This is everything you need to know to find the highest-rated gear for nurses. In this stethoscope buying guide, you’ll find ratings, reviews, and functional descriptions of the best stethoscope for nurses.
Are you looking for the best stethoscopes for nurses? You likely already know that nurses use many important pieces of equipment on a daily basis. Whether you’re trying to obtain a blood pressure or listening to the chest of a little one with a cough, your stethoscope is a vital piece of nursing gear.
Finding the best stethoscopes for nurses can be a challenge. While you want a top-rated stethoscope, it can often be difficult to find just the right one for you at a great price. Although you’ll find a stethoscope in almost every nurse bag, every nurse is a little different. So they may prefer a completely different stethoscope model, brand, or color.
- 10 Best Stethoscopes for Nurses Overall
- The Best Stethoscopes for Nurses in Every Price Range
- Best Stethoscopes for Nurses: Brands Worth Checking Out
- Best Stethoscopes for Nurses by Color
- How Do You Use a Stethoscope
- Just for Fun: A Stethoscope with Magical Powers?
- Stethoscope Buying Guide Closing Thoughts
In addition to the stethoscope brand, the weight, tubing material, the angle of the earpiece and sensitivity of acoustics, all have a role to play in making it an ideal fit. And the fit differs from person to person. So, here’s a list of some of the best nursing stethoscopes available, along with their prominent features and reasons for popularity. This should help you get a clearer picture of the best stethoscope for nurses. If you are in hurry and don’t have time to read more. You can choose 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope. Because this is one the best products in market.
3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope
The Littmann CORE Stethoscope is the most advanced stethoscope on the market. It features acoustics, comfortability and quality that are found in cardiology grade equipment with added Eko digital innovations to make it easier than ever before for you as a listener.
The 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope features the outstanding acoustics, comfort, and quality of a Littmann cardiology-grade stethoscope enhanced by powerful digital technology.
This guide is split up into easy sections. Use this table of contents to jump to parts of the buying guide that interest you the most. Here is what you will find in this stethoscope buying guide.
10 Best Stethoscopes for Nurses Overall
We’ve outlined some of the best stethoscope brands in this comparison table to make it easier to find the one that is right for you. You can click “Read More” on any of the stethoscopes in the table to jump to the section in this article outlining more information about it.
| Rank | Product Image | Product Name and Link | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | | 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope
|
Best Nurse Stethoscopes Amazon Live
I recently did an Amazon Live talking about my 10 favorite stethoscopes for nurses. You can watch the entire live stream and find out why I put them on my top 10 list here.
3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope
- Fully assembled 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope
- USB charging cord
- Extra ear tips and seal
- Getting Started Guide
- Eko software
- Free 2-Day Shipping
- With 2-Year Warranty
I found a stethoscope that I think is absolutely amazing! The 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope and the Eko Core Attachment with a free smartphone app take auscultation to the next level. The Eko digital stethoscope is my favorite stethoscope and the best Bluetooth stethoscope around. The newest offering from Eko, the 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope combines best in class 3M Littmann stethoscope technology with advanced Eko digital innovations.
You not only have to ability to amplify heart sounds but also record them to play them back to a colleague or add to the EHR. The CORE also features Active Noise Cancellation technology, wireless auscultation, and telemedicine integration. They also have Eko AI, machine learning algorithms FDA-cleared for AFib, and heart murmur detection. The Eko CORE Attachment can be added to most stethoscopes for only $199.
2) 3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope, 28″ tubes, 2201
The 3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope is available in a variety of colors, including black, purple, Caribbean blue, and pearl pink, to match your favorite scrubs. With latex-free tubing and a non-chill rim, your patients will find comfort in this Littmann Classic. It also features high acoustic sensitivity, a dual-sided chest piece, and a tunable diaphragm.
3) MDF Rose Gold Stethoscope – Best Stethoscope for Nursing School
The MDF Rose Gold Stethoscope is truly a thing of beauty. It’s classy and charm will match your rose gold iPhone and Apple Watch. Not only is it beautiful, but it also’s of excellent quality, has a lifetime warranty, is completely latex-free, and MDF even provides free parts for life. So as long as it doesn’t walk off, this stethoscope will literally last you for life! This stethoscope is dependable and will help you hear lung, heart, and bowel sounds clearly and crisply. Get your MDF MD One Stainless Steel Premium Dual Head Stethoscope – Rose Gold Edition on Amazon or Google Express.
