Inogen G3 vs G5 Comparison (2023)

Having trouble telling which is better between Inogen G3 vs G5? This post will give you a comprehensive comparison so you can decide.

Read through this article to get to know about these two portable oxygen concentrators from Inogen and how they differ from each other.

What Is the Difference Between Inogen G3 and G5?

The main difference between them is their pulse dose flow setting and battery life. While Inogen G3 has flow settings of 1 to 5, G5 has 1 to 6.

Moreover, Inogen One G5 has a longer battery life of 6.5 hours to 13 hours compared to G3, with 4 hours to 8 hours battery life. If you have an active and busy life, getting a portable oxygen concentrator that does not need frequent charging will be a good start.

Other than the flow settings and battery life, Inogen One G3 and G5 also differ in different features. In the preceding section of this article, we will discuss and compare the features of these two portable oxygen concentrators.

Inogen G3 vs G5: Side-by-Side Comparison

To give you a more transparent look at the differences between Inogen’s G3 and G5, we summarized their features side-by-side in the table below. It will be a good chance to start weighing your options effectively.

Aside from the features stated in the table above, there is more to Inogen One G3 and G5 that you have to learn. Continue reading and spot the side-by-side review of the two products in the preceding sections.

Inogen One G3 Review

Inogen One G3 is a portable oxygen concentrator released by Inogen in 2012. Despite the age, it is very competitive with the other units nowadays which you will appreciate through its reliable features.

Pros

• It offers a pulse flow setting of 1 to 5
• It can deliver oxygen of up to 1050 mL/min
• It has audible alerts to notify whenever the device cannot detect the patient’s breathing
• It has an ultra-quiet performance

Cons

• It only includes a standard filter
• It does not offer a continuous flow setting

Read our comprehensive review of the Inogen One G3 here.

Inogen One G5 Review

Inogen One G5 is the latest model of portable oxygen concentrator of Inogen. It has improved features following the outstanding performance of the previous ones, G3 and G4.

Pros

• It supports six pulse flow settings.
• It has a long battery life.
• It has an ultra-quiet performance.
• It can deliver oxygen of up to 1260 mL/min.

Cons

• It does not offer a continuous flow setting

Read our comprehensive review of the Inogen One G5 here.

Inogen G3 vs G5: Side-by-Side Features Comparison

In the earlier section, you were introduced to some of the features of the portable oxygen concentrators Inogen One G3 and G5. Here, we will give you a deeper comparison of the two products, which will help you more with your purchasing decision.

Design

Both the Inogen One G3 and G5 have a compact design that enables portability. These products have got to be two of the most convenient portable oxygen concentrators on the market.

Size and Weight

The size and weight are two of the factors patients consider when it comes to choosing a portable oxygen concentrator. The difference in the size and weight of the Inogen One G3 and G5 is barely noticeable.

The Inogen One G3 weighs a little heavier at 4.9 pounds compared to G5 at 4.7 pounds. The difference is hardly noticed unless they are carried for an extended period.

However, it is notable that they both weigh less than 5 pounds which is about the weight of common household objects we use on a daily basis.

When it comes to their size, the difference in the dimensions of Inogen One G3 and G5 is almost negligible, depending on your preference. Most of the time, it will depend on the storage available and where you will be using it.

Portability

With an average of 8 inches in height and width, Inogen One G3 and G5 are highly portable. You can also attach a padded shoulder strap to the device to make them even easier to carry wherever you need to.

LCD Screen

The Inogen One G3 and G5 both have easy-to-read LCDs that allow usability even for those experiencing problems in eyesight like the elderly.

Controls

The controls of Inogen One G3 and G5 are intuitive and can easily be managed by patients themselves.

Alarms

Both units of portable oxygen concentrators have audible alarms. They set off when the device cannot detect the patient's breath rate and when there is any problem with the system, including a low battery.

Sound Level

Many patients are concerned with the sound that portable oxygen concentrators make for fear of disturbing people. Fortunately, Inogen One G3 and G5 are designed to work quietly.

The Inogen One G3 is only a decibel louder than G5 at only 39 decibels. It is almost as loud as a whisper and is hardly noticeable even in quiet places. Although these devices create a humming sound, it is not the type that can cause a distraction to the surroundings.

Battery

Both Inogen One G3 and G5 have single and double battery options.

Battery Life

With a single battery, the Inogen One G3 can last for up to 4 hours and up to 8 hours using the double battery in flow setting 2. On the other hand, the Inogen One G5 can last for up to 6.5 hours on a single battery and up to 13 hours using a double battery when set on the pulse dose setting 2.

Charging Time

The Inogen One G5 has a shorter charging time compared to G3. You can fully charge G5 in just 3 hours, while G3 needs up to 4 hours to fully charge. You can charge the battery in your car using a DC power cord.

Power Sources

Both Inogen One G3 and G5 have AC and DC power supplies. AC power for both devices is at 100 to 240 V, 50-60 Hz, which is available for worldwide use through auto-sensing.

