3 Best Pulse Oximeters of 2026: Tested and Reviewed

Easiest to Read: Masimo MightySat

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Best display we tested
• User-friendly app for data viewing and tracking
• Comfortable and snug fit
• FDA-cleared

Cons

• Difficult to position correctly
• Pricey

Features

• App: Yes
• Displayed results: Oxygen saturation, pulse rate, perfusion index, plethysmograph and pleth variability index

Key takeaways from our hands-on testing

Easy-to-read display The Masimo MightySat was the only pulse oximeter to earn a perfect display score from our home testers for its backlit screen. “The black background with the white numbers makes it super easy to read. You can adjust the brightness and have the display move from landscape to horizontal,” said Donna, our 60-year-old tester who uses a pulse oximeter weekly to manage a specific health condition. Unlike our experience with the Innovo Deluxe, we didn’t need to adjust the display during our initial readings to improve its clarity.

Intuitive and helpful app Donna liked the companion app, Masimo SafetyNet, which she said was just as easy to understand as the oximeter’s display. “It's clear, simple and concise. The user experience is great, and it's very easy to find everything you need, including past readings and history. They show you everything right there on the home screen.” But she also noted that you need to download results to share them — there’s no way to send reports through the app. That’s a notable drawback if you’re looking to share readings with your doctor.

Tricky to position Donna said there is a learning curve with this pulse oximeter. “You have to move your finger around a bit. There is a sweet spot of where it should be, because when my finger was too far in, it was saying my oxygen saturation was 90, which is too low and inaccurate,” she said. After adjusting the device, she found it comfortable and saw results in normal ranges. 

Note: The Masimo MightySat has been discontinued by the company, but may still be available for purchase.

Other pulse oximeters we tested

We also tested two devices from Oxiline: the Pulse XS Pro and the Pulse MD Pro. Neither performed well enough to make it onto our list of the best pulse oximeters.

Oxiline Pulse XS Pro and Oxiline Pulse MD Pro

Our home testers found both Oxiline devices easy to use, although they reported that the Pulse MD Pro was uncomfortable. “I wasn’t too impressed by the MD Pro,” said Donna. “I thought it was clunky and uncomfortable on my finger. It did the job but was too much for my daily use.”

The Oxiline MD Pro earned the lowest accuracy score from our home testers. “My first two readings dropped about eight points, which is unusual,” said Donna. “Once I repositioned my finger for the third reading, it was more accurate. But this could be a problem if someone didn't notice.”

Although our home testers reported only minor complaints, we still don’t recommend these devices because we couldn’t verify their FDA clearance or third-party validation. Oxiline says on its website that its pulse oximeters have FDA clearance, but we were unable to confirm that ourselves. (We reached out to the company to verify its FDA clearance and are waiting for a response.) The Zacurate 500DL Pro Series, our pick for best value, has neither of those certifications, but the company website makes it clear that the device is not intended for medical use. 

We recommend always confirming the accuracy of your device, no matter the company, by comparing your at-home pulse oximeter results to those taken at your doctor’s office.

While it’s tempting to tape or wrap the finger clip to keep it in place, Johnson cautions against it to avoid inaccurate readings or pressure injuries. If you have small fingers that don’t fit well in pulse oximeters, she recommends a wrap pulse oximeter that adheres to your finger to secure it.

How we tested the best pulse oximeters

We started our process by researching the market. What products are popular and why? Who has the best reviews — and are the reviews legitimate? After performing in-depth research and talking with medical experts, we narrowed our list from dozens of pulse oximeters to the five we chose to test. 

We purchased and unboxed each device ourselves, as any consumer would. We tested each device in our lab, assessing things like battery life, ease of use and maximum data storage. Then we recruited two home testers ages 50 and older who have experience using pulse oximeters to give us their unbiased feedback. They took a minimum of three readings on each device and compared them to their normal pulse oximeter readings to gauge their accuracy. 

Our home testers answered questions like: Were the devices easy to set up and use? How comfortable were they? Were the readings accurate? The three that excelled in our tests made our list of the best pulse oximeters. 

For more details, see our testing methodology for home health monitoring devices.

How to choose the best pulse oximeter

According to our survey participants, the three most important factors when selecting a pulse oximeter were accuracy (56 percent), user-friendly design (19 percent) and affordability (17 percent).

Accuracy

You want a pulse oximeter you can count on to deliver accurate results. Options intended for medical use will state that they have FDA 510(k) clearance (usually on the company’s product page). Pulse oximeters that are advertised for wellness or sports are generally not evaluated and cleared by the FDA. You can also check Open Oximetry, a research initiative founded by the University of California, San Francisco. This growing database independently tests pulse oximeters for reliable readings.

“I always tell my patients to think of a pulse oximeter like a GPS in your car. It’s a great tool, but you can't always rely on it. Just like a GPS can take you to a cornfield instead of a country store, a pulse oximeter can sometimes give inaccurate readings,” Welsh says. If you suspect an inaccurate reading, she recommends taking a second reading and alerting your doctor if your results are abnormal.

User-friendly design

A pulse oximeter should be easy to use, with minimal buttons and settings that can distract from readings. “Focus on the display. Make sure the numbers are big, bright and easy to read,” says Welsh. Comfort, she says, is a major aspect of user-friendliness: “The finger clip should be well-padded and fit securely to your finger.”

Affordability

Of the pulse oximeters we tested, the highest-scoring and most consistent options aren’t necessarily the most expensive. Oftentimes, more costly options have compatible data-tracking apps, but Welsh says these aren’t always necessary. Our testing shows you don’t need to spend more than $100 to find a reliable device.

