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Oct 14, 2024

5 best home oxygen concentrators 2024, expert reviewed | Fortune Recommends

By Spencer Kildare, CLC Medically Reviewed by Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM Reviewed by Megan Mowery Fact Checked by Krista Manning We determined the best home oxygen concentrator through a

By Spencer Kildare, CLC

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM

Reviewed by Megan Mowery

Fact Checked by Krista Manning

We determined the best home oxygen concentrator through a meticulous review process. We evaluated over 45 oxygen concentrators and analyzed features like oxygen flow rate, oxygen purity, weight, power consumption, and noise level. We then analyzed each concentrator for performance, reliability, and overall value.

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This article was reviewed by Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple-board-certified physician, and Krista Manning, an experienced fact-checker. It was guided by our team of editors and professional product testers.

Oxygen is crucial for healthy, high-functioning respiratory and circulatory systems. But conditions like asthma, lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart failure can impact an individual’s ability to receive and process oxygen adequately. These and similar conditions lead to low blood oxygen levels and are fatal if untreated. That’s where oxygen supplementation through therapy and oxygen concentrators step in. ( 1 ) ( 2 )

Home oxygen concentrators have been around since the 1970s ( 3 ), but their usage has increased following COVID-19 as younger individuals need the devices. ( 4 ) These devices can improve quality of life and recover some semblance of normalcy.

Our team of experts evaluated over 45 devices, analyzed their specs and features, and then selected the top five standout devices. Readers can use our results to decide the best home oxygen concentrator for them.

The Drive DeVilbiss 5 Liter Home Oxygen Concentrator is our pick for the best overall oxygen concentrator. It excels in user-friendliness and performance, and it’s a superb choice for users who want a durable machine that provides oxygen at continuous flow rates. Features such as the DeVilbiss Turn-Down Technology, DeVilbiss Oxygen Sensing Device (OSD), and flow meter help users get oxygen safely for an unbeatable price.

Drive’s DeVilbiss 5L Home Oxygen Concentrator is a powerful yet affordable machine with a durable build and compact design. These reasons make it our best overall pick.

The Drive DeVilbiss 5L Oxygen Concentrator (525DS) is a device that offers solid performance. We were impressed with its performance during our evaluation, along with the ODS system, compact design, durable quality, and user-friendly interface.

We love that the user interface slants at an angle, so users can use the device while sitting or standing. The audible and visual alarms alert for low oxygen levels, power failure, pressure drops, and if service is required. The yellow light indicates lower oxygen levels, while the green light indicates optimal oxygen levels.

However, when testing the concentrator, we discovered that the interface does not display specific oxygen purity levels, and users can misinterpret the flow meter when read at an angle. That said, DeVilbiss’ exclusive ODS monitors oxygen produced by the unit, protecting the user’s safety throughout prolonged use.

Many users will appreciate this concentrator’s operational quietness, as its average peak loudness is around 48 dBs. Quiet offices have a similar sound level, meaning the operational sounds are like a humming ambiance.

The 50-foot cannula (tubing) with protected fitting helps deliver upwards of 5 LPM of 90%+ concentrated oxygen to users across all flow rates. When testing, we noted that all flow rates are consistent and continuous. With such a long cannula, top handle, and bottom wheel, users can easily move throughout rooms. DeVilbiss Turn-Down Technology cuts power usage by 15% or more. The technology reduces wear and tear and increases the lifespan of the device. Based on our research, we believe users can take great comfort in knowing they can rely on this machine for their oxygen needs for a long time.

The Drive DeVilbiss 5L Concentrator’s durability extends from its physical form to its performance because it can operate at an altitude of over 13,000 ft. Most other home oxygen concentrators have a max of around 7,500 ft. Users need not worry about battery life because the machine uses A/C power.

The Drive DeVilibiss 5L earns a four-star average rating on the Oxygen Concentrator Store with only four ratings currently posted.

