Nurses are a busy bunch! Between patient care, paperwork, and making sure everything is in order for the next shift it can be difficult to find time to buy anything. A stethoscope is essential for nursing students and nurses alike. We put together a list of the top 5 stethoscopes that will fit any budget or need.
Our Recommended Stethoscopes
- 3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. – Best in General
- 3M Littmann Cardiology IV – Best for Cardiac Nurse
- 3M Littmann Master Classic II – Best for Vet Nurse
- Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope – Best Stethoscope for Nursing Student
- ADC Adscope 609 – Best Affordable Stethoscope for Nurses
1. 3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. – Best in General
The Littmann Lightweight II S.E. is Extremely Good originates from the classic Littmann model and is highly suitable for all specialties. It features all the characteristics of high quality such as excellent acoustics, light in weight, latex-free materials.
The comfortable earpieces have a minimal weight of 135gms. The diaphragms are tunable transmitting high and low-frequency sound waves clearly. It even has a dual-sided chest piece with anti-chill rings and permits switching between diaphragm and bell mode by just applying gentle pressure on the chest piece. It is available in various colors such as black, Caribbean blue, purple, and pink. It is reasonably priced and medical, and nursing students can use this Best and Cheap Stethoscopes.
The Chest Piece
The chest piece is commendable for its high acoustic sensitivity. The piece is dual-sided and made of stainless steel which makes it durable. The compact design of the piece helps in listening to the sound of the body or can deliver high-quality auscultation.
The chest piece has a diaphragm that is tunable on one side and this diaphragm is extremely sensitive and responsive. It can capture both high and low frequency sounds even with a simple change in pressure. You will not even have to turn the chest piece to its other side. The other side of the chest piece comes with the traditional bell.
Good For Host As Well As Patients
The 3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. saves a doctor’s time and helps him/her to concentrate on the patient’s body changes. It also provides comfort to the patients as the stainless steel chest piece comes with a non-chill rim. It is one of the best ones can get in the market and it’s been trusted by millions of people all around the world.
The Headset
The headset and the headset tension have an anatomical design so that they can easily be adjusted according to the head size. Even if the ear tubes are pulled or squeezed apart, they will not hurt or cause any discomfort to the user. It is made in angle to the ear canal for high-quality listening.
The ear tips are made from a latex-free material, which will not cause any allergy to sensitive users. The ear tips come with soft sealing and snap-tight features for perfect fit and comfort. It is so firm that it will require manual effort to remove them.
Environment-Friendly
It comes with a black tube that has advanced tubing technology used in it. The tube is devoid of rubber latex, and it does not have phthalate plasticizers in it, which is harmful to the environment and human health.
Therefore it is an eco-friendly product and can be safely used by medical professionals to monitor their patients. The overall length of the stethoscope is 28 inches long and is very flexible. It can be folded in any shape easily. It can retain its shape back even after tight folding. It can be easily folded and kept in the pocket.
The black plated chest piece can last long and stay stain-free as it can resist stains from skin oil and alcohol. It is much lighter in weight and can be easily carried around in your pocket. Also, it is affordable and worth each penny spent on it. It is a value for money product.
Verdict
The 3M Littmann Classic II S.E. is high quality and extremely durable stethoscope. It is a very hardy and long-lasting clinical tool, which can be used by CNAs and nurses for monitoring their patients. Anyone under the medical profession can use it for listening to the heartbeat, lung sound, and other body sound and examining their patient.
2. 3M Littmann Cardiology IV – Best for Cardiac Nurse
One of the highly reviewed Extreme medical devices, the Littmann Cardiology IV, is also useful good for doctors, pediatric cardiologists, despite the appearance of newer, advanced models on the market in 2023.
The Littmann Cardiology is frequently used by pediatricians as well as medical students to listen to sounds of the heart and lungs. It is suitable for utilization in adult pediatrics. This high-quality best cardiology and pediatric stethoscope are the only which has that feature a dual-sided headpiece. It has unique two tunable diaphragms that make it easy to switch from low frequency transmitting bell mode to high frequency transmitting diaphragm mode just by applying gentle pressure on the chest piece.
This stethoscope also has a dual lumen that eliminates interference created by the tubes rubbing together. It has an anatomical headset as well as anti-chill rings on the bell and diaphragm of the chest piece. This is heavier in weight than the Littmann Classic II SE as it weighs 180gms and is 27 inches long. The diaphragm is 43mm wide in diameter.
