Overview
Butterfly iQ (and newer iQ+ / iQ3) is a single‑probe, whole‑body ultrasound system that uses Ultrasound‑on‑Chip technology and AI tools for point‑of‑care imaging. It turns an iOS or Android device into a portable ultrasound console, providing multiple imaging modes, 20+ presets, and AI features such as Auto Bladder Volume and Auto B‑Line counting.
Pricing
Device
- Butterfly handheld probes (iQ+ / iQ3) typically cost around 2,000–2,999 USD per device, depending on model and promotions.
- The probe connects via cable or wireless cradle and is paired with the Butterfly app and cloud services.
Software Membership (Individual)
- Core Technology membership costs 299 USD per year per user (plus cost of probe), including 20+ clinical presets, unlimited cloud storage, M‑mode, color Doppler, and Butterfly Academy courses.
- Advanced Technology membership can be purchased as a one‑time 1,500 USD payment (software access guaranteed for 5 years) or ~420 USD per year in some markets, adding Power & Pulsed‑Wave Doppler, Needle Viz, Biplane, fetal heart sounds, and AI tools such as Auto Bladder Volume and Auto B‑Lines.
Clinics & Multi‑User
- Clinics plan starts at 3,500 USD per year for 5 seats (~700 USD/user/year) plus the cost of probes, with additional seats around 420 USD/year.
- Includes the same imaging and AI features plus multi‑user management for small practices and departments.
Key Features
- Single‑probe, whole‑body imaging – One probe emulates linear, curvilinear, and phased arrays using Ultrasound‑on‑Chip, covering cardiac, lung, abdominal, OB/GYN, MSK, vascular, and more.
- AI imaging tools – Auto Bladder Volume, Auto B‑Line Counter, Needle Viz, and other AI‑powered tools speed up measurements and procedures at the bedside.
- Advanced imaging modes – B‑mode, M‑mode, color and power Doppler, pulsed‑wave Doppler, and 3D‑like modes such as iQ Slice and iQ Fan on iQ3.
- Cloud & collaboration – Unlimited cloud storage, sharing, and tele‑guidance / remote consult capabilities for second opinions and education.news.
- Rugged, portable design – Military‑grade durability, IP67 water/dust resistance, and smartphone integration for use in hospitals, clinics, home visits, and low‑resource settings.
Best Use Cases
- Point‑of‑care ultrasound (POCUS) – Rapid bedside assessments in emergency, ICU, anesthesia, internal medicine, and primary care.
- Procedural guidance – Needle Viz and Doppler tools for vascular access, nerve blocks, thoracentesis, paracentesis, and other guided procedures.
- Lung and cardiac evaluation – Lung ultrasound for B‑lines, effusions, and pneumothorax; focused cardiac views for function and volume status.
- Remote / resource‑limited care – Rural clinics, global health missions, tele‑ultrasound, and even space medicine, where portability is critical.
- Education & training – Medical schools and residency programs teaching POCUS with app‑based workflows and Butterfly Academy content.
Pros
- ✅ True pocket ultrasound – Combines probe + smartphone into a highly portable, whole‑body imaging system.
- ✅ Powerful AI toolset – Auto Bladder, Auto B‑Lines, Needle Viz, and 3D‑like modes reduce operator dependence and speed up scans.
- ✅ Lower cost than many carts – At ~2,000–3,000 USD for the probe plus relatively low annual software fees, it is far cheaper than traditional cart systems.
- ✅ Robust ecosystem & education – Cloud, collaboration, and Butterfly Academy make it attractive for both clinical practice and training.
Cons
- ❌ Recurring software costs – Membership fees (299 USD/year Core or higher for Advanced/Clinics) add ongoing costs beyond the probe purchase.
- ❌ Image quality vs high‑end carts – Excellent for POCUS, but high‑end radiology systems may still outperform it for very detailed studies.
- ❌ Dependence on mobile devices & connectivity – Requires compatible smartphones/tablets and benefits from stable connectivity for cloud features.news.
Official Website
Butterfly iQ / iQ+ / iQ3 – Official product and pricing pages: https://www.butterflynetwork.com
Release Date: Original Butterfly iQ cleared and launched in 2018; iQ+ released in 2020 and iQ3 FDA‑cleared in early 2024.
Last Updated: December 2025