Best 15 Portable Diagnostic Ultrasound Machines for Accurate Diagnosis in 2024

Updated: August 15, 2024

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Portable diagnostic ultrasound machines are handheld digital imaging devices for assessing internal body structures non-invasively via high-intensity ultrasound waves. The devices have a probe or transducer that sends ultrasound waves to the body structures. The wave echo sent back to the transducer generates electrical signals that appear on the ultrasound machine monitor as images. 

Healthcare professionals rely on high-quality ultrasound images or sonograms to make precise diagnoses and appropriate patient treatment plans. That’s why getting the best portable diagnostic ultrasound machine is a requirement every professional and healthcare facility should not ignore.

We took the time to assess numerous portable diagnostic ultrasound machines available in the market by their image quality, probe type, probe modes, applications, weight/portability, battery life, cost, and connectivity. On these criteria, this article has the best 15 portable diagnostic ultrasound machines for accurate diagnosis in 2024.

What Are the Different Types of Ultrasound

There are different ways to categorize portable diagnostic ultrasound machines.

Ultrasound Use

By their use, ultrasound can be placed into 3 different types:

  • Diagnostic medical ultrasound creates images of body tissues and structures to help healthcare professionals assess abnormal body tissues and structures or monitor fetal growth and development.
  • Functional ultrasound serves to visualize and determine body organ functioning, like blood flow in the heart or blood vessels.
  • Interventional/therapeutic ultrasound is used to target body parts for intravenous medication or destroy diseased tissues, as in the case of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).

Ultrasound Applications

Portable ultrasound machines are used for a range of imaging applications. The types of ultrasound by application are inexhaustible and include the following:

  • Abdominal ultrasound: Checks internal organs of the abdomen like the spleen, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
  • Pelvic ultrasound: Examines the pelvis, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries of female patients.
  • Breast ultrasound: Focuses on abnormal tissues in the breast, such as lumps or cancerous tissues.
  • Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound: Creates diagnostic images of the muscles, ligaments, nerves, tendons, and cartilage.
  • Cardiac ultrasound: Checks blood flow in the heart and main heart valves.
  • Carotid ultrasound: Assesses the carotid arteries for blockage or abnormal blood flow.
  • Vascular: Evaluates blood flow in the veins and arteries of different body organs.
  • Obstetric: Routine pregnancy ultrasound to assess the development and health status of the fetus.

Ultrasound Scanning Mode

By scanning mode, ultrasound types can be classified as:

  • 2D: Creates black and white images of internal body organs and structures of a growing fetus.
  • 3D: Enhances 2D images into more detailed 3-dimensional images.
  • 4D: Shows 3-dimensional images in motion.
  • Doppler ultrasound: Monitors blood flow in the arteries and veins in colored images.

From all we’ve said so far, here’s a summary of our top picks for the best 15 portable diagnostic ultrasound machines for accurate diagnosis in 2024.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Dr. Sono Tri-scan Max

Dr. Sono Tri-scan Max

The Dr. Sono Tri-scan Max is an all-rounder portable diagnostic ultrasound machine with incredible performance features.

First off, its two main probe types make it perfect for healthcare facilities or clinics that handle a wide range of specialties and imaging applications.

With its convex probe, medics and clinicians can perform complex diagnostic imaging in specialties like OB/GYN, cardiac, abdomen, kidney, urology, and lung. 

And for smaller body parts and superficial structures, the linear probe will do a perfect job in pediatrics, breast, carotid, vascular, breast, MSK, and thyroid imaging. 

Count on the Tri-scan Max for high-quality, clear, and detailed images, thanks to its multiple imaging modes, including the B and M modes and pulsed wave, power, and color Doppler modes. 

