The portable ultrasound devices market size was exhibited at USD 5.85 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit around USD 8.66 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period 2024 to 2034.
The Portable Ultrasound Devices Market has undergone a revolutionary transformation in recent years, emerging as one of the most dynamic segments of diagnostic imaging. Portable ultrasound systems offer non-invasive, real-time imaging in compact formats, allowing clinicians to assess, diagnose, and monitor patients at the bedside, in ambulatory settings, and even in remote or resource-limited environments. As healthcare increasingly moves toward decentralization, point-of-care diagnostics, and patient-centric care, portable ultrasound systems have become indispensable.
Traditionally limited to large hospital-based systems, ultrasound imaging is now evolving with handheld devices, compact trolleys, and wireless probes connected to smartphones and tablets. These devices are now capable of delivering high-resolution 2D, 3D, 4D, and Doppler imaging, rivaling the diagnostic performance of conventional machines. From cardiology and obstetrics to emergency care and sports medicine, their versatility is driving broader adoption across multiple specialties.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the uptake of portable ultrasound devices, particularly for lung imaging, cardiac assessment, and vascular access. Physicians and intensivists worldwide utilized these systems for bedside triage and monitoring, emphasizing their critical role in infectious and acute care scenarios. Furthermore, growing global healthcare access initiatives, particularly in rural and underserved regions, are increasing demand for affordable, portable imaging tools.
With advances in battery life, wireless connectivity, image resolution, and AI-assisted imaging, the portable ultrasound landscape is entering a new era. It not only bridges the gap between centralized and remote diagnostics but also plays a critical role in telemedicine and global health efforts. This market is poised for robust expansion, supported by shifting clinical practices, rising chronic disease prevalence, and increasing technological innovation.
Miniaturization and AI Integration: Continuous downsizing of ultrasound probes and integration with AI for auto-interpretation and anomaly detection.
Wireless and App-based Connectivity: Increasing use of app-controlled ultrasound probes that connect with mobile devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Expansion of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS): Surge in demand across ER, ICU, and ambulatory care for rapid diagnosis and procedural guidance.
Increased Use in Home Healthcare: Portable ultrasound devices are increasingly used by visiting nurses and home care providers for monitoring chronic conditions.
Rising Role in Sports Medicine and Orthopedics: Real-time musculoskeletal imaging is supporting injury assessment and rehabilitation planning.
Growing Demand in Veterinary Applications: Portable systems are gaining traction in veterinary clinics and field environments due to their mobility and affordability.
Government Support in Rural Health Programs: Many governments are subsidizing or procuring portable ultrasound units for maternal care and community health outreach in rural areas.
| Report Coverage | Details |
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 6.08 Billion |
| Market Size by 2034 | USD 8.66 Billion |
| Growth Rate From 2024 to 2034 | CAGR of 4.0% |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2034 |
| Segments Covered | Type, Application, Technology, End Use, Region |
| Market Analysis (Terms Used) | Value (US$ Million/Billion) or (Volume/Units) |
| Regional scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA |
| Key Companies Profiled | GE HealthCare; Siemens; Koninklijke Philips N.V.; SAMSUNGHEALTHCARE.COM; FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation; Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.; Canon Inc.; BenQ. |
A key driver accelerating the portable ultrasound devices market is the growing need for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, especially in emergency medicine, critical care, and field applications. The ability to perform immediate, bedside imaging drastically improves clinical workflow and patient outcomes. Time-sensitive conditions such as cardiac tamponade, internal bleeding, or ectopic pregnancy require instant assessment — and POC ultrasound offers a rapid, radiation-free alternative to CT or MRI.
For instance, in emergency departments, handheld ultrasound devices are used to perform Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exams to detect internal hemorrhage. In remote or military settings, portable ultrasound is often the only feasible diagnostic imaging modality. The flexibility, cost-efficiency, and diagnostic power of POC ultrasound is a significant market driver, propelling demand across diverse clinical environments globally.