Customer Raj M. provided his review on the Oxygen Concentrator Store. In his five-star review, he wrote, “It is a very reliable unit, and I would recommend it to others.” However, some other Oxygen Concentrator Store reviewers ran into issues with their machines, particularly with the humidifier location. P.J. Sterling’s four-star review reads, “The humidifier bottle location is beyond awkward. It won’t sit in the little alcove, so has to sit on the floor which is hard to reach. Plus every time the tube moves, it knocks over the bottle. I ended up putting the bottle inside a winter boot. Very poor design.” GeeGee shares similar sentiments, writing, “The machine is nice and quiet. However, I am used to having a place to reel in extra tubing when not using it. Now, I’m using a mini bungee cord looped around the handle. For me, the biggest issue is the humidifier bottle. It is difficult to work bent over when you have respiratory issues and sitting on the floor is out.”

The combination of CAIRE’s power-reducing autoFLOW™ technology, user-friendly design, great performance, and relatively low price solidifies the CAIRE Companion 5 as our pick for best value.

The features and price of the CAIRE Companion 5 make it our standout pick for the best value home oxygen concentrator. It’s one of the least expensive of all the machines we tested, at an affordable $895. The priciest of the over 45 machines we tested costs $4,495. Moreover, its price is lower than that of the best portable oxygen concentrators despite the size and weight difference.

Carlo Riley, an oxygen specialist at the Oxygen Concentrator Store, told us that CAIRE products are not only American-made but are the top choice for the U.S. military. Users can breathe easily with the Companion 5 because it’s a trusted brand despite its lower price point.

When evaluating the CAIRE concentrator, we noted that the Companion 5 has a user-friendly design and interface. The device has large wheels and a top handle that make it easy to maneuver and set in position. The humidifier bottle is front-loading, which provides users with easy access. An oxygen monitor alarm for levels below 85% is available as an addition to the pre-installed flow meter and alarm lights. We recommend adding this option because users have reported that some devices’ alarms may malfunction and make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.

The device consumes no more than 300 W at 3 LPM and lower continuous flow rates. Moreover, CAIRE’s autoFLOW™ technology saves customers more money by reducing the compressor load by 25% at 2 LPM. These functions are in place to lessen wear on major internal components. As a result, this increases the machine’s health and longevity.

The 50dB of sound it produces at max power is higher than comparable devices that offer 30-40dB of noise. However, the sound is similar to the hum of a refrigerator, meaning it is more of an ambiance than a loud noise.

Customers love the CAIRE Companion 5. The cost-effective machine has a stunning 4.9-star rating from 33 reviews on The Oxygen Concentrator Store website. Reviewer Kenneth described how quiet the machine was compared to his last machine. He wrote, “I have only been using the Caire Companion 5 for about a week and it seems to be doing fine so far. It was much quieter than the previous concentrator I rented.” An anonymous but verified purchaser on The Oxygen Concentrator Store website wrote a review that coincides with Kenneth’s comment about its quietness. They expressed the great value they got from the CAIRE Companion 5. In their five-star review, they wrote, “I thought, at first, it would be loud at 50 dB. It isn’t loud at all and [is] so simple to use. My insurance said I would have to pay until my deductible was met. This entire machine costs less than my deductible.” Not all reviews were 100% positive. Lana noticed an issue with her device that seemed to coincide with other online reviews. She gave the device four stars and wrote, “Nice and quiet. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is the humidifier. Even with very little water, it comes through the hose and out the cannula.”

The Inogen At Home 5L concentrator is a lightweight device with lower power consumption. It’s our pick for best energy efficiency because it saves users more money in energy costs.

The Inogen At Home concentrator allows users to get their money’s worth. The $1,645-$1,703 price point might be steep for some users, but this concentrator’s features make this device worth the upfront costs and investment.

Other devices consume upwards and onwards of 300 watts of power. Power consumption of this amount can be costly to users who need to use their home oxygen concentrators frequently. At a max of 275 watts, those using the Inogen At Home concentrator can worry less about their electricity bill while still getting the same oxygen output as they would from other devices. Moreover, users may save up to and around $300 a year.

We love that users can take advantage of it being the lightest and smallest home oxygen concentrator at just 18 pounds, as it’s easy to transport and place anywhere. When evaluating the concentrator, we noted that transporting the device is easier because the unit has a pull-out handle. However, its lack of wheels might be problematic for those who live alone and can’t physically lift objects.

