COPD Living With The Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators for On-the-Go Support Inogen's One G3 delivers four hours of oxygen in a discreet and portable case By Jennifer Nied Jennifer Nied LinkedIn Twitter Jennifer Nied has written about health, fitness and wellness for over 10 years. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Learn about our editorial process Updated on August 25, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Sanja Jelic, MD Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD Sanja Jelic, MD is board-certified in pulmonary disease, sleep medicine, critical care medicine, and internal medicine. She is an assistant professor and attending physician at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, NY. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Fact checked Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Lauren Paige Richeson Fact checked by Lauren Paige Richeson LinkedIn Lauren Paige Richeson is a health writer and commerce editor at Verywell. She's the author of Avocado Obsession Cookbook and covers a wide range of lifestyle and wellness topics for some of the world's most popular publications. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell / Sabrina Jiang Everyday life changes when you need supplemental oxygen on a regular basis. “People with emphysema or COPD need oxygen,” says Kimberly Langdon, MD, Ohio-based physician, and VP of product development and research at Physician Integrative Laboratories. As such, portable oxygen concentrators are life-saving machines and can be beneficial for people who require medical oxygen. Reviewed & Approved Inogen's One G3 delivers four hours of oxygen while you're on the go, which is one of the reasons we made it our best overall pick. We also recommend Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator if you're looking for air travel-approved continuous oxygen flow. For the unfamiliar, oxygen concentrators work by pulling air in through a filter and compressing it into one of two zeolite towers. “It's a way to extract oxygen from the air and remove the nitrogen so that the concentration of oxygen is higher than ambient air which is 21%,” says Dr. Langdon. “These are safer than traditional pressurized oxygen tanks and more economical and convenient—easier to transport because they aren’t as bulky or heavy.” When looking for a portable oxygen concentrator, Dr. Langdon recommends considering portability, battery life, and weight. We researched dozens of portable oxygen concentrators on the market and evaluated them for battery life, portability, price, weight, and flow. Based on our research, these are the best portable oxygen concentrators on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Inogen One G3 at Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Jump to Review Best Continuous Flow: Philips Respironics SimplyGo at Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Jump to Review Best Battery Operated: SeQual Eclipse 5 at Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Jump to Review Best Pulse Flow: Precision Medical EasyPulse at Vitalitymedical.com Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Airsep Focus at Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Jump to Review Best Multi-System Delivery: Invacare Platinum at Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Jump to Review Best for High Altitude and Traveling: Oxlife Independence at Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Jump to Review Best Small: Airsep Freestyle 3 at Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall: Inogen One G3 Portable Oxygen Concentrator 4.8 Courtesy of OxyPam View On Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Pros Charges quickly Four-hour battery life Audible alerts Cons No continuous flow Standard filter only We recommend the G3 as our top pick because it's one of the quietest and most efficient portable oxygen concentrators available. It boasts a four-hour battery life and an operational altitude of up to 10,000 feet. Also, the carrying case looks more like an outdoorsy lunch bag than a medical device. The G3 always puts your health first with audible alerts in case of a power outage, no-breath detected alarms and oxygen purity checks. Rest assured, if your oxygen level ever falls below the required purity levels, you will know immediately. Weight: 4.8 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse flow | Battery Life: 4.7 hours Best Continuous Flow: Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator Courtesy of Respshop View On Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Pros Two rechargeable batteries Easy to clean FAA approved for air travel Cons Could blow fuses during car charging Loud The Respironics SimplyGo has a continuous flow of up to 54 minutes. It also comes with two rechargeable batteries, so you can always have a charge going while your POC is in use. While the batteries are easy to charge on the go, some users note that charging the unit with a car cigarette lighter may blow a fuse. At 10 pounds and with a modern design of less than 12 inches wide and tall, it is one of the smallest POCs with continuous flow. It’s approved for use up to 10,000 feet, where it’s able to keep up a pulse dose setting of one to six and a continuous flow setting between 0.5 and two. Weight: 10 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse and continuous flow | Battery Life: 3.5 hours Best Battery Operated: SeQual Eclipse 5 Portable Concentrator Courtesy of OxygenConcentratorStore View On Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Pros Easy to recharge on the go Energy efficient Audible alarms Cons May be hard to lift for those with low mobility If energy efficiency is priority number one, you can