This is available in various colors like black, purple, gray, and chocolate brown. Though this durable stethoscope is costlier than other units, it is value for the money. The research was done at the interior medicine department at St John Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, that Littmann Cardiology Stethoscope is best for total efficiency.
The tunable diaphragm offers preciseness
Being one of the most purchased and recognized stethoscopes in the medical profession, the Cardiology IV features the tunable diaphragms on both sides to provide exceptional acoustic performance, convenience, and outstanding diagnostic versatility for treating pediatric and adult patients. The diaphragms enable the crisp hearing of high and low-frequency sounds.
Tailored to ooze out excellence, the “two tubes in one design” eradicate noise artifact that can be created by the tubes rubbing together. The tunable diaphragm technology aids the clinicians in perceiving sounds of varying frequency by simply regulating the pressure on the chest piece. Just hold the chest piece with supply pressure to perceive the low-frequency sounds, while a harder press would fetch you the sounds with higher frequency.
Brilliant color choices
Available in a wide assortment of amazing colors, carrying this stethoscope gives a smart feeling. Also, you would love to flaunt the flawless design of the equipment by hanging it around your neck. This stethoscope is the perfect choice for medical professionals who are dedicated to their profession and aim to receive the best patient results. No wonder, the Littmann Stethoscope offers outstanding performance and wearing it signals your commitment to your practice and also personal success.
Highly resilient
The plant next-era tubing maintains its suppleness and shape even when you hold it tightly or fold it in your pocket. So you can jostle it into any space and in any folds without having to worry about its longevity. What’s more, the high-end stethoscope has improved resistance to alcohol and oil. Also, it is less likely to pick up greases. Also, the skilled professionals of the brand, while crafting the product, have kept into consideration the sustainability aspect.
It is environment- and human-health-friendly as the tubing does not contain phthalate plasticizers. More so, the cutting-edge manufacturer from 3M Littmann is not crafted out of natural rubber latex, which makes it safe for sensitive medical practitioners as well as their patients.
Ear-friendly earpieces
You would also find the soft earpieces are comfortable. The sound would appear to be clear without making you feel like it is burrowing into your head. The soft-sealing ear tips make it a perfect fit for the ears of any shape. They snap firmly onto the ends of the ear tubes.
You would love the adaptability of the product by being able to change from adult to pediatric simply by revolving the twig of the chest piece. Honestly, the impeccable quality of this stethoscope makes it distinguished among the vast array of others.
Verdict
3M Littmann Cardiology IV is brought in the market for clinicians and is aptly tailored for them to address their need for the brilliant acoustic performance fused with unmatched versatility.
Undoubtedly, the product is designed outstandingly to make you satisfied and happy with it and get the clear sound of even the murmurs and stuff. The product is precisely as convenient to use as described. The innovative design of the equipment offers a tunable diaphragm on either side of the chest
3. 3M Littmann Master Classic II – Best for Vet Nurse
The Littmann Master Classic II is similar and is considered an up-gradation to the Littmann Classic II. That is why it is called Littmann Master Classic II. It features an ergonomic design that has been awarded several times. The diagnostic performance of the model is outstanding, as well as the acoustic sensitivity is excellent.
The Master Classic II too like other stethoscopes is latex-free and has an anti-chill rim and an anatomical headpiece. This makes it comfortable while in use for patients as well as physicians. The clarity and loudness of the sound are better than Classic II SE, but it is heavier and weighs 160gms. The diaphragm is 44mm in diameter, and the tube is 27 inches long.
The only disadvantage is that it lacks a double-sided chest piece. Being an up-gradation from the Classic II SE, the Master Classic II is costlier than the former. This model is available in various colors such as blue, black, and pine green. Overall, the Master Classic II is a smart and capable stethoscope.
Highly efficient
Especially committed to producing the best patient outcomes, this stethoscope delivers unprecedented efficiency. Also, the diaphragm and the bell are fitted into a single-sided Master chest piece adding to the preciseness. So, from now on, you would no longer need to remove the chest piece from the patient and manually transform it from bell to diaphragm sides.
