Affordable Portable Concentrators for Users on a Budget

Affordable Portable Oxygen Concentrators for Users on a Budget

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Portable oxygen concentrators are sophisticated electronic machines and medical equipment, which filter the air around you into highly concentrated oxygen that you can breathe. Because of this reason, most oxygen concentrators in general aren’t cheap. Portable oxygen concentrators cost even more, because they need to be able to house and run off of a battery while going mobile.

There are certain models that are less expensive than others – not because they are inferior or because they don’t have the best features or the high settings. Here are three of the best of the affordable portable oxygen concentrator models on the market today.

CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort

The Freestyle Comfort from CAIRE Inc. has quickly risen in popularity for its high pulse dose setting, comfortable design, and affordability. CAIRE Comfort weighs just 5 lbs with the standard battery and 6 lbs with the extended battery. On a pulse setting of 2, the units can operate for four hours on the standard battery and eight hours on the extended battery. The exclusive UltraSense technology on the unit ensures that the device delivers oxygen right when you need it.

CAIRE Freestyle Comfort Concentrator

CAIRE Comfort is quiet just producing about 43 decibels. Its medical-grade oxygen purity ranges between 87% to 95.5%. The unit comes with a wall outlet adapter, car outlet adapter, battery, carrying case, nasal cannula, and user’s manual. Optional backpack, extended battery, and external battery charger are also available. Ask for our specials when you call!

“I am loving my CAIRE Freestyle so much. First time ever that I get a portable concentrator that works exactly like the specs say. My vendor was amazing and helped me with every question I had. Sad part is I can’t remember his name.”
Review from Carlos

CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Introduction Video


Inogen One G4

Inogen One G4 comes from the house of Inogen, a company dedicated to making state-of-the-art oxygen therapy devices. G4 is the lightest and smallest unit from Inogen, weighing only 2.8 pounds. If you are looking for a pulse flow oxygen concentrator with a setting of up to 3, this is your device. The Intelligent Delivery® technology senses your breath and delivers Oxygen right when you need it.

Inogen One G4 - Affordable Portable Concentrator

This medical equipment has been manufactured keeping in mind the need of going mobile seamlessly. The small-size, light-weight, comfortable carry bag, in-car charging option, and quiet operation will make you forget that you are using the G4. Not only that, G4 has got Bluetooth capability which enables G4’s status to be tracked on a mobile app – you can check the oxygen purity level, battery life, and other important alerts.

The Inogen One G4 is, truly, light on your shoulder and light on your pocket.

“I travel continually, and this machine allows me to travel the world! Have used it in Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and in all parts of the USA. It works fine using both 120 and 240 charging. Easy through security and lightweight.”
Review from T. Ries

Inogen One G4 Introduction Video


Philips Respironics SimplyGo

The SimplyGo is the smallest portable oxygen concentrator with both pulse and continuous flow. This innovative unit upholds what Philips stands for – ease-of-use and durability. This good-looking concentrator has an easy-to-read screen, intuitive interface, convenient carrying case, and has been tested for impacts, vibrations, and temperature.

Philips Respironics SimplyGo - Affordable Portable Concentrator

SimplyGo can deliver Oxygen at 2 liters per minute on continuous flow and up to a setting of 6 on pulse flow. This ten-pound unit comes with a standard battery which lasts for three hours on a pulse setting of 2. The safety features will warn on technical fault, low battery, high breath rate, no breath detection, and low oxygen purity, to name a few. The reliability, durability, and low-maintenance requirement of this portable product makes it a budget-friendly option.

“Love this Machine. This machine worked great for my needs. I recommended to my brother.”
Review from Joe

Philips Respironics SimplyGo Introduction Video


CAIRE Eclipse 5

The CAIRE Eclipse 5 (popularly known as SeQual Eclipse 5) is currently on sale. It’s still actually one of the lower-priced models compared to others on the market. It’s amazing because it is full-featured, has both pulse dose and continuous flow settings, and is an improvement from the earlier Eclipse model – the SeQual Eclipse 3. You can charge it with both AC (wall outlet) and DC (car cigarette lighter) power in any setting, which you couldn’t do with the Eclipse 3.

