Portable ultrasound machines have ushered a new level of flexibility and convenience into the healthcare system. The ability to transport powerful diagnostic equipment to wherever you need it has been a boon to clinicians and their patients.

Strata Imaging has been a leading provider of portable ultrasound machines for nearly two decades. Our experts have helped numerous medical facilities and healthcare professionals find the best imaging solutions for their patients.

We’ve drawn from our years of expertise to introduce what we believe are the top five portable ultrasound machines in 2022. Our professional team has thoroughly evaluated the market’s leading models and selected five of the best based on their image quality, clinical versatility, ease of use, special features, and price-to-performance ratio.

Finding the best machine for your medical practice can be challenging, even if you’ve spent years working with ultrasound machines. There are hundreds of machines to choose from, and new models are introduced year after year. The various combinations of features and applications available can be difficult to parse through.

Using the above criteria, our expert team has determined that these models are the best five portable ultrasounds on the market in 2022:

1. Philips CX50 – Best overall
2. Chison Sonobook 9 – Runner up
3. Mindray M7 – Easiest to use
4. GE Logiq e – Most features
5. Chison ECO 6 – Most affordable

Philips CX50	Price Range: $20,000 to $40,000 Type: Laptop, portable Monitor Size: 15.4-inches Imaging Modes: 2D Probe Ports: 1 Controls: Knobs, buttons, trackball Applications: Cardiac, OB/GYN, Vascular, MSK, Urology, Emergency Medicine Key Features: M-mode, Anatomical M-Mode, Color doppler, PW doppler, CW doppler, Tissue doppler, Tissue harmonic imaging, Compound imaging, Continuous high pulse repetition frequency, Contrast, DICOM 3.1, CD-DVD-R, 3D/4D cardiac, 4D TEE, Live dual mode, Auto IMT, Stress echo, Strain and strain rate
Chison Sonobook 9	Price Range: $25,000-$35,000 Type: Laptop, portable Monitor Size: 215-inch Imaging Modes: 2D/3d/4D Probe Ports: 1 Controls: Buttons and trackball Applications: Cardiac, shared-service, OB-GYN Key Features: Virtual HD 4D, cardiac package, needle visualization, fast boot time
Mindray M7	Price Range: $16,500-$24,750 Type: Laptop-style Monitor Size: 15-inch Imaging Modes: 2D/3D/4D Probe Ports: 1 Controls: Knobs, buttons, trackball Applications: Cardiac, OB/GYN, Emergency medicine, MSK, Vascular Key Features: M-Mode, Anatomical M-Mode, Color M-Mode, Color doppler, Power doppler, PW doppler, CW doppler, Tissue doppler, Tissue harmonic imaging, DICOM 3.1, Speckle reduction, Auto optimization, Compound imaging, Panoramic, IMT, Needle recognition, Stress echo, Continuous high pulse repetition frequency
GE Logiq e	Price Range: $5,000-$15,000 Type: Laptop, portable Monitor Size: 15-inch LCD Imaging Modes: 2D Probe Ports: 1 Controls: Trackball, knobs, and buttons Applications: MSK, OB/GYN, Emergency Medicine, Cardiac, Vascular, Urology, Veterinary, Portable Key Features: M-Mode, Anatomical M-Mode, Auto optimization, Stress Echo, Panoramic, DICOM 3.1, SRI, ECG, On-board patient data management, Color Doppler, Auto Tissue Optimization, Auto Spectrum Optimization, Auto CMF Optimization, Adaptive Color Enhancement, 15″ High-Resolution color LCD screen, USB DVD-RW drive (external)
Chison ECO 6	Price Range: $5,000-$7,000 Type: Suitcase style, portable Monitor Size: 12-inch Imaging Modes: 2 Probe Ports: 2 Controls: Knobs, buttons, trackball Applications: OB/GYN, Urology, Abdominal, general imaging Key Features: 2D imaging, needle visualization, Auto IMT, Compound imaging, Speckle Reduction

#1 Philips CX50

When Philips introduced the CX50, they single-handedly solved the portable ultrasound industry’s greatest challenge – creating a portable ultrasound machine that doesn’t sacrifice performance for portability.

Drawing from over 130 years of Research & Development efforts in the ultrasound system space, Philips has finally delivered a compact portable ultrasound with comparable processing power, functionality, and image quality to large stationary/cart-based machines.

