Stethoscopes are an important part of the health care profession. As an acoustic device for auscultation, they are used to listen to heart and lung sounds, intestines, and blood flow in arteries and veins.

There are a variety of stethoscopes to choose from, including the acoustic stethoscope which operate on the transmission of sound, and the electronic stethoscope which electronically amplifies sound. This review will help you to find the cheapest stethoscope in the markets today that actually work.

What makes a great cheap stethoscope?

While considering the best stethoscope in the health care profession there are many to choose from, whether in pediatrics, cardiology, or perhaps you just need a reliable and inexpensive stethoscope, identifying your area of expertise will help you in choosing the most suitable stethoscope. If you’re working in pediatrics, it’s ideal to have a stethoscope which caters to children or one that lets you toggle between different frequency sounds. Pediatric stethoscopes differ from cardiology stethoscopes or standard adult stethoscopes and thus understanding this distinction is an important determining factor.

In most cases the best stethoscope will be comfortable for you and your patient, have reliable high definition acoustics and an adjustable diaphragm to let you adjust between low and high frequency sounds. There are also many stethoscopes with a double-sided chest piece; this enables you to easily switch for pediatric and adult patients.

Why cheap?

In considering high quality stethoscopes, you may equate them with expense, however this is not always the case. Perhaps you want to have your own stethoscope for sanitary and efficiency reasons, or you are not sure of which direction you will take in the medical profession. A cheaper stethoscope can act as a valuable segue into a more specialized field. Also if you are a student, or someone on a tight budget, these stethoscopes are great. It is important to remember that a top-notch stethoscope brand can be found in leading companies at affordable rates.

Performance and Functionality is key

Under all circumstances, you want to ensure that the stethoscope you do end up purchasing is functional and suited for your environment. In all of our reviews, we looked at performance and functionality as the most important factors in determining the following list of three best most affordable stethoscopes.

1.     ADC ADSCOPE 603 Stainless Stethoscope

The ADC Adscope has a 4.5 rating out of 5 stars on Amazon.com. With good acoustics, the neat design boasts great performance at an affordable price. The soft rubbery earpieces offer a satisfying fit and seal outside noise, while the non-chill rim will be appreciated by your patients. One of the best things about the Adscope is the lifetime warranty, a feature many people desire and a reason for it’s popularity.

It is available in black, and retails at around $50.00 but can be purchased on Amazon.com for $30.00.

Critical Comments:

When it comes to hearing the most discrete of breath sounds or murmurs, the acoustics aren’t as clear and precise as the Classic or Cardiology. It is also somewhat heavier to carry around throughout your day.

2.    ADSCOPE Animal Scope, Pediatric-30″, Seafoam

The Adscope Animal Scope, has a 4.5 rating out of 5 stars on Amazon.com. With good acoustics, the neat design and animal faces comes at a very affordable price. The rubbery earpieces offer a satisfying fit, while the non-chill rim will be appreciated by your patients. The kids LOVE the little animals and it makes for easier assessment when they’re frightened or agitated (or both). It is available in a variety of colors, comes with 6 interchangeable animal faces, and retails at around $25.00 on Amazon.com.

Critical Comments:

When it comes to hearing  discrete of breath sounds or murmurs, the acoustics aren’t as clear and precise as the 3M  or Cardiology.

3.     3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope

The Classic received 4.7 stars out of 5 stars for its comfort, precision, and impressive acoustics. “I can hear everything from lung sounds to the faintest BP over my obnoxiously loud Horton ambulance on the road…” (Unknown) Comfort is assured with an angled, anatomically correct headset, and tight soft sealing ear tips. The classic comes in a variety of colours, comprising, black, cell blue, green lilac, pink, and sea foam green, this stethoscope is the most popular among medical doctors. It is well suited for beginning and experienced doctors alike, as well as medical students. You can purchase the Classic ll on Amazon.com for approximately $70, about 30% less than the regular retail price.

Critical Comments:

I found that the pink color option advertised isn’t actually as vibrant, and the plastic tubing can stain from general use.