4) Dixie EMS Blood Pressure and Sprague Stethoscope Kit
With a low price on Amazon.com, the Dixie EMS Blood Pressure and Sprague Stethoscope kit are too good a deal not to include. This is a basic, no-frills, stethoscope, and blood pressure kit. It’s not going to give you the best quality, but it’s a good deal for both if you are just starting. This is exactly the kind of stethoscope bundle that I used in nursing school, but mine wasn’t this cool purple. This is one of the most affordable blood pressure stethoscope kits, which is why we’ve included it on our list. If you are a nursing student looking for an economical and reliable stethoscope and blood pressure cuff bundle, this is a great kit that will serve you well on your clinical rounds. You can get yours at Amazon.com, usually for less than $20.
5) 3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope, 28″ tubes
This entry-level Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope is equipped with double-sided chest pieces and a tunable diaphragm. Available in a variety of colors, including black, cell blue, green, lilac, and seafoam green, the Littmann Lightweight II S.E. and similar to the Littmann II S.E. stethoscope, features a non-chill rim and diaphragm. This is one of the most popular models of stethoscopes among nurses. It is perfect for beginners and seasoned nurses alike. My aunt gave this stethoscope as a graduation gift, and I cherished it right up until a doctor walked off the unit with it. This stethoscope has an MSRP of $57.67, but can be found on Amazon.com for 20% less.
6) 3M Littmann 6152 Cardiology IV Stethoscope – Best Cardiology Stethoscope
Suitable for both adults and children, the Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope is a great cardiology stethoscope that features a dual-sided chest piece. It also features a dual lumen to eliminate interference caused when the tubes rub together and an anatomical headset. Like other Littmann stethoscopes, the Cardiology III also comes with the non-chill bell and tunable diaphragms and is available in many colors, such as black, brown, gray, purple, and chocolate. This high-quality stethoscope is usually priced at around $150 on Amazon.com.
7)3M Littmann Master Classic II Stethoscope, 27″ tubes
The Littmann Master Classic II Stethoscope is known for its award-winning ergonomic design, acoustic sensitivity, and outstanding diagnostic performance. As with other Littmann stethoscopes, the Master Classic II is latex-free, has a non-chill rim and diaphragm and anatomical headset, making it comfortable for both patients and nurses. Available in Black, blue, pine green, and many other colors, this stethoscope has an MSRP of $145.33 but sells for approximately 27% less on Amazon.com.
8) 3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope, 28″ tubes
Specially designed for the little ones you care for, this Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope offers a dual-sided chest piece and floating diaphragm for maximum acoustic sensitivity for both low and high-frequency sounds. Again, this Littmann product is made from latex-free materials, features an anatomical design, as well as a non-chill rim and diaphragm, providing comfort for all concerned. With an MSRP of $111.92, you can often find this pediatric stethoscope for 22% less on Amazon.com!
9) ADC ADSCOPE 603 Stainless Stethoscope
The ADC ADSCOPE features stainless steel binaural with a reinforcing yoke, non-chill diaphragm/bell combo chest piece, and ADSOFT ear tips, which provide the ultimate in comfort and acoustic seal. Available in a wide variety of colors, such as teal, frosted seafoam, purple, orange, royal blue, and gray, this stethoscope has an MSRP of $49.99 and can be found on Amazon.com for around 29% less.
10) Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope
The Labtron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope is going to be one of your best options for the most affordable stethoscope. This stethoscope features a chrome-plated chest piece and latex-free tubing. At Amazon.com, you will find this stethoscope for 31% less, in a variety of colors, including black, blue, dark blue, and dark green. The tubing lengths also come in multiple sizes. Included with this stethoscope is a variety of open bells and diaphragms, extra ear tips, and a vinyl storage case.
The Best Stethoscopes for Nurses in Every Price Range
We’ve outlined some of the best nursing stethoscopes in this comparison table to make it easier to find the one that is right for you. You can click “Read More” on any of the items in the table to jump to the section in this article outlining more information about it. Or, you can click the “Buy from Amazon.com” button to pick it up immediately.
