20 Best Littmann Stethoscope For Nurses (2023 Updated)

I am so disappointed in the appearance of the bell. I ordered the matte black however the engraving with the product name, rather than appearing as silver and evenly coloured as illustrated, shows as bronze, really destroying the appearance.

The engraving requested is uneven in colouring and also shows bronze in varying shades. I highly recommend not wasting money on appearance. For $40 more I got a stethoscope that looks worse than just the plain silver would have.

Between the product name and the requested engraving – mostly the product name – the bell looks as if someone has scratched the bell up carelessly. I wanted to treat myself to something professional looking, different from others.

Instead I paid extra for a stethoscope that appears to have been chewed upon by a sharp toothed animal.

Feels different than my authentically purchased Classic III directly from Littman’s website. This eBay turquoise one is working good, and it is a beautiful color, and Littman may have updated their materials since the one I bought from Littman 4 years ago, but this eBay plastic tubing just feels lighter & bends around much easier, rubberband like almost.

Its not the stiffer, thicker tubing like my old authentically purchased stethoscope from Littman. It just makes me question if this eBay one is authentic, or if Littman has just changed their materials in recent years? Anyhow, this is a beautiful turquoise piece & I intend on keeping my new one, since my authentic Littman has lost its diaphragm glue seal.

The box & everything appears real, it just feels overall less sturdy is all. Should be fine =).

The Littman Cardiology IV stethoscope as a listening device is excellent. The fact that by changing the pressure on the diaphragm you can filter out some noises and thus you can listen to other frequencies is very nice.

The sound is loud, clear and crisp, but. and a big one at it. Be prepared to deal with the plague of the sticky binaural tubing. The flexible plastic compound degrades and becomes sticky, and it get to the point of feeling sticky wet.

I did send mine to Littmann/3M Service under warranty, and when I got it back, the new binaural tubing, was sticky too, not as much as the one it had before, but enough to pick up lint from my clothes, dust from surfaces and who know what else.

I then went on-line and found plenty of complaints in Nurses and Doctor Forums about Littmann stethoscopes. I called Littmann again, and I was negatively surprised when I was told to use cornstarch (Talcum Powder) to prevent the stickiness.

Cornstarch enhances the growth of bacteria. When you purchase an instrument in this price range, you do not want to be thinking about having to clean the tubing just so it does not look disgusting. I want to clean it to be sterile.

I did not find negative reviews about sticky tubing on competitor’s products.

I bought a cardiology IV this year in preparation for my physician training exam. The diaphragm fell off the week before my trial exam only after 1-2 months of use. I requested for a replacement stethoscope as it was obviously faulty- this has never happened before and I have used 2 other stethoscopes.

Medshop was not helpful and sent me an email to request a refund but ONLY for NEW stethoscopes and 3M (maker or distributor of Littman stethoscopes) also refused to replace my stethoscope. 3M at least sent me a replacement diagram.

Now 7 months after my initial purchase, the diaphragm has AGAIN fallen off. I need someone to take responsibility and replace my stethoscope.

I always have a dream of having one Of the littmann stethoscope. This is a very special gift for me by my sister after passing my nclex rn exam. This is 3M littmann cardiology IV stethoscope. Easy to clean , single piece tunable diaphragms Versatile adult and pediatric two sided chest piece.

Dual lumen tubing provide two sound paths in one tube. Diagnostic stethoscope with outstanding acoustic performance. It’s is very pretty in color and the chest piece is rainbow finishing Love it FAnsy , stylish and multitasking.

Absolutely LOVE it! My first ever stethoscope, let alone a Littmann. For the better half of this past year, I thoroughly did research after research trying to decide which specific model that would work best for me.

The shape of the bell caught my eye, next was the description of use, then the color choices further escalated my interest & lastly was the price that sealed the deal for me. The clarity of sound exceeded my expectations as well as comfort.

Hands down one of THE top purchases I’ve ever made. Thankful & grateful for the company!.

Absolutely LOVE it! My first ever stethoscope, let alone a Littmann. For the better half of this past year, I thoroughly did research after research trying to decide which specific model that would work best for me.

The shape of the bell caught my eye, next was the description of use, then the color choices further escalated my interest & lastly was the price that sealed the deal for me. The clarity of sound exceeded my expectations as well as comfort.

Hands down one of THE top purchases I’ve ever made. Thankful & grateful for the company!.

The Litman steth is extremely comfortable becausehe fit is superb and it is very light. Even better , it produces an excellent level and quality of sound that make it much more accurate to use when checking BP for example.

