Top 20 Best Stethoscopes for Nurses
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Of the many tools at a nurses’ disposal, one tool that a nurse is sure to use every day is a stethoscope. While the market isn’t short of options, stethoscopes don’t come cheap, making picking one with high durability and excellent sound quality vital.
Whether you’re buying your first stethoscope or are looking to get an upgrade, the buying process will feel just as complicated.
To make your purchase decision a little easier, I’ve highlighted 20 of the best-rated stethoscopes on the market for nurses. If you like what you see here, you can also check out my roundups of the best scrubs, best NCLEX reviewers, best shoes for nurses, and best compression socks.
Editor’s Pick: 3M Littmann Classic III
- Monitor and assess a wide range of patients
- Detect normal and abnormal sounds and rhythms
- Useful in non-critical care environments such as a medical office, general ward, OB/GYN, ambulatory clinic or urgent care
Littmann stethoscopes are the most popular stethoscopes used by medical professionals, and for good reason. The brand provides top-quality, durable products and offers long warranties. That being said, the company’s products are expensive.
The 3M Littmann Classic III boasts high sound quality, making it easier for you to detect normal and abnormal rhythms in a patient’s body. It is a dual-head stethoscope and has a stainless steel chest piece. The quality stethoscope serves nurses in medical offices, urgent care units, and clinics the best.
One of the most convenient features of the Littmann Classic III is that it comes with an engravable nameplate. If you put your stethoscope away in the heat of the moment and misplace it, you can be sure that it will find its way back to you. It’s by far the best stethoscope for nurses. If you’re confused about what to buy, this is the right stethoscope to spend your money on.
Highlights
- Two tube color options: black and raspberry.
- Two chest piece styles: black-matte and rainbow-finish.
- The Littmann stethoscope boasts a five-year warranty.
Summary
- The 3M Littmann classic III is designed perfectly for nurses working in non-critical care environments. The quality materials used to build it ensures that it will serve you for years.
- Pros: Works perfectly on different patient populations. Excellent sound quality makes it convenient to use.
- Cons: Extra ear tips not included.
Runner Up: ADC – 603BK Adscope 603 Stethoscope
- INCREDIBLE ACOUSTICS: Proprietarty adjustable frequency design (AFD) technology enhances acoustic performance; use light pressure for low frequencies, firm pressure for high frequencies. Individually...
- RUGGED: Combination chestpiece is precision CNC machined to exacting tolerances from surgical stainless steel. Non chill bell and diaphragm provide wide-frequency response and patient comfort
- COMPACT & COMFORTABLE: Clinician headset features silicone reinforcing yoke molded into flexible phthalate-free PVC tubing, stainless steel binaurals, and Adsoft Plus snap-on silicone eartips for the...
The ADC – 603BK strikes the perfect balance between quality, features, and price. The dual-head stethoscope boasts a proprietary adjustable frequency design that enhances sound quality. To listen to low-frequency sounds, apply light pressure, and for hearing high-frequency sounds, apply firm pressure.
Another excellent feature is that the combination chest piece boasts a no-chill bell and diaphragm, making it more comfortable for the patients. The design also provides a wider frequency response than other stethoscopes.
But perhaps the best thing about the ADC – 603BK is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. You will get free parts and complimentary refurbishment for as long as you own it.
Highlights
- Over two dozen color options — you can get it in your favorite shade.
- It comes with two additional ear tips, an accessory storage pouch, and an ID tag to help ensure it finds its way back to you if you lose it.
- The stethoscope is 30 inches long and weighs 5.8oz, making it extremely comfortable.
Summary
- Features like the silicone reinforced yoke, flexible phthalate-free PVC tubing, and snap-on ear tips ensure that the tool will serve you for years.
- Pros: AFD technology makes for top-notch acoustic performance. Non-chill bell and diaphragm keep patients comfortable during auscultation.
- Cons: Ear tips fall off easily.