Concluding notes:

The Littmann Stethoscopes have been around since the late 1960’s and have been offering high quality acoustics ever since inception. Whether you are a doctor or medical student, Littmann as well as Adscope stethoscopes are a superior product that won’t disappoint.

Stethoscopes are a vital part of the health care profession. As an acoustic device for auscultation, they are used to listen to heart and lung sounds, intestines, and blood flow in arteries and veins.

There are two main types of stethoscopes to choose from, the acoustic stethoscope which operates on the transmission of sound, and the electronic stethoscope which electronically amplifies sound. This review will provide you with helpful tips and advice on the best veterinary stethoscopes, in particular the 3M Littmann Small Animal Veterinary Stethoscope 27”, 3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope 27”, and the 3M Littmann Master Classic II Veterinary Stethoscope 32”.

What makes a good veterinary stethoscope?

Looking for the right stethoscope can sometimes be an arduous task with numerous company advertisements telling you why their particular stethoscopes are superior. In determining the best fit for you this article will outline the most important factors to consider, and provide you with the top three most sought after stethoscopes for veterinary use.

In most cases the best stethoscope will be comfortable, have reliable high definition acoustics and an adjustable diaphragm to let you adjust between low and high frequency sounds. Identifying the size of animals that you are working with is also important. We recommend that small animal and mixed practices have both the Small Animal stethoscope for animals under 15 pounds (localizes sound), and a larger sized stethoscope for medium to large animals. There are also many stethoscopes with a double-sided chest piece; this enables you to easily switch between larger and small animals. What you do end up getting will depend on your practice and the animals that you work with.

While cheap stethoscopes may be initially attractive, they are less than ideal for a number of reasons. We found they tend to fall apart at the worst of times, are uncomfortable to wear, and won’t provide you with clear and precise acoustics.

Performance and Functionality is key

Under all circumstances, you want to ensure that the stethoscope you end up purchasing is functional and suited to your environment. In all of our reviews, we looked at performance and functionality as the most important factors in determining the following list of three best stethoscopes for veterinary use.

3MLittmannSmall Animal Veterinary Stethoscope 27”

The Small Animal received 4.5 stars out of 5 for its comfort, precision, and impressive acoustics on amazon.com. Combination 3/4″ infant chestpiece — diaphragm or open bell.  Small size diaphragm  Comfort is assured with an angled, anatomically correct headset, and tight soft sealing ear tips. The classic comes in a variety of colours, comprising, black, cell blue, green lilac, pink, and sea foam green, this stethoscope is very popular among EMT’s. it is optimal for animals under 15 pounds. You can purchase the Classic ll on Amazon.com for approximately $70, about 30% less than the regular retail price.

Critical Comments:

I found that the pink colour option advertised isn’t actually as vibrant, and the plastic tubing can stain from general use.

2. 3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope 27”

The Cardiology received a 4.7 rating out of 5 on Amazon.com. It is a top-of-the-line scope and works extremely well for medium to large animals. With outstanding acoustics, and a comfortable fit, the innovative design and versatility lets you easily switch from medium sized animals to larger. It also features a dual lumen to eliminate interference caused by the tubes rubbing together, and an anatomically correct headset. Like the other Littmann stethoscopes, the Cardiology lll comes with the non-chill bell. It is available in a few colours, including black, brown, grey, purple and chocolate. The superior quality and durability is built to last, making the instrument a worthwhile investment. It retails at $200 but typically sells on Amazon.com for 26% less.

Critical Comments:

Be cautious that if warn in direct contact with your skin the tubing will stiffen and eventually crack. You can purchase a vinyl protector or be sure not to wear it in direct contact with your skin.

3M Littmann Master Classic II Veterinary Stethoscope 32”

The Master Classic ll also received 4.7 stars out of 5 on Amazon.com. This masterpiece is designed to let you hear both high and low frequency sounds from a single-sided chest piece. 1-3/4″ single sided chest piece. The chest piece design aids in auscultation over hair coats. It also features a lightweight headset, non-chill rim, and double-leaf binaural spring and patented Littmann soft-sealing ear tips. The longer tubing is ideal for equine and larger animal use. These soft-sealing ear tips are really great at blocking out all ambient noise. The Master can be purchased on Amazon.com for about $107, approximately 37% less than retail price.