This is a serious high quality instrument that is a pleasure to use, I am very, happy with this purchase. My old steth was painful to use because of it’s extreme weight and poor performance.

Ok this is working ok for hearing the heart, but not the lungs. Having the 2 settings , is kind of a waste, being you cant hear anything on the lower. I bought it to keep check on my dog, and the horses.

I did want to use it on the older mare, and her lungs. That is not working. So I guess its up to each person as what they want it for, and the use. I would not buy again, but go with a better quality type.

I bought this to replace a Classic II that I lost. I had my classic II for 13 years, and absolutely loved it. The only drawback to the Classic II was that it was completely adult sized, and I work in pediatrics.

This means I would often carry two different stethoscopes for the variety of sizes of patients that I see. When the Classic III came out, I was sooo excited to see that it had the option to have a pediatric size diaphragm on the second side of the head.

I was excited I could have the more streamlined lower profile look of the classic that I prefer, with the double size diaphragm of the cardiology stethoscope. It was great when I first got it. It was a beautiful color, and had the awesome acoustics I have come to expect from Littman.

But now that I have had it for almost a year, I am learning that the one-piece diaphragm-rim is a DUD! The material used for the rim that holds the diaphragms on is much more flimsy than the old rubber rim, and IT WILL NOT STAY ON THE STETHOSCOPE NO MATTER WHAT I DO! The diaphragms on both sides fall off constantly! I ended up gluing them on, which worked for a while.

But my large diaphragm fell off again last week, and I was not lucky enough to find it this time. So I will now be going a week or two with only a pediatric sized stethoscope until I can get another diaphragm shipped to me.

I can see that throughout the lifetime of this stethoscope that I will be replacing a lot of parts, and am very disappointed. I did not have a single problem with the Classic II, and never lost any pieces, so that makes me even more disappointed in this product that I had such high hopes for.

DO NOT buy this stethoscope unless you are prepared to be constantly replacing diaphragms. I love you Littman, but IT NEEDS A REDESIGN!.

I by Littman because I know I can count in the quality. Sure could spend less money on a stethoscope. Then I would wonder how long it would last and could I really hear out of it. I have decreased hearing in one ear.

It’s very important I have a high quality stethoscope that I can trust. Littman is just that brand. Sadly my last one came up missing so, this is a replacement. If it didn’t thought! It would have lasted me forever!!!! I’m convinced of that!.

This stethoscope was purchased for secondary use during on-calls due to its light weight. I have been pleasantly surprised how it compares to my master cardiology, which at times feels heavy around my neck.

The classic III is actually more robust than the cardiology IV, which has issues; the diaphragm membranes keep being knocked off. In summary, the classic III is more compact, lighter weight and more robust than the more expensive cardiology line and it offers reasonable auscultation resolution compared with the significantly more expensive Littmanns.

I would highly recommend this stethoscope to any medical students, nurses, RMOs or registrars.

As a result of being a firefighter and EMT, and being center stage for the multiple sirens on the vehicles, I am completely deaf in my R ear. As a Nurse, this has posed a problem for me b/c I don’t always have digital equipment as we do on the rigs, so traditional stethoscopes have been a problem.

I bit the bullet and invested in the digital stethoscope, and it’s been 100% worth every single penny. I work in Correctional Nursing, and it’s ALWAYS loud, people are always yelling, and that makes it even more difficult to hear a heartbeat, particularly in a crisis.

The amplification from this stethoscope, even at the lowest volume setting, gives me reliable and accurate readings for BP, HR, and even heart and lung sounds – things that I’ve definitely been missing when using a standard stethoscope.

My only regret is, seriously, that I did not purchase this sooner. Now I have to hide my stethoscope from co-workers because everyone is blown away by how amazing it is.

You can hear heart and lung sounds so clearly. I am a cardiology fellow and did not have difficulty hearing murmurs but got this because my attendings had it and I am so impressed. Sounds are so much easier to hear now and I can hear obese patients well too.

Highly recommend. I will say, I don’t see value of the app for someone of my skill level because all it does is tell you if a patient has a murmur which we can already tell. As I explore more, maybe I’ll find it useful.

Regardless, the stethoscope is itself worth it. Can’t go back to regular ones.

Summary: Overall I prefer it to my Littmann Classic III. It has thicker tubing which dampens ambient noise and is allows me to osculate much better—doesn’t help that my former stethoscope is basically been destroyed within my pocket and doesn’t align to my ears as it should.

