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5 Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators for Car Travel
By
Jonathan Reed
Updated January 21, 2025

5 Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators for Car Travel

Need freedom and fresh air on the road? Discover the top portable oxygen concentrators for car travel, handpicked for portability, battery life, and car-charging compatibility.
Product Specialist: Emma Clark
Clinical Applications Specialist: Dr. James Bennett

Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are more than devices—they’re your lifeline to adventure and freedom. They offer oxygen therapy on the go, no matter your location or mode of transport, especially if you suffer from respiratory issues like COPD and asthma. 

Whether it’s a short trip for groceries, a visit to family, or a long scenic drive from coast to coast, the proper POC keeps you going strong. Here, we have highlighted the best portable oxygen concentrator for car travel.

 

Our Top Two Picks?

Our Top Picks?
Best Compact Design
Caire-comfort-220220
CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort
  • Compact
  • Impressive Battery Life
  • Whisper-quiet
Best Lightweight Option
Inogen Rove6 140140
ReadyO2 Pro
  • Extremely lightweight

  • Convenient
  • Stable oxygen delivery

A Quick Look at the Portable Oxygen Concentrators for Car

CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 100100
CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5
$3,889
Best for Adjustability
readyo2 pro 100100
ReadyO2 Pro
$1,990
Best Lightweight
inogen G5 100100
Inogen One G5
$2,995
Best for 6.5-13-hour Drives
caire comfort 100100
CAIRE Freestyle Comfort
$2,995
  Best for 8-16-hour Drives
Simply go 100100
SimplyGo
$2,895
Best For Short Drives

Portable Oxygen Concentrators are Recommended for Car Use

While this section provides a more detailed review of each device, it's important to consult with your doctor before making a purchase. Their professional assessment will help determine if this device is suitable for you.

1. CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5

CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 220220
Price: $3,889

CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5

  • Weight: 15 lbs., Battery 3.4 lbs.
  • Dimension: 19.3’’x 12.3’’ x 7.1’’
  • Battery life: 2 Hrs (2LPM continuous flow); 5.2 hours (Pulse dose setting 2)
  • Oxygen Concentration: 90% +5.5/-3%
  • Sound level: 48 dBA
  • Altitude: Up to 10,000 feet
  • Flow settings: Continuous flow (6 settings)  from 0.5 to 3.0 LPM

    Pulse flow (9 settings)
    -Setting 1-6 delivers 16 to 96 ml/breath
    -Setting 6-9 delivers 128 to 192 ml/breath

  • Warranty: 3 Years, 1 year battery, power supplies, standard accessories
Product star rate (7)
It offers two oxygen flow deliveries fitting everyone needing oxygen therapy.
Versatile
Durable
Long battery life
It is a heavy POC
Expensive

Our experience with the CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 model:

It‘s a good choice if you are going on a road trip for over 5 hours and need a portable oxygen machine with minimal downtime. 

The Eclipse 5 is clinically effective oxygen delivery with Smart technology. It has:

  • autoSAT® for automatic adjustment to breathing. 
  • myCAIRE™ for Oxygen therapy management.
  • UltraSense® breath detection. 
  • Adjustable Rise Time, which maximized inhaled oxygen quality.

This car and home oxygen concentrator offers both continuous and pulse-dose oxygen. Even though it weighs 18.7 lbs, it's compact and easily transportable. Still, this weight is on the higher end compared to its competition.

The good news is that it makes it up with over 5 hours of battery life and quiet operation at 40 dBa. The comprehensive 3-year warranty also helps.

The biggest perk? It comes with both DC and AC power battery chargers. The only catch is that to charge it on a DC port in your car, ensure the engine is already running before you connect it. 

2. ReadyO2 Pro

readyo2 pro 220220
Price: $1,990

ReadyO2 Pro

  • Weight: 4.37 lbs.
  • Dimension: 7.2’’×3.4’’×7.8’’
  • Battery life: 4.5 Hrs
  • Oxygen Concentration: 96%
  • Sound level: 48 dBA*
  • Altitude: Up to 16,400 feet
  • Flow settings: Pulse dose (5 settings) 200 ml-1000 ml/min
  • Warranty: 2 Years on unit, 1 year on power supply, battery, & sieve
Product star rate (1)
It offers excellent value for the price, balancing affordability with solid performance.
AC and DC power support
Compact and lightweight
Affordable
Free Shipping
Limited flow settings compared to other models

Our experience with the ReadyO2 Pro model:

Our foremost perk when using this Ready O2 model is it's lightweight. At just 4.37 lbs, it's as portable as carrying a pair of water bottles. Then there is the pulse dose delivery giving you the convenience of only using what you need.