With the ultrasound machine’s user-friendly app, you can pause imaging moments on your screen with a simple button click to examine abnormalities thoroughly. You also get to share images and files with colleagues in real time.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

The current cost of the Dr. Sono Tri-scan Max is $3,599, discounted from its original $4,599 price. No additional membership fees.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • A free-to-use app for the entire life of the ultrasound machine.
  • A long battery performance of 3-5 hours makes it perfect for use even in remote contexts.
  • An inbuilt WiFi allows connectivity between the probe and your device at any location, removing the need for external internet networks 
  • A compact build and a featherweight of 8.8oz (250g) make it super durable and fit to withstand frequent transportation and usage. 
  • The app is compatible with the most common operating systems: Android, iOS, and Windows.
  • 14-day free return trial and a one-year warranty.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

From customer reviews, image clarity may depend on gadget quality.

Best Value for Money: Youkey Soloscan P50

The Youkey Soloscan P50 is the US version of the Youkey Q7 wireless handheld scanner. 

The model sets itself apart from its competitors with the swap design. 6 different probe types can be affixed to the same probe device, including convex, micro convex, dual-use convex with a cardiac probe, linear, small linear, and transvaginal probes. And for all these probe types, the image quality matches that of mid-range traditional ultrasound machines.

But its versatility doesn’t end there. The pocket-size ultrasound with professional performance lends itself to a range of point-of-care applications, like emergency, outpatient clinic, ICU, anesthesia, ambulatory rescue, and telemedicine. You can choose the imaging mode from B, BM, 2B, THI, color, power, and pulsed wave.

Besides, it is one of the few portable diagnostic ultrasound machines in the industry compatible with the Windows application alongside iOS and Android devices. You can connect the P50 to these devices via a wireless network or a USB cable.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

The current price of the Youkey Soloscan P50 on CardiacDirect is $3,995, with no extra subscription costs. Price may vary with the supplier.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • Featherlight. Only 5.6 oz (160g).
  • Choose between wireless and USB connection.
  • 4 hours of battery performance.
  • 2-year warranty for the transducer and one year for accessories.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

Multiple probe heads may challenge the scanner’s pocket portability.

Best Image Quality: Clarius C3 HD3

Clarius claims unmatched image quality for their C3 HD3 Convex Scanner, and with good reason. The handheld, AI-powered portable scanner has 8x faster frame rates and 192 piezoelectric elements, similar to high-performance cart-based ultrasound machines.

The convex probe performs imaging in M and B modes plus color, power, and pulsed-wave Doppler modes.

With its double-capacity Advanced Quad-Liquid-Cooling system technology, busy sonographers can count on the Clarius C3 HD3 to keep scanning without overheating. 

Clarius C3 HD3 is ideal for a wide range of imaging applications, including abdominal, lung, cardiac, OB/GYN, and superficial imaging. Addition imaging applications come with paid subscriptions.

The scanner supports real-time shared scan images and live telemedicine.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

The current cost of the Clarius C3 HD3 is $4,190, broken down to $3,595 scanner cost and $595 compulsory annual membership.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • Premium image quality showcased on their webpage with an image gallery.
  • Reliable wireless connection with fast scanner and device sync.
  • Easy to carry in your pocket for your medical rounds. Weighs 10.8 oz (308g).
  • 30-day return trial time and 3-year warranty.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

  • Battery lasts only 60 minutes after a 90-minute recharge time.
  • Most scanner features are only accessible with the advanced specialty software membership fee, including Clarius Cloud and DICOM storage access.

Easiest to Use: Dr. Sono Convex Pro

If you want a more affordable ultrasound machine from Dr. Sono that’s extremely easy to use, the Convex Pro will do it for you.

This portable ultrasound scanner is compact and lightweight. You can slip it into your pocket and pull it out for action at emergency and critical care units. And with just a click of a button, you can view clear scan images in B and M modes and at scan depth of up to 200mm.

The scanner’s convex probe achieves complex imaging in OB/GYN, cardiac, abdomen, kidney, and urology. The battery lasts a whopping 5 hours with a 2-hour flash battery recharge for emergencies.

