Reviewed 16 September 2026. Prices, specifications and regulatory references on this page were checked against manufacturer documentation and primary sources.
An X-ray machine uses controlled radiation to produce images of bones, the chest, and soft tissue, the most widely used diagnostic imaging tool in medicine.
X-ray machine cost ranges from roughly $12,000 for a refurbished portable unit to over $275,000 for a new fixed digital radiography (DR) room, depending on type, detector, and configuration.
X-ray is the workhorse of medical imaging, used in nearly every clinic, hospital, urgent care, and specialty practice. This guide breaks down what an X-ray machine costs, the types available, CR vs. DR detectors, the leading brands, and how to decide between new and refurbished.
X-Ray Machines at a Glance
- Medical X-ray imaging uses ionizing radiation; the FDA regulates X-ray equipment and its performance standards in the United States. Source: US FDA
- Structural shielding for a fixed X-ray room is designed by a qualified expert to NCRP Report 147, the reference states adopt for medical X-ray facilities. Source: NCRP Report 147
- Digital radiography (DR) reads the image from a flat-panel detector in seconds; computed radiography (CR) exposes a cassette that is then scanned, cheaper to enter but slower per exam. See the DR versus CR section below.
- Medical Outfitters ranges on this page are all-in figures for a system delivered, installed and warrantied; equipment-only prices published elsewhere read lower.
What Is an X-Ray Machine?
An X-ray machine generates a controlled beam of radiation that passes through the body and is captured on a detector. Dense tissue like bone absorbs more radiation and appears white, while soft tissue appears darker, producing the familiar radiographic image. Modern systems use digital detectors for instant, high-resolution images, replacing older film and CR workflows.
What Is an X-Ray Machine Used For?
- Orthopedics: fractures, joints, and bone assessment
- Chest and pulmonary: lung, heart, and chest imaging
- Emergency and urgent care: rapid trauma evaluation
- Specialty: chiropractic, podiatry, veterinary, and pain management
Types of X-Ray Machines
Portable / Handheld X-Ray
Lightweight units for bedside, field, and point-of-care imaging. Lowest cost and most flexible.
Mobile X-Ray
Wheeled, full-power digital systems that move between rooms in hospitals and clinics.
Fixed / DR Room System
Permanently installed radiography rooms for the highest throughput and image quality.
CR vs. DR Detectors
The detector is the biggest factor in image quality and price. CR (computed radiography) uses reusable cassettes and is lower cost but slower. DR (digital radiography) uses a flat-panel detector for instant images, lower dose, and higher throughput. Most facilities now choose DR. Explore digital detectors.
How Much Does an X-Ray Machine Cost?
X-ray machine cost is driven by type, detector technology (CR vs. DR), and condition. Typical price ranges are:
The figures below are Medical Outfitters ranges for a system delivered, installed and warrantied. Headline prices published elsewhere are often for the equipment alone, before delivery, rigging, installation and current tariffs, so they read lower than a real all-in cost. Every Medical Outfitters system is quoted individually.
| X-Ray Type | Refurbished | New |
|---|---|---|
| Portable / handheld DR | $12,000 to $35,000 | $30,000 to $65,000 |
| Mobile X-ray (full digital) | $40,000 – $90,000 | $90,000 – $185,000 |
| Fixed / DR room system | $60,000 – $135,000 | $150,000 – $275,000 |
A certified refurbished X-ray system typically saves 20 to 60 per cent versus new depending on system class, while delivering comparable image quality. Browse X-ray machines for sale »
X-Ray Systems We Carry
Medical Outfitters carries new and refurbished X-ray systems across every type, led by Fujifilm:
- Portable: the FDR Xair and FDR AQRO lightweight digital units
- Mobile & fixed: the FDR Smart X fixed DR room and the FDR Cross hybrid mobile C-arm and portable X-ray
- Detectors: the FDR D-EVO III and FDR ES flat-panel digital detectors
We also supply Carestream systems such as the DRX-Revolution mobile X-ray and Q-Rad rooms. You may also encounter GE, Siemens, and Canon X-ray systems on the used market, and our team can help you source and compare these as well.
New vs. Refurbished X-Ray Machines
A new X-ray system offers the latest detector technology and a full manufacturer warranty. A certified refurbished X-ray machine delivers the same image quality for far less, fully inspected and warrantied. Because X-ray generators are durable and detectors can be upgraded, refurbished systems are an excellent value, especially for clinics and urgent care. Refurbished typically saves 20 to 60 percent versus new depending on system class.
X-Ray Installation and Room Requirements
Fixed X-ray rooms need lead shielding, adequate space, and proper electrical service, while portable and mobile units need minimal setup. Medical Outfitters manages delivery, rigging, and installation. Learn about installation and rigging »
X-Ray Service and Maintenance
X-ray systems need periodic calibration, tube monitoring, and detector care to stay reliable and compliant. Medical Outfitters provides service, repair, and parts. Learn about our service and repair options »
How to Choose the Right X-Ray Machine
Match the system to your specialty, patient volume, and space. Key takeaways:
- Portable / handheld for bedside, field, and point-of-care imaging
- Mobile for hospitals and multi-room clinics
- Fixed / DR room for the highest throughput and image quality
- DR detectors for instant images, lower dose, and higher volume
- Refurbished for 20 to 60 per cent savings with comparable quality
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does an X-ray machine cost?
- An X-ray machine costs about $12,000 for a refurbished portable unit and up to $275,000 or more for a new fixed digital radiography (DR) room. A refurbished mobile digital X-ray typically runs $40,000 to $90,000.
- What is the difference between CR and DR X-ray?
- CR (computed radiography) uses reusable cassettes and is lower cost but slower, while DR (digital radiography) uses a flat-panel detector for instant images, lower dose, and higher throughput.
- What is a portable X-ray machine?
- A portable X-ray machine is a lightweight, often battery-powered unit used for bedside, field, and point-of-care imaging, at a lower cost than fixed systems.
- Is a refurbished X-ray machine worth it?
- Yes. A certified refurbished X-ray system saves 20 to 60 percent versus new depending on system class, with comparable image quality, provided it is fully inspected and backed by warranty.
- What is an X-ray machine used for?
- X-ray machines are used for imaging fractures and bones, chest and lung conditions, emergency trauma, and specialty fields like chiropractic, podiatry, and veterinary medicine.
From portable and mobile units to fixed DR rooms, Medical Outfitters helps you spec, buy, or lease the right X-ray system, new or refurbished. Serving the US, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean.