SeQual Eclipse 5 - Affordable Portable Concentrator

There are some great accessories that are compatible with the Eclipse 5, such as the desktop battery charger (charge batteries outside of the concentrator from wall outlet), the protective covering, and the humidifier kit. Especially, with the flow of 3 liters per minute (the highest continuous flow on the Eclipse 5), you might need the humidifier.

“The Eclipse 5 is a wonderful oxygen concentrator. I used to use oxygen tanks and I’m so much happier now that I don’t have to worry about refilling my tanks. It’s really simple to just turn it on and go.”
Review from Mitchell

CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 Introduction Video


Discontinued Units

Airsep Focus

The AirSep Focus has been succeeded by the AirSep Freestyle and Freestyle 3, but it’s still the ideal portable model for those who need no more than a pulse dose setting of 2, who want to stay as active as possible. The Focus is one of the smallest portable oxygen concentrators on the market, weighing only 1.75 lbs! This tiny concentrator might be best for you, especially if you want to maintain an active lifestyle and exercise while using your oxygen.

It comes with 2 micro batteries that you can charge up while it’s plugged in, but you can add more battery duration time with the AirSep Airbelt and supplemental battery pack, which you can wear around your waist and plug into the Focus. Many people need pulse dose settings higher than what the Focus can put out, which is why this is one of the cheaper models.

Lifechoice Activox

This small wonder weighs less than 5 lbs, and can deliver up to an equivalent of 3 LPM of pulse dose oxygen. This is another perfect example of the advances in medical technology when it comes to portable oxygen concentrators. Just like most of our other concentrators, American Medical offers this concentrator at a lower price than what you’ll find anywhere else.

One of the features that makes the Activox stand out is its pulse wave feature. Pulse wave makes sure you always get oxygen when you need it, and the sensitivity to your breath allows it to seamlessly adjust to your breathing patterns, so you always receive the exact amount of oxygen you need.

Updated: September 18, 2023
Published: October 14, 2014

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Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

85 thoughts on “Affordable Portable Oxygen Concentrators for Users on a Budget

    • Thank you for your comment, Gary. Have you inquired with your Medicare provider if they will pay for a portable oxygen concentrator? This is the first step you will need to take if eligible.

      • Go to your doctor to get an order and notes that explain your medical need. Then they will send an order to a local medical oxygen or respiratory company.

    • In the advertisements for Inogen machines, why do they tell you the weight of a Inogen but don’t tell you the final weight with the battery attached? Why don’t they tell you that you have to purchase replacement rods every year for approximately $100. In five years, that’s an additional $500. These should be replaced free as long as you have the machine. If you purchase one, their telephone operators mislead you into thinking the machine’s rods will last for years before the need to be replaced. They mislead you even after you buy one, telling you that the rods should last for a couple of years. These is patently untrue. This is a big legal scam. Why doesn’t the government protect people from these illegal practices where they take advantage of sick people?

        • The “replacement rods” are called sieve beds or columns. These sieve beds filter out the air to supply medical-grade oxygen to the patient. The sieve beds in portable oxygen concentrators are good for 12-15 months and need to be replaced after that. The machine will alert you when the replacement is required. You can replace the sieve beds within 30 days from when the alert shows up – Inogen columns are user-replaceable. They are in Inogen G4.

      • I absolutely agree with you Chrystal. I need a machine I can afford and use on an airliner. The Inogen sounded great until I got into the specifics. Including the machine actually lasts about 5 years and unless you have bought life time insurance… another $1000 …. By the time it was all figured out, I would have paid over $4000 plus still had to buy other things like rods every year.
        Because I have been on tanks a long time, Medicare won’t pay for a portable machine either.

        • We understand that these sophisticated machines might be costly. But the price you have mentioned is way high. We have some gently used machines in our inventory and we do offer some great financing plans. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581 to figure out if one fits your needs.

      • Yes, so true!! I learned from experience!!! I will NEVER purchase anything made by Imogene again. They saw me coming, and completely mislead me.

