Best Portable Handheld Ultrasound Machine
Compare the 8 Best Portable Ultrasound Machines of 2026
Your Guide to the Top Portable & Handheld Ultrasound Devices
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best portable ultrasound machine of 2026. These handheld ultrasound devices represent the most advanced and versatile portable solutions for medical imaging. Specifically, our ultrasound device list highlights the most versatile and portable solutions, capable of covering multiple body systems and applications with a single device. These scanners are compact enough to fit in your pocket and designed to operate effortlessly via your phone and/or tablet.
Portable ultrasound machines are transforming medical diagnostics by offering portable, real-time imaging capabilities that enhance patient care in various settings. The integration of AI in these devices enhances diagnostic accuracy and usability, significantly improving point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) accessibility for healthcare professionals. To complement these advancements, the Ultrasound Fanatic Simulation App empowers clinicians to sharpen their ultrasound skills through interactive, scenario-based training—helping users build confidence and proficiency before ever picking up a probe. Explore how the latest innovations in portable ultrasound scanners, combined with powerful simulation tools, can transform both your clinical practice and patient outcomes—ensuring you have the best diagnostic tools and training at your fingertips with the leading AI.
Our rankings of the best portable handheld ultrasound devices are based on 12 criteria, while emphasizing versatility and usability across a wide range of applications. Metrics are updated regularly, reflecting deep and careful analysis. We are committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information. However, evaluations may contain some degrees of inaccuracy. For decisions best suited to your unique and individual needs, we encourage additional research and hope our insights serve as a balanced guide.
Finally, for a helpful and detailed review of ultrasound book recommendations, check out our list of the Top 10 Best Ultrasound Books. Additionally, for a growing list on various handheld ultrasound device video reviews check out our Ultrasound Fanatic YouTube Channel.
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1. Butterfly iQ3 Portable Ultrasound
The Butterfly iQ, the industry’s only handheld ultrasound powered exclusively by semiconductor chip technology, balances features, battery life, and image quality. The new iQ3 expands versatility with a 1-12 MHz frequency range, higher frame rate, and tools like Biplane imaging, Needle Viz for real-time needle guidance, and the Butterfly Garden Marketplace for AI-powered applications. The iQ3 seamlessly integrates new AI advancements, ensuring it remains a cutting-edge diagnostic tool. While it lacks wireless integration, the wired design allows fast boot-up without sacrificing image quality. Butterfly also offers a veterinary version for specialized use.
Models: iQ3 (NEW), iQ+ (2020 model).
Price: $2,699 (iQ+) & $3,899 (iQ3) probe only, $800 one-time payment for the life of probe or $299/yr or $420/yr for subscription depending on type. ★★★★☆
Weight: 300 g / 0.66 lbs. ★★★★☆
Warranty: 3 yrs. ★★★★☆
Image Resolution: ★★★★☆
Wireless: No. ★★★☆☆
All in one probe: Yes (chip). ★★★★★
Features: B-mode, M-mode, Color Doppler, Power Doppler, PW Doppler, Biplane (vascular and cardiac modes), Needle Viz™ (needle tracking), Auto B-line Counter (lung mode), Auto Bladder Volume Calculation, TeleGuidance. ★★★★☆
Software/AI: ★★★★☆
Cloud Storage: Yes. ★★★★★
Portability: ★★★★★
Battery: Up to 2 hours. ★★★★☆
Eligible Countries: Variable. ★★★★★
Watch iQ3 IMAGE Review
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2. Clarius PAL HD3 Portable Ultrasound
Clarius offers a unique range of 8 specialty wireless probes, including an industry-exclusive ultra-high frequency probe (8-20 MHz) for superficial imaging, an endocavity probe for OB/IVF/pelvic/urology, and the versatile PAL HD3 dual probe (phased + linear, 1-15 MHz). Known for advanced AI and high image quality, Clarius stands out with AI-powered voice controls—exclusive to Clarius—for adjusting gain, depth, imaging modes, and capturing images hands-free. Battery life is limited to 60 minutes, and some features require a membership. However, an optional external powerfan can be attached to extend battery life beyond 60 minutes. Clarius also offers three specialized probes for veterinary use.
Models: Multipurpose; PAL HD3 (NEW), C3HD3. Linear; L20 HD3, L15 HD3, L7 HD4. Specialized; PA HD3, EC7 HD3, C7HD3.
