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Portable oxygen concentrators are life-saving medical devices that offer supplemental oxygen to people with pulmonary, cardiac and blood disorders. They’re also helpful tools for those on the go, and unlike stationary oxygen concentrators, they are battery-operated and don’t need an electrical outlet. These portable devices “give people the freedom not to be tethered to an AC-powered concentrator,” says Bob Bacheler, the Philadelphia-based managing director of Flying Angels, a company that provides non-emergency medical transport on commercial airlines.
The Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on over 30 products to determine the best portable oxygen concentrators on the market, ranking them based on affordability, battery life, product weight, range of settings and more.
Note: All product prices are accurate as of the publication date.
Why You Can Trust Forbes Health
The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes the accuracy and integrity of the data collected. Our ranking is based on quantitative data and is free from conflicts of interest. We carefully fact check the information featured in our ranking and are committed to producing rankings and supplemental content about oxygen concentrators that readers can trust. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our oxygen concentrator methodology for the rankings below.
Lightweight and easy to handle, the OxyGo Next portable oxygen concentrator is perfect for users with an active lifestyle. The tankless, cartless system can be charged at home or in the car, and with a charging time of three hours, a single battery can last more than six hours. It also comes with a convenient shoulder strap bag for easy transport.
The OxyGo Next is also available with a double battery pack, which increases its weight to 5.7 pounds and extends its battery life to as much as 13 hours. By connecting the OxyGo Next portable oxygen concentrator via Bluetooth with the My OxyGo App, users can monitor their device’s battery life and control settings from iOS and Android phones.
Have you considered Inogen One G5 Portable Concentrator?
Designed for active lifestyles, Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator provides you with the oxygen you need, wherever and whenever you need it. Here's why we chose it:
Lightest among all units that have a flow setting of 1 to 6, weighing only 4.7 pounds with a single battery
Designed for 24-hour usage and features an easy-to-use display
With its long battery life and FAA-Approval, it can be used in flight
The Live Active Five portable oxygen concentrator offers a multitude of features, including a large, easy-to-read display, convenient battery access, five pulse dose settings and a one-touch start option. It comes with a starter kit that includes power cords and car adaptors, as well as a custom carrying bag and an accessory bag. Plus, the device uses controlled minute volume technology to help keep noise in check.
The Live Active Five comes with a three-year warranty, though the battery is only under warranty for six months, and the sieve beds, or filters that separate nitrogen from oxygen, are under warranty for one year. Customers can choose to purchase a “power bundle,” which features an extra lithium ion battery.
Have you considered Inogen One G5 Portable Concentrator?
Designed for active lifestyles, Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator provides you with the oxygen you need, wherever and whenever you need it. Here's why we chose it:
Lightest among all units that have a flow setting of 1 to 6, weighing only 4.7 pounds with a single battery
Designed for 24-hour usage and features an easy-to-use display
With its long battery life and FAA-Approval, it can be used in flight
This lightweight device is ideal for travel and even comes with a carrying bag for easy transport. It can be charged and used in the car, and it’s designed to switch between various setting options with ease. The EasyPulse portable oxygen concentrator also features built-in alarms to notify users of concerns, such as a low battery or an accelerated breathing rate.
Customers can choose to purchase an additional external battery pack, which extends the battery life to 11 hours.
Have you considered Inogen One G5 Portable Concentrator?
Designed for active lifestyles, Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator provides you with the oxygen you need, wherever and whenever you need it. Here's why we chose it:
Lightest among all units that have a flow setting of 1 to 6, weighing only 4.7 pounds with a single battery
Designed for 24-hour usage and features an easy-to-use display
With its long battery life and FAA-Approval, it can be used in flight
The InogenOne G5 Oxygen Concentrator is one of the most lightweight devices featured on our list, making it ideal for travel—especially since it’s approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for in-flight use. It comes with a convenient travel bag and can supply round-the-clock oxygen with battery, AC and DC power options. Users can conveniently connect their G5 via Bluetooth to the Inogen Connect app to monitor device performance, including remaining battery life, from their smartphone.
The Inogen One G5 comes with a three-year warranty, and customers can purchase a lifetime warranty for an additional fee. While choosing to purchase a double battery pack increases the device’s cost and weight, it also increases its battery life to 13 hours when used on the first flow setting.
The larger version of the 3-liter EasyPulse, this 5-liter portable oxygen concentrator starts with the click of a single button. It comes with a five-year warranty on the device and a one-year warranty on the battery, power supplies and cords. Ideal for people on the go, it’s designed to fit under an airplane seat and can be charged in your car.
Users who prefer a backpack to a standard carrying case can purchase a specialty backpack for an additional fee.
