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The Concord Digital Finger Pulse Oximeter provides accurate measurements of oxygen saturation and pulse rate at a reasonable price.

• Accurate SpO2 and Pulse Measurement
• 30 hour operational Battery Life
• Good Value for Money
• Supplied with Case and Lanyard
• FDA Approved

The manufacturer’s website does not provide accuracy specifications, but the meter has been approved by the FDA and online user comments indicate the readings this meter provides agree with the more expensive pulse oximeters found in doctor’s offices and hospitals.

The meter incorporates a large display facing away from the user, which may or may not be inconvenient, and provides SpO2, pulse rate, pulse strength readings, and a low battery indicator. Contrary to the manufacturer’s claims several online comments suggest the display is not easy to read in bright light, which would limit its usefulness outdoors for example.

A common complaint with finger pulse oximeters is that movement can prevent accurate readings and user comments suggest this meter is no exception, which puts more restrictions
on its outdoor by athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to periods of inactivity.

With the push of a button the meter can be turned on and when set aside the meter will automatically turn off after 8 seconds of disuse. The meter is powered by two AAA batteries that provides up to 30 hours of operation, and is sold with a canvas case and lanyard to provide options for transporting and storing the meter when not in use.

See what some other users have to say.

By SHJ… I bought this for my father who has pulmonary silicosis and has resisted oxygen therapy for years despite his low SpO2. Because my parents really enjoy summers in the mountains away from the desert heat, they were unable to enjoy their retreat due to his worsening condition. Now that he is on oxygen, the pulse oximeter gives him feedback on how the low oxygen tension at higher altitudes contributes to his malaise and allows mim to make needed adjustments in activity or oxygen flow. He is doing better and enjoying the mountains a little better. This technology has been very easy for my parents to use. They have become experts in the oxygen management and their quality of life may be a little better.

By Betty… We are very satisfied with this product. Since using your product, we have found by the readings that my husband doesn’t need to use the oxygen as much as was ordered at first. He now uses only at night and his oxygen levels are staying up in the normal range. He hated carrying around the portable tank and now he doesn’t have to.

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Whatever disadvantages this meter may have they are outweighed by the accuracy, well-engineered design, and reasonable price, which explains the more than generous 2 year manufacturer’s warranty that is provided. For customers that need a reasonably priced, reliable, accurate and easy to use finger pulse oximeter, for primarily indoor use, this meter should
find a spot at the top of their shopping list.

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Landon Medical’s Wrist Pulse Oximeter PC68b with Easy Movement Finger Tip Probe is intended for use by those who need longitudinal information regarding oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and perfusion index, making this a valuable tool for persons suffering from disorders like sleep apnea.

• Continuously Measure Oxygen Saturation Levels and Pulse Rate
• Download readings to Computer for Further Analysis
• Bright multi-directional Display
• Real-time audio & visual Alarm
• Included Software could be Better

The meter is able to run continuously for 2 to 3 days on two AAA batteries and can collect from 50 to 75 hours of data, depending on whether the sampling interval is set for 1, 4, or 8 seconds. Once collected the data is uploaded to your computer for analysis using the provided PC-based software and USB connection cable.

The accuracy of measurements is more than adequate, deviating no more than ±2 when oxygen saturation is between 75 and 99%, and ±3 between 35 and 75%. Pulse rate measurements deviate no more than 2 BPM or 2% when between 25 and 250 BPM, and perfusion index readings deviate no more than ±0.1% within the range 0.2 to 2%, ±1% within the range 2 to 10%, and ±2% within the range 10 to 20%.

There is also a wealth of additional features that makes this meter stand out from comparably priced meters, including adjustable audible and visual alarms for low oxygen saturation, and high and low pulse rate.

The bright multicolor display provides SpO2, pulse rate, and plethysmogram readouts, and has a low-voltage indicator. The meter can be turned on with the push of a button and when not in use shuts off automatically.

Although not as light as less technical pulse oximeters, the weight at 80 g should not interfere with most activities including sleep. The meter can be used while outdoors and during physical activity, at temperatures ranging from 40 to 104° F, but the finger tip probe and connecting cable will limit what activities can be undertaken.

