just for smaller, more delicate fingers.In testing, we appreciated theeasy setup, quick andaccurate readings, and the display options—there aresix display formatsto choose from. It takes seconds to slip your finger into the device, power it on, and get a reading. The results are displayed inbright blue numberswith a pulse bar graph and plethysmograph (a wave representing your pulse). Plus, we think thefun polar bear designwill be a hit with most kids.Children have smaller fingers, so apediatric-specific pulse oximeter is crucialto ensure it fits properly and provides accurate readings. If the pulse oximeter is too large, the light source and sensor may not align accurately, resulting in inaccurate readings. Excessive movement or wriggling during use can also affect the accuracy of readings.Keep In MindThis device is not suitable for infants or newborns. The company recommends it for children 2 years and older. As with several other models on this list, it doesn’t have the ability to track your reading over time. You may have to keep a log of your child’s readings if you’d like to share it with a healthcare provider.Health / Leticia Almeida
Best for KidsZacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse OximeterPHOTO: Amazon$30 at Amazon$30 at WalmartView on Zacurate.com
Best for KidsZacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeter
Best for Kids
Zacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeter
$30 at Amazon$30 at WalmartView on Zacurate.com
ProsMultiple display formatsLarge, bright numbersGood for kids two years and upConsCan’t be used on infantsNo long-term data tracking
ProsMultiple display formatsLarge, bright numbersGood for kids two years and up
Multiple display formats
Large, bright numbers
Good for kids two years and up
ConsCan’t be used on infantsNo long-term data tracking
Can’t be used on infants
Display:OLED |Power:Battery, 30 hours |Connectivity:None
Lellouche says pulse oximeters are safe for children when used correctly. When sickness and illness strike, monitoring their oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate may provide peace of mind and help you gauge their recovery. We chose TheZacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeterbecause it offers the same technology as our best overall pick, just for smaller, more delicate fingers.
In testing, we appreciated theeasy setup, quick andaccurate readings, and the display options—there aresix display formatsto choose from. It takes seconds to slip your finger into the device, power it on, and get a reading. The results are displayed inbright blue numberswith a pulse bar graph and plethysmograph (a wave representing your pulse). Plus, we think thefun polar bear designwill be a hit with most kids.
Children have smaller fingers, so apediatric-specific pulse oximeter is crucialto ensure it fits properly and provides accurate readings. If the pulse oximeter is too large, the light source and sensor may not align accurately, resulting in inaccurate readings. Excessive movement or wriggling during use can also affect the accuracy of readings.
This device is not suitable for infants or newborns. The company recommends it for children 2 years and older. As with several other models on this list, it doesn’t have the ability to track your reading over time. You may have to keep a log of your child’s readings if you’d like to share it with a healthcare provider.
Best for Chronic ConditionsWellue Wearable Oxygen MonitorPHOTO: Amazon$200$180 at AmazonView on Getwellue.comProsReal-time trackingFits fingers up to 3.2 inches in diameterFree app for storing and sharing dataConsBulkyNeeds charge before first useKey SpecsDisplay:LED |Power:Rechargeable, up to 16 hours |Connectivity:Connects to app via BluetoothWhy We Recommend ItTheWellue Viatom O2Ring Wearable Oxygen Monitordiffers slightly from standard devices. Itfits on your finger like a ringandcontinuously monitorsyour oxygen saturation and heart rate for as long as you wear it (the rechargeable battery lasts up to 16 hours). You can wear it while sleeping, during exercise, or whenever you want to monitor your values in real-time. A wearable monitor like this can also benefit people with chronic conditions such asasthmaor COPD.We like that it fitsfinger sizes ranging from 2 to 3.2 inchesin diameter. The accompanying app isuser-friendlyand offersdetailed insightsinto your data, like youraverages and body movements. You can set vibration reminders to take readings, easily share your data with healthcare providers, anddownload your results in PDF format. A vibration sensor notifies you if your levels drop too low or spike too high. It comes with a charging cable that plugs into a USB port.Keep In MindThis device is bulkier than fitness rings and may take some time to adjust to. You’ll need to charge it before connecting to the app and using it for the first time.PHOTO: Health / Leticia AlmeidaPHOTO: Health / Leticia Almeida
Best for Chronic ConditionsWellue Wearable Oxygen MonitorPHOTO: Amazon$200$180 at AmazonView on Getwellue.com
Best for Chronic ConditionsWellue Wearable Oxygen Monitor
Best for Chronic Conditions
Wellue Wearable Oxygen Monitor
$200$180 at AmazonView on Getwellue.com
ProsReal-time trackingFits fingers up to 3.2 inches in diameterFree app for storing and sharing dataConsBulkyNeeds charge before first use
ProsReal-time trackingFits fingers up to 3.2 inches in diameterFree app for storing and sharing data
Real-time tracking
Fits fingers up to 3.2 inches in diameter
Free app for storing and sharing data
ConsBulkyNeeds charge before first use
Bulky
Needs charge before first use
Display:LED |Power:Rechargeable, up to 16 hours |Connectivity:Connects to app via Bluetooth
TheWellue Viatom O2Ring Wearable Oxygen Monitordiffers slightly from standard devices. Itfits on your finger like a ringandcontinuously monitorsyour oxygen saturation and heart rate for as long as you wear it (the rechargeable battery lasts up to 16 hours). You can wear it while sleeping, during exercise, or whenever you want to monitor your values in real-time. A wearable monitor like this can also benefit people with chronic conditions such asasthmaor COPD.