Price: $3,595-$5,395 + optional $595/yr membership (telemedicine, advanced software, unlimited cloud storage, education, PWD, etc.). ★★★★☆
Weight: 307 g / 0.68 lbs. ★★★★☆
Warranty: 3 year warranty. ★★★★☆
Image Resolution: ★★★★★
Wireless: Yes. ★★★★★
All-in-one probe: Partially. ★★★★☆
Features: B-mode, M-mode, Color Doppler, Power Doppler, PW Doppler, Needle Enhance Tool, AI-powered Voice Controls, Telemedicine, optional external power fan. ★★★★★
Software/AI: ★★★★★
Cloud Storage: Yes. ★★★★★
Portability: ★★★★★
Battery: Up to 60 minutes. ★★★☆☆
Eligible Countries: (new PAL HD3 – Canada, Australia, European Union, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA). ★★★★★
Watch PAL HD3 IMAGE Review
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3. Exo Iris Portable Ultrasound
The Exo Iris is one of only three truly comprehensive all-in-one ultrasound probes on the market, marking a breakthrough in handheld ultrasound with its hybrid pMUT technology that combines silicon chips with traditional piezocrystals for enhanced performance. With a 1.5-12 MHz frequency range and two-hour battery life, it’s versatile for diverse diagnostics and supports longer scanning sessions. What sets Exo apart is its industry-leading AI integration. Paired with Exo Works, the device offers secure EHR and PACS connectivity, streamlined documentation, and billing. Drawbacks include a lack of wireless integration, iOS-only compatibility, and limited availability in the USA.
Models: Exo Iris (NEW).
Price: $3,500 (A free subscription is included the first year of purchase and then $500/year after). ★★★★☆
Weight: 300 g / 0.66 lbs. ★★★★☆
Warranty: 1 year. ★★★★☆
Image Resolution: ★★★★☆
Wireless: No. ★★★☆☆
All in one probe: Yes (chip). ★★★★★
Features: B-mode, M-mode, Color Doppler, Power Doppler, PW Doppler, Spoton™ Needle Tracking, Auto Bladder Volume Calculation. ★★★★★
Software/AI: ★★★★★
Cloud storage: Yes (1 TB). ★★★★★
Portability: ★★★★★
Battery life: Up to 2 hours. ★★★★★
Eligible Countries: USA only. ★★★☆☆
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4. GE Vscan Air (SL) Portable Ultrasound
The Vscan Air handheld ultrasound offers a lightweight, sleek design with high-resolution imaging and versatile functionality, featuring dual-probe wireless options with a frequency range of 1.6-12 MHz. The phased array side suits deep imaging (e.g., cardiac, abdominal), while the linear side excels in detailed superficial exams (e.g., musculoskeletal, thyroid). With a subscription, users get MyRemoteShare for real-time scan sharing and Zoom integration, plus Caption AI and AutoEF software for guidance, quality metrics, and automatic LVEF calculations. AI features require a compatible tablet, and limitations include a high price and a 50-minute battery life.
Models: Vscan Air SL (phased/linear), Vscan Air CL (curved/linear).
Price: Base price $5,499 + optional 1 or 3 year subscription which includes MyRemoteShare and cloud storage $430-$1,165. ★★★☆☆
Weight: 218 g / 0.48 lbs. ★★★★★
Warranty: 3 year option. ★★★★☆
Image Resolution: ★★★★☆
Wireless: Yes. ★★★★★
All-in-one probe: No. (Two dual-sided probe options). ★★★★☆
Features: B-mode, M-mode, Color Doppler, PW Doppler, Caption AI guidance and interpretation AutoEF (*only available with compatible tablets), MyRemoteShare. ★★★★☆
Software/AI: ★★★★★
Cloud Storage: Yes. ★★★★★
Portability: ★★★★★
Battery life: Up to 50 minutes. ★★★☆☆
Eligible Countries: Variable. ★★★★★
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5. Philips Lumify (S4-1) Portable Ultrasound
The Lumify handheld ultrasound offers a lightweight design, long scanning times, high-resolution imaging, and advanced features, though it lacks wireless integration and relies on the connected device for power. With three probe options—phased, linear, and curvilinear—it provides versatility, but each probe is application-specific, limiting use across multiple body systems. Pricing details are available only through direct contact or authorized distributors.
Models: Lumify S4-1 (phased), Lumify L12-4 (linear), Lumify C5-2 (curved).