The three-button interface is simple and allows users of all ages to operate the device. Keeping the unit operational is hassle-free and low effort. When testing, wiping the exterior with a damp cloth kept the device clean and functional. The easily accessible particle filter on the side of the device should be removed and cleaned with mild soap and rinsed water with water weekly. These steps allow users to experience oxygen at upwards of 5 LPM for a long time.

Customers on the Oxygen Concentrator Store are pleased with the Inogen At Home concentrator, scoring the device 4.4 out of five stars. Maureen expressed her familiarity and experience with Inogen products in her five-star review: “I currently own two Inogen products, and this makes my third. I wanted a smaller machine for night [and] to travel with, and at 18lbs [this product] made sense for me.” Another customer named Bev had similar sentiments and praised the portability of the Inogen At Home concentrator. With five stars, Bev declared, “I bought this machine for use on vacations, travel, and visits from home. Portability is great. Continuous oxygen was a must for me while sleeping, and this machine fits the bill perfectly. Just used it on a 2,000-mile trip, and it was lightweight, took up less room, and worked perfectly.” The lack of wheels may be a problem, as previously mentioned. A customer named “Beady” expressed their frustrations in a two-star review that read, “This unit is fine, but there is a major problem for me. I need to use the product at night and sometimes in the daytime. It is too heavy for me to carry, so the lack of wheels is a major setback.” Overall, customers enjoyed this machine because of its ease of transport and nighttime functionality.

The CAIRE AirSep Newlife Intensity boasts unmatched power and can continuously push out 10 liters of oxygen per minute at high pressure. Its durable build allows for extended operational use with little stress to its components.

The CAIRE AirSep Newlife Intensity can produce oxygen at a higher pressure and high flow rate than most other home oxygen concentrators. We like that it has incredible power and an incredibly durable build.

Based on our evaluation and research, the Intensity is the only concentrator on the market that operates at an astounding 20 psi while providing a high flow rate. Its high flow rate sufficiently meets the pressure requirements of other respiratory devices, such as volume jet nebulizers, medical nebulizers, and venti-masks. This machine can keep producing oxygen at high flow rates and pressure in temperatures as high as 95˚F and as low as 41˚F.

The power of the NewLife Intensity allows users to get anywhere from two to 10 LPM of oxygen at an average purity of 93%< for extended periods. When testing, we noted that the alarms only sound when problems such as low concentration levels, high temperatures, abnormal pressure, and power failure occur. The machine runs quietly unless an issue arises. Light sleepers and dependent users can trust that the NewLife Intensity will run all night without interrupting sleep by breathing problems or unintentional loud sounds.

It’s not the largest concentrator available, but the CAIRE AirSep NewLife intensity is quite sizable. It stands at around 27 inches and weighs roughly 58 lbs, approximately the same as a microwave. This device will give most people who try lifting it a hard time. Fortunately, it has wheels to make it easier to move around the room. The handlebar-shaped top provides an easy grip for moving.

This device consumes 590 watts on average. Those trying to conserve energy or electricity costs might want to consider a different product.

Customers from the Oxygen Concentrator Store love the AirSep Intensity’s quality, power, and performance. Its overall rating is a perfect five stars. A user named Joanna described the concentrator as “excellent.” She wrote in her review, “I recently purchased the Caire Airsep Newlife Intensity 10 Home Concentrator, and if you are looking for a very quiet, very sturdy, and easy-to-move-around concentrator, this could be perfect for you, too.”

“It was much quieter than my other concentrators. The wheels were easy to move. Maintenance was very easy—just wipe it down as we do with all concentrators, check the back filter, and clean/replace it. Financially, it was a good decision instead of renting and paying more than you would [over time] to purchase.”

Joanna, Verified Oxygen Concentrator Store Customer

On Direct Home Medical, one five-star reviewer using the name “Potterfan57” wrote this: “I purchased this as a backup to an older unit. I think it will become my new unit moving forward. It has a very nice design and is easy to use. I don’t take it up to 10L, but I’m glad I’ll be able to if I ever need to.”

The Inogen One G4 is a portable oxygen concentrator that weighs only 2.8 pounds with its single-cell battery. Users can use the custom carry bag to get oxygen on the go without disturbing others, as it’s quiet at 40 dBs on setting two.

The Inogen One G4 is a versatile, lightweight, compact machine that works as the perfect companion for users to get their oxygen needs at home or out and about.

