Click on any of the categories to see the top 2-4 recommended 4D ultrasound machines in that category. All machines in a category will have similar minimum features. The price range in a category will generally but not always be similar. Price fluctuates by the brand recognition of an ultrasound machine (well known brands carry a higher price) as well as the condition of the system. (Brand new machines have higher prices than refurbished or used 3D ultrasound machines.)
Finding the Best 3D / 4D ultrasound machine
Often the best value in a category will be a refurbished ultrasound system from a well-known brand. The feature set is the same as other competing machines in the category but the price is much lower. If you know what category you’re looking for choose one below and click to see what 4D ultrasound machines are recommended in that feature range:
3D / 4D ultrasound machine categories
The best premium 3D / 4D ultrasound machines:
Premium 4D ultrasound machines are meant to showcase the latest technologies and provide the absolute best image quality for even difficult patients along with the full spectrum of every available function. Medical professionals, especially those in clinical environments who require the very best where price is not an obstacles will want to choose machines in this segment.
GE has been the leader in 3D / 4D ultrasound ever since it purchased the Voluson line of ultrasound machines from Medison. Samsung has since purchased Medison and continues to follow GE in second place in providing the best 4D image quality.
The Voluson E10 is the newest version of the Voluson line and slightly surpasses the excellent GE Voluson E8, the undisputed leader for nearly a decade. Both are at the top in terms of image quality, features and available transducers. The Samsung UGEO WS80 is an excellent improvement on the Accuvix A30 that was already a very good 3D/4D system. If you can’t afford GE 4D then Samsung 4D offers a compelling second choice at a lower price point.
Ultrasound Supply, now owned by Probo Medical, recommends the GE Voluson E10 if you must have the absolute cutting edge and don’t mind paying the highest price. The GE Voluson E8 is recommended for those who want the great quality, but also want to save money over the new E10. The Voluson E8 delivers the best price for performance in the premium category as a late model refurbished or demo system. Ultrasound Supply recommends the Samsung UGEO WS80 for those who want premium level performance at only a high-end price.
What to expect in the premium 3D / 4D ultrasound category
- Amazing 2D and 3D/4D images with the greatest penetration available
- Provides amazing performance in even the early stages of fetal development
- Advanced visualization technology
- Amazing efficiency of workflow with the latest automation tools
- High volumetric resolution with fast volume rates and better handling of artifacts
- Ultra fast data transfer rates and Amazing processing power
- Matrix 4D transducers
- A large range of mechanical 4D transducers for different types of applications
- Advanced Fetal Echo diagnosis
- High resolution 4D imaging (called HD Live or FRV)
- Automation that improves productivity in OB applications
Key reasons the GE Voluson E10 is recommended:
- 23″ widescreen LED monitor and 12.1″ touch screen for navigation
- Four times the processing power of the GE Voluson E8
- The first commercially available curved matrix 4D Transducer (eM6C)
- Ultra-fast volume rates
- Many flexible imaging formats with amazing resolution
- HD Live for better volume assessment of 1st trimester anatomy & vascular structure
- SonoBiometry – Semi-automated biometry measurement for BPD, HC, AC, & FL
- SonoNT & SonoIT semi-automatic, standardized measurements of the nuchal and intracranial translucency in the 1st trimester.
