The 6 Best Stethoscopes for Nurses of 2023

We Also Tested

• 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope: While sound quality and amplification were superior during testing, weight distribution and ease of cleaning ultimately dropped the rating.
• MDF MD One Infant Stainless Steel Dual Head Stethoscope: This model is straightforward to clean, but the sound quality and comfort were average.
• MDF Rose Gold MD One Stethoscope: We appreciate the included lifetime warranty, but this model fell short in terms of craftsmanship and usability.

How We Tested the Stethoscopes

The Verywell Health team purchased and tested stethoscopes based on three main attributes: sound quality, fit, and ease of cleaning. To assess sound quality, our health experts used the stethoscopes on lab participants and ranked each on a scale of one to five, with one being poor sound and five being incredibly clear.

We also looked at each model's fit, considering comfort, weight, and adjustability. Our testers noted whether the eartips fit snugly in order to produce the best sound quality. Finally, we rated each stethoscope on its ease of cleaning to prevent bacteria growth and the spread of germs. Each model was cleaned with 70% isopropyl alcohol solution and ranked for its ability to provide a thorough clean. Our insights were combined to create a single score for comparison.

We also consulted Jessica Hartsock, RN, a registered nurse and founder of Transitions of Motherhood; Kati Kleber, RN, an Illinois-based critical care nurse and nurse educator; and Megan Meyer, RN, an ICU nurse in Colorado.

What to Look For in a Stethoscope

Cost

Most basic models cost around $50 to $100. Budget options with respectable sound quality cost $50 or less, but they may not last as long as pricier models with durable construction. They also may not be suited for those who rely on stethoscopes for more than taking vital signs. More expensive models ranging from $200 to $500 often offer innovative features such as advanced acoustics and digital technology, but these are unnecessary for many nurses. It's important to remember that a stethoscope is an investment and should be chosen based on a myriad of factors, cost being just one.

Generally speaking, the quality of a stethoscope only sometimes correlates with cost, but you don't have to spend an arm and a leg on a good product. According to Jessica Hartsock, RN, BSN, a registered nurse with critical care experience and creator of Transitions of Motherhood, how you care for your stethoscope substantially impacts longevity.

Type 

Stethoscopes come in various types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The most common types include:

• Single-Head: A single-head stethoscope has a chestpiece with one side. This type usually has an adjustable diaphragm to switch between low and high frequencies.
• Dual-Head: A dual-head stethoscope has a chestpiece with two sides: a diaphragm and a bell. The diaphragm is the flat side used for detecting higher frequencies, while the bell is the smaller side used to detect lower frequencies.
• Acoustic: Acoustic stethoscopes typically have a non-electronic chestpiece and rely on natural acoustics for sound transmission.
• Electronic or digital: Electronic stethoscopes use electronic amplifiers to enhance sound quality. This type is usually more expensive but transmits clearer and louder sounds than an acoustic stethoscope.

Sound Quality 

Sound quality is one of the most notable factors to consider when selecting a stethoscope. Optimal sound quality ensures you can hear even the most subtle sounds, making detecting and diagnosing potential medical issues easier. Nurses caring for those with faint heart or lung sounds can't afford to miss anything, so sound quality is paramount. 

When looking for a stethoscope that combines the best sound quality and performance, it's vital to factor in the craftsmanship and design of the chestpiece. The chestpiece is the part of the stethoscope that amplifies sound when placed against a patient’s chest. It consists of the diaphragm, bell (dual-head), and stem. The diaphragm is a critical component of a chestpiece—it's the flat side used to detect higher frequencies, while the bell is the smaller side used to detect lower frequencies.

The diaphragm is made from a material that amplifies sound, such as stainless steel or aluminum. However, the eartips should also be considered since they reflect how the acoustics are transmitted and heard by the user. Eartips should fit snugly without causing pain, reducing background noise and transferring sounds from the chestpiece. If the eartips don't fit correctly, they can cause sound distortion and make it challenging to detect vital health information.

Fit and Comfort

The right stethoscope should fit comfortably in your hand and be easy to use. It should be lightweight and have a comfortable neckpiece if you plan to wear it around your neck for extended periods. Tubing material also plays a role in comfort, as certain materials stick to the hair near the back of your neck. 

The thickness of the tubing is important because it helps block out other noises when you’re listening to your patient. “[Tubing] can’t be incredibly thin because you’ll be getting a lot of frequency back from the environment,” Meyer says. A quality stethoscope, she says, should be thicker and heavier to wear around the neck. 

She recommends purchasing a stethoscope with “very sturdy” and “durable” tubing that is not bendable. Paying attention to the thickness of the tubing will help you accurately hear bodily sounds from patients. 

When thinking about the size of a stethoscope, there are a few measurements to take into consideration. First of all, you want to pay attention to the chest piece because that part is what will be picking up the sounds from your patient population. Pediatric patients will require a smaller chest piece compared to the adult population. Some stethoscopes come with a chest piece with bells on each end, allowing you to cater to a larger patient population.

Another size to consider is the foam earpieces. These earpieces work to block out background noises while you’re listening to your patient, so you want to make sure they fit right.

“You want good earpieces that fit well because that makes a major difference in the sound,” Kleber says. Quality earpieces should be made with soft and pliable rubber tubing that can mold to your ear canal.

It should come as no surprise that sound quality is an important consideration to take into account when purchasing a stethoscope. Nurses and medical professionals generally invest in more expensive stethoscopes that have a higher sound quality.

“Sound quality makes a difference on a busy unit because there are a lot of background noises,” Kleber says. To select the best option for you, try a variety of stethoscopes and pay attention to what sounds the device is able to amplify. Reviews on stethoscopes by other medical professionals can also help you better determine sound quality before purchasing.

Medical professionals and nurses often wear their stethoscopes around their necks for easy access, especially given how much they use the device during a shift. With that, durability is imperative so you can use your device for years on the job without needing to replace it. This durability comes with the type of materials used and the thickness (see above) of the tubing on your scope.

Stethoscopes are primarily made out of aluminum and rubber, so pay attention to the material description when making your purchase. Lower-quality materials can impact weight, acoustics, and how it wears around your neck. 

A cardiology nurse may need different features in a stethoscope than a pediatric or ER nurse. Electronic stethoscopes are also available on the market to pick up multiple frequencies and sounds. Overall, all of these devices are created to aid a medical professional, so taking your profession into account is important when selecting the best scope for you. 

If you’re a cardiologist, you might want a stethoscope with “two different bells on the end to measure the different pitches,” Meyer says. A pediatric nurse, in comparison, might want a stethoscope appealing for children to look at and with a smaller chest piece. Then ER nurses might require high-quality earpieces and tubing to help block out background noise in their busy work environment. Think about what you’re doing when using a stethoscope to determine the optimal fit for you. 

Why Trust Verywell Health?

Lindsay Modglin is a nurse who spent years relying on the right stethoscope to properly assess and care for her patients. She has a decade of clinical health and wellness experience as a healthcare professional. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, Insider, Healthline, and many more. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University, further helping her break down complex health concepts into easy-to-understand language. Her number-one priority is ensuring readers have access to accurate and actionable information to make the best health decisions.