Ultrasound Machine Reviews

Video reviews and ratings for ultrasound machines

Expert sonographer and trainer Mike McElroy reviews new and used ultrasound systems from the past ten years. Each review shows off the machine's ergonomics, imaging capabilities, feature set and rates the system on these factors and the system's price to power ratio. Our goal is to help you get to know these ultrasound systems and use the ratings to compare systems against your needs.

Acuson Cypress

PROS: Capable, low cost portable cardiac system
CONS: Only 1 transducer port, no battery power

REVIEW: The Cypress created a new market segment as there really was no such thing as a portable cardiac ultrasound system available before it. Years of upgrades have expanded its capabilities into vascular, and abdominal imaging. The feature set is fantastic, and the system is easy to use. Its main drawbacks are its single transducer port and lack of battery powered operation along with an image quality that used to be state of the art but today is only a bit better than average. However because of its great price the Cypress has an unbeatable price to power ratio and should be considered a top contender for anyone needing cardiac scanning in a portable package. See the full system specs for the Acuson Cypress ultrasound system here.

Acuson Sequoia

PROS: Best shared service value available
CONS: Image quality is an 8 out of 10

REVIEW: When the Sequoia was introduced it set the Gold Standard for diagnostic ultrasound. A forward looking platform when it was introduced has led to numerous upgrades keeping the Sequoia up with the state of the art. The system is a favorite among sonographers and enjoys a loyal customer base. The value proposition of the Sequoia is broad with superior performance on difficult patients, TEE, Stress Echo, superior Doppler sensativity, great contrast imaging and a broad range of specialty applications including OB, general imaging and small parts. If quantification is an interest, the Sequoia has many features to quantify and follow specific disease states. The Sequoia is a high quality platform that continues to stand the test of time. See the full system specs for the Acuson Sequoia 512 ultrasound system here.

Philips iE33

PROS: Huge feature set & best resell value
CONS: Expensive, more features than most doctors will use

REVIEW: The Philips iE33 is perhaps the most capable, high end ultrasound system available today. As the #1 system in Cardiovascular ultrasound, the iE33 leads the class in image quality, Doppler sensitivity and quantitative applications. The iE33 also has the only Live 3D TEE in the market and recently introduced a pediatric Live 3D TEE transducer, further building Philip's leadership position. Because the iE33 covers so many bases it will likely be more system than many specialists will need. However if only the best will do, the iE33 is the system to choose. See the full system specs for the Philips iE33 ultrasound system here.

GE Vivid i portable

PROS: Only 10 lbs, battery power, console quallity features & image
CONS: More expensive than other portables, only one transducer port

REVIEW: The Vivid i is an incredible portable ultrasound with a full cardiac package including stress echo. The long feature list is comparable to GE's high end consoles, but fit inside a small, 10 pound laptop and image quality remains stellar. For those who don't need a full Cardiac set of features then the Vivid i may be overkill and is certainly more expensive than most other portable ultrasound systems. See the full system specs for the GE Vivid i ultrasound system here.

GE Vivid 7

PROS: Great cardiac images & user interface bliss
CONS: No 3D TEE probe yet

REVIEW: The Vivid 7 has been a dream system for Cardiology for several years. The EchoPAC image management built into the Vivid 7 is still the best out there in our opinion. The price to power ratio of this system makes it a better choice than any of the newer high-end cardiology systems out there. There really are not many drawbacks besides the lack of a 3D TEE. To see the Vivid 7 in action watch the video to the right. See the full system specs for the GE Vivid 7 ultrasound system here.

Mindray M5 portable

PROS: Great image with iClear, Low price
CONS: Not yet a viable Cardiac machine

REVIEW: The M5 was a good ultrasound machine when it was released in 2007 but with the new iClear software upgrade it has become a great ultrasound machine. This is not because the M5 has some new imaging modes or features, but because it does the majority of what competing laptop ultrasound systems do at a fraction of the price. To get a feel for the M5, take a look at the video review to the right. See the full system specs for the Mindray M5 ultrasound system here.