The digital pulse oximeter is a medical instrument used to calculate the level of oxygen in the blood, which is the percentage of hemoglobin that binds. It is a very simple device to use that can also be used at home. If you want to find out how to use a digital pulse oximeter, in this guide we will explain everything you need to know.
Read Also: Best Electric Toothbrush For Sensitive Teeth
Digital pulse oximeter: what it is
The pulse oximeter, also known as an oximeter, is a medical device used to monitor the level of oxygen saturation in the blood. With it we can assess in particular the amount of hemoglobin present in the peripheral arterial blood. With modern pulse oximeters we will also be able to measure heart rate . The device has a display on which all values will be marked.
Best Pulse Oximeter 2025
On the market we will also find products with an attractive design, such as the finger pulse oximeter, not a caliper, with the Bluetooth connection . It is a smaller device than the common model. And it is directly connected with an app for your smartphone to store the saturation value, sleep quality and heart rate for up to 16 hours. Suitable for those who go for a run or for the elderly, it is a device always at hand that signals any anomaly in short seconds.
Best Pulse Oximeter Comparison Table 2025
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor with Silicon Cover, Batteries and Lanyard (Royal Black) | Zacurate | Check Price | |
| Innovo Deluxe iP900AP Fingertip Pulse Oximeter with Plethysmograph and Perfusion Index (Off-White with Black) | Innovo | Check Price | |
| AccuMed CMS-50D1 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen Sensor SpO2 for Sports and Aviation. Portable and Lightweight with LED Display, 2 AAA Batteries, Lanyard and Travel Case (White) | AccuMed | Check Price | |
| Masimo MightySat Fingertip Pulse Oximeter | Monitor Blood Oxygen & Heart Rate | Hospital Grade Technology | Masimo | Check Price | |
| Wellue Pulse Oximeter Fingertip Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor with Batteries for Wellness Use FS20F Bluetooth | Wellue | Check Price | |
| WRINERY Pulse Oximeter Fingertip, Oxygen Monitor Fingertip, Oxygen Saturation Monitor, O2 Saturation Monitor, OLED Portable Oximetry with Batteries, Lanyard (Rose gold-black) | WRINERY | Check Price | |
| Wellue Bluetooth Pulse Oximeter Fingertip, Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor with Alarm, Free APP,Batteries, Carry Bag & Lanyard | Wellue | Check Price | |
| CMI Health Rechargeable Pulse Oximeter - Continuous Infant Monitoring (Up to 25 lbs) & Adult Finger Spot-Checking - Adjustable Alarm for Pulse Rate and SpO2 Levels - Carry Case | CMI Health | Check Price | |
| Innovo Premium iP900BP Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen Monitor with Plethysmograph and Perfusion Index | Innovo | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
1.Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
- ACCURATE AND RELIABLE - Accurately determine your SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation levels), pulse rate and pulse strength in 10 seconds and display it conveniently on a large digital LED display.
- FULL SPO2 VALUE - The ONLY LED pulse oximeter that can read and display up to 100% for SpO2.
- SPORT/HEALTH ENTHUSIASTS - For sports enthusiasts like mountain climbers, skiers, bikers or anyone interested in measuring their SpO2 and pulse rate. SpO2 and Pulse Rate now faces instead of away from the user for an easy read.
- ACCOMODATES WIDE RANGE OF FINGER SIZES - Finger chamber with SMART Spring System. Works for ages 12 and above.
- LOADED WITH ACCESSORIES - Include 2X AAA BATTERIES that will allow the pulse oximeter to be used right out of the box, a SILICON COVER to protect your pulse oximeter from dirt and physical damage and a LANYARD for convenience. Comes with 12 months WARRANTY and USA based technical phone support.
Read Also: Best Latex Pillows
2.Innovo Deluxe iP900AP Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
- ACCURATE AND RELIABLE - Consistently beat other pulse oximeter in terms of accuracy and reliability during clinical tests.
- PLETHYMOSGRAPH AND PERFUSION INDEX - Tells you if you are taking your SpO2 and Pulse Rate properly. No more second guessing if the readings are reliable or why the pulse oximeter is not giving you a reading.