    • Inogen.com for medicare medicad to pay for oxygen. but it really hard to get insurance to pay for oxygen. God bless you im in same boat i need oxygen my self but i don’t qualify for it threw medicare medicaid.

  1. yes I am on ssi n I need to have me a portable machine tom get around n do things but I noticed there way to expensive to have eacj week
    I am lloking for a cheap one I can pay off till it own it from u is it possible to get one, and I do have medice to as well but I aint to sure idf they will pay for it or not but ,if not I am willing to pay on it each month to have on me at all times if so pleae contact me asap and ill leave u my home number to tal to my mo sene I have a full trachectomy no voice box cant speak heres the home phone number ok its
    219 654 4030 my moms name is judy u can give her information on what I need to d o to have one personally for my self n leave me messages on my site I given u to contacyt me on things s well n thank you again james guzman

    • Thank you for your comment, James. For the most up-to-date product and pricing information please contact one of our Oxygen Specialists at 877-774-927 or you can communicate solely via email at Sales@amsrco.com.

  2. I’m looking for portable oxygen for my dad to take on trips but he is on a fixed income. Is there any way you can help!
    Thanks
    Jody Metko

    • Thank you for your comment, Jody. We certainly have a few financing options available that may work for your father’s situation. If you’d like you can reach out to one of our Oxygen Specialists at 877-774-9271 for more information.

      • finance. reach out to this number. Can you just give the man an answer to a brand name that is good in the 400.00 range. This conversation is painful to read.

  3. Wife needs. Portable continuous air flow concentrator..Medicare wont pay with the Supplement I have. Cant use care credit…claimed them in a bank ruptsy. Need a plan that can take monthly pymnts from bank accnt..also battery lufe needs tto be at least 8 hr to 12 hrs..thanks

    • Thank you for your comment, John. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request.

        • I have passed along your information to an Oxygen Specialist who will reach out regarding your request. Also, we can quickly answer your questions over a phone call. Please reach us out at 888-387-5914.

      • My mom is on fixed income and badly needs an oxygen concentrator that she can afford. A gently used one would be just about what she would be able to afford.
        Thank You for a quick response.

        Yours truly

        Fritz G Burlinson

        • We have gently-used oxygen concentrators starting from $1,495. We can quickly answer all your questions over a phone call. Please reach us at (877) 644-4581. We are open seven days a week.

  4. I have been fighting for disability since 2015 and I cannot work I was told I need to get me a portable air due to my COPD I have no money and was wondering if you could help me by giving me one when I contacted the company that makes my inhalers the help me and supply me every and supply me with my Lyrica I pray you can help as well

    • Wonderful, Lorie. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. Have you already acquired your prescription for oxygen?

      • People need affordable potable 02 concentrator . Unfortunately most are in my shoes ,900.00 month after paying medicare insurance ..why want companies like yours provide a special price ? We don’t receive free insurance , but pay Medicare and denied portable oxygen machine …. Just saying …. Maybe be a tax write off thats actually is useful .
        Thank you …. Just saying !!!!

    • Thank you for your inquiry, Roy. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com.

  5. On oxygen 24 hours daily, have heavy portable tanks which are quite heavy. Insurance will not pay for non heavy tanks. Need affordable budget plan so I can get out more and or attempt to part time job. Quite restricted at home. Help

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

  6. Like I was saying. I’ve been on oxygen for a while and the “portable” tanks are heavy and bulky. I’ve been on disability for a year so I don’t qualify for Medicare as of yet. And medicaid won’t cover these better options. I would love to be able to be active again, and am willing to pay for my own portable machine. What I need to know is what my financing options are. I am on a very fixed income. Thanks in advance.

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

  7. My supplier won’t allow me portable tanks as I owe them money and I don’t quite qualify for MASS funding MASS supply my home concentrator but I would like a cheap portable for getting to my appointments and I do have to travel from Rockhampton to Brisbane to see my specialist who regularly reviews my needs (I have LAM disease) so what are some cheap hire/purchase options I can use to make life a bit easier?

