Today, I review, link to, and excerpt from Dr.Sono‘s article, 8 Butterfly iQ3 Alternatives for Point-of-care Ultrasound (Including a True No-Subscription Fees Option), By
Charles M. Carlsen. Published April 27, 2025.
All that follows is from the above resource.
Find out which is the best portable ultrasound machine from our comparison of Vscan Air vs Clarius vs Butterfly IQ vs DRSONO. Compare the portable ultrasound machines considering features such as image quality, ease of use, portability, compatibility, and battery life.
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.
Features of the Butterfly iQ3 Ultrasound Machine
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:
- 3 probe types in one transducer: The linear, convex, and phased array probe types allow healthcare professionals to take whole-body scans at a frequency range of 1-12MHz and up to 30cm depth
- Integrated user education: Both beginner and experienced users can explore and learn how to use the features of the iQ3 from the 360° education suite.
- A user-friendly ergonomic design: With its user-friendly ergonomic design, the iQ3 supports steady probe placement, crucial for superior image quality. Plus, the programmable buttons support easy imaging option navigation.
- Seamless ultrasound integration into patient care: The iQ3 seamlessly connects to the PACS and EMR systems thanks to workflow management software and high-tech AI.
Other Butterfly iQ3 Features of interest:
- Price: $3,899.
- Subscription: $299 / $420 / $3,500 per year depending on your membership plan.
- Specialties (Presets): Abdominal, cardiac, vascular, OB/GYN, bladder, lung breast, MSK, FAST, nerve, ophthalmic, Ao & GB, and small organs.
- Scanning modes: B-Mode, M-Mode, Power Doppler, Color Doppler, Pulsed Wave Doppler, Biplane Imaging, and Tissue harmonic imaging.
- Portability: Weighs only 300g (0.66lb).
- Durability: Made of a sturdy Aluminium casing and drop-tested at a 4-foot distance. Rated IPX7 waterproof, submergible for disinfection.
- Battery Performance: 90 minutes charging, 120 minutes scan time.
- Compatibility: Android & iOS.
- Warranty: 3 years. Extendable by 2 years.
Despite the Butterfly iQ3 next-gen technology, it also has a few cons to look out for:
- It has a high annual membership subscription that varies on your membership plan.
- It’s not wireless. Its cord connection design can be a minus in ease of movement when performing ultrasounds at patient bedsides and moving from one point of care to the next.
So, how do our 8 alternatives compare to the Butterfly iQ3?
Best Overall Butterfly Alternative:DRSONO Tri-scan Max
- Like Butterfly iQ3: Has three probe types in one transducer: Convex, linear, and phased array.
- Unlike Butterfly iQ3: A more affordable ultrasound with a lower purchase price and no annual subscription fee (A true no-subscription fees option).
- Best Feature: Excellent battery performance, up to 5 hours.
- Learn more.
- Visit site.
Best Image Quality Alternative(s):GE Vscan Air (CL, SL)
- Like Butterfly iQ3: Supports a wide range of scanning applications.
- Unlike Butterfly iQ3: Has only two probe modes on one transducer: Linear and convex for the CL and linear and phased for the SL.
- Best Feature: Uses advanced technology and software for superior image quality and user guidance.
- Learn more.
- Visit site.
Best 8 Butterfly iQ3 Alternatives at a Glance
Comprehensive Review of Best 8 Butterfly iQ3 Alternatives
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.
1. DRSONO Tri-scan Max
Best Butterfly iQ3 AlternativeLike 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.
- Price: $3,599, down from the original price of $4,599.
- Subscription: None. Free-to-use App.
- Probe types: Convex, Linear, & Phased.
- Scanning modes: B-Mode, M-Mode, Color Doppler, Power Doppler, Pulsed Wave Doppler.
- Specialties: Abdominal, OB/GYN, cardiac, carotid, urology, kidney, vascular, lung, breast, MSK, nerve, pediatric, and small organs.
- Portability: Weighs only 250g (0.55lb). Wireless charging and connectivity.
- Durability: IPX7 waterproof rating. Allows safe cleaning and disinfecting.
