Best Pulse Oximeters for Adults, Children, and Pets | Reviews and Buying Guide

The best pulse oximeters are used for people suffering from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), CHF (congestive heart failure), and other conditions. Even people having no health problems like to see what their pulse rate is.

Oximeters use a technology to measure the oxygen level in your blood as well as giving you your heart rate. The finger pulse oximeter detects any changes of the oxygen in your blood so that you can control any disorder you might have. Why do you need an Oximeter? Because it is crucial to know your blood oxygen level because if it is too low that can lead to problems with respiratory and/or organ dysfunction!

The finger oximeter is easy to use by simply clipping it over your finger for an immediate blood oxygen readout by the built-in sensors. It will shine infrared light through your finger and relay the oxygen level as a digital number on the screen with the oxygen percent. You will see your pulse rate as well.

Importance of Oxygen in The Blood

The measurement is that of the hemoglobin—the protein in the blood that carries the oxygen. People without pulmonary (lung) issues, typically will have 95% to 99% oxygen levels. A pulse oximeter lets crewmembers and passengers of an airplane to evaluate their real need for supplemental oxygen quickly and easily. However, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has not yet given any official recommendations for the use of pulse oximetry in flight.

When breathing room air at or near sea level, an estimate of arterial O₂ (oxygen) can be made from the blood-oxygen monitor saturation of a peripheral oxygen (SpO₂) reading so be sure your oximeter gives this data. Pregnant mothers-to-be, babies, and children can use oximeters, but please read the instructions that might prevent this with the oximeter you buy.

A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation levels in the blood circulation through your body. All your organs and all of you must have oxygen to live. You get oxygen into your body through your lungs when you inhale air. It then goes to the heart and through the body via the blood vessels. The normal oxygen saturation for most people is within 95% and 100%.

If it drops below 90%, then the person will need auxiliary oxygen to fix this usually with supplementary oxygen in a tank and tube that goes to the lower nose. With a medical condition such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), asthma, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, heart disease, and other illnesses reducing oxygen levels can lead to malfunctioning of organs and even death. Low oxygen starvation makes people out of breath and running out of energy just getting out of a chair.

A finger pulse oximeter is the most customary one used. It is portable and most patients or people not sick and wanting to know their rates use it at home to keep track of their blood oxygen level and heart rate. The finger pulse oximeter is shaped like an alligator clip to be put on the finger and sometimes the earlobe. The screen your read is on the clip. Infrared light is passed through all oximeters through the veins to show oxygenated or unoxygenated blood cells. If your hand or finger is cold, pulse oximeters might not give an accurate reading.

A handheld oximeter is what hospitals and medical institutions use. But home users value them as well. They are more complex. There is a cable attaching the clip to the screen rather than the screen being attached to the clip. The infrared is used for your reading and this helps doctors make your correct diagnosis. It can be attached to your toe in emergencies for a reading.

A wrist pulse oximeter is worn around the wrist providing the same results as a finger pulse oximeter. The wrist pulse oximeter is perfect for use in monitoring everyday activities or for research such as an overnight sleep study because it is handy and has long-lasting memory.

A fetal pulse oximeter is used to diagnose if the baby is healthy or not when passing through the birth canal being born. The device has a probe that is put on the baby’s head to get a reading from the baby’s skull by the passing of light rays rather than the typical finger oximeter. The probe helps to get the device to the baby through the birth canal then the doctor can be informed beforehand of complications when using this device for taking the necessary steps quicker.

A pediatric oximeter is made especially for a baby’s small fingers, toes, or wrapping around the ankles.

A veterinary oximeter is used for your pets and for professional veterinarians who are the pet doctors and pet whisperers keeping our pets and livestock healthy.

The ​Acc U-Rate® Pro Series oximeter is for sports and aviation use only states the manufacturer. The pulse oximeter LED (Light Emitting Diodes) display now faces the user to read it easily. The model CMS 500DL is generation 2 with upgraded internal parts. It is reliable and accurate every time you use it. It comes with a free silicon cover, 2 each AAA batteries, and a 12-inch lanyard to wrap around your wrist, around your neck, belt, or purse.