Price: $6,000. No subscription needed. ★★★☆☆
Weight: 136 g / 0.3 lbs (battery free transducer). ★★★★★
Warranty: 5 year warranty. ★★★★★
Image Resolution: ★★★★☆
Wireless: No. ★★★☆☆
All in one probe: No. ★★★☆☆
Features: B-mode, M-mode, Color Doppler, PW Doppler, Telehealth. ★★★★☆
Software/AI: ★★★★☆
Cloud Storage: Yes. ★★★★★
Portability: ★★★★★
Battery life: Variable. Up to 5 hours of continuous scanning – draws on battery of compatible device. ★★★★★
Eligible Countries: ★★★★★
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6. Mindray TE Air Portable Ultrasound
Although on the more expensive side, the TE Air wireless handheld ultrasound offers great image resolution, software and features. It's uniquely integrated to sync with larger Mindray ultrasound machines but limited to a phased-array probe (frequency range 1.8-4.5 MHz) only option and iOS only compatibility. While this frequency range offers deep tissue imaging excellence, it’s important to note that the lower frequency spectrum may limit the device’s ability to capture highly detailed images of superficial tissues effectively. Therefore, this could include vasculature, musculoskeletal system, and soft tissue imaging. Also, cloud storage is absent (internal storage only), and pricing details require direct contact.
Models: Mindray TE air (phased array).
Price: $5,500. No subscription fees but no cloud option. ★★★★☆
Weight: 270 g / 0.60 lbs. ★★★★☆
Warranty: 3 year warranty. ★★★★☆
Image Resolution: ★★★★☆
Wireless: Yes. ★★★★★
All in one probe: No. ★★★☆☆
Features: B-mode, M-mode, Color Doppler, Power Doppler, PW Doppler, TDI, Auto Bladder Volume Calculation. ★★★★☆
Software/AI: ★★★★☆
Cloud Storage: No. Internal hard drive only. ★★★☆☆
Portability: ★★★★★
Battery life: Over one hour of scanning time. ★★★★☆
Eligible Countries: ★★★★★
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7. Kosmos by EchoNous Torso Portable Ultrasound
The Kosmos Torso probe by EchoNous stands out as the only handheld ultrasound with continuous wave Doppler, making it ideal for cardiac assessments of high-velocity blood flow. With a 1-5 MHz range, it’s optimized for abdominal and lung imaging but less suited for superficial areas like musculoskeletal or vascular imaging. Advanced AI and integrated ECG boost accuracy, automating key calculations for ejection fraction, stroke volume, and cardiac output. While highly capable, its portability is limited to iPads or tablets, as it doesn’t connect to a phone. The Kosmos includes a 5-year warranty, and pricing is available upon request.
Models: Torso-One (phased), Torso (phased + ECG integration), Lexsa (linear).
Price: $6,000 for probe, + $3k for optional Kosmos “Bridge” tablet, or a compatible iPad/tablet can be used. ★★★☆☆
Weight: 275 g / 0.61 lbs. ★★★★★
Warranty: 5 year warranty. ★★★★★
Image Resolution: ★★★★☆
Wireless: No. Only compatible with Kosmos Bridge tablet, or select iOS or Android tablets. ★★★☆☆
All in one probe: No. ★★★☆☆
Features: B-mode, M-mode, Color Doppler, PW Doppler, Power Doppler, CW Doppler, TDI, ECG (Torso probe). ★★★★★
Software/AI: ★★★★★
Cloud Storage: Yes. ★★★★★
Portability: Must carry around tablet/iPad to operate. *No smartphone pairing capability. ★★★☆☆
Battery life: Variable as draws on battery of compatible device being used. ★★★★★
Eligible Countries: ★★★★★
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8. Vave Universal Portable Ultrasound
The new Vave Universal wireless handheld ultrasound is a budget-conscious, all-in-one probe with a 2–8 MHz frequency range, swappable battery system ($129 for extras), and a start-to-scan time under 40 seconds. Its wireless design offers excellent portability, though the boot-up time may be a drawback in emergencies requiring immediate imaging. While its 8 MHz peak frequency covers most essential POCUS needs, users should note that higher-frequency probes (e.g., 10–15 MHz) can provide greater resolution for very superficial imaging (such as MSK, vascular, thyroid, and soft tissue). Vave also offers a lower-cost phased array probe for deeper imaging such as cardiac and abdominal. No subscription is required for either probe, making this a great option for budget-conscious users needing core POCUS functionality without ongoing fees. Currently U.S.-only.
Models: Universal (NEW), Phased probe.
Price: $3,299 (Universal) & $2,799 (Phased) . No subscription needed. ★★★★☆
Weight: 335 g / 0.74 lbs. ★★★★☆
Warranty: 3 year warranty. ★★★★☆
Image Resolution: ★★★☆☆
Wireless: Yes. ★★★★★
All in one probe: Yes. ★★★★★
Features: B-mode, M-mode, Color Doppler. ★★★☆☆
Software/AI: ★★★☆☆
Cloud storage: Yes. ★★★★★
Portability: ★★★★★
Battery life: Comes with swappable battery. Over an hour of scanning time. ★★★☆☆
Eligible Countries: USA only. ★★★☆☆