1. 3M Littmann 2141 Master Classic II Stethoscope
The 3M Littmann Master Classic II Stethoscope is reliable and comfortable to use for both nurses and students. It has an award-winning efficient design and good acoustic sensitivity that makes it a convenient choice. It performs exceptionally well when used for general physical tests and uses dual-tunable technology in its diaphragm, making it more adaptable and reliable for different uses.
It offers the portable convenience of a single-sided chest piece, allowing medical professionals to listen to the heartbeat, lungs and other sounds of the body for the purpose of diagnosis and assessment. The diaphragm can respond to simple pressure changes and capture both low and high-frequency sounds. Its headset is also ergonomically designed and the stethoscope’s non-chill diaphragm and rim ensure comfort to the patients as well.
The design of Littmann 2141 Master Classic II Stethoscope is very practical and also easy to clean and maintain. It uses latex-free materials for the allergy-prone user. Overall, a great choice for both practicing nurses and medical students.
Why Nurses Buy This:
- Affordable and lightweight
- Offers a high level of resolution and sensitivity
- Effective in emergencies and inside ambulances
- Comfortably fitting earpiece
2. 3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope
The 3M Littmann Cardiology II Stethoscope is the only stethoscope in the cardiology line with a dual-sided chest piece. This offers the flexibility of use for the diagnosis of both, children as well as adults. Both diaphragms display high responses to simple pressure changes, capturing both high and low frequency sounds equally well. The pediatric side of the diaphragm can be converted to capture low frequencies by using the non-chill bell sleeve. It features a dual lumen (two-in-one tube) that cuts down the sound of external tubes rubbing against each other. The headset is also carefully designed to fit the ear painlessly. It also has a tunable diaphragm on either side of the chest piece.
The stethoscope displays exceptional performance in terms of acoustics and exceptional adaptability as well. For this reason, it is an excellent choice for all clinicians and nurses.
Why Nurses Buy This:
- Value for money
- Has an effective noise cancellation
- Has a high level of accuracy
- Comfortably fitting earpiece
3. 3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope
The pretty-looking 3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope offers high sensitivity to sounds in both high and low frequencies. It consists of a two-sided chest piece, which is specially designed for pediatric diagnosis.
The size of the stethoscope has also been designed keeping in mind its use for analyzing children and its headset is designed specially to provide a comfortable fit in your ear. The 3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope uses latex-free materials to avoid causing allergic reactions due to its constant contact with the skin, and its diaphragm and rim are non-chill to prevent inconvenience to the little ones.
It is a typical Littmann Classic Series Stethoscope, always reliable and great for diagnostic, monitoring and physical assessment purposes.
Why Nurses Buy This:
- Excellent hearing quality
- Ideal size for pediatric patients
- Comfortably fitting earpiece
4. MDF MD One Stethoscope– Rose Gold
This is a classy, handcrafted stethoscope option, well suited for medical professionals. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is made of high-quality stainless steel, specially made for acoustical purposes, and has latex-free tubing. Its earpiece comes in three sizes-small, regular and large to provide maximum comfort to you, depending on your body type. The stethoscope also consists of a dual-head diaphragm, that gives you the flexibility to listen to higher frequencies as well.
Why Nurses Buy This:
- Fashionable
- Safe and durable
- Crystal clear acoustics
- Lifetime warranty
- Accessory options
5. Lumiscope Blood Pressure and Stethoscope Kit
The Lumiscope kit is a great package deal for those looking for both a stethoscope and a blood pressure unit, without having to spend a ton buying them individually. The kit consists of a Sprague Rappaport-style stethoscope and an aneroid sphygmomanometer with a nylon cuff. The entire unit is color coordinated and comes with a case to store and carry the units around. The professional stethoscope comes with 2 pairs of earpieces, 2 diaphragms, and 3 bells. It is ideal for nurses, medical students and, even non-medical persons looking for a good value for money option.
Why Nurses Buy This:
- Good quality
- Affordable
- Compact
- Accessory options
6. Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope
The Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope is a beautiful stethoscope with a chrome-plated chest piece and non-latex tubing. The stethoscope comes with two different sizes of diaphragms, three different sizes of open bells, two pairs of ear-tips, and a compact vinyl case to fit them all in. It has a multipurpose design, offering complete versatility for all types of clinical requirements. The instrument is an economical choice, offering a reasonably good quality of sound performance.