- UPGRADED HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE – Improved with internal hardware and software upgrades that boost performance. The latest version of the iP900AP model features an auditory alarm (which can be muted for convenience) to warn you when your SpO2 and Pulse Rate are beyond set limits, auditory beeps for every detected pulse and adjustable display brightness.
- SPORT ENTHUSIASTS - Suitable for mountain climbers, skiers, bikers, aviators or anyone interested in measuring their SpO2 and pulse rate while on the move.You should only use the pulse oximeter before or after your exercise. Also, you must remain stationary while the pulse oximeter measure your pulse and SpO2
- READY TO USE OUT OF THE BOX - Include 2X AAA BATTERIES and a LANYARD for convenience.
Read Also: Best Leg Elevation Pillow
3.AccuMed CMS-50D1 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
- ACCURATE OXYGEN SATURATION AND PULSE RATE READINGS IN ONE DEVICE: The Fingertip Pulse Oximeter fits all finger sizes from kids above four years old to adults as it measures the level of oxygen in the blood and reads the pulse rate in just eight to ten seconds. It is crucial to use the device in a stationary position and not while in motion for precise readings.
- LOW POWER CONSUMPTION: Equipped with two AAA batteries, the oximeter automatically powers off when not in use and delivers up to 20 continuous hours of battery life.
- PORTABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighing only 50 grams, every AccuMed oximeter comes in a convenient travel case that protects it from scratches when carried on its own or inside your gym bag or backpack. Attach the included lanyard to the case or directly to the oximeter for easy reach anytime.
- ROTATING, CRYSTAL CLEAR LED DISPLAY: Read your oxygen saturation level and pulse rate results with remarkable clarity in portrait or landscape formats with auto rotation that detects your hand movement in the CMS50D1 models.
- DESIGNED FOR HOME USE, EXERCISE OR TRAVEL: While the AccuMed Fingertip Pulse Oximeter is handy for detecting vital signs, it is not intended for medical use but rather for situations where you need to know your oxygen level before and after your workout or sports such as running, hiking or cycling, or while traveling in an aircraft.
Read Also: Best Massage Chair For Small Space
4.Masimo MightySat Fingertip Pulse Oximeter |
- ACCURATE WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST: From Masimo, the Leader in hospital pulse oximetry. Features Signal Extraction Technology (SET), the same revolutionary technology that monitors over 200 million patients. Accurate when other conventional pulse oximeters fail – when in motion, when hands are cold, in direct sunlight, across all skin pigments. Masimo SET is the primary pulse oximeter at 9 of the top 10 U.S. hospitals as ranked in the 2020-21 U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll.
- BREAKTHROUGH MEASUREMENTS: Measures key health parameters such as Blood Oxygen, Pulse Rate and blood flow strength. Provides breakthrough measurements that aren’t available on other pulse oximeters and health and wellness devices - Respiration Rate (RRp) and Pleth Variability Index (PVi) – to give you a complete picture of your respiratory health.
- DO MORE WITH YOUR DATA: Display, track, trend, and share your data or store them in Apple Health & TrainingPeaks on compatible iOS or Android devices through the free & easy-to-use Masimo Personal Heath App
- 4-IN-ONE PACKAGE: The MightySat comes with a carrying case, two batteries, and a lanyard. Each Masimo MightySat Pulse Oximeter has a two-year limited warranty.
- NOTE: For sports and aviation use only
Read Also: Best Massage Chair Under $1000
5.Wellue Pulse Oximeter Fingertip Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor
- 【ACCURATE AND RELIABLE】Accurately measures your blood oxygen saturation levels(SpO2 ), pulse rate, pulse strength and pulse waveform and display them conveniently on a large OLED screen.
- 【WARNINGS FOR ABNORMAL READINGS】The value on screen will flash when abnormal SpO2 or pulse rate is detected. Keep an eye on your SpO2 and PR.
- 【FREE APP FOR ANDROID AND iOS】Use App at no additional cost. Record and store a reading up to 10 hours continuously. (ONLY record when APP is running) View real time data, graphic report and trends of blood oxygen saturation and heart rate.