With the scanner’s freeze mode, you can thoroughly examine image details and save them for future reference or consultation with colleagues. The user-friendly app lets you share videos, images, and notes for consultation straight from your device.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

You buy the Dr. Sono Convex Pro for $1,321, enjoying a 5% discount from its original $1,621 cost. No additional subscription costs.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • Extremely easy to set up and use, even for training practitioners. Here’s a video that proves it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1Vh5JnA4p4&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsono.com%2F 
  • A free-to-use app that works with your phone, tablet, or computer with Android, iOS, and Windows systems.
  • Inbuilt WiFi that automatically syncs the scanner with your device.
  • A compact and lightweight diagnostic ultrasound machine of 8oz (230g), easy to carry around in your pocket.
  • 14-day free return trial and 1-year warranty.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

Customer reviews highlight that image quality may vary with device power, with faster and larger devices giving better quality.

Best for Team Consulting: Vave

Diagnosing and treating a patient often requires medics to consult among themselves. If your specialty requires consistent consulting, you and your colleagues should get the Vave handheld ultrasound scanner.

With a single probe, you can display images and notes simultaneously on multiple iOS and Android devices through a wireless network.

The Vave ultrasound uses a phased array probe. But with its piezoelectric (PZT) technology, you get deep scanning, reduced noise, and crystal-clear image quality in B, M, and color Doppler modes. All that regardless of whether the scanning is in cardiac, lung, abdominal, or OB/GYN specialties. 

With a button click, you can easily adjust the focus and imaging depth, cine scroll, or freeze the image for precise evaluation.

And although you carry a high-performance imaging machine to all your clinical rounds, you won’t notice it in your pocket as it only weighs 7.2oz (205g) without the battery and 12oz (340g) with the battery.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

The Vave wireless portable ultrasound scanner costs $2,799, with possible discount offers for group purchases.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • Real-time casting on multiple devices.
  • Free software, system updates, and educational content at no additional subscription costs.
  • A 4-hour battery life when fully charged, with the possibility to swap batteries.
  • Choose to save images locally or to the Vave Cloud.
  • 30-day free trial return and 3-year warranty.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

Compatible with iOS and Android device systems and not Windows.

Most Specialized: Vsono-TVU1

Vsono TVU1 is a 2-in-1 color Doppler transvaginal ultrasound scanner perfect for OB/GYN practitioners looking for a highly specialized ultrasound machine.

Obstetrician-gynecologists can assess the uterus, cervix, ovaries, tubes, and any pregnancy-related issues in one sitting by switching between the convex and transvaginal sides of the scanner.

The convex scan displays images in the B and B/M modes while, the transvaginal scanner displays in the B, B/B, and B/M modes.

With the scanner’s 128 elements, both the convex and transvaginal sides can achieve obstetrics, area, length, and angle measurements. 

The compatibility of the 7.8 oz (220g) Vsono TVU1 is limited to iOS and Android tablets and smartphones.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

Vendra Medical lists the Vsono TVU1 at a discounted price of $3,016, down from its $3,184 original price. No additional after-sale subscriptions.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • Highly specialized scanner for OB/GYN practice.
  • 3 hours full-charge battery performance.
  • Light enough to carry around during patient checks.
  • 1-year warranty.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

  • The dimensions of the scanner don’t favor carrying it in the pocket.
  • Requires additional disinfecting details.

Vscan Air™ CL

The Vscan Air™ CL is another latest-technology portable ultrasound with exceptional imaging quality. With its SignalMax™ technology, you get ultra-clear images that aid fast diagnosis and timely treatment decisions. 

With its 7.2 oz (205g) weight, you literally carry a piece of lifesaving equipment in your pocket. 

Created to offer two probe types in one scanner, you can use the convex and linear probes by simply flipping over the scanner. 

The convex side performs deep abdominal, OB/GYN, urological, lung, and cardiac scans. The shallow linear side works great for small organs, vascular, MSK, pediatric, and ophthalmic scanning.