Critical comments: Again be cautious wearing it in direct contact with your skin.

Concluding notes:

The Littmann Stethoscopes have been around since the late 1960’s, and have been offering high quality products ever since inception. Today the company, from its headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, serves industrial, healthcare, commercial customers and consumers in nearly 200 countries. As an EMT you won’t be disappointed with the exceptional performance acoustic sensitivity and superior value.

In today’s global market place, we are bombarded with a variety of options as to where to buy our products. In the past, options were much fewer and were limited as to the products you could buy and the price in which those products cost. Today, we seem to have an infinite amount of choices especially when we consider the online market place to now be the world’s largest market place.

Stethoscopes are one of those products which is a little bit tricky to find if you’re not sure where to look. Although it’s a common product among medical professionals, people outside of the profession will generally have very little use for the product. Because of this, to find a store which sells medical equipment can be tricky because the stores that do sell medical supplies are supplying quite a small market.

If you live in a large city, it’s easier to go into a store and find the products you’re looking for. For example, a city such as Vancouver will have a few different options which will offer plenty of selection when it comes to finding the best stethoscope for your medical profession. However if you live in a smaller city or town, it can be much more difficult to find a store which carries supplies. And even if you do find a store which sells stethoscopes, the selection and price might not be what you’re looking for.

The best choice for buying a Stethoscope no matter where you live these days is to buy online. When you shop online, not only will you get the best price, but you’ll have the ability to compare retailers from the comfort of your own home. No need to race from store to store comparing prices, it’s all done with the click of a button.

Online retailers are also able to offer the best prices because they have much lower overhead cost than traditional retailers. Big online marketplaces like Amazon will also provide you with more information about a product then any sales person can because they also provide a platform for people who have bought the product to share their product reviews. Plus you have resources like vidalista.ink which are dedicated to providing hands-on product reviews which are shared via the world wide web.

My Favorite Online Stethoscopes for Sale

3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope

One of the most popular stethoscopes for nurses and EMT’s alike, the Classic II S.E. is a versatile stethoscope which is available for a fantastic low price via the online retailer Amazon.com. It’s listing price is $100 but I haven’t seen the price go above $70 in a long time. I would be pretty confident you’d have an extremely tough time finding this particular model for any cheaper at a retail store.

The Classic II features the patented soft-sealing ear tips which provide the most comfort and noise cancelling ability in the industry. As stethoscopes are essentially instruments that amplify sounds, it’s extremely important that the acoustics are clear and block any external noise.

The chest piece technology is also state-of-the art featuring a double sided chest piece which can easily change modes by just applying slight pressure to the diaphragm. Switch between bell and diaphragm mode without having to index and replace for same-site auscultation

R.A. Bock Cardiology Dual-Head Stethoscope

Another dandy available online for half the price of a typical retailer. Cardiac stethoscopes are generally a little bit more expensive than non-cardiac stethoscopes and for the price, the R.A. Bock is a very effective option. It might not quite compare to the Littmann Cardiology III but for a price tag which is less than 2/3rds the price.

In our testing, we were really impressed with the acoustics. I would say as far as acoustics go, it actually matches the 3M Littmann Cardiology III as we were able to pick up the same faint sounds in both devices. One thing the R.A. Bock doesn’t do as well as the Littmanns is provide the same quality ear tips which provide both comfort and noise cancelling technology. If you happen to work in an environment where it is extremely noisy, this might affect you.

With a lifetime warranty, and a brand which is becoming increasingly established, I reckon it’s a great buy if you’re looking for a value priced cardiology stethoscope.

ADSCOPE Animal Scope (Pediatric)

Here is a prime example of a product you typically won’t find in a medical supply store. Something which is a little bit more unique but extremely awesome and useful, the ADSCOPE Animal Scope is the perfect back-to-basics stethoscope.