    • Rosemary – we have a selection of gently used units as well as financing options available. I have passed your information along to one of our oxygen specialist who will reach out shortly. In the meantime feel free to give us a call at 888-360-9879 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

  8. My husband is on a fixed monthly income and he is on home oxygen and is confined to the house due to his portable tanks are too heavy. Just got him home from the hospital where he spent 4 days in ICU. We almost lost him. He has COPD the doctors want him to get a lightweight portable oxygen concentrator that can charge in the wall at home and in the car with long lasting battery. He is only on Medicare. Praying someone can help out.

  9. I on SSR, I’M out sometimes for 12 hours, for 3 days a year. Also out for 10 to 12 hours on a few times a year. Than there is food shopping. My paying bills on time is a little rocking. I would set up payments with my checking account. Can you help me.

  10. I would like to find out if EMT’s may use this device rather than carry O2 tanks in the field on Medical Standby for Sports or other situations where O2 may be required for a emergency patient.

    • Interesting question. This would be for a EMT professional to respond to, but one reason they would need tanks is that they provide the widest option of use (and continuous flow). The portable machines are designed with both pulse and continuous settings on some, but they have a limit to the amount of oxygen they can provide. The EMT might need a higher or more specific use that is beyond the concentrator’s function.

  11. I need a portable oxygen machine. I have Medicare but can’t afford to pay for one upfront and wait to be reimbursed. Please any suggestions are welcomed.

    • Hi Debra, One option many people use is to purchase a used machine which is more affordable and can get you a machine quicker.

  12. My mother is 98 and on a fixed income. She has medicare/medi medi. She is confined to wheelchair and needs oxygen 7/24. Sometime I take her to restaurants and shopping carrying the oxygen tube and transporting the wheel chair at the same time. I end up very tired because it is very complicated. I cannot afford to pay $ 1000 or $2000 for a portable oxygen concentrator or conventor. I wonder if I can buy a good condition second hand convertor for my mother. Her name is Elsa Geary. My name is Hilda Geary

    • Hilda, If you mother is on continuous there are few concentrators that may help depending on her oxygen needs. We do have refurbished machines but the inventory changes frequently so depending on what is available, you may be able to get your mom one that will work. Give our team of specialists a call at 888-743-0156 and see what they can do for you.

  13. I have chronic emphysema with COPD cannot afford oxygen concert portable oxygen concentrator doctor recommended I get one is there any place that helps by 1 I can pay in small amounts

    • Shannon, there are financing options which can break the payments up over time. If you call us at 888-743-0156 and talk with one of our specialists, they can explain some of the options we have available.

  14. I am in need of lightweight portable oxygen concentrator for home use, work and away from home use. I am on a limited budget. Would appreciate any information available.
    Thanks.

  15. I’m on oxygen 24 hours. I have a portable oxygen tank that is covered by my insurance, Medicare and My Aetna Ohio. The problem with is I have arthritis in my shoulders and need a unit that weighs less than 4.8 lbs. Do you have one?

  16. Does Medicare and UHC Medicaid NJ cover the cost of the poc that I can wear on my waist? I have half my right lung removed and COPD. I was trying to get the Life2000 machine that is covered by both of my insurances…my lung doc says that Life2000 is a ventilator and wouldn’t write the script for me! I want a poc that’s light and can wrap around my waist so that I have use of both my hands! I want to be able to get and walk a dog as mine passed away 2 years ago.
    Plz email me or contact me by phone 732 361 8472. Thx Christopher Duffy

    • Inogen G4 is compatible with a hip bag. You can go for this device if it fits your needs. However, portable oxygen concentrators come with a carry strap which can be worn like a messenger bag so both of your hands are free. Our Oxygen Specialists would be happy to understand your requirements and advise the way forward. Please give us a call at 877-644-45814.

  17. I am in desperate need for a mlnl oxygen machine I have tri care for my insurance and I’m on a monthly budget can you help me get one

  18. We need a lightweight 02 machine. Heart disease, lung disease, immune disorder, and muscle weakness. Sats on pulse oxy are higher than Medicare guidelines to qualify for O2. Undiagnosed illness. I have a concentrator, but way to heavy since my illness is progressing. Any thoughts? Please email me. Thank you.,

    • We’ve got Inogen G4, weighing only 2.8 pounds. Our Oxygen Specialists would be happy to understand your requirements and advise the way forward. Please give us a call at 877-644-4581.