Then, at an oxygen concentration of  90% to 96%, expect nothing but premium air with every inhale.

Suppose it detects no breathing; it releases oxygen every 4 seconds until it does. Then, its sixth setting kicks in and continuously delivers oxygen at 1700 ml/min. The average human takes about 12 to 20 breaths a minute. The downside of this sixth setting is that you only get an oxygen concentration lower than 60%.

It produces only 48 dB of noise and allows faster DC power car charging. Its intelligent alarm system and easy-to-use LCD make it a hassle-free solution for drivers. 

3. Inogen One G5

inogen-G5-220220
Price: $2,995

Inogen One G5

  • Weight: 4.7 lbs
  • Dimension: 7.19’’ x 3.26’’ x 8.15’’
  • Battery life: 6.5 Hrs single battery; 13 Hrs double battery
  • Oxygen Concentration: 90% to 96%
  • Sound level: 38 dBA at setting 2
  • Altitude: Up to 10,000 feet
  • Flow settings:  Pulse (6 settings) 1260 ml/min
  • Warranty: 3 Years on Unit, 1 year on power supply, battery, & Sieve
Product star rate (5)
It has a very long battery life and stable oxygen delivery.
Lightweight
Long battery life
High oxygen concentration
Long recharging time.

Our experience with the Inogen One G5 model:

The Inogen G5 is as versatile as they come, with a very long battery life. The double battery will suffice if you are going on a long road trip, 13 hours long. A 6.5-hour trip? A single battery is enough.

The only downside is that recharging takes a long time—3 hours for a single battery, 6 hours double.

Regardless, this POC offers six flow settings and delivers up to 1260 ml of oxygen per breath. The oxygen concentration is also impressive, at a maximum of 96% purity.

It's also quieter at 38 dBA. The G5 DC charging also has one rule: Connect only when the engine runs. If you jump-start a car while connected, it might cause damage to the POC.

4. CAIRE Freestyle Comfort

Caire-comfort-220220
Price: $2,995

CAIRE Freestyle Comfort

  • Weight: 5-6 lbs
  • Dimension: 10’’x 7.3’’x 3.1’’
  • Battery life: Single 8 Hrs; Double 16 Hrs
  • Oxygen Concentration: 95%
  • Sound level: 39.9 dBA*
  • Altitude: Up to 10,000 feet
  • Flow settings: Pulse dose (5 settings) 1050ml/min
  • Warranty: 3 Years
Product star rate (3)
Its long battery life of 8-16hrs, and its compact design.
AC/DC charging compatible
Long trip-sufficient
Lightweight
It cannot be charged at an airplane’s DC port.

Our experience with the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort model:

Have you ever been unsure if your oxygen concentrator will last through a long drive? With models like the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort, those worries disappear.

If you thought the Inogen G5 was your true long-road trip buddy, this one is better. It offers an exceptional 16-hour battery life on a 16-cell battery and 8 hours on a single cell. Sixteen hours is a drive from California to New York, an approximately 2,800-mile distance.

The only catch is that this 16-hour duration only applies if the POC is on setting 1. It lowers as the settings go up.

DC charging allows car and boat charging but not airplane charging.

Like the Caire Eclipse 5, this one also has pioneering tech: autoSAT, UltraSense, and the myCAIRE tool. It also had autoDOSE, which automatically releases oxygen when no breath is detected. Here, it sounds an alarm and pulses out oxygen at 20 breaths/min at the set flow setting until the issue is resolved.

The simple-to-use LED screen is easy to operate, minimizing distractions on the road.

5. Philips SimplyGo

simplygo220220
Price: $2,995

Philips SimplyGo

  • Weight: 10 lbs.
  • Dimension: 11.5" x 10" x 6"
  • Battery life: Pulse mode 3 Hrs; Continuous flow 54 min
  • Oxygen Concentration: 86% to 97% 
  • Sound level: 43 dBA
  • Altitude: Up to 10,000 feet
  • Flow settings: Continuous flow (500 to 2000 ml/min). Pulse flow bolus sizes 12 ml to 72 ml, increments of 12 ml.
  • Warranty: 2,3,5 Warranties
Product star rate (10)
It offers multiple flow rates.
Reliable oxygen concentration
Has three operational modes
Newbie-friendly
Heavier than others

Our experience with the Philips Simply Go model:

In our opinion, the Philips SimplyGo POC is perfect for short drives, flights, grocery visits, and quick trips. This FAA-approved oxygen machine offers only 3 hours in pulse mode and just under an hour in continuous mode. 

