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.
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.
The Best Stethoscopes for Nurses
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.
- The 10 Best Stethoscopes for Nurses
- From Cheap to Pricey – Stethoscopes by Price Range
- Stetoscope Brands Worth Checking Out
- What to Look for When Buying an Electronic Stethoscope
- Where to Buy the Best Stethoscopes for Nurses
- Best Electronic Stethoscopes for Nurses
- How to Buy Engraved Stethoscopes
- The Best Littmann Electronic Stethoscope
- Stethoscopes by Color
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. Or, you can click the “Buy from Amazon.com” button to pick it up immediately.
1) 3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope, 28″ tubes, 2201
2) MDF Rose Gold Stethoscope – Best Stethoscope for Nursing School
3) Dixie EMS Blood Pressure and Sprague Stethoscope Kit
4) 3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope, 28″ tubes
5) 3M Littmann 6152 Cardiology IV Stethoscope – Best Cardiology Stethoscope
6)3M Littmann Master Classic II Stethoscope, 27″ tubes
7) 3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope, 28″ tubes
8) ADC ADSCOPE 603 Stainless Stethoscope
9) Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope
10) Eko Core – Digital Stethoscope for Nurses
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
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 Stethoscope3M 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 response 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 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
Why Nurses Buy This:
- Fashionable
- Safe and durable
- Crystal clear acoustics
- Lifetime warranty
- Accessory options
5. Lumiscope Blood Pressure and Stethoscope Kit
Why Nurses Buy This:
- Good quality
- Affordable
- Compact
- Accessory options
6. Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope
Why Nurses Buy This:
- Flexible
- Affordable
- Durable
7. Eko Core Digital Stethoscope
Top 7 Stethoscope 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 | Buy it Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 3M Littmann | $$ | Read More |  |
| 2 |  | Eko Core Digital Bundle | $$$$$ | Read More |  |
| 3 |  | Heart & Sounds | $$$$$ | Read More | |
| 4 |  | Welch Allyn | $$ | Read More | |
| 5 |  | Omron | $$ | Read More | |
1) 3M Littmann
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) EKO Digital Stethoscope
We are big fans of the Eko brand digital stethoscope. I mean, it should really be obvious that we’re going to love a digital stethoscope with an app that lets you record and share heart sounds. In addition to a more traditional stethoscope, they have a new model 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 25% off!
3) Heart+Sound Solutions Stethoscope
4) ADC Stethoscope
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
6) Welch Allyn
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
The Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope might cut it for those looking for a spare scope that gets the job done.
What to Look for When Buying an Electronic Stethoscope
Let’s face it; the classic stethoscope has its place in healthcare. A stethoscope is so much more than just a nurse gadget, it is a tool that no nurse can be without. With technology completely changing the world and standards of care in healthcare, it’s no surprise that electronic stethoscopes are on the rise.
These devices have come a long way indeed. Conventional stethoscopes have long been seen as a badge of honor by healthcare professionals, it has not changed much in design and function.
However, while there has been some enhancement in their design, major advancements in technology have moved stethoscopes forward by leaps and bounds. Their electronic counterparts have resulted from a succession of prototypes and design changes in recent years. Electronic stethoscopes may very well be the best solution for doing an auscultation in a room with the white noise of fans, electronic instruments, and computers.
Some nurses swear by a Littmann Electronic Stethoscope, other nurses are not sure where to turn. It can be difficult to nail down exactly what the best stethoscope for nurses is. Some nurses swear that MDF Stethoscopes are the best. Recent years have seen several sophisticated electronic stethoscopes being launched in the market. With a general overview of the benefits and features offered by the market leaders, you can easily compare and contrast the digital stethoscopes available and pick the one that meets your needs.
Let’s check out a few key things about buying an electronic stethoscope, and have a look at some of the best electronic stethoscopes on the market.
1 Amplification
Popular stethoscopes such as the Littmann 3200 utilize sophisticated transducers to provide clinicians with the ability to amplify heart murmurs, lung sounds, etc. These tiny devices help transform acoustic sound waves to digital electronic signals, which can then be amplified, processed and manipulated in various ways for a superior listening experience.
2 Ambient noise handling and reduction
Although amplification, in isolation, is a remarkable feature, it also causes a slightly distressing issue: the likelihood of amplification of sharp, loud, ambient noises such as the whir of a fan, under some circumstances, could cause significant damage to ears. To mitigate this risk, electronic stethoscope manufacturers have come up with digital stethoscopes capable of eliminating unwanted sounds in an auscultatory process thanks to their background noise filtering and attenuation mechanism that uses special filters to neutralize ambient noise.
