Portable Ultrasound Devices Market Size and Growth Report, 2033

Portable Ultrasound Devices Market Overview

The Portable Ultrasound Devices Market size was valued at USD 1765.84 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2324.37 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2033.

The portable ultrasound devices market has seen substantial growth due to its wide-ranging clinical applications and adaptability across healthcare settings. In 2023, over 1.8 million portable ultrasound units were in active use globally, showing a rapid adoption rate across hospitals, clinics, and home care services. Increasing need for point-of-care diagnostics, particularly in emergency rooms and rural healthcare settings, has significantly driven the deployment of compact ultrasound devices.

More than 63% of diagnostic imaging procedures in low- and middle-income countries now rely on portable ultrasound systems due to infrastructural and financial constraints. Moreover, rising cases of chronic diseases and a surge in global elderly population—projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2050—further push demand for non-invasive and mobile diagnostic tools. In 2023, handheld devices accounted for 47% of all portable ultrasound sales globally, up from 38% in 2021, indicating their rapid penetration. The market is becoming more competitive with over 70 active manufacturers operating worldwide, including major names across Asia, Europe, and North America.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Increasing demand for point-of-care diagnostic tools across emergency and rural health facilities.

COUNTRY/REGION: North America leads due to high adoption of advanced imaging technologies and established healthcare infrastructure.

SEGMENT: Handheld ultrasound equipment dominates due to portability, cost-effectiveness, and rising use in outpatient and home care settings.

Portable Ultrasound Devices Market Trends

The portable ultrasound devices market is undergoing significant transformation, fueled by technological innovations, miniaturization, and growing demand for remote diagnostics. In 2023, over 430,000 handheld ultrasound devices were sold globally, representing an annual growth of more than 19% compared to 2022 volumes. This trend is largely driven by increasing use of these devices in emergency rooms, ambulance units, and military operations where time-critical diagnostic capabilities are essential.

A key trend shaping the market is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024, nearly 25% of newly launched portable ultrasound devices were equipped with AI-powered features, enabling automated image interpretation and reducing operator dependency. These AI-enhanced systems are gaining traction in primary care clinics and general practice settings, where trained sonographers are limited.

Wireless ultrasound probes are another trend gaining popularity. More than 70 models of wireless probes were commercially available as of Q1 2024. These devices provide clinicians with increased flexibility and support use in infection-controlled environments such as intensive care units (ICUs) and COVID-19 wards.

Furthermore, increased focus on maternal healthcare is boosting the use of portable ultrasounds in prenatal screenings. In sub-Saharan Africa, maternal screening with portable ultrasound devices rose from 11% in 2020 to 28% in 2023, as government-backed outreach programs expanded.

Tele-ultrasound, which enables remote interpretation of ultrasound scans, is becoming more common, especially in rural or underserved regions. In 2023, over 120,000 portable ultrasound scans were conducted remotely across Asia and Africa, leveraging improved mobile connectivity and telemedicine platforms.

Portable Ultrasound Devices Market Dynamics

Market dynamics refer to the forces and factors that influence the behavior, structure, and performance of a specific market over time. These dynamics include a range of internal and external elements such as drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges that collectively shape the market’s direction and growth potential.

DRIVER

Growing demand for point-of-care diagnostics

The global healthcare industry is experiencing a notable shift toward decentralized and point-of-care diagnostics. Portable ultrasound devices, which offer real-time imaging without the need for a dedicated radiology room, are perfectly suited for this transformation. In the U.S., over 53% of emergency departments now utilize portable ultrasound devices as part of their standard diagnostic protocol. Similarly, India’s mobile health vans equipped with ultrasound systems grew by 27% between 2022 and 2023. These trends reflect a broader push for faster diagnosis, especially in cases involving trauma, pregnancy, or cardiac abnormalities, thereby significantly driving the portable ultrasound devices market.