We like that it fitsfinger sizes ranging from 2 to 3.2 inchesin diameter. The accompanying app isuser-friendlyand offersdetailed insightsinto your data, like youraverages and body movements. You can set vibration reminders to take readings, easily share your data with healthcare providers, anddownload your results in PDF format. A vibration sensor notifies you if your levels drop too low or spike too high. It comes with a charging cable that plugs into a USB port.
This device is bulkier than fitness rings and may take some time to adjust to. You’ll need to charge it before connecting to the app and using it for the first time.
PHOTO: Health / Leticia AlmeidaPHOTO: Health / Leticia Almeida
Best for Overnight MonitoringSLEEPON Go2Sleep Wearable Sleeping MonitorPHOTO: SLEEPONView on Sleepon.us
Best for Overnight MonitoringSLEEPON Go2Sleep Wearable Sleeping Monitor
Best for Overnight Monitoring
SLEEPON Go2Sleep Wearable Sleeping Monitor
PHOTO: SLEEPON
View on Sleepon.us
ProsWorn on base of fingerReal-time tracking sleep metric trackingApp provides personalized sleep scoreConsCan only see results in appMore expensive than traditional pulse oximeters
ProsWorn on base of fingerReal-time tracking sleep metric trackingApp provides personalized sleep score
Worn on base of finger
Real-time tracking sleep metric tracking
App provides personalized sleep score
ConsCan only see results in appMore expensive than traditional pulse oximeters
Can only see results in app
More expensive than traditional pulse oximeters
Display:None |Power:Rechargeable, 2 nights |Connectivity:Connects to app via Bluetooth
We like that the apptracks oxygen levels, heart rate, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen saturation,andsleep qualityandquantity. It provides a personalized report each morning and offers tips on improving your sleep based on the data collected. Therechargeable batterylasts up to two nights (it takes two hours to charge fully). It comes with a sleek wireless charger, charging cable, three size options for the wearable sensor, and instructions.
The tracker takes continuous readings while you sleep, but you’ll need to open the app in the morning to sync the data from the device. Because it has more advanced features and detailed tracking, it’s more expensive than traditional options.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Oximeters
We spent hours in theVerywell Testing Labtesting 14 pulse oximeters to find the most accurate, reliable, and user-friendly options. We picked our top pulse oximeters based on the following criteria:
How to Use and Read a Pulse Oximeter
Using a pulse oximeter correctly is crucial for obtaining accurate readings. Themiddle or index fingeris recommended for the best results. Ensure your hand is warm, relaxed, and held below heart level before placing the oximeter on your finger. Ensure your finger covers the light and sensor. After turning on the device, it will display your heart rate and oxygen saturation level.
To read a pulse oximeter, watch the display until the readings stabilize, typically within 30 seconds. Anormal pulse oximeter readingusually ranges from95% to 100% SpO2, indicating adequate oxygen levels in your blood. Meanwhile, the heart rate displayed corresponds to the number of beats per minute and should reflect your current physical state, whether at rest or during activity.
A readingbelow 92% may warrant further investigation, especially if symptoms such asdifficulty breathingorchest painare present, as this could indicateinsufficient oxygenation, says Dasgupta. Always consult healthcare professionals if you have questions about your readings. It may also be a good idea to take your device to your doctor’s appointments and check it against the readings from their equipment for a more accurate comparison.
We spoke with breathing experts to gain insights into what makes a good pulse oximeter and how to use it correctly. Our experts include:
Frequently Asked QuestionsRachel Medbery, MD, thoracic surgeon with Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons in Texas, says it depends on the type of oximeter you’re using and what you plan to use it for. She notes that over-the-counter pulse oximeters sold online or in pharmacies without a prescription from your doctor are not FDA-reviewed. They should not be used for professional medical purposes, though they’re safe for basic spot checks at home.The FDA rigorously tests and reviews prescription pulse oximeters. While these are typically used in doctor’s offices, Medbery says sometimes doctors prescribe them for at-home use in their patients. It’s important to understand the limitations of at-home pulse oximeters, as movement, temperature, and nail polish can impact their accuracy.
Rachel Medbery, MD, thoracic surgeon with Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons in Texas, says it depends on the type of oximeter you’re using and what you plan to use it for. She notes that over-the-counter pulse oximeters sold online or in pharmacies without a prescription from your doctor are not FDA-reviewed. They should not be used for professional medical purposes, though they’re safe for basic spot checks at home.The FDA rigorously tests and reviews prescription pulse oximeters. While these are typically used in doctor’s offices, Medbery says sometimes doctors prescribe them for at-home use in their patients. It’s important to understand the limitations of at-home pulse oximeters, as movement, temperature, and nail polish can impact their accuracy.
Rachel Medbery, MD, thoracic surgeon with Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons in Texas, says it depends on the type of oximeter you’re using and what you plan to use it for. She notes that over-the-counter pulse oximeters sold online or in pharmacies without a prescription from your doctor are not FDA-reviewed. They should not be used for professional medical purposes, though they’re safe for basic spot checks at home.
The FDA rigorously tests and reviews prescription pulse oximeters. While these are typically used in doctor’s offices, Medbery says sometimes doctors prescribe them for at-home use in their patients. It’s important to understand the limitations of at-home pulse oximeters, as movement, temperature, and nail polish can impact their accuracy.
Lindsay Modglinis a nurse and journalist with several years of clinical cardiac experience. As a health professional, she understands the importance of quality medical products and services. Her goal is to help readers make actionable and informed decisions about the products and services they use to improve their lives.
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