6 Best Home Oxygen Concentrators of 2024

Oct 24, 2024

Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 1,000 hours carrying out in-depth research on each HOC to give you the most accurate review. To make our selections, we:

If you have a chronic respiratory condition—such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung disease, or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—you may not receive enough oxygen. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), healthy blood oxygen saturation levels fall at about 95% or higher. [1]U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Pulse Oximeter Accuracy and Limitations: FDA Safety Communication. Nov. 7, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/pulse-oximeter-accuracy-and-limitations-fda-safety-communication Respiratory conditions can make it difficult to meet those levels.

Supplemental oxygen devices, like home oxygen concentrators (HOCs) or portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), can help raise your blood oxygen levels. The best HOC for you depends on your oxygen prescription and individual preferences.

To help guide you in your search for the best HOC, our Reviews Team analyzed several, ranking them based on price, weight, sound level, and mobility.

The CAIRE Companion 5 is the most budget-friendly HOC model on this list. On its highest setting, the machine only consumes 350 watts of power, which saves energy and makes it our Reviews Team’s “Best Value” pick.

The CAIRE Companion 5 pairs key features found in similar models with an affordable $595 price tag. The Companion 5 delivers oxygen in half-liter increments, allowing for precise dosing for those needing only a few hours of oxygen therapy during the day or overnight.

One of the standout features of the CAIRE Companion 5 is the concentrator’s power-saving autoFLOW technology. AutoFLOW technology reduces the machine’s power consumption significantly, from 350 watts to around 250 watts. But, the feature only works when the HOC is operating at or under 2 liters per minute.

The CAIRE Companion 5 has an easy-to-read screen with a green light when it’s turned on and warning codes to indicate if the machine is malfunctioning. The model is 21.5 inches high and 12.5 inches wide and should easily fit near your bed or a couch. The model’s 36-pound weight makes lifting slightly challenging, though it is equipped with wheels for mobility when not in use. At 50 decibels, this HOC is about the same noise level as moderate rainfall. [2] International Noise Awareness Day. Common Noise Levels – How Loud Is Too Loud? Found on the internet at https://noiseawareness.org/info-center/common-noise-levels/

You should replace the machine’s internal air intake filters every two years, and you can do it at home by removing the door with a Phillips screwdriver. Please check your warranty if you do your own maintenance to ensure it won’t void the contract. If the repairs seem significant, hire a professional.

A doctor’s prescription is required to purchase the CAIRE Companion 5. It is not available to rent. Learn more in our complete CAIRE oxygen concentrator review.

The CAIRE Companion 5 is available for purchase from local medical equipment suppliers such as the Oxygen Concentrator Store. You can shop online or at their retail location in Denver.

You can pay for your purchase from the Oxygen Concentrator Store with a credit card, cash (in-store only), CareCredit, PayPal, or Affirm.

See below for details on Oxygen Concentrator Store’s customer service hours, ways to reach them, and our Reviews Team’s experience with the customer service department.

The Inogen At Home 5L uses only 100–275 watts of power per hour depending on the setting, which is the lowest range on this list. This power-saving model earned our Reviews Team’s title of “Most Energy Efficient.”

The Inogen At Home 5L Concentrator is power-saving, operating at a maximum of 275 watts of energy per hour, making it the most energy-efficient option on our list. Unlike the CAIRE Companion 5, which can operate at 250 watts in power-saving mode, the Inogen At Home 5 does not use more than 275 watts regardless of its setting. Additionally, it’s compatible with CPAP machines and BiPAP machines. The model comes with a three-year warranty.

The Inogen At Home 5L produces up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute. Its noise level ranges from 52–56 decibels on Setting 2. The model’s quieter design allows you to watch TV or visit with family with minimal interruption. In addition, the Inogen At Home 5L is small, weighing only 18 pounds and standing 16.5 inches high, making it a good option for tight spaces.

You should replace the Inogen At Home 5L columns, also called sieve beds, every 12 months. The device will alert you with a “replace columns” message when needed, and you should perform this maintenance within 30 days. The columns cost about $178 for two, and you can replace them at home without using tools. Additionally, using mild detergent and water, you should clean the particle screen weekly to ensure adequate airflow. The particle screen must be air-dried before reuse. Please check your warranty if you do your own maintenance to ensure it won’t void the contract. If the repairs seem significant, hire a professional.

The ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are A+, although they only garnered 1.19 out of 5 stars per customer reviews. Many of the complaints were about customer service and customer support.

The Inogen At Home 5L is available for purchase from local medical equipment suppliers such as the Oxygen Concentrator Store. You can shop online or at their retail location in Denver.