- Advanced OB tools such as SonoAVC follicle, SonoVCAD heart, SonoVCAD labor, Advanced STIC, Advanced Fetal Echo
- Elastography
- Scan Assistant
- Automatic Image Optimization
- Electrical Height Adjustment
- and timing using the next generation of 2D speckle tracking technology
Key reasons the Samsung WS80A is recommended:
- 21.5″ widescreen LED monitor & 10.5″ touch screen for navigation
- Hybrid Beamforming Engine™: fast frame rate, more powerful data processing and noise reduction capabilities
- SDMR™ evo Speckle Reduction and edge enhancement
- Advanced 4D(V4-8, V5-9)
- NT Measurement Solutions (2D NT, Volume NT™, 5D NT) Advanced Nuchal Translucency diagnostic features
- 5D LB Automatic detection and measurement of fetal long bones
- MPI Automatic measurement of myocardial performance index
- Advanced Feto Realistic View™ (FRV™) Uses a virtual light source to provide more realistic views of the fetus and aid in diagnostic evaluation
- EZ Exam™ condenses multiple steps into a streamlined process with a touch of a button
- HD ADVR™ integrates DVR technology that allows the user to save live video to DVD and USB (Full HD 1920 x 1080)
- Dual level Temperature Integrated Gel Warmer
Key reasons the GE Voluson E8 is recommended:
- 19″ LED monitor & 10.4″ touch screen for navigation
- Matrix Array Volume Technology Probes (RM6C, RIC6-12-D, RM14L)
- Advanced 4D with the 2nd generation dynamic render engine
- Fast volume rates
- Many flexible imaging formats with amazing resolution
- HD Live for better volume assessment of 1st trimester anatomy & vascular structure
- SonoBiometry – Semi-automated biometry measurement for BPD, HC, AC, & FL
- SonoNT & SonoIT semi-automatic, standardized measurements of the nuchal and intracranial translucency in the 1st trimester.
- Advanced OB tools such as SonoAVC follicle, SonoVCAD heart, SonoVCAD labor, Advanced STIC, Advanced Fetal Echo
- Elastography
- Scan Assistant
- Automatic Image Optimization
- Electrical Height Adjustment
The best high-end 3D / 4D ultrasound machines:
The high-end 4D ultrasound machine category offers similar performance to the premium 3D segment, but keeps costs lower by not needing to include every premium feature. Thus a premium 3D ultrasound machine and a high-end 3D ultrasound machine will look very similar but the loss of those few features will significantly lower the price. Medical professionals who want the best performance but don’t want to pay the highest price should consider the high-end segment.
GE has produced the leading 4D ultrasound machines ever since it purchased the Voluson line from Medison over a decade ago. Samsung has now purchased Medison and continues to try and catch up to GE in providing the best 4D image quality. Because both brands have started from a similar 3D technology, both have maintained a lead over the other brands. GE will be difficult to overtake but Samsung now has the resources that Medison did not and is attempting to close the gap. This competition will provide a great value for customers whether they buy GE or Samsung for their 4D ultrasound machine.
The GE Voluson E6 was launched as a scaled-back version of the Voluson E8 and looks exactly like the E8 from the outside except for the name. The differences are the software and features offered on the E6 are less powerful. However the two ultrasound machines are very similar in performance. The Voluson S8 is a newer platform developed after the Voluson E8 and based upon a different set of probes. The Voluson S8 is similar to the E6 in performance, but is a smaller, lighter form factor.
What to expect in the high-end 3D / 4D ultrasound category:
- Similar 2D & 4D image quality against the best grade of systems
- Providing innovative ergonomics with touchscreen and bigger LED monitor, more than 19”.
- High volumetric resolution with fast volume rates
- Automated handling of artifacts and automated image optimization
- Provide full confidence with suppling outstanding fetal images for daily practice from the early pregnant stage
- Pretty 3/4D photos for maternal bonding
- HD Live(FRV) with acceptable quality
- Elastography for gynecology and breast
- Automated measurement function to improve productivity in OB
- Flexible report system
- Smart exam or scan assistant
Key reasons the GE Voluson E6 is recommended:
- Same platform as E8, only a few function and transducer differences
- 19″ LED monitor & 10.4″ touch screen for navigation
- Advanced 4D with 1st generation dynamic render engine
- Fast volume rates
- Many flexible imaging formats with excellent resolution
- HD Live (not quite at E8’s level, but still gives excellent volume assessment of 1st trimester anatomy and vascular structure)
- SonoBiometry: Semi-automated biometry measurement for BPD, HC, AC, & FL
- SonoNT & SonoIT semi-automatic, standardized measurements of the nuchal and intracranial translucency in the 1st trimester.
