It’s January of 2024 and four years since we first heard about COVID-19. The world has changed forever, yet one thing remains the same. Coronavirus remains a threat to our health.
Even while fully vaccinated the CDC has made key recommendations to prepare for COVID. One of the standout recommendations is to have a reliable pulse oximeter handy. A device that when used daily can save your life by measuring your blood oxygen level and warning you even before you show any symptoms of Covid.
“I recommend all my patients, including those not infected with Coronavirus, to measure their blood oxygen daily because it can be the earliest warning they receive,” says Dr.Cohen from the Cleveland Clinic. Even before you show any symptoms a blood oxygen reading of 95 or lower can alert a person that they may be suffering from Covid or another health issue.
This device works simply by inserting a finger and in a few seconds, it provides a blood oxygen reading measured in SpO2. An SpO2 reading of 95-99 is considered normal. While consistent SpO2 readings of 94 or below may indicate a health issue. It is recommended that if SpO2 is below 94 you should contact your doctor or an emergency service immediately.
“During the pandemic outbreak it was very common to see patients that had low blood oxygen level before showing any other symptoms of Covid,” says Dr. Cohen. An alerting issue is that pulse oximeter sales increased to unprecedented levels and there were moments when purchasing one became almost impossible. That’s why the CDC recommends using a pulse oximeter even before one is infected with Covid. Such a small and affordable device can truly become a lifesaver.
Take a look at some of the best doctor-recommended pulse oximeters below which prove to have reliable readings and thousands of customer reviews.
The Best Pulse Oximeters of 2024
1. Oxiline™ – Pulse XS Pro
The Best Overall Pulse Oximeter of 2024
★★★★★ 4.9 (18,151 Reviews)
Accuracy: +/- 0.1%
Batteries: 2 AAA Alkaline (Included)
$119 $77.40 BUY NOW
+ FDA Cleared
+ Lifetime Warranty
+ Medical Grade Accuracy
+ OLED Display
+ Overnight Monitoring
+ Health App / Bluetooth Connectivity
2. Masimo – Pulse Oximeter
Most Features
★★★★★ 4.3 (6,824 Reviews)
Accuracy: +/- 0.1%
Batteries: 2 AAA Alkaline (Included)
$299.99 BUY NOW
+ FDA Cleared
+ Medical Grade Accuracy
+ OLED Display
– Hard to use for the average consumer
3. Oxiline – Pulse MD
Best Handheld Pulse Oximeter
★★★★★ 4.9 (248 Reviews)
Accuracy: +/- 0.1%
Batteries: 2 AA Batteries
$119.40 BUY NOW
+ Overnight Monitoring
+ Bluetooth Connectivity
+ Long Battery Life
– Bigger than your average oximeter
4. Wellue Oxyfit
Most Portable
★★★★ 3.9 (2,824 Reviews)
Accuracy: +/- 2%
Batteries: Rechargeable
$79.99 BUY NOW
+ Overnight Monitoring
+ Bluetooth Connectivity
+ Long Battery Life
– Accuracy Inconsistency
5. Aluratek – Digital Pulse Oximeter
Best Low Budget
★★★★ 3.9 (2,824 Reviews)
Accuracy: +/- 2%
Batteries: 2 AAA Batteries
$59.99 BUY NOW
+ FDA Cleared
+ OLED Display
+ Long Battery Life
– Accuracy Inconsistency