Quick Overview
- Choose based on use: For general use or school, the Classic III is a solid choice. For critical care, go with Cardiology IV or Master Cardiology. For infants or pediatrics, pick the Classic II Pediatric/Infant. For diagnostics with advanced features, consider the CORE Digital or Electronic models.
- Single-sided vs. dual-sided chestpieces: The single-sided (e.g., Master Cardiology) is best for simplicity and acoustic focus. The dual-sided (e.g., Classic III, Cardiology IV) is best for versatility in assessing both adults and children.
How to choose a stethoscope
You can use our online “Find your stethoscope” guide or you can continue reading below
Buying you a new Littmann stethoscope may be intimidating, but here are a few tips and tricks to find your perfect stethoscope. Build it step by step! Choose engraving, case, charms, and make it perfect for you!
Littmann Classic III: Ideal for students and medical professionals for monitoring and assessing children and adults in non-critical environments.
Littmann Master Cardiology: Provides the best acoustic response in trhe Littmann mechanical stethoscope line.
Littmann Cardiology IV: Designed to help you hear subtle changes in patient status in critical care, challenging, and dynamic environments.
Littmann Electronic: Combines Ambient Noise Reduction technology and frictional noise dampening features with amplification, and Bluetooth technology for the next level of performance. Used as a diagnostic aid as part of the physical assessment of a patient.
Littmann Master Classic II: Ideal for medical professionals to detect, listen to, and study heart, lung, and other body sounds for physical assessment and diagnosis.
Littmann Classic II Pediatric: Specially designed for use on smaller patients for physical assessment, monitoring, and diagnosis.
Littmann Classic II Infant: Dependable, hard-working clinical tool for physical assessment, monitoring, and diagnosis of the smallest patients.
Littmann Lightweight: Ideal for taking blood pressure and making limited patient assessments.
Littmann CORE Digital: Our most advanced stethoscope yet, with up to40x amplification (at peak frequency, vs. analog mode), active noise cancellation and in-app sound wave visualization.
1. Don’t go overboard.
If you are in school or training, ask your instructors for recommendations.
What will you primarily use the stethoscope for?
Some of our Stethoscope suggestions:
Nursing student. What kind of stethoscope do you prefer?
- Blood pressure: Lightweight II S.E. | Classic III | Master Classic II
- Monitoring and assessing:
Single-sided: Master Classic II | Master Cardiology
Dual-sided: Classic III | Cardiology IV
No preference: Classic III | Cardiology IV - Diagnosing:
Single-sided: Cardiology IV | CORE Digital
Dual-sided: Cardiology IV | CORE Digital
No preference: Cardiology IV | CORE Digital
Medical, PA or NP Student. What kind of stethoscope do you prefer?
- Blood pressure: Master Cardiology | Cardiology IV
- Monitoring and assessing:
Single-sided: Master Cardiology | Electronic
Dual-sided: Cardiology IV | CORE Digital
No preference: Master Cardiology | Cardiology IV | Electronic | CORE Digital - Diagnosing:
Single-sided: Master Cardiology | Electronic
Dual-sided: Cardiology IV | Electronic | CORE Digital
No preference: Master Cardiology | Electronic | Cardiology IV | CORE Digital
Pediatric or infant unit. What kind of stethoscope do you prefer?
- Blood pressure: Classic III | Cardiology IV | Infant | Pediatric
- Monitoring and assessing: Classic III | Cardiology IV | Infant | Pediatric
- Diagnosing: Cardiology IV | CORE Digital | Infant | Pediatric
Non-critical care. What kind of stethoscope do you prefer?
- Blood pressure:
Single-sided: Lightweight II S.E. | Master Classic II
Dual-sided: Classic III
No preference: Lightweight II S.E. | Classic III - Monitoring and assessing:
Single-sided: Master Classic II | Master Cardiology
Dual-sided: Classic III | Cardiology IV | CORE Digital
No preference: Classic III | Cardiology IV | CORE Digital - Diagnosing:
Single-sided: Master Cardiology | Electronic
Dual-sided: Master Cardiology | CORE Digital
No preference: Master Cardiology | Electronic | CORE Digital | Cardiology IV
Critical care. What kind of stethoscope do you prefer?
- Blood pressure: Cardiology IV
- Monitoring and assessing:
Single-sided: Master Cardiology | Electronic
Dual-sided: Cardiology IV | CORE Digital
No preference: Master Cardiology | Electronic | CORE Digital | Cardiology IV - Diagnosing:
Single-sided: Master Cardiology | Electronic
Dual-sided: Cardiology IV | CORE Digital
No preference: Master Cardiology | Electronic | CORE Digital | Cardiology IV
Veterinary care. What kind of stethoscope do you prefer?
Classic III | Master Classic II | Cardiology IV
2. Choose a color that will stand out.
The most common colors of stethoscopes are black and blue, which means your stethoscope will look like 65 percent of your coworkers’ if you choose these colors. In addition to picking a stand-out color, consider laser engraving it with your name. Stethoscope.eu offers in house laser engraving. Ships same day!
3. Consider your retailer carefully.
Group orders. We offer huge discounts to our customers who are interested in ordering as a group. Vat exempt purchases. Do you own a company within the EU? You can buy our products without paying VAT.
4. Don’t forget the carrying case!
Stethoscope carrying cases are practical — they keep your device clean and protected — and they’re another opportunity to show off your personality. Accessories & parts. Cases, charms and replacement parts for your stethoscope.
Whether you’re just starting your healthcare career or you’re a seasoned HCP, buying a stethoscope can be stressful. Knowing the basics, outlined here, and Buying with confidence by purchasing from Stethoscope.eu which is a 3M Littmann Authorized Dealer will ensure that you don’t have to go through this process all over again for quite some time.