- Advanced OB tools such as SonoAVC follicle, SonoVCAD heart, SonoVCAD labor, Advanced STIC, Advanced Fetal Echo
- Elastography
- Scan Assistant
- Automatic Image Optimization
- Electrical Height Adjustment
- Automatic Image Optimization
- ViewPoint: reporting and image management enables users to create electronic reports
Key reasons the GE Voluson S8 is recommended:
- 19″ LED monitor but no touch screen for navigation
- Sleek design, lightweight and highly portable for a high-end console
- Real time 4D probe RAB6-RS has 192 elements
- Cost-efficient 4D Performance and productivity
- HDlive (not quite at E8’s level)
- SonoBiometry: Semi-automated biometry measurement for BPD, HC, AC, & FL
- SonoNT & SonoIT semi-automatic, standardized measurements of the nuchal and intracranial translucency in the 1st trimester.
- Some premium OB tools: SonoAVC follicle, SonoVCAD heart, & SonoVCADlabor
- Elastography
- Scan Assistant
- Automatic Image Optimization
- ViewPoint: reporting and image management enables users to create electronic reports
- Battery Pack: limited autonomous power
Key reasons the Samsung Accuvix A30 is recommended:
- The hybrid beamforming engine gives the A30 high 4D processing power
- 21.5” HD LED monitor and 10.1″ touch screen for navigation
- Outstanding resolution in the high end helps automatically detects the baby face with an auto recognition tool
- EZ-Exam: transforms multiple steps into a streamlined process
- HDVI (High Definition Volume Imaging) quickly renders 3/4D images at the touch of a button
- HD ADVR™, integrated DVD (720 x 480) and USB (Full HD 1920 x 1080), permits simultaneous scanning and recording
- QuickScan(B/D)
- Three 4D convex probes (V2-6, V4-8, V5-9)
The best midrange 3D / 4D ultrasound machines:
3D ultrasound machines in the mid-range segment are meant to evenly balance price with performance for medical professionals that need to do a large volume of basic exams with the option of being able to perform a few high-end functions. The midrange is the most commonly purchased price category. 4D ultrasound systems in this segment should fit the needs of most medical professionals and usually provide the most balance of performance in relation to the price.
GE remains the leader in 3D ultrasound machines and continues to provide the highest performance for each category, including the midrange. GE covers this segment with the Voluson product line, which it originally purchased from Medison over a decade ago. Medison which is now Samsung Medison continues to develop on the same 4D technology and is trying to close the performance gap with GE by copying GE feature improvements and adding some new ones of it’s own as well as offering a lower price-point for the same features. Samsung has shown it’s willingness to be competitive with frequent updates of the Medison line of 4D ultrasound machines which has made it harder for doctors to get to know a particular model before it is superseded by a newer one, but which is also bringing down the overall cost of 3D ultrasound machines in this segment. Philips also recently developed a 4D specific version of it’s ClearVue product line to better serve the midrange 4D ultrasound machine market. Philips may not have the same 4D image quality as GE and Samsung, but it has a very smooth workflow and like most Philips machines is excellent in shared service environments where 4D OB is not the only application.
The GE Voluson S6 is a newer platform than the older Voluson E8 or the extremely popular but now outdated Voluson 730 pro that it replaced. The Voluson S6 looks nearly identical to the more powerful Voluson S8 and shares the same probes with it. Anyone who is looking to replace a Voluson 730 will find the S6 is smaller and lighter with a bigger screen and similar image quality. The Samsung UGEO H60 replaces the SonoAce X8 and Accuvix V10/V20. Anyone familiar with those systems will find the H60 a sleeker, faster replacement with much better 4D image quality. The H60 offers very affordable pricing for the image quality and features it offers. The Philips ClearVue 650 is identical to the ClearVue 550 but it also offers a 4D convex probe. The ClearVue 650 is a replacement to the HD7xe but it is also a brand new unit as the HD7xe never offered 4D. Workflow is efficient, and the ClearVue 650 is a true shared service unit that also offers good cardiac and vascular imaging and features.
