The 5+1 Best stethoscopes for medical students! [2025 Guide] - Advanced Healthcare Blog (2025)

Stethoscopes are crucial tools that allow healthcare professionals to listen to their patients’ internal body sounds (heartbeats, blood flow, bowel or lung sounds, etc.).

And there is no better place to learn the value of this medical instrument than university and medical school. So if you are currently studying, you are probably wondering:

Which is the best stethoscope for medical students?

Let’s see a quick overview:

• 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope 5620
• 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope 5803
• 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope 5809
• 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope 5622
• 3M Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope 6163
• 3M Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope 6179

The 6 best stethoscopes for medical students

In case you don’t know, Littmann is one of the best stethoscope brands both for medical students and every medical specialty.

So keep reading to discover the top 6 3M Littmann stethoscopes that combine sound quality, comfort, and durability to help you throughout your studies and clinical rotations!

1. 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope 5620 Black

The black 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope 5620 is a popular choice among medical students due to its advanced acoustic performance and classic design.

It provides high-quality monitoring for adults and pediatric patients and features tunable technology allowing high and low-frequency sounds to be captured effectively.

With an adjustable headpiece for greater user comfort and an open bell which prevents dirt and debris (reducing the risk of infection), this classic stethoscope is the go-to choice for every med student.

Key features:

• Non-chill bell sleeve for greater patient comfort
• Tubing with improved resistance to skin oils and alcohol
• Capability of detection of normal and abnormal sounds and rhythms
• Stainless steel chest piece
• No natural rubber latex
• 5-year warranty
• Name engraving

Are you at the beginning of your medical school studies? Take a look at our helpful guide on how to use a stethoscope!

2. 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope 5803 Black

The 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope 5803 (Black Edition) has increased acoustic sensitivity due to its dual diaphragm design and it’s suitable for both adult and pediatric patients.

This stethoscope is known for its superior sound quality, lightweight build, and durable construction.

It also features tunable technology and next-generation tubing which gives an even longer tubing life (greater resistance to skin oils).

Its modern, sleek black finish gives it a stylish and professional look, while the name engraving offers a great personalisation opportunity.

This stethoscope is particularly useful for medical students due to its comfort, versatility, and outstanding performance. Thus, it ensures clear auscultation during clinical rounds.

Key features:

• Abnormal sounds and rhythms detecting capability
• Non-chill bell sleeve for greater patient comfort
• Tunable, dual-sided stainless steel chest piece with open or closed bell
• Latex-free
• 5-year warranty

Read also: Digital Vs Traditional Stethoscope: Detailed Comparison.

3. 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope 5809 Chocolate / Copper Finish

If you are not into classic black, we’ve got you covered: Go for 3M Littmann Classic III stethoscope 5809 with a chocolate/copper finish and draw your fellow students’ attention!

This stethoscope is not only a functional tool but also a stylish addition to any medical student’s kit.

With high-quality acoustics and a double diaphragm, it can easily be used on both adults and pediatric patients.

It can detect abnormal sounds and rhythms making the learning process easier and is highly durable as it has a stainless steel chestpiece (with an open or closed bell).

Its rich, elegant chocolate and copper colour makes it stand out from other “boring” stethoscopes.

And if you want to make it even less boring, check out our stunning stethoscope charms and show off your style!

Key features:

• Next-generation tubing with improved resistance to skin oils
• Easy to attach single-piece diaphragm
• Open bell design (stays free from dirt and debris when covered with the small diaphragm)
• Name engraving
• Latex-free
• 5-year warranty

4. 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope 5622 Navy Blue

The 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope 5622 Navy Blue is a top contender for medical students seeking superior sound clarity and comfort.

Its improved tubing ensures a longer lifespan and its single-piece diaphragm is easy to attach and clean (by the way, find here how to clean your stethoscope) as the surface is smooth without crevices.

It also features dual-frequency diaphragms that help detect a wide range of frequencies in different patient types and it’s designed for use with adult and pediatric patients.

The navy blue colour adds a professional and timeless look to your medical gear, while the lightweight design makes it easy to wear throughout clinical rotations.

With top sound quality and durability, this stethoscope is ideal for medical students who want both performance and style.

Key features:

• Non-chill bell sleeve for greater patient comfort
• Dual-sided stainless steel chestpiece with open or closed bell
• Pediatric side useful for small or thin patients, around bandages and for carotid assessment
• Latex-free
• 5-year warranty

5. 3M Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope 6163 Black / Black Finish

The 3M Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope 6163 is an excellent choice for medical students who need exceptional acoustic performance combined with great versatility.

Its advanced design offers great sound clarity for both heart and lung auscultation, even in challenging clinical environments.

It helps you listen to hard-to-hear sounds (aortic stenosis, faint pulmonary anomalies, etc.) and features better audibility of high-frequency sounds, allowing you to get a better picture of the patient’s condition.

It has a dual-lumen tubing that combines two sound paths in a single tube, preventing the rubbing noise typically found in conventional double tubes.

Key features:

• Dual-head design with tunable diaphragms for optimal sound detection
• Superior acoustic sensitivity for precise heart and lung auscultation
• Lightweight and durable construction for long-term use
• Soft-sealing ear tips for excellent sound isolation and comfort
• Latex-free
• Non-chill bell sleeve for enhanced patient comfort during exams
• 7-year warranty that will get you through your studies and beyond

6. 3M Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope 6179 Black / Champagne Finish

Do you need something to make a difference? The 3M Littmann Cardiology IV stethoscope 6179 with a champagne finish is the ideal diagnostic tool for you!

It provides excellent sound quality, making it ideal for detecting subtle heart or lung sounds and for your proper university training.

The tunable diaphragm on both sides allows for versatile use with both adult and pediatric patients, while the pediatric side can convert to an open bell. The open bell design also reduces the risk of infections, as it stays clear of dirt and debris.

Its durable and lightweight construction makes it comfortable to wear throughout long shifts, while its champagne finish gives it a tone of luxury and professionalism.

Key features:

• Superior acoustic performance for clear heart and lung sound detection
• Champagne finish chest piece and black tubing for a sleek, professional look
• Soft-sealing ear tips for excellent sound isolation and comfort
• Latex-free for safety and convenience
• 7-year warranty for reliability and peace of mind throughout your medical studies

You can also read: Discover the 5 Best Stethoscopes for Nurses: A Complete Guide for 2024

The best stethoscope for medical students — FAQs

1. Do first-year medical students need a stethoscope?

Yes, first-year medical students need to have a stethoscope for their hands-on training and clinical observations. If you have a friend who is about to start (or just started) med school, discover the top 10 gifts for medical students here!

2. What makes a good stethoscope?

A good stethoscope should provide exceptional sound quality, be accurate, durable, comfortable to wear for long periods, versatile, and easy to clean.

3. Why is the Littmann stethoscope the best?

Littmann stethoscopes provide significantly louder and clearer sounds compared to other stethoscope brands. The difference in sound quality can be vital in detecting important details in a patient’s medical condition.

The best stethoscope for med students — Conclusion

Choosing the best stethoscope for medical students is an important decision that greatly influences your learning experience at university. And we hope today’s article made it easier for you to choose.

Check out our wide range of high-quality stethoscopes for med students and get ready to excel in your studies!