See what some other users have to say.

By Glen S… I was pleasantly surprised with this unit. I wanted to monitor my o2 levels during sleep and this unit has allowed me to do it. It’s decently well built and have a nice color screen. The interface is pretty intuitive and easy to use. A minor quibble: the rubber finger cuff is not secure enough to ensure perfect data throughout the night for me. I have used gauze to hold it in place more securely. The one problem I have with it is the software: It’s a piece of crap. Oximeter Data Manager, as it is called, REQUIRES 1024×768 screen resolution to run. This is crazy and should be fixed. Secondly it’s only for Windows (XP and Vista). Third, it’s very very basic and I find it much easier to look at the data outside of the program in excel or something else.

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For customers who need a continuous measurement of oxygen saturation levels and pulse, the Wrist Pulse Oximeter PC68b should more than meet expectations.

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The Finger Pulse Oximeter Octive Tech 300C is a great choice for customers on a limited budget seeking a level of accuracy more common to expensive oximeters.

• Measures Oxygen Saturation Levels and Pulse Rate
• Reliable and Acurate Measurement
• Good Value for Money
• Supplied with Case and Lanyard
• FDA Approved

The meter is very accurate when measuring SpO2 saturation levels between 80 and 99%, and moderately accurate (±3) between 50 and 80%, but below 50% the meter is not rated in terms of accuracy, which is well below the useful clinical range anyway. Pulse rate accuracy is ±1 between 30 and 235 BPM. In patients with low perfusion rates (0.5%), SpO2 and pulse rate accuracy is not diminished significantly.

The meter can operate at temperatures ranging between 40 and 104° F, and at 15 to 80% relative humidity. As advertised, the meter can function under severe weather conditions, but a common complaint about this meter is that the readings are unreliable during movement, which prevents it from being useful during outdoor activities unless the person being monitored is at rest.

Other factors that can affect meter accuracy are fingernail polish or fake nails, and a poor fit that allows ambient light to interfere with meter function.

Turning the meter on takes a push of a button and after 8 seconds of inactivity the meter powers off automatically. Battery life is predicted to last up to 30 hours, possibly because power consumption is monitored and optimized in real time. When the batteries do run down a low battery alarm and indicator is activated.

The weight with batteries is low at 50g making it ideal for carrying in a pocket, although additional options are provided by the included case and lanyard. A 1 year warranty period is provided.

See what some other users have to say.

By Pat O’Brien… Recently, my husband was hospitalized for a “breathtaking” upper respiratory infection which conflicted his breathing capabilities. He was in a rehab unit for a month for pulmonary rehab. Each day while he was working out, they used a pulse oximeter to determine his oxygen levels and heart rate. (In addition to COPD – he also has congestive heart failure.) We purchased one of these units to monitor his levels after he was released. Actually, I had misgivings about the unit due to its low cost relative to other units available – thinking that the low price would mean it was ineffective. Because it was shown as being approved by the FDA, I did purchase it and have to say that we are very satisfied with it and have tested its accuracy with units in the pulmonary physician’s office.

By Elizabeth… Recently, my mother was put on oxygen. She was told to keep a close eye on her oxygen level, and to keep track of what it ran so sh could inform her doctor. We called several medical supply places locally, but all of them wanted over $300 for an Oximeter. My mother is on a fixed income, so we were beginning to loose hope when I decided to look here on Amazon. I was worried because a lot of the Oximeters were still so expensive. Then I found this one. It was less expensive then the rest, but seemed to still have all the bells and whistles as the more expensive ones. Since getting This meter, my mother and I have beenoverjoyed. Now she can be more independant, and is able to see when her oxygen is too low. It’s really a wonderful product. I’m glad I ordred it. The operation is simple, and the screen is large enough that even I can read it, despite my vision problems.

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For customers with limited resources the Octive Tech 300C Pulse Oximeter can deliver an exceptional level of accuracy at a low price, and for those customers with less financial limitations the Octive Tech 300C could provide a comfortable level of convenience and redundancy.

