Used Ultrasound Machine: Buying Guide, Selling Sites, + 6 New Cheaper Alternatives

The use of diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound machines is growing annually in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, thanks to a consistent increase in patients and procedures requiring ultrasound imaging.(1)

But, with new ultrasound technologies becoming more and more pricey, many healthcare facilities have to strike a balance between the indisputable need for these machines and the glaring budgetary constraints.

In such a scenario, finding a used, cheap ultrasound machine for sale is your best option.
So, what factors should you consider when buying a used ultrasound machine? Which online sellers should you buy from? And, are there new, cheaper ultrasound machine options you can opt for without compromising quality?

That’s what this article is about. So, let’s get to the details!

If the hefty cost of new mid and high-tier ultrasound machines pushes you to go for a used one, conducting thorough research is paramount. That should save you from bringing a jar of ugly surprises to your healthcare facility.

We thought you’d want our expert help in making that crucial decision.
So, here are the 4 of the most important factors to consider when buying a used ultrasound machine.

A tight budget is probably the primary reason you are opting for a used ultrasound machine in the first place. But that shouldn’t lower your bar for value.

Whether you go for traditional names like GE and Phillips or other newer brands, set your budget range and aim for the best value.

New technology ultrasound machines can cost anywhere between $20,000 and $90,000, and you will likely pay 40-60% of this cost for used or refurbished ultrasound machines.

The best way to balance budget and value is to compare notes between what you are looking for and what the used ultrasound machine offers. If all the requirements on your list match the machine's features and it’s within your budget, go for it!

A 12-month warranty for most new ultrasound machines is an expected guarantee. But if you are buying used or refurbished equipment, chances are, you’ll get a shorter-term warranty or none at all.

Before making that bank transfer in exchange for a used ultrasound machine, ask about the seller's way of guaranteeing that what you buy is what you need. Inquire about their return policy and the chances of repair and replacement if the machine doesn’t meet your expectations.

Not every ultrasound machine for sale should really be on sale. That’s because, like all equipment, ultrasound machines have a limited lifecycle that involves quality deterioration with time.

Experts recommend that active ultrasound machines be used for a maximum of 8 years with consistent maintenance and upgrades. Replace them after that.(2)

When you buy used ultrasound machine older than 8 years, you are certainly throwing away your money.

Even if the machine should work fine, the imaging quality is lower, and regular repairs will compromise the quality of care your facility can offer to patients.

Consider purchasing a used ultrasound machine that’s not older than 5 years. That way, you have at least 3 years of good service from the equipment and probably time to afford a new one.

You are spoilt for choice with online marketplaces for used ultrasound machines. However, not every one of them should be your target seller when looking for a used ultrasound machine for sale.
So, when searching for where to buy your used ultrasound machine, assess the seller’s credibility and worthiness on these characteristics.

With these seller qualities in mind, we put together 6 medical sale sites where you can buy a used ultrasound machine.

Wondering what is the best website to purchase used or refurbished ultrasound equipment?
Well, if you make a quick internet search for “used ultrasound machine for sale,” the search will return countless options.

To help you narrow down, here are 6 of the best online marketplaces with used ultrasound machines for sale. Consider that the sites are not in any ranking.

AceVision offers high-quality refurbished and used ultrasound machines. Expert technicians test the products thoroughly to ensure you get ultrasound machines with the original manufacturer's performance and operational standards.

AME specializes in refurbished and used portable ultrasound machines. That means you can find a portable ultrasound machine for sale faster than on other sites.

All their machines are from key market players(3)like GE, Mindray, Philips, Biosound, and Sonosite and are certified according to their standards.

AME listens to every customer’s desire and sources widely to provide quality, reliable, and affordable portable ultrasound systems.

Dr’s Toy Store is a leader in the supply of used and new medical equipment, including ultrasound machines.

Their ultrasound machine showroom around Fort Lauderdale is an attraction site, recording visits even by doctors from abroad.

USC is a customer-centered company specializing in new, refurbished, and used ultrasound machines.

With a vision for excellence in providing quality diagnostic imaging solutions, USC places its consultants at your service to guide you through the entire sales process.

Ultra Select Medical provides reconditioned ultrasound machines in general and specialized imaging alongside their new models.