The slew of breakthrough technologies Philips engineered into the CX50 makes it one of the most advanced portable ultrasound systems on the market and the obvious choice for “Best Overall” on our list.

The “CX” in CX50 is short for “CompactXtreme,” and this device fully lives up to its name.

The CX50 is not only sleek and lightweight enough to be easily transported between exam rooms and departments, but its advanced imaging capabilities and sheer number of features also outpace many of the industry’s cart-based systems.

The use of PureWave transducer technology is key to the CX50’s success.

PureWave represents the most significant breakthrough in piezoelectric transducer material in 40 years. Philips’ PureWave single crystal material is 85% more efficient than conventional transducer material, resulting in images with higher resolution and improved penetration in hard-to-image patients.

The CX50 also harnesses the power of Philips’ cutting-edge xMATRIX transducers, allowing clinicians to achieve exceptional image quality on every scan type, from a neonatal brain to a pediatric kidney, an intraoperative hepatic vein, or arterial graft.

Moreover, the CX50 allows up to three transducers to be connected simultaneously, enabling users to switch seamlessly between probes during exams.

Additionally, the CX50 uses XRES – an adaptive image processing technology that removes speckle, haze, and clutter, resulting in noise-free images with superb clarity and edge definition.

The CX50 is capable of color Doppler and several other advanced Doppler modes, including Pulsed-Wave (PW) Doppler, Continuous-Wave (CW) Doppler, and Tissue Doppler.

Furthermore, the CX50 uses Tissue Harmonic Imaging to generate crisper images with clearly defined borders.

It also utilizes Compound Imaging, which combines sonographic information from different angles to produce images with superior detail.

The Philips CX50 differentiates itself from other portable ultrasound machines with its sophisticated QLAB quantification software. This innovative software allows clinicians to expand patient diagnostic information with several assessment and analysis apps, including:

• Strain Quantification (SQ)
• MicroVascular Imaging (MVI)
• GI 3D quantification
• Live3D (4D) TEE
• ICE Intracardiac Echo

SmartExam is another tool that sets the CX50 apart from other portable ultrasound models. SmartExam is a learning program that uses a sophisticated algorithm to create scanning protocols that reduce exam times while increasing consistency and reliability.

In summary, the CX50 is from a trusted award-winning manufacturer, delivers premium image quality, has shared service functionality, and is loaded with advanced imaging features while being extremely transportable. This makes it an excellent choice for most medical practices needing a portable ultrasound machine, no matter their specialty.

Key Features and Benefits

• Premium Image Quality
• 3D/4D Cardiac Imaging and 4D TEE
• QLAB Quantification Software

Supported Applications

• Cardiac
• OB/GYN
• Vascular
• Abdominal
• Musculoskeletal
• Urology
• Emergency medicine

#2 Chison Sonobook 9

The Chison Sonobook 9 is our “Runner Up” and a close rival to the CX50 in terms of image quality, processing power, and clinical versatility.

In its relatively short 25-year history, Chison has quickly become one of the industry’s leading manufacturers, producing some of the most advanced ultrasound systems to date.

The SonoBook 9 is highly-regarded for its fast processing speeds, High-definition 4D imaging, and extensive cardiac imaging features. It has a sleek, laptop-style design that allows easy transport between exam rooms and distant clinical locations.

The SonoBook 9 uses Chison’s latest transducer technology to provide deeper tissue penetration, increased sensitivity, and an improved signal-to-noise ratio. As a result, clinicians receive scans with superior structural detail and crystal clear resolution, even with typically hard-to-image patients.

A distinguishing feature of the Chison Sonobook9 is its internal Solid State Drive (SSD), which provides incredibly fast access to data and excellent long-term storage. Using the Chison SonoBook 9, clinicians can instantaneously save loops, adjust image quality, change modes, and export files with nearly no lag.

Choosing between the SonoBook 9 and the CX50 as “Best Overall” was tough as they share many of the same advanced imaging capabilities. Color Doppler, Compound Imaging, Stress Echo, Auto Image Optimization, and DICOM compatibility are among the most notable similarities.

Ultimately, we decided on the SonoBook 9 as “Runner Up” because it offers only one probe port compared to the three ports on the CX50.