- Battery Performance: 2 hours charging; 3-5 hours scan time.
- Compatibility: Android, iOS, & Windows.
Why We Like ItPros & Cons
2. GE Vscan Air (SL, CL)
Best Image Quality Alternative(s)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.
- Vscan Air CL
- Price: $4,855.
- Subscription: Yes. Required to access advanced digital tools.
- Probe types: Convex & Linear.
- Scanning modes: B-Mode, M-Mode, Color Doppler, Pulsed Wave Doppler.
- Specialties: Abdominal, OB/GYN, Urology, Thoracic, Cardiac, Vascular, MSK, Procedure guidance, Neck and Airway, Cephalic for Neonates, + more.
- Portability: Weighs only 205g (0.45lb). Wireless charging and connectivity.
- Durability: Tried with military drop standards. IP67 waterproof rating. Resistant to strong disinfectants.
- Battery Performance: 75 minutes charging; 50 minutes scan time.
- Compatibility: iOS & Android.
- Vscan Air SL
- Price: $5,499.
- Subscription: Yes. Required to access advanced digital tools.
- Probe types: Phased & Linear.
- Scanning modes: B-Mode, M-Mode, Color Doppler, Pulsed Wave Doppler.
- Specialties: Cardiac and hemodynamic assessment, Abdominal, OB/GYN, Urology, Thoracic/Lung, Cardiac, Vascular, MSK, Procedure guidance, Neck and Airway, Cephalic, Ophthalmic + more.
- Portability: Weighs just 218g (0.48lb). Wireless charging and connectivity.
- Durability: Tested with military drop standards. IP67 waterproof rating. Tolerates strong disinfectants.
- Battery Performance: 75 minutes charging; 50 minutes scan time.
- Compatibility: iOS & Android.
Why We Like ItPros & Cons3. Exo Iris®
Best Duo-Mode Connectivity OptionExo 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.
- Price: Starts at $3,500 for the ‘Iris Essential’ package.
- Subscription: Yes. You have to choose between the basic ‘Iris Essential’ package or the ‘Connect’ and ‘Enterprise’ packages at extra costs.
- Probe types: Convex, Linear, & Phased.
- Scanning modes: B-Mode, M-Mode, Color Doppler, Power Doppler, Pulsed Wave Doppler, Auto Color, Auto Power Wave, Auto M-Mode, Auto eFAst, and Loupe in live imaging.
- Specialties: Abdominal, Aorta, bladder, OB/GYN, biliary, cardiac, deep vein, kidney, vascular, lung, breast, MSK, FAST/eFAST, ocular, renal, testicular, paracentesis, thoracentesis, nerve, + more.
- Portability: Weighs only 300g (0.66lb). Wired connectivity. Supports both wired and wireless charging.
- Durability: Tested for endurance at a 1-meter distance. IP67 waterproof rating; survives immersion and thorough disinfection.
- Battery Performance: 2 hours charging; 2 hours scan time.
- Compatibility: iOS.
Why We Like ItPros & Cons4. SIFULTRAS-3.33
Best Budget AlternativeThe 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.Source: Sifsof
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.
- Price: Listed at a discounted price of $ 2,695 (from $4,200) at the time of writing.
- Subscription: No.
- Probe types: Convex, Linear, & Phased/Cardiac preset.
- Scanning modes: B-Mode, M-Mode, B+B mode, Color Doppler, Power Doppler, Pulsed Wave, and B + Color + Pulsed wave.
- Specialties: Abdominal, OB/GYN, urology, kidney, cardiac, thyroid, vascular, carotid, breast, MSK, pediatric, and small parts.
- Portability: Weighs only 90g (0.2lb). Choose between wired or wireless connectivity and charging.
- Durability: IPx5 waterproof rating, withstands jetting water.
- Battery Performance: 3 hours scan time.
- Compatibility: iOS, Android, & Windows.
Why We Like ItPros & Cons5. Clarius PAL HD3
Easiest to Switch Probes AlternativeThe 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.
- Price: $3,595.
- Subscription: Yes. $595 annual membership.
- Probe types: Linear & Phased.