Best for Cardiac Nurse Practitioners: Littmann Master Cardiology
- Chestpiece delivers Littmann’s highest acoustic performance along with handcrafted, eye-catching design
- Tunable diaphragm responds with a simple pressure change to capture low and high-frequency sounds. Occupation - Anesthesiologist, Cardiologist, Emergency Physician, Family Practitioner, Internist,...
- Two-in-one tube design (dual lumen) eliminates noise interference from two external tubes rubbing together
A cardiac NP must use a stethoscope that enables them to hear even the faintest of sounds that the lungs and the heart make. The Master Cardiology stethoscope boasts an eye-catching handcrafted design and delivers the brand’s best acoustic performance.
The stainless steel chest piece comes with a tunable diaphragm, which reacts to simple pressure changes and captures sounds accordingly. The ability to capture high-frequency sounds and low-frequency sounds with ease makes it one of the best stethoscopes on this list.
The dual lumen tube design eliminates interference from the chest piece, and the anatomically designed headset meets the path of the ear canal, making listening easier.
Highlights
- The Littmann Master Cardiology features next-generation tubing, which retains its shape, strength, and flexibility even after it’s stored in a tight pocket.
- The cardiology stethoscope comes with special procedure adaptors, making listening to hard-to-hear sounds in different patient populations easier.
Summary
- The dual lumen design of the stainless steel chest piece eliminates interference.
- Pros: The lack of rubber latex on its tubing makes it safe to use for sensitive clinical professionals and patients.
- Cons: The stethoscope is expensive.
Best for ER and ICU Nurses: Littmann Cardiology IV
- Diagnose and make decisions with confidence
- Hear subtle changes in patient status
- Useful in critical care and challenging environments such as the ED, ICU, Cardiac ICU, step-down unit and other dynamic locations
The Cardiology IV is different from the Master Cardiology stethoscope in many ways. It comes with a double-sided stainless steel chest piece and tunable diaphragms on both the bell and diaphragm.
The stethoscope’s new design enables it to be effective in the auscultations of both adult and pediatric patients. The double-lumen tube carries the sound from the patient’s body right to the earpieces, eliminating interference from rubbing.
Picking up grade 2/5 murmurs shouldn’t be a problem with this quality stethoscope. That being said, when it comes to acoustic performance, the Master Cardiology has the edge over all other acoustic stethoscopes.
Highlights
- The headpiece is available in black, smoke, and stainless steel finishes.
- It is available in over two dozen different colors.
- The dual-sided, tunable design makes it the best stethoscope for nurses in the ICU or ER.
Summary
- While slightly heavy, the Cardiology IV makes it easy to hear the faintest of heart sounds, owing to its excellent sound quality.
- Pros: Seven-year warranty, comes with extra ear tips, great for both adults and infants.
- Cons: In terms of acoustic performance, the marginally expensive Master Cardiology stethoscope remains the gold standard.
Best Pediatric Stethoscope: Littmann Classic II Pediatric
- Dual-sided chestpiece with small 3.3cm diaphragm is ideal for pediatric patients.
- Versatile chestpiece design provides high acoustic sensitivity with both a floating diaphragm and open bell.
- Non-chill rim and diaphragm provide patient comfort.
Providing top-notch care for the little ones is just as challenging as helping adults back to recovery — if not more challenging. Since their bodies are smaller, you need a quality stethoscope that can pick up just the heart sounds and not the bowel sounds at the same time.
The dual-head design of the pediatric stethoscope, coupled with the small 3.3cm diaphragm, makes it perfect for working with pediatric patients. The other side of the chest piece features an open bell, allowing nurses to hear low and high-frequency sounds distinctly.
Medical professionals prefer slightly shorter stethoscopes since they provide better sound quality. While this pediatric stethoscope is an inch or two longer than the typical Littmann, it boasts the same sound quality as its other counterparts. It is one of the best stethoscopes to buy if you’re working with kids.
Highlights
- Available in two chest piece styles and several appealing colors.
