seniors running

Best Pulse Oximeter – Our Top 5 Picks Reviewed

Non-invasive, pulse oximeters offer a quick way for anyone to monitor their SpO2 levels. You can measure your pulse strength and rate, too. All you need to do is put the pulse oximeter on your finger, and in seconds, you’ll be able to view your pulse strength, pulse rate and SpO2 levels.

Attached to your fingertip, sensors are able to monitor all of your pulse settings.

Offering affordable options outside of a professional healthcare setting, you can purchase one inexpensively online and monitor all of your health metrics from the comfort of your home. Advanced units will also provide alarms and alerts to tell you when a reading surpasses normal levels.

We’ve researched and reviewed five pulse oximeters that work well, offer affordable options and are highly accurate.

Top 5 Portable Pulse Oximeters

ModelBattery LifeMore Information
Pro Series 500DL
40 hours
buy now from Amazon
Santamedical Generation 2

30+ hours
buy now from Amazon
Zacurate Fingertip

30+ hours
buy now from Amazon
Innovo Deluxe
40 hours
buy now from Amazon
Zacurate Pro Series
30+ hours
buy now from Amazon

1. Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Oximeter

oxygen finger monitor - best oximeterThe Pro Series 500DL is an accurate, reliable finger pulse oximeter monitor. Blood oxygen saturation levels are determined in just 10 seconds, along with your pulse rate and strength. The 500DL offers a large, digital LED display that makes reading your pulse quick and easy.

This model features:

  • 10 second display
  • SpO2 range of 0% – 100%
  • Pulse range of 30 ? 240 bpm
  • Smart spring sizing
  • FDA cleared
  • Hypoallergenic

Designed for accuracy, this is the industry’s only pulse oximeter capable of displaying 100% SpO2 readings. The unit requires 2 AAA batteries for operation.

Sizing is easy with the smart spring system that adjusts to users of all sizes, from children to adults. Quick readings are displayed via the red LED display that allows you to read your pulse even in low-light situations.

When the battery is low, there will be a notification on the display.

If you remove the unit, it will shut off in 16 seconds to help you conserve battery life. The battery life lasts 40 hours on average, and there is a +/- 2% degree of accuracy.

Clip the unit to your finger, and in seconds it will display your SpO2 and pulse. It’s small, easy to carry and highly accurate. We feel this is the best oximeter you can find today.

Click here to view pricing and availability of the Pro Series 500DL.

2. Santamedical Generation 2 Pulse Oximeter

portable oxygen oximeterSantamedical’s pulse oximeter is a newly upgraded model that is designed to measure two things quickly and accurately: pulse rate and Sp02. An accurate blood oxygen monitor, this model offers a large LED display with +/- 2% accuracy.

This unit features:

  • Waveforms and bar graph results
  • OLED display
  • 6 modes, 4 directions
  • Pulse range of 30 ? 250 bpm
  • +/- 2% accuracy
  • Low battery indicator

Readings can be displayed in four directions and in six modes. Small in size, this model is easy to carry and snaps on fingers in seconds. Hypoallergenic, the unit runs on 2 AAA batteries and has an auto power off function to help conserve battery life.

Silver in color, this model doesn’t look like a medical device and weighs a sleek 4 ounces. When the battery is near full depletion, an icon will appear on the display to warn the user that it’s time to change the batteries.

Highly accurate, these oximeters are near the same quality that you’ll find RNs using in hospitals, but it costs a fraction of the cost.

Click here to view pricing and availability of the Santamedical Generation 2.

3. Zacurate Fingertip Blood OXygen Monitor

pulse oxygen meterZacurate’s fingertip pulse monitor is an affordable, easy-to-use model that comes in a white and blue color with a large, LED display for easy reading. Convenient and accurate, this model will display your pulse strength, rate and SpO2 levels in just 10 seconds.

Ideal for health enthusiasts and athletes, this model features:

  • FDA clearance
  • LED display, red font
  • Easy clip on function
  • Automatic shutoff
  • Displays: pulse rate, pulse strength and SpO2 levels
  • 12-month warranty

You’ll find a lanyard included for easy carry as well as an ABS plastic shield to protect your display from scratches. The unit requires 2 AAA batteries to run, and there is a low-battery icon that will display on the screen when the battery is near depletion.

Small and lightweight, you can carry the Zacurate oximeter right in your pocket and take it with you anywhere.

The unit will run for 600 spot checks on a full battery. Pulse bar graph is offered, and the unit has a pulse rate range of 25bpm to 250bpm.

Accuracy is rated at 70% – 99% within +/-2% listed.

Two batteries are even included in the box so that you can start using your pulse oximeter immediately on arrival.

Click here to view pricing and availability of the Zacurate Pulse Oximeter.

4. Innovo Deluxe fingertip monitor

The Innovo Deluxe might be more expensive than other models on our list, but it’s also one of the best sellers on the market. Designed for longevity and accuracy, this model consistently beats the competition in accuracy and reliability.

The Innovo Deluxe features:

  • Plethysmograph
  • Perfusion index
  • Multi-directional display
  • Auditory alarm function
  • SpO2 resolution of +/- 1%
  • Pulse accuracy of +/- 2
  • 25 ? 250 bpm pulse rate range

Innovo Deluxe’s unit features an SpO2 range of 35% – 100% with an accuracy of +/- 2% and a pulse rate range of 25 ? 250 bpm. Battery life is 40 hours, and the OLED display has six, multi-directional display options.

Visual representation is provided through the plethysmograph or the perfusion index.

Alarm and auditory features have been integrated into the unit to alert the user when their pulse rate or SpO2 have exceeded their set limits.

Designed with an improved sensor system, it is able to correct past errors and is one of the most advanced in the industry.

This is the best pulse oximeter in terms of accuracy, features and alert options.

Click here to view pricing and availability of the Innovo Deluxe Pulse Oximeter.

5. Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Oximeter

Zacurate’s Pro Series 500DL provides accurate readings for pulse strength, pulse rate and SpO2 levels. This model will display readings in as little as 10 seconds, and all readings are displayed on a large LED display in red.

The 500DL features:

  • SpO2 range of 0% – 100%
  • Pulse range of 30 ? 240 bpm
  • Pulse accuracy of +/- 1bpm
  • Hypoallergenic design
  • Accuracy of +/- 2%
  • FDA clearance
  • Snap-off battery removal

The 500DL can display SpO2 levels up to 100%, and the unit’s high accuracy level has allowed the company to achieve FDA clearance. When using this oximeter, you’ll find the display is red, allowing for easy reading in all lighting conditions.

Snap-off battery covering makes switching batteries quick and easy.

When the battery is low, you’ll be alerted with a low-battery icon. There’s also an auto power off feature, which is designed to shut the power off to conserve battery life. Average usage, based on the required 2 AAA batteries, is 40 hours.

This oximeter is designed to be used on anyone older than 12 years of age.

Keep in mind that there is no alert or alarm system offered. There is also no multi-directional display.

But the battery is long-lasting, the oximeter is FDA cleared and there is an infrared shield, too. Perfect for the average user, this model combines accuracy and must-have features at an affordable price.

Click here to view pricing and availability of the Zacurate Pro Series 500DL.

I hope these pulse oximeter reviews helped you find the one that is right for you. Thanks for visiting!

About the author

Tim Brewer

Tim is a professional caregiver who has helped hundreds of seniors gain back their freedom and independence. He has been actively helping the senior community for 20+ years.

View all posts