However, your specialty may be the determining factor when deciding between the Sonobook 9 and the CX50. Whereas the CX50 has 4D imaging solely for cardiac, the Sonobook 9 supports 4D imaging solely for OB/GYN applications.

While the SonoBook 9 is the “Runner Up” on our list, its premium image quality, fast processing speeds, shared service capabilities, and 4D OB/GYN imaging could easily make it the best overall choice for your medical practice.

Key Features and Benefits

• Virtual HD 4D
• Cardiac package
• Instant switch between different ultrasound modes

Supported Applications

• OB/GYN
• Anesthesia
• Vascular
• Emergency Medicine
• Cardiac

#3 Mindray M7

Mindray burst onto the ultrasound scene 30 years ago and has been a leading global developer of ultrasound systems ever since. The company has an engineering center focused solely on user interface design, so it is no surprise that our experts named the Mindray M7 as “Easiest to Use” on our list.

So what exactly makes the M7 so easy to operate?

For starters, the M7 has an intuitive control panel. It provides excellent walk-up usability, requiring minimal training before users can fully operate the device.

The M7 boasts several workflow optimization features that help clinicians increase productivity and reduce exam times.

For example, the M7’s iTouch feature provides fast image optimization in B, PW, and color modes with a single click.

Additional workflow features include B-Steer technology and Natural Touch elastography.

B-Steer displays both the needle and anatomy in one image for easier needle and catheter placements. Natural touch elastography reduces dependence on user operation techniques and improves reproducibility.

But the Mindray M7 is not only easy to use; it produces scans that are easy to read due to their superb image quality.

The Mindray M7 is powered by a System On Chip (SOC) hardware architecture – a modern imaging solution for portable ultrasounds that enables exceptional image quality and deeper penetration.

It also uses advanced single-crystal transducer technology to provide crisp, feature-rich images on its 15.6” LED monitor.

Like the CX50 and SonoBook 9, the Mindray M7 has broad clinical versatility.

Cardiovascular units will appreciate the Mindray M7’s extensive scope of ECG and TEE imaging functions. Live 3D and 4D imaging for OB/GYN cases make it an excellent choice for women’s healthcare. Plus, Vascular clinicians can take advantage of the Mindray M9’s full-scope of Doppler imaging modes, including:

• Color Doppler
• Directional color power Doppler
• Power Doppler
• Pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler
• Continuous-wave (CW) Doppler
• Tissue Doppler

The Mindray M7 stands out from similarly priced portable machines in its use of Mindray’s patented Ultra-Wideband Non-linear technology, which results in clearer images with less noise.

The M7 also uses echo-enriched beamformer technology, providing an enhanced out-of-focus image resolution and deeper penetration, even in hard-to-image patients.

Overall, the Mindray M7’s intuitive user interface, image optimization technologies, 3D/4D imaging, and advanced features make it the ideal choice for clinicians desiring a portable ultrasound that can perform complex functions with simple inputs.

Key Features and Benefits

• 3D/4D Imaging
• Intuitive Control Panel
• Workflow Optimization Features

Supported Applications

• Cardiac
• OB/GYN
• Emergency medicine
• Musculoskeletal
• Vascular

#4 GE Logiq e

GE Healthcare is an undisputed pioneer of ultrasound technology solutions. The company has over 11,000 patents and has brought exceptional diagnostic imaging into thousands of medical facilities in over 160 countries.

Given GE Healthcare’s intense focus on clinical innovation, it’s no wonder that our experts have selected a GE device – the Logiq e – as the portable ultrasound with the “Most Features” on our list.

With such a wide variety of advanced imaging features, workflow tools, and clinical applications available, it would be easier for us to describe what the Logiq e can’t do.

The versatility of the Logiq e stems from its use of GE’s proprietary TruScan software architecture. TruScan provides clinicians with superior computing power, image manipulation capability, workflow flexibility, and product upgradability.

The Logiq e’s set of advanced imaging features includes but isn’t limited to:

• M-Mode
• Anatomical M-Mode
• Auto Follicle Measurement
• Stress Echo
• Speckle Reduction Imaging (SRI)
• Panoramic Imaging
• Tissue Harmonic Imaging
• ECGAuto Tissue Optimization
• Auto Spectrum Optimization
• Auto CMF Optimization
• Adaptive Color Enhancement
• Needle Recognition technology
• Auto IMT

The Logiq e also supports Power Doppler Imaging (PDI) applications, providing clinicians with an enhanced view of tiny vessels and a more precise evaluation of the vascular system.