Packaged with a variety of different animal coverings, it’s not only a high performance stethoscope but also the cutest. You’ll have kids feeling comfortable immediately when they have the panda bear staring up at them rather than a cold black diaphragm.

Performance wise we were actually pretty impressed. Being that it is quite affordable, I was worried it might also lack performance but I was wrong. The acoustics were solid, and the noise cancellation of the ear pieces was adequate.

I think the only issue you’ll face with this particular stethoscope is making sure one of the 7 animal pieces it ships with don’t get lost along the way!

3M is a company which was built on innovation. For more than a century, the company has applied innovation and technology to expand into a variety of industries, offering consumers high-quality and high-performance products. Today, from its headquarters in St. Paul Minnesota, it serves a variety of industrial, healthcare and commercial customers and consumers in just under 200 countries around the world.

In the healthcare industry, that same technical innovation can be seen in every 3M Littmann product helping to provide healthcare professionals with precision, inventive design and the best acoustic sesitivty for exceptional performance. In hospitals and doctors’ offices around the world, the 3M brand represents consistency, superior quality and value.

A product in the healthcare industry that 3M is perhaps most known for is their line of stethoscopes. Offering a variety of different styles to meet the needs of the variety of different medical professionals, the 3M Littmann line is perhaps the most popular line of stethoscopes in hospitals today. It’s 3M’s irrefutable commitment to quality and performance that allows them to maintain their dominance over the industry.

Perhaps one of the most popular products in their long line of offerings is the Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope. As a diagnostic instrument, 3M is known for providing innovation particular when it comes to acoustic quality. As stethoscopes are tools which are designed to amplify sounds made by the body from the heart, abdomen, lugs and many other body sites, quality in regards to acoustic performance is perhaps what is most important.

Furthermore, as a stethoscope is used to detect essentials internal systems, such as fetal development and other important functions, you can never hear clear enough in diagnosing a particular condition or cause of discomfort.

Typically known for binaural stethoscopes which are defined as stethoscopes which are used for both ears, 3M continues this tradition in the Littmann Classic II by offering some of the best noise cancelling eartips in the business. Known as soft-sealing eartips, they are both comfortable in the ears for extended periods of time as well as extremely effective in preventing external noise from making it difficult to hear the sounds which are most important.

This is such an important feature as hospitals and the scenes of an accident can be extremely noise. Trying to find a heartbeat or monitor breathing can be a challenge without any background noise let alone if sirens are blaring in the background. In our hands-on testing, we found it to rival some of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market. Because the soft-sealing tips do such a great job at really sealing out any external noise, the acoustics came through extremely clear.

Furthermore, we found the ear tips to be extremely comfortable. In our survey of nurses, EMT’s and doctors, they couldn’t speak highly enough about just how comfortable this particular model is especially on long shifts when they are constantly pulling the soft-sealing ear tips in and out of their ears.

Apply slight pressure to change from bell mode to diaphragm mode

Another reason this is one of the best stethoscopes on the market today is because of its unique functionality in switching between different modes. Switching between bell and diaphragm modes is as easy a very simple pressure change on the chestpiece, meaning there is no need to remove, index and replace for same-site auscultation.

As you speak to more and more nurses and EMT’s in the field, one this that is repeated over and over again is not just how great the product is, but how long they’ve had it for. The Littmann Classic II has stood the test of time as have pretty much all of the stethoscopes on the Littmann line.

A net weight of 135 grams, it’s a little bit heavier than the Littmann Lightweight option but is still light enough to provide maximum functionality. One problem which is common among stethoscope producers is that the tubing wears down as it’s shoved into nurses scrubs and doctors pockets. With the Littmann Classic II S.E stethoscope, the resilient tubing folds tightly for pocket portability while maintaining its shape.

What Professional Should Use the Classic II S.E.?

It’s a pretty adaptable option which why it’s a great stethoscope for EMT’s, Nurses and Nursing students alike as well as even Doctors. All medical professionals alike will enjoy being able to identify, listen to and study the heart and other essential organs with the Classic II S.E. It really is a stethoscope for everyone and one which we highly recommend.

