Using an oxygen concentrator can ease the symptoms associated with a range of medical conditions that make breathing difficult, like COPD. Just a few benefits of using an oxygen concentrator include experiencing less breathlessness, improved energy, and better sleep. Using one can also help you be more active, especially if you choose a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). It is a small, lightweight device that uses a compressor and a filter called a sieve bed to trap nitrogen from the air and deliver concentrated oxygen to the user. There are many different portable oxygen concentrators out there, so it’s important to find the one that fits your needs. Whether you do a lot of air travel, you’re looking for a stylish model, or you’re looking for the best value, here are our top five best portable concentrators for seniors on the go.
Note that for all devices mentioned here, the prices are accurate as of the time of publishing, but the retailer may change prices as they see fit.
The best overall portable concentrator: CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort
| Pros | Cons |
| High flow rate of up to 1,050 mL of oxygen per minute. | Can get pricey with additional accessories and warranty options. |
| Automatically adjusts to your breathing patterns with patented UltraSense technology. | Delivers only pulse doses with no option for continuous flow. |
| Weighs only 5 pounds. | 16-cell battery costs extra and adds 1 pound to the weight. |
| Can be used with the myCAIRE app. | Not suitable for those with high oxygen needs who require over 1 liter per minute (LPM). |
| Whisper-quiet at 39.9 dBa on setting 2. | |
| Long battery life. | |
| High oxygen purity level of up to 95%. |
The brand
CAIRE is a top name in oxygen concentrators that offers both in-home and portable units, including the FreeStyle Comfort. CAIRE is headquartered in the United States with additional facilities all around the world, enabling them to support individual oxygen users as well as innovative commercial endeavors, like space exploration laboratories. They are a go-to brand for physicians and patients because they have been in business for over 50 years, but also because their devices come with a three-year warranty and the option to upgrade to a lifetime warranty.
Portability
The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort weighs only 5 pounds and measures just 10″ × 7.3″ × 3.1″, so it’s easy to pick up and carry around. It comes with a carrying case, but you also have the option to attach a strap directly to the FreeStyle Comfort device for easy portability.
Every FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator comes with an 8-cell battery that can last up to eight hours on setting 1. Higher settings will drain the battery more quickly. If you want to use your O2 machine for longer without carrying extra batteries, you can upgrade to a 16-cell battery that can run for up to 16 hours on setting 1 and up to eight hours on setting 5.
Additional accessories, like a backpack, desktop battery charger, and travel adapter, can make using your portable oxygen concentrator on vacation more convenient. The device is FAA-approved, so you can use it on an airplane.
Oxygen delivery
One of the reasons this device tops our list as the best portable concentrator is that it offers one of the highest flow rates of any portable machine: up to 1,050 mL of oxygen per minute. However, it only offers pulse doses of oxygen; it does not have continuous-flow settings. The FreeStyle Comfort also has a high oxygen concentration level of up to 95%, which is higher than the industry average of 90%.
Unique features
The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort contains industry-leading UltraSense technology that makes the machine highly sensitive to your breathing patterns. It can detect shallow breaths, even when you’re sleeping, to ensure it matches your unique respiratory rate.
It also comes with Bluetooth capabilities, so you can connect your portable O2 concentrator to your smartphone with the myCAIRE app. The app allows you, your health care provider, and the rest of your care team to review your usage and flow settings. The app gives you easy access to the manual, and you can even contact technical service if you need help troubleshooting issues with your device or need to schedule a repair.
Price
The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort can be found for as little as $2,395 at the Oxygen Concentrator Store, but other retailers sell the device for $3,000 or more. The price can go even higher if you upgrade to the lifetime warranty, which costs an extra $975. This option is available at some retailers like Main Clinic Supply. Upgrading to a 16-cell battery costs $589.
The good news is that since the FreeStyle Comfort is such a popular machine, you can easily find certified pre-owned units that cost less. You can also find retailers that rent the machine, which is useful if you want to use the device only temporarily or want to try it before purchasing.
Click here to learn more about the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort and why it is our pick for the best portable oxygen concentrator.