The large digital numerals are large, easy to see, and red in color. The unit itself is mystic black. The Acc U-Rate^® Pro is a best seller on Amazon.com^® for under $25 so is affordable for everyone. The medical grade silicone finger chamber is hypoallergenic and latex-free made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic. The life of the batteries is 40-hours. It is not suitable to be used on infants, toddlers, children, and pets. See #10 below for infants and #11 for pets.

Your saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO₂) level up to 100% will be accurately shown on the LED (light emitting diodes) screen with your pulse rate (PR) within 10-seconds. It will fit the fingers of children from age 12 to seniors. The low battery indicator alerts you to insert new batteries. The unit does not keep a history of your readings; it is one-time only and ended.

The oximeter is used by athletes, pilots, sports buffs, bikers, skiers, mountain climbers and anyone needing to measure their levels. The oximeter is great to take with you wherever you go and when you travel. Doctors and other health professionals use this oximeter. It is the only pulse oximeter that can read and display up to 100% for SpO₂ value. See the dimensions below and the unit weighs about 4-ounces. The box you will receive in the mail measures 3-1/4-inches x 3-inches x 2-inches.

To take your reading, clip it on your finger with its finger chamber with SMART Spring System, normally the index finger next to your thumb, then press the button. Be sure to keep the silicon cover on to protect the device from dirt, perspiration, and the elements. The device is not waterproof. It will automatically shut off after about 10-15 seconds after removing your finger. It does not have Smartphone ports. This model does not have an alarm sound. This pulse oximeter cannot be used to monitor O₂ levels overnight such as with CPAP unit.

The Acc U-Rate^® Pro Series is manufactured to CE and FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) standards. The CE marking is a certification mark that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). CE originated in 1985 as an abbreviation of Conformité Européenne, meaning European Conformity.

The manufacturer states: Acc U-Rate^® is a registered trademark of USPTO (the United States Patent and Trademark Office). We will actively and aggressively pursue any parties who infringe on our intellectual property rights to the maximum extent allowed by the law. Beware of imitations; buy the original. Acc U-Rate^® Pulse Oximeter that is designed in the USA. This oximeter is for sports and aviation use only and is not a medical device.

Overview for those on the go!

Have your finger clean when inserting. The unit can be cleaned with rubbing alcohol. It cannot be used when running or moving since it will fall off with inaccurate readings anyway. If you have circulation problems with your hands and fingers, it is suggested that you warm your hands and fingers under warm water or rub them together before taking the measurements.

You can use either hand for your reading; however, the heart rate reading could be higher on the left rather than the right side. Doctors and professionals use the right hand. Please note that nail polish and false fingernails may cause false readings. The oximeter does not come with a storage case but you can purchase the Acc U-Rate^® Fingertip Pulse Oximeter black carrying case on Amazon.com.

Gift-wrapping is available for your loved ones, sports friends, and elders. You will receive with the unit a lanyard, free silicone cover, 2 AAA batteries, User’s Manual, and a lifetime hassle-free product replacement guarantee with a 12-month Warranty and USA-based technical phone support. The unit must be bought from Med Shop & Beyond and they are sold on Amazon.com^®so the Warranty is still valid if your purchase is made through Amazon. The Warranty is void if you purchase through a third-party. The oximeter is designed and developed in the USA and made in China.

The FaceLake^® pulse oximeter and blood oxygen monitor model FL-50B will promptly display your blood SpO₂ oxygen saturation arterial hemoglobin levels to include your pulse strength and rate in less than 10-seconds. The large red letters are easy to see on the LED screen.

Dubbed as the best pulse oximeter for sleep apnea, this portable pulse oximeter from Facelake has a display that shows your oxygen blood saturation and pulse strength readings. Accurate readings from these are needed for patients undergoing sleep apnea treatment.

Children and adults can use the pulse oximeter. The push button at the front top lets you turn it on and it automatically shuts off to conserve the energy from the batteries. Oximeters are used by doctors and others in the healthcare profession. Your heart rate will be shown on the bar graph. Your finger fits snuggly inside pressing the bottom push button to open with the spring action at the fingertip.