Disclaimer: All uses are pre-hospital care on scene or in an ambulance. Likes: Thicker tubing. Weight is tolerable. Bells work well and allow for clear sound. Ear tips comfortable and block ambient noise well.

Helps amplify lung sounds. Dislikes: Amplification carries way too much digital noise—I’ve had a hard time getting a BP with amplification and was able to do it manual. With the app set to cardio or wide, haven’t enjoyed the cardio auscultation as much as I’d expect.

I previously only had the Littman Classic stethoscope that I purchased my first year of nursing school. 6 years and a masters degree later, I decided I needed an upgrade. I purchased the master cardiology with brass accents and cannot believe how beautiful it is! I can assess a patients cardiac and respiratory function far better than with my old littman.

I also like that it is only a pressure adjustment to switch between high and low pitched tones, which avoids pulling the stethoscope away from the patient to “twist” the stethoscope back and forth from diaphragm to bell.

There are Various Models of This and Other Products. It Is Above Entry Level , of Quality, believe its AMERICAN MADE. It Serves its Intended Purpose as an Indicator of Ones Health. This IS Overall a Good Value for Budget and The Level of Practice Achieved.

Would Recommend as a Starter For Clinicals as You Could Upgrade when Convenient and Use as a Spare or in an Environment Where It May Grow Feet. Not ALL Stethoscopes Are Created Equal and You Get What You Pay For.

First off, Ive used every non electronic scope they make. Every one worked for ER & EMS, the 3s were better for CCU/ICU/OHRR. I know what works and the Classic 2 doesnt. Bad as the throwaways used for isolation Pts.

Not acceptable for routine BPs, much less breath or heart sounds. No high/low frequencies with the pressure sensitive bell. Oh, and the ear piece fell off!? Tubing feels like vinyl, the metal headset looks cheap, perhaps one reason sounds are not transmitted well.

The bell is HEAVY man, weighs my neck down & wants to slide off. Thats OK if it had great acoustics, which it doesnt. Seems Littmann is capitalizing on decades of quality medical equipment to make a fast buck at Pts and caregivers expense.

Meantime I borrowed an MDF neonate scope and was impressed by the quality. I ordered a replacement to my new but useless scope from them. Its not the money either, I can afford anything I want, just dont like being ripped off.

I finally had to replace this exact model of this stethoscope after 20 years. Yes that’s right, 20 years almost to the date. Still the same classic design and quality. I have always loved the simple use of this stethoscope, high frequency press firmer low frequency just place on skin as you normally would.

The difference between the one I had from 20 years ago is the tubing. This newer one has softer, slightly more flexible tubing and is slightly thicker in diameter. My old one’s tubing has higher sheen than the new one also.

if you were to see my old one side by side with this newer one you may think my old one is the newer one. Not to say the newer one looks cheaper. I just have taken great care of my old one despite the wear and tear.

I have been a beside healthcare professional for 24 years full time. Anyone familiar with this setting knows the wear in tear a stethoscope can receive, IE. hitting doorways, side rails, IV machines, poles and etc.

My old one was even retrieved from the bottom of an elevator shaft after dropping in from the 7th floor without a scratch! I have confident this one will last too. I would and have recommended this stethoscope for many years.

Very Unhappy with Med Shop! it’s been two months and still have not received my stethoscope! Tried to contact medshop but with no luck! they just won’t respond to my requests! terrible communications! they’ve taken my money but not produced the goods! ver y disappointed! will not shop with them again!.

Littman stethoscopes are all I know. So, of course when my original partner’s tube got cracked along the curve it developed from being draped around my neck, I turned to Littman for a replacement. I bought a Classic III olive green number with a ‘smoke’ finish to the chest piece.

It’s very handsome, though a little darker (and thus, not quite ‘olive’) than rendered on the screen. And the audio quality is no less than I have come to expect. My problem is how it feels on my skin.

I’m accustomed to carrying my stethoscope draped over my neck while I’m at work, and this is really the most convenient way. My stethoscope sticks to the back of my neck and chafes it uncomfortably. When I feel the tube with my fingers, it has a sticky feel as though the paint were beginning to melt, and already, there is a small patch where it seems to have lost its colour.

Consequently, I’m not quite as pleased with my new partner as I ought to be. 3. 5/5.

Get this stethoscope and you will not be disappointed. For the price that these go for they are definitely worth the money. I have a Classic II SE and it has been great. I would recommend that stethoscope too if you have a little less money.

