7 Best Stethoscopes 2023

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here's our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Stethoscopes can provide vital information about the heart, lungs, and key bodily functions. There are several available to buy online that can help shed light on a person's health.

Medical News Today chooses stethoscopes that meet the following criteria where possible:

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

A low cost yet reportedly versatile option, this stethoscope features a dual-head diaphragm that can catch high and low frequencies. This may be especially beneficial for people who wish to use this product on adults and children.

To tune the diaphragm to different frequencies, a person just needs to adjust the pressure on the non-chill chest piece and rotate the flexible stem to use one of the sides. The smaller surface area is better for lower frequencies. The larger one is better for higher frequencies.

Other features include thick tubing that may make the stethoscope more durable and may reduce ambient sounds for a better listening experience. The matte finish may prevent stains and oils.

Additionally, FriCARE states it donates a portion of every purchase to charitable organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders.

This stethoscope is available in several matte colors, including black, pink, yellow, and gray.

This stethoscope bundle has a durable, waterproof carrying case that keeps the product secure. This may be a good option for someone who is looking for a stethoscope they can bring while traveling.

The stethoscope itself has a dual-head design with a diaphragm and bell that people can use to hear high and low frequencies. The company states the stainless steel construction of the stethoscope makes it acoustically superior to other similar products.

Additional features include patented Acoustic Pyramid Chambers, SafetyLock Eartip adaptors, and ErgonoMax Headset.

The tubing is latex-free and reportedly durable. Another advantage of this product is that the company offers a lifetime warranty and free replacement parts. This makes it a good investment for people who intend to use a stethoscope for a long period.

Each purchase comes with three sizes of ear tips, an extra diaphragm, and an ID tag.

This single-sided stethoscope may be a good option for people who want the most noise isolation.

Littman states this stethoscope has the best acoustics of any of its products.

It has a tunable diaphragm for high and low frequencies. People must gently adjust the pressure on the chest piece to tune the head. It also has dual-lumen tubing, which is two sound paths in one tube. This helps eliminate the rubbing noise people may experience with other products.

The stethoscope also has angled earbuds that align with the ear canals, which may increase comfort, especially for those who are using stethoscopes several times a day.

This stethoscope comes with three sizes of open bells and two sizes of diaphragms, which may help people hear different frequencies.

People can also benefit from two earpieces, although the manufacturer does not state whether the earpieces are the same or different sizes. The tubing is latex-free. The chest piece is chrome-plated.

It is currently only available in black.

This stethoscope may be most suitable for people looking for a product they can use daily on a range of people.

The stethoscope has a dual-head design to help people identify high and low frequencies. In addition, the bell side is smaller and suitable for pediatric use. People can convert the head to a traditional open bell by placing the non-chill rim on top.

Littmann states this stethoscope is durable and lightweight. It also comes with one write-on and one engravable ID tag for easier identification.

According to the manufacturer, this stethoscope offers up to 40 times amplification, expanding a person's ability to hear subtle sounds.

The stethoscope is digital, which means it connects to Eko software. This enables people to see, record, and share sounds.

People can switch between digital and mechanical listening profiles depending on their needs and preferences. The stethoscope has a dual-head design, which allows people to tune in to higher and lower frequencies.

This dual-headed stethoscope has an open bell and a 3.3-centimeter floating diaphragm with a non-chill rim. The smaller bell and diaphragm may make this product especially beneficial for use on infants and children.

The tubing does not contain natural rubber latex. It only weighs 105 grams, making it a lightweight choice. Other comfort features include soft-sealing ear tips that align with the ear canal and help reduce background sound.

This stethoscope is available in various colors, including black, blue, raspberry, and red. People can choose whichever color suits their personal style. Infants and children may be more comfortable around the brighter-colored options.

The following table compares the stethoscopes in this article on price, patient size, and features.

When buying a stethoscope, people may wish to consider:

There are two main types of stethoscopes: manual and digital. Manual stethoscopes are the classic ones people often see during practitioner appointments. They may be single- or dual-headed.

Dual-head stethoscopes have a diaphragm side and a bell side. People can use one or the other to hear different frequencies better. Single-head stethoscopes require a person to put more or less pressure on the chest piece to hear high or low frequencies.

Digital stethoscopes, on the other hand, record the sounds a person hears. This can be especially beneficial for practitioners who believe having a recording on a patient's medical notes may lead to quicker and more relevant care.

Stethoscopes are also available in different sizes. Pediatric stethoscopes often have smaller diaphragms and bells that are more suitable for infants and children. Adult stethoscopes may have larger heads.

Here we answer some common questions about stethoscopes.

Some sensitive stethoscopes may hear a fetal heartbeat. However, there are specialized fetal stethoscopes that manufacturers design specifically for babies in the womb. Physicians may use these during labor if there is a risk of infant mortality.

Stethoscope heads work as an amplifier. They make it easier for healthcare professionals to hear the sounds hearts, lungs, and other organs make.

Learn more about different lung sounds here.

Littmann, a popular manufacturer of stethoscopes, states that people should use 70% isopropyl alcohol to wipe-clean stethoscopes. It is important not to use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer can damage the stethoscope material.

If a stethoscope has a removable head, people can remove and wipe the components before leaving them to dry and reassemble.

Stethoscopes are a useful tool for to listen to organs, such as the heart and lungs. Healthcare professionals may use these instruments to help diagnose conditions or monitor symptoms.

There are several stethoscopes available to purchase online. People may wish to consider whether they need a higher-end instrument that may cost more or a more basic model that, while inexpensive, may need replacing sooner.