When testing the concentrator, we noted that the Inogen One G4 has two different run times or battery life; each one depends on the battery purchased with the device. The single-cell battery provides up to two hours and forty minutes of battery life. The double battery is more expensive and lasts up to five hours on a single charge. Users who require long periods of oxygen therapy should consider a different concentrator or purchase additional batteries.

The ability to unplug from the A/C power and use it as a portable device grants users greater freedom and independence. Users can charge their devices in the car using the included DC cable. This oxygen concentrator provides users the ability to attend important events. It’s FAA-approved and allows users to take it aboard flights.

Users can seamlessly go from watching TV at home to picking up a loved one from an activity while still receiving their oxygen therapy. The Inogen One G4 works well in emergencies when users must suddenly leave the house. The $1,700-$2,744 price point is steep, but it’s a priceless investment for those with active lifestyles.

The device is relatively small, and its black carrying bag matches most outfits. Additionally, it is quiet at 40 dBs (using flow setting two), about as loud as a quiet office or library. Users can discreetly receive their oxygen intake without disturbing others in silent settings such as dinners and movies.

The Inogen One G4 provides oxygen through pulse dosages instead of continuously. Users who need a continuous flow of oxygen should look to purchase another device. The machine offers three pulse settings, which work with the built-in Intelligent Delivery technology and provide the perfect amount of oxygen. It can increase oxygen during exercise and decrease production when the user is at rest or asleep.

We like that the Inogen One G4 adapts to users’ lives and provides them with the freedom to enjoy life. Users can access the Inogen Connect app to better monitor and control their devices.

Customers from the Oxygen Concentrator Store generally agree that the Inogen One G4 gives them independence and mobility.

Donna finds it “awesome” that she may go as she pleases without the fuss and hassle. Her five-star review reads, “I purchased my G4 in November 2023 after dealing with canister units since 2019. It is awesome to be able to go where I please when I please without the hassle of heavy equipment or bulky bundles hanging from my back. I have extra backup batteries, which will allow me to take trips in my car or on a plane. The customer care team was very helpful, too.”

A user going by the name of “Marco Polo” enjoys the product but finds it warm while operating. With three stars, they wrote, “This unit is great if you need 2L on pulse while mobile; easy to carry and quiet. It’s very warm as the exhaust is vented on both sides. It’s so great in the winter but not so great around the house/office. Buying a lighter unit is great unless your situation worsens, you have to upgrade and upgrade again.”

Maintaining optimal health and ensuring effective oxygen therapy is vital for individuals with respiratory conditions. Oxygen concentrators are essential for providing a steady supply of oxygen, so choosing the right unit is critical for patient care and comfort.

Our rigorous review process combines direct product testing with input from respiratory therapists to scrutinize aspects from operational reliability to user-friendliness and overall efficiency. Read our oxygen concentrator testing methodology for more information.

For individuals dependent on supplemental oxygen, the consistent, reliable performance of their oxygen concentrator is non-negotiable. It must deliver the correct concentration of oxygen without interruption, regardless of external conditions or how long the device has been operating.

Here’s what we look for:

This category directly influences the ability of users to effectively operate the device, particularly during critical times. This category assesses how user-friendly and accessible the oxygen concentrators are, ensuring that they can be easily used by a diverse range of individuals, including those with limited physical dexterity, visual impairments, or minimal technical skills. We evaluate:

This category goes beyond cost analysis to encapsulate the overall worth and effectiveness of oxygen concentrators in supporting users’ respiratory needs. This evaluation frames value not just in financial terms but also in terms of the device’s quality, reliability, and the financial and health benefits these factors offer relative to cost.

We evaluate:

This category emphasizes the importance of the interactions and overall support users receive from the moment they consider purchasing a device, from its setup to its everyday use and beyond. We assess how manufacturers cater to their customers, ensuring that every step of the customer journey enhances satisfaction, builds trust, and reinforces the user’s confidence in relying on the device for their health needs.

Our factors in this rating include:

Home oxygen concentrators are respiratory devices that supply uncontained and concentrated oxygen to the user from the surrounding air. These medical devices are for home environments in a general stationary capacity. They differ from portable oxygen concentrators because they don’t run on battery power, are more powerful, and aren’t purposed for on-the-go usage.