3 Communication protocol and Software
The ability to record on board, transfer auscultated sounds by leveraging wireless connectivity to software suites, save files while connected to a computer, and sharing audio sounds with remotely placed specialists in real-time is where some electronic stethoscopes stand out. These complementary software packages make it possible to record and forward sounds in real-time so you can seek opinions from your peers, listen to tracks at half or full playback speed, visualize heart sounds as a spectrogram or phonocardiogram, attach these files to patient’s medical records and more.
4 Battery
Many earlier forms of electronic stethoscopes were highly susceptible to failure in the event of battery failure, which may cause inconvenience to the clinician or even make the device completely useless. But all the market leaders guarantee a longer battery life even when used more than 25 times a day, 5 days a week with a single AAA battery.
5 Ease of use
A user-friendly electronic stethoscope should have easy to use controls and dedicated buttons to adjust volume up/down, power on/off and change mode between bell/diaphragm right on the head.
Where to Buy The Best Stethoscopes for Nurses
Honestly, the best place to buy a stethoscope is Amazon. You will get your gear in just a day or two when you use Amazon Prime, and that’s super convenient when you are as busy as I am.
If you don’t like shopping online, you can also buy your stethoscopes at medical supply stores or unform stores. Littmann has a product finder online that will help you locate local stores.
The Best Electronic Stethoscopes for Nurses
Now that you know what to look for when buying electronic stethoscopes, let’s look at the top-rated brands and why so many nurses love them.
| Rank | Image | Product | Rating | Price | More | Buy It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Thinklabs One | 4 | $$$ | Read More |
|
| 2 |  | Littmann 3300 | 4.5 | $$ | Read More | |
| 3 | | Eko Core | 5 | $$ | Read More |
|
1 Thinklabs ONE Headphone Amplified Stethoscope
2 Littmann 3200
3 Eko Core Digital Stethoscope
Promo Code for the EKO Core Digital Stethoscope
I really love the EKO Core and am thrilled to be able to bring you an exclusive promo code to give you 25% off your purchase! Just go to EKOdevices.com and enter promo code the NerdyNurse at checkout.
Buy Engraved Stethoscopes
It’s safe to say that as a nurse, or any healthcare profession, your stethoscope is your loyal companion. Always around your neck or in the pocket of your scrubs, your stethoscope has probably played a vital role in multiple diagnoses and misplacing or losing it can feel like you’ve lost an arm!
Well, turns out, there’s a perfect solution that lets you mark your stethoscope so no one “thinks it’s theirs by mistake” and can return it to the rightful owner if found after you lose it, all the while lending a personal touch to your stethoscope. If you haven’t figured it out already, we’re talking about engraved stethoscopes!
Engraved stethoscopes, as we’ve already pointed out, allow for easy identification of stethoscopes and give them a sense of belonging! For those of who you who have an irreplaceable bond with your “steths”, engraving them makes perfect sense, as we’re sure in a hospital or clinic with thousands of stethoscopes, losing or misplacing your own is a huge possibility and probability! Having an engraved stethoscope or an engraved identification tag around it goes a long way in preventing such mishaps.
Where to Buy Personalized Stethoscopes
If the idea of an engraved stethoscope has captured your fancy, then you’re reading the right article, because we give you a list of the best-engraved stethoscopes and identification tags that are available to you!
We’ve outlined some of the best options to personalize your stethoscope in this comparison table to make it easier to find the one that is right for you. You can also look into Engraved Stethoscopes, but you will often pay more for this option. 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 Identification Tag
Why It’s a Must-Have!
- Customizable engraving
- The option of black or gray engraving
- Free shipping
- Durable, high-quality synthetic material
- Fits all sizes of stethoscopes at the yoke area
- Mail-order engraving service information included with the product
2 Cardiologist Personalized Stethoscope ID Tag
Why It’s a Must-Have!
- Made of genuine, high-quality leather
- Made to order and is customizable in terms of name and symbol
- Removable via 2 segma snaps
- Easy to put on
- Wide range of color options
- Handmade
3 Engraved Spiral Twist Stethoscope ID Tag
Why It’s a Must-Have!