You can pay for your purchase from the Oxygen Concentrator Store with a credit card, cash (in-store only), CareCredit, PayPal, or Affirm.

See below for details on Oxygen Concentrator Store’s customer service hours, ways to reach them, and our Reviews Team’s experience with the customer service department.

We named the Respironics EverFlo Q as “Quietest” because, at 45 decibels, users can easily engage in conversations while taking supplemental oxygen. If you want company while quietly getting the support you need, this model may be the one for you.

Peace of mind is invaluable when managing respiratory conditions. The EverFlo Q with OPI fulfills this commitment by providing quiet, dependable oxygen therapy without sacrificing performance.

At 40 decibels, the operating noise is barely noticeable, allowing for uninterrupted sleep and improved quality of life.

At only 31 pounds, the EverFlor Q is compact and easy to move from room to room. Plus, its energy-efficient design helps reduce operating costs, making it an economical long-term solution.

This model requires two filters to be changed around every two years, making it exceptionally low maintenance. It’s very hassle-free compared to some other home oxygen concentrators.

While the EverFlo Q is a powerful concentrator, it’s important to note that it has a maximum oxygen output of 5 LPM. If you require a higher flow rate, a different model may be necessary.

There are a few ways to buy the EverFlo Q concentrator. You can find it at local medical equipment stores or online stores like the Oxygen Concentrator Store. They have a website you can order from, or you can visit their store in Denver if you’re nearby.

The Oxygen Concentrator Store allows you to use a credit card online or cash if you buy in their store. They also accept CareCredit, PayPal, and Affirm for those who prefer those options.

If your prescription for home oxygen therapy requires high-volume or high-pressure oxygen, a 10-liter home oxygen system may be a good choice for you. The Drive DeVilbiss 10L Home Oxygen Concentrator is our top pick for those requiring high oxygen levels.

The Drive DeVilbiss 10L Home Oxygen Concentrator is a solid choice for users who require high oxygen flow rates. This powerful concentrator delivers the necessary oxygen therapy while remaining relatively compact and portable for a 10L model.

Above all, this home oxygen concentrator is a reliable solution for those in need of high flow rate supplemental oxygen. Thanks to its adjustable flow levels, this concentrator can even adapt to your changing needs throughout the day.

The DeVilbiss 10L strikes a good balance between power and portability. While not ultra-lightweight, it’s surprisingly manageable for a 10L concentrator, thanks to its compact design and built-in wheels. It’s surprisingly easy to move from room to room or even pack up altogether for short trips.

That said, this home oxygen concentrator is louder than some of the lower-flow concentrators. While it is quieter than many other high-flow options, this noise level may be concerning while sleeping.

You can find the Drive DeVilbiss 10L Home Oxygen Concentrator at your local medical equipment store or online stores like the Oxygen Concentrator Store. You can purchase from their user-friendly website or visit their Denver location.

The Oxygen Concentrator Store accepts various payment methods for your convenience. Use a credit card for a quick online checkout. You can also pay with cash (if buying in-store), CareCredit, PayPal, or Affirm.

If you are someone with high oxygen therapy needs who wants a machine that will last a while, the CAIRE AirSep Newlife Intensity 10 may be a solid choice. This device is estimated to last seven to 10 years, which is why our Reviews Team named this sturdy model “Best for Long-Term.”

The NewLife Intensity 10 is a high-flow HOC, delivering oxygen from 2–10 liters per minute. The machine’s high-volume capability makes it a good option for higher oxygen therapy needs, such as those with COPD and interstitial lung disease (ILD). [3] Khor Y, et al. European Respiratory Journal Open Research. Sept. 16, 2019. Oxygen Therapy in COPD and Interstitial Lung Disease: Navigating the Knowns and Unknowns. Found on the internet at https://openres.ersjournals.com/content/5/3/00118-2019 This model works with outlet pressure and respiratory accessories like medical nebulizers, venti-masks, and volume jet nebulizers.

The device has a lifespan of seven to 10 years, according to the sales representative our Reviews Team spoke with. It’s the heaviest option on this list at 58 pounds, but it has a handle and wheels for moving from room to room. It’s relatively compact at roughly 2 feet high and 16 inches wide. The noise level is 55 decibels, about the same as a coffee percolator or dishwasher. [2] International Noise Awareness Day. Common Noise Levels – How Loud Is Too Loud? Found on the internet at https://noiseawareness.org/info-center/common-noise-levels/

The NewLife Intensity 10 has safety alarms to alert you in the event of power failure, high temperature, high or low pressure, or low oxygen concentration levels. Its power consumption is 590 watts per hour, the highest on our list.