The unit has been designed, engineered, and tested to meet the FDA 510(K) number K082641 and CE standards. The dimensions are 3.3- x 1.3- x 1.2-inches and weighs 1.8 ounces. The included batteries last about 30 hours.

Gift-wrapping is available for your loved ones and sports friends. You will receive with the unit a lanyard for wearing around your neck or wrist, carrying case, 2 AAA batteries, User’s Manual, a 30-day money back guarantee, and a 1-year Warranty.

The Easy@Home^® deluxe oximeter with OLED display in 4 directions and 6 modes is model number EHP50D1. It gives you your SpO₂ and rate of your heartbeat in under 10 seconds. Only push the one button to use the fingertip device. Feel confident taking your measurements anywhere, even the cockpit of a plane in the sky!

The 2-color OLED display gives you your measurements in bar graphs and waveforms. Your last waveform will be saved after the unit is turned off. It is FDA approved. The dimensions are 3.5- x 2.5- x 2-inches weighing about 0.3 ounces. It is not water resistant. Easy@Home^® provides these specifications:

Gift-wrapping is available for your loved ones and sports friends. You will receive with the unit a neck/wrist cord, carrying case, and 2 AA batteries, User’s Manual with a Lifetime free replacement Guarantee.

The Innovo model number 430J-PE fingertip pulse oximeter is a best seller on Amazon.com^® and is affordable. The unit is accurate and reliable every time you use it in a premium white color with black trim. The plethysmograph and perfusion index(PI) tells you if you are taking your SpO₂ and pulse rate properly. These waves match the amplitude (scale upward) for the amount of blood sensed in your blood vessels.

See amplitude and wavelength scales in the graph above. The oximeter is not to be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The unit does not keep a history of your readings; it is one-time only and ended. It is not suitable to be used on infants, toddlers, children, and pets. See #10 below for infants and #11 for pets.

You will see your readings on the OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diodes) screen in blue colors with 6 multidirectional display choices.  How the plethysmograph SpO₂ waveform and perfusion index help you:

Each plethysmograph wavelength matches the amplitude to the amount of blood found in your blood. When the amplitude is consistent as shown in the graph above, the oximeter is enhanced for the readings to be shown to you.

The perfusion index tells you the strength of your pulse. If the reading is lower than 0.2%, it could either mean your hands and fingers are too cold or your finger is not inserted correctly, so warm your hands under warm water, position your finger securely between the OLED light and sensor with no long fingernail or artificial nail and try again.

This upgraded model has an alarm to alert you when your pulse rate and SpO₂ rates are beyond the set limits and you will hear the beep from the alarm each time your pulse is detected. If you go to settings, you will be able to turn off the beep sound. You can adjust the brightness of the LED screen also.

The oximeter is wonderful to have around for sports enthusiasts and athletes, hikers, mountain climbers, skiers, bikers, aviators or anyone wanting or needing to know their SpO₂ and pulse rate while on the move.

The 12-inch lanyard to wrap around your neck or other body areas or items is free and the unit has 2 each AAA batteries. It does not come with a silicone cover. You can buy a hardcover for about $5 here. See the dimensions below and the unit weighs about 4-ounces.

The technical details below show you that the battery life is 40-hours, and the accuracy is ± 2%.

The manufacturer states: Innovo is a registered trademark of USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office). We will actively and aggressively pursue any parties who infringe on our intellectual property rights to the maximum extent allowed by the law. Beware of imitations; buy the original. The Innovo Pulse Oximeter is designed in the USA.

The Innovo oximeter is manufactured to CE and FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) standards. The CE marking is a certification mark that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). CE originated in 1985 as an abbreviation of Conformité Européenne, meaning European Conformity.

This oximeter is for sports, running, high-altitude activities, and aviation use only and is not a medical device. It might not work for kids under 12 or adults with small fingers. This pulse oximeter cannot be used to monitor O₂ levels overnight such as with a CPAP unit. It does not have Bluetooth^® or Smartphone ports.

