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. 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 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. Our Top Picks Best for Most Users and Usecases: Best for Chronic Conditions: Best for Overnight Monitoring: SLEEPON Go2Sleep Wearable Sleeping Monitor at Sleepon.us (See Price) In This Article Types of Pulse Oximeters What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know When to See a Healthcare Provider Our Picks How We Tested and Selected How Pulse Oximeters Work How to Use and Read Our Experts FAQ Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Fit 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Data Display 5/5 Overall Value 5/5 Pros Large display Doesn’t require an app Includes carrying case and lanyard Cons No long-term data tracking Reports of short battery life Display: LED | Power: Battery, 40 hours | Connectivity: None The Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter is our best overall pick because it's straightforward, 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 model accommodates a range of finger sizes and provides 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 in bright 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, the iHealth Wireless Pulse Oximeter could 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. 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. Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Fit 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Data Display 4/5 Overall Value 4.5/5 Pros Multiple display formats Large, bright numbers Good for kids two years and up Cons Can’t be used on infants No long-term data tracking Display: OLED | Power: Battery, 30 hours | Connectivity: None Dr. 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 The Zacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeter because it offers the same technology as our best overall pick, just for smaller, more delicate fingers. In testing, we appreciated the easy setup, quick and accurate readings, and the display options—there are six display formats to choose from. It takes seconds to slip your finger into the device, power it on, and get a reading. The results are displayed in bright blue numbers with a pulse bar graph and plethysmograph (a wave representing your pulse). Plus, we think the fun polar bear design will be a hit with most kids. Children have smaller fingers, so a pediatric-specific pulse oximeter is crucial to 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. Pros Real-time tracking Fits fingers up to 3.2 inches in diameter Free app for storing and sharing data Cons Bulky Needs charge before first use Display: LED | Power: Rechargeable, up to 16 hours | Connectivity: Connects to app via Bluetooth The Wellue Viatom O2Ring Wearable Oxygen Monitor differs slightly from standard devices. It fits on your finger like a ring and continuously monitors your 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 as asthma or COPD. We like that it fits finger sizes ranging from 2 to 3.2 inches in diameter. The accompanying app is user-friendly and offers detailed insights into your data, like your averages and body movements. You can set vibration reminders to take readings, easily share your data with healthcare providers, and download 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. Pros Worn on base of finger Real-time tracking sleep metric tracking App provides personalized sleep score Cons Can only see results in app More expensive than traditional pulse oximeters Display: None | Power: Rechargeable, 2 nights | Connectivity: Connects to app via Bluetooth Unlike traditional pulse oximeters, the Go2sleep by SleepOn is worn on the base of your finger to continuously monitor your oxygen saturation and heart rate while you sleep. Overnight pulse oximetry may help monitor oxygen in people with sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea. The company recommends wearing the device on your ring finger for the most accurate readings. It's lightweight and relatively low-profile, so it shouldn’t disrupt your slumber. We like that the app tracks oxygen levels, heart rate, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen saturation, and sleep quality and quantity. It provides a personalized report each morning and offers tips on improving your sleep based on the data collected. The rechargeable battery lasts 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. Best for Most Users and Usecases: Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Best for Kids: Zacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeter Best for Chronic Conditions: Wellue Wearable Oxygen Monitor Best for Overnight Monitoring: SLEEPON Go2Sleep Wearable Sleeping Monitor 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: 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. 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. We spoke with breathing experts to gain insights into what makes a good pulse oximeter and how to use it correctly. Our experts include: How accurate are at-home pulse oximeters? 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, Dr. 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 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. Types of Pulse Oximeters
What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Best for Most Users and Usecases
Zacurate Pro Series 500DL
Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
Keep In Mind
Best for Kids
Zacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeter
Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
Keep In Mind
Best for Chronic Conditions
Wellue Wearable Oxygen Monitor
Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
Keep In Mind
Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
Keep In Mind
Compare
Setup Fit Ease of Use Data Display Overall Value $23 at Amazon 5 5 5 5 5 $30 at Amazon 5 5 5 4 4.5 $180 at Amazon See price at sleepon.us How We Tested and Selected the Best Oximeters
How Pulse Oximeters Work
How to Use and Read a Pulse Oximeter
Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Verywell Health
FAQs
How accurate are oximeters for pulse? ›
Most pulse oximeters are accurate to within 2% to 4% of the actual blood oxygen saturation level. This means that a pulse oximeter reading may be anywhere from 2% to 4% higher or lower than the actual oxygen level in arterial blood. A number of factors can impair the functioning or accuracy of a pulse oximeter.