Why Nurses Buy This:
- Flexible
- Affordable
- Durable
7. 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope
I found another stethoscope that I think is absolutely amazing! The 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope and the Eko Core Attachment with a free smartphone app to take auscultation to the next level. You not only have to ability to amplify heart sounds but also record them to play them back to a colleague or add to the EHR. The CORE also features Active Noise Cancellation technology, wireless auscultation, and telemedicine integration. They also have Eko AI, machine learning algorithms FDA-cleared for AFib, and heart murmur detection. The Eko CORE Attachment can be added to most stethoscopes for only $199. The 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope is a great analog stethoscope and easily attaches to the Eko App and Software. Find out more or pick one up.
Best Stethoscopes for Nurses: Brands Worth Checking Out
When given a choice between 3M Littmann and the other stethoscope brands, most would settle for 3M. Don’t bet your house on it but that’s how popular 3M is though. Here’s the tricky part. There are quite a few 3M Littman stethoscopes available in the market so how can they tell which stethoscope is the best?
OK, let’s say they’re not a big fan of 3M and wouldn’t mind considering other stethoscope brands such as Eco, Heart+Soul, ADC, MDF, and Omron, etc. Even if they know what makes these brands what they are, it is hard to tell one brand from another. But as with everything, there are always some brands that are better than others. So how does one choose the right brand and the right stethoscope?
Well, that’s a lot of questions. Let’s take a look at the different brands worth checking out and see what they have in store.
| Rank | Image | Product | Price | More | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 3M Littmann | $$ | Read More | Check Prices |
| 2 | | 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope | $$$$$ | Read More | Check Prices |
| 3 |  | Heart & Sounds | $$$$$ | Read More | Check Prices |
| 4 |  | Welch Allyn | $$ | Read More | Check Prices |
| 5 |  | Omron | $$ | Read More | Check Prices |
1) 3M Littmann
Grab a stethoscope randomly from a drawer in the utility room and there’s a good chance that you’ll pull out a 3M Littmann. This is no 7th-grade probability problem statement. That’s the reach of this brand.
Since its inception, 3M Littmann has come a long way to create a diverse range of stethoscopes across many categories. From the bog-standard Lightweight II S.E stethoscope to the latest Cardiology IV to the top of the line electronic stethoscope, 3M Littmann dominates our list, with many best-selling stethoscopes in the world and the lion’s share of the global market.
2) 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope
We are big fans of the Eko brand digital stethoscopes. I mean, it should really be obvious that we’re going to love a digital stethoscope that features active noise cancellation, along with an app that lets you record and share heart sounds. In addition to a more traditional stethoscope, they have another model, DUO, that actually allows you to capture an EKG. We recommend adding the Eko high on your list of stethoscope options. Plus, you can use code NERDYNURSE to get $20 off!
3) Heart+Sound Solutions Stethoscope
A newcomer on the market, Heart+Sound Solutions has developed a beautiful stethoscope that rivals more pricey options. They only have one option available now: The Heart+Sound Solutions Premiere Cardiology Stethoscope for Adults, Pediatric, and Vets, but it’s all you need. We love the anatomical heart image on the stethoscope diaphragm. We think you will too.
4) ADC Stethoscope
Whether you want a stethoscope engineered to deliver improved acoustic performance or a flimsy, toy-like disposable stethoscope, ADC has got you covered.
From its modest beginnings, the company has grown into an enormous brand thanks to a smorgasbord of auscultating devices that run the gamut from clinician stethoscopes to electronic stethoscopes. Needless to say, they made their way to the top, launching an array of different stethoscopes with special features.
With more than a dozen stethoscopes to choose from, there should be an ADC stethoscope that’s right for you.
5) MDF
Holding its own among the best stethoscope brands is MDF, which is known for rolling out well-made, extremely reliable, accurate, and functional stethoscopes from time to time. In fact, popular ADC stethoscopes such as the MDF MD One Dual Head Stethoscope have a robust bell-and-diaphragm assembly providing solid acoustic performance and come with snap-tight ear tips that fit snugly to help shut out ambient noises. Made from acoustically superior material like stainless steel, they feel extremely sturdy and generally hold up well over time. You may find that you fall in love with one of the best MDF Stethoscopes.