    • Yes, all oxygen concentrators require a prescription for purchase. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at 877-644-4581.

  19. My husband has alpha-he has Medicare, VA and Medicare supplement but none seem to cover cost to purchase or rent. Where can we find a used machine to buy or rent..

    • Insurance coverage varies – our suggestion would be to call your insurance and ask them if they will reimburse for the cost. You can give them code: E1390 as the reimbursement code. You are welcome to call us at 1-877-644-4581 and we can help you navigate the claim.

  20. My father is approved for home oxygen therapy and they brought him (3) portable oxygen tanks ———–he is “92” years old and is unable to use this heavy / tall / rolling/ etc tanks when leaving the home, i have requested for a portable O2 concentrator but my DME gives me the “run-around” stating ………… they are still heavy and won’t solve your problem, 2) let us see if your insurance will pay for one, etc.
    From what i read on the medicare site is all you need is your order for oxygen with required documentation of oxygen saturation, which have all been completed ———–he has had home O2 for over 1 year, why will they not give him the portable concentrator for easier mobility ???

  21. I am trying to help my Mother in law obtain a portable concentrator. She and my Father in law are both in disability Medicare which will not cover portable options. She would require a model capable of a higher continuous or pulse flow rate. They are very low income as neither of them can work because of COPD. What options could you offer? Low payments over longer term? Pre-owned or refurbished units? I would appreciate any and all info you have available. Thank you in advance.

    • We have some gently used machines in our inventory and we do offer some great financing plans. Please give us a call at 877-644-4581 to figure out if one fits your needs.

  22. I have an Inogen 4, new. It is financed and I am paying double for it because of the interest on the loan. How can I give this one back and get a cheaper one or a loaner. Thank you … Audrey Jones

    • Please contact your equipment provider for the available options.
      We have some gently used machines in our inventory. Please give us a call at 877-644-4581 to figure out if one fits your needs.

  23. Need a lightweight portable. COLD stage 4, medicare and disability. Need inexpensive please. After bills not much left for anything else

    • I have passed along your information to an Oxygen Specialist who will reach out regarding your request. Also, we can quickly answer your questions over a phone call. Please reach us out at 888-387-5914.

  24. I’m 74 calling for my wife who has copd gettlemens syndrom,fybromylga,and no immune system shes 70 years old and were low income what programs are available could someone call us thankyou

    • We have some gently used machines in our inventory and we do offer some great financing plans. Please give us a call at 877-644-4581 to figure out if one fits your needs.

  25. I am trying to obtain a oxygen machine for I have COPD and asthma. During this COVID/19 pandemic my oxygen level was dropping below 89 sometimes and was having trouble and gasping In my sleep if I could sleep. My doctor said they were having trouble getting the machine.I have Medicare, any suggestions.

    • Our Oxygen Specialists would be happy to understand your requirements and advise the way forward. Please give us a call at 877-644-45814.

  26. This is very strange. The title of this article is “affordable oxygen concentrators” but then proceeds to list the five most expensive concentrators available. There are good concentrators for under four hundred dollars and yet none of those are listed. This article is either poorly researched or the writer and/or website is trying to dupe the readers(who are most likely seniors who actually need a concentrator) for the sake of sales. There is no other explanation. Either way it’s pretty sleazy.

    • Hello Greg, thanks for your comment. There is no portable oxygen concentrator that is available under four hundred dollars as you mentioned. Medical grade oxygen should have more than 87% purity irrespective of the liter flow. Devices on sites such as eBay and Amazon for such low prices will not ensure this purity level. Those devices are more likely to be air purifiers, ionizers, etc.
      Moreover, a prescription is required to purchase an oxygen concentrator. What we have listed are all authorized oxygen concentrators that are FAA-approved to be taken on flights. Be wary of third-party sellers and purchase an oxygen concentrator only from authorized sellers. If you have any questions, give us a call at (877) 644-4581. Take care.

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