Home health devices, checked

Ask before
you buy.

Most home health devices on Amazon have never been checked for accuracy. We only recommend the ones that have, and show you the proof.

Blood pressure monitors See all devices
Hi, doctor. Which blood pressure monitor should I buy?

Most monitors on Amazon were never tested for accuracy. 5 well-rated ones passed independent validation, and I'll show you the proof for each.

See the ones that passed
Do I really need the upper-arm kind?

Yes. The American Heart Association says wrist and finger monitors give less reliable readings.

Pick a question

What are you thinking of buying?

We answer one kind of device at a time, and only when we can do it properly. Blood pressure is answered; the rest are on their way.

Blood Pressure Which blood pressure monitor should I buy? Read the answer Thermometers Which thermometer can I actually trust? Read the answer Pulse Oximeters Is my pulse oximeter accurate? Read the answer Hearing Are over-the-counter hearing aids any good? Read the answer TENS & Pain Relief Which TENS unit is safe to use at home? Read the answer Breathing What should I use for a nebulizer at home? Read the answer Blood Sugar Which glucose meter is accurate enough? Read the answer Scales & Body Can I trust my smart scale? Read the answer Kids' Health What health kit do I need for the kids? Read the answer First Aid What should be in a first aid kit? Read the answer

How we check

How do you decide what to recommend?

First, it has to be validated.

An independent body has to have checked its accuracy: validatebp.org or the British and Irish Hypertension Society for blood pressure, FDA clearance or an accuracy standard elsewhere. Every product links to its proof.

Then the model number has to match.

Brands sell near-identical names. We check the exact model on the Amazon listing is the one that was validated.

Only then do ratings count.

A validated device still needs at least 4.2 stars on Amazon, from enough buyers to mean something, before we recommend it.

Are you actually doctors?

No. We do the homework before you buy: validation lists, model numbers, and guidance from the AHA, NHS and FDA. What your readings mean is for your own doctor.

How we check, in full