Flow Type

Inogen One G3 and G5 do not belong to the continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators group. These two devices only support pulse dose flow settings, with G3 having five settings and G5 with six settings.

Sieve Beds

The sieve beds of Inogen One G3 and G5 need replacement every 12 to 18 months. One good thing about these devices is they don't need to be taken to service centers, as their sieve beds are easily removed and replaced.

Oxygen Concentration

Both Inogen One G3 and G5 offer a high amount of oxygen purity. G3 has an oxygen output of 90 to 95%, while G5 has a little higher concentration ranging from 90 to 96%. 

Capacity

Inogen One G3 has a maximum oxygen output capacity of up to 1050 mL/min, while the Inogen One G5 can produce up to 1269 mL/min of oxygen. These rates are quite high considering the devices' sizes, weights, and prices.

Filters

Inogen One G3 and G5 have particle filters that filter out contaminants like dust, pet hair, and other airborne particles. They are removable and need washing weekly.

Available Accessories

When you purchase Inogen One G3, you will be getting:

• single battery (double battery optional)
• user manual
• AC power supply
• DC power supply
• carry bag

A basic package of Inogen One G5 includes:

• 8-cell battery (16-cell upgrade optional)
• G5 custom carry case
• AC power supply
• DC power supply (for car charging)
• User manual
• 3-year warranty
• Lifetime technical support
• G5 external battery charger (optional)
• Inogen One G5 backpack (optional)

FAA-Approval

Inogen One G3 and G5 have been approved by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) for in-flight use. However, it is still better to contact the airline prior to boarding to determine any additional requirements or regulations.

International Approvals

Portable oxygen concentrators by Inogen were widely used internationally by oxygen patients.

Altitude

Inogen One G3 and G5 can function in altitudes of up to 10,000 feet. You won't have to worry about your supplemental oxygen, even in elevated areas.

Warranty

Inogen One G3 is a portable unit that comes with a two-year warranty. On the other hand, Inogen One G5 has a three-year warranty and a lifetime of technical support.

Manufacturer Country

Inogen portable oxygen concentrators are all manufactured in the USA.

Price 

Typically, Inogen One G3 and G5’s price ranges from $3000 to $4000.

Available Inogen One G3 and G5 Discount

If you decide to purchase Inogen One G3 or Inogen One G5 from our link, you can avail up to a 25% discount. Get your very own portable oxygen concentrator for only $2995. 

Who Should Buy the Inogen One G3?

Despite being released in 2012, the Inogen One G3 has definitely stood the time and remains one of the best models on the market. If you are an oxygen patient who wants a POC that is reliable, lightweight, and has a good battery life, G3 is a good fit for you. 

Additionally, if you only need pulse flow settings of up to 5, G3 is the best portable oxygen concentrator to replace your oxygen machine. It can support you on your oxygen therapy without paying for additional features you don't need. 

Although there are a lot of upgraded portable oxygen concentrators on the market nowadays, we assure you that getting an Inogen One G3 won’t be a waste of money. Also, you can spot a lot of refurbished units as a lot of patients decided to upgrade to G5 or other POCs like Sequal Eclipse 5 portable oxygen concentrator, which is equipped with Autosat technology.

Who Should Buy the Inogen One G5?

If you are a patient who wants the best of the best, Inogen One G5 is the perfect portable oxygen concentrator for you. It has an unmatched battery life, powerful pulse dose flow setting, and oxygen output capacity. 

For oxygen patients prescribed with a pulse flow setting of 6, G5 can support you. This unit is one of the few portable oxygen concentrators that support a flow rating of 6 without the need of putting up on bulkier and less portable units.

Additionally, it has additional features that Inogen One G3 doesn’t have. It is equipped with Inogen Connect, a built-in technology that allows remote monitoring of the device's battery life, status, and flow setting.

If you have the budget, getting yourself an Inogen One G5 will definitely be worth it. However, if you are short of cash, you can also opt to buy refurbished units that work as fine as the brand-new ones.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Portable Oxygen Concentrator 

When choosing the best portable oxygen concentrator for you, the first thing you consider is its compatibility with your oxygen requirements. However, aside from that, here are the top considerations you must take note of:

• Your lifestyle
• Type of portable O2 concentrator
• Brand
• Medical or non-medical grade
• Physician’s Advice
• Battery life
• Oxygen concentration
• Capacity
• Size
• Weight
• Noise level
• FAA-approved
• Warranty
• Available support

With those given, you might as well take your time to read this in-depth guide on selecting a portable oxygen concentrator for more information. It will help you weigh your options more effectively, especially after reading this Inogen G3 vs G5 comparison.

Which Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrator is Best For You?

Now that we were able to have a comprehensive comparison of Inogen G3 vs Inogen G5, we hope you can decide which one suits you better. Please take note of their significant differences, including their battery life, flow setting, and oxygen output capacity.

On the other hand, if you think you can benefit from Inogen G3 or G5 or other POCs, browse our site for more portable oxygen concentrators.