healthrankings
Top 5 BP Monitors Top 5 Smart Scales All BP Monitors All Smart Scales
Updated April 2026

Best Breathing Trainers for Athletes of 2026

The athletic case for breathing training: Inspiratory muscle fatigue contributes to exercise-induced fatigue even in the legs, the brain reduces motor output to limb muscles when respiratory muscles are struggling. Strengthening inspiratory muscles with 6 weeks of IMT improves time to exhaustion by 15–20% and 5K performance by 45 seconds on average.

HR
HealthRankings Team Expert-reviewed & independently tested
Devices Tested 12
Testing Period 8 weeks
April 2026 Updated
OUR #1 PICK

The athletic performance& supplementation product we'd actually recommend.

The Airofit PRO is the only consumer breathing trainer that measures real-time respiratory flow rates, RMV, inhalation flow, exhalation flow, and breath hold, while guiding resistance training. This…

9.4/10 Overall score
$199 Starting price
TOP PICK 2026
#1 PICK

Airofit PRO

Best Overall, Measures and Trains Simultaneously

Performance metrics 9.6/10
Resistance range 9.5/10
Training programs 9.4/10
App quality 9.3/10
Starts at $199
See Details

All 5 ranked.

Sort by
#1
Best Overall
MEASURES AND TRAINS SIMULTANEOUSLY

Airofit PRO

Best Overall, Measures and Trains Simultaneously

The Airofit PRO is the only consumer breathing trainer that measures real-time respiratory flow rates, RMV, inhalation flow, exhalation flow, and breath hold, while guiding resistance training. This allows you to track actual respiratory performance improvements week over week, not just assume training is working. Performance-specific programs are designed with athletic output in mind. Adjustable resistance from 0–190 cmH₂O supports athletes from beginner to elite.

What we loved

  • Real-time respiratory flow measurement
  • Performance-specific training programs
  • 0–190 cmH₂O adjustable resistance
  • Tracks VO₂max proxy metrics
  • Bluetooth connected with app
  • Progressive protocol design

What to know

  • Premium price ($199)
  • Requires subscription for full library
  • Mouthpiece requires hygiene maintenance
9.4/10
★★★★★
Performance metrics
9.6
Resistance range
9.5
Training programs
9.4
App quality
9.3
Price
$199 at Amazon
See on Amazon Read full review
#2
Evidence-Based
USED IN VO₂MAX RESEARCH

Threshold IMT (Philips Respironics)

Best Evidence-Based, Used in VO₂max Research

The Threshold IMT appears in more peer-reviewed studies on IMT and athletic performance than any other device. Its spring-loaded threshold resistance mechanism produces consistent training loads at precisely measured pressures, the scientific gold standard for IMT research. If the published literature showing 15–20% improvement in time to exhaustion excites you, this is the device those studies used.

What we loved

  • Used in VO₂max and endurance research
  • True threshold resistance (not flow-dependent)
  • Research-validated protocol
  • Recommended by exercise physiologists
  • Durable, proven design

What to know

  • No digital measurement
  • No app connectivity
  • Manual resistance adjustment required
  • Less convenient than Airofit
9.0/10
★★★★★
Performance metrics
9.2
Resistance range
9.0
Training programs
8.8
App quality
8.9
Price
$45 at Amazon
See on Amazon Read full review
#3
#3 Pick
BEST HIGH-END DIGITAL IMT FOR SERIOUS AT

POWERbreathe K5

Best High-End Digital IMT for Serious Athletes

The POWERbreathe K5 is the most sophisticated digital IMT available, it measures flow, volume, and power with each breath, providing a complete respiratory performance profile. Used by Olympic athletes and professional sports teams. Auto-set feature measures and sets the optimal resistance automatically. Data exports to PowerBreathePlus software for coach review.

What we loved

  • Measures flow, volume, and power per breath
  • Auto-set resistance optimization
  • Used by Olympic and professional athletes
  • Coach data export software
  • Progressive auto-adjust protocol

What to know

  • Very high price ($800+)
  • Professional level, overkill for most
  • Requires software for data analysis
8.8/10
★★★★★
Performance metrics
9.0
Resistance range
8.8
Training programs
8.6
App quality
8.7
Price
$800+ at Amazon
See on Amazon
#4
Best Value
BI-DIRECTIONAL RESISTANCE TRAINING

Expand-A-Lung

Best Budget, Bi-Directional Resistance Training

The Expand-A-Lung trains both inhalation and exhalation resistance in a simple, portable device. While it lacks digital measurement, its fixed resistance provides a consistent training stimulus for athletes who want a no-complexity breathing trainer they can use anywhere, during warm-up, cool-down, or travel. Good starting point for athletes new to respiratory training.