Have you considered Inogen One G5 Portable Concentrator?
Designed for active lifestyles, Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator provides you with the oxygen you need, wherever and whenever you need it. Here's why we chose it:
Lightest among all units that have a flow setting of 1 to 6, weighing only 4.7 pounds with a single battery
Designed for 24-hour usage and features an easy-to-use display
With its long battery life and FAA-Approval, it can be used in flight
With the widest range of pulse flow settings available, the OxLife Liberty can suit a variety of oxygen supplementation needs. While it’s slightly larger than similar portable oxygen concentrators, this device is designed for travel, with AC and DC adaptors and a quick battery charge time of under three hours. The device also comes with a convenient carrying case.
OxLife Liberty users can allow clinicians to view device data and monitor patients in real time via the company’s dynamic network analysis (DNA) technology powered by Verizon.
Have you considered Inogen One G5 Portable Concentrator?
Designed for active lifestyles, Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator provides you with the oxygen you need, wherever and whenever you need it. Here's why we chose it:
Lightest among all units that have a flow setting of 1 to 6, weighing only 4.7 pounds with a single battery
Designed for 24-hour usage and features an easy-to-use display
With its long battery life and FAA-Approval, it can be used in flight
While many single battery-powered oxygen concentrators last for about four to five hours, the Freestyle Comfort’s eight-hour battery life provides users with extra peace of mind. It also features various smart technologies to monitor oxygen saturation and adjust oxygen flow based on user respiration statistics.
The Freestyle Comfort comes with a carrying bag, a battery pack, AC and DC power supplies and a three-year warranty.
Have you considered Inogen One G5 Portable Concentrator?
Designed for active lifestyles, Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator provides you with the oxygen you need, wherever and whenever you need it. Here's why we chose it:
Lightest among all units that have a flow setting of 1 to 6, weighing only 4.7 pounds with a single battery
Designed for 24-hour usage and features an easy-to-use display
With its long battery life and FAA-Approval, it can be used in flight
This petite portable oxygen concentrator features a full-color LCD screen, and it’s designed with safety in mind. It delivers up to 20% more oxygen than similar units, according to the company, and it automatically provides extra oxygen when you need it. The concentrator is also easy to maintain and comes with a five-year warranty.
The Aer X features user-friendly, easy-press buttons to control settings.
Have you considered Inogen One G5 Portable Concentrator?
Designed for active lifestyles, Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator provides you with the oxygen you need, wherever and whenever you need it. Here's why we chose it:
Lightest among all units that have a flow setting of 1 to 6, weighing only 4.7 pounds with a single battery
Designed for 24-hour usage and features an easy-to-use display
With its long battery life and FAA-Approval, it can be used in flight
The Arya Portable Oxygen Concentrator has a lofty price tag, but it also comes with a lifetime warranty for enhanced peace of mind. (The sieve beds are protected by a five-year warranty). What’s more, its smart oxygen delivery system adjusts to the user’s breathing to ensure proper oxygen delivery at all times, according to the company.
By purchasing a double 16-cell battery, users can extend the Arya’s battery life to 16 hours.
Have you considered Inogen One G5 Portable Concentrator?
Designed for active lifestyles, Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator provides you with the oxygen you need, wherever and whenever you need it. Here's why we chose it:
Lightest among all units that have a flow setting of 1 to 6, weighing only 4.7 pounds with a single battery
Designed for 24-hour usage and features an easy-to-use display
With its long battery life and FAA-Approval, it can be used in flight
The Invacare Platinum Mobile Oxygen Concentrator is a durable device that features a bumper in its carry bag, along with a foam-encapsulated compressor. It’s even water resistant for up to 10 minutes. Plus, its batteries can be swapped on the go without interrupting oxygen supply. Batteries are loaded in the top, which means you don’t have to switch the unit off or take the device out of its bag to swap them.
The Invacare Platinum comes with a convertible carrying case that can be worn as a messenger-style bag, handbag or backpack.
Have you considered Inogen One G5 Portable Concentrator?
Designed for active lifestyles, Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator provides you with the oxygen you need, wherever and whenever you need it. Here's why we chose it:
Lightest among all units that have a flow setting of 1 to 6, weighing only 4.7 pounds with a single battery
Designed for 24-hour usage and features an easy-to-use display
With its long battery life and FAA-Approval, it can be used in flight
To determine the best portable oxygen concentrators, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on more than 30 products, ranking them based on:
Portable oxygen concentrators are battery-operated devices that provide supplemental oxygen to people who “require greater oxygen concentrations than the levels of ambient air,” says Sanul Corrielus, M.D., a board-certified cardiologist based in Philadelphia. “Oxygen concentrators draw oxygen from your immediate environment,” he adds, meaning they don’t require refillable oxygen canisters or tanks, which makes maintenance and upkeep easy.