There are many aspects in the healthcare profession and perhaps the stethoscope is one of the most important. They are used as an acoustic apparatus to listen to lung and heart sounds, and blood flow in veins and arteries.

There are two main categories to choose from; the acoustic stethoscope which transfers sound and the electronic stethoscope electronically magnifies sound. This review will help you to decide on the best stethoscopes for EMT’s and paramedics, in particular the 3M Littmann Classic II Stethoscope, Littmann Master Cardiology and the Littmann Cardiology III.

What makes the best Stethoscope for EMT’s and Paramedics?

Looking for the right stethoscope can sometimes be an arduous task with numerous company advertisements telling you why their particular stethoscopes are superior. In determining the best fit for you this article will outline the most important factors to consider, and provide you with the top three most sought after stethoscopes for EMT use.

The best stethoscopes will have reliable high definition acoustics, will be comfortable for you and your patient, and incorporate a diaphragm for high and low frequency adjustment. Another feature to consider are the double sided chest pieces allowing for use on adults as well as children.

You will often be working in a dynamic, fast paced, versatile and often noisy environment. With this in mind, durability and performance is key in emergency situations. Cheap stethoscopes are less than ideal as they tend to fall apart at the worst of times, and won’t provide you will clear precise acoustics. This is especially true while in a loud ambulance.

Functionality and Performance

You want to ensure that the stethoscope you purchase is functional and suited to your environment. In all of our reviews, we looked at performance and functionality as the most important factors in determining the following list of three best stethoscopes for EMT’s  and paramedics.

3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope

The Classic received 4.7 stars out of 5 for its comfort, precision, and impressive acoustics on amazon.com. “I can hear everything from lung sounds to the faintest BP over my obnoxiously loud Horton ambulance on the road…” (Unknown) Comfort is assured with an angled, anatomically correct headset, and tight soft sealing ear tips. The classic comes in a variety of colours, comprising, black, cell blue, green lilac, pink, and sea foam green, this stethoscope is very popular among EMT’s. It is well suited for EMT’s and paramedics alike. You can purchase the Classic ll on Amazon.com for approximately $70, about 30% less than the regular retail price.

Critical Comments:

I found that the pink colour option advertised isn’t actually as vibrant, and the plastic tubing can stain from general use.

3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope

The Cardiology received a 4.7 rating out of 5 on Amazon.com. The Cardiology lll is arguably the best Stethoscope for paramedic and EMT. With top-notch acoustics, and a comfortable fit, the innovative versatility lets you easily switch for adult and pediatric patients. Like the other Littmann Stethoscopes, the Cardiology lll comes with the non-chill bell. It is available in a multiple colors, including black, brown, grey, purple and chocolate. The superior quality and durability is built to last, making the instrument a worthwhile investment. It retails at $200 but can be found on Amazon.com for 26% less.

Critical Comments:

Be cautious that if warm around your skin for example your neck, the tubing will stiffen and eventually crack over a period of years. A vinyl protector can be purchased for this reason.

3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope, Black Plated Chest-piece and Ear tubes, Black Tube

The Master Cardiology also received 4.7 stars out of 5 on Amazon.com. This masterpiece is designed to let you hear both high and low frequency sounds from a single-sided chest piece. It apparatus features patented Littmann soft-sealing ear tips, lightweight headset, and a non chill rim. The latter is much appreciated by your patients, and the  ear tips are really great at blocking out ambient noise. Includes a seven-year warranty. The Master can be purchased on Amazon.com for about $190, approximately 30% less than retail price.

Critical comments:

Again be aware not to wear in direct contact with your skin. It is a bit pricy! But is a top of the line product worth every penny.

Concluding notes:

Ever since inception in the late 1960’s the Littmann Stethoscopes have been offering high quality products. Today the company, from its headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, serves industrial, healthcare, commercial customers and consumers in nearly 200 countries. As an EMT you won’t be disappointed with the exceptional performance acoustic sensitivity and superior value.