- Made of pure lightweight aluminum
Handmade
- Made to order and customizable (name, credentials and 14 charm options)
- Adjustable, so fits all sizes of stethoscopes
4 MDF MD Stainless Steel Stethoscope
Why It’s a Must-Have!
- Hand-crafted
- Latex-free
- High-quality stainless steel
- Includes 3 pairs of MDF’s ComfortSeal ear tips (small, regular and large)
- Dual-leaf spring construction that offers durability
- Patented SafetyLock Eartip Adaptors that are non-invasive and prevent punctured eardrums
- Lifetime warranty and free replacement of parts
5 Monogrammed Stethoscope ID Ring-Cuff
Well, what are you waiting for?
Why It’s a Must-Have!
- Made of lightweight aluminum and embossed with rhinestones
- Customizable (up to 3 initials on the tag) and 14 different charm options
- Hand-crafted
- Made-to-order
- Adjustable ring-cuff that fits all sizes of stethoscopes
- Easy to put on and take off
- Monograms are embossed using a special technique instead of engraving
In the End, It Does Matter
As we’ve mentioned before, it’s quite easy to misplace or lose the one item that you carry the most with you – your stethoscope. Losing or misplacing them can be quite a hassle as so much depends on these instruments, and it can feel like quite a loss when that happens. Engraved stethoscopes or engraved stethoscope ID tags present the perfect solution to this problem, combining safety and personalization seamlessly!
So before you lose your stethoscope or someone else mistakes your stethoscope for theirs, get them engraved or get an engraved ID tag. There’s no way your loyal companion will ever leave your side after this! Be sure to check out Stethoscope Accessories and stethoscope covers you will love to further personalize your stethoscope.
Is the Littmann Electronic Stethoscope better than other stethoscopes?
If you want to get better at auscultation and enjoy the convenience of documenting the sounds auscultated by transferring them to a computer using cutting-edge Bluetooth tech, look no further than Littmann electronic stethoscopes.
Digital stethoscopes have been here for quite some time now. As advanced instruments that are superior in quality to traditional stethoscopes, they are designed to drastically improve the accuracy of diagnostic procedures. Even though there is nothing fundamentally wrong with their traditional counterparts, there’s no denying the fact that taking the time to pick up the subtle nuances of digital auscultation will only allow you to develop your diagnostic capabilities overall.
Bear in mind that a good number of murmurs and sounds typically occur in a range of frequencies that human ears are not very sensitive to. And so, there’s a need for these sounds and murmurs to be amplified for them to be diagnosed. This is where Littmann electronic stethoscopes come in handy.
Why Many People Think it’s the Best
Yes, Littmann really does make one of the best electronic stethoscopes for nurses and health care providers.
Here are the main reasons they are worth the money.
1 They Have Some of the Best Software
With the aid of computers (which don’t have any frequency limitation) and intelligent digital auscultation software such as Zargis StethAssist Software, medical professionals using Littman electronic stethoscopes find it a lot easier to examine pathologic sounds and murmurs with great accuracy.
2 Bluetooth Technology
With the Bluetooth tech built into this stethoscope, you can wirelessly transfer and view sounds in real-time as you auscultate your patient. Having said that, the key benefits of going electronic are the marked reduction of unnecessary ambient noises that interfere with normal auscultation, as well as good amplification of sounds (24x times) across a fairly wide range of frequencies using various modes namely Bell, Diaphragm and Extended Range.
3 Digital Clarity
If you have poor hearing, you can still detect lung sounds and heart murmurs with great acoustic clarity that your colleagues using traditional stethoscopes might sometimes miss. These electronic devices display the detected heart rate and also allow you to make up to a dozen 30-second recordings of auscultations, which you can replay to your patients later. You’ll find it very useful in explaining your findings to the patient so they are more likely to follow your recommendations.
4 Reduced Chest X-Rays
While I have found the Littmann electronic stethoscopes extremely useful in detecting difficult to pick up murmurs (like Grade 2 or Grade 3 aortic regurgitation), its real utility lies in auscultation of abnormal lung sounds. It alleviates the auscultation of rattles and rhonchi, it will drastically reduce the chest x-rays that you order as well.
5 User-Friendly
Overall, the Littmann electronic stethoscope does exactly what it promises to. It’s remarkably easy to set up and extremely user-friendly as well. Yes, it does take some time to get a grip on the subtleties linked to digital auscultation. Once you know what sounds you might be listening to, such electronic devices can certainly make it a lot easier for you to closely analyze murmurs or a few other heart sounds.