What should be the reading results of pulse oximeter? ›Oxygen saturation (Sp02%) | Pulse rate (Beats per minute) | Reading |
---|---|---|
95%–100% | 60–100 | Normal |
95% | 101–109 | Continue monitoring |
93%–94% | 110–130 | See your health care provider |
92% or lower | 131 or higher | Go to the emergency room or call 911 |
- Best Overall: Oxiline Pulse 9 Pro.
- Easiest to Use: Zacurate Pro Series 500DL.
- Best Budget: Insignia Pulse Oximeter.
- Best Large Display: Accare Fingertip Pulse Oximeter.
- Best for Kids: Zacurate Digital Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeter.
- Best with App: Wellue Wearable Oxygen Monitor.
Pulse oximetry readings
With this equipment, medical professionals can carry out the tests accurately. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that prescription oximeters must provide results within an accuracy range of 4 to 6 percent.
When should I call my doctor? If you're using an oximeter at home and your oxygen saturation level is 92% or lower, call your healthcare provider. If it's at 88% or lower, get to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
Can an oximeter show a wrong reading? ›But pulse oximeters aren't always accurate. According to the FDA, there are a number of factors that can affect accuracy, including poor circulation, skin thickness, smoking, and even fingernail polish. What's more, a recent report suggests that your reading may not be as accurate if you have darker skin, too.
What is the lowest oxygen level before death? ›An SpO2 level of 92 percent is considered the lowest clinically acceptable level by established norms of clinical practice at any age, except in cases of chronic lung disease, where it is 88 percent. Death can occur due to hypoxemia at any level less than 88 percent.
What is a good heart rate for a pulse oximeter? ›A pulse oximeter helps you monitor how fast your heart is beating and the level of oxygen in your blood. Blood oxygen level is the most accurate way of keeping an eye on your progress with COVID-19. An ideal blood oxygen level is between 95% and 99%. An ideal heart rate is between 50 and 90 beats per minute (bpm).
Why am I short of breath but my oxygen saturation is good? ›Shortness of breath does not always indicate that you are hypoxic. In other words, your level of dyspnea, or air hunger, does not always correlate with your oxygen saturation. This means that you can be short of breath, even extremely short of breath, even in the presence of normal oxygen saturation.
Are cheap oximeters any good? ›Conclusions: Many low-cost pulse oximeters sold to consumers demonstrate highly inaccurate readings. Unexpectedly, the accuracy of some low-cost pulse oximeters tested here performed similarly to more expensive, ISO-cleared units when measuring hypoxia in healthy subjects.
Is a 92 oxygen level ok for the elderly? ›
An adult who is 70 years or older requires a blood oxygen level of 95 percent. A low blood oxygen level can lead to conditions, like hypoxemia and hypoxia, and a level below 90 percent requires that a caregiver call 911. Hypoxemia occurs when the senior has a blood oxygen reading between 90 and 92 percent.
How do I make my pulse oximeter accurate? ›Keep your body still. When the numbers on your device are steady and stop changing, record the levels, date, and time of the reading. Track how they change and tell your doctor if they do. Pulse oximeters are most accurate when blood oxygen saturation is between 90% and 100%.
What is a normal pulse rate on an oximeter? ›An ideal blood oxygen level is between 95% and 99%. An ideal heart rate is between 50 and 90 beats per minute (bpm). You will need to alert your doctor or 111 if it drops below 95% and your heart rate goes above 100.
Why is pulse oximetry unreliable? ›It's easy to see why the technology has been widely adopted: they're convenient, small, noninvasive and provide near instantaneous information about an important bodily function. However, pulse oximeters can be inaccurate. Movement, poor blood flow and outside light interference decreases their accuracy.
Which finger shows accurate for pulse oximeter? ›When it comes to choosing the finger for pulse oximeter readings, the general consensus is that the middle finger or the index finger provides the most accurate results. These fingers are typically preferred due to their adequate blood flow and the thickness of the skin in the fingertip area.
Can a pulse oximeter detect a weak pulse? ›Some people may normally have a weak pulse. In this case, equipment can be used to measure their pulse properly. One type of equipment is a pulse oximeter.