The 9 best NHS-approved pulse oximeters in the UK, and how to use one correctly

The Braun pulse oximeter is comfortable, clear, and convenient to use. We love the simple, single-finger clip design which enables you to take readings effortlessly and accurately. The display is brightly back-lit and it also rotates, so it allows you to see your results with ease.

Reviewers love the speed of this device and also its accuracy. Ulin recommends cross-referencing the results of your home pulse oximeter with your GP's, and this reviewer did just that, stating:
"I compared results with my GP’s device in surgery during a visit and found the results spot-on with her device. Perfect confirmation that the results provided are accurate. You cannot ask for more than that!"

For simplicity, ease of use and accuracy, the Braun pulse oximeter is our top choice overall.

This pulse oximeter features 5-in-1 health monitoring to provide readings for SpO2, body temperature, heart rate, perfusion index (blood flow) and plethysmograph (changes in volume - useful for checking for blood clots).

We like that this oximeter has an anti-shake function to help with trembling hands or active children and has been tested on different ages and skin colours for accurate measurements, because there's been a lot of research showing pulse oximeters might give inaccurate readings for non-white patients.

Our tester says: "My first impression of this oximeter was that it looked cheap. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting, though! This was so simple to set up that I didn’t even read the instructions. It gives off a clear reading of your oxygen levels, heart rate and temperature. To record the temperature, you need to plug the probe in which I did need to read in the instructions! The product requires two AAA batteries, which do not come supplied, so this was a little bit disappointing when you are paying around £30 for it.

"The oximeter gives a quick and accurate reading, is suitable for anyone over three years old and caters to any skin colour. This product will not work as well if the user has artificial nails. The oximeter does not store information and will shut down after eight seconds if not active. There was no pain when using this product and an alarm will sound if you have abnormal oxygen levels. Med Linket is a leading manufacturer and exporter of medical cables. This product is CE-certified."

The Salter Oximeter "OxyWatch" is packaged in a small, compact box and is ideal for taking on the go with you if you regularly need to check your heart rate and oxygen levels. It also comes with a lanyard, making it both portable and wearable.

I found the setup to be extremely fast, plus batteries are included and you don't need a screwdriver to open the device and add them in. The results are instant - all that’s required is a press of a button once you clip it onto your finger. Plus, it’s not painful at all, as it has a plastic exterior and interior which is smooth on your skin.

Although the OLED screen is rather small, I did not have any issue reading it, although someone who is visually impaired may struggle to. it does have adjustable brightness levels. It's quick and easy to use and you don’t need a smartphone to connect it to, but that being said, it doesn’t store any data from previous readings.

The batteries last for ages and it has a small battery icon on the display to let you know how much power is left. It has a low-power consumption and automatically turns itself off after a few seconds (once you’ve disconnected it from your finger). Over the four weeks of using it everyday, I haven't had to change the batteries, which is important if you need to use this regularly to monitor your health.

Other reviewers have checked its results for accuracy and are pleased: "It has exceeded my expectations in terms of accuracy and reliability. I have tested it against the NHS equivalent within a hospital, giving me the confidence to rely on its readings."

The finger pulse Kinetik Oximeter, used by the NHS and in association with St John Ambulance, accurately measures SpO2 and pulse rate. It can be used continuously for more than 24 hours.

Reviewed by Senior Digital Writer Becky Fuller: "This was really easy to set up and use. Although it said to insert batteries it actually already had some. The unit has a switch on the front, the display lights up, and then you pop it on your finger. It only takes a few seconds for the reading to appear, and I found it was best to sit still for a moment more to make sure the reading had settled properly. I tested this on myself and my adult daughter, and we tested the readings against our smartwatch readings as well. They were both accurate to each other within one beat, so I’d say it’s an accurate pulse reader. This also comes with a strap so you can keep it on you if you have any health concerns and might need to access it quickly."

The Anapulse 100 Finger Pulse Oximeter is a lightweight device that comes with a carry case and lanyard. It gives a fast and accurate reading. Weighing just 50g it can be carried anywhere in your pocket and used for times when you need to check your oxygen levels.

Reviewed by Features & Reviews Editor Samantha Ball: "I’m not the most tech-savvy, but the Anapulse 100 Oximeter was surprisingly simple to set up. The results on the screen are also easy to read, even when you’re slightly visually impaired.

"It may seem expensive for what it is, as there are cheaper alternatives, but they might not perform the same. This one can also be used for 24 hours if needed, and there is a clip so you can attach it to your belt, which, with a cheaper machine, you probably couldn’t do.

"One downside is that it doesn’t store the reading, so if you want to keep track, you have to write the reading down. However, it is very comfortable to wear and is battery-operated, meaning you can take it on the go. It doesn’t have an alarm, which isn’t essential as you can make note of the results. I’m unsure if it’s medically certified, as it doesn’t state, or whether it works on all skin tones, but I can imagine it does."

If you're tech-savvy, then a pulse oximeter that links to your smart phone might be just the thing for you. Not only will this ViATOM pulse oximeter provide readings in the moment, you can also measure, manage and track SpO2 and pulse rate readings in the accompanying app with a detailed history report of your readings.

This is especially useful for taking along to GP or consultant appointments, or monitoring your respiratory rate over a longer period. The app also integrates with Apple Health, so can link with Apple Watch data as well.

Reviews praise ease of use, clarity and how easy it is to link to the app: "The app was extremely easy to set up. I have an iPhone 11, just installed the app, opened it and when prompted said it was OK for it to access Bluetooth. Then I turned the oximeter on, it instantly showed up in the app and a quick tap later and it was paired. Looking in the settings of the app I found an Apple Health option, I switched that on and then could see the results instantly appear in the health app."

As well as providing quick results and measurements, this aCurio pulse oximeter is suitable for anyone over the age of four, making it perfect for the whole family. Personally, we have one pule oximeter in our family that's used by parents, children and grandchildren as needed.

It takes about 8 seconds for the reading to come through, and the display is bright red. This is easy to read for some but not others, so make sure that's suitable for you first.

Most reviewers have praised this for easy of use, like this one: "easy to read and easy to use. I feel it has given me peace of mind." But some have said it's not as accurate as medical devices. Also, it;'s worth noting it doesn't come with batteries - you'll need 2 x AAA batteries to get started.

Suitable for all ages, this pulse oximeter has been used by health professionals across the UK, including doctors and nurses in NHS hospitals and private surgeries. CE-certified and FDA-approved, this oximeter accommodates a wide range of finger sizes and is one of the most accurate to buy, as this review attests:

"Shortly after receiving this monitor, we had cause to compare it to the equipment used by the ambulance service. Side by side, they provided the same reading, which gave us confidence in the monitor and the results it produces."

Like most pulse oximeters it's reasonably priced, but we like that it comes with batteries included, making it slightly better value for money. You can also rotate the screen, which we like as it's so much easier to read.

We like the TRAN Pulse Oximeter because it comes with a lanyard you can attach, making it easily portable. For example, if you need to monitor your oxygen levels while walking, you can just clip it around your neck and off you go.

It doesn't come with batteries, but reviews call it "good quality, very sturdy," and state that it "doesn't feel cheap, does the job and is easy to use." Readings match with devices used by GPs. It has a handy heart rate and Sats guide included, so you can see where your measurements lie and will know when to raise any concerns with your GP.