- 【EASY TO USE】Take a reading in an easy-to-use way, simply clip it on to your finger and turn it on at the press of a button. Finger probe with SMART Spring System accomodates wide range of finger sizes.
- 【COME WITH ACCESSORIES】Include 2 X AAA BATTERIES and a LANYARD for convenience. Comes with 1 YEAR WARRANTY. NOTE: This device is for Sports and Aviation use only and not intended for medical use.
6.WRINERY Pulse Oximeter Fingertip, Oxygen Monitor Fingertip,
- High-Definition and Clear OLED Display -- Improved and updated, the WRINERY pulse oximeter presents you reading data on vivid and sharp OLED display.
- Accurate & Reliable -- WRINERY innovated fingertip pulse oximeter prvoides accurate and reliable measure method for oxygen level in the blood and reads the pulse rate data and O2 saturation within 8 seconds. It is highly recommended to use the device in a stationary condition while not in motion for accurate reading data.
- Shooting Your Trouble -- Designed and innovated for sports fans like mountain climbers, skiers, bikers and people who need or interested in measuring their SpO2 and pulse rate easily. Portable and compact size for easy carrying, and accommodates wide range of finger size from young people to elder.
- Cost-effective -- The unique pulse oximeter fingertip comes with convenient protective case. Each package includes: 1 x WRINERY branded pulse oximeter, 1 x Protective case, 1 x Hook, 1 x Lanyard, 2 x AAA battery, 1 x User manual. Under standard process, it is reliable and durable.
- Easy to Carry and Great for Traveling -- Neck/wrist cord, easy carrying hard case with belt loop. While traveling, your body can often take time to adjust to new altitudes. This meter will allow you to check your oxidation levels, to ensure that your body is properly acclimating to a new environment.
- Important Notice: This device is intended for sports and aviation use only, not for medical use. Ideally suitable for mountain climbers, skiers, bikers, aviators.
7.Wellue Bluetooth Pulse Oximeter
- ACCURATE AND PROFESSIONAL: Our Pulse fingertip oxygen accurately monitors measure O2 level, Pulse Rate and Pulse Strength in 8 seconds. Automatically powers on/off.
- FREE APP for ANDROID & iOS: Automatically receive data from the oxygen monitor in real-time, and store the received data. View the stored data at any time. Only synchronize and store data while opening the APP.
- BUILD-IN MEMORY: Up to 12 groups data of O2 level and Pulse Rate in record list screen. Quickly view your last 12 times historical data with one click.
- AUDIBLE & VISUAL ALERT: When measuring, if O2 level value or pulse rate value exceeds the preset limit, the device will alert with beep automatically and the value which exceeds limit will flash on the screen.
- COME WITH ACCESSORIES: Includes 2 x AAA batteries placed and removed easily, a carry pouch to protect the device, and a lanyard for convenient carry.
Read Also: Best Massager For Neck And Shoulder Pain
8.CMI Health Rechargeable Pulse Oximeter –
- 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘, 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗦 – Manufactured according to FDA, CE, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485 professional standards; Pulse rate accurate to 2 bpm; SpO2 levels accurate to 3% between 70-100% saturation levels
- 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗧 𝗪𝗥𝗔𝗣 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥 – For most infants up to 18 months or 25 lbs; soft, latex-free material; Alarm for high/low pulse and low SpO2; Log 384 hrs of data; No WiFi or smartphone required
- 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗗 - Handheld Pulse Oximeter; Adult finger spot checking sensor (Overnight sensor available separately); Infant continuous monitoring foot sensor; Converter cable; Data cable; Stand; Carry case; Charging cable; AC adapter
- 𝟭 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗬 - 1-year limited warranty for device, 6-month warranty for sensors with free replacement, repair, or exchange.
- 𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗬, 𝗢𝗡-𝗧𝗛𝗘-𝗚𝗢 – The lightweight Handheld Pulse Oximeter with sensors and accessories weigh about 1 pound and can fit in a 9.5 × 6.3 × 2.8” carry case for adult spot-checking or infant continuous monitoring while traveling
Read Also: Best Pillows For Neck Pain Side Sleeper
9.Innovo Premium iP900BP Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen Monitor
- ACCURATE AND RELIABLE - Accurately determine your SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation levels), Pulse Rate and Pulse Strength within seconds.