A portable oxygen concentrator, sometimes called a POC, is similar to a home oxygen concentrator (OC) but more mobile, says Corrielus. These devices are small enough to carry, which makes them ideal for travel, and some are approved for use on airlines.
According to Corrielus, here’s how an oxygen concentrator works:
There are two types of oxygen concentrators: stationary oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators.
Stationary oxygen concentrators, or home oxygen concentrators, tend to provide continuous oxygen flow at larger volumes than portable machines. They’re also significantly larger than most portable options, typically weighing between about 30 and 55 pounds. These models often feature handles for easy rolling or moving from one location to another in a person’s home.
Portable oxygen concentrators provide individuals who need supplemental oxygen outside of their home with a much more lightweight and mobile solution. They deliver oxygen in the same way stationary oxygen concentrators do, but they tend to push lower volumes of oxygen comparatively. Most of these devices use rechargeable lithium ion batteries instead of relying on a wall adapter, so they also require frequent recharging.
Deciding which option works best for you ultimately depends on your lifestyle and supplemental oxygen needs. A stationary concentrator provides a higher oxygen output often at a lower cost while portable devices are smaller and travel-friendly. Work with your health care professional to determine which oxygen concentrator would make the most sense for you.
The best portable oxygen concentrator depends on your health needs, lifestyle preferences and budget. Work with your health care provider to determine which portable oxygen concentrator best suits your needs.
Portable oxygen concentrators are powered via a rechargeable battery that connects to the bottom of the concentrator. How long the battery lasts varies depending on the speed at which the user breathes (breaths per minute) and their required oxygen flow rate.
To use a portable oxygen concentrator, begin by attaching the nasal cannula (the device that helps deliver the oxygen to the nose) and turning on the device. Adjust the oxygen flow settings based on your health care provider’s prescription. Make a habit of checking the display screen to confirm adequate battery life before use, and carry an extra battery when you’re planning on being away from home (or an electrical outlet for charging) for an extended period of time.
Clean a portable oxygen concentrator using a mild dish soap and water, taking care to keep water away from the nasal cannula tubing. The cannula tubing should be replaced every two to four weeks, or sooner if it becomes damaged.
Anyone with a condition that may cause a low blood oxygen level (hypoxia) may benefit from supplemental oxygen, says Bacheler. Such conditions can include anemia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, heart failure and congenital heart disease.
There are numerous features to consider when choosing a portable oxygen concentrator, but there are a few particularly important details to think about when browsing your options.
While stationary oxygen concentrators deliver a continuous flow of oxygen, portable oxygen concentrators can either provide a continuous flow or a pulse mode, explains Bacheler. Pulse mode portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) can only be used by those using nasal cannulas who have enough breathing power to trigger the device to deliver a pulse of oxygen. People with tracheostomies (a surgical opening in the neck into the trachea) or very poor breathing ability need a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator. Some POCs feature both pulse dose and continuous flow settings.
It’s also important to consider the amount of oxygen needed, says Bacheler. Pulse mode POCs can typically deliver 1 to 6 liters of oxygen per minute, though some small ones are limited to 3 liters per minute. Continuous flow POCs can only provide 1 to 3 liters of oxygen per minute.
Batteries on pulse mode POC devices have a much longer life than those on continuous flow concentrators, according to Bacheler.
All portable concentrators have a car charger, he notes, but airplanes don’t “have enough power to operate a POC, so the user needs to have enough batteries to operate the POC for the duration of a flight.” Many airlines require passengers to have enough battery life for 150% of a planned flight time as a safety precaution to avoid emergencies. If you use a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator, that could mean traveling with an additional 20 to 30 pounds of batteries, says Bacheler.
Portable oxygen concentrators range in weight from about 5 to 20 pounds, says Bacheler. Smaller concentrators have a lower oxygen capacity, so it’s usually best to opt for a larger device if you need a lot of supplemental oxygen. Consider how often you travel and what size would best fit your lifestyle. If you frequently fly on airplanes, make sure the device you’re considering is approved for air travel before you purchase it.
If you require supplemental oxygen but want to lead a more active lifestyle, a portable oxygen concentrator provides the flexibility and mobility needed to breathe comfortably while away from home. Some models can provide individuals with as much as 12 hours of continuous oxygen, making it possible for people who use supplemental oxygen to travel or partake in more remote activities without worrying about running out of oxygen. They’re also lightweight for easy carrying, and many models are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved for airplane travel.
