These Expert-Recommended Pulse Oximeters Are Important to Have Handy During a COVID Surge (2024)

A pulse oximeter is a noninvasive medical device that estimates the saturation of hemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen to your organs and cells, says François 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 to monitor oxygen levels in doctor's offices, emergency departments, and homes—especially in people recovering from illness or with respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic 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 a normal 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 the Verywell Testing Lab under the expert guidance of a board-certified physician. We considered ease of setup, fit, ease of use, data readability, and overall value during testing. Additionally, a board-certified physician from our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article to ensure medical accuracy.

Types of Pulse Oximeters

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:

• Fingertip: These are the most popular type of pulse oximeter and typically clip onto your finger like a clothespin. Most are compact and portable, so you can easily toss them in your bag or car. Some models come with a lanyard or carrying case. They're also relatively inexpensive compared to other types of pulse oximeters.
• Wrist: These devices sit on the wrist like a watch. A sensor on the back of the device measures the oxygen level in your blood. While they can be more comfortable than fingertip models, they may have a higher margin of error.
• Sleep Trackers: Sleep trackers are worn on the base of your finger or fingertip and continuously monitor your oxygen saturation and heart rate while you sleep. They often come with an app that tracks your sleep quality and provides personalized tips for improving your sleep.

What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know

• Pulse oximeters and dark skin tones: According to Dr. Lellouche, melanin absorbs near-infrared light (the same type of light used in pulse oximeters), which may impact pulse oximeter accuracy in patients with darker skin pigmentation. This could contribute to an overestimation of oxygen saturation. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 10 recent studies have documented that pulse oximeters may increase the risk of occult hypoxemia, a condition in which oxygen levels may be lower than what's being read by the pulse oximeter.
• Your health needs: If you have a specific health condition requiring frequent monitoring of your oxygen levels, such as COPD or sleep apnea, it's best to consult your doctor about which pulse oximeter is best for your needs. They may recommend a specific type or brand that aligns with your health goals and provides more accurate readings. Fitness enthusiasts should consider a pulse oximeter with advanced features for tracking oxygen levels during workouts, as many devices don’t record data accurately during movement.
• Accurate results may vary: Dr. Lellouche says pulse oximeter accuracy is typically between 2% and 4%. This means the value measured by your pulse oximeter is within 2 to 4% of your true SaO2. However, Dr. Lellouche says that some at-home models can have a higher margin of error, up to 10%. Skin pigmentation and brand reliability are two of the most significant factors affecting this margin of error.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you see a low 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. Dr. Raj advises to stay calm and recheck the home reading. If your oxygen saturation level is 92% or lower, he advises that you call your healthcare provider. If it’s 88% or lower, immediately get to the nearest emergency department. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain also warrant immediate medical attention.

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How We Tested and Selected the Best Oximeters

We spent hours in the Verywell Testing Lab testing 14 pulse oximeters to find the most accurate, reliable, and user-friendly options. We picked our top pulse oximeters based on the following criteria:

• Ease of Setup: We noted whether each option was ready for use out of the box or required additional steps, like downloading an app or installing batteries. If it needed smartphone pairing, we tested the process and noted any issues.
• Fit: We assessed whether each device fit comfortably and securely or chafed or pinched the skin. We also noted whether the device felt durable or flimsy to gauge its longevity.
• Ease of Use: We considered how easy it was to turn the device on and off, take measurements, and access any additional features. We also noted whether the device had any buttons or menus that could be confusing.
• Data Readability: We paid close attention to the quality of the display and whether it was easy to read in different lighting conditions. Each device also displays heart rate and oxygen saturation in varying formats (digital or bar graph, for example), so we noted which options were easiest to interpret. Pulse oximeters with a companion app were also evaluated for the app's readability and data tracking and storing capabilities.
• Overall Value: While value wasn't the main consideration in our selection, we did consider the cost of each device and its overall performance to determine whether it was worth the price.
  

How Pulse Oximeters Work

Pulse oximetry works by shining light through the skin and measuring how much of that light is absorbed by oxygenated versus deoxygenated blood. Oxygen-rich blood absorbs more infrared light, while red light is mostly absorbed by deoxygenated blood. By comparing these two readings, a pulse oximeter calculates the percentage of oxygen saturation in your blood—usually within 30 seconds.

Most pulse oximeters also measure heart rate by analyzing the pulsing pattern of blood flow. The device displays these readings on a small screen. Depending on your chosen device, it may also show a graph of your oxygen saturation or a visual representation of your heart rate, usually as a wave or bar. Pulse oximeters with companion apps connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, offering long-tracking and additional health insights.

How to Use and Read a Pulse Oximeter

Using a pulse oximeter correctly is crucial for obtaining accurate readings. The middle or index finger is 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. A normal pulse oximeter reading usually ranges from 95% 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 reading below 92% may warrant further investigation, especially if symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain are present, as this could indicate insufficient oxygenation, says Dr. Raj. 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.

Our Experts

We spoke with breathing experts to gain insights into what makes a good pulse oximeter and how to use it correctly. Our experts include:

• François Lellouche, MD, PhD, member of the American College of Chest Physicians and professor at the Department of Medicine at Laval University
• Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, triple board-certified physician and chief medical advisor for Sleep Advisor
• Rachel Medbery, MD, thoracic surgeon with Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons in Texas
• Kathleen Dass, MD, physician at Michigan Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center
• Sanjeev Jain, MD, PhD, FACAAI, allergist and immunologist at Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic
• Kunjana Mavunda, MD, pediatric pulmonologist at KIDZ Medical Services in Florida
• Daniel Murphy, MD, assistant professor and medical director of the Section of Internal Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine

Why Trust Verywell Health

Lindsay Modglin is 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 byline has been featured in global publications like Forbes, Healthline, Insider, Yahoo, and more. Her goal is to help readers make actionable and informed decisions about the products and services they use to improve their lives.