Experience clear sound
Also, the crystal clear heart and breath sounds let you learn a lot more. Additionally, it’s a perfect choice during clinical internships and clerkships. Littmann, being the leader for years, has kept in mind its reputation and thus crafted out an award-winning device for anyone in the medical profession.
Well, you might be wondering what makes it so distinguished from the rest. It’s the brilliant acoustics, letting you hear exactly what you want and filtering the noise from the environmental noise that’s so special in this immaculate device. Also, its great sturdiness and flexibility make it a must-buy.
Once you use this product, be sure that you would not be able to find any other alternative. The earpieces are so comfortable and it does not hurt the ears at all. You can audibly hear the vitals, the heart tones, the breath sounds, and the bowel sound even in the ambulance. Great value for money, this stethoscope stands second to none. Investing in this device would give you immense benefits.
Widely popular apparatus
This product is being used by millions of medical professionals across the globe caring for their careers. Offering unparalleled value and consistently top-notch quality, using the Littmann Stethoscope shows your high commitment to your profession. No wonder, it lays the path for your success.
The Master Classic II stethoscope is also being widely used by students to detect, perceive, and examine the lung, heart, and other body sound for physical diagnosis and evaluation. Made in the USA, the Master Classic II stethoscope is a complete device with large, supple, and robust ear-tips.
Highly durable
Also, it is extremely convenient to carry around and you can simply shove it anyway. Not to worry! This stethoscope is alcohol and oil-resistant and highly resilient. To play its environment-friendly part, the high-quality stethoscope with excellent finishing is free from phthalate plasticizers.
Also, it no longer contains natural rubber latex to pose a threat to sensitive patients as well as medical professionals. All the more, the device does not burrow into your ears as you can easily adjust the headset tension for comfort according to head size.
Verdict
3M Littmann Master Classic II is yet another high-end manufactured by 3M Littman. Available in heaps of colors and sizes, the Master Classic II is a blend of quality and design. It fuses the unbeatable ergonomic design along with outstanding acoustic sensitivity. Also, promises reliability and assures superior quality.
No wonder, hearing through this excellent device would give you an all-new learning experience. Be its resilience or dependability, This stethoscope is a perfect answer to your needs. It’s comfortable to carry and convenient to use.
4. Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope – Best Stethoscope for Nursing Student
If you are a nursing student you do not need a top-class stethoscope in your nursing school since all you have to do there is check the blood pressure and listen to the heart and lungs of the patients.
Purchasing a more functional stethoscope is necessary for practitioners and cardiologists since they need to avoid any sort of misdiagnosis and give the best care to the patients while maintaining their newfound reputation.
But at this point in the career of the nursing students, a comparatively cheaper stethoscope will be a more suitable choice, and they can get more advanced and sophisticated tools as their requirements will increase.
Taking all these essential points into account, considering both the affordability and quality, the Omron Sprague Rappaport stethoscope is believed to be the best for nursing students. It is the cheapest way to learn the essentials of use and to get started at the same time as this stethoscope is extremely functional and versatile.
Many of the nursing students have tried Omron Stethoscope as their first stethoscope, and this has increased their expectations at a low price.
The Omron Sprague Rappaport is by far the lowest priced compared to other models. It has latex-free tubing, and the chest piece plated with chrome. The Omron Stethoscope provides excellent quality acoustics with clarity and loudness of sounds.
However, it has a few drawbacks such as it has two tubes that rub against each other and produce undesired sound during the examination of the patient. Also, it is longer compared to other models. The diaphragm too is not made from high-quality material.
However, due to its low cost and affordability, it is popular amongst medical students and also for EMT students. So it comes with extra ear tips, a choice of open diaphragms and bells, and a storage case made of vinyl. It is available in various colors such as blue, dark blue, black, and dark green.
Clear sound with good efficiency
The 8.8 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches stethoscope is well-designed to fit the needs of students, clerks, and medical professionals. The most unique part of the device is its unbeatable quality. Especially, you would be pleased to use the unprecedented quality of the product.
Also, it would let you have a crystal clear sound of every detail, alienating the sound of the environment. You would feel lung sounds to be no clearer with any other device. Well, you can even audibly hear the murmuring sound even six feet away.