do no wrong with the SeQual Eclipse 5 mobile unit. It’s hands down one of the most energy-efficient models with long-lasting batteries available. The battery lasts up to five hours and has a pulse dose of one to six liters of oxygen delivered per minute (LPM) for precise and predictable 90% oxygen with each inhale. SeQual's AutoSAT technology really sets it apart. It helps maintain the same amount of oxygen consistently, even as the breath rate varies. But it’s also on the heavier side. It weighs 18 pounds and comes with a cart that easily wheels it around. You can also sling it over both shoulders and carry it as a backpack. Weight: 18.4 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse and Continuous flow | Battery Life: 5 hours What the Experts Say “The ability to use a portable oxygen concentrator really depends on how much oxygen do you need, what flow do you need it at, and how long do you want to use it before you have to go back to your stationary device or replace the battery.” —Albert Rizzo, MD, the Chief Medical Officer for the American Lung Association Best Pulse Flow: Precision Medical EasyPulse PM4150 Portable Oxygen Concentrator Courtesy of Vitality Medical View On Vitalitymedical.com Pros Can be charged during use Easy to clean Quiet Cons More difficult for travel Does not include a bag For pulse-flow POC, it is impossible to beat this Precision Medical model in price, ease of use, and performance. The EasyPulse PM4150 will keep humming along on one battery over three hours at setting two and it comes with a car adapter for on-the-go charging needs. If that’s not quite enough, extra batteries are available as is a sling for easy transportation, but it may be more difficult to travel without these additions. This 6.8-pound concentrator only has one filter, which makes cleaning a breeze. It is also highly efficient, as the oxygen volume adjusts automatically to the breathing rate, maintaining minute volume so not a bit of oxygen-rich air is wasted. Weight: 6.6 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse flow | Battery Life: 4.7 hours The 8 Best Blood Pressure Monitors of 2022 for Home Use Best Lightweight: Airsep Focus Portable Concentrator Courtesy of OxygenConcentratorStore View On Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Pros Very lightweight Great for plane travel Easy to carry in a pocket or bag Cons Takes a few minutes to start working This FAA-approved device is one of the lightest on the market, weighing in at a mere 2 pounds. It’s so light and petite, you’d barely notice carrying it on your shoulder or pocket. The AirSep has microbatteries that last up to three hours and an additional supplemental battery pack belt for an additional three and a half hours of battery life. It has a pulse dose rate of two LPM, so what you gain in featherweight class, you will notice a decrease in airflow ranges. Weight: 2 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse flow | Battery Life: 1.5 hours The 7 Best Pulse Oximeters of 2022 for At-Home Use Best Multi-System Delivery: Invacare Platinum Mobile Concentrator Courtesy of OxygenConcentratorStore View On Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Pros Lightweight Quiet in both modes Water resistant Cons Heats up quickly Low working altitude This model shines all around just like its namesake precious metal. It’s incredibly quiet in both continuous and pulse dose mode and emits one of the highest oxygen purity levels and weighs under five pounds. It may be compact, but it is rugged, durable, and water resistant, and it can withstand extreme temperatures. It has a pulse dose range of one to five LPM. Weight: 4.8 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse flow | Battery Life: Up to 8 hours with two batteries Best for High Altitude and Traveling: Oxlife Independence Portable Oxygen Concentrator Courtesy of O2 Concepts View On Oxygenconcentratorstore.com View On Vitalitymedical.com Pros Works at high altitudes Easy to transport Durable Cons Noisy The Oxlife Independence is excellent for traveling due to its operational altitude of 13,123 feet. Unlike other models that top out at 8,000 or 10,000, this portable oxygen concentrator can keep up even up higher and it comes with wheels and a cart handle for easier transportation. The pulse dose setting ranges from one to six LPM. It also has a continuous setting of one to three LPM for precision oxygen. The battery keeps both pulse dose mode chugging for up to four hours and up to 1.5 hours operating in the continuous mode. Weight: 16.7 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Continuous and Pulse flow | Battery Life: 1.5 hours What the Experts Say “Patients need to talk to their doctors about if they can handle a portable concentrator to see if their breathing technique and liter flow are adequate from that concentrator to meet their needs. The last thing you want to do is go out and buy a concentrator that doesn’t meet the needs of the patient.” —Albert Rizzo, MD, the Chief Medical Officer with the American Lung Association The 4 Best Cholesterol Test Kits of 2022 Best Small: Airsep AirSep Freestyle 3 Portable Concentrator Courtesy of OxygenConcentratorStore View On Oxygenconcentratorstore.com Pros Extremely durable Discreet carrying case Quiet during use Cons Power cord is sensitive The AirSep Freestyle 3 weighs only five pounds and is very small, as in mix-it-up-with-your-smartphone small. AirSep is leading the category in compact oxygen concentrators with this model. This specific model is designed for the active user with a quiet, efficient pulse flow that goes up to a setting of three. It has a Max Pulse Setting of three and max oxygen of 332 per minute. The Freestyle can be worn over your shoulder with a carrying bag or you can add