Are you interested in buying one of these electronic stethoscopes from Littmann? What could be a better way to save some money yourself than checking out this Littmann Electronic Stethoscope 3200 listing on Amazon.com? Get it off Amazon now and make the most of your money.
3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope – Best Cardiology Stethoscope
If you are going to get one, the 3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope is the best Littmann you can buy.
The 3M™ Littmann® Classic II S.E. Stethoscope is sensitive and comes equipped with a dual-sided, turntable diaphragm and bell. This technology is highly sensitive and allows the auscultate any sound whether it’s high or low frequency.
Why This Is The Recommended Stethoscope for Nurses
As a nurse, I discovered quite a few things about this stethoscope that set it apart from all the others. Here are some of my favorite things about it.
1 – Flexible Tubing
The tubing is durable and can easily be folded and put in a lab jacket pocket. I don’t have to wear it around my neck all day.
2 – Won’t be cold on patients’ skin
It’s also latex-free and a nonchill chest piece, which is a must in direct patient care. This is wonderful because you don’t have to warm it up before taking a heartbeat.
3 – Small, Soft Ear Tips That Fit Snug
One of my personal favorite things about this stethoscope is that is had Snap Tight Soft-Sealing Eartips. These help to form a seal on your ear to help you hear the faintest hear tones and lung sounds. These soft ear tips are a must if you have small ears.
4 – Amazing Sound Quality
I’ve had the pleasure to use this stethoscope on multiple occasions and always had great results. It isn’t too heavy or stiff and is comfortable in my ears. The sound quality is among the best I’ve experienced. I would recommend it for a nurse, nursing student, or other healthcare professional.
Other Customer Reviews
But don’t take my word for it, this Stethoscope has an overall 4.5/5 stars and receives rave reviews. Over 900 of the 1100+ reviews are 5 stars.
More Amazing Littmann Stethoscopes
Littmann makes the best stethoscopes for nurses, hands down. No contest. It’s true. I can’t stop raving about their quality and ingenuity. These are some of the best ones they make and where to buy them.
3M™ Littmann® Master Cardiology Stethoscope
Littmann Master Classic II Stethoscope
3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope
Littman Lightweight II S.E Stethoscope
Littman Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200
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
Rose Gold Stethoscope
Pink Stethoscopes
Another really popular color for stethoscopes is pink! 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.
1 – Littman Pink Stethoscopes
The Littman classic is the go-to stethoscopes for nurses and nursing students alike. It perfectly marries function and performance with affordability and comes in a vast range of colors.
They make three different shades of pink stethoscopes – rose pink, raspberry, bubblegum pink, and pearl pink, as well as variations on the type of metal you can pair it with. Check out this one in raspberry with a rainbow metal finish!
2 – ADC Adscope Adminals
If you work with children, then you know how difficult it can be to listen to their heart and lung sounds. They are scared, the stethoscope is cold, and they end up crying or squirming away for you. This pediatric stethoscope by the American Diagnostic Corporation (ADC) is perfect for distracting little kids. These light pink stethoscopes have interchangeable animal heads to attract the attention of little ones, helping you keep them still and occupied while you get your assessments done.
3 – Ultrascope Pressure Sensitive Stethoscope
4 – Swarovski Crystal Stethoscope
5 – MDF MD One Muddy Girl Camo Stethoscope
6 – ADC Electronic Digital Stethoscope
At the higher end of the price spectrum, this stethoscope is a perfect marriage of function, technology, and style. This digital stethoscope amplifies sound up to 18x, allowing you to hear faint breath sounds or listen through clothing. You can effortlessly adjust the volume on the sleek LCD display. Plus it comes in this gorgeous metallic raspberry color!
7 – Littman Cardiology IV
8 – Hopkins Frosted Dual Head Stethoscope
8 – Hopkins Frosted Dual Head Stethoscope
9 – Prestige Clear Sound Stethoscope
Another affordable option is this stethoscope by Prestige that has a resin head, helping you hear more clearly in loud environments. There are many color options including this hot pink number and a few options for heads including a pink ribbon breast cancer awareness option.
Purple Stethoscope
Gold Stethoscope
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.
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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?
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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!
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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?
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I really like number 5, it sounds good for me 🙂
I can’t purchase your yellow messenger tote are you out of them?
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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?
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– 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…?
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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.