- The stethoscope is designed specifically for pediatric patients. If you work with adults or infants occasionally, this isn’t the right stethoscope for you.
- Non-chill rim and diaphragm ensure patient comfort.
Summary
- Medical professionals love that it only weighs 3.8 ounces and provides the same sound quality as other Littmanns. It’s perfect for pediatric nurses with neck issues or those that get headaches.
- Pros: Excellent durability thanks to the use of quality materials. It comes with a three-year warranty.
- Cons: No nameplate/tag included.
Best for Nursing Students: PARAMED Classic Dual Head Stethoscope
- DUAL HEAD DESIGN STETHOSCOPE: The dual head allows for high and low frequencies, to better hear heart, lung, and other body sounds for physical assessment, patient monitoring, and diagnosis. Open the...
- GREAT SOUND: Turntable chest piece and flexible tubing provide you the flexibility to hear a full range of sounds and reliable acoustic performance. You barely have to try to find the Korotkoff...
- COMFORTABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT: The soft earbuds and a latex-free, matte-finish tube won't hurt your ears or harm the skin. Lightweight is great for long wear.
A nursing student requires a reliable stethoscope to learn proper stethoscope placement and recognize the various sounds that the body makes along with their inferences.
Learning how to use a stethoscope doesn’t require you to get a Littmann. However, the stethoscope has to be reliable and feature good sound quality. The PARAMED Classic stethoscope features a 360° rotating dual head, allowing you to switch between the bell and diaphragm according to the patient’s condition and age.
The durable, latex-free tubing lasts long and never irritates the patients’ or the nurses’ skin. It is also sweat, stain, and oil resistant. But perhaps the best thing about it is that the stethoscope provides excellent sound quality at an affordable price.
Highlights
- The dual-head design enables nurses to monitor a wider gamma range, and the rotating design helps switch between bell and diaphragm with a simple twist.
- The pipe is 29.5 inches long, creating a comfortable distance between the nurse and the patient.
- The elastic build of the tube ensures that the stethoscope delivers the same sound quality even after multiple flexions.
Summary
- While it cannot be compared to a Littmann, it is an excellent low-priced entry-level stethoscope.
- Pros: Built with quality materials, comfortable around your neck, low price.
- Cons: Replacement parts not available for this stethoscope.
Best Lightweight Stethoscope: 3M Littmann Lightweight II
- Lightest weight of all Littmann adult stethoscopes at just 118 grams.
- Dual-sided chestpiece provides versatility of both a tunable diaphragm and open bell.
- Teardrop-shaped chestpiece for easier positioning under blood pressure cuffs and around bandages.
The Lightweight II stethoscope is perfect for nurses who feel uncomfortable with a heavy stethoscope around their neck. If you’ve just received your RN license and need an entry-level stethoscope for work, this is the right one to buy.
It weighs a mere 1.9 ounces, making it one of the lightest stethoscopes in the market. This stethoscope also comes with a quality dual-sided chest piece and boasts a teardrop shape that makes auscultation around BP cuffs easier for a medical professional.
The Lightweight II is one of the most affordable Littmann offerings, and while it does not come with a bell, you tune the scope by adjusting the amount of pressure you apply on the patients’ skin. For new RNs and those with neck issues, this is among the best acoustic stethoscopes to get.
Highlights
- The quality stethoscope comes with three ear tips, making for a personalized and comfortable user experience.
- It weighs only 118 grams, making it perfect for the medical professional working for extended periods.
- Non-chill rim makes auscultation comfortable for the patient.
Summary
- This lightweight, teardrop-shaped stethoscope boasts an anatomically designed headset that meets the ear canal.
- Pros: Two-year warranty, lightweight, and affordable.
- Cons: Not acoustically powerful enough for hearing faint sounds. Also not ideal for pediatric patients.
Best Value: Prestige Medical Clinical Lite Stethoscope
- The Clinical Lite comes with two sizes of eartips which seal out extraneous noise while providing superior comfort.