Customer service said this model does not have parts requiring replacement over time. They advised users to clean the foam air intake filter and wash it weekly or every other week. The model comes with a three-year warranty.

The NewLife Intensity 10 is available for purchase from local medical equipment suppliers such as the Oxygen Concentrator Store. You can shop online or at their retail location in Denver.

You can pay for your purchase from the Oxygen Concentrator Store with a credit card, cash (in-store only), CareCredit, PayPal, or Affirm.

See below for details on Oxygen Concentrator Store’s customer service hours, ways to reach them, and our Reviews Team’s experience with the customer service department.

The 4.7-pound Inogen One G5 is ideal for short excursions or flights. It’s a portable oxygen concentrator you can use while on the go.

The Inogen One G5 may be your best solution if you need pulse-dose oxygen on the go. Quiet and lightweight, the Inogen One G5 delivers 1.26 liters of oxygen per minute and has three adjustable flow settings. It also includes Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery technology, allowing it to rapidly detect a breath and deliver oxygen in the first 400 milliseconds, when the most gas exchange occurs in the lungs, according to Inogen.

You can connect the G5 to your smartphone using the free Inogen Connect app, downloadable from the Apple Store or Google Play. The app allows you to check the battery status, get maintenance reminders, and change the settings using your phone instead of on the concentrator.

Unlike stationary HOCs, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves this portable model for air travel. Smaller than the other options on our list, the Inogen One G5 is 8.15 inches high and 3.26 inches wide. At 38 decibels, this HOC is quiet enough to converse or listen to music easily.

The Inogen One G5 comes with the G5 unit, single battery, AC power supply, DC power cable, carry strap, carry bag, nasal cannula, and user manual. It also comes with a three-year warranty covering the concentrator. In addition, Inogen offers a one-year warranty to cover the sieve beds and accessories.

Previously, this article recommended the Inogen One G4, but the newer G5 model has a higher oxygen flow rate, leading us to update our content to reflect the better pick.

You can purchase this POC directly from Inogen or distributors like the Oxygen Concentrator Store.

Inogen provides various ways to interact with customer service.

When our reviewer called to ask about payment plans, the customer representative requested personal information, including name, address, and email address, before putting her in contact with an oxygen expert.

When you purchase your Inogen One G5, you choose a single versus double battery and a three-year versus lifetime warranty. These selections affect the final price.

Payment options include credit cards, including VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Shipping is free.

Some of the oxygen concentrators in this review are available through the online retailer Oxygen Concentrator Store. You can contact the customer service department in the following ways:

The Oxygen Concentrator store offers a chat feature, and customer service was very responsive to our reviewer’s questions. The customer service representative said most HOCs last about five years. They also recommended wiping the external vents down monthly to keep the machine operating properly.

Shipping takes about three to five business days, but Oxygen Concentrator Store also offers two-day and overnight shipping for an additional cost.

A home oxygen concentrator is a medical device used to provide supplemental oxygen for those with breathing conditions, such as lung cancer, asthma, or COPD. Unlike an oxygen tank, these devices use electrical pumps to filter nitrogen from the air around you and concentrate oxygen levels. You’ll need a prescription for a home oxygen concentrator, and it’s important to speak with your doctor about appropriate use.

HOCs extract air from the room, filter it, and deliver purified air through a nasal cannula, a long tube running from the device to your nostrils. Those requiring a high oxygen flow, which is about 3 liters per minute or more, benefit from continuous-flow oxygen devices, according to the American Thoracic Society. [4]Jacobs S, Krishnan J. Annals of the American Thoracic Society. September 2021. Patients Choose Hypoxemia Over Social Isolation. Found on the internet at https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1513/AnnalsATS.202106-676ED Your medical condition and prescription determine the best flow level for your needs.

You can use a HOC while you are awake or asleep. Some work well with CPAP machines to support you if you have sleep apnea.

Stationary HOCs offer a consistent oxygen flow, while pulse flow portable models provide oxygen every time you inhale, according to a comparison of supplemental oxygen therapies. [5]Gloeckl R, et al. Respiratory Medicine. September 2019. Comparison of Supplemental Oxygen Delivery by Continuous Versus Demand Based Flow Systems in Hypoxemic COPD Patients – A Randomized, Single-blinded Crossover Study. Found on the internet at https://www.resmedjournal.com/article/S0954-6111(19)30258-6/fulltext Both machine types have different flow settings you can adjust on the concentrator. With some portable models, you may be able to change the settings from an app on your smartphone. Please check with your doctor before making adjustments to oxygen levels.