Best portable concentrator for travel: Inogen One G4
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely light at just 2.7 pounds. | Only three flow settings. |
| Measures just 7.2″ × 5.91″ × 2.68″. | Highest flow rate is only 630 mL of oxygen per minute. |
| Three-year warranty with optional lifetime warranty upgrade. | 4-cell battery lasts only 2 hours and 40 minutes on the lowest setting. |
| Approved by the FAA. | 8-cell battery costs extra. |
| 40 dBa on setting 2. | No 16-cell battery option. |
| Can be used with the Inogen Connect app. | |
| Optional 8-cell battery lasts up to five hours. | |
| Can be used when plugged into a wall outlet. |
The brand
Inogen is a well-known name in oxygen concentrators, offering several different oxygen concentrator models. With offices in California and the Netherlands, they have sold more than 1 million portable oxygen concentrators worldwide since 2001. Their reliable Inogen One G4 device comes with a three-year warranty and the option to upgrade to a lifetime warranty.
Portability
The Inogen One G4 is our choice for the best portable concentrator for travel because it’s one of the smallest on the market. It measures just 7.2″ × 5.91″ × 2.68″, which means it’s small enough to hold in your hand. With the 4-cell battery, it weighs only 2.7 pounds, no heavier than a purse. With its small size and its FAA approval for air travel, the Inogen One G4 is a great option for those who like to travel.
The 4-cell battery can last up to 2 hours and 40 minutes on setting 1, but if you’re using the highest setting, you can expect only 1 hour and 20 minutes. You have the option to purchase an 8-cell battery that lasts 5 hours on setting 1 and 2 hours and 30 minutes on setting 3. Those who travel or who are out and about for long periods of time may want to consider purchasing extra batteries and an external charger so they never run out of power while away from home.
Because it’s so small, there are multiple ways you can carry and transport the Inogen One G4. It comes with a carrying bag and a strap, but you can upgrade to a backpack with pockets where you can store extra batteries or personal items. The device is so small that it can fit inside a hip bag, which is handy if you walk or hike.
Oxygen delivery
The Inogen One G4 is a pulse-dose oxygen concentrator. It uses proprietary technology that delivers a burst, or bolus, of oxygen within the first 250 milliseconds of inspiration, ensuring you get the oxygen you need when you need it. The amount of oxygen delivered varies depending on your breathing rate, with less oxygen delivered with each bolus if you inhale more frequently. It features an average oxygen purity level of 90%, which is average for the industry.
Because it is such a small device, its flow rate is somewhat low at 630 mL per minute. In addition, with only three pulse-dose settings and no continuous-flow option, it’s not a good choice for those with moderate or high oxygen needs.
Unique features
The Inogen One G4’s size is what sets it apart from other portable oxygen concentrators. It’s one of the smallest and most reliable devices on the market. Another unique feature of this device is that it can be used with the Inogen Connect app, which allows you to monitor your battery life, keep track of flow settings, get maintenance notifications, and learn about your device.
Price
Pricing for the Inogen One G4 starts at $2,744. Retailers include:
Some authorized sellers also sell refurbished systems for a lower price. For example, you can find refurbished machines at the Oxygen Concentrator Store for $1,500.
Check out our review of the Inogen One G4 to learn more about why it’s our choice for the best portable oxygen concentrator for travel.
Best continuous-flow portable oxygen concentrator: O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers pulse doses and continuous flow. | Large for a portable unit at 20.2″ × 10.9″ × 9.45″. |
| Two battery slots so it doesn’t have to be powered down to replace a battery. | Can be loud with a maximum decibel level of 51.8. |
| Can be used when plugged directly into a wall outlet. | One of the most expensive portable oxygen concentrators. |
| High oxygen output of up to 3 LPM. | |
| Built-in handle and wheels. | |
| Five-year manufacturer’s warranty. | |
| Approved by the FAA for air travel. | |
| Connectivity platform digitally connects your device with doctors. |
The brand
O2 Concepts is a reliable portable oxygen concentrator company that proudly designs, engineers, and assembles devices in the United States. Known for their durability and extended product life cycles, O2 Concepts devices are used by medical research centers, hospital groups, and home care providers and are often recommended to patients by doctors. They offer an industry-leading five-year manufacturer’s warranty on the Oxlife Independence, a testament to the quality of this powerful portable oxygen concentrator.