on the optional harness to convert it into a backpack, which frees you to do your favorite activity. Users note that the power supply cord can be difficult to maneuver, sometimes unplugging with movement. Weight: 4.9 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse flow | Battery Life: 3.5 hours Final Verdict Inogen One G3 comes in as best overall because it’s lightweight, powerful, and reliable. An alternative, and still top choice, is the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator due to its continuous oxygen flow, multiple rechargeable batteries and excellent performance at altitudes, which far surpasses that of competitors. How We Selected the Portable Oxygen Concentrators Many conditions require higher-purity oxygen with the help of portable oxygen concentrators. To find the best portable oxygen concentrators on the market, we researched dozens of the top models and spoke to doctors to find out what patients should look for when buying oxygen concentrators. We considered models based on their size and weight for easy transportation, delivery and flow type, and oxygen output. Our list includes a mix of durable, high-flow options great for home use and other lightweight, discreet options that are perfect for travel. What to Look for in a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Weight These devices are meant to be used wherever you want to go, so size and weight are major considerations as is your chosen transportation method. Generally, oxygen concentrators with more power and higher output are heavier and larger. That doesn’t have to be a deterrent for an on-the-go lifestyle, though. Many also feature a convenient rolling cart or strap system for transporting easily. For reference, a continuous portable device weighs around 20 pounds. The pulse flow device tends to be significantly lighter, ranging from three to 10 pounds in total. Delivery/Flow Type There are two main types of units, a pulse flow, and continuous flow, based on the delivery of oxygenated air. The pulse flow machine delivers air to the patient as short puffs timed to each inhalation. As a result, no oxygen is wasted. “The pulse flow or demand flow delivers oxygen only when the patient is inhaling. This can help with power consumption. Nighttime use is more commonly pulse-flow. Some operate continuous flow with the added feature of pulse-flow as needed,” says Dr. Langdon. In contrast, the continuous flow unit produces a continuous stream of oxygen. “One to five liters per minute of continuous oxygen flow is a common way to deliver oxygen continuously whether the patient is inhaling or not,” says Dr. Langdon. These devices tend to have larger compressors, and there is likely some oxygen waste. Battery Life You can expect portable oxygen concentrators to run on a single battery charge for up to four or five hours. The smaller, lighter units generally have shorter battery charge-spans, though many of the devices come with extra batteries that can double that off-the-grid lifespan and charging options in cars. Oxygen Output By far the number one consideration to take into account when shopping for an oxygen concentrator is how much oxygen the machine can put out. Unlike oxygen tanks, which can deliver oxygen in virtually any setting, Scott Marlow, a respiratory therapist with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, explains that portable concentrators deliver a “certain quantity of oxygen with each breath.” Most patients require about 400 milliliters per min depending on their diagnosis. It’s important to speak to a doctor about your specific requirements and what machines will best keep your oxygen saturation levels stable. Frequently Asked Questions Are portable concentrators covered by Medicare? Oxygen concentrators are sometimes covered on Medicare, but it depends on the patient's coverage. “If you qualify for supplemental oxygen at night that’s almost always covered by insurance companies, including Medicare,” Dr. Rizzo says. But accessing a portable oxygen concentrator, depending on coverage, can be more difficult for patients who require the device. “What happened with Medicare is the amount that they cover with any oxygen device has become a set amount,” Dr. Rizzo says. Home care companies can provide people oxygen for less with a portable gas tank versus liquid oxygen, Dr. Rizzo adds, so this influences whether the device will be covered or not. Can you use a portable concentrator at night? This depends on your specific condition. If you require an oxygen concentrator, ask your doctor if it's safe to use the device during the night. How long do portable concentrators last? Most oxygen concentrators are created with durability in mind, as they’re used to help the person travel and accomplish their daily tasks. A new device should likely last someone from five to seven years depending on the concentrator and how it’s used daily. Many of these devices come with a warranty, which typically lasts for two years. “It’s like buying any household appliance,” Dr. Rizzo says. “You want to check the warranty and trust who you’re buying or renting it from.” Why Trust Verywell Health? As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews. Additional reporting for this story by Danielle Zoellner As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the fieldwork together help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life. By Jennifer Nied Jennifer has written for VeryWell Health since July 2020. Her work has appeared on sites such as WomensHealthmag.com, Prevention.com, Shape.com, SpaandBeautyToday.com, and in American Spa Jennifer has a Bachelor's s degree in magazine journalism and minor in psychology from Northwestern University. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit