Butterfly Network makes whole-body ultrasound devices you can carry around in your back pocket
Butterfly Network is a company that created the groundbreaking handheld ultrasound device called the Butterfly iQ in 2018. This device was aimed to make whole-body ultrasound scans easy and affordable since the typical ultrasound machines were bulky and expensive.
After this groundbreaking innovation, Butterfly Network has gone on to add more devices to its portfolio, using the innovative technology of the Butterfly iQ as a base. Here are some of the other devices they have created.
- Whole body ultrasound scan devices – iQ3 and iQ+;
- Application-specific scans s iQ+Bladder and iQ Vet;
- Operating systems these devices work- Compass.
Why is Butterfly Network doing what they do?
Almost 5 billion people around the world can’t get ultrasounds done and the majority of these people reside in remote areas. This is because the regular ultrasound machines are bulky and expensive, a luxury which is not afforded to the less privileged.
Butterfly Network saw this gap in the market and was like, “We need to change that. We need to make sure everyone is getting the best possible care they need regardless of their zip code.” This thinking is what led to their first device called the Butterfly iQ.
What makes Butterfly iQ different from your regular ultrasound machine?
- It is easy to carry around. So doctors can take to wherever they need to, offering their patients the best possible care.
- It has good picture quality – just because you are using a handheld device does not mean you are dropping down on quality.
- It is simple and easy to use.
- It works with phones and tablets – solidifying its handheld status.
- It is more affordable. Look at these two devices and tell me which one you think is cheaper.
Butterfly iQ image quality and accuracy
There are a couple of things Butterfly Network incorporated into its iQ scanners to ensure that they take good and accurate pictures.
The first is semiconductor technology that helps the ultrasound to take high-quality pictures.
The second is that they are constantly improving, their latest instalment in the iQ-verse like iQ3 for example takes even clearer pictures because it has improved digital capabilities.
Third is the use of beamforming technology that helps the Butterfly iQ to focus the ultrasound waves and create a clear picture.
Finally, the device is easy to hold. A device that is easy to use will most definitely give the best results.
Who the Butterfly iQ was made for
Sonographers and nurses are the professionals who are most targeted because they are the ones who use ultrasound machines.
Differences between all of Butterfly Network products
| DEVICE | KEY FEATURES |
|---|---|
| Butterfly iQ | – Original handheld ultrasound device (2018) – Semiconductor technology for whole-body imaging with a single probe – Connects to iOS or Android app, 20+ presets, easy to use |
| Butterfly iQ+ | – Upgraded version of original iQ – Increased processing power, optimized beamforming, efficient power consumption |
| Butterfly iQ3 | – Released in 2024 – Twice the processing power compared to iQ+ – No-focus rubber lens for intuitive anatomy identification – Advanced imaging tools: iQ Slice™, iQ Fan™, NeedleViz™ |
| Butterfly iQ+ Vet | – Specifically designed for veterinary professionals – Replaceable, stomp- and compression-tested cable for durability |
| Butterfly iQ+ Bladder | – Made for urology applications – Measures fluid volume in adult patients |
Competitors in the handheld ultrasound scanners in the market
1. Price: Butterfly iQ+ is the most affordable out of the bunch at $2700. EchoNous’ Kosmos costs $7,500+, GE Vscan Air goes for $4,900 and Philips Lumify is $6,000.
2. Ease of use: Although the Butterfly iQ+ is easy to use, GE Vscan Air is the easiest to use according to experts. But seeing that Butterfly iQ+ is the cheapest and GE Vscan Air is the most expensive, the iQ+ is a sweet deal.
3. Picture quality: Philips Lumify has the best picture quality compared to Butterfly iQ+ but when we compare the price ($6000 vs $2700) is great for your budget.
4. Handheld connection: Only Butterfly iQ+ and Philips Lumify can connect to phones and tablets. The others have their own dedicated devices.
What the experts are saying?
Final Thoughts
Butterfly Network isn’t doing anything new because it is entering a market already populated by industry giants such as Phillips and GE. However, it is doing something affordable. It is making ultrasound scans accessible for everyone because it is delivering a fairly good product at a fantastic price and that should be commended.