Other notable features in Logiq e include a Split Screen mode and Automatic Image Optimization (AIO).

The Split Screen function allows clinicians to easily compare patient anatomy over time or on opposite sides of the body for improved clinical decision-making.

AIO allows clinicians to enhance image resolution at the touch of a button.

Moreover, the Logiq e supports DICOM 3.1 compatibility with the PACS system, so clinicians can easily send files to their radiologists for review. It can also connect and save data to any USB memory device.

What about an on-board patient data management system? Yes, the Logiq e has that as well.

The Logiq e’s extensive set of features combined with its data management functions make it an excellent choice for medical practices desiring versatility and seamless connectivity in their medical devices.

Key Features and Benefits

• TruScan Software
• Power Doppler Imaging (PDI)
• Split Screen

Supported Applications

• Musculoskeletal
• OB/GYN
• Emergency Medicine
• Cardiac
• Vascular
• Urology
• Veterinary

#5 Chison ECO 6

Our list would hardly be complete without including the “Most Affordable” portable ultrasound on the market – the Chison ECO 6.

Despite its economy price tag, the ECO 6 is competitive with mid-range systems, boasting an impressive number of advanced features for a machine at its price point, including:

• Color Doppler
• Compound Imaging – combines sonographic information from different angles to produce images with superior detail.
• Auto IMT – automatically traces the intima and measures its thickness, allowing clinicians to more accurately assess the health of carotid arteries and the risk of cardiovascular disease-related events like heart attacks and strokes.
• Speckle Reduction – significantly improves image quality by reducing speckle, haze, clutter, and other sonographic noise.

The ECO 6 is the latest model in Chison’s ECO line. It raises the bar on its predecessors with enhancements in the system’s architecture, image quality, and processing power.

The device is an ultra-portable, suitcase-style ultrasound machine with an easy-to-operate user interface and a rotatable LED monitor. The ECO 6 displays full color on a 12” screen with a wide viewing angle…yet another notch in its price-to-performance belt.

The ECO 6 is a high-end version of the ECO 3 with color Doppler and faster processing speeds. It is incredibly affordable compared to its counterparts from other leading manufacturers. This makes the ECO 6 an excellent choice for medical practices looking for a high-performance portable ultrasound on a conservative budget.

Key Features and Benefits

• Color Doppler
• Compound Imaging
• Speckle Reduction

Supported Applications

• Cardiac
• Vascular
• Urology
• OB/GYN
• Abdominal
• Anesthesia

Benefits of a Portable Ultrasound Machine

Portable ultrasound machines have several advantages over their stationary counterparts. They tend to be less expensive while providing faster performance in emergency departments and critical care situations where speed of care is crucial.

In some instances, the quality of care is improved. Portable ultrasound eliminates the challenge of transporting immobile or severely sick patients by bringing the equipment to their location.

Portable ultrasound machines also allow medical professionals to provide diagnostic care outside a traditional hospital setting. Portable ultrasound makes possible imaging for home visits and mobile clinics in remote areas.

Who Needs a Portable Ultrasound Machine

Your medical office size can help determine if you need a portable ultrasound machine or a stationary console. You will likely benefit from purchasing a portable ultrasound machine if you practice in a multi-specialty medical office where equipment is frequently moved between rooms and different departments.

Clinicians who make house visits or provide care to remote areas will also benefit from a portable ultrasound machine.

Portable ultrasound devices are also helpful to healthcare teams that conduct mobile clinics and medical mission trips in underdeveloped countries.

What to Consider When Buying a Portable Ultrasound Machine

Brand

When deciding what brand of ultrasound to purchase, consider the brand of your practice’s current medical equipment. In some instances, brand uniformity within your office can confer certain benefits.

For example, the Philips CX50 is fully integrated with Philips interventional X-ray systems, so you can easily send, store, query, and retrieve images across devices.

Features

The features you need in your ultrasound machine will be determined by several factors, including:

• Your medical specialty
• The type of procedures you do
• Your patient population

OB/GYN practices that routinely care for pregnant women seek out ultrasound systems with 4D and HDlive imaging. These features allow expecting parents to see a high-definition movie of their baby inside the womb and help clinicians detect physical defects like cleft lip and palate.

