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Monitor oxygen levels with these accurate and easy-to-use options. Finger Oximeter
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.
Doesn’t require an app
Includes carrying case and lanyard
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.
Good for kids two years and up
Can’t be used on infants
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.
Fits fingers up to 3.2 inches in diameter
Free app for storing and sharing data
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.
Worn on base of finger
Real-time tracking sleep metric tracking
App provides personalized sleep score
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.
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:
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.
By Lindsay Modglin Lindsay is a nurse-turned professional health and wellness writer with 9+ years of clinical healthcare experience.
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