Gift-wrapping is available for your loved ones, sports friends, and elders. You will receive with the unit a lanyard, 2 AAA batteries, User’s Manual, and a 12-month Warranty. The oximeter is designed and developed in the USA and made in China.

The MeasuPro instantly reads your values displaying them on the OLED (organic light emitting diodes) screen in large turquoise numbers. The Item model number OX200 will read your SpO₂and heart rate with one easy push button on top. You will receive a carrying case with belt loop, and lanyard about 12-inches long. The unit is white with black accents with a black screen background for contrast to the colored numbers.

It is a great selling unit on Amazon.com^® with many features. It does not have Bluetooth^® or Smartphone ports. This pulse oximeter cannot be used to monitor O₂ levels overnight such as with CPAP unit. It is not suitable to be used on infants, toddlers, children, and pets. See #10 below for infants and #11 for pets.

The MeasuPro is manufactured to CE and FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) standards. The CE marking is a certification mark that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). CE originated in 1985 as an abbreviation of Conformité Européenne, meaning European Conformity.

The oximeter is used by athletes, pilots, sports buffs, bikers, skiers, mountain climbers and anyone needing to measure their levels whether out and about, home, or traveling. It is used by health professionals and doctors. It is not intended for medical use.

Simply put your index finger into the spring clip and press the multifunction button and read your results on the rotating screen. It weighs 1.5-ounces and measures 2.45- x 1.45- x 1.3-inches. The device is reliable and accurate with its advanced technology to give the most consistent results for SpO₂ and BPM (blood pressure per minute.)

Overview for those on the go!

You will see your rates in a few minutes. The brightness can be changed, it has a beep sound to keep on or turn off. The unit does not keep a history of your readings; it is one-time only and ended. It does measure perfusion index percent (PI), however the description doesn’t mention this function on Amazon.

Gift-wrapping is available for your loved ones, sports friends, and elders. You will receive with the unit, a lanyard, free carrying case with belt loop, 2 AAA batteries, a User’s Manual, and a 2-year Warranty. The unit is made in China.

The Santamedical^™ fingertip oximeter item model number SM-150 is a best seller on Amazon.com^® available in blue, green, or orange. Get one of each to match your outfits affordable at under $20 each. With your oximeter you will receive a carrying case with belt loop, 2 each AAA batteries and a 12-inch lanyard.

This is a newly upgraded oximeter for checking your pulse rate (PR) and blood oxygen saturation levels (SpO₂). It is reliable and accurate every time you use it. The finer clamp self-adjusts with 1-button for the functions. It is not suitable to be used on infants, toddlers, children, and pets. See #10 below for infants and #11 for pets.

The oximeter is used by athletes, pilots, sports buffs, bikers, skiers, mountain climbers and anyone needing to measure their levels whether out and about, home, or traveling. It is used by health professionals and doctors. It is not intended for medical use.

It does not have Smartphone ports. This model does not have an alarm/beep sound or Bluetooth^® capabilities. This pulse oximeter cannot be used to monitor O₂ levels overnight such as with a CPAP unit. The unit does not keep a history of your readings; it is one-time only and ended.

The control display is LED lit and is bright. The batteries will last at least 30-hours and maybe more depending on how often you use the device. It has a low battery indicator. The oximeter will automatically turn off after 10 seconds once your finger is out. You will see the SpO₂ probe and processing display module plus SpO₂ and pulse rate and bar graph. The bar shows one pulse beat and the strength. It is not a graph that shows over time. It weighs a slight 3.6-ounces.

Overview for those on the go!

Gift-wrapping is available for your loved ones, sports friends, and elders. You will receive with the unit a lanyard, free carrying case with belt loop, 2 AAA batteries, a User’s Manual, and a 1-year Warranty. The unit is made in China.

The TempIR^™ oximeter model number oximeter1, measures your SpO₂ blood oxygen saturation level and heart rate (HR), heart rate bar graph, plethysmograph index (PI) with an alarm sound and high contrast display screen that rotates. Take it with you wherever you go. It is reliable and accurate every time. It is not suitable to be used on infants, toddlers, children, and pets. See #10 below for infants and #11 for pets.

