Top Stethoscope Brands: Hear the Difference

When it comes to selecting a high-quality stethoscope, several brands consistently stand out for their superior performance and durability. Littmann is often regarded as the leader in the industry, known for its precise acoustic quality and innovative designs, making it a preferred choice among healthcare professionals worldwide. Another respected name is ADC, which offers reliability and great value with their range of user-friendly and accurate stethoscopes. For those seeking top-tier performance, Welch Allyn provides sophisticated and ergonomically designed options that cater to the needs of seasoned clinicians. For more details on these and other top stethoscope brands, have a look at the comprehensive guide below.

Illustration of stethoscope

Best brands of stethoscope in 2025

3M Littmann

The 3M Littmann brand is renowned for its high-quality stethoscopes, capturing 70% of overall sales in recent years and enjoying strong customer loyalty, with 90% of customers choosing Littmann for subsequent purchases. Known for superior acoustical quality, Littmann stethoscopes, such as the MASTER CARDIOLOGY and CARDIOLOGY III, are favored by medical professionals, with over 96% of U.S. medical professionals familiar with the brand. Introduced in 1997, the CARDIOLOGY III stethoscope is adaptable for both pediatric and adult patients. Littmann stethoscopes are backed by multi-year warranties and a lifetime service center for repair and refurbishment. The brand's innovative products, including the CORE Digital Stethoscope with active noise cancellation, further enhance its market standing.

MDF Instruments

MDF Instruments is a leading producer of high-quality stethoscopes, known for their innovative designs and superior sound quality. The company's products are widely used in healthcare institutions, with a significant market presence, particularly in North America, which held a 32.64% market share in 2023. MDF Instruments' stethoscopes are favored for their durability and accuracy, contributing to the overall growth of the stethoscope market, projected to reach $1150.7 million by 2033 with a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2033. The company's commitment to technological advancements, such as the integration of digital features, aligns with the industry trend towards smart stethoscopes, which are expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% between 2023 and 2030. MDF Instruments' products are part of the broader market segment dominated by hospitals, which held a 40.92% revenue share in 2023.

ADC

American Diagnostic Corporation (ADC) is a premier manufacturer of diagnostic medical products, including stethoscopes, with a strong presence in the global market. Founded in 1984, ADC has established itself as the largest privately held branded and private-label supplier of stethoscopes and blood pressure instruments in the United States. Their products are used by thousands of healthcare institutions and millions of healthcare professionals worldwide, sold in over 60 countries across six continents. ADC's Adscope line, launched in 1994, is particularly notable for its premium quality, and the company has continued to innovate with products like the Adscope 606, the world's first ultra-lightweight cardiology stethoscope introduced in 2012. ADC's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a key player in the stethoscope market.

Welch Allyn

Welch Allyn is a renowned brand in the stethoscope market, known for its high-quality products that accentuate important cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular sounds. As part of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., Welch Allyn stethoscopes are favored for their precision and reliability. In 2021, traditional acoustic stethoscopes, a segment where Welch Allyn is strong, dominated the market with a revenue share of 74.45%. The company is among the key players in the global stethoscope market, which is expected to grow significantly, with the global market valued at around $431 million in 2022 and projected to reach $504 million by 2026. Welch Allyn's products are widely used by healthcare professionals, contributing to the market's growth at a CAGR of 4% from 2022 to 2026. For more information, visit their Welch Allyn stethoscopes page.

Omron

Omron is a leading brand in the stethoscope market, known for its high-quality and innovative products. In 2023, the global stethoscope market, which includes Omron's offerings, was valued at USD 634.93 million and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.96% from 2024 to 2030. Omron's stethoscopes, such as the Sprague-Rappaport model, are popular for their good sound reproduction and durable construction, featuring 22" latex tubing and a 5-way convertible rotating chestpiece. The market dominance of traditional acoustic stethoscopes, which Omron also produces, was evident in 2022 with a market share of 74.35%. North America, where Omron has a significant presence, held a 32.64% market share in 2023 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

Prestige Medical

Prestige Medical is renowned as one of the best producers of stethoscopes, particularly with their widely used Model S122, which features adult and pediatric diaphragm assemblies and extra thick-walled PVC tubing for optimal sound transference. This model is highly regarded in the healthcare industry for its durability and performance. The Prestige Medical Stethoscope 5 in 1 comes with a full accessory pouch, including eartips, diaphragms, and bells, and is backed by a lifetime warranty with free replacement parts. The global stethoscope market, driven by increasing chronic diseases and an aging population, is expected to grow significantly, with North America holding a substantial market share of around 32.85% in 2022. Prestige Medical's products align with the market's growth trends, contributing to the overall expansion of the stethoscope industry. For more details, you can view the Prestige Medical Stethoscope 5 in 1 online.

FriCARE

FriCARE is renowned as one of the best producers of high-quality, lightweight stethoscopes that reduce weight by 40% compared to stainless steel alternatives, weighing only 100g. Their dual-head stethoscopes feature a tunable diaphragm for better audibility of high and low frequency sounds, and they are designed with comfortable, latex-free materials and a matte finish to resist stains and oil. These stethoscopes are ideal for medical students, nurses, and doctors, providing great acoustic performance and a risk-free 2-year basic service guarantee plus a lifetime warranty. The brand's focus on durability and comfort makes their products a top choice in the medical field. With positive testimonials from medical professionals, FriCARE stethoscopes are highly recommended for their performance and value.

Ultrascope

Ultrascope is a renowned brand in the stethoscope market, known for its high-quality and innovative products. The global stethoscope market, which includes brands like Ultrascope, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2023 to 2033, reaching a market size of USD 1056.0 million by 2033. Ultrascope's products, such as smart stethoscopes, are part of a segment expected to grow significantly, with the smart stethoscope market alone anticipated to reach USD 93.45 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.80%. The brand's focus on advanced technology, such as wireless and digital stethoscopes, aligns with the increasing demand for technologically advanced medical devices. North America, a key market for stethoscopes, is expected to continue its dominance, with a significant revenue share driven by the prevalence of chronic diseases and well-developed healthcare infrastructure.

DRGK

DRGK is renowned as one of the top producers of stethoscopes, known for its high-quality and innovative medical devices. The global stethoscope market, which includes brands like DRGK, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.96% from 2024 to 2030, driven by increasing adoption in diagnosing chronic conditions and rising prevalence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. North America, a key market for DRGK and other stethoscope manufacturers, held a 32.64% revenue share in 2023 and is expected to grow significantly due to well-developed healthcare infrastructure and a surge in chronic diseases. Hospitals and clinics, major consumers of stethoscopes, are anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, highlighting the crucial role of stethoscopes in medical care. With advancements in technology, such as digital stethoscopes, DRGK continues to meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals.

Eko

Eko Health is a pioneering brand in the medical device industry, particularly renowned for its innovative AI-powered stethoscopes. The company has recently raised $41 million to expand its commercial reach globally, following an FDA clearance for its AI program to detect low cardiac ejection fraction, a key indicator of heart failure. Eko's smart stethoscopes have shown a 94% sensitivity in detecting heart murmurs, significantly outperforming traditional stethoscopes with a 41% sensitivity. This technology has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies in 2022. With a lifetime total of $165 million in funding, Eko continues to advance heart and lung disease detection. For more information, visit Eko Health's official website.