6) Welch Allyn
Maybe you’ve had a disastrous experience with a stethoscope from one of the popular brands mentioned above, and yip at the sight of one. Not everyone needs a 3M Littmann after all. Stethoscopes from generic brands like Welch Allyn can be pretty good too. Fitted out for superior auscultation capabilities, this special Welch Allyn stethoscope boasts a dual-bore, latex-free tubing designed to create noise-free sound channels and work optimally with a stainless steel chest piece.
With a simple product line comprising of a handful of stethoscopes, Welch Allyn offers great options that best suit either complete novices or strong intermediates experts.
7) Omron
Best Stethoscopes for Nurses by Color
Finally, sometimes it’s fun to buy a stethoscope based entirely on a fun color. No matter what color you want, you will be able to find a good stethoscope on this list.
Red Stethoscope
The best red stethoscope is the 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope. It comes in a variety of colors, this one is the burgundy tube. It comes with a 5-year warranty. It is compact and sensitive and best for use in non-critical settings.
White Stethoscope
If you want a classic white one, check out the MDF® Acoustica® Deluxe Lightweight Dual Head Stethoscope. It is secured twice, so it is extra durable. Plus it has a stunning and classic black and white look that will match every scrub you put on.
Rose Gold Stethoscope
There are so many rose gold stethoscopes. This is a very trendy color that lots of nurses love. But the best one of all is the FriCARE Rose-Gold White Stethoscope. It has a classic white tub with stunning rose gold accents. But more than that it also has a lifetime warranty and it’s super lightweight too.
Pink Stethoscopes
Another really popular color for stethoscopes is pink! We have an entire article focusing on finding the right pink stethoscope for you. Oh, there are so many cute and fun pink stethoscopes you can buy. Check out this list and buy your favorite one of these super cute stethoscopes.
Find the Perfect Pink Stethoscope
Purple Stethoscope
Purple is the color of royalty and this is no different. The Prestige Sphygmomanometer and Stethoscope Kit are one of a kind. It also comes with a matching carrying case. Just one note, according to reviews this doesn’t take your own blood pressure very well. But it’s great and durable for use professionally.
Gold Stethoscope
Finally, if you want a gold stethoscope, then check out the MDF Sprague Rappaport Dual Head Stethoscope. This is a monster of a stethoscope with interchangeable chest pieces.
It is one of the best dual head stethoscopes that you can buy. There are two sound tunnels, one for each ear. Plus it even comes with 2 extra sets of ComfortSeal ear tips. This is a super-luxurious piece of medical equipment that will make you feel pampered.
How Do You Use a Stethoscope
This a fantastic video showing exactly how to use a stethoscope for optimal results. It also includes some great tips so you’ll be a stethoscope pro in no time. Electronic stethoscopes or those with a different style may be slightly different.
Just for Fun: A Stethoscope with Magical Powers?
A man discovers a stethoscope with magical powers. This short, fun video follows a man on an adventure with a magical stethoscope.
Stethoscope Buying Guide Closing Thoughts
There you have it! These are the most reliable stethoscopes for nurses and how to find the best prices for them.
It’s amazing how much of a difference a reliable and high-tech stethoscope can make. It really is worth the investment to buy one that will last you a long time and make your job easier.
More Great Nursing Gear
Download Nurse Bingo Today!
Liven up any shift with a fun game of bingo. See who can fill a row first!
Fill a whole card and lose grip with reality.
Your privacy is protected. We will never spam you.
I’m a nursing student looking for the right stethoscope. I’m completely torn between your top two ranked stethoscopes. I am looking to specialize into neonates eventually. Which would you recommend and why between the 3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope and the MDF Rose Gold MD One Stainless Steel? I have also heard good things about the 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope.
Payton,
I think you’d be happy with either. They are both great stethoscopes with excellent sound quality. The Rose Gold is a little flashy and some nurses really like that little bit of extra feminity it adds to your nursing wardrobe. If I saw them both side by side for the same price, I’d probably pick the MDF.
When you get into pediatrics, I would recommend getting the Pediatric Littmann as it is generally better suited for neonates.
As with other readers, I’m disappointed with this “review” of “Top 10 Best Stethoscopes”
And like others have said, this may as well have just been “According to Littman, the top 10 Stethoscopes Are:”
Going back and editing the title might stop the complaints of nurses who are genuinely looking the most suitable, quality stethoscope that best fits their specialty or population, not a generic list of what’s popular or what color are available.