- PLETHYSMOGRAPH AND PERFUSION INDEX - Premium features that indicate the optimal time to take a reading. No more second guessing if you are taking your SpO2 and Pulse Rate properly.
- ADJUSTABLE OLED DISPLAY - Patented rotatable display with 6 layout options allow you to view your results conveniently in any direction.
- SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS - Suitable for mountain climbers, skiers, bikers, aviators or anyone interested in measuring their SpO2 and pulse rate while on the move.
- READY TO USE OUT OF THE BOX - Include 2X AAA BATTERIES and a LANYARD for convenience.
Best Pulse Oximeter Review And Guide 2025
How to evaluate the digital pulse oximeter
To know how to best use a digital pulse oximeter we will need to know how to use it and above all how to read the resulting values. As we have already specified, pulse oximeters detect both the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood and the patient’s heart rate. Therefore two different values will appear on the monitor.
The saturation measurement is normal when the range remains between 96 and 100 percent. Between 95 and 93, on the other hand, there is an absence of oxygen. In this case we speak of mild hypoxia. If, on the other hand, the percentage remains between 92% and 90%, the oxygenation is insufficient and it is necessary to undergo an arterial blood gas analysis. When the values drop to 90% then we speak of severe hypoxia and a severe oxygen deficiency. [/ su_note]
The types of pulse oximeters
There are various types of pulse oximeters on the market. We will be able to purchase various models according to our needs and our ability to use the product. Now that we have discovered how a digital pulse oximeter is used, it is time to evaluate the various models on the market.
Function Of Oximeters
The use of the pulse oximeter is very simple: you have to insert it on the index or middle finger applying the tweezers to the last phalanx and press the start button to start the detection.
Alternatively, it is possible to place the oximeter on the earlobe, while in infants the best position to apply the probe is represented by the foot.
The blood oxygenation values are shown on a display or monitor capable of returning the results of the measurements, which can be recorded and stored in a portable memory via USB or infrared port.
Since measuring oxygen saturation with the pulse oximeter is a non-invasive and totally painless method, it can be used safely in the home and on any type of patient, including infants, children and the elderly.
It is an easy tool to use as it is completely automated, precise and can be useful in order to:
– Constantly monitor, even at home, the degree of saturation and heart rate in patients suffering from diseases of the respiratory tract, such as pneumonia, asthma and bronchitis.
– Check hemoglobin saturation in patients suffering from sleep apnea.
– Keep an eye on your vital parameters while engaging in sports activities at altitude.
– Evaluate respiratory function in smokers.
– Determine the presence or absence of any damage to the respiratory system in patients exposed to environmental pollution or in the workplace.
– Monitor beats and oxygen during the very delicate period of pregnancy.
Clearly those mentioned above are just some of the possible applications of the pulse oximeter that can be used in many other situations: whenever it is necessary to quickly and constantly measure the degree of oxygen saturation and the heart rate of a patient.
Read Also: Best Massager For Scar Tissue
How does a finger pulse oximeter work?
The finger pulse oximeter is composed of a probe that has the task of carrying out the measurements, and of two sensors that generate light rays with different wavelengths: it is a small spectrophotometer.
The oximeter sensors are two diodes which, thanks to a photocell, communicate with the probe, emitting light radiation whose wavelength varies from red to infrared light.
The beams of light go beyond the finger, crossing all the tissues and structures that compose it, until they reach the detector placed at the other end of the forceps. During this step, the oxygen-bound hemoglobin absorbs mainly infrared light, while the unbound hemoglobin mainly absorbs red light.
The pulse oximeter is able to calculate oxygen saturation by exploiting this difference in the ability of the two different forms of hemoglobin to absorb red or infrared light.
We hope this article might help you to find your desired product.
Salman Qureshi is a passionate technical specialist committed to providing comprehensive and holistic care to each of his patients He is a veteran physician with over 11 years of experience. He is particularly interested in preventive medicine, helping patients maintain a healthy body through proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Dr. Salman Qureshi believes that quality healthcare should be available to all and strives to ensure that all patients receive the best possible care.