Portability
The Oxlife Independence is portable, but it is a lot larger than other POCs on the market. It measures 20.2″ × 10.9″ × 9.45″ and weighs 16.7 pounds, so it cannot be carried. Instead, it features a built-in top handle and wheels so you can pull it behind you as you walk. This is convenient for going shopping or for a leisurely walk, but it isn’t the kind of portable oxygen concentrator you can take with you on a hike or a bike ride.
Although it is large, it can run for a long time on battery power because this device can utilize two batteries at a time. When they are both installed, the device can last up to 5 hours and 45 minutes on continuous flow and up to 6 hours and 15 minutes on pulse flow. Having two batteries also means you can switch one out without interrupting the machine’s operation, which is handy when you’re on the go.
Available accessories include a specially designed wheelchair bag. You can also purchase a single or dual desktop charger to charge batteries that aren’t plugged into the oxygen concentrator.
Oxygen delivery
What makes this one of the best portable concentrators is that it offers both pulse doses and continuous-flow settings. It also offers the highest oxygen level of all the machines we reviewed, with a maximum delivery of 3 liters of oxygen per minute. It also has the most settings, with 12 distinct pulse-dose settings and six different continuous-flow settings. No matter the setting or oxygen delivery mode, the Oxlife Independence has an average oxygen concentration level of 91%.
Unique features
What makes this portable oxygen concentrator unique is that it offers pulse doses and continuous-flow settings and uses two batteries simultaneously. It also features a unique connectivity platform called DNA Technology, which provides a link between users and health care providers by offering remote device monitoring, customer support resources, and more via a secure, cloud-based platform.
Price
The Oxlife is pricey, starting at $2.895. It can get even more expensive if you buy extra batteries. Refurbished Oxlife Independence machines are cheaper. If you purchase a certified pre-owned concentrator, you could save a lot of money. You can also rent the machine for a short period of time for much less.
Read our review of the Oxlife Independence to learn more.
The portable concentrator with the most modern tech and style: Philips SimplyGo Mini
| Pros | Cons |
| Sleek, modern look. | The device was discontinued and will only be serviced until January 25, 2029. |
| Carry bags designed for comfort and style. | Can’t use the machine for the first time until it is fully charged. |
| Weighs only 5 pounds and measures just 9.4″ × 8.3″ × 3.6″. | No central website for referring to resources. |
| Intuitive LCD touchscreen. | |
| Long battery life. | |
| Approved by the FAA for air travel. | |
| Delivers up to 1 LPM. |
The brand
Unlike the other brands on our list that focus exclusively on respiratory equipment, Philips is a household name that offers a variety of personal care and household products like toothbrushes and coffee machines. As an industry leader in health technology, they also offer devices that support oxygen therapy, respiratory drug delivery, and ventilation. Their SimplyGo Mini system comes with a three-year warranty, but the device has been discontinued. Outlets are still selling the machine, and Philips will continue to provide service until January 25, 2029.
Portability
The Philips SimplyGo Mini O2 concentrator is extremely portable. It measures 9.4″ × 8.3″ × 3.6″ and weighs only 5 pounds with the standard battery. The standard battery also offers an impressive battery life of 4.5 hours on setting 2. However, battery life decreases with higher settings. On the highest setting, the battery lasts only two hours. Upgrade to the extended battery to double the battery life.
It’s easy to take the SimplyGo Mini with you wherever you go. It comes with a fashionable shoulder bag that features a carry handle, a shoulder strap, and an extendable bottom that accommodates an extended battery. You can also order a backpack, which is perfect for those who like to hike, walk long distances, or bike.
Oxygen delivery
This POC features five settings that can deliver up to 1,000 milliliters of oxygen per minute. It has an average oxygen purity level of 93% at every setting and features a pulse-flow oxygen delivery system that adjusts based on your breathing rate. The higher your breathing rate, the less oxygen is delivered in each pulse to ensure you get the amount prescribed by your doctor.
Unique features
The Philips SimplyGo Mini is the best portable concentrator in terms of tech and style. With its sleek, curved white exterior, it looks more like a high-tech device than a piece of medical equipment.
It also functions more like a high-tech device. While some portable oxygen concentrators have a basic screen or no screen at all, the Philips SimplyGo Mini features an intuitive LCD touchscreen that allows you to increase or decrease your setting, check your battery life, and address alarms by touching the screen just like you would with a smartphone or tablet.