RESTRAINT

Limited battery life and image resolution in low-cost units

Despite the growing use of portable ultrasound systems, technical limitations continue to hinder market penetration. Entry-level devices often suffer from poor battery backup—averaging only 1.5 hours per charge—and lower image resolution, affecting diagnostic accuracy. Approximately 38% of healthcare professionals in Latin America reported challenges in visual clarity when using portable ultrasound systems, particularly for deeper abdominal imaging. Additionally, price-sensitive buyers in emerging economies often compromise on advanced imaging features, thereby limiting clinical outcomes.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of remote and home-based healthcare services

The increasing emphasis on home-based care, especially for chronic disease monitoring and elderly patient management, presents a significant growth opportunity. In Japan, where more than 28% of the population is aged 65 or older, home visits utilizing portable ultrasound for cardiology and orthopedics increased by 31% in 2023. Similarly, in the United States, portable ultrasound devices were used in over 55,000 at-home diagnostic procedures last year. This trend is supported by favorable insurance coverage and an increasing number of home health agencies integrating imaging capabilities into their services.

CHALLENGE

Lack of trained professionals and sonographers

While portable ultrasound systems are designed to be user-friendly, they still require skilled operators for optimal performance. In many regions, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, the shortage of trained sonographers limits the widespread adoption of these devices. A 2023 study in Nigeria revealed that only 19% of healthcare facilities offering portable ultrasound services had access to certified sonographers. Furthermore, in rural India, less than 26% of general practitioners received formal training in ultrasound imaging, hampering diagnostic reliability and hindering market expansion.

Portable Ultrasound Devices Market Segmentation

The portable ultrasound devices market is segmented by type and application. By type, the market is divided into cart-/trolley-based systems and handheld equipment. By application, the market includes hospitals, clinics, and home care environments.

By Type

Cart-/Trolley-Based Ultrasound Equipment: Cart-based systems continue to play an essential role in imaging departments and emergency care units. These systems account for over 39% of the total portable ultrasound market. They typically offer enhanced imaging features, multiple probes, and better cooling systems, making them suitable for continuous use. In 2023, more than 320,000 trolley-based units were installed globally, with high deployment rates across tertiary hospitals in Europe and North America. Their relatively larger size and dependency on mains power make them less suitable for rural or mobile applications.
Handheld Ultrasound Equipment: Handheld devices are compact, battery-operated systems ideal for mobile healthcare, field diagnostics, and home visits. In 2023, over 470,000 units were sold globally. These devices weigh less than 1.5 kg and are compatible with smartphones or tablets via wireless connectivity. The U.S. and China together accounted for over 58% of the global handheld ultrasound sales in 2023. These systems are gaining popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of use, especially in primary care and maternal health services.

By Application

Hospital: Hospitals remain the primary users of portable ultrasound systems, accounting for 51% of device installations worldwide.
Clinics: Clinics follow with a share of 31%, driven by outpatient diagnostics, gynecology, and cardiology services.
Home care: Home care applications represent 18% of the market and are rapidly expanding, with over 95,000 ultrasound-assisted home visits recorded in the U.K. in 2023. Government incentives for telemedicine and the growing preference for home diagnostics are expected to further boost adoption in this segment.

Regional Outlook for the Portable Ultrasound Devices Market

Global adoption of portable ultrasound devices varies significantly by region.

North America

North America leads the market with over 420,000 portable ultrasound units in use across the U.S. and Canada as of 2023. The region benefits from well-funded healthcare infrastructure, widespread insurance coverage, and increased use in emergency medicine. In the U.S., over 68% of ambulance services are now equipped with portable ultrasound systems.

Europe

Europe holds a substantial share, with more than 300,000 units deployed in 2023. Germany, the U.K., and France are top contributors. The region shows strong preference for AI-powered and tele-ultrasound units. In Italy, over 37,000 portable units were sold in 2023, particularly for use in rural health programs and disaster response.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid growth, with over 520,000 units deployed across China, India, and Japan. In China alone, portable ultrasound use in county-level hospitals grew by 35% between 2022 and 2023. Government funding, local manufacturing, and increasing use in maternal care have contributed to widespread adoption.

Middle East & Africa

Although still emerging, the Middle East & Africa region saw over 90,000 portable ultrasound devices in use in 2023. Initiatives such as mobile maternity units in Kenya and diagnostic training programs in South Africa are expanding access. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing heavily in AI-integrated diagnostic tools for remote use in desert and rural clinics.

