Diagnostic ultrasound machines come in many forms.

This guide is meant to offer an extensive overview of the many things to consider when you are looking to buy an ultrasound. Also, it will make it easier for you to orient yourself among the different types of ultrasound machines.

An ultrasound machine uses a popular imaging method partly because they utilize high-frequency sound waves to generate live images. Hereby, ultrasound is harmless, non-ionizing radiation, in contrast to X-rays used in other types of medical imaging equipment.

They are used for many different applications and have developed to be highly specialized. That is why there are so many types of ultrasound machines.

So, how do you pick the right one?

This guide will walk you through the main points of that decision.

Ultrasound Machine Applications

The different types of ultrasound machines can be dedicated to certain types of examinations. However, an advanced cardiac system is not optimal for OB/GYN.

So, consider what examinations the system will be used for, and let that guide your decision when you are looking at ultrasound machines for sale.

The most common applications of the different types of ultrasound machines are:

• Cardiac/Cardiovascular Ultrasound Machines
• OB/GYN Ultrasound Machines
• General Imaging Ultrasound Machines
• Shared Service Ultrasound Machines

Learn more by opening the bars below.

Main Ultrasound Brands and Series

The four main brands are Siemens, GE, Philips, and Canon (former Toshiba).
And there are more that are popular, such as Samsung, Esaote, Sonosite, Supersonic and more. For example, you can get the Supersonic Aixplorer.

These all offer high-quality equipment that has great value, even as used systems.

This section gives you an overview of the main series within each of the four main ultrasound machine brands and the different types of ultrasound machines they offer.

We focus mostly on those popular on the used market.

Siemens Ultrasound Series

Siemens ultrasound machines are versatile. Their series are not split per application, so instead, we split them per performance.

The Acuson X-series covers the entry and mid-range segment. It includes models such as X300, X700, and more. All systems are for general imaging and can perform a range of examinations.

GE Ultrasound Series

GE divides their series by applications.

The main ones are Voluson, Vivid, and Logiq. Each of these series is further divided into subseries. For the Voluson and Logiq, the subseries are E, which is their high-end models, S that is mid-range, and P, their entry-level models. For the Vivids it is E, S, and T, where T is their entry-level.

The Voluson Series is dedicated to OB/GYN and women’s health. It includes models such as the Voluson E, Voluson E6, Voluson E8, and Voluson E10, Voluson S10 Expert, Voluson E10 BT19 OLED, Voluson S8, Voluson 730 Expert/Pro, and the portable ultrasounds Voluson I and Voluson E.

The Logiq Series is for general imaging. Hereby, it is good for radiology, breast, interventional, and more.
The series consists of several models including Logiq S8 XDClear 2.0, Logiq E9, P7, and the portable Logiq E.

The Vivid Series is dedicated to cardiovascular imaging. It includes models such as Vivid S60N, Vivid E95, Vivid E95 Ultra Edition, Vivid T8, Vivid S5, Vivid S70N, Vivid E90 R3 and the portable Vivid I, Q, and IQ.

GE has also created the Venue series for point of care ultrasound machines and the Versana ultrasound series for dedicated urology care.

Philips Ultrasound Series

Philips base their ultrasound series on performance, like Siemens, rather than per application, but still offer ultrasounds for all types of applications by offering general imaging systems.

ClearVue Series are entry-level ultrasounds consist of models such as 350, 550, 650, and ClearVue 850.

Affiniti Series includes mid-range ultrasounds such as Affiniti 30, 50, and 70.

Epiq Series consists of high-end ultrasounds with models such as Epiq 5 and Epiq 7.

Philips also offers the CX50, a portable ultrasound also for general imaging.

Canon Ultrasound Series

Canon, former Toshiba, has two lines of general ultrasounds.

Xario Series includes entry-level systems such as the Xario 200, 200g and 100MX

Aplio Series consists of mid-line models such as Aplio 300, 400, 500 and 500 Platinum.

Furthermore, Canon has more recent and advanced models such as the i600, i700, and more. They also offer a portable ultrasound for general imaging, the Viamo c100.

Samsung Ultrasound Series

Among the Samsung ultrasounds, you can find systems for OB/GYN, general imaging, and shared service.

On the used ultrasound market, you’ll find the most commonly mentioned ultrasounds listed below.

In the field of women’s health, OB/GYN, there are options such as the Samsung HS50, HS30, HS60, HS70, HERA I10, HERA W9/ HERA W10, and the Samsung WS80A Elite.

Within general imaging, you can find the Samsung RS85 Prestige and RS80, as well as the Samsung HS30, HS40, HS50, HS60, HS70 and HM70A.

The Samsung HS70A is the only Samsung system we offer that can be used for cardio-vascular imaging.

Newer models such as the Samsung V8 and V7 are also available. Finally, for shared service, you could choose the Samsung HS70 and HS60.

The Prices of Ultrasound Systems

How much does an ultrasound machine cost?

It varies a lot, as the different types of ultrasound machines come with different price tags. Especially because the prices depend on several factors like age, condition, and model.

At Hami Medical, you can find ultrasounds from 5.000 to +80.000 Euros.

In the matrix below you can see a simple overview of ultrasound prices based on main brands. The cost is determined per condition and the types of ultrasound machines. Condition is split into new, refurbished, and used, and type is defined as entry-level, mid-range, and high tier.

The prices are in thousand euros and for systems box only.

If you prefer, you can also watch our video with Mehdi Smail explaining the ultrasound price matrix.

In general, ultrasound systems on the used market are 4-7 years old.

As seen from the matrix, the upside of buying used or refurbished is that you pick a more advanced system. Furthermore, encouraging the use of the equipment for as long as possible makes the medical imaging industry more sustainable.

As prices above are box only, you should add cost for ultrasound probes.

If you want to learn more about prices and the factors that affect them, read our full post on How much does an ultrasound machine cost.

There you will also find information on demo systems and more examples of models within each category.