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ON SALE for $89.00 BUY NOW

The Nonin GO2 Personal Fingertip Pulse Oximeter is perfect for customers wanting an accurate meter at a relatively low price.

• Measures Oxygen Saturation Levels and Pulse Rate
• Rugged Design
• Low Cost for Home or Sports Use
• Display Oriented for Personal Use
• NOT certified for Hospital Use

This meter is intended for personal use only which explains the lack of FDA certification, lower price, and a 2-year warranty that excludes clinical use. But don’t let that deter you if you’re not a clinician, because the accuracy is equivalent to more expensive finger pulse oximeters.

SpO2 readings are ±2% when oxygen saturation is between 70 and 100%, and pulse readings are ±3 between 20 and 250 BPM. According to manufacturer’s specifications there is a slight reduction in pulse rate accuracy in low perfusion situations and none with respect to SpO2 measurements, but some caution is warranted given the prohibition against clinical use which may indicate the meter will not work for more challenging situations, like persons suffering from COPD or abnormal blood pressure.

The meter is relatively lightweight and can be used during outdoor activities, up to an altitude of 40,000 feet, but more accurate readings are obtained when the person is not moving thus limiting its utility during strenuous activity.

The display is conveniently oriented for personal use, but the size of the digits representing pulse rate is a bit smaller than it needs to be. The meter can survive submersion and shock, and fits both adult and child finger sizes between 0.3 to 1.0 inches.

Battery life lasts for 2400 spot checks and 24 hours of continuous use, making this unit energy efficient compared to more expensive models. The unit is sold with a manual and one AAA battery, but a case or lanyard costs extra.

See what some other users have to say.

By Anne J… This little oximeter worked right out of the box. Just put it on your finger so you can read the display with your palm facing up and it works. We took it along to the hospital and checked it against their equipment – right on every time. It is even the same brand they used. It’s made in the USA – and comes at a fair price. A little extra peace of mind when you have concerns.

By C Otte… I bought this for my wife after she got out of the hospital having suffered 2 months in the ICU with acute Pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. We had it’s readings verified multiple times with the “professional” grade oximeters at the hospital and it was always right on. It allowed us to slowly wean my wife off her oxygen supply safely and carefully through her home rehab. We’ll continue to use it now ANY time we have any concern or suspicion about breathing!  What a life saver! My wife doesn’t sense well when she’s hypoxic. I wish we’d had this before she was admitted so we could have known she was de-saturating so badly!

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The GO2 Pulse Oximeter is a great choice for home use, with its convenient design, the accuracy of pricier models, and a ruggedness that should ensure a long life.

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Review by Colin South

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ON SALE for $165.00 BUY NOW
(list price $279)

The Nonin Onyx 9500 Digital Pulse Oximeter packs a lot of high quality features into a small package.

• Measures Oxygen Saturation Levels and Pulse Rate
• Hospital and US Military Certified
• Highly Acurate Readings
• Extremely Rugged
• Top of the Range Unit

This unit boasts a SpO2 saturation accuracy of ±2 digits between 20 and 100%, and a pulse accuracy of ±3 between 20 to 250 BPM, regardless of patient skin tone. SpO2 accuracy is maintained for patients with low perfusion rates, but the range of accurate pulse readings (±2) is reduced to between 40 to 240 BPM.

Pediatric to adult finger sizes within the range 0.3 to 1.0 inches (8 mm to 26 mm) can be read accurately and good fit can be monitored by a three color indicator.

Able to operate at an altitude of 40,000 feet or at pressures up to 4 atmospheres, at temperatures between freezing and 104° F, and in non-condensing humidity ranging from 10 to 90%, indicates the device was designed to withstand the most demanding conditions and explains its certification for use aboard US military helicopters.

When turned off the device can be submerged and dropped repeatedly, with little adverse effect. The unit incorporates an automatic on/off feature and the two AAA batteries are sufficient for 1600 spot checks of 40 seconds each or 18 hours of continuous use.

The unit weighs just 60g and comes with a manual, lanyard, lock and two batteries. The bulkiness of the unit limits the utility of storing it at the end of the provided lanyard and the wire hinge can catch on loose pocket threads. A carrying case is optional, which adds to the overall price when compared to competitors who offer a case at no extra charge, but it’s unclear whether this would matter to a customer willing to pay 2 to 4 times more to purchase the Onyx 9500 than they would for any of the other meters on the market.

