This post was updated from it's original version on June 7, 2021.
What is the Best Portable Oxygen Concentrator in 2020?
When you need oxygen therapy on the go, it is important that you pick the most efficient and convenient machine to fit your needs. Thankfully, the old clunky, cumbersome, and heavy machines are now portable, small, and equally powerful devices.
How do Portable Oxygen Concentrators Work?
Portable oxygen concentrators work in a 5-step process. They start by taking air from the room and purifying it. Nitrogen is filtered out of the air and the remaining oxygen is compressed into a concentrate. The remaining nitrogen-free oxygen is delivered as supplemental air.
Pure Oxygen in 5 Steps
1. Takes air from the room.
2. Compresses the oxygen.
3. Takes out nitrogen from the air.
4. Adjusts the way the air is delivered.
5. Delivers the purified air.
Tips for Buying a New Portable Oxygen Concentrator
- Talk with your doctor to see if you need pulse or continuous flow performance, or if both options may be needed
- Know the weight with the battery so you know how much you will be lugging around. The size of the unit is also important for packing when you travel.
- Know what accessories are included. Carrying cases, adapters, mobile carts, and backup batteries are extra items you may need.
Our Recommendations for the Best Portable Oxygen Concentrator in 2020
Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Known for its lightweight and compact battery, SimplyGo makes daily use simple with no external battery belts, connectors, or inaccessible internal batteries. Instead, the 10-lb device offers both continuous flow and pulse dose settings. The machine passed testing in various extreme conditions including impact, vibrations, and temperatures. The FAA approves this device for use in flight.
DeVilbiss iGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator with Wheeled Case
Weighing 20 lbs, this oxygen system delivers both continuous flow and pulse dose options. Use either a rechargeable battery or AC/DC power source. Plus, the device will automatically switch to battery if power is interrupted. Finally, a built-in oxygen sensing device guarantees that oxygen is delivered accurately. The FAA approves this device for use in-flight.
Overall Best POC: Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Pros
- Both continuous and pulse dose
- Durable design
- Great accessories for travel
Cons
- Heavier unit than most POCs
- Battery duration is low
- Noisier unit
Editor Review
The continuous and pulse dose versatility set this portable oxygen concentrator apart. With a slightly heavier build, the unit is a compromise over lighter weight units. For those who most rely on continuous and pulse dose while on the go, this unit is a winner.
9 out of 10 stars
Most Compact: Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Pros
- Compact design
- Intuitive tool bar
- Helpful alarms for monitoring breathing
Cons
- More expensive than many portable oxygen concentrators
Editor Review
The compact design make this unit ideal for air travel. FAA approved and very easy to pack, the SimplyGo Mini brings a lot of the great features of the SimplyGo to a smaller unit, but at a slightly higher price.
8 out of 10 stars
Best Multi-System Delivery: DeVilbiss iGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Pros
- Less than 20 pounds with battery
- 5.4-hour battery life
- Continuous and pulse flow versatility
Cons
- Higher noise level
Editor Review
The flexible flow options combined with a long battery life and portability make this one of the preferred oxygen concentrators for extended travel. The DeVilbiss iGo offers the home oxygen concentrator flow capabilities in a portable model making it ideal for business trips, long vacations, and road trips.
8 out of 10 stars
Caire FreeStyle Comfort Oxygen Concentrator
Pros
- Longest lasting battery
- Lightweight
- Intelligent delivery system
Cons
- No continuous flow
- No alarms
Editor Review
This scaled down portable oxygen concentrator delivers the longest battery life. The FreeStyle Comfort offers up to 16 hours of battery on the lowest pulse dose setting with an extended battery. If you are focused on pulse flow only and lasting performance, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is the best machine without the frills.
6 out of 10 stars
Highest Pulse Dose Level: Caire SeQual Eclipse 5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Pros
- 90% oxygen purity
- Highest pulse dose oxygen output setting (9 pulse dose settings)
- Offers both continuous and pulse dose settings
Cons
- Noisier
- Heavier, less compact unit
Editor Review
When high pulse dose matters most, this portable oxygen concentrator deliver high purity at the highest setting available. While heavier and noisier than competitive models, pulse dose performance is worth it for some users who depend on peak settings.
7 out of 10 stars
Toughest POC: Invacare Platinum Mobile Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Pros
- Easy change batteries
- Most durable design
- Weighs less than 5 pounds
Cons
- Longer battery charging time
Editor Review
The Invacare Platinum is especially useful for the active user. Durable engineering helps this oxygen concentrator take the knocks of hiking, biking, and camping. For a user who demands a lot of endurance from their oxygen concentrator, this is the best choice.
8 out of 10 stars
Lightest POC: Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Pros
- Only 2.8 pounds
- Extended battery configuration available
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Not as durable as competitive models
Editor Review
The Inogen One G4 has one of the easiest user interfaces available today. There are no confusing electronic controls, just simple buttons in which you set your prescribed pulse dose setting up to 3. It even comes standard with an easy to read battery level indicator and an easy option to connect an external battery for twice the duration.
7 out of 10 stars
Find these and other portable oxygen concentrators at the Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Call 888-941-1688 or email contact@oxygenconcentratorsupplies.com for more information. We sell only top-selling oxygen concentrators from leading manufacturers. Please feel free to comment and express your opinion about all of our products.
