The 7 Best Pulse Oximeters of 2024 for At-Home Use (2025)

Editor's Note:

Note that none of these devices have received FDA clearance for use as a medical device, and are intended for sports and aviation use only in healthy people in order to monitor pulse and oxygen saturation levels. Furthermore, the devices were not tested in tandem with medical-grade (prescription) oximeters or actual measurement of blood oxygenation levels, so they could not be analyzed to confirm their accuracy.

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Insignia’s Pulse Oximeter earned its spot as our top choice with attribute ratings of five out of five stars for all but one. Our tester found the monitor finicky, as your finger needs to be still and lined up exactly right. However, after you get the hang of it, it’s a good choice if you don’t mind some device sensitivity in exchange for accuracy. Our tester doesn’t recommend this choice for those with Parkinson’s or who may have trouble keeping their fingers still.

The monitor works double duty as it also tracks your heart rate apart from just oxygen levels, making it appealing for training in addition to health analysis. We found the data display bright and readable, with many customizable settings that offer a lot of bang for your buck. Accessible for those who are visually impaired, it offers 10 brightness settings and four display modes so you can make adjustments as your surroundings change. Batteries are also included, with an indicator of when they’re running low, as well as a lanyard, so you can keep the device close by at all times.

While ease of use received the lowest score, of 3.5, of all products on our list, our tester ultimately thought the pros outweighed the cons and found its accuracy unparalleled—making it our top option.

Wellue’s Fingertip Pulse Oximeter 60F was one of two of our picks to have received a score of five for all attributes. While some monitors require charging before the first use, this device was ready to use in seconds after putting in the batteries. Our tester found it versatile enough for those with various finger sizes and praised the sleek design. We also found it bright and easy to read with its OLED display.

While it’s not a hi-tech option, it gets the job done with its no-frills design and includes features like auto on and off, spot check and continuous measuring modes, and built-in memory. Apart from O2 levels, it also tracks pulse rates, perfusion index, and pulse strength—which are more features than other low-tech options may have. And to make portability easier, the monitor includes a carry pouch and lanyard.

The device did have a consistent beeping feature throughout the readings, which not all users may like, but this proves a small con for the affordable price and overall value.

While you may have been hoping to share a pulse oximeter between everyone in the family, kids will need their own pulse oximeter that’s designed for small fingers. “Most pulse oximeters on the market are larger in size and meant for use on adult fingers [but] if the pulse oximeter is too loose while placed on a finger, it may be unable to obtain an accurate reading,” says Sanjeev Jain, MD, PhD. He continues, “If you are planning to use a pulse oximeter on a child or a person with frail hands, it would be best to purchase a smaller pediatric device.”

Designed for kids’ hands, the Zacurate Fingertip Pulse Oximeter likely won’t fit most adult finger sizes. As expected, our adult tester found it too tight, and was pleased with the kid-friendliness. It only takes a few seconds to place one’s finger in the device and press the “on” button. However, we recommend kids initially use the device with an adult’s assistance as they may not know how to interpret the data. This is what made it receive a four out of five for data display, though other attributes received consistent five star ratings.

The device features a fun polar bear design that’ll hold kids’ attention and make it seem more like a fun accessory. Additionally, there are six layout options, adjustable brightness settings, and 30 hours of battery life. It also comes equipped with an infrared shield so an overly bright environment won’t interfere with the device’s sensor or results.

Ideal if you enjoy hi-tech devices, iHealth’s Air Wireless Pulse Oximeter features smartphone and Bluetooth compatibility, allowing you to sync readings to your phone. The device also offers heart rate readings, and through the app, you can track trends over time, write notes, and share results. We were especially impressed with the data display, which was the highest-earning attribute, at five out of five stars. As you take readings, you can see your vitals changing in real time while your data can be stored in the app for long-term tracking.

The largest monitor in our list, it received the lowest score for fit, of 3.5, of all products on our list. Our tester found it a bit finicky, “I had to play around with it a bit to figure out exactly which position to keep my finger in so the device could take an accurate reading.” He continues, “If it was not in the right position, the pulse oximeter wouldn't take the reading which was a little frustrating.” Ease of use received four out of five stars as our tester needed some time to figure out the app, but after that, it was easy to use.

You may prefer a monitor that you can easily wear and that feels less like a medical device, especially if you have an affinity for watches or wearable trackers. While the most expensive item on our list, Wellue’s Viatom O2Ring is packed with versatility and various features that other options don’t have.

The monitor is the smallest and lightest monitor in our list, due to the ring-like design—making it a good choice if you’re traveling or want to keep things light. And while most other pulse oximeters require one to stay still during readings, this ring won’t hinder daily activities and can be worn overnight or used daily. Our tester was pleasantly surprised that the reading is taken from the upper finger instead of the fingertip like most other monitors. To take out some of the manual effort, it features a vibration alarm that lets you know when low oxygen or heart rate, or high heart rates are detected.

We praised the fit, as the ring comes with extra material that creates adjustability—allowing the ring to be shared among multiple people. We were also impressed with the compatible app, as it shows both blood oxygen percentage and heart rate in real time, stores readings, and offers the ability to set reminders for yourself.