Comfortable earbuds
Also, the earbuds have been well-designed to provide you with the ultimate comfort while examining a patient. This stethoscope includes two pairs of ear-tips. The ear-tips are carefully made so that it does not burrow into your ear or you feel uncomfortable. Also, it consists of three sizes of open bells and two sizes of diaphragms. You would get it all in a vinyl storage case.
A perfect buy for the students
This product can be recommended to anyone who is going into the medical field. What’s more, the extreme budget price tag of this stethoscope makes it a perfect buy even for the students. It serves your purpose if you are looking ahead to working in a nursing lab. It’s loud and clear. It can also be used in pediatrics. Also, highly precise in taking blood pressure. You can buy this if you want something good at a really low price.
Interestingly, this one works much better than various other expensive stethoscopes. All the more, the pure black color and the perfect design of the product would look smart. You would love to flaunt it. Also, the product has a chrome-plated chest piece, adding to the value of the product.
The LATEX free tubing also makes it a perfect pick for medical students and professionals. Even if you have an array of other expensive stethoscopes, you can always keep them for use in emergencies.
A good buy in every way
With this stethoscope, you would be able to hear every heartbeat and every pulse with great clarity. Additionally, the black-colored stethoscope is also well within your reach. It would offer you good value for money.
Affordability
The affordable price tag makes it so special among other such creations. You get preciseness and quality at such a lower price. Also, the workmanship of the product is reasonably good and would surely meet your expectations. So here you go with an excellent creation by the brand to suit your varying needs at a reasonably lower cost. Medical students can successfully start their careers with this superb product in examining the various sounds of the patients’ bodies.
Verdict
A brilliant stethoscope is a 5 in 1 multi-purpose. The Omron Sprague Rappaport stethoscope is outstandingly tailored to cater to diverse clinical and medical needs. The excellent quality device suits the flexible needs of medical professionals and medical students as well as assures sound performance.
5. ADC Adscope 609 – Best Affordable Stethoscope for Nurses
The ADC Adscope 609 was manufactured by American Diagnostic Corporation, which was set up in1984 as a direct marketer of medical supplies. This affordable stethoscope has high-quality acoustics and is suitable for entry-level practitioners, nurses, paramedics, veterinarians, and respiratory therapists. This stethoscope has stainless steel binaural along with a reinforcing yoke. The diaphragm and bell of the chest piece have an anti-chill ring. The ear tips are of the ADSOFT brand which is comfortable and provides an acoustic seal.
The ADSCOPE 609 has a few disadvantages compared to the Littmann stethoscopes. It is heavier and longer than the Littmann models and the sound quality too stands second to the better Littmann stethoscopes.
The heavy chest piece makes it uncomfortable to use. However, the ADC stethoscope is provided with a lifetime warranty. Also, it is significantly cheaper and affordable than the Littmann brands.
Amazing sound quality
Its sound quality is amazing and very clear and loud. It is the best auscultation tool as it can also filter and block background noise for better auscultation with a larger headset. The audio quality is exceptional for listening to heart and lung sounds and for monitoring other body sounds of the patients. The headset has a large bore for better and sufficient sound clarity. Even if the doctor is surrounded by people or his patients and has a lot of noise around, he would be able to hear the sound of his patient’s body quickly and clearly. The amplified sound technology provides very clear audio and sound which is the best part of this stethoscope. Affordable and reasonably priced with such useful features, It is value for money.
Ease of use
High-quality acoustics make it easier for high and low-frequency sound to be heard clearly. It is very sensitive, and with light pressure, you can get low-frequency sounds. Its dimensions are 14.5 x 1.6 x 6.8 inches, and it weighs only 1.1 pounds. It is not very heavy and can carry around. It’s binaural fixed at an angle of 15 degrees for comfortable listening.
Cardiology Adscope can easily be carried around by wearing it around the neck. The binaural is made of metal and the ear tips are made from standard adsoft threaded PVC for better snap and grip. It fits the ear comfortably without any discomfort.
Design and quality
It comes in stealth black color. The tube of the stethoscope is thicker and can tolerate molding and folding. The rim of the chest piece with a non-chill diaphragm provides comfort to the patients when used. All the metal parts come with a lifetime warranty which guarantees their durability and long-lasting features. The quality and make of the product are high and stable.