Experience The Inogen One G5 - A Step Forward In Oxygen Therapy Innovation
The Inogen G5 is a robust and versatile concentrator that provides six flow settings in a lightweight design weighing under 5 pounds. It's capable of 24/7 oxygen delivery, has a long battery life and features remarkably quiet operation.
Although oxygen is a safe, non-flammable gas, it does support combustion, meaning materials will burn more quickly in an oxygen-rich environment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the following safety guidelines while using a portable oxygen concentrator:
Meanwhile, keep in mind that because portable oxygen concentrators use rechargeable batteries, it’s important to carry an extra battery whenever you anticipate being away from home for long stretches of time.
Oxygen concentrators that deliver 4 liters of oxygen per minute or more may cause nasal dryness and nosebleeds. However, humidifier attachments can help to add moisture to the oxygen you inhale to alleviate symptoms.
Additionally, the American Lung Association warns individuals against using over-the-counter portable oxygen concentrators. While these devices may be more affordable than oxygen concentrators that require a prescription, they may not be able to meet oxygen needs for certain conditions, such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.
Portable oxygen concentrators tend to cost around $2,500, but there are models that are both more affordable and more expensive. Data compiled by the Forbes Health editorial team suggests that prices tend to range from about $700 to $3,500, depending on the manufacturer and model. Many oxygen concentrators are available for rent as well, significantly reducing the cost for those who don’t want to buy a device outright.
Medicare Part B often helps cover the cost of renting oxygen equipment, such as portable concentrators. However, you must meet the following conditions:
If you already own a portable oxygen concentrator, Medicare does help pay for supplies and for the delivery of oxygen.
Many private insurers cover portable oxygen concentrators, too, but it depends on the details of your specific plan. For instance, the Inogen One Oxygen Concentrator is covered by “many private insurance plans” at little or no cost, though copayments and deductibles may apply. Contact your insurance provider to find out exactly how much is covered.
If Medicare or your private insurance doesn’t cover an oxygen concentrator, there are ways to reduce costs for these devices. For instance, some medical equipment providers may allow individuals to purchase oxygen concentrators on a payment plan, which will allow them to pay off the cost of the device in small, incremental payments over a predetermined amount of time.
Alternatively, consider purchasing either a used or refurbished oxygen concentrator from a reputable dealer or manufacturer. Used concentrators are typically devices that have been returned, sanitized and tested for oxygen purity levels, with mechanical parts replaced or fixed as needed. Refurbished devices generally have all new mechanical components with repurposed casing and cosmetic fixtures.
If you only need supplemental oxygen therapy for a temporary amount of time, such as if you’re recovering from an illness, it may make more sense to rent a portable oxygen concentrator rather than purchase one. Rental costs for portable oxygen concentrators typically range anywhere from $245 to $500 per week, depending on factors like the type of device, the medical equipment supplier you rent from and your specific oxygen needs.
To rent a portable oxygen concentrator, you’ll likely need to provide your oxygen prescription and insurance information to the device supplier. For Medicare beneficiaries, Part B may cover the costs of renting oxygen equipment and accessories as durable medical equipment (DME) if your doctor prescribes it as medically necessary.
Ultimately, the best affordable portable oxygen concentrator for you is the one that can deliver the supplemental oxygen you need, works for your particular lifestyle and accommodates your personal budget. If your health care provider prescribed supplemental oxygen as part of your care plan, speak with them about affordable device options, including rental opportunities, that can meet your health needs effectively. Also reach out to your health care provider to learn whether your plan covers more costs of oxygen concentrators made and supported by certain manufacturers.
Depending on the model, a portable oxygen concentrator may provide continuous oxygen flow for up to 12 hours on a single battery charge, but some devices need to be charged more frequently and only provide individuals with two to four hours of oxygen per charge.
You typically need a prescription for supplemental oxygen from your health care provider to purchase or rent an oxygen concentrator. Once these needs are established, it’s best to ask your health care provider and health insurance provider where they recommend sourcing a device from to keep costs manageable. Based on this information, you can consider a number of online medical supply companies, as well as those with brick-and-mortar locations near you.
Experience The Inogen One G5 - A Step Forward In Oxygen Therapy Innovation
Inogen’s robust and versatile concentrator offers multiple flow settings. With its lightweight design, it works using Intelligent Delivery technology to detect breathing rates while adjusting the oxygen level accordingly.
On Oxygen Concentrator Store's Website
Air Separation Plant Mechanical Equipment The best portable oxygen concentrator for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your prescribed liter flow, battery life and device size and weight. You may also want to consider factors such as how loud the device is and if it’s FAA-approved. Consult with your health care provider to determine which portable oxygen concentrator best suits your individual needs.