How to read a pulse oximeter

Pulse oximeters can seem intimidating at first, especially if the display shows many results. But reading one is simple when you understand what each number means and which ranges matter for your health condition.

What are the readings on a pulse oximeter?

The two main readings on a pulse oximeter are the oxygen saturation (SpO2), expressed as a percentage, and the pulse rate (PR), expressed as beats per minute.

• Oxygen saturation. This number reports how much oxygen your red blood cells are carrying. People with lung or heart problems (like COPD, asthma, COVID-19 or heart failure) should watch this figure closely.
• Pulse rate. This number shows your heart rate, or how many times your heart beats per minute. This can change with stress, fever, exercise and certain medications (like beta-blockers).

Other readings you may find on a pulse oximeter include perfusion index (PI), a plethysmograph and pleth variability index (PVI).

• Perfusion index. This number indicates how strong your blood flow is — meaning how well the blood is circulating in your body — at the sensor site (like your fingertip).  
• Plethysmograph. This is a little wave on the screen that reflects your heartbeat, or pulse. It’s used to measure changes in blood volume in the body.
• Pleth variability index. This represents how much your blood flow changes as you breathe in and out. It’s often used to monitor breathing changes in people who are undergoing fluid management, such as receiving intravenous treatments.

What’s a pulse oximeter’s normal range?

A pulse oximeter’s normal range can vary from person to person. Your lifestyle and health conditions can play a role, so it’s important to consult a health care provider to establish a baseline for your normal measurements. 

There are two clinically accepted ranges or patterns you should know:

• Oxygen saturation. The normal range is usually 95 to 100 percent in healthy people. A reading below 90 percent could indicate that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen. People with certain heart and lung conditions may have a “baseline” reading below 90 percent. If your readings are between 90 and 94 percent, experts recommend consulting your doctor. 
• Pulse rate. The normal range is around 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm) at rest for most adults. Some baseline pulse rates are lower for athletes, while others are higher for people with certain health conditions or arrhythmias.

The three other metrics you may see on a pulse oximeter are perfusion index, plethysmograph and pleth variability index. Medical experts told us that most people only need to know their oxygen saturation and pulse rate.

Skin tone and pulse oximeters

If you have a darker skin tone, you should keep a close eye on your symptoms. “Research shows pulse oximeters can sometimes overestimate oxygen levels in people with darker skin tones. This means someone’s oxygen may actually be lower than the number shows,” says Johnson. 

If you have darker skin and see borderline-low readings (like 91 to 93 percent), pay attention to how you feel. “Shortness of breath, confusion, chest pain, dizziness, elevated heart rate or blue lips are warning signs to get help,” Johnson says. 

Does Medicare cover pulse oximeters?

Medicare does not cover home pulse oximeters.

These devices may be covered by certain Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans through a supplemental over-the-counter allowance, sometimes provided in the form of a prepaid card, which helps pay for eligible nonprescription health and wellness products.. If you’re enrolled in Medicaid, coverage depends on your state and your health condition. “It’s always best to contact your insurance provider directly with questions about home monitoring equipment and coverage eligibility,” Welsh advises. 

The federal government maintains a list you can use to find your state’s Medicaid agency contact information and confirm whether your plan covers pulse oximeters.

Does private insurance cover pulse oximeters?

Private insurance may cover pulse oximeters, but coverage depends on your plan, location and health status. Some insurance carriers follow eligibility requirements similar to those of Medicare. Call your provider to see if you’re eligible for coverage based on your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Comparing the cost of pulse oximeters

How to save money on pulse oximeters

There are a couple of ways you can curb costs: 

• Savings plans. If you have a health reimbursement account (HRA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health savings account (HSA), you might be able to use funds to cover medical costs. Pulse oximeters are usually a qualified expense, but it’s best to check your account’s terms before buying.
• Nonprofit organizations. Some organizations will send free medical supplies when you apply to their program. For example, Breathe with MD is a nonprofit serving those with a neuromuscular disease that affects breathing. You can request a free pulse oximeter if you show financial need and have a qualifying diagnosis.

FAQs

What is the best pulse oximeter?

According to our testing, the best overall oximeter is the Innovo Deluxe iP900AP. It delivers accurate results, boasts an easy-to-use design and has an affordable price of around $35.

What does a pulse oximeter measure?

A pulse oximeter measures how much oxygen your red blood cells are carrying. Normal blood oxygen levels for healthy adults range from  95 to 100 percent. (Or: Healthy pulse oximeter values range from 95% to 100%. Or: Normal blood oxygen levels for healthy adults are between 95% and 100%.

Which finger should I use for a pulse oximeter?

Generally, a home pulse oximeter goes on your pointer or middle finger.

How accurate are pulse oximeters?

Pulse oximeters are a helpful tool for estimating oxygen saturation and pulse, but not all deliver accurate results. Some devices can be unreliable, especially for users with darker skin tones. Cold hands, poor circulation, movement, dark nail polish, bright rooms, a low battery or a poor sensor fit can skew results.

Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.

CORRECTION: This article incorrectly stated that Open Oximetry is a non-governmental organization funded by and based at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). It is funded by several different sources — including government sources — but UCSF isn’t one of them. The UCSF Hypoxia Lab did fund testing for the first oximeters loaded into the database. The two main readings on a pulse oximeter are the oxygen saturation (SpO2), expressed as a percentage, and the pulse rate (PR), expressed as beats per minute."