People with chronic respiratory diseases or those who don’t get enough oxygen benefit from using a home oxygen concentrator. You may need one if you have asthma, COPD, emphysema, heart failure, or other health conditions. Low oxygen levels can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, balance issues, headache, dizziness, and other symptoms.

“For some, their health condition results in such low oxygen that they are at serious risk without supplemental oxygen. For others, such as those who have COPD and have a low resting oxygen level, supplemental oxygen reduces the risk of them developing pulmonary hypertension, and therefore improves both their quality of life and their prognosis,” said Praveen Bhatia, MBBS, a respiratory medicine physician and sleep medicine expert in Manchester, United Kingdom.

You must get a prescription from your health care provider to buy a HOC. Your doctor will determine whether you need a pulse or continuous-flow oxygen concentrator and how often to use it.

If you are often on the go or traveling, you might find a travel CPAP works better for you.

The best machine for you will depend on your prescribed oxygen needs, lifestyle, and other preferences. Before buying, you should consider a few factors:

The HOCs we reviewed range in price from $595–$2,650. The price does not appear to be related to size, as the smallest model was the most expensive. The cost varies with accessories and warranty length and coverage. The most affordable model on this list is the CAIRE Companion 5 Home Concentrator.

Depending on your plan and provider, private insurance may cover some or all of your HOC costs. Contact your insurance carrier before buying to see about reimbursement. Your health care provider will be required to complete paperwork and provide documentation on the medical necessity of an HOC. Your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (or SHIP) can help if you have questions about this requirement.

Oxygen machines are considered durable medical equipment (DME)ⓘ Durable medical equipment (DME): Medical equipment expected to last at least three years, prescribed for in-home use for a medical reason. , so Medicare Part B may cover some of the cost of a rental HOC. For Medicare to help pay for your oxygen, your doctor will need to prescribe oxygen, prove that supplemental oxygen may improve your condition, and document that your blood oxygen often falls below acceptable levels. See Medicare.gov for more information. [6]Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Home Use of Oxygen. Found on the internet at https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?NCDId=169

*Cost at the time of publication of this article. If you live in Massachusetts or New Jersey, you may see a higher price for your oxygen concentrator. These states require a licensed respiratory therapist to deliver, set up, and titrate (adjust the oxygen dose of) your concentrator.

Our Reviews Team consulted with three geriatric care experts and one respiratory therapist to learn more about home oxygen concentrators and how they can enhance users’ quality of life. Based on our expert consultations and research, we found various factors important for our readers when shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator unit, including cost, ease of use, oxygen delivery method, and more. We had all our selections medically reviewed by an expert in the field to ensure each brand and model meets our readers’ needs.

The best home oxygen machine for your needs will depend on a variety of factors. There are multiple options to choose from, and each brand and model has its own benefits and drawbacks. To find the best oxygen machine for home therapy use, consider the price, the amount and purity of oxygen your prescription requires, and whether noise or portability is a concern. Your doctor or respiratory therapist may have a recommendation for what type of home oxygen concentrator is best for you or if there are certain features you should look for.

We selected the CAIRE Companion 5 Home Concentrator for budget-conscious people as “Best Value.” We recommend the Nidek Nuvo Lite Mark 5 Liter if you’re looking for a quiet model. We chose the Invacare Platinum 10 Liter HOC for those with high oxygen needs. Consider the Inogen At Home 5L Concentrator if you’re looking for an energy-efficient machine. For people looking for a long-lasting model, consider the CAIRE AirSep Newlife Intensity 10. If you’re looking for an oxygen concentrator you can use on the go, our Reviews Team recommends the Inogen One G4 POC.

Although you can purchase some oxygen concentrators online, you should get a prescription from a health care provider to determine which model would work best for you and how much supplemental oxygen you need.

The oxygen concentrators we reviewed range in cost from $695–$2,948. The only portable oxygen concentrator on this list costs the most.

A stationary oxygen concentrator is best for home use. The stationary models can provide continuous oxygen using AC power and can run all day and night, even while sleeping. Many home models have built-in handles and wheels for easy transport when not in use.

No, you cannot buy oxygen concentrators over-the-counter or without a prescription. Over-the-counter oxygen canisters are available for purchase without a prescription, but they aren’t a replacement for medical-grade prescription supplemental oxygen. Instead, these small, hand-held oxygen tanks are designed for athletic support and to ease symptoms of altitude sickness, hangovers, or jet lag.

Stationary oxygen concentrators must be plugged in to function, so you a need backup electricity source in case of a power outage. Consider getting a power generator for these events. Home concentrators can also be quite large and hard to move.

Have questions about this review? Email us at [email protected].