What we’re really wanting to know is why it works well, what makes it better than another, in what sort of situations does it stand out, if it’s rated well for a particularly good design, and how much it weighs or how comfortable it is.
I realize this is an older article, but when searching for good ratings, this is the first that popped up, meaning you’re still getting viewers. I’ll continue my search for the most suitable stethoscope for me 🙂
Hey Angela,
You’re right. We’re totally in need of an update. We need to add several other great options in a new post. I’m hopeful to get one out in the next few months.
Is a stethoscope that you can hear through with hearing aides in. I’m having to take my hearing aides out each time I take a BP or listen for lung sounds. Then I’m not sure I’m hearing the correct sounds?
Omron Sprague is actually really really good. can be a lite noisy with the 2 tubes but its a lot of bang for the buck!
I agree. The savings on it over other stethoscopes makes it a great option!
Thanks for the info, Brittney. I work in an environment where theft of stethoscopes is not uncommon, so need to combine sensitivity with frugality. No way I’m going to buy ANY of these from the despicable Amazon corporation, but I’ll make use of your recommendations elsewhere.
I’m glad that you were able to find something you can use.
Rachel
Virtual Assistant to The Nerdy Nurse.
My stethoscope just got stolen! I had an expensive one too! Im thinking about buying a new one though. Is this one any good? 3M-Littmann-Cardiology-Stethoscope.
The Nerdy Nurse has a new post coming up next week that talks about her favorite Littmann stethoscopes. This one is on the list! So yes, it is a great one.
Rachel
Virtual Assistant to The Nerdy Nurse.
what’s a good stethoscope if im looking for a really cheap one?
I really like number 5, it sounds good for me 🙂
I can’t purchase your yellow messenger tote are you out of them?
I love the Littman Master Cardiology. This is the exact one that I have here: http://goo.gl/AmJwnb I’ve been a nurse for 4 years and working on a tele unit for the past two. Most of our cardiologists use the same one and ask to borrow mine when they leave theirs elsewhere. Just be sure you keep an eye on them until they give it back! I would avoid the cheep ones unless you lose thing easily. I hear so much clearer!
I had a classic littman when I first started nursing 17 years ago. I the got a master cardiology scope by Littman. I bought an Ultrascope a year and ago and love it.
Do you like them?
@Kidist Beyene Great tips on the engraving. It’s surprising how many physicians will walk always with stethoscopes, even if they’re hot pink!
I’m glad you could save some money buying it through Amazon. I’ve found the best deals on nursing gear online.
Thanks for all the useful tips. This could make a blog post in itself. If you’re interested, I’d love to have you a quest blogger writing a blog that’s “10 Stethoscope Tips You MUST Know.”
What do you think?
– I’m an RN working in Med/Surge. I did quite a bit of research before buying my first good stethoscope. Littmann was highly recommended by the doctors I asked. They liked the Cardiology stethoscope, but said I wouldn’t need it for Med / Surge Nursing. And, choosing the Classic saved a lot of money. At local stores, the Classic cost $125. I got it on this website for $70.
– I love burgundy so I got that one.
– I recommend buying the Prestige Medical Clip (only $5) to use at work so the steth isn’t around your neck for 12 straight hours.
– Regarding the engraving. Absolutely do it. It looks great. I got my name on the hose, and my name on the chestpiece. I was told steths “walk” away a lot. And, if you engrave only one, then it can be replaced. I also got the medical symbol engraved on the chestpiece. If I had it to do over, I wouldn’t do that. They do it over the center and it looks strange with the whole in the middle.
– I recommend buying a stethoscope cover. It protects the hose from scratches, sunlight, bodily fluids, and day-to-day grime. Replacing hoses costs a lot, a cover costs 5-10 dollars. I couldn’t find one on Scrubs and Beyond. I had to go to Etsy and eBay. I wanted a burgundy or wine colored cover. I wished they would have had a deal to stitch on my name or email address on the cover, but it wasn’t possible.
– I also recommend buying the Littmann ID Tag. This is in case I legitimately leave my steth somewhere and someone finds it and wants to return it. I put my email address on it. It costs about $10. It attaches to your steth and will cover over your Scrubs and Beyond hose name engraving. That’s the only negative. But, it will come with the little metal plate that can be engraved. You can send it away for $7, or take it to a jeweler for $15. The mailing option only allows 14 characters. My email is 18 characters. My jeweler did a great job.