Vascular care units will benefit from features like Power Doppler Imaging and MicroCPA, which allow clinicians to observe tiny vessels and organ perfusion with greater accuracy.

Another consideration is whether you will use your ultrasound primarily for diagnostics or intervention/treatment.

For instance, surgical teams and anesthesiologists often use ultrasounds for perioperative purposes. They will benefit from purchasing a device with advanced features like HD Live viewing and Needle Recognition for precise needle or catheter placements.

The machine’s features should also be equipped to handle the complexity of the cases you take. For example, intensive care units dealing with advanced stroke or DVT cases will benefit from an ultrasound machine with color Doppler, which allows for more detailed visualization and precise blood flow measurement through the heart and tiny vessels.

Supported Applications

The intended clinical use of your ultrasound machine is the most critical factor to consider before you buy. Most of today’s portable ultrasound machines support several, but not all, clinical applications. Medical practices specializing in cardiovascular care may need a different ultrasound machine than a Urology practice.

Most hospitals and private practices will benefit from purchasing a shared service ultrasound machine. Portable ultrasound systems with shared service functionality perform exceptionally in multiple clinical settings.

Some shared service devices perform well in multiple clinical settings while offering especially powerful performance in a particular specialty area, as is the case for the Philip CX50’s cardiac application.

Price

Brand new ultrasound machines can cost upwards of $100,000. You can purchase a refurbished ultrasound machine for significantly less money without sacrificing quality.

If price is a critical factor in your decision, you can ensure that your ultrasound purchase is a wise investment by setting a budget that matches your estimated gain peruse. For example, if you spend $40,000 for an ultrasound machine and make a profit of $400 per scan, you will pay off your device after 100 ultrasounds. If you can scan ten people daily, you can have a return on investment (ROI) in just ten business days.

Healthcare teams that regularly perform ultrasound exams can afford to spend more on their new machine. Medical practices that rarely perform ultrasounds may want to consider a less expensive option.

Rent or Buy

For most medical practices, buying an ultrasound machine is a profitable long-term investment. However, if your practice is new and doesn’t yet have an established patient population, you may not know which ultrasound model is best for you.

In this case, renting an ultrasound machine may be beneficial. By renting, you’ll be able to conduct a trial run with several machines to see which offers the most value to your healthcare team and your patients.

Refurbished or New

Should you purchase a new or refurbished ultrasound machine? On the one hand, new ultrasound systems often come with longer warranty coverage. On the other hand, refurbished ultrasound machines can provide equal performance to new machines at a fraction of the cost.

If cost is a determining factor for you, consider purchasing a refurbished ultrasound machine from a seller with high-quality after-sales support.

Strata Imaging has a proven track record of excellent after-sale technical support, offering complete maintenance and repair services on every purchase. We take customer service seriously and strive for a 24-hour or less response time to all customer repair requests.

Additionally, Strata Imaging has an extensive offering of ultrasound parts to cover you in the event of damages or partial machinery failures.

Portable Ultrasound Machine FAQs

What’s the best portable ultrasound machine?

We rank the CX50 as the “Best Overall” portable ultrasound machine, but it may not be the best for your specific clinical needs. Ultimately, the best portable ultrasound machine supports the clinical applications of your specialty, has the imaging features you need to make quality diagnostic decisions for your patients, and fits within your budget.

Where can I buy an affordable portable ultrasound machine?

In addition to the five portable ultrasound models highlighted in this article, Strata Imaging offers complete rental, maintenance, repair, and sale of almost every type of ultrasound machine and related peripherals to all 50 states.

Browse our extensive catalog of ultrasound equipment to find the best fit for your medical practice.

How much do portable ultrasound machines cost?

New portable ultrasound machines can cost upwards of $50,000. But you can cut the cost of your purchase in half and save thousands of dollars by buying a used or refurbished machine from Strata Imaging.

Final Thoughts

Our experts selected five portable ultrasound models to deliver exceptional clinical performance to most medical practices. To determine which ultrasound is most suitable for your staff and patients, consider your desired machine’s brand, features, supported applications, and price.

If you need more information before purchasing, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team. We’ll walk you through your purchasing decision and match you with the best device based on your clinical needs and budget.

Call us at 866-770-9605 or fill out this form with any questions, and our dedicated service team will gladly assist you.