Thankfully, it easily adapts to varying oxygen needs because it combines continuous flow (0.5 to 2 LPM) and pulse dose delivery (12 mL to 72 mL per breath).

Its weight of about 10 pounds will be cumbersome if you are an active user. But if you are always in the car, like a taxi driver, it suffices.

Another win is its sleep mode, which automatically switches to 2 LPM continuous flow if no breath is detected. Its intuitive controls and clear display ensure hassle-free use.

Key Considerations for Car-Use Portable Oxygen Concentrators

POCs help supply oxygen therapy to offset the effects of hypoxemia, but one major problem in using them shines through. That issue is their constant need for electric power supply to operate.

A 2019 study on oxygen devices and delivery systems highlights that you always need backup. Suppose a POC battery runs out mid-trip and you have no extra battery packs or charging stations, you’re in trouble. So having the car act as a backup generator makes sense.

Therefore, to choose what suits you, prioritize the following:

Portability and Size

Imagine loading your car with luggage, snacks, and hefty oxygen tanks. Not ideal, right? Lightweight, compact models are a must for hassle-free travel.

Car Charging Compatibility

Running out of battery mid-drive is the ultimate buzzkill. So, choose a POC with 12V car-charging capabilities to keep your oxygen therapy uninterrupted, no matter how far you roam.

Battery Life

Battery life can make or break a road trip. If traveling long distances, opt for a model with extended battery options to avoid interruptions.

Battery life varies, but most devices provide several hours of continuous oxygen use on a single charge. 

Reliability in Oxygen Flow

You need a portable oxygen concentrator that provides consistent and reliable supplemental oxygen. Before your trip, consult your doctor about your travel needs to determine the type of oxygen support that suits you best.

Ease of Use, Quiet Operation, and Safety

Travel should be relaxing, not noisy or stressful. A simple, user-friendly interface and minimal noise are vital for comfort. So, choose a portable concentrator that’s easy to operate while driving and doesn't disrupt travel. 

Also, note that the device meets safety standards. We’re talking automatic shutdown features, alarms, or notifications for low oxygen or battery levels. Then, there are additional perks like carrying bags, battery packs, and more.

Tips for Using a Portable Oxygen Concentrator in a Car

Now that you have your POC set up, always use these tips to ensure a longer life with the POC.

  • Always refer to the state regulations on vehicle oxygen use; some states require a medical report.
  • Consult your doctor before choosing a concentrator to ensure it suits your oxygen needs.
  • Charge the POCs on running engines and only charge where the manufacturer allows.
  • Don’t leave a POC in the car; it may overheat and compromise performance.
  • Plan your route to ensure you have easy access to charging stations.
  • Prepare by always charging your device fully and packing extra external batteries, power cords, and power adapters for long drives.

Essential Safety Guidelines for Using Oxygen Concentrators in Car

When you are using your portable oxygen concentrator for car travel, ensure that you always uphold safety. Adhere to the following rules;
  • Use according to health care provider’s and manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Keep windows open to prevent a buildup of oxygen.
  • Store and clean parts like the nasal cannula properly to avoid damage and ensure proper functioning.
  • Avoid open flames since oxygen is a fuel for fire.
  • In case of malfunction, contact the manufacturer or read through FAQs. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself.

Conclusion

A portable oxygen concentrator for car travel offers unmatched freedom and peace of mind for those who rely on oxygen therapy. They allow you to charge them as you drive, which is convenient.

But you just do not pick any you see on a shelf. You must prioritize key features like portability, car charging compatibility, and battery life.

Talk to your doctor to find out what suits you best, refer to the user manual, and always charge it before use. This ensures you have it in full operational mode before hitting the road. 

Remember—doctor’s and manufacturer’s consultation, no open flames, proper storage, and ventilation. With these five picks, you have a portable oxygen concentrator for all your long and short car travels.

Oxygen on the go? Check. Long battery life? Check. Does it fit in your car? Double-check. Your POC is ready for its road trip debut.

Sources

I am Dr. Jonathan Reed, a proud member of the readyO₂ team. With a background in respiratory therapy, I’m dedicated to helping those in need by answering questions and providing clarity. I strive to educate and inspire our audience by making complex topics accessible and engaging. My goal is to educate and inspire our audience, ensuring they have the information necessary to make informed decisions about their health. It’s a privilege to support individuals on their journey to better breathing and well-being.

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