- Scanning modes: B-Mode, M-Mode, Color Doppler, Power Doppler, Pulsed Wave, Needle Enhance, & Elastography.
- Specialties: Abdominal, cardiac, OB/GYN, vascular, bladder, MSK, lung, breast, nerve, ocular, and small organs.
- Portability: Weighs 308g (0.68lb): Wireless charging and connectivity.
- Durability: Rated IP67: Withstands immersion and disinfection.
- Battery Performance: 90 minutes charging; 60 minutes scan time.
- Compatibility: iOS & Android.
Why We Like ItPros & Cons6. Mindray TE Air
Most Versatile AlternativeWhile 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.
- Price: $4,593.
- Subscription: No.
- Probe types: Phased array.
- Scanning modes: B-Mode, M-Mode, Color Doppler, Power Doppler, Pulsed Wave, and TDI.
- Specialties: Abdominal, cardiac, OB/GYN, lung, vascular, urology, and cephalic.
- Portability: Weighs 199g (0.44lb): Wireless connectivity, wired/wireless charging. A 2-in-1 protective case that doubles as a mobile charger.
- Durability: Rated IP68: Withstands complete immersion for disinfection.
- Battery Performance: 45 minutes charging; 60 minutes scan time.
- Compatibility: iOS & Android.
Why We Like ItPros & Cons7. Kosmos by EchoNous (Torso-One)
Best 2D Scanning AlternativeThe 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.
- Price: $5,000.
- Subscription: Yes. You pay a $450 subscription for each of the clinical software features.
- Probe types: Phased array.
- Scanning modes: 2D, M-Mode, Color Doppler, Pulsed Wave, Continuous Wave, and TDI.
- Specialties: Abdominal, cardiac, and lung.
- Portability: Weighs 275g (0.61lb): Wired charging and connectivity.
- Durability: Rated IP67; allows high-level disinfection. Drop tested for endurance from a 1M distance.
- Battery Performance: 3 hours charging; 90 minutes scan time.
- Compatibility: iOS & Android.
Why We Like ItPros & Cons8. Philips Lumify (S4-1, L12-4, C5-2)
Best Single Probe Type AlternativePhillips 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.
- Lumify S4-1
- Price: $6,000.
- Subscription: Yes. As an option for the one-time purchase.
- Probe types: Phased array.
- Scanning modes: 2D, Pulsed Wave Color Doppler, M-mode, advanced XRES, multivariate harmonic imaging, and B-line in lung imaging.
- Specialties: Abdomen, Cardiac, FAST, Lung, OB/GYN.
- Portability: 136g (0.3lb). Cable charging and connectivity.
- Durability: Military-grade testing at a 4-foot distance. Withstands low and high disinfection.
- Battery Performance: No battery. Draws power from the connected display device.
- Compatibility: Android, iOS.
- Lumify L12-4
- Price: $6,000.
- Subscription: Yes. As an option for the one-time purchase.
- Probe types: Linear.
- Scanning modes 2D, Pulsed Wave, Color Doppler, M-mode, advanced XRES, multivariate harmonic imaging, SonoCT, and B-line in lung imaging.
- Specialties: Lung, MSK, Soft Tissue, Superficial, Vascular.
- Portability: 136g (0.3lb). Cable charging and connectivity.
- Durability: Military-grade testing at a 4-foot distance. Withstands low and high disinfection.
- Battery Performance: No battery. Draws power from the connected display device.
- Compatibility: Android, iOS.
- Lumify C5-2
- Price: $6,000.
- Subscription: Yes. As an option for the one-time purchase.
- Probe types: Convex.
- Scanning modes: 2D, Pulsed Wave, Color Doppler, M-mode, advanced XRES and multivariate harmonic imaging, SonoCT.
- Specialties: Abdomen, Gallbladder, Lung, OB/GYN.
- Portability: 136g (0.3lb). Cable charging and connectivity.
- Durability: Military-grade testing at a 4-foot distance. Withstands low and high disinfection.
- Battery Performance: No battery. Draws power from the connected display device.
- Compatibility: Android, iOS.
Why We Like ItPros & Cons8 Butterfly iQ3 Alternatives Comparative Summary
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.