The scanner uses the B, M, color Doppler, and pulsed wave Doppler probe modes to perform basic and advanced imaging processes. And through a wireless connection, clinicians can share images and videos and consult via video calls through the “MyRemoteShare” feature.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

Vscan Air™ CL wireless ultrasound system costs $4,855. You can also opt to pay an additional $430 annual subscription for digital tools like cloud storage and remote image and video sharing. A 3-year subscription is discounted to $1,165.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • Exceptional image quality.
  • Free basic software features without the subscription add-ons.
  • Quick scanner and gadget pairing with intuitive feature navigation.
  • Store up to 500 patient exams locally or on “MyImageCloud at a subscription fee.
  • 3-year warranty.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

  • Battery lasts only 50 minutes with continuous usage after a 75-minute recharge time.
  • Compatible with Android and iOS device systems only, not Windows.

Butterfly iQ3

Clinicians looking for a portable ultrasound machine with advanced ergonomic features for a better imaging experience should rush to the Butterfly iQ3.

But this third-generation Butterfly iQ scanner has more than just improved physical features. It delivers high-quality ultrasound images and has advanced data processing and transfer rates.

You can opt between linear, convex, and phased probe types and choose between multiple scan modes, including B and M modes, power, color, and pulsed wave Doppler modes, or biplane and harmonic tissue imaging.

The imaging applications for the Butterfly iQ3 are innumerable, from abdominal to lung, cardiac, MSK, bladder, OB/GYN, small organs, and vascular access.

Its lightweight 10.6 oz (300 g) makes the iQ3 a perfect portable ultrasound machine for point-of-care purposes, easy to slip into the pocket and go.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

Butterfly lists the iQ3 for $3,899 + a membership subscription of $299-$3,500 per year, depending on your package choice. You can also trade in your Butterfly iQ/iQ+ or non-butterfly handheld portable scanner for credits of up to $1350-$1500 towards purchasing the iQ3.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • 2-hour battery life after 90 minutes of recharging time.
  • Trade-in offers allow you to upgrade from less advanced portable scanners.
  • Supports EMR connection.
  • Wireless charging.
  • 3-year warranty.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

  • Some scanning modes and presets may not be available in some countries and Android devices.
  • The USB connection can be a disturbance when performing a scan.

Lumify L12-4 Android Transducer

If money is not a problem and you want a portable diagnostic ultrasound machine once rated highest for image quality and user satisfaction, the Philips’ Lumify L12-4 Android Transducer fits the description.

After your purchase, you’ll need to verify if that rating fairly reflects the quality features of the Lumify L12-4 Android Transducer, including its long battery life of 2-5 hours and the 2D linear array probe. 

The transducer connects to your device through a USB cable to perform imaging in the lung, superficial, vascular, soft tissue, and MSK specialties.

You can use the ultrasound scanner in the M and B modes, steerable color and pulsed-wave Doppler modes, harmonic imaging, SonoCT, and advanced xRes. 

Clinicians will love that they can share images, videos, and patient data with colleagues and perform consultation through video and audio calls.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

The Lumify L12-4 Android Transducer is the highest-priced ultrasound scanner on our list, currently selling at a discounted price of $6,000, down from $9,500. There are no additional after-purchase subscriptions.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • High-resolution diagnostic imaging.
  • Maintains image quality for 2-5 hours of continuous scanning time.
  • Extremely lightweight; only 3.8 oz (108 g). 
  • 1-5-year warranty, depending on your purchasing plan.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

  • The USB probe and device connection can be cumbersome when performing ultrasound scans.
  • The 30-day trial has a 30% restocking fee attached to it.

Mindray TE Air

Healthcare facilities that want a portable diagnostic ultrasound machine suitable for emergency and critical care have a great choice in the Mindray TE Air wireless handheld ultrasound.

When time is of the essence, clinicians will make more confident decisions for their patients’ treatment plans using the impressive, high-quality images created with the TE Air scanner.