List of Top Portable Ultrasound Devices Companies

GE
Philips
Siemens
Fujifilm
Toshiba
Samsung
Hitachi
Mindray Medical
Boston Scientific
BenQ Medical
Chison
Ecare
Esaote
Telemed
Zoncare
MedGyn

GE Healthcare: With over 140,000 portable ultrasound systems sold globally, GE holds a dominant market share in the handheld and trolley-based segments. Its Vscan series is widely used in over 100 countries.

Philips: Philips maintains its leadership through its Lumify range, which recorded over 35,000 unit sales in 2023 alone. The company focuses on AI-enabled ultrasound solutions for both developed and emerging markets.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the portable ultrasound devices market are increasing across R&D, manufacturing infrastructure, and AI integration. In 2023, more than $410 million was allocated globally by private and institutional investors into companies focused on portable imaging technology. Emerging startups from India, Israel, and the U.S. are driving innovation, focusing on cloud-based diagnostics and AI-assisted imaging.

Over 30 countries have initiated procurement programs for portable ultrasound systems in response to COVID-19 and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. In Brazil, a $28 million investment was announced in 2023 to deploy over 12,000 units in rural clinics. Likewise, South Korea has committed to funding mobile imaging vans for senior care, expanding use by 41% in 12 months.

Significant opportunities exist in tele-ultrasound services. Companies are increasingly offering SaaS platforms that allow real-time consultation between frontline health workers and expert radiologists. In India, tele-ultrasound service usage rose from 18,000 consultations in 2021 to 65,000 in 2023.

Further, joint ventures between global leaders and local distributors are opening up new sales channels in Southeast Asia and Africa. The portable ultrasound market continues to attract attention as healthcare systems prioritize early diagnosis, decentralized care, and resource optimization.

New Product Development

Recent innovations in the portable ultrasound space are centered around wireless connectivity, AI integration, and compact design. In 2023, over 45 new portable ultrasound models were launched, a 22% increase from 2022. Companies are focusing on developing devices under 1 kg with 4+ hours of battery life.

Philips introduced a next-gen version of Lumify with real-time AI feedback in 2023, enhancing ease of use for non-specialist clinicians. GE expanded its Vscan Air lineup with dual-probe configurations, allowing both deep and surface imaging without changing probes.

Startups are innovating rapidly. Butterfly Network released a silicon-chip-based device with a transducer that covers the entire body range, reducing the need for probe swapping. Chinese manufacturers like Chison and Zoncare launched 5G-compatible models in Q4 2023, ensuring low-latency remote scans in telemedicine programs.

In Europe, mobile apps linked to portable probes are being used for training purposes, with over 18,000 downloads in 2023 of diagnostic guidance software for ultrasound use. These product advancements are reducing operator dependency, expanding usage to primary care physicians and nurses.

Five Recent Developments

GE Healthcare (2024) launched Vscan Air CL, a wireless handheld device with continuous scanning capability for over 4.5 hours.
Philips (2023) upgraded its Lumify platform to support AI-assisted cardiac scanning and remote consultation.
Samsung Medison (2024) introduced the UGEO PT60A Plus with Doppler capabilities in under 2 kg design.
Butterfly Network (2023) collaborated with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to distribute 20,000 units to underserved regions.
Mindray Medical (2023) opened a new factory in Shenzhen, aiming to produce 150,000 portable ultrasound units annually.

Report Coverage of Portable Ultrasound Devices Market

This report comprehensively covers the portable ultrasound devices market, including technology trends, regional analysis, market segmentation, and competitive landscape. It provides detailed assessments of both cart-/trolley-based and handheld devices used in diverse applications such as hospitals, clinics, and home care.

The report spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, offering region-wise deployment data, usage patterns, and policy developments. In 2023, over 1.2 million portable ultrasound systems were installed globally, and the report breaks down this volume across applications and geography.

Key product innovations, including AI integration, wireless probes, and 5G compatibility, are covered to inform technology and product managers. The study also explores government and private investment flows, procurement programs, and strategic collaborations.