Home concentrators filter nitrogen and other gasses out of the surrounding air and leave concentrated oxygen (and other particles) to be inhaled by the user. The intricate process begins with the compressor pumping the surrounding air through a sieve bed filter system. The zeolite within the filter attracts the nitrogen and separates it from the oxygen. The process is complete as the now concentrated air is delivered to the user using a cannula or medical mask. Electricity powers the process through a home’s A/C power.

Purchasing a home concentrator requires considering several key factors. The key factors are figured out first through a consultation and prescription by a Healthcare Provider. These factors are the oxygen flow rate, delivery/dosage method, and oxygen purity levels, and they are specific to the individual’s medical needs. Factors such as price, model, weight, power consumption, and noise output are considerations that affect and are affected by the user’s lifestyle.

The Oxygen Concentrator Store’s Carlo Riley provided extra information regarding what users have considered and should consider. He informed us that product recalls and halts of production, like with Philips Respironics ( 5) , should be considered. Such products are still in production, but users may experience difficulty receiving manufacturer customer service and repairs. Additionally, American customers generally care about which country produces their concentrator.

Home oxygen concentrators usually cost customers between $700 and $4,000 upfront. Prices depend on the features, model, and brand. Additionally, prices for the same unit may vary from store to store. Rental fees typically range from $150 to $500 per month.Maintenance, repairs, and electricity bills are wild card additional costs. These factors depend on the frequency of use, model, and physical location.

Home oxygen concentrators should only be used by those with chronic respiratory complications and have a prescription from a healthcare provider.

A prescription is required to use and purchase a home oxygen concentrator. Safety is a big concern because high concentrations of pure oxygen may lead to oxygen toxicity and other health problems. ( 6 )

Prescriptions should specify the flow rate, delivery method, and use duration that oxygen concentrators should meet. Although there are websites offering oxygen concentrators for sale without a prescription, the FDA has not cleared or approved any oxygen concentrators for sale or use without a prescription.

The disadvantage of a home oxygen concentrator is that its use limits the freedom and independence of the user. Home oxygen concentrators must be connected to a power source all the time. This further limits the user because the user must be near the machine, which must be near a power source. Reliance on a power source spells trouble in power outages.

Another disadvantage is that devices need weekly maintenance to function normally. Additionally, dry noses, bloody noses, fatigue, and headaches are side effects of concentrator use. ( 7)

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) does pay for home oxygen concentrators as they fall under Durable Medical Equipment or DME. However, Medicare coverage of a concentrator requires a doctor’s home-use prescription and specific medical criteria to be met. Humidifiers are also covered if the unit requires them. Moreover, Medicare will cover 80% of the approved cost, but the user handles the remaining 20% after the deductible is met. ( 8 )

Medicare must provide a respiratory solution for use within the home if individuals need oxygen at night or 24 hours a day. Medicare will never cover the purchase or rental of oxygen concentrators for short-term use. ( 9 ) Interested parties should speak with their Medicare providers before purchasing a home oxygen concentrator.

Home oxygen concentrators can last several years depending on the build quality, frequency of use, model, and maintenance. Additionally, humidity and elevation are significant to a unit’s functionality and life. ( 10 ) Proper upkeep and maintenance can significantly increase the lifespan of units. Manufacturers offer one to five-year warranties to cover defects and repairs. Stores like the Oxygen Concentrator Store provide a standard three-year warranty.

Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM

Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine. An active clinical researcher, Dr. Raj is currently an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine and the Associate Program Director of Internal Medicine Residency at Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars Sinai.

Megan Mowery

Megan Mowery is a Minneapolis-based writer and editor specializing in shopping content. Her work has appeared in Reader’s Digest, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, People, and more. With over five years of experience in the shopping journalism space, she aims to connect readers with the best products and companies on the market through rigorous testing and evaluation.

Krista Manning

Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.

Fortune Recommends Writer

Spencer Kildare is a talented and published retail consultant with over ten years of experience in the industry. He uses his expertise and knowledge in product and service writing and has written for media brands such as Reader’s Digest. Spencer earned his certification as a Longevity Coach with the Spencer Institute. In his spare time, Spencer operates media businesses and projects.