See what some other users have to say.

By Ric… I have used my Ninon Onyx 9500 oximeter many times per day for over 10 years. I’ve dropped it on a tile floor twice and last night I accidently left it in my pocket when I put my pants in the washing machine. It was completely submerged and battered by the washers agitator for several minutes before I realized what I had done. I removed it from the washer, removed the batteries, shook out the water, and dried it with a hair dryer set for no heat. I left the batteries out and battery cover off overnight. This morning I installed new batteries and re-installed the battery cover. To my surprise it WORKED! It costs more than other units but I’m convinced you can not buy a more rugged, reliable, accurate and dependable oximeter.

By Gunter… I’m a respiratory therapist. Onyx is fast, reliable and respected among health care professionals. I have 2 other pulse ox that I purchased for 30.00 to 50.00 each and the problem I had is it took time to stabilize. You get what you pay for. When a onyx is on the finger, no one is going to question the accuracy.

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For customers whose only concerns are accuracy and durability the Onyx 9500 Digital Pulse Oximeter is hard to beat, but if cost is also a significant concern then a more in depth comparison with meters offered by the competition is warranted.

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The Finger Pulse Oximeter SM-110 is an inexpensive option for customers needing to do a quick spot check at home under less demanding conditions.

• Measures Oxygen Saturation Levels and Pulse Rate
• Fingertip measurement
• Low Cost for Home or Sports Use
• Large High- Contrast Display
• Supplied with Case and Neck lanyard
• NOT certified for Hospital Use

SpO2 accuracy is equivalent to oximeters in this price range, deviating ±2% within the range 75 to 99%, and ±3% within the range 50 to 75%. Pulse rate accuracy can deviate ±2 between 30 to 254 BPM.

In contrast to more expensive pulse oximeters the accuracy of this meter has not been determined for low perfusion rates by the manufacturer and a review of online user comments reveals this meter may not perform well under these circumstances.

The display is easy to read and informative, showing oxygen saturation levels, pulse rate, and a plethysmogram bar, but the orientation is away from the patient towards the clinician making it inconvenient for the patient to view his or her own readings. User reviews also suggest this meter may not work well with all finger sizes, limiting its use to adults.

The meter can be turned on with the touch of a button, operated continuously for up to 30 hours on two AAA batteries, and automatically shuts off within a few seconds when idle. The manufacturer claims the unit can be operated between 32 and 122° F, and between 15 and 95% relative humidity, which are broader specifications than those advertised for more expensive meters.

The accessories that come with the meter are nice and include a case with its own lanyard, a second lanyard for the meter, and the first set of batteries. A 1 year warranty is also provided.

See what some other users have to say.

By MJB… Mom was sent home from the hospital on oxygen. The Outpatient Skilled Nursing did not have an oximeter to test oxygen saturation. Told me when her lips were blue she needed oxygen. I told them taking saturation levels was just as important as taking blood pressure. Ordered this oximeter on Amazon and have been able to test Mom’s saturation level at any time. Had the oximeter calibrated with the Pulmonary MD and it was accurate with the doctor’s oximeter. Have been able to wean Mom off the oxygen by being able to test her saturation levels. Great peace of mind.

By J Colgate… This is my first Finger Pulse Oximeter, but my father and brother have used them for several years. It works as advertised and the price was reasonable (a couple years ago, you could not touch one for less than $250). The low oxygen level explains the lethargic woozy feelings I get once in a while. I find it a great indicator and is useful when I am hiking in the high country as a reminder to take several deep breaths to refresh the oxygen levels.

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Based on the specifications provided by the manufacturer and online user comments this inexpensive meter will probably perform well at home on adults at rest, but may not perform as well in more challenging conditions like low perfusion rates, outdoors, or on smaller fingers.

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Finger Pulse Oximeters have dropped in price considerably over the last few years making them easily accessible to the millions of people who need to check their blood oxygen saturation levels at home or on the move. This site is dedicated to helping you decide which Finger Pulse Oximeter unit to buy out of the many available.