Therefore if you are looking for a good quality, durable and sturdy stethoscope, then look no further as Cardiology Adscope 609 will serve your purpose. The package of the device also comes with new standard ad-soft ear tips. It is 25 inches long from end to end. Nurses and nursing student suggest Adscope Stethoscope as it is convenient, durable, and provide excellent sound for environmental monitoring.
Verdict
Cardiology Adscope 609 is one of the best for picking high-end sounds, which you can find at such a price. It is one of the most trusted names in the medical profession tools. It is durable and lasts long even with frequent usage.
Most professionals in the medical profession recommend and suggest Cardiology Adscope Stethoscope over other stethoscopes in the market. The stethoscope comes with a high-quality metal chest piece that is very sturdy and compact.
Comparison Table
Which one is the Best?
If you want a professional and reliable stethoscope, getting an expensive stethoscope will be a better idea. But, if you’re going to learn the fundamentals of using a stethoscope, a reasonably priced stethoscope is not a bad idea too.
A lightweight stethoscope is the best choice for the nurses since they use these scopes in general for blood pressure diagnosis or even for a basic physical check-up of the patients either at their home or at their office. After research, it has been unanimously concluded that 3M Littmann Lightweight II SE is the best choice for nurses.
Reasons for believing that is the best and the right choice for the nurses:
- The headset of this stethoscope is prepared with very soft ear tips, which make it very comfortable to wear for long duration patient examinations.
- The Littmann Lightweight II SE is a Stethoscope that has a very lightweight of around 4oz and this character makes it extremely suitable to wear around the neck throughout the day.
- The torso part of the Stethoscope is specially designed for the best possible physical examination.
- This one has got a longer tube, unlike the other ordinary stethoscopes which make it flexible for the different scenarios and the various patient conditions that a nurse has to encounter.
- A simple adjustment in the pressure enables the users of this stethoscope to hear both the low and high frequency sounds very easily.
- You cannot go wrong with the stethoscope, which is of the Littmann brand when it comes to quality.
For regular use, Lightweight II S.E is our recommendation for the nurses. If you need a more professional scope; You can freely browse through the websites and read the reviews of this model along with several other top-ranked scopes.
What is the Best Stethoscope Brand for Nurses?
Littmann is one of the premier brands, manufactured by the company 3M. The Littmann device was named after Dr. David Littmann, who in the 1960s, created the standard acoustic stethoscope for nurses that we are familiar with it. Littmann is considered to be the best after testing, considering all the disadvantages and the advantages of the stethoscopes manufactured by this brand.
Tips for Nursing Students to Buy a Stethoscope
There are lots of stethoscopes available on the market in 2023. When buying these devices, you must get the one that will be best for your needs.
- If you are still a med or nursing student, you will need a stethoscope that can be used to listen to the different sounds inside the body. You do not need to buy expensive ones because there are a lot of cheaper models that still get the job done. The reason why there is no need to buy expensive stethoscopes is that you have not yet chosen your specialization. Most expensive stethoscopes are specialized ones and are effectively used for that specific purpose only.
- Since you have not chosen any specialization yet, then it would be more practical to own one general-purpose stethoscope rather than several expensive and specific ones. When the time comes that you need to choose a specialization, then you should buy these specialized devices.
- One more thing, when buying, it usually does not matter how long the tubing is. Several studies prove there is no significant difference in performance concerning the length of the tubing. It is all simply a matter of personal preference.
- Your stethoscope is an essential tool, so you must have it with you at all times. However, there is always a chance that you may misplace it or it may get mixed up with other stethoscopes. It would be quite a problem to differentiate yours from others’ devices. That is why you should customize or personalize your stethoscope. You can have the tubing color changed, add designs on the diaphragm, or use any creative idea you have, as long as it does not interfere with its purpose.
We hope this list has helped to narrow down your search. Whether you have an ultra-tight budget or want the best quality money can buy, there is something on our list for everyone! We also included links so that you can easily order these items online. As always if you need any assistance with purchasing one of these items feel free to reach out to us anytime at reviews@topnurse.info
Last update on 2021-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I’ll be beginning a pediatric position in two or three months. I have a grown-up stethoscope (Littman Master Classic II) that I have been using, however from what I hear pediatric stethoscopes are better for the kiddos. which one would be best ones?
Littmann Classic II Pediatric is good for pediatric. Please, visit our Paramedic Stethoscope post for more information. Thanks