An ultrasound machine uses high-frequency sound waves and a transducer (probe) to produce real-time images of organs, blood flow, and soft tissue, with no radiation.
Ultrasound machine cost ranges from roughly $4,000 for a refurbished handheld unit to over $200,000 for a new premium cart-based system, depending on type, transducers, and features.
Ultrasound is one of the most versatile and widely used imaging tools, found in OB/GYN, cardiology, vascular, emergency, and point-of-care settings. This guide breaks down what an ultrasound machine costs, the types and transducers, the leading brands, and how to decide between new and refurbished.
An ultrasound machine sends high-frequency sound waves into the body through a transducer, then captures the echoes that bounce back to build a real-time image. Because it uses sound instead of radiation, ultrasound is safe for pregnancy and repeat exams. Doppler ultrasound adds the ability to visualize and measure blood flow. Image quality depends on the system, the transducer, and the software.
- OB/GYN: pregnancy and women’s health imaging
- Cardiology (echo): heart structure and function
- Vascular: blood flow and Doppler studies
- Point-of-care (POCUS) & emergency: rapid bedside assessment
- Musculoskeletal & general: joints, abdomen, and guided procedures
Pocket and tablet-sized units for bedside and field use. Lowest cost and most portable.
Laptop-style systems balancing image quality and mobility, popular in clinics and POCUS.
Full-featured console systems for hospitals and specialty imaging, with the best image quality and the widest transducer support.
The transducer, or probe, is the part that touches the patient and largely determines what you can image. Common types include:
- Linear array: high-frequency imaging of shallow structures like vessels and MSK
- Curved (convex) array: deeper abdominal and OB imaging
- Phased array: cardiac (echo) imaging through narrow windows
- Endocavitary: transvaginal and transrectal exams
Each transducer adds meaningfully to system cost, so probe selection matters. We also offer ultrasound probe repair to extend the life of your existing transducers.
Ultrasound machine cost is driven by type, transducers, and condition. Typical price ranges are:
| Ultrasound Type | Refurbished | New |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld / point-of-care | $4,000 – $12,000 | $9,000 – $18,000 |
| Portable / compact | $15,000 – $40,000 | $35,000 – $70,000 |
| Cart-based / premium | $30,000 – $90,000 | $90,000 – $200,000 |
Each transducer adds to the total, and a certified refurbished ultrasound typically saves 40–60% versus new. See current ultrasound pricing and availability »
Medical Outfitters carries new and certified refurbished Fujifilm ultrasound systems across every type:
- Fujifilm Arietta (cart-based): the premium Arietta 850 and Arietta 650
- Fujifilm Sonosite (portable / POCUS): the Sonosite Edge II and Sonosite M-Turbo
- Fujifilm Lisendo (cardiovascular): the Lisendo 880
You may also encounter GE, Philips, Samsung, Canon, and Mindray ultrasound systems on the used market. Our team can help you source and compare these as well.
A new ultrasound offers the latest imaging software and a full manufacturer warranty. A certified refurbished ultrasound delivers comparable diagnostic performance for far less, fully inspected and warrantied. Because ultrasound platforms are durable and transducers can be added later, refurbished systems are an excellent value for clinics and POCUS programs. Refurbished typically saves 40 to 60 percent versus new.
Transducers are the most failure-prone and expensive part of an ultrasound system. Medical Outfitters provides ultrasound service, parts, and probe repair to keep your systems running and control cost. Learn about our service and repair options »
Match the system and transducers to your specialty, setting, and budget. Key takeaways:
- Handheld for bedside POCUS and field use
- Portable for clinics needing quality plus mobility
- Cart-based / premium for hospitals and specialty imaging
- Match transducers to your exams (linear, curved, phased, endocavitary)
- Refurbished for 40–60% savings with comparable performance
- How much does an ultrasound machine cost?
- An ultrasound machine costs about $4,000 for a refurbished handheld unit and up to $200,000 or more for a new premium cart-based system. A refurbished portable ultrasound typically runs $15,000 to $40,000, and each transducer adds to the total.
- What is the difference between handheld, portable, and cart-based ultrasound?
- Handheld units are pocket-sized for bedside use, portable systems are laptop-style for clinics and POCUS, and cart-based systems are full consoles for hospitals with the best image quality and transducer support.
- What are the types of ultrasound transducers (probes)?
- Common transducers include linear array for shallow structures, curved (convex) array for abdominal and OB, phased array for cardiac, and endocavitary probes for transvaginal or transrectal exams.
- What is a Doppler ultrasound?
- Doppler ultrasound is a mode that visualizes and measures blood flow, used for vascular, cardiac, and obstetric studies.
- Is a refurbished ultrasound machine worth it?
- Yes. A certified refurbished ultrasound saves 40 to 60 percent versus new with comparable diagnostic performance, provided it is fully inspected and backed by warranty.
From handheld POCUS to premium cart-based systems, Medical Outfitters helps you spec, buy, or lease the right ultrasound, new or certified refurbished. Serving the US, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean.
