Best Portable X-ray Machines in 2025

With the new year comes new demand for portable X-ray systems! We’ve put together a list of the best portable X-ray machines we’ve been seeing on the market.

Portable X-rays are ubiquitous in hospitals all over the world but also play an important role in smaller clinics and urgent cares. As their name would suggest, they provide tremendous mobile capabilities while also serving as a backup solution if a facility’s main X-ray room temporarily goes down. For these reasons, portable X-rays continue to play a crucial role for patients and medical facilities.

• What’s the difference between “portable” and “mobile” X-ray?
• GE X-ray Machines
• Carestream X-ray Machines
• Siemens X-ray Machines
• Other X-ray Machines
• More about “Mobile”

What’s the Difference between “Portable” and “Mobile” X-ray

We often see some confusion between the terms “portable” and “mobile” X-ray. While many people use these terms interchangeably, “portable” usually refers to a hospital grade system (think: on wheels and weighs 1,000 lbs.) and “mobile” refers to a system that is handheld or can be folded up and wheeled into a van or placed into a car trunk (around 100 lbs.).

Block Imaging focuses on selling hospital-grade portables as they are more capable and provide an extra level of robustness. The smaller, lightweight systems provide an excellent solution for shooting extremities and small animals but struggle to provide excellent images while shooting through larger anatomy.

GE X-ray Machines

Building off decades of success with the AMX 4 and 4+ analog portables, GE continues to have a large market share in the portable space. In the used, refurbished space, the Optima 220 is the most prevalent system that we see. This portable continues to provide an excellent value solution as a robust system with a competitive price.

From a service perspective, the 220 is an excellent choice as it is well known by many engineers and has high parts availability. This system uses the GE Flashpad detector. These detectors are very durable and there are also a lot of replacement options at a competitive price.

Since the 220 model, GE has released the Optima 240 and AMX Navigate. Although these systems have a higher upfront and service cost, they have some features that justify this price difference for many. Improved features include an updated, HD detector, enhanced detector connection through an access point, larger screen, standard 30kw generator and optional AI features.

GE portable popularity continues to stay strong, and we expect them to maintain market share in this segment.

Pros:

• High parts availability and service familiarity, particularly with the Optima 220.
• Competitive pricing on refurbished systems.
• Advanced models (e.g., Optima 240, AMX Navigate) include enhanced features that build upon decades of success in this segment.

Cons:

• Higher upfront and service costs for newer models like the Optima 240 and AMX Navigate.
• Some older models may be more limited in technology compared to competitors.

Top Models:

• GE Optima XR220

• GE Optima XR240

• GE AMX Navigate

Carestream X-ray Machines

Carestream is a household name in the radiology space. They have an established dealer network and have been producing high quality portables for many years. The Carestream DRX-Revolution is a capable system with a 32kw generator, intuitive software, and excellent digital detector.

In comparison to an Optima 220, which is often more standard across the board, it is important to confirm a few details when analyzing a DRX-Revolution. There are Windows 7 and Windows 10 systems, as well as three detector options, the DRX-1, DRX-plus, and Lux detector.

Following a lot of success with the Revolution line, Carestream has recently released the DRX-Rise portable.

Pros:

• High-quality portables with excellent digital detectors and intuitive software.
• Strong dealer network and a history of reliable equipment like the DRX Revolution.
• Variety of detector and software options provide different price points.

Cons:

• Some variations in software (Windows 7 vs. Windows 10) and detector options, requiring careful consideration when purchasing.
• Focus exclusively on radiology in the imaging realm resulting in fewer engineers.

Top Models:

• Carestream DRX-Revolution

• Carestream-Rise

Siemens X-ray Machines

As Siemens market share continues to grow in all modalities, the X-ray space is no exception. This is great news for those that want to consider a refurbished Siemens portable, need parts, or have a system that needs service.

The Mobilett Mira and Mira Max are the two models that best balance technology and cost at this time. With 35kw generators coming standard, they are more powerful than the GE Optima options. The primary difference between the Mira and Mira Max options is the Max detector. This is an improved, lighter weight detector that is capable to connect to and be used by multiple systems.

The Siemens Elara Max is Siemens' more state-of-the-art system with an updated design and larger, higher contrast monitor. It also has the same excellent Max detector and improved charging.

Pros:

• Strong market growth in X-ray, reflected in equipment and service options.
• Standard 35kw generators offer higher power compared to some GE models.
• Innovative Max detector that is lighter and compatible with multiple systems.
• Wide range of options with different budgets from the Mira to the Elara Max.

Cons:

• Higher complexity in system options could mean higher training and maintenance costs.
• Premium systems like the Elara Max may come with higher acquisition costs.

Top Models:

• Siemens Mobilett Mira
• Siemens Mobilett Mira Max
• Siemens Elara Max

Other Honorable Mentions

The above makes and models are our favorites in the US and Europe. However, similar to other radiology modalities, options in the portable space are extensive. So while the below options may be less in demand, we still want to mention them as potential options:

• Philips MobileDiagnost
• Agfa DX-D100
• Shimadzu Mobile DaRt
• Samsung GM85
• Canon RadPro
• Fuji FDR Go

More about Mobile

Although Block Imaging specializes in the larger hospital grade portables we have been discussing, as mentioned previously, there are also smaller, more mobile systems.

These systems allow imaging providers to take the X-ray systems to patients to accommodate their setting. Nursing homes, vets and equine are common uses for mobile X-ray as these patients are more difficult to move.

The primary downside to the lighter systems is a smaller generator resulting in less power. While great for extremities and smaller animals, it is tougher to get a clear image when shooting through larger anatomy.

Block Imaging does provide new options for mobile systems. The two most popular options are the Amrad Dragon and SourceRay SR-130.

We're here For you

Portable X-rays will no doubt continue to play an important role in the imaging space for years to come. If you're ready to find the best X-ray fit for your facility, we can help you with more information for every step in the process. 

Block Imaging has decades of experience buying, selling and servicing these models so keep us in mind when you start planning your next X-ray project.