In 2022, the Butterfly Network won the "Best New Technology Solution – Ultrasound" award by the MedTech Breakthrough Awards Program.
At the time, the Butterfly Network also claimed its ground-breaking Butterfly iQ+ ultrasound was the only whole-body handheld ultrasound probe in the world.
In 2024, Butterfly launched its next-generation ultrasound transducer, the iQ3. And that has put the manufacturer in an even higher position in the ultrasound industry.
So, is the Butterfly iQ+ still the only whole body ultrasound probe on the market, or are there alternatives with features as great as those of the Butterfly iQ3?
That's the question we'll be solving for you in this article.
We've banked on our first-hand experience with point-of-care portable ultrasound machines and combed the internet to give you this refined list.
The list has the 8 best Butterfly iQ3 alternatives that aid fast and accurate diagnoses at the patient's bedside. We even include a brand that is absolutely free of subscription fees.
But let's first establish the best features of the Butterfly iQ3 so you can easily see how it compares to our 8 alternatives.
Nothing beats image quality when ranking the best portable ultrasound machine.
High image quality is key to patient assessment. It helps establish the state of the body organs and tissues being scanned. Besides, image quality is crucial in both diagnoses and the prescription of treatment.
Basically, diagnostic ultrasound image quality depends on probe resolution and penetration, and Butterfly iQ3 excels in both.
With its double processing power that transfers data at superior speeds, the iQ3 does not just deliver the sharpest image quality, it also captures multiple images instantly, thanks to its iQ Slice™ technology.
In bladder scanning, for example, expect the iQ3 to display bladder volume and ultra-clear 3D images in seconds.
Several other features make the Butterfly iQ3 ultrasound stand out.
Here's what you'll love about the Butterfly iQ3:
Other Butterfly iQ3 Features of interest:
Despite the Butterfly iQ3 next-gen technology, it also has a few cons to look out for:
So, how do our 8 alternatives compare to the Butterfly iQ3?
Best Butterfly iQ3 Alternative
These comprehensive reviews will highlight how the 8 alternatives compare to the Butterfly iQ3 in features like image quality, ease of use, portability, durability, battery performance, scan frequency, probe types, applications, and price.
Like the Butterfly iQ3, DRSONO Tri-scan Max is a whole-body ultrasound with 3 probe types in a single transducer: Convex, linear, and phased array.
These probe types produce high-quality images, scanning at 3.5MHz and 10MHz frequencies for deeper penetration and high image resolution.
As a core difference with the Butterfly iQ3, whose battery has a 2-hour scan time, the Tri-scan max has a long-lasting battery that lasts up to 5 hours. This enhances its portability, especially for mobile and home care.
Besides, Tri-scan Max is wireless, while the iQ3 uses wired charging and connectivity.
As a unique aspect, the Tri-scan Max allows the user to freeze, capture, and save scanned images for enhanced assessment. You can also perform detailed assessments and create video clips for after-scan reviews or share them with colleagues for consultation straight from the free-to-use App.
GE Vscan Air ultrasound scanners prove to be the best alternatives to the Butterfly iQ3 in image quality.
While the iQ3 claims the sharpest image quality for its double processing power, the Vscan Air models can brag about their next-gen technology and software that produce superior quality images.
Specifically, the Vscan Air™ CL uses the SignalMAX™ Technology to produce the highest quality ultrasound images in any healthcare application, just like a traditional cart-based ultrasound would do.
On the other hand, with its Caption AI™ technology, the Vscan Air™ SL uses the Caption Guidance™ software to guide the user step-by-step on how to place the probe for the best image quality. In addition, Caption Interpretation™ gives tips on image interpretation.
As a difference with the iQ3, the Vscan Air CL has only the linear and convex probes, while the Vscan Air SL has the phased array and linear probes. The probe types are set on either side of the scanner in both cases.
Exo Iris® is another high-tech whole-body ultrasound scanner with linear, convex, and phased array probe types, just like the Butterly iQ3. It has a scanning frequency of 1.5MHz – 12MHz.
Although different in design from the iQ3, the Exo Iris has an ergonomic design. You'll love the finger support features on the side and front, providing a safe and steady grip, especially with long hours of scanning.
Similar to the iQ3, the Exo Iris supports wired connectivity with a USB and a charging port. But it beats the iQ3 with its alternative wireless connectivity and charging.
Unique to the Exo Iris ultrasound is its advanced AI technology, the SweepAI™. Thanks to this advanced technology, the Exo Iris displays instant images and diagnostic tips on your screen as the probe "sweeps" through the organ.
The SweepAI™ technology is especially effective in cardiac scanning, delivering real-time results for heart failure and other heart-related conditions.
The Sifultras-3.33 is an all-specialist ultrasound scanner that supports whole-body scanning with its linear and convex + cardiac preset probes, placing it at par with the Butterfly iQ3.
Unlike the iQ3, which has all three probe types on a single plane and uses software to switch between the probes, you have to flip over the Sifultras probe to switch between the probe types. The probes scan at frequencies between 2.5MHZ and 10MHz.