What to expect in the midrange 3D / 4D ultrasound category:
- Basic rather than advanced 4D features to balance cost & performance
- 2D and 3/4D image quality are good
- The segment with the most competitive price to performance
- Must be flexible, easy to use, fast and reliable
- Image automation and measurement automation speed exam efficiency
- Typical choice of one to three 4D transducers
Key reasons the GE Voluson S6 is recommended:
- 19″ LED monitor but no touch screen for navigation
- Same platform as S8, but (No HD live) and a few function and transducer differences
- Midrange pricing with technology borrowed from premium and high-end systems
- Sleek design, lightweight and highly portable for a high-end console
- Real time 4D probe RAB6-RS has 192 elements
- SonoBiometry: Semi-automated biometry measurement for BPD, HC, AC, & FL
- SonoNT & SonoIT semi-automatic, standardized measurements of the nuchal and intracranial translucency in the 1st trimester.
- Some premium OB tools: SonoAVC follicle, SonoVCAD heart, & SonoVCADlabor
- Elastography
- Scan Assistant
- Automatic Image Optimization
- ViewPoint: reporting and image management enables users to create electronic reports
- Battery Pack: limited autonomous power
- SonoRender Start: quickly optimize volume rendering with the touch of a button
Key reasons the Samsung UGEO H60 is recommended:
- The hybrid beamforming engine gives the H60 high 4D processing power
- 18.5” HD LED monitor and 10.1″ touch screen for navigation
- High-end 4D features such as Volume NT & IT, 3D XI, XI STIC Slim & lightweight
- Excellent ergonomics and workflow with up-to-date H/W and S/W features
- e-Motion Marker: displays the direction of the transducer’s beam plane on screen
- QuickScan
- Mechanical 4D probes (3D2-6, VD4-8, 3D 4-9)
- Highly responsive electrostatic touchscreen
- Customizable keys on CP & touchscreen
- Digital TGC on touchscreen
- Elastography
- Gel warmer
Key reasons the Philips ClearVue 650 is recommended:
- 19″ LED monitor
- Lightweight system with intuitive user interface for enhanced ease of use
- SonoCT and XRES for multi application image quality, including 3D/4D
- SmartExam enhances productivity
- Mechanical 4D probes (V6-2 & 3D9-3v)
- Fetal STIC
- Auto Face Reveal feature
- Raw Data allows data to be stored early in the image chain for optimum flexibility during post-processing and analysis
The best economy 3D / 4D ultrasound systems:
Economy 4D ultrasound machines are meant to do basic 3D scans as well as basic general imaging at the lowest price possible. Probe choices (if they exist) are very limited. Almost all non-essential features are removed and hardware is shrunk to lower costs. However as newer brands have been moving into this segment more than any other the top brands have had to keep a few mid-range features to keep an edge. This together with pressure from these new brands has brought 4D into the reach of millions of doctors and clinics that before could not afford it and the image quality and features of today’s economy segment are far better and less expensive than those of only 5 years ago. In other words, it’s a great time to add a 4D ultrasound machine to your practice!
Alpinion is one of the new brands that is pushing the definition of what an economy ultrasound can provide. Though not well known, this Korean brand was founded by partners who brought their experience from Medison and have shown themselves capable of creating very good quality probes. Those familiar with Medison products will find many similarities in Alpinion products. GE, the dominant brand in 4D has typically been strong in the premium to midrange segments in 4D, but does offer some economy 4D options that are now coming down in price to be more competitive in the economy 4D ultrasound machine segment as well.
The Alpinion Ecube 7 is not the least expensive model in Alpinion’s model lineup and certainly looks more premium than GE’s economy 4D model. It offers a large screen while keeping a very lightweight, slim form. Image quality is good and the selection of probes is acceptable. The GE Logiq P5 premium is an older platform than the Ecube 7, but it offers a larger selection of probes and shared service capabilities with a full cardiac package. It also offers a deeper set of features. Choosing between these two is simple. If 4D speed and image quality are most important the Ecube 7 will be a better fit. If flexibility of applications and deeper features are more important than the Logiq P5 premium is the best choice.
