VO2 and Metabolic Testing Equipment Compared
This page lists what each company says on its own public pages, checked on October 16, 2026. It is not a ranking or recommendation, and we have not tested or audited any product. Everything in the table is 'according to the company'; features and prices change often, so confirm on the company's site. These are gas-exchange analyzers typically bought by coaches, gyms, labs and clinics rather than consumers. Published validation studies compare individual devices with laboratory carts and find that validity depends on the device, protocol and exercise intensity. Maximal exercise testing can carry risk for some people; screening by a clinician may be appropriate. Measurement accuracy varies by device, protocol and user. Results are general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis; medical decisions need a licensed clinician.
According to each company's own public pages, checked on October 16, 2026. Alphabetical, not a ranking. Prices appear only where the company publishes them. Confirm everything on the company's site.
| Company / product | Who it's for | What it measures | Form factor | Price (as published) | Evidence rating (of the topic) | Company pages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cortex CPET systems | Coach, clinic or lab (equipment purchase) | Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (gas exchange); the company lists mobile and stationary systems and a combined C2in1 performance device | Portable, wireless systems and stationary lab systems with software; works with ergometers, treadmills and ECG systems from other makers | Not published on the pages we reviewed; contact the company | 3/5 Mixed Portable and laboratory VO2 / metabolic gas-analysis systems | |
| COSMED Quark CPET The company's products include diagnostic medical devices used in clinical settings; this entry describes only exercise and metabolic testing equipment. | Clinic, lab or sports-science facility (equipment purchase) | Gas exchange (VO2, VCO2) at rest or during exercise; the company also sells lung-function and body-composition systems that are not covered here | Quark CPET stationary metabolic cart with OMNIA software; the company's range includes other systems | Not published on the pages we reviewed; contact the company | 3/5 Mixed Portable and laboratory VO2 / metabolic gas-analysis systems | |
| PNOĒ The company also describes a broader practice platform with lab ordering and program tools; those services are not covered here. | Practitioner, clinic or gym (software and testing device) | The company says it measures 23 metrics from breath analysis in about 8 minutes, including VO2 max, resting metabolic rate, fat vs carbohydrate use and ventilatory thresholds | Breath-analysis device (PNOĒ 2.0) with practitioner software and a client app | Not published on the pages we reviewed; contact the company | 3/5 Mixed Portable and laboratory VO2 / metabolic gas-analysis systems | |
| VO2 Master | Coach, gym or researcher (equipment purchase) | Oxygen use (VO2), heart rate, resting metabolic rate and training-zone metrics through a portable mask and analyzer | Wearable portable analyzer with a phone app and cloud reports | The company's FAQ for business use says the equipment costs approximately $6,895 to $7,595 USD depending on the kit chosen; financing may be available | 3/5 Mixed Portable and laboratory VO2 / metabolic gas-analysis systems |
Not medical advice or a diagnosis. Measurement accuracy varies by device, protocol and user, and published validation studies cover only some products. Medical decisions need a licensed clinician. Evidence ratings describe research on the topic, not any company, and no company is scored. Looking for training equipment? See Training Equipment. Sponsored placement, if any, is labeled and does not change this information or any rating.
How to read the table
Some listed companies make medical devices used in clinical settings; we describe only the exercise and metabolic testing equipment. Prices are shown only where the company publishes them.
What the research says
One study found a portable analyzer agreed strongly with a stationary cart during cycling, another found a different portable analyzer acceptable in cycling, and a third found a portable system overestimated VO2 at moderate and vigorous intensity. We rate the category 3 of 5 for the published validation data; the rating applies to the category, not to any brand, and not every product here has been independently studied.
Practical considerations
Results from different analyzers may not be interchangeable, so repeat tests on the same device. Outputs such as training zones, 'biological age' or fat/carbohydrate use are estimates.
FAQ
Can a portable analyzer replace a laboratory cart?
Validation studies report mixed results that depend on the device and intensity. Check published studies for the specific model.
Should I see a clinician before a maximal test?
People with heart, lung or other health conditions, or symptoms, should ask a clinician about screening before maximal exercise testing.
Sources
- Tsekouras YE et al. Validity and Reliability of the New Portable Metabolic Analyzer PNOE. Front Sports Act Living 2019
- Montoye AHK et al. Validity and Reliability of the VO2 Master Pro for Oxygen Consumption and Ventilation Assessment. Int J Exerc Sci 2020
- Macfarlane DJ et al. Validity, reliability and stability of the portable Cortex Metamax 3B gas analysis system. Eur J Appl Physiol 2012
- Mandsager K et al. Association of Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Long-term Mortality Among Adults Undergoing Exercise Treadmill Testing. JAMA Netw Open 2018
- Kodama S et al. Cardiorespiratory fitness as a quantitative predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in healthy men and women: a meta-analysis. JAMA 2009
Links are provided for reference. Citing a study does not imply its authors endorse this site or any product.
Informational comparison, not a ranking or recommendation. Evidence ratings describe published research on each topic and are editorial opinions, not company grades. Descriptions are based on public information and not independently verified. Prices and features change; confirm on each provider's site. Some links may be affiliate links. Last reviewed October 16, 2026.
Longevity Ledger provides general information, not medical advice. Ratings are editorial opinions based on publicly available information. Consult a licensed clinician before changing medication, hormones, supplements, testing or training. Some links are affiliate or sponsored links; see our affiliate disclosure.