Choosing the right oxygen concentrator for your needs and lifestyle can be stressful, especially when it’s your first time buying one or it’s been a while since you’ve upgraded, Oxygen concentrators aren’t something you can go to the store and try on, which is exactly why we’ve created a guide on how to compare oxygen concentrators, in-depth oxygen concentrator reviews, and side-by-side oxygen concentrator comparisons.
To help you choose the right oxygen concentrator, we’re highlighting the two portable oxygen concentrators made by Inogen. We’ll give you a side-by-side comparison of both the Inogen One G4 and the Inogen One G5. Once you assess your individual needs, you can decide which machine is best for you.
Inogen One G4 vs. Inogen One G5 Flow Settings
Both the Inogen One G4 and the Inogen One G5 offer a pulse dose method of delivering air. And like all of the Inogen One oxygen delivery systems, both the G4 and G5 are built with Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery TechnologyⓇ that ensures oxygen therapy is delivered efficiently and effectively in all modes of use.
The two portable concentrators differ in the range of oxygen flow settings offered. The Inogen One G4 has three different flow settings, while the newer Inogen One G5 has double that, with six different flow settings. The flow setting you’ll need and use during the day, different activities, and while sleeping will be determined by your doctor
Weight and Size
Inogen’s portable concentrators are known for being the most compact and lightweight portable oxygen concentrators available. Their portability allows oxygen therapy users to continue leading rich and active lives, without the burden of a heavy oxygen tank or bulky concentrator system.
Both the Inogen One G4 and G5 oxygen concentrators weigh under five pounds, however; the G4 model weighs less than the G5. With a single (small) battery, the G4 model weighs only 2.8 pounds, while the G5 model weighs 4.7 pounds with that same battery. The G4 model is about seven inches tall, six inches long, and about three inches wide. The G5 model is a little more than eight inches tall, seven inches long, and about three inches wide.
Battery Life
While the G4 weighs 1.9 pounds less than the G5, the G5 boasts a longer battery life. The battery life of the Inogen One G4 is up to 2.6 hours with the single battery and up to 5 hours with double battery. The G5 has one of the longest battery lives on the market — up to 6.5 hours with the single battery or 13 hours with the double — making it an ideal oxygen delivery system for on-the-go individuals.
The length of battery life will depend on which setting the machine is on, along with the size of the battery (single or double).
Inogen One G5 Battery Life and Power Power Consumption:
Side-by-Side Unit Comparison
*includes single battery
Depth: 3.26 inches
Height: 8.15 inches
Depth: 2.68 inches
Height: 7.2 inches
Pulse Dose: 1 to 6 settings
Pulse Dose: 1 to 3 settings
Up to 9 hours with double battery
Up to 5 hours with double battery
Additional Features
Both the G4 and G5 systems are designed for stationary use, travel, and 24/7 use. They both feature easy-to-read LCD displays and simple controls and are Bluetooth capable and fully integrated with the Inogen Connect App.
The G5 model comes with a carry bag that has a strap on it. The G4 model has a strap that attaches directly to the machine, along with a separate carry bag.
Inogen G4 vs. Inogen G5 Comparison Video
The Final Choice: Inogen One G5 vs. Inogen One G4
Inogen’s oxygen concentrators are among the top concentrators on the market, so you really can’t go wrong with either. Both the G4 and G5 oxygen concentrators are compact, portable, and easy to carry. Their small size and light weight makes either Inogen One model a great solution for individuals looking for the freedom and versatility to get their supplemental oxygen at home or on the go.
The G5 model is a little larger and heavier, but it offers twice the number of settings and 2.5 times more battery life than the G4 model. With a longer battery life and the highest oxygen output per pound of any portable concentrator, the Inogen One G5 is the perfect solution for people leading active, busy lives, and those who love to travel or be on-the-go.
Have more questions about for these units?
- Call Us at 877.774.9271
- Download our Guide to Oxygen Therapy and Oxygen Concentrators
Updated: February 28, 2023
Published: August 5, 2019
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.
We are looking for oxygen concentrator that can be used on the waist. Where as a fanny pack. G4 and G5 can both do that? He doesn’t want one to carry on shoulder
Inogen G4 can be carried in a Inogen Hip Bag/Fanny Pack.
Thanks for the info. Assuming you meant to type G4 (vs G3) in the last paragraph title “The Final Choice . . . “
I am on continuous flow!! I don’t know if I can use pulse flow
Your doctor can best assess whether a pulse dose machine will work for you. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at 877-644-4581.
You just have to remember to always breathe thru your nose. Took me a bout 5 days to accomplish this. It was easier than I thought and now with my portable g5 it’s great. I can use up to 6 liters.
I keep it plugged into the car charger to space the battery.
Thanks for the comment, Mika. I’m sure it’ll help many readers.
This was very very helpful and helped me make my final decision. Thank you!
Thank you very much for your feedback. We are glad it was helpful!
My sister has got pulmonary fibrosis , she started with a G4 inegen in May on level 3 – she is now on level 5 . Without level 5 her oxygen levels drop into the 70s . Is the G5 the next level to provide her with more oxygen concentration?
She doesn’t want the static oxygen as she is only 64 and likes to go out visiting people .
Evie, thanks for the comment. Inogen G5 can go up to a setting of 6. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.
Does that mean 6Liters?
A setting of 6 on a portable oxygen concentrator does not mean the same as 6 liters per minute on continuous flow oxygen (as administered in hospitals, through tanks, or through home oxygen concentrators). Inogen G5 provides a pulse flow of oxygen, that is oxygen is delivered on-demand when the user inhales. And pulse flow oxygen is measured in ‘settings’. We suggest consulting with your medical provider about what pulse dose setting would the person in question requires.