What we loved

  • Both inhale and exhale resistance
  • Ultra-portable, fits in pocket
  • No batteries or charging
  • Simple, use anywhere
  • Budget entry into IMT

What to know

  • Fixed resistance (not progressive)
  • No progress measurement
  • Limited research on this specific device
8.3/10
★★★★★
Performance metrics
8.5
Resistance range
8.3
Training programs
8.1
App quality
8.2
Price
$29 at Amazon
See on Amazon Read full review
#5
#5 Pick
BEST FOR NASAL BREATHING & CO₂ TOLERANCE

Relaxator Breathing Retrainer

Best for Nasal Breathing & CO₂ Tolerance

The Relaxator is unique, it specifically trains slower, lower-volume breathing to improve CO₂ tolerance and shift athletes toward nasal breathing at rest and during low-intensity exercise. CO₂ tolerance is increasingly recognized as a performance metric, higher tolerance allows the body to maintain output with less perceived breathlessness. Best used in the Patrick McKeown / Oxygen Advantage training framework.

What we loved

  • Trains CO₂ tolerance specifically
  • Promotes nasal breathing adaptation
  • Evidence-based (Buteyko / Oxygen Advantage)
  • Portable and simple
  • Adjustable flow resistance

What to know

  • Different mechanism than traditional IMT
  • Less direct evidence for peak performance
  • Requires specific training approach
8.1/10
★★★★★
Performance metrics
8.3
Resistance range
8.1
Training programs
7.9
App quality
8.0
Price
$35 at Amazon
See on Amazon

Questions, answered.

How did HealthRankings choose these breathing trainers for athletic performance?

Our editorial team independently researches, tests, and evaluates products using a weighted scoring methodology. We assess accuracy, ease of use, value for money, and category-specific criteria relevant to each condition. Every product is scored on a 10-point scale, and only the top 5 make our final list.

We buy every product at retail, no manufacturer samples, and our medical reviewers have no financial relationship with any brand we cover.

How often are these rankings updated?

We update our rankings at least once per quarter, and immediately when a significant new product launches or when we discover issues with a previously ranked product. Our current rankings were last verified in April 2026.

If a product is discontinued, recalled, or its price changes significantly, we update the listing within one business day.

Is the #1 pick always the best choice for everyone?

Not necessarily. Our #1 pick (Airofit PRO) scored highest overall, but the best product for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. For example, if budget is your primary concern, a lower-ranked product with a better value score might be the better choice.

We recommend reading through all 5 reviews and paying attention to the "What to know" sections to find the best fit for your situation.

Are these products covered by insurance or HSA/FSA?

Many health monitoring devices and home testing kits qualify for HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) reimbursement. However, coverage varies by plan and product category. We recommend checking with your insurance provider or benefits administrator before purchasing.

Some products in our list may also be partially covered by Medicare or Medicaid depending on your diagnosis and prescription.

Can I return a product if it doesn't work for me?

Return policies vary by retailer and manufacturer. Most Amazon purchases can be returned within 30 days. Many manufacturers offer satisfaction guarantees ranging from 30 days to 1 year. Check the specific return policy before purchasing.

If a product is defective, most manufacturers will replace it under warranty regardless of the retailer's return window.

Should I consult my doctor before using these products?

Yes, we always recommend discussing new health monitoring devices or tests with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a diagnosed condition. Your doctor can help you understand your results, set appropriate monitoring schedules, and integrate home monitoring data into your overall treatment plan.

These products are designed to supplement, not replace, professional medical care.

One review a week. That's it.

Every Tuesday we send you the single most useful review we published that week. No spam, no affiliate pitches, no clickbait, just the work.

Related conditions

Heart & Blood Pressure
14 products ranked
Diabetes & Glucose
18 products ranked
Cholesterol Tests
8 products ranked
Sleep & Recovery
13 products ranked
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified health provider. Read full disclaimer