Zacurate’s Pro Series Pulse Oximeter was one of two monitors that received a score of 5 for all attributes, making it a reliable pick. Our tester recommends this choice for those who want a no-frills option with no extra gimmicks and minimal setup. In addition to tracking blood oxygen saturation levels, it also determines pulse rate and pulse strength. We appreciated the device’s wide range in being able to accommodate a variety of finger sizes, so it can be shared among multiple people.

If you have sensitive skin, you’ll be pleased to know that the device is hypoallergenic and latex-free. Operating on batteries, which are included, and a battery life of 40 hours, the monitor signals when it’s running low. A lanyard is also included for convenience, as well as an infrared shield to protect against harsh lighting.

Accare’s Pulse Oximeter didn’t receive a score below 4.5 for any attributes, ranking highest for setup and ease of use with five out of five stars. We found the setup very minimal as it only required adding batteries before being good to go, while it’s designed for one-button operation for easy use. We even found it comfortable for those who may have visual impairments as its display featured bright red numbers that are clear and readable. The display also shows when the battery is running low so you can plan ahead, though the battery life lasts up to 40 hours.

As for a few cons? Our tester doesn’t recommend this device for those with larger-than-average fingers as he found it had less adjustability than other options. The device also doesn’t offer smartphone compatibility, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for something more hi-tech with lots of features. Our tester would’ve liked it if there was more insight about the readings but ultimately found it a solid, no-frills option for those who want to consistently keep track of their blood oxygen levels and heart rate.

Final Verdict

Insignia’s Pulse Oximeter with OLED Display was easily our top choice. Despite its motion sensitivity, it offers consistent readings and a customizable display with multiple settings. If you enjoy having more features you can play around with, you can’t go wrong with Wellue’s Viatom O2Ring. It's expensive, but it doesn’t skimp on versatility—as it can be worn overnight and for daily usage.

How We Rated Pulse Oximeters

A Note About Accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does a pulse oximeter work?

  “When the heart contracts, blood is pumped out to the finger [and] when the heart is resting, blood travels from the finger to the heart; the difference in this velocity is used to measure the oxygen saturation in the blood," says Kunjana Mavunda, MD, a pulmonologist with Kidz Medical Services in Florida.

  Dr. Mavunda explains that pulse oximeters work by reading oxygen saturation in the blood by detecting both the volume of blood in the finger as well as the differences in light absorption between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

• What is a good pulse oximeter reading?

  Before you run out and buy a pulse oximeter, you should consult with your doctor. However, there is a standard range of normal when it comes to saturation readings, your specific range may vary based on your medical condition.

  “A pulse oximeter reading of an oxygen saturation more than 90% is good for most people,” says Dr. Dass. “However, [a 2015] study showed that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with an oxygen saturation less than 95% have a higher risk of exacerbation [of symptoms].”

  In other words, a pulse oximeter reading isn’t one size fits all: most healthy people hover between 95 and 100%—and most doctors will want to hear from you if your saturation falls below 92%, warns Dr. Dass—but ideally you would use an oximeter at home with oversight from your physician.

• Which finger should a pulse oximeter be used on?

  The finger you place your pulse oximeter on can affect the quality of your reading.

  “We typically place a pulse oximeter on the right middle finger to get the most accurate information about a patient’s blood oxygen content, tissue perfusion, and heart beat rate,” says Rachel Medbery, MD, thoracic surgeon with Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons.

  If you can’t use your right middle finger, the next best option is your right thumb, which has also been shown to provide better results than other digits.

• How accurate are home pulse oximeters?

  It depends on what type of oximeter you’re using and what you’re planning to use it for, says Dr. Medbery.

  “Over-the-counter pulse oximeters either sold online or in pharmacies, without a prescription from your doctor, [are] not FDA reviewed and should not be used for professional medical purposes,” she says, though she adds that they’re safe for basic spot-checks at home.

  Prescription pulse oximeters go through rigorous testing and review by the FDA; while these are typically used in doctor’s offices, Dr. Medbery says sometimes doctors will prescribe them for at-home use in their patients.

  Either way, though, it’s important to understand the limitations of these devices. Dr. Medbery says movement, temperature, and nail polish can impact the accuracy.

• How do you read a pulse oximeter?

  According to Dr. Medbery, a normal level of oxygen saturation (SpO2) in your blood is usually 95 percent or more, though “some people with chronic lung disease or sleep apnea can have normal levels around 90 percent.”

  Your oximeter should have a clear place where the SpO2 reading is displayed, which will show you the percentage of oxygen in your blood. Unless your provider has told you otherwise, an SpO2 reading of lower than 95 percent warrants communication with your provider ASAP.

  Keep in mind that your SpO2 reading is just one measurement of your oxygen saturation, and how you feel (or, more accurately, how easily you can breathe) is important, too. If your oximeter shows a low oxygen saturation, you should contact your provider right away—but OTC or prescription, these devices shouldn’t be used as the only barometer for getting help.

  “If your pulse oximeter...gives a normal reading but you do not feel well, you should seek medical attention,” advises Dr. Medbery.

  A South African study found that pulse oximeters proved beneficial for high-risk patients that tested positive for COVID-19, with findings of decreased fatality in patients that tracked their oxygen at home versus those who didn’t.