Despite significant advancements, variability in image quality and operator dependency remains a major restraint in the widespread adoption of portable ultrasound devices. Unlike CT or MRI, ultrasound imaging requires significant skill in probe handling, anatomical orientation, and real-time interpretation. In inexperienced hands, poor technique or misinterpretation can lead to inaccurate diagnoses.
Furthermore, compact devices, especially handheld probes, often offer lower image resolution than cart-based systems, limiting their utility in certain detailed or high-risk assessments. While AI-enhanced devices are addressing this gap, variability across operators and inconsistent training standards can affect diagnostic reliability. These limitations pose significant challenges in ensuring clinical accuracy, particularly in critical or surgical decision-making contexts.
One of the most promising opportunities in the market lies in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and cloud connectivity to enhance diagnostic accuracy and streamline image management. Emerging devices now feature AI algorithms that can automatically guide probe placement, detect anomalies, and suggest potential diagnoses. This significantly reduces user dependency and facilitates adoption in primary care and low-resource settings.
Additionally, cloud-based image archiving, sharing, and analysis enables seamless collaboration across specialties, second opinions, and real-time consultation — even across geographic boundaries. For example, a rural physician can perform an ultrasound scan and instantly share images with a specialist in an urban center for interpretation. This digital infrastructure enhances portability and supports the development of scalable tele-ultrasound networks, particularly beneficial in global health and rural outreach programs.
Cart/trolley-based portable ultrasound devices held the largest share due to their superior imaging capabilities, multi-probe support, and wider adoption across hospitals and specialty clinics. While not fully handheld, these systems are mobile enough to be moved between departments and patient bedsides, offering a balance between portability and performance. They are widely used in obstetrics, cardiology, and emergency departments for comprehensive imaging needs.
These units typically offer high-end features such as elastography, Doppler, and advanced imaging modes, making them suitable for more complex assessments. Their versatility in various clinical settings has ensured sustained demand, especially in institutions that require mobility without sacrificing diagnostic depth. Despite increasing miniaturization, cart-based units remain a staple in high-volume medical facilities.
Handheld ultrasound devices are experiencing the fastest growth, driven by increasing demand for compact, cost-effective, and user-friendly diagnostic tools. These devices, often connected to smartphones or tablets, are revolutionizing the concept of bedside and remote imaging. Their portability makes them ideal for use in ambulatory services, home care, battlefield medicine, and even rural maternal care programs.
Several startups and major players have launched app-based ultrasound probes with AI support, making them accessible to general practitioners and even paramedics. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, handheld ultrasound was heavily used for bedside lung imaging and cardiac function monitoring. With expanding telehealth infrastructure and growing clinician acceptance, this segment is poised for exponential growth in both developed and developing markets.
The obstetrics/gynecology segment significantly dominated the ultrasound market, capturing a revenue share of over 46.6% in 2024. Ultrasound is the primary tool for prenatal screening, fetal anomaly detection, gestational age estimation, and monitoring fetal growth. In many parts of the world, it is also used for intrauterine device placement, ovarian cyst monitoring, and post-menopausal evaluations.
Portable ultrasound has made maternal care more accessible, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Governments and NGOs globally deploy these devices in community outreach programs to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. With a strong, recurring demand for reproductive health imaging, the obstetrics/gynecology segment continues to lead in adoption and revenue generation.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is the fastest growing application, reflecting increased use in orthopedics, sports medicine, rheumatology, and physical therapy. MSK ultrasound allows for dynamic, real-time assessment of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints, offering a radiation-free alternative to X-rays. It is widely used in diagnosing sprains, tears, and inflammation, guiding joint injections, and monitoring rehabilitation progress.
The compact nature of portable ultrasound makes it ideal for use in outpatient sports clinics, athletic fields, and physiotherapy centers. With the global rise in sports-related injuries and growing awareness among athletes and active individuals, this application area is witnessing rapid adoption. The emergence of AI-assisted tools and image presets tailored for MSK further accelerates market penetration in this segment.