- An easy to use snap-on rim & diaphragm.
- Extra diaphragm included
If you’ve lost stethoscopes before and want a stethoscope that gives you the most value for your money but doesn’t hurt the wallet, the Prestige Lite is one of the best acoustic stethoscopes to get.
It comes with ear tips of two sizes, a replacement diaphragm, an ID tag, and the company also offers a lifetime warranty with free part replacements as long as you own the stethoscope.
The Prestige Lite isn’t very heavy, so it won’t feel uncomfortable around your neck, and since it comes with both the diaphragm and bell, a nurse can detect both heart sounds and blood pressure with it.
If you’re looking for reliable dual-head stethoscopes for less than half the price of the cheapest Littmann, you cannot go wrong with Prestige’s Lite stethoscopes.
Highlights
- The stethoscope is available in ten different colors.
- It comes with two extra sets of ear tips and a name tag.
- The non-chill bell ring makes it easy to use and keeps the patient comfortable.
Summary
- The Prestige Lite stethoscope makes for a reasonably comfortable auscultation experience for both the patient and the medical professional. However, it is no 3M Littmann stethoscope.
- Pros: Surprisingly good quality for a low price. It is also decently lightweight at 3.9 ounces.
- Cons: Ear tips fall off the stethoscope easily.
Most Expensive: Welch Allyn Harvey Double Head DLX Stethoscope
- Full-range cardiology/pulmonology stethoscope
- Double-head (bell and flat diaphragm)
- Interchangeable comfort sealing ear tips
If you don’t mind spending a lot on a quality stethoscope, Welch Allyn Harvey's double-head stethoscopes are worth looking into. The rotatable double-head allows you to auscultate infant, elderly, and adult patients with great ease. You won’t ever look back at a tunable diaphragm stethoscope again.
The chest piece is heavy, but its weight limits external noises and interference to a minimum. The dual-bore tubing creates separate sound channels, and the quality tubing works well with the weighted brass chest pieces. If you work in a critical care unit and struggle to hear the heart and lung sounds, this is one stethoscope you won’t regret buying.
Highlights
- Clear sound with minimal to no interference.
- Double-head design makes it very comfortable to hold.
- A single stethoscope that has an adult diaphragm, a pediatric diaphragm, and a bell.
Summary
- Best stethoscope to buy if you’re hard of hearing. It will enable you to listen to a wide range of sounds with ease — even in a noisy critical care unit.
- Pros: Great for children and adult patients. Quality tubing and acoustics make it a high-performance stethoscope.
- Cons: Some nurses find the tubing longer than necessary. It is also the heaviest stethoscope on this list.
Best Digital Stethoscope: 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope
- Connects to Eko software to visualize and share heart sound waveforms (smart device not included)
- Up to 40x amplification (at peak frequency, vs. analog mode)
- Active noise cancellation reduces unwanted background sounds
Electronic stethoscopes are beginning to revolutionalize how medical professionals auscultate in clinical settings. The Littmann CORE digital stethoscope makes choosing the best stethoscope of the two types of stethoscopes easy.
It connects with your phone, allowing you to monitor, visualize, and even record auscultations with great accuracy.
But what’s more impressive is that the stethoscope provides the nurse with up to 40x amplification of sound. This makes it easier for medical professionals to hear the sound of a patients’ heart beating in a busy ER.
The feature is complemented by the built-in active noise cancellation module, which removes the sounds from the background. The Littmann CORE is by far the most impressive dual head stethoscope I’ve come across.
Highlights
- Available in two finishes: black chest piece and rainbow chest piece.
- The electronic stethoscope can toggle between analog and amplified listening modes.
- It features tunable diaphragms on both the pediatric and adult sides.
- Monitoring the blood pressure of a patient should be easier with this stethoscope.
Summary
- It one of the most impressive electronic stethoscopes in the market. The soft, sealing ear tips make for excellent acoustics and guarantee a comfortable fit, and the amplification features make auscultation easier than ever.
- Pros: Tunable diaphragms, digital monitoring and recording, sound amplification.
- Cons: One of the most expensive stethoscopes on this list.
Most Comfortable: MDF Acoustica Lightweight Stethoscope
- TRUSTED by Medical Providers since 1971 | Backed by our Full Lifetime Warranty & Replacement-Parts-For-Life Program Included| Latex-Free
- ALL-PURPOSE LIGHTWEIGHT diagnostic instrument that delivers accurate auscultation of heart, lung, and stomach (gastrointestinal, bowel, etc.), blood pressure flow (Korotkoff) sounds with acoustic...
- CHESTPIECE designed with a turnable, fully rotating stem and a true bell and true diaphragm to capture high or low frequency sounds as needed. Handcrafted from premium aluminum to deliver the ultimate...
Comfort is perhaps one of the most important deciding factors for nurses when buying a stethoscope. If you’re looking for a comfortable stethoscope that also makes hearing sounds easier, the MDF Acoustica is the right option.
Besides being lightweight at 4.96 ounces, the quality stethoscope is also latex-free. Furthermore, the affordable stethoscope comes with a lifetime warranty, and the company offers its customers free parts for life. This makes it great for nursing students on a budget.
The long and thick tubing is made from non-stick material. The patented construction of the headset makes it extremely comfortable to wear — which counts for a lot for a busy medical professional.
Highlights
- It comes in over 20 colors.
- Its fully rotating stems make it easy for nurses to capture high and low-frequency sounds as the situation calls for it.
- It comes with three pairs of ear tips, an extra diaphragm, and an ID tag to enable personalization and enhance acoustics.
Summary
- The latex-free construction, quality tubing, and patented design make it one of the most impressive entry-level stethoscopes available.
- Pros: Lifetime warranty, personalizable, and several ear tips options for optimal sound quality.
- Cons: Nurses complain that it picks up interference easily.
Most Child-Friendly Stethoscope: ADC – 618SF Adscope Adimals 618 Pediatric Clinician Stethoscope
- INCREDIBLE ACOUSTICS: Proprietarty adjustable frequency design (AFD) technology enhances acoustic performance; use light pressure for low frequencies, firm pressure for high frequencies. Individually...
- CHILD FRIENDLY: Distinctive molded-resin animal face chestpiece with 7 interchangeable snap-on's: Panda, Frog, Koala, Deer, Monkey, Tiger, and Bear
- COMPACT & COMFORTABLE: Clinician headset features silicone reinforcing yoke molded into flexible phthalate-free PVC tubing, lightweight aluminum alloy binaurals, and Adsoft Plus snap-on silicone...
One of the best things a nurse can do to make auscultation more fun for children is to use a fun-looking stethoscope. If you work with children a lot, this is the one stethoscope you must consider getting.
The ADC adscope features a proprietary Adjustable Frequency Design, delivering excellent acoustics and delivering a clear heart sound when you need to hear it. The single-tube stethoscope comes with distinctive, child-friendly animal face chest pieces.
The seven interchangeable snap-on faces make it all the more interesting for pediatric patients to interact with. It is arguably the best pediatric stethoscope for fussy patients.
Highlights
- This ADC adscope is exceptionally comfortable to wear. It boasts a phthalate-free PVC tubing and comes with snap-on silicone tips for optimal acoustics.
- An accessory storage pouch and a scope ID tag are included in the packaging.
- The lifetime warranty and free-parts-forever scheme make it one of the best stethoscopes for pediatric nurses.
Summary
- While the stethoscope might look like a toy, its great acoustics and comfort make it on par with higher-priced stethoscopes.
- Pros: It weighs three ounces, and the tubing comes in three colors, making it very appealing.
- Cons: Slightly pricey for what it is.
Best-Looking Stethoscope: MDF MD One Stainless Steel Stethoscope
- TRUSTED by Doctors, Nurses, Students, Home Health, Medical Providers since 1971 | Backed by our Full Lifetime Warranty & Free-Parts-For-Life Program | Latex-Free
- MD ONE line is known for performance, durability and aesthetics. Constructed from acoustically-superior stainless steel. Makes a great gift with over 20 color variations to choose from.
- CHESTPIECE: dual head stethoscope for adult diagnostics that delivers accurate transmission of heart, lung, and stomach (gastrointestinal, bowel, etc.) sounds, and blood pressure flow (Korotkoff)...
The MDF MD One comes in over two dozen color options and boasts a flashy build. If you’ve always wanted a stethoscope in a specific color, you will be able to find an MD One in it.
The stethoscope also boasts a strong pick-up, especially when the nurse is trying to hear the chest and bowel sounds. It is also rugged, so if the stethoscope gets dropped, caught in door handles, or thrown around in a bag, you can expect it to work reliably on the next patient you auscultate.
Its dual-leaf spring construction makes it twice as durable, and the company also offers a lifetime warranty on the stethoscope. If you’re on the lookout for a good-looking scope that you can rely on for years, you won’t regret getting the MDF MD One.
Highlights
- Available in over two dozen colors and comes in two build types: stainless steel and titanium.
- It is built with superior stainless steel for improved acoustics.
- ErgonoMax headset comes angled at 15 degrees, making it comfortable for the nurse to wear.
Summary
- The MDF MD One is the gold standard in terms of looks. However, its single tube design makes it susceptible to interference.
- Pros: Excellent looks, decent acoustics, patented SafetyLock Eartip Adaptors protect your ears from damage.
- Cons: Not the best stethoscope for hearing faint heart sounds of the patient.
Best for Weak Ears: ADC – 600MCB Adscope 600 Platinum Series Stethoscope
- INCREDIBLE ACOUSTICS: Proprietarty adjustable frequency design (AFD) technology enhances acoustic performance; use light pressure for low frequencies, firm pressure for high frequencies. Individually...
- ERGONOMIC: Sculpted chestpiece is precision CNC machined to exacting tolerances from surgical stainless steel. Length 27 inches, weight 7.15 oz
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Cardiology headset features dual channel phthalate-free tubing, large-bore stainless steel binaurals, and Adsoft Plus snap-on silicone eartips for the ultimate in wearing comfort and...
It can be challenging to hear a patient’s heartbeat in a busy emergency room. For nurses with weak ears, the challenge only gets harder.
The ADC – 600MCB adscope features the company’s adjustable frequency design, allowing nurses to fine-tune acoustics by applying pressure. The headset boasts a dual-channel design, minimizing the interference that the stethoscope picks up, making hearing that much easier.
The large-bore binaurals make the sound extremely clear, and the soft snap-on silicone tips ensure wearing comfort and an acoustic seal. If you have trouble hearing a patient’s heart beat, the ADC – 600MCB is one of the best stethoscopes you can get your hands on.
Highlights
- Large bore binaurals and ergonomic tips make it easy to hear.
- It comes with two extra pairs of tips, an accessory storage case, and a complimentary ID tag.
- Lifetime warranty and free parts forever program ensure you never have to buy another stethoscope again.
Summary
- Nurses report being able to hear better with this stethoscope than a Littmann stethoscope.
- Pros: Medical-grade stainless steel build, AFD technology, comfortable tips.
- Cons: It is one of the heavier stethoscopes on the list, weighing 7.15 ounces.
Best Adult and Pediatric Stethoscope: MDF Sprague Rappaport
- TRUSTED by Medical Providers since 1971 | Backed by our Full Lifetime Warranty & Replacement-Parts-For-Life Program Included| Latex-Free
- ALL-PURPOSE LIGHTWEIGHT diagnostic instrument that delivers accurate auscultation of heart, lung, and stomach (gastrointestinal, bowel, etc.), blood pressure flow (Korotkoff) sounds with acoustic...
- CHESTPIECE designed with a turnable, fully rotating stem and a true bell and true diaphragm to capture high or low frequency sounds as needed. Handcrafted from premium aluminum to deliver the ultimate...
If you’re an RN in the emergency room, you have to be prepared to care for all patient populations.
The MDF Sprague comes with adult, pediatric, and infant diaphragms included in its accessory kit. You can switch them out quickly as the situation demands it and auscultate the patient with greater ease.
The dual-lumen tubing coupled with the accufit tips makes it one of the easiest to use stethoscopes you can buy.
Highlights
- Available in five great-looking colors.
- Tubing is constructed from thick and durable latex-free PVC. Dual tubed design reduces interference and transfers sounds into each ear individually.
- ComfortSeal tips come included with the stethoscope in three sizes, ensuring comfort for all nurses.
Summary
- The Sprague is one of the most modern-looking stethoscopes on the market. It feels and sounds just as nice as it looks.
- Pros: Great pricing, free-parts-for-life, appealing design.
- Cons: Instructions provided aren’t very clear — but experienced nurses shouldn’t have a problem putting the stethoscope together.
Best Single-Head Stethoscope: 3M Littmann Master Classic II
- Award winning ergonomic design and excellent acoustic sensitivity deliver comfort and reliable diagnostic performance
- Tunable diaphragm responds with a simple pressure change to capture low and high-frequency sounds
- Anatomically designed headset is angled to meet the path of the ear canal
The ergonomic design of the 3M Littmann Master Classic II makes it the most impressive single head stethoscope in the market. The stethoscope can deliver excellent acoustic performance while keeping the nurse comfortable. No wonder the stethoscope has won a lot of awards.
The acoustic stethoscope features a tunable diaphragm that responds to simple changes in pressure. The tips of the stethoscope meet the ear canal directly, but the included comfortable ear tips ensure that they don’t hurt to wear.
The latex-free build and heavy-duty chest piece incorporated make it reliable for nurses working in all units. It is one of the best single-head stethoscopes you can buy.
Highlights
- It is very easy to clean.
- Not very heavy at 160 grams.
Summary
- Nurses report that you can hear even the subtlest of murmurs with it. However, if you’re hard of hearing, your mileage may vary.
- Pros: It comes with a two-year warranty, available in many colors.
- Cons: The chilly bell or diaphragm may make the patient uncomfortable.
Most Affordable Stethoscope: Primacare DS-9290-BK– Stethoscope
- 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋: Primacare DS-9290-BK adult size stethoscopes are created from latex-free materials, with an aluminium double head and for...
- 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐒𝐄: This latex free stethoscope ensures that you get accurate information when it comes to your patient's vitals.
- 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐂𝐄: The solidly constructed lightweight aluminum chest piece allows for superior contact with the patient to provide more...
Affordable stethoscopes are often not acoustically efficient enough to meet the needs of an RN. While the Primacare DS-9290-BK is the most economical dual-head stethoscope on this list, it performs like a much more expensive stethoscope.
It comes with an adult-size chest piece that has a bell on one side and a diaphragm on another. The chrome-plated brass headset is adjustable, and the tubing is relatively short at 22”.
The extra diaphragm and ear tips included make it one of the best value-for-money stethoscopes in the market.
Highlights
- Lightweight at 3.5 ounces.
- Flexible single-channel tubing makes it durable.
Summary
- If you’re a nursing student on a budget or tend to lose stethoscopes on the scene, the DS-9290-BK is the right stethoscope to get.
- Pros: Twistable chest piece enables you to switch between diaphragm and bell.
- Cons: Not the right choice for nurses working in noisy environments.
Most Consumables: ADC – 600ST ADSCOPE 600 Cardiology Stethoscope
- INCREDIBLE ACOUSTICS: Proprietarty adjustable frequency design (AFD) technology enhances acoustic performance; use light pressure for low frequencies, firm pressure for high frequencies. Individually...
- ERGONOMIC: Sculpted chestpiece is precision CNC machined to exacting tolerances from surgical stainless steel. Length 27 inches, weight 7.15 oz.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Cardiology headset features dual-channel phthalate-free tubing, large bore black anodized aluminum binaurals, and Adsoft Plus snap-on silicone eartips for the ultimate in wearing...
If you’re looking for a stethoscope to use for years, choosing the right brand is critical. The ADC – 600ST comes with three pairs of eartips, and a scope ID tag, making it a great starter stethoscope.
But what’s more impressive is that when you register the stethoscope with the company online, you will get free consumables for it — including diaphragms and eartips — for as long as you own it. In case you damage the stethoscope, you can just call ADC and ask for a free repair.
Highlights
- Available in 11 colors.
- Double-leaf tensioning spring capable of withstanding thousands of cycles.
Summary
- The CNC machined chest piece, coupled with anodized aluminum binaurals, makes for a pleasant auscultation experience.
- Pros: Lifetime free warranty and parts for a reasonable price.
- Cons: Heavy at 7.15 oz.
- Clinical-Grade Stainless Steel Stethoscope Black (Length: 29”) – Our Björn Hall Clinical Black on Black Stethoscope is 29” in length – from eartips to the end of the chestpiece – and...
- Lightweight, Ergonomic Design – Our Björn Hall Clinical stethoscope is designed by nurses, for nurses! Each custom designer stethoscope black matte design is fashionable, lightweight stethoscope...
- Acoustically-Sealed Fit For Precise Results – Each medical Matte Black Stethoscope has a dual head (double-sided) chest piece that is best used for assessing both adults and pediatrics with ease....
Pets can be fussier than pediatric patients, making the use of the right stethoscope that much more critical. The non-chill rim and rugged design of the BJÖRN HALL Stethoscope make it perfect for veterinary nurses.
The black matte design gives the stethoscope a fashionable look, and the tubing is long enough for the nurse to auscultate the pet without overextending or reaching too close to the pet.
Its acoustically sealed fit coupled with the extra bells and diaphragms allows the nurse to hear the subtlest tones and assess the pet’s condition.
Highlights
- Comes with different sized tips and extra bells and diaphragms.
- 100% money-back guarantee.
Summary
- Its stylish design and ergonomic build make it stand out from the pool of options.
- Pros: Offers performance similar to a Littmann at a lower price.
- Cons: Not the lightest at 5.1 ounces.
Conclusion
There’s no such thing as the “ultimate” stethoscope for medical professionals. However, finding one that meets your needs in your budget is possible. With this guide handy, all you have to do is think of the features that you can’t do without and skim through the options.
You will find the right stethoscope in no time.
- Monitor and assess a wide range of patients
- Detect normal and abnormal sounds and rhythms
- Useful in non-critical care environments such as a medical office, general ward, OB/GYN, ambulatory clinic or urgent care
- Lightest weight of all Littmann adult stethoscopes at just 118 grams.
- Dual-sided chestpiece provides versatility of both a tunable diaphragm and open bell.
- Teardrop-shaped chestpiece for easier positioning under blood pressure cuffs and around bandages.
- TRUSTED by Medical Providers since 1971 | Backed by our Full Lifetime Warranty & Replacement-Parts-For-Life Program Included| Latex-Free
- ALL-PURPOSE LIGHTWEIGHT diagnostic instrument that delivers accurate auscultation of heart, lung, and stomach (gastrointestinal, bowel, etc.), blood pressure flow (Korotkoff) sounds with acoustic...
- CHESTPIECE designed with a turnable, fully rotating stem and a true bell and true diaphragm to capture high or low frequency sounds as needed. Handcrafted from premium aluminum to deliver the ultimate...
Categorised in: Reviews
Lindsay Smith
Lindsay is an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with Nephrology Associates in Nashville, Tennessee. She is passionate about working with patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) to maximize their function and wellness.