Healthcare is a diverse field and one that wouldn’t be the same without the invention of the stethoscope. There are many aspects that come into consideration, and perhaps the stethoscope is one of the most important. The acoustic device is used to amplify sounds in the heart and lungs as well as blood flow in arteries and veins. This information is significant in determining the health of an individual. This review with outline the best stethoscopes for pediatricians, focusing on the 3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope, ADSCOPE Animal Scope, and the Littmann Cardiology III.

There are a few essential factors to consider when deciphering which stethoscope will best fit your profession. Generally speaking, pediatric stethoscopes are specially designed for use on patients under the age of 18. If you are working with both adult and child patients you may want to consider the double sided chest piece stethoscopes. This being said, many professionals who are working with children, will prefer a stethoscope specifically designed for pediatrics. Such advantages include a smaller chest piece, which is better suited for a child’s body size and shape, acoustic sensitivity for fainter sounds, and a more appealing colorful appearance.

Performance and Functionality

In the majority of cases, the most suitable stethoscope for your area of expertise will have reliable high definition sound, an adjustable diaphragm for low and high frequency adjustment, and be comfortable for you and the patient.

In all of our reviews, performance and functionality were both key in generating the list of the three best stethoscopes for pediatricians.

3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope

The Classic received 4.7 stars out of 5 for its impressive acoustics, comfort, and precision. Delivering high acoustic sensitivity, the apparatus is specially designed for use on smaller patients; it also features a dual-side chest piece for both high and low frequency sounds. We found that the faintest of murmurs of the heart could be detected. Comfort is assured with an angled, anatomically correct headset, soft sealing ear tips, and resilient tubing which folds well for portability and retains its shape. The classic is comprised of a number of colors, including, royal blue, black, navy blue, Caribbean blue, peach, orange, pine green, raspberry, and red, this stethoscope is one of the most prized possessions among pediatricians. You can purchase the Classic II on Amazon.com for about 30% less than the regular retail price, approximately $85.

Critical Comments:

A protector should be purchased for as most soft plastic the tubing can stain from general use.

ADSCOPE Animal Scope

The Adscope Animal Scope, has a 4.5 rating out of 5 stars on Amazon.com. With good acoustics, the neat design and animal faces comes at a very affordable price. The rubbery earpieces offer a satisfying fit, while the non-chill rim will be appreciated by your patients. The children enjoy the animals heads making assessment easier when they’re frightened or agitated. It is available in a variety of colors, comes with 6 interchangeable animal faces, and retails at around $25.00 on Amazon.com.

Critical Comments:

With the most discrete breath sounds or murmurs, the acoustics aren’t as clear and precise as the Littmann Classic or Cardiology.

Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope

The Cardiology likewise received a 4.7 rating out of 5 on Amazon.com. The Cardiology III is arguably the best stethoscope available on the market for healthcare professionals. With impressive top-notch acoustics, and a comfortable fit, the innovative design and versatility lets you easily switch from adult to pediatric. Like the other Littmann Stethoscopes, the Cardiology III comes with the non-chill bell. It is available in a few colors, including brown, grey, purple, chocolate and black. Whether working with adults, children, or both, the quality and durability of the stethoscope is built to last, making the instrument a worthwhile investment. It retails at $200 but typically sells on Amazon.com for 26% less.

Critical Comments:

After about 5 years of wearing the tubing around your neck or in contact with your skin, it has been known to eventually stiffen and crack. Again a vinyl protector can be purchased. On another note, it can be heavy to wear for the duration of the day, and thus a lighter scope may be preferable.

Concluding notes:

Since the late 1960s, the Littmann stethoscopes  have been producing high quality products ever since inception. Whether you are a Pediatrician, general practitioner, or someone in need of a stethoscope, Littmann as well as Adscope are superior products that won’t disappoint.

Stethoscopes are an important part of the health care profession, and are used as an acoustic apparatus to hear lung and heart sounds, and blood flow in veins and arteries.

There are a variety of stethoscopes to choose from, including the electronic stethoscope which electronically magnifies sound, and the acoustic stethoscope which transfers sound. This review will help you to find the best stethoscope as a physician or medical student focusing on the ADC ADSCOPE 603, Littmann Classic, and the Littmann Cardiology.

What makes the best Stethoscope for Doctors?