With options from all the top brands in the ultrasound market, Ultra Select Medical will give exactly what you are looking for while guaranteeing quality within your budget.

Their ultrasound machines fall under all areas of imaging applications, including 3D/4D, MSK, general imaging, cardiac, women’s health, and vascular.

Bimedis is a global online store that lists new, refurbished, and used medical equipment. On this site, you can buy a used ultrasound machine suitable for private offices, hospitals, other healthcare facilities, and home care.

And, with their ‘site service’, you can contact sellers directly and negotiate costs, discounts, and other transaction details.

If these used ultrasound machine sale websites don’t have what you are looking for, you can still buy a brand-new ultrasound with a very good price/performance ratio. Find out about that in the following section.

There’s a buying tip for ultrasound machines you must know about.

If you can’t buy a reconditioned ultrasound machine within your budget, you can get a new portable scanner at a lower budget and still enjoy the quality imaging you are looking for.

This decision will help you own a new ultrasound system under your budget and deliver the benefits of using a portable ultrasound scanner to your healthcare facility. These benefits include:

We reviewed 6 of the best portable ultrasound scanners that are worthy alternatives to mid and high-tier used or refurbished ultrasound machines.

DRSONO’s Tri-scan Max is a cost-effective option for any doctor or healthcare facility looking to offer their patients quality imaging. With its 3 probe modes, you simply turn the device from one edge to the other to get beyond-HD images with the aid of the latest AI tools.

This device works for all ultrasound exam types, including OB/GYN, breast, cardiac, thyroid, vascular, and general imaging. Plus, their free-access application lets you collaborate remotely with colleagues by remotely sharing images and notes.

Clarius L15 HD3 is an ultra-light portable scanner that offers high-frequency linear scanning in a long list of specialties, including general imaging, MSK, vascular, breast, ocular, thyroid, and lung. You can use the handheld scanner with your iOS or Android device to access a range of imaging tools, like AI-powered image optimization.

The Butterly iQ+ scanner uses groundbreaking ultrasound technology. It is powered by Ultrasound-on-Chip™ to offer whole-body imaging with a single hand-held device.

Whether you are working in emergency, anesthesiology, cardiology, MSK, or OB/GYN, Butterly iQ+ will deliver the quality of imaging you are looking for.

And, with a vision to democratize imaging, you can use this device for all your imaging needs in a large urban hospital or a remote area clinic.

In the current market trends, vet ultrasound scanners are considered high-priced.(5)That makes the SonoMe Vet 14L scanner cost-effective at its current price. The scanner is uniquely designed for veterinary imaging needs and manufactured by a leader in vet medical equipment, Bionet.

You can use SonoMe Vet for high-quality diagnostic imaging in diverse specialties, including pregnancy, fluid check, foreign body, peripheral vessel, and superficial organ imaging

The YOUKEY SOLOSCAN P50 scanner utilizes the latest technology to deliver high-definition imaging in a range of applications: OB/GYN, ICU, primary care, emergency services, and anesthesia. With its scanning power and ultra-portability, SOLOSCAN P50 can serve the busiest healthcare facilities.

The list of applications for the SIFULTRAS-8.51 is endless. You can use it in cardiology, surgery, EMS, endocrinology, OB/GYN, and general imaging, among others.

The multi-head scanner uses 7 different heads, including linear, convex, convex micro, and transvaginal. Only one is in the package.

Used ultrasound machines are a reliable go-to option when on a budget. Luckily, doctors and healthcare facilities can purchase these reconditioned ultrasound systems from credible websites at cost-effective offers.
And if this does not work for you, you can buy a brand-new ultrasound with a very good price and reliable performance. And all that is under your budget.

1. Grand View Research. Ultrasound Devices Market Size & Trends. 

2. European Society of Radiology (ESR). Position statement and best practice recommendations on the imaging use of ultrasound from the European Society of Radiology ultrasound subcommittee. Insights Imaging 11, 115 (2020).

3. GlobalData. Ultrasound Systems Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Installed Base and Forecast to 2033.

4. Zardi, E.M., Franceschetti, E., Giorgi, C. et al. Accuracy and performance of a new handheld ultrasound machine with wireless system. Sci Rep 9, 14599 (2019).

5. MarketsandMarkets Research. Veterinary Ultrasound Market.