For the unfamiliar, oxygen concentrators work by pulling air in through a filter and compressing it into one of two zeolite towers. “It’s a way to extract oxygen from the air and remove the nitrogen so that the concentration of oxygen is higher than ambient air which is 21%,” says Dr. Langdon. “These are safer than traditional pressurized oxygen tanks and more economical and convenient—easier to transport because they aren’t as bulky or heavy.”
When looking for a portable oxygen concentrator, Dr. Langdon recommends considering portability, battery life, and weight. We researched dozens of portable oxygen concentrators on the market and evaluated them for battery life, portability, price, weight, and flow.
Based on our research, these are the best portable oxygen concentrators on the market.
The G3 always puts your health first with audible alerts in case of a power outage, no-breath detected alarms and oxygen purity checks. Rest assured, if your oxygen level—which can be tested with a pulse oximeter—ever falls below the required purity levels, you will know immediately.
At 10 pounds and with a modern design of less than 12 inches wide and tall, it is one of the smallest POCs with continuous flow. It’s approved for use up to 10,000 feet, where it’s able to keep up a pulse dose setting of one to six and a continuous flow setting between 0.5 and two.
Price at time of publication: $2,495
The battery lasts up to five hours and has a pulse dose of one to six liters of oxygen delivered per minute (LPM) for precise and predictable 90% oxygen with each inhale. SeQual’s AutoSAT technology really sets it apart. It helps maintain the same amount of oxygen consistently, even as the breath rate varies.
But it’s also on the heavier side. It weighs 18 pounds and comes with a cart that easily wheels it around. You can also sling it over both shoulders and carry it as a backpack.
Price at time of publication: $3,600
This 6.8-pound concentrator only has one filter, which makes cleaning a breeze. It is also highly efficient, as the oxygen volume adjusts automatically to the breathing rate, maintaining minute volume so not a bit of oxygen-rich air is wasted.
Price at time of publication: $2,000
The AirSep has microbatteries that last up to three hours and an additional supplemental battery pack belt for an additional three and a half hours of battery life. It has a pulse dose rate of two LPM, so what you gain in featherweight class, you will notice a decrease in airflow ranges.
It may be compact, but it is rugged, durable, and water resistant, and it can withstand extreme temperatures. It has a pulse dose range of one to five LPM.
Price at time of publication: $3,000
The pulse dose setting ranges from one to six LPM. It also has a continuous setting of one to three LPM for precision oxygen. The battery keeps both pulse dose mode chugging for up to four hours and up to 1.5 hours operating in the continuous mode.
Price at time of publication: $4,000
This specific model is designed for the active user with a quiet, efficient pulse flow that goes up to a setting of three. It has a Max Pulse Setting of three and max oxygen of 332 per minute. The Freestyle can be worn over your shoulder with a carrying bag or you can add on the optional harness to convert it into a backpack, which frees you to do your favorite activity or exercise.
Users note that the power supply cord can be difficult to maneuver, sometimes unplugging with movement.
We considered models based on their size and weight for easy transportation, delivery and flow type, and oxygen output. Our list includes a mix of durable, high-flow options great for home use and other lightweight, discreet options that are perfect for travel.
What to Look for in a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Weight
These devices are meant to be used wherever you want to go, so size and weight are major considerations as is your chosen transportation method. Generally, oxygen concentrators with more power and higher output are heavier and larger. That doesn’t have to be a deterrent for an on-the-go lifestyle, though. Many also feature a convenient rolling cart or strap system for transporting easily.
For reference, a continuous portable device weighs around 20 pounds. The pulse flow device tends to be significantly lighter, ranging from three to 10 pounds in total.
Delivery/Flow Type
There are two main types of units, a pulse flow, and continuous flow, based on the delivery of oxygenated air. The pulse flow machine delivers air to the patient as short puffs timed to each inhalation. As a result, no oxygen is wasted. “The pulse flow or demand flow delivers oxygen only when the patient is inhaling. This can help with power consumption. Nighttime use is more commonly pulse-flow. Some operate continuous flow with the added feature of pulse-flow as needed,” says Dr. Langdon.
In contrast, the continuous flow unit produces a continuous stream of oxygen. “One to five liters per minute of continuous oxygen flow is a common way to deliver oxygen continuously whether the patient is inhaling or not,” says Dr. Langdon. These devices tend to have larger compressors, and there is likely some oxygen waste.
Battery Life
You can expect portable oxygen concentrators to run on a single battery charge for up to four or five hours. The smaller, lighter units generally have shorter battery charge-spans, though many of the devices come with extra batteries that can double that off-the-grid lifespan and charging options in cars.
Oxygen Output
By far the number one consideration to take into account when shopping for an oxygen concentrator is how much oxygen the machine can put out. Unlike oxygen tanks, which can deliver oxygen in virtually any setting, Scott Marlow, a respiratory therapist with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, explains that portable concentrators deliver a “certain quantity of oxygen with each breath.” Most patients require about 400 milliliters per min depending on their diagnosis.
It’s important to speak to a doctor about your specific requirements and what machines will best keep your oxygen saturation levels stable.
Why Trust Verywell Health?
As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews.
Additional reporting for this story by Danielle Zoellner
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the fieldwork together help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