While considering the best stethoscope in the medical profession for doctors, identifying your area of expertise, whether in pediatrics, cardiology, or the OR for example, will help you in choosing the most suitable stethoscope. If you’re working in pediatrics, it’s ideal to have a stethoscope which caters to children or one that lets you adjust between different sound frequency. Pediatric  stethoscopes differ from cardiology stethoscopes or standard adult stethoscopes and thus understanding this distinction is an importuning determining factor.

In most cases the best stethoscope will be comfortable for you and your patient, have reliable high definition acoustics and have an adjustable diaphragm to let you adjust between low and high frequency’s.

What makes the best Stethoscope for a Medical Student?

If you are a medical student and somewhat uncertain of the exact area you are going to pursue, it’s best to pick up a standard issue stethoscope. I believe it’s important to have a high-end stethoscope when training to be a doctor as they are more accurate in depicting vital sounds which could otherwise be missed with a low-end stethoscope.

In considering the high quality stethoscopes, they are not always the most expensive. A top-notch stethoscope can be found in leading companies at affordable rates. Again it is just a matter of finding one which will suit your area of expertise.

Functionality is Key

Under all circumstances, you want to ensure that the stethoscope you do end up purchasing is functional for a variety of situations. No matter how specialized you may be, compared to doctors and cardiologists, the chances are you’ll need a stethoscope which will be suitable for a wide range of patients. In all of our reviews, we took functionality and versatility as the most important factors which is why the following three stethoscopes made our list for best stethoscopes for medical students and doctors.

1. ADC ADSCOPE 603 Stainless Stethoscope

The ADC Adscope has a 4.5 rating out of 5 stars on Amazon.com. With good acoustics, the neat design boasts great performance at an affordable price. It is equipped with a non chill rim which will be appreciated by your patients, and has soft rubbery earpieces offering a satisfying fit and sealing outside noise. One of the best things about the Adscope is the lifetime warranty, a feature many people desire and a reason for it’s popularity.

It is available in black, and retails at around $50.00 but can be purchased on Amazon.com for $30.00.

Critical Comments:

When it comes to hearing the most discreet of breath sounds or murmurs, the acoustics aren’t as clear and precise as the Classic or Cardiology. It is also somewhat heavier to carry around throughout your day.

2. 3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope

The Classic received 4.7 stars out of 5 stars for its comfort, precision, and impressive acoustics. “I can hear everything from lung sounds to the faintest BP over my obnoxiously loud Horton ambulance on the road…” (Unknown) Comfort is assured with an engineered correct headset, and tight soft sealing ear tips. The classic comes in a variety of colours, comprising, black, cell blue, green lilac, pink, and sea foam green, this stethoscope is the most popular among medical doctors. It is well suited for beginning and experienced doctors alike, as well as medical students. You can purchase the Classic ll on Amazon.com for approximately $70, about 30% less than the regular retail price.

Critical Comments:

I found that the pink colour option advertised isn’t actually as vibrant, and the plastic tubing can stain from general use.

3. 3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope

The Cardiology received a 4.7 rating out of 5 on Amazon.com. The Cardiology lll is arguably the best stethoscope for medical doctors whatever field you are in. With impressive top-notch acoustics, and a comfortable fit, the innovative design and versatility lets you easily switch from adult to pediatric. It includes a dual lumen which eliminates noise created by tubes rubbing together. Like the other Littmann Stethoscopes, the Cardiology lll comes with the non-chill bell. It is available in a few colours, including black, brown, grey, purple and chocolate. The superior quality and durability is built to last, making the instrument a worthwhile investment. It retails at $200 but typically sells on Amazon.com for 26% less.

Critical Comments:

Be cautious that if worn in direct contact with your skin the tubing will stiffen and eventually crack. You can purchase a vinyl protector or be sure not to wear it in direct contact with your skin.

Concluding notes:

The Littmann Stethoscopes have been around since the late 1960’s and have been offering high quality acoustics ever since inception. Whether you are a doctor or medical student, Littmann as well as Adscope stethoscopes are superior products that won’t disappoint.