For being a color Doppler ultrasound scanner, the Sifultras-3.33 makes it easy to observe and evaluate blood flow in main body organs, such as the heart, kidney, liver, and abdominal aorta.
The primary distinction between the Clarius PAL HD3 and the Butterfly iQ3 is that the Clarius has only the linear and phase array probe types, while the iQ3 has three probe types on the same transducer.
However, both models have the probes on the same side and do not require you to turn the probe or change probe heads.
You'll appreciate the enhanced portability of the Clarius as it is a completely wireless scanner that weighs only 308g. Instead, you have to carry around the iQ3 with the required connectivity cables.
From an image quality perspective, the Clarius PAL HD 3 scanner manufacturer claims uniqueness for its AI power and 8 beamformers. Both enhance the scanner's image processing speed and image quality, scanning at 1-15MHz frequency.
While you only use the Butterfly iQ3 with an iOS or Android device, the Mindray TE Air can be used as a portable probe with your smartphone or as a wireless probe with the cart-based TE X Ultrasound System.
But, compared to the Butterfly iQ3 three probe modes, the Mindray TE Air has only a phased array probe, limiting it to only a few applications.
As a unique feature, TE Air supports advanced connected patient care. With its on-app patient data management and unified connectivity to the hospital patient data system, clinicians can enjoy improved workflow.
The Kosmos Torso-One is one of the latest entrants in the ultrasound portable scanner industry. Its core difference with the iQ3 and other alternatives on our list is that this is a 2D ultrasound, scanning at 1.5-4.5MHZ frequencies.
2D ultrasound images have a flat display and lack the ‘real-like’ details of the 3D ‘illusion’.
Besides, it only has the phased array probe type, limited to cardiac, abdominal, and lung applications.
But like the Butterfly iQ3, the Torso-One has excellent ergonomic features for a steady hold during scanning. First, it has a narrow mold at the grip area to ensure a secure hold. Plus, the scan area has a small footprint, perfect for accessing the intercostal windows where wider probes wouldn’t reach.
Phillips has 3 different Lumify ultrasounds for every probe type: the S4-1 (phased array), L12-4 (Linear), and C 5-2 (Convex).
Placed alongside the Butterfly iQ3, 3 different probes mean you need 3 Lumify probes where only the Butterfly iQ3 would suffice. It also counts significantly for features like portability and cost.
As an additional difference, the iQ3 delivers 3D images, while the Lumify probes will display 2D images. The images are scanned at 2MHz-12MHz frequencies, depending on the probe type (Higher frequencies for the linear probe and lower frequencies for the convex and phased array probes.
Similar to the Butterfly iQ3 is Lumify’s ergonomic design. All 3 Lumify probes are designed to give the user a secure grip, crucial in image quality.
The finer specification details of the Lumify probes highlight their differences with the Butterfly iQ3.
Here's your quick summary comparison of the Butterfly iQ3 and our 8 alternatives.
With the 8 Butterfly IQ3 alternatives for point-of-care ultrasound in mind, a quick revisit to some key info on portable ultrasound machines will help you better appreciate the different models.
Online ultrasound scanner listings suggest that portable ultrasound machine prices range between $950 and $17,500. The ultrasound machine price differences depend on factors like brand, image quality, probe types, supplier, and whether the ultrasound machine is new or pre-owned.
But which brands have the best portable ultrasound machine price?
You may assume that ultrasound machines with multiple probe types on one transducer cost more. Our list seems to defy that assumption.
Models like the Kosmos Torso-One and Philips Lumify, with either the phased, linear, or convex probe on one transducer, have the highest prices. The prices go from $5,000 to $6,000 and increase with different subscription packages.
Instead, 3-in-1 models like the Sifultras-3.33 and Tris-can Max are more affordable ultrasound machines with lower purchase prices and discount offers.
The best place to buy portable ultrasound machines is directly from the manufacturer. This is your best bet if you are looking for new ultrasound machines. Buying from the manufacturer comes with benefits like:
Other options where you can buy an ultrasound machine include:
Medical Liquidations and Auctions: they offer low prices, variety, and the chance to buy in bulk. However, they are high risk because they often lack updated technology and maintenance. Plus, they offer no warranties and after-sale support. Example: Hospital surplus sales.
The Butterfly IQ+ is an award-winning brand that has won a name for itself in the ultrasound machine industry. Its iQ3 model is a whole body ultrasound, excellent in a wide range of applications.
Top among the pros of the iQ3 is its sharp image quality that supports precise patient assessment and diagnosis.
There are other ultrasound machines in the market with features similar to those of the Butterfly iQ3, and others that are unique.
These include the DRSONO Tri-scan Max which, like the iQ3, has 3 probe types but better battery performance. There's also the GE Vscan Air (CL, SL), which offers superior image quality and top-notch user guidance.
Our 8 Butterfly iQ3 Alternatives work great as point-of-care ultrasound machines. You only need to choose the option that best answers your ultrasound needs.
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