But this Littmann Classic III is the new gold standard stethoscope for the price. I can personally hear heart sounds much louder and more clear than the II SE. This III comes with thicker tubing. You can see and feel the difference.

Littmann always makes a great product. If anybody is wondering, a cheaper stethoscope by Littmann is the Littmann Lightweight Stethoscope. They are around 45 to 55 dollars, but they are just that, “lightweight”.

Some of my RN coworkers have these Lightweights at work and they get the job done but are not ideal. The positive side to the Lightweights are that the shape of the bell is designed so that it can easily fit under blood pressure cuffs when having to take blood pressures manually.

If you are nursing student that has low funds I would recommend the light weight only because of its ease of use with fitting under snug BP cuffs. Otherwise spring for at least the Classic II SE, because it is much better quality.

However, the price difference between a II SE and III is maybe 20 to 30 dollars depending on where you buy. Pick what works for you. Get the III if you can afford it and it will do more than you need.

No use spending more money that the III unless you are a doctor or use it all the time for more than just basic use. I hope this helps somebody make a choice. Most reviews just say “Get This it is Great!” and that is not usually much help.

Good Luck!!.

I had a Littmann Classic II for the first 2 and a half years of medschool. I had no problem with it because during the first 2 years you barely if ever need to use it, however, once I started clinical I started noticing how sometime I would have trouble picking up heart and lung sounds on it.

I missed more lung sounds than heart sounds to be honest, maybe it’s me. The Classic 3 brings newer wider tubing which helps you listen a lot better. I do believe the brand is a little overpriced, if you can pick one up for around $70 like I did, it’s a steal.

There’s also a great variety of other stethoscopes that aren’t Littmann brand and are very good and cheaper, its just Littmann is like Apple in the Stethoscope world.

The Littmann Cardo iii is a great, high quality scope! I was never a believer in spending $$$ for a scope; I’m a medic and have been using the cheapy $20 scopes for years. I used a nurses in the ER one day and it was night and day difference immediately.

I ordered one as soon as I got back to the station. It fits very snug in my ears and blocks out a lot of surrounding noise. This scope will make your ears lazy and I love it! I did have a hard time swallowing the price.

I’m not saying it’s not worth the price, but close to $200 seems a little excessive. I have not used any of Littmann’s cheaper scopes like the SE, Classic, etc, so I cannot comment if they’re as audible as the Cardio iii, but I’m sure they’re of high quality regardless.

Several nurses engraved their scopes to personalize them and hopefully keep the honest from thievery; I attached my dog tags to the triangular region using a key ring for my personalization. The turquoise/smoke color is very bright, but it is slightly on the feminine side compared to the other color selections.

However, that is the exact reason why I chose this color: the majority of personnel I work around are males, so maybe they’ll be less likely to snag it if they happen to see it laying off my person. This scope deserves 5 stars for it’s quality and functionality, but I just couldn’t give it that 5th star for the price.

Would I buy it again? Yes, I would!.

I’ve used this stethoscope on a daily basis for a couple of years. During my internship it was great for both adults and children. With this stethoscope there isn’t a need for a separate adult and childrens stethoscope you simply switch sides.

The double lumen tube reduces much of the ambient disturbances I’ve found. It was a great choice when having a office to myself. However, working in a hospital with limited space in my scrubs I find that the Master Classic II is a better fit, the audio performance isn’t as great but the more flexible tube fits better in the scrub pocket.

Although the audio performance is inferior to the Cardiology III it’s good enough for assessing patients in the hospital wards on rounds.

First time Littmann owner and it’s been such a blessing. My other stethoscope by Hopkins was okay, but sometimes it was a little hard to hear certain things. I struggled at times to get blood pressures without make the patient present a bare arm.

With this Littmann, I was able to hear a newborn’s slight murmur it was very impressive. I purchased it on Amazon on sale for like $82. It was definitely a great, much needed purchase.

As an asthmatic involved in a house renovation project, I need really good filtration of brick dust and wood particles. This mask really delivers and is very easy to attach to the face mask. They are not cheap but represent excellent value due to their excellent performance.

I have this stethoscope, old the time used in my work it’s good and resistent everything activity. Have different colors , I think 🤔 its very pricey but this instrument have importance’s. I satisfied , I recomend.

This is my first stethoscope and I’ve been using it for nursing school for about 9 months now. It is a great quality stethoscope and it comes in a great variety of colors. My only complaint is that I wish it were a bit louder.

But I would definitely recommend this stethoscope!.