Having preset modes for different applications such as abdomen, cardiac, lung, OB/GYN, transcranial, bladder, and vascular makes scanning with the TE Air a breeze.

The Mindray TE ultrasound system uses a range of scanning modes from the B and M modes to the TDI mode and the color, power, and pulsed-wave Doppler modes.

Mindray has made the TE Air with versatility in mind, as you can pair it with the TE X ultrasound system for use at the patient’s bedside or with a mobile device. Plus, with the wireless connectivity to PACS, clinicians at your healthcare facility will benefit from connected patient care and smooth workflow.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

Mindray TE Air is listed for $5,075 with no additional subscriptions.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • Lightweight transducer with finger support and a comfortable grip.
  • Unique holding protective air case that doubles as a portable charger.
  • Fast wireless charging; 35-minute charging for 60-minute scanning time.
  • A convenience button on the probe for save and freeze functions.
  • 3-year warranty for the transducer and 1-year warranty for the charger and air case.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

Available only as a phased array (sector array) probe with fewer options than most of our other picks on this list.

SonoEye P3

The SonoEye P3 is another portable diagnostic ultrasound machine that works with a USB connection to your phone or tablet.

The phased array probe has full presets for cardiac, lung, and abdominal applications but is also used in a range of other specialties like OB/GYN, anesthesia, pediatrics, MSK, and vascular.

You can choose the type of display you want for your imaging from the B, M, color Doppler, pulsed-wave Doppler, CPA, and DPD modes. 

The lightweight handheld digital color Doppler ultrasound system allows you to save, print, and transfer images from remote locations through a wireless network.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

Chison currently lists SonoEye P3 ultrasound for $5,299, discounted from its original price of $6,999.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • Half your phone weight and easy to carry to any patient location.
  • Waterproof, safe to clean and sterilize.
  • Wireless charging
  • 2-year warranty.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

The probe and phone connecting cable may be a nuisance during scanning.

ACUSON Freestyle Series Ultrasound Systems

Moving cables or jumping over them can be a hassle when conducting ultrasound scans. For being completely cable-free, the ACUSON Freestyle Series Ultrasound Systems makes it easy to move freely in your workspace and focus the probe when imaging.

Although it has a larger monitor than the typical devices connected to handheld transducers, the large display enhances image viewing and assessment.

You get to choose from a series of convex and linear probe types to suit your imaging specialty in radiology, anesthesiology, and MSK with Color Doppler, Color Flow, Power Doppler, Speckle Reduction, B mode, and M mode features.

The ACUSON system not only ensures high-quality imaging but it also supports fast data transfer between the monitor and the transducer. Besides, clinicians can wirelessly send patient imaging data to PACs and enjoy better workflow and collaboration through the ACUSON Free Style Mobile Link App.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

The price of the ACUSON System varies with the supplier. Probo Medical lists it for $5,400.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • Has a wireless scanning range of 10 feet, promoting mobility and flexibility in point-of-care imaging.
  • An inbuilt security alarm enhances machine security and probe locating.
  • Wireless and cableless connectivity.
  • 90-minute battery time when fully charged.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

  • You need a cart or designated tabletop stand for the 15″ LED screen and the set of probes. 
  • Warranty duration seems to depend on the supplier.

SonoMe Vet 10LB

The SonoMe Vet 10LB portable ultrasound probe is specifically created for use in vet care for a range of imaging applications, including abdominal, pregnancy OB/GYN, kidney, fluid, superficial organ, peripheral vessel, and foreign object checks.

You can set the ultrasound probe to the B mode for precise length, angle, area, tracking, and circumference measurements or to the M mode for accurate distance, time, and heart rate assessments.