Price
Pricing starts at $1,875, which is less than many other portable oxygen concentrators on the market. However, prices vary widely by retailer, with one outlet selling the Philips SimplyGo Mini for $5,489.99. Because the device has been discontinued, online retailers are selling off their stock of this product. As they do, purchasing the machine at lower price points might become more difficult.
You can find used machines online for less than $1,000. We recommend looking for certified refurbished machines because they are more likely to function like new and typically come with a warranty or guarantee. You can also rent the SimplyGo Mini for much less than purchasing a new device.
If you’d like to learn more about why the Philips SimplyGo Mini is one of the best portable oxygen concentrators, check out our review.
Most practical portable concentrator with great value: Belluscura X-PLOR
| Pros | Cons |
| Low starting price. | Takes up to six hours to charge an 8-cell battery. |
| Measures only 7.3″ × 2.9″ × 7.6″ and weighs just 3.75 pounds. | Carrying bag isn’t discreet. |
| Compatible with the Nomad Biometrics app. | Air filters must be purchased from third-party sellers. |
| Easy-to-read LCD screen. | |
| Batteries plug directly into wall outlets without the need for a separate charging dock. |
The brand
Belluscura is a relatively new brand that began selling oxygen concentrators in 2015. Founded in the UK and now based in the United States, they engineer, manufacture, and sell cutting-edge portable oxygen concentrators. Their X-PLOR unit comes with a standard three-year warranty with the option to upgrade to a premier protection warranty that includes a two-year warranty extension with protection against accidents, like dropping the device.
Portability
The X-PLOR POC weighs only 3.75 pounds and measures just 7.3″ × 2.9″ × 7.6″. It comes with a carry bag and a strap. Belluscura also offers a backpack with room for accessories, extra batteries, and personal belongings. The only downside of the bags is that the X-PLOR brand name is prominently displayed, which can be off-putting if you don’t want to call attention to the fact that you’re using an oxygen concentrator.
The Belluscura X-PLOR comes with one 8-cell battery, with some packages including multiple batteries. Its maximum run time is 4 hours and 30 minutes. One of the best things about this O2 concentrator is that the batteries can be charged by plugging them directly into an outlet without the need to purchase a separate charger.
Oxygen delivery
This particular device’s maximum oxygen delivery is only 750 mL of oxygen per minute in pulse doses that adjust depending on your breathing rate. It features an oxygen concentration range of 82% to 92% on every setting. It’s a good midrange option for those with low oxygen needs who want reliable oxygen delivery but don’t require the power that comes with high-end machines, but it’s not a good choice for those with higher oxygen needs.
Unique features
The X-PLOR’s batteries charge when plugged directly into a wall outlet, a unique feature. The device is also Bluetooth compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, pulse oximeters, and more. It can be used in conjunction with the Nomad Biometrics app, which allows you to track oxygen usage, battery life, and more.
It’s also a DIY-friendly device. Some users appreciate that sieve cartridges are easy to replace without the need to schedule professional service.
Price
The Belluscura X-PLOR is one of the best portable concentrators when it comes to value, with a relatively low starting price of just $1,309. You can purchase the X-PLOR directly from Belluscura, but it typically costs more than at other outlets. However, they offer financing options, and buying directly from the manufacturer is convenient if you want to use the warranty or have questions only the experts can answer. A certified pre-owned machine costs $995 and comes with a one-year warranty.
Read our review of the Belluscura X-PLOR to learn more.
Choosing the best portable oxygen concentrator
The best portable oxygen concentrator for you depends on your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Although portability is a main factor, it’s also important to think carefully about the oxygen delivery of each machine to ensure it can supply the prescribed amount of oxygen you need. You may also want to consider things like technology, costs, and unique features you could benefit from. By weighing your options carefully, you can find the best portable concentrator for your needs and budget.
Our methodology
Each portable oxygen concentrator on our list is chosen for its unique benefits and value after aggregating data from dozens of sources across the internet, including customer testimonials, third-party reviews, manufacturer information, and more. All sources of information are vetted to ensure accuracy, which includes relying on reputable resources, like manufacturers and authorized retailers, in addition to cross-verifying information across multiple sources. Our list is researched and compiled, allowing us to develop a big-picture view of how portable oxygen concentrators compare to one another, creating an unbiased, independent, and accurate list of pros and cons for each machine.