We list the best products on the market today, collate and summarize the product information, identify the features and benefits of each product and provide unbiased opinion based on the information we have gathered from across the Internet. We do the research for you to make your decision easier when buying a Finger Oximeter.

If you are looking to buy a Finger Pulse Oximeter and want to know which one to buy…  you have come to the right place.

Finger Pusle Oximeter Usage

Finger pulse oximeters calculate blood oxygen saturation levels by determining the ratio of oxygenated to deoxygenated hemoglobin as it passes through a fingertip. By using the ratios of pulsatile to total red light transmitted through the finger, divided by the same ratio for infrared light transmitted, oximeter readings should theoretically be independent of variables that affect light transmission through the finger. Unfortunately, this theory doesn’t hold up well under real world conditions.

The use of light to sense hemoglobin oxygen levels renders the pulse oximeter sensitive to strong external light sources. When bright light can’t be avoided, the oximeter should be covered or wrapped in a towel to ensure an accurate reading.

Through numerous clinical studies and clinical observations, it’s apparent that skin color and the transparency of nail polish can interfere with oximeter readings. The darker the skin or nail polish color, the more inaccurate oximeter readings are likely to be. Awareness of this deficiency has been around for some time, so some of the newer pulse oximeters coming to market claim to have solved this problem, with respect to skin color at least. For anyone wearing dark nail polish you will probably have to remove it prior to using an oximeter.

Gender also influences the accuracy of readings, simply because females tend to have smaller finger sizes. Some oximeters are designed to be used for adolescent or pediatric sized fingers and these should be considered when finger size is an issue.

Movement may cause external light to affect photodetector operation, nudge the oximeter to a different position on the finger, restrict blood flow, or alter blood oxygen levels as muscles consume more oxygen. Ideally, the person should be at rest to obtain a stable and accurate reading, although newer generation oximeters are reportedly more “motion tolerant”.

Make sure the pulse oximeter is clean prior to use. The finger should also be cleaned, and checked for warmth, bruising, or damage. When choosing which arm or leg to place the pulse oximeter on, avoid any with catheters inserted, blood pressure cuffs, fistulas, or tourniquets. Do not place a pulse oximeter on any limbs not supported and maintained near heart level. The first choice is to use the middle or index finger.

Several studies have shown that hospital-grade pulse oximeters do not provide accurate or reliable readings when oxygen saturation levels fall below 70 to75%. Given these findings it’s highly unlikely that pulse oximeters intended for home use will be more accurate below this range. This limitation may be of concern for anyone suffering from chronic severe respiratory diseases, like COPD.

Pulse oximeters measure oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, not hemoglobin concentrations, carbon dioxide saturation levels, or blood flow rates. As a result, underlying problems like anemia, certain forms of hypoxia, and circulation problems won’t be detected by a pulse oximeter, and may lead to inaccurate readings.

By paying attention the many factors that can influence accuracy, customers should not only feel safer, but be safer with a pulse oximeter at home.

Benefits and Uses

Before finger pulse oximetry was adopted for widespread use in western countries, clinicians had to depend on symptoms of cyanosis to diagnose problems with arterial blood oxygen levels. This was a constant concern, because severe respiratory failure can occur when blood oxygen saturation levels fall below 85 to 90%, and symptoms of cyanosis do not appear until levels fall below 75%.

Blood draws are required to assess blood gas conditions in the absence of pulse oximeters, limiting where and how often a reading can be taken. Pulse oximeters therefore represent an important improvement over the old method, by providing a non-invasive procedure for continuously monitoring oxygen saturation levels in arterial blood, anywhere, at anytime.

A glance at a few health insurance policies reveal home use is covered in only limited situations. This includes patients suffering from chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions that require supplemental oxygen, patients who are being weaned from supplemental oxygen, anyone at risk for unstable oxygen saturation levels as they go about their day, and for periods when a caregiver cannot be present.

Typically, these medical conditions have to be severe enough to require the use of a home ventilator. Conditions not covered by some insurance policies include less severe cases of asthma and suspected sleep apnea, though you should consult with your health care provider concerning your own policy limitations.

During the period since finger pulse oximeters became standard equipment in clinics and hospitals, dramatic design improvements have occurred. The increased reliability, lower cost, ease of use, and reduced size, has led to an increased number of people purchasing these devices for uses unrelated to caring for someone suffering from a severe respiratory disease at home.

While browsing through customer comments it became apparent that many who have purchased a pulse oximeter for home use have saved themselves a great deal of time and expense. For example, it’s hard sometimes to distinguish between an asthma attack that requires a trip to the emergency room, and one that can be managed at home. The use of a pulse oximeter can help diagnose the severity of the attack as it is happening, at home.

Sleep apnea is another condition that would benefit from the use of a pulse oximeter at home, especially one that can record saturation levels all night long. If nocturnal readings fall below the normal range, discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Although online searches haven’t revealed anyone using or recommending a home pulse oximeter to help with a smoking cessation effort, it’s hard to imagine this kind of feedback wouldn’t help motivate someone quitting for health reasons. Other uses for a finger pulse oximeter include monitoring oxygen saturation levels in pilots who fly above 5,000 feet in unpressurized aircraft, and athletes who like to run marathons or climb mountains.

Whether purchasing a finger pulse oximeter to help reduce medical expenses, diagnose sleep apnea, or as required equipment for an ascent up Mt. Everest, the dramatic design improvements and lower cost, almost ensures that the will be money well spent.

Finger Pulse Oximeter

Finger pulse oximeters are used to measure the oxygen concentration in blood passing through a fingertip. Since every tissue and organ in our bodies requires oxygen to remain viable, lower than normal blood levels could be a sign that a medical condition exists, one that may require medical attention.

Pulse oximeters work by measuring the amount of oxygen being carried by red blood cells as they pass through the blood vessels below the fingernail.

Red blood cells are red because the hemoglobin protein contains iron. Hemoglobin consists of four heme molecules, each containing an iron ion (an atom missing or having an extra electron). One hemoglobin protein therefore contains four iron ions, and the iron ion confers to hemoglobin the ability to bind four oxygen molecules. As red blood cells pass through the lungs the oxygen concentration is so high from the outside air, that all four iron ions in a hemoglobin protein binds an oxygen molecule. This oxygen saturated blood (arterial) travels into the tissues where the oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide and other waste gases. The red blood cells then return to the lungs (venous) to exchange the carbon dioxide for oxygen, and the cycle repeats.

When hemoglobin is fully occupied by oxygen molecules it preferentially absorbs red light (660 nm). After hemoglobin releases oxygen into the tissues surrounding the blood vessels, thus becoming deoxygenated, it preferentially absorbs infrared light (940 nm). The pulse oximeter contains two Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that shine red and infrared light through the fingernail. On the other side of the finger, a photodetector in the oximeter senses the amount of light able to pass through the finger. The ratio of pulsatile over total transmitted red light, divided by the same ratio for infrared light, provides the necessary information for the oximeter to calculate the oxygen saturation levels of hemoglobin as it passes through blood vessels in the finger, resulting in an accurate measurement of arterial blood oxygen saturation levels. A pulse oximeter can therefore help monitor how well the ‘lung to tissue’ oxygen exchange system in your body is working.

The amount of oxygen dissolved directly into the blood is around 1.5%. This amount is insignificant by comparison to the amount bound by hemoglobin, which can range between 97 and 99% in a healthy person at rest. Pulse oximeter readings therefore represent the oxygen saturation levels of hemoglobin only.

A pulse oximeter only measures oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the blood. As a result pulse oximeters can’t detect low hemoglobin concentrations, high carbon dioxide concentrations, or poor circulation. Under these conditions, pulse oximeters will give inaccurate or misleading readings. Other factors that can interfere with accurate readings are irregularities in blood pH levels, blood pressure, finger temperature, and poor circulation.

In spite of these limitations, pulse oximeters can prove to be an important ally, whether you are healthy or suffering from a medical condition. For anyone suffering from specific medical conditions, consult with your doctor first because oximeter readings can be sometimes be misleading.