The wireless handheld scanner can be conveniently carried in your pocket while you make your pet care rounds as it only weighs 7 oz (200g). Plus, the battery lasts 2.5-5 hours of imaging when fully charged using the included USB charger.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

Bionet lists the $1,999, discounted from the $2,799 original price. No additional subscriptions.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • Battery supports long scanning hours.
  • Wireless connection to the device allows use even in remote areas. 
  • 1-year warranty.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

Supports only iOS devices with version 8.0 or later.

Konted C10RL

If you want another dual-probe multipurpose ultrasound machine, we found the Konted C10RL to be a great option.

The 3-in-1 handheld wireless scanner has a linear probe side and a convex probe side. The convex side doubles as a preset cardiac probe.

With the convex side, the whole-body scanner delivers clear, high-quality images in multiple applications, including the abdomen, OB/GYN, cardiac, lung, kidney, and urology. The linear probe is great for thyroid, pediatrics, small parts, carotid, vascular, and breast applications.

Whether you are attending to a patient in the ER or OR, you can count on the many probe modes of the Konted C10RL to assess the patient with precision and take the right treatment action. The probe modes range from B to B+B, B/M, color and pulsed-wave Doppler modes, PDI, and a combination of B+Color+PW.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

Konted Med does not list the price of the C10RL, but AliExpress currently lists it for $3,807, an 8% discount from the original $4,138 cost. Price may vary by supplier and time of purchase.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • Use with iOS, Android, or Windows-compatible devices.
  • You can choose between wireless and USB charging and connectivity.
  • Extremely lightweight for carrying in your pocket. Only 3.2 oz (90 g).
  • 3 hours of battery life when fully charged and supports charging while working.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

Has a lower waterproof grade of IPX5. Not safe for immersion.

Sonosif CC-3.2

The Sonosif CC-3.2 is a handheld portable diagnostic ultrasound scanner that provides convenience, reliability, and versatility in a wide range of imaging applications.

With its 192 elements, the CC-3.2 delivers clear, high-resolution, colored images that medics can use to make accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans in cardiac, urology, OB/GYN, sports medicine, and even veterinary.

The convex probe produces images displayed in the B, B/M, PDI, color, and pulsed wave modes. 

The probe is compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows operating systems, allowing clinicians to view and examine images on their device screen and save or share them with colleagues through a wireless network.

The scanner allows ultrasound noise reduction by up to 4 levels and image adjustment in focus, gain, and reverse pulse harmonics.

Price, Membership, and Discounts

Sonosif lists the CC-3.2 for $3,185, discounted from its original price of $3,950. No after-sale subscriptions are required.

Best Features Why We Recommend It

  • High-resolution colored images.
  • Light enough to carry in your pocket. Only 7 oz (200 g).
  • 1.5 battery performance time with possible extension of scanning time through wireless charging.
  • 1-year warranty.

Limitations (not deal breakers) To Keep In Mind

Only 7 days return allowance time with a 15% restocking fee deduction.

Final Consideration

Having a high-quality portable ultrasound scanner translates to making accurate diagnoses and prescribing the best patient treatment plan.

With our complete list of the best 15 portable diagnostic ultrasound machines, we are sure you will find the best one that suits your medical practice needs.

Why Trust Dr. Sono

Dr. Sono™ has vast experience providing cutting-edge medical equipment and up-to-date, reliable info from experienced medical professionals. 

You can rely on our portable ultrasound machines and count on our accurate, expert-reviewed info about other portable ultrasound brands. 

Talk to us for answers to all your portable diagnostic ultrasound machine questions.

Please note that the costs indicated in this article can vary by supplier, country, and time of purchase. Check with the manufacturer or certified supplier for real-time costs.

Sources

Article by

Scott Caswell

Scott is a co-founder of PUM and an ultrasound technology expert with a passion for innovation in the medical field. Scott has dedicated his career to advancing portable ultrasound devices, making medical imaging more accessible to professionals around the globe.

When not refining ultrasound devices, he enjoys hiking, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring the latest tech gadgets. Scott is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible and efficient through cutting-edge ultrasound solutions.

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