The oximeter is used by athletes, pilots, sports buffs, bikers, skiers, mountain climbers and anyone needing to measure their levels whether out and about, home, or traveling. It is used by health professionals and doctors. It is not intended for medical use.

It does not have Bluetooth^® or Smartphone ports. This model has a beep sound for high and low readings and has a low battery indicator. The alarm sound can be turned off. This pulse oximeter cannot be used to monitor O₂ levels overnight such as with a CPAP unit. The unit does not keep a history of your readings; it is one-time only and ended.

The medical grade silicone finger chamber is hypoallergenic and latex-free made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic with a protective pouch in bright blue. The life of the batteries is 40-hours. It comes with 2 each AAA batteries, and a 12-inch lanyard to wrap around your wrist, around your neck, or purse, and with a carrying case with beltloop.

It fits all ages of children and adults. It is not going to fit an infant or toddler’s small fingers. See #10 below for infants and #11 for pets. The self-adjusting spring system fits your finger perfectly in the chamber without impeding blood flow. 

The TempIR^™ is manufactured to CE and FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) standards. The CE marking is a certification mark that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). CE originated in 1985 as an abbreviation of Conformité Européenne, meaning European Conformity.

Gift-wrapping is available for your loved ones, sports friends, and elders. You will receive with the unit a lanyard, free carrying case with belt loop, 2 AAA batteries, a User’s Manual, and a Lifetime Warranty. It’s made in China by Shenzhen Jumper Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. for TempIR^™(www.tempir.com) and distributed by Den of Goods in Gibraltar.

The VIVE^® Precision oximeter ASIN B00TZ293J8 model number DMD1003 measures your SpO₂blood oxygen saturation level and heart rate (HR), heart rate graph, plethysmograph index (PI) with an alarm sound and high contrast display screen. Take it with you wherever you go. It is reliable and accurate every time you use it. You will receive a lanyard to wear it around your neck, a carrying case with beltloop, and 2 each AAA batteries.

The screen will show you low battery life. It does not have Bluetooth^® or Smartphone ports. The medical grade silicone finger chamber is hypoallergenic and latex-free made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic. The life of the batteries is 40-hours.

This pulse oximeter cannot be used to monitor O₂ levels overnight such as with a CPAP unit. The unit does not keep a history of your readings; it is one-time only and ended. It is not suitable to be used on infants, toddlers, children, and pets. See #10 below for infants and #11 for pets.

The oximeter is used by athletes, pilots, sports buffs, bikers, skiers, mountain climbers and anyone needing to measure their levels whether out and about, home, or traveling. It is used by health professionals and doctors. It is not intended for medical use.

Turn it on with the button on top, insert your finger, and view your results. The alarm will alert you to low oxygen saturation levels and irregular heartbeats. View your result on the bright LED (light emitting diodes) black screen with blue and yellow numerals.

The VIVE^® is manufactured to CE and FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) standards. The CE marking is a certification mark that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). CE originated in 1985 as an abbreviation of Conformité Européenne, meaning European Conformity.

Overview for those on the go!

Gift-wrapping is available for your loved ones, sports friends, and elders. You will receive with the unit a lanyard, free carrying case with belt loop, 2 AAA batteries, a User’s Manual, and a 2-year Warranty. Counterfeit or replica items are not covered by VIVE^® Health’s Guarantee policy, therefore, buy it on Amazon.com. The unit is made in China.

The HealthTree oximeter ASIN B07317HY4V measures your SpO₂ blood oxygen saturation level and heart rate (HR), heart rate graph, plethysmograph index (PI) with an alarm sound and high contrast display screen. For those who want to use technology, it can be used with Bluetooth^®with Apple^® and Android^® Smartphones. It is not suitable to be used on infants, toddlers, children, and pets. See #10 below for infants and #11 for pets.

Have real-time synchronization with the free app Oxitracker through Bluetooth^® 4.0 to record and store your data of blood oxygen level (SpO₂), pulse rate (PR) and perfusion index (PI) on the Cloud with unlimited data storage. You will have a remote connection to share the historical data with your family and doctors by entering the same app account.

