Pulse Oximeter for Pilots Top Options

When soaring above the clouds, the last thing a pilot wants to feel is confusion, memory loss, or lack of control of their aircraft resulting from hypoxia. Keeping a pulse oximeter handy is an easy way to monitor blood oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Here's a handy list of options with a range of features that any pilot should consider adding to their flight bag.

Most of the best pulse oximeter options for pilots clip on a finger for a quick reading, or are integrated into a smartwatch for consistent monitoring on the wrist.

Best for: Daily use

If you need to stay on top of blood oxygen saturation levels in flight, the Oxi-Plus Pro Pulse oximeter is a popular choice for many pilots. This device comes ready to go, with two AAA batteries. Those who use it regularly say it has intuitive features and is easy to use.

Display: OLED screen

Alarm: No

FDA Approval: No

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Pricing: $49.95, via Sporty's

Best for: Ease of use

The Zacurate Pro Series is designed specifically for sports and aviation users, according to its manufacturer. This pulse oximeter model was recently upgraded and can now display a user's SpO2 level up to 100 percent. And there's no worry about fumbling to access the battery chamber—there's an easy-off snap lid.

Display: LED

Battery Life: 30 hours

Alarm: No

FDA Approval: Yes

Reading Time: 10 seconds

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Best compact device

The FaceLake FL400 Pulse Oximeter is designed for sports and aviation use and provides quick and precise readings, promises the manufacturer. For less than $20, this oximeter provides a lot of value, along with batteries and a carrying case. 

Display: LED

Alarm: No

FDA Approval: No

Reading Time: 24 seconds

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Best for: Multitasking

If the idea of clipping an oximeter to your finger seems unappealing, the Garmin D2 Air Smartwatch might be a pulse oximeter to consider. This smartwatch allows you to keep up with airport weather, navigate direct to nearby airports, log your flights, and store up to 500 of your favorite songs. This flight system strapped to your wrist also goes up to five days between charging.

Display: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens touchscreen display

Battery Life: smartwatch mode: up to five days, GPS mode with music: up to sixhours, GPS mode without music: up to 20 hours, GPS + SPO2: up to 10 hours

Alarm: yes

Reading Time: tracks your pulse oxygen level while you fly

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Best for: Bluetooth budget buy

This handy LPOW device with Bluetooth connectivity is a simple option for pilots and sports enthusiasts on the go. The app, which is available for both Android and IOS, automatically receives and stores data from the device. And at less than $20, it won't break the bank.

Display: OLED screen

Alarm: features an abnormal reading alarm

FDA Approval: No, intended for sports and aviation purposes

Reading Time: 8 seconds

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A pulse oximeter is a simple device that clips to your finger and measures your blood oxygen saturation level.

Pulse oximeters rely on a cold light source that shines through your fingertip, according to the American Lung Association. "By analyzing the light from the light source that passes through the finger, the device is able to determine the percentage of oxygen in the red blood cell," it explains.

The right middle finger and the right thumb are considered to be the most accurate.

If you fly above 10,000 feet MSL, you should carry a pulse oximeter to monitor for hypoxia, or low blood oxygen, which can lead to confusion and other physiological impairments.

Since most piston aircraft aren't pressurized, the right pulse oximeter for pilots is the one in reach at higher altitudes.

Oximeters work better for some than others. Readings may be affected by skin pigmentation, skin thickness, tobacco use, and fingernail polish, according to the FDA.

Most clip-on pulse oximeters have large displays offering clear numerical readings.

If you need to check your blood oxygen level while you're in the cockpit, you don't have time to waste. Verify readout times for the device before you buy.

Battery life varies among devices, but typically a set of AA or AAA batteries will last for dozens of hours before they need to be replaced. 

As with just about any device, there is a range of pulse oximeters on the market that will fit just about every budget.

A pulse oximeter is a great tool that helps pilots stay on top of their blood oxygen levels, much like FLYING keeps you informed of all the latest news in aviation. Lock down your subscription here.