– I store it at home in my study. I have a small nail in the wall, I hang the Prestige Medical Clip on that, and have the stethoscope hanging down from that. I put two pins at the bottom so that the chestpiece rests slightly on them, so that all the weight isn’t hanging on the hoses. But, it’s still straight down against the wall to prevent any crimping of the hoses.
@John We tried to make sure we included a variety. Nursing students and new nurses don’t often have a lot of money to spend but want a good stethoscope. :)Thank you for your comment.
I’m guessing these were primarily females who submitted their fav’s…as others have commented, color seems to be the top criteria when selecting the “best” stethoscope. Like most of us girls choose our cars…who cares about performance, just as long as it comes in cool colors!
Littman is over-rated. The only thing I liked about mine was it’s lightweight. If you’re going for fashionable, Littman is a suitable choice. If quality and acoustics are important to you, then buy a German-made Riester. Patients don’t particularly care for my Riester…especially when their BP #’s are the only thing standing between them and the Dept. of Transportation.
Scenario:
“We can’t clear you for your CDL license, Sir…your BP exceeds Fed guidelines. Hang tight, let me see if anyone has a Littman…”
Now, you’re traveling with your family on vacation, and it’s 2am. Nearly every truck on the highway at that time are “overnight shipping” services, and they’re all pulling double trailers at 90mph. Your children are sound asleep in the back seat, and as you’re keeping an eye on your rearview mirror at the semi barreling up behind you, you see the second trailer swaying back and forth as it swings out from the truck’s rear and crosses the center line. As the medical condition of the semi’s operator flashes through your mind, are you thinking…”I wonder what color stethoscope was used when the medical examiner qualified the operator fit to hold a CDL license…?
I really liked your list. Sometimes when we search for “top” or “best” lists, they throw us very expensive equipments. At your list, we can find that some of this stethoscopes are not the “best” at technical specifications, but suits very well to nurse, who sometimes only need to do basic assessments and have a low budget too.
Amanda Eaton which kind is that! Have a link handy?
I have the MDF 747. Its amazing. Comparable to Littman. It comes in a variety of colors. It has amazing sound quality and it comes with free replacement parts for life.
You forgot MDF!
I’m not sure how you came up with how these are the best, because you don’t give a review or opinion with any of them, but at least a few of these are junk. Plus, many really good ones available on Amazon are not even listed.
blueAnts Exactly my point, too! Glad someone else noticed this as well.
I’m sorry, but how is this helpful? Telling us the features and prices of a stethoscope tells us NOTHING about the quality! The Prestige Medical you have listed above is one I was given, and used it ONCE before it went in the trash…the sound was impossible to hear ON MY OWN HEART! What a disappointment this article is. 🙁
charissarenee I am sorry you feel this way. These are the most popular stethoscopes, and general the most popular are the best. I’ve gotten excellent feedback from nurses who have purchased most of the models listed. I can’t give personal insight on all of them because I have not used them all. 🙂
TheNerdyNurse charissarenee Fair enough, but I’d love to hear, from the nurses who told you they liked all these, about what makes them so great. Are they great for a basic starter? Are they best for beginners? Perfect for pros? The best ever, so awesome you can hear a flea jump from a mile away? One you can hear S1 and S2 through a sweater? A little more “meat” in the reviews would be fantastic.
Thanks for the reply. Glad to know you take the time to read the comments!
I have to disagree. This might as well have just read “According to Littman the top 10 stethescopes are:”
This article really only compared color length and tubing size. I would like to see an article regarding quality of sound. In a busy ER or in the back of an ambulance nothing has come close to giving me sound quality like my ultra scope. Also they work really well on patients with significant amounts of adipose tissue through which to auscultate. Littman is the “classic” the “go to” but I think it has a real contender in Ultra Scope.
Additionally, the most use I ever got out of my $8 Prestige stethescope was giving it to my toddler. Because it basically is just a toy.
Ro, I suppose you are right. It should probably say “Most popular” or “Best selling”. These are the top sold stethoscopes. This post was not intended to review each one, but rather provide some highlights of the popular models.
Sorry for the confusion.
Love, love, love my Cardiology II Littmann. Have had it for years and even MDs want to borrow it.
Those are really nice. Sometimes MDs forget they have them and they walk right off the unit. That’s a bummer.