It is reliable and accurate every time you use it. It comes with a free silicon cover, 2 each AAA batteries, and a 12-inch lanyard to wrap around your wrist, around your neck, belt, or purse.

The screen rotates with its OLED (organic light emitting diodes) display in 4 directions showing you both readings and waveforms with an adjustable brightness control for both indoor and outdoor environments. It turns on and off with one button and shuts off after your finger is out within 10-seconds.

The oximeter is used by athletes, pilots, sports buffs, bikers, skiers, mountain climbers and anyone needing to measure their levels whether out and about, home, or traveling. It is used by health professionals and doctors. It is not intended for medical use. This Bluetooth^® Pulse Oximeter is produced by the FDA-certified manufacturer, BioLight.

Overview for those on the go!

Gift-wrapping is available for your loved ones, sports friends, and elders. You will receive with the unit a lanyard, free carrying case with belt loop, 2 AAA batteries, a User’s Manual, and a 1-year Warranty for quality issues. You can also return the device for a full refund if undamaged for any reason. The unit is made in China.

The Yonker Med oximeter from Xuzhou Yongkang Electronic Science Technology Co., Ltd., model number YK-820MINI, measures baby’s SpO₂ blood oxygen saturation level and heart rate (HR), heart rate graph, and the perfusion index (PI) tells you the strength of baby’s pulse. The low perfusion rate is less than 0.4%. It has an alarm sound and high contrast 2.4-inch high-resolution LCD (liquid-crystal display) screen. The brightness is adjustable and the screen is readable in or out of doors. Anti-interference is within the unit. Detection is simpler and more accurate with this oximeter and is reliable each time you use it.

It comes with a neonate (newborn infant) probe and the strap wraps around the baby’s ankle for reliable and accurate results. There are 3 alarms for words, audio, and visual. Support is in English, Spanish, and Turkish.

Be sure to select the probe for infants, if that is your need. The unit uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery to power the device and comes with a carrying case and lanyard. This particular style is only designed for children and adults with small fingers due to the small opening of the device which makes it the best pediatric pulse oximeter.

Gift-wrapping is available for your loved ones, those with infants and toddlers, sports friends, and elders when you select the specific probe type. You will receive 1 oximeter, lanyard, carrying bag, type C data cable, and a User’s Manual. The unit is made in China.

The Mindsinglong hand-held oximeter, model number PM-50, is ideal for veterinarians to take with them to off-site farms and facilities when they don’t want to take their larger and heavier equipment that is inconvenient to carry. This unit is reliable and accurate every time. Cat, dog, and hamster pet owners will love this too, but I don’t think it will fit on bird feet. You can use it on the animal’s tongue, ear, or paw. The tester with high sensitive sensor and temperature probe is great for cats and dogs and other animals.

Overview for those on the go!

You will be notified by an alarm clear sound with the reason if you exceed the parameters you have set. The LCD (liquid crystal display) high-definition screen is 2.8-inches. The unit is multifunctional and user-friendly. The built-in flash memory will store and check data up to 300-hours. The data can be uploaded to your laptop, tablet, or other devices for later use and analysis.

The back has a support to stand it up where you can see it while doing other tasks. The bright orange color of the unit will not become lost in the hay. The oximeter sensor clip is not tight but is protected by rubber so that the animals and pets won’t become stressed giving a negative result.

You will receive the Mindsinglong veterinary monitor (Model PM-50), veterinary monitor sensor, veterinary temperature probe, 1 small clip, 1 USB cable, 1 CD User’s Manual with disc for PC software, 1 Li-on battery, 2 silicone covers for the large clip, 2 silicone covers for the small clip, and 1 drier. Your Warranty is for 1-year with a lifetime of professional customer service support. The device is made in China.

Oximeters are not medical devices. They are used for sports, aviation, and those who want to keep track of their heart rate and oxygen level. Consult your healthcare provider for medical issues. Always wash your finger before putting it into the device.