2D ultrasound remains the most widely used technology, especially in primary care, obstetrics, and emergency diagnostics. It provides a clear, real-time two-dimensional view of anatomical structures and fluid dynamics, sufficient for a vast range of diagnostic applications. Owing to its affordability, lower power requirements, and simpler interface, 2D ultrasound continues to dominate in both hospital and field settings.
Most portable devices, including many handheld models, are primarily based on 2D imaging, offering essential diagnostic capabilities at a lower cost. Its widespread familiarity among clinicians, combined with reliability and low training thresholds, ensures its continued dominance in portable formats.
3D and 4D ultrasound technologies are growing at the fastest rate, driven by demand for enhanced anatomical visualization and patient engagement. These technologies provide volumetric imaging and real-time motion visualization, making them ideal for fetal imaging, cardiac assessments, and tumor evaluations. 4D imaging, which captures live movements, is increasingly used in obstetrics and surgical planning.
The miniaturization of 3D/4D technology into portable formats is enabling broader clinical use. For instance, many compact and trolley-based devices now offer optional 3D transducers, catering to OB/GYN clinics and imaging centers. As patient expectations for visual clarity grow and clinical applications expand, this segment is expected to continue its rapid ascent.
Hospitals & specialty clinics dominated the ultrasound market and held a revenue share of over 54.0% in 2024. Accounting for a significant portion of the market due to high procedural volumes, diverse clinical applications, and robust purchasing capacity. From emergency and intensive care units to specialized departments like cardiology and obstetrics, these institutions rely heavily on portable ultrasound for bedside and procedural imaging.
The ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) segment is projected to experience the fastest growth over the forecast period. Propelled by the healthcare shift toward outpatient procedures. ASCs use portable ultrasound for anesthesia guidance, vascular access, musculoskeletal evaluations, and postoperative monitoring. Their compact design fits well with the lean operational model of ASCs.
North America portable ultrasound devices market dominated the overall global market and accounted for 37.7% of revenue share in 2024. High adoption of innovative medical technologies, and a growing preference for point-of-care diagnostics. The U.S. has a mature portable ultrasound market, driven by high procedural volumes in cardiology, emergency care, and obstetrics. Government reimbursement policies and widespread training programs support technology dissemination across hospitals, clinics, and rural centers.
The region is also home to key industry players and several high-growth start-ups offering AI-based, smartphone-connected ultrasound systems. Academic centers and research institutions continuously evaluate and refine clinical protocols for portable ultrasound use, contributing to adoption across diverse specialties.
Asia Pacific is witnessing the fastest growth, fueled by expanding healthcare access, rising chronic disease prevalence, and large population bases. Countries such as India, China, and Indonesia are seeing increased government investments in maternal care, emergency response, and rural health, where portable ultrasound plays a key role. Mobile health clinics and telemedicine programs often incorporate ultrasound devices as essential diagnostic tools.
Local manufacturers in countries like China are also developing affordable, locally adapted portable systems that meet regional clinical needs. Moreover, the growing number of skilled practitioners, medical training programs, and the rise of private diagnostic chains is fostering robust market expansion in the region.
In March 2025, Butterfly Network launched its second-generation handheld ultrasound system with enhanced AI-guided imaging and improved battery life, aimed at expanding point-of-care usage globally.
In January 2025, GE HealthCare introduced the Vscan Air 2.0, featuring dual-probe functionality and cloud-based integration for telemedicine applications.
In November 2024, Philips announced its collaboration with UNICEF to distribute portable ultrasound devices for maternal care across rural sub-Saharan Africa.
In October 2024, Clarius Mobile Health expanded its AI-powered handheld ultrasound portfolio with new models for cardiac and MSK imaging, supported by smartphone connectivity.
In July 2024, Mindray launched its ME Touch series — compact ultrasound systems tailored for anesthesia and emergency care — across Southeast Asian markets.
This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2034. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the portable ultrasound devices market
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