9 Best Pulse Oximeters in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pharmacist

A pulse oximeter is a class II medical deviceーposes a moderate to high risk to the patient and/or useーwhich makes a Food and Drug Administration registration mandatory. You may refer to the U.S. FDA page and input the manufacturer name in the search field to verify this data. There are class II devices sold in both the U.S. and the Philippines, so this information is easily verifiable through the said source. 

A way of knowing if medical devices can be trusted is whether or not the devices' safety and quality have been assessed and verified by both foreign and local national regulatory authorities such as the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for instance.

First and foremost, selecting a pulse oximeter involves inspecting its accuracy and reliability, which entails the key criteria: measurement range and margin of error of its readings. It is preferable to get a pulse oximeter with a wide measurement range so you can quickly detect any deviation from the normal levels. Hence, this will lead to quicker medical response if ever urgent care is needed. 

The margin of error for pulse oximeters should be ±2 to 3, whether it may be the percentage of the blood oxygen level or pulse rate. This implies that any outlier from your sample batch must be rejected. Oximeters sold today, in general, share the same mechanism for reading data and differ only in how they are manufactured. 

Light-emitting diode or LED displays operate through backlighting, while OLED or organic LED lights up the screen using minute pixels. The former's display is brighter, but the backlight affects the readability in some angles as compared to OLED, which provides a strong contrast to the black background. Do note that LED screens are often more affordable than OLED. 

Just like almost any device or gadget, pulse oximeters need power from batteries. The most commonly used are 2 units of AAA-type batteries, which can be disposable or rechargeable. Disposable batteries may be cheaper, but rechargeable ones have a longer lifespan and reduce electronic waste. In relation, read the product description to know the quantity and type of batteries needed. 

If your pulse oximeter has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, you will need a USB connector, usually a Type C. This can be favorable since you need access to electricity to be able to charge. It is always preferable to purchase a set that already has AAA batteries or a USB connector, so it won't be a hassle to buy separately depending on their power supply. 

Pulse oximeters have the same basic functions but differ in extra features. It scans and displays your SpO2 rating, perfusion index, and heart rate, but they can also show a pulse waveform or bar graph, and even the battery percentage. During emergency situations, the scanning process should preferably be activated by just one touch and give both speedy and accurate results in seconds. 

The sensitivity to light sources is a drawback of pulse oximeters since they affect the accuracy of readings. Thus, get one that has a reduced light interference. For a more secure fitting, check if there are soft rubber pads to prevent the fingers from slipping. You can also read the product description if the pulse oximeter is suitable for adults, children, or both.

The rotating screen display is a helpful feature, so you don't need to turn the device around to read the results. Being able to record data for a period of time and transfer them to a device is practical for keeping track of your health. On the other hand, sound prompts serve as a signal that the scanning is done. 

Last but not least, another important factor to consider is the warranty, usually given by the supplier or manufacturer. It assures you that if ever the pulse oximeter acts up or malfunctions, you can contact the seller regarding the process of replacement and repair of any of the parts. Ensuring that the device has a warranty is crucial to saving money from buying another pulse oximeter.