What to expect in the economy 3D / 4D ultrasound category:
- Basic 4D features
- Very limited automation features
- Limited selection of probes
- Targeted to private practices and specialized clinics
Key reasons the Alpinion E-CUBE 7 is recommended:
- 18.5″ Wide LED monitor that is adjustable with the tilt and swivel
- The most affordable solution to support 3/4D fetal applications
- Lightweight mechanical 4D convex probe VC1-6
- Volume Master: Fast rendering speed and good image quality
- 4D Modes: Surface 3D, Multi-slice, Multi-planar, & real time 4D
Key reasons the GE Logiq P5 is recommended:
- 15″ LCD monitor with fully articulating arm
- Wide set of applications like general imaging and shared service
- 3 mechanical 4D probes: (4D3C-L Convex, 4D8C Microconvex, 4DE7C Endocavitary
- Older probe technology; acceptable 4D image quality but a limited frame rate
- Basic and advanced 3D acquisition and rendering modes including 4D B-mode
- SRI & XRES
- Auto Optimization for B/C/D
The best portable 3D / 4D ultrasound systems
Portable 4D ultrasound machines range in price and features from the high-end category to the economy segment and are meant for point-of-care, and multi-location usage. However as the power of portables now is very close to console units of the same segment, many medical professionals are choosing them over consoles because they are easy to move around, keep secure, and send out for service. The biggest downside of a portable is that it typically has only one active probe port unless a multi-probe connector cart is available. Portable 3D ultrasound machines have become especially popular in the 4D segment as the price is typically lower than a competing economy or midrange console with similar features and they fit well in smaller examination rooms.
GE has been the leader in the 3D ultrasound machine market ever since it purchased the Voluson product from Medison over a decade ago. GE has developed and marketed this name till many patients even ask for it. There is no doubt that GE has had the best portable 4D ultrasound machines for many years however Samsung which purchased Medison a few years ago acquired similar technology and is slowly closing the gap with GE. Samsung offers excellent monitors, updated designs and a tremendous R&D department that will continue to innovate as well as follow GE’s lead. This competition means great values for buyers in this segment.
The GE Voluson-i is the first portable Voluson and it has many variations like the Voluson-e (a feature stripped version of the Voluson-I meant for a lower price point) and the Voluson-q, a more advanced quantitative version. However the Voluson-I offers imaging similar to the extremely popular Voluson 730 but with updated software and a bigger, clearer monitor. Those who are familiar with the Voluson 730 and want to replace it will find the Voluson-I a worthy successor and a great value. The Voluson-I has excellent image quality and the widest array of 4D probe choices in the portable segment. The Samsung UGEO HM70A is the successor to the Medison U5 and U6 and is improved in every way. It offers a lower cost option to the Voluson-I and a broader set of potential applications as it can also provide full cardiac features.
What to expect in the portable 3D / 4D ultrasound category:
- Although compact, they can provide high-end ultrasound imaging
- Excellent image quality for 3/4D with innovative volume technology
- 15” monitors
- Laptop shape
- One active probe port
Key reasons the GE Voluson i is recommended:
- Unique high-end 4D solution with excellent 3/4D image quality
- Various premium 3/4D features and transducers for extended exams
- Slim and lightweight (5.6Kg, 12.3lb)
- 6 Mechanical 4D probes: (RAB2-5, RAB2-6, RAB4-8, RIC5-9W, RSP6-16, RNA5-9)
- Automatic Optimization (B/D)
- TUI (Tomographic Ultrasound Imaging)
- STIC
- SonoNT
- SonoRender Start
- SonoAVCfollicle
- SonoVCADheart
- SonoVCADlabor
Key reasons the Samsung UGEO HM70A is recommended:
- Affordable midrange 4D solution with great price vs. performance
- Slim and lightweight (6.1Kg, 13.7lb)
- EZ-Exam: transforms multiple steps into a streamlined process
- HDVI (High Definition Volume Imaging) quickly renders 4D images at the touch of a button
- Full Screen Mode: Expand the image area to fit the entire screen
- HD ADVR™, integrated DVD (720 x 480) and USB (Full HD 1920 x 1080), permits simultaneous scanning and recording,
- QuickScan(B/D)
- 1 mechanical 4D convex probe (VN4-8)
- 4D modes: Surface 3D, Multi-slice, Multi-planar, & real time 4D