The global portable X-ray devices market size was valued at USD 9080.81 million in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 9896.26 million in 2025 to reach USD 21458.16 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.98% during the forecast period (2025-2033).
A form of electromagnetic radiation known as X-rays has a very narrow wavelength and great intensity, and it can pass through solid objects and materials, including the human body. A portable X-ray device is an on-the-go medical professional's wireless digital X-ray imaging system that they can use in the field, at home, in nursing homes, on ships and offshore rigs, and by doctors and other first responders. A portable X-ray machine is smaller than a fixed X-ray machine and can be moved. It allows radiographers, vets, and dental professionals to take X-ray images of patients without calling them into a special lead-lined room.
The basic idea remains the same: X-rays are emitted through a person's or animal's body, which are reflected and appear as white on the image. Portable X-ray machines are often used by professionals where space is an issue or there's a distinct lack of access to equipment. Portable medical X-ray machines eliminate long waits and processing times, making patients happier. It is a cost-effective approach as constantly using ambulances, taxis, and the resource of staff costs money.
Developing technologies and new medical devices requires money, time, and effort. Various organizations, governments, and market players strategically collaborate and merge to promote the adoption and development of advanced devices. The government of various countries is actively involved in assisting projects for improving public health.
Various molecular and cellular changes that accumulate with age lead to a gradual loss of physical and mental function and a higher risk of disease. X-rays are largely used to detect bone fractures, vascular diseases, certain tumors and other abnormal masses, pneumonia, some types of injuries, calcifications, foreign objects, dental problems, etc.
The Global Population Ageing 2020 Highlights report from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs estimated that 727 million people around the globe were 65 or above in the year 2020. In 2050, the population is projected to surpass and reach 1.5 billion. Since the older population is prone to the disease, it is expected to generate the need for portable X-ray devices for diagnosis, thereby driving the market's growth.
Radiation safety has always been a concern for physicians, patients, and staff in many departments, including interventional cardiology, radiology, and surgery. Radiation exposure could lead to various side effects as there are chances that a specific X-ray can cause DNA damage that may later develop even into cancer. According to the Food and Drug Administration's article titled 'Medical X-ray Imaging,' updated in September 2020, X-ray imaging uses ionizing radiation to generate the body's image. At the same time, the ionizing radiation has enough energy to cause DNA damage potentially. Such damage can harmfully affect the health of humans and thus hold back people and medical professionals from using and recommending X-ray diagnoses frequently. Therefore, the factors above restrict the market growth during the forecast period.
The incorporation of artificial intelligence in the devices may improve the diagnosis. The research articles show that artificial intelligence may be a promising medical imaging technology and boost the market's growth.
Furthermore, product advancement launched by key players drives the market's growth.
| Study Period | 2021-2033 | CAGR | 8.98% |
| Historical Period | 2021-2023 | Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
| Base Year | 2024 | Base Year Market Size | USD 9080.81 Million |
| Forecast Year | 2033 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 21458.16 Million |
| Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
North America is the most significant global portable X-ray devices market shareholder and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 9.16% during the forecast period. Growing chronic diseases, a rapidly evolving healthcare infrastructure, and technologically advanced players in this region contribute to the growth.
Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.58% over the forecast period. The market for portable X-ray devices in the region is growing due to the rising frequency of chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, the aging population, the rising need for precise diagnosis, and favorable government initiatives.
In Asia-Pacific, some major factors affecting the portable X-ray devices market include the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, like arthritis and cancer, the upsurge in demand for effective diagnostic imaging techniques, the adoption of advanced technologies, and government policies. For instance, as per the Indian Ministry of Health & Family Welfare 2019-2020 annual report, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has taken steps to incorporate screening and management programs for five priority chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other chronic diseases to focus on early diagnosis and management of diseases which is expected to boost the market growth and increase demand for x-ray devices in the country, ultimately having a positive effect on the development of the market over the coming years.
In the Middle East and Africa region, growth in the geriatric population is one of the significant factors driving the market's growth.
The South American region is further bifurcated into Argentina, Brazil, and the Rest of South America. Brazil dominates the regional market. The main growth drivers for the regional market are the rising prevalence of chronic disorders, the expanding geriatric population, and the rising level of consumer awareness. The country shows a major shift in the private health sector, a supporting factor for the Brazilian portable X-ray devices market. According to the Global Cancer Observatory estimates, in 2020, 592,212 new cancer cases were diagnosed and 259,949 cancer deaths in Brazil. By 2040, there will likely be 995,000 new cases of cancer, according to the same source. The high burden of cancer disorders is expected to boost the market growth for portable X-ray diagnostic devices.
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The global portable X-ray devices market is bifurcated into analog and digital X-rays. The digital X-ray segment dominates the global market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.34% over the forecast period. Digital X-ray systems use several solid-state detectors, such as silicon or amorphous selenium, to directly transform the transmitted X-ray radiation into a digital image, which is then shown on a computer. Digital X-rays are safer since they emit far less radiation than analog (traditional) X-rays. In addition, the digital system's high-quality image is produced immediately after the treatment, reducing the waiting period. These factors are leading to a global increase in the use of digital X-ray equipment, which is anticipated to fuel segment expansion over the projected period.
Analog X-ray is a traditional X-ray system used globally since the beginning that uses photographic plates to store X-ray images. In analog X-ray, an X-ray beam is generated and transmitted through a patient to produce an image on film or a radiation detector. Depending on tissue density, various soft tissues attenuate X-ray radiation differently; the denser the tissue, the whiter the image. Analog X-ray is used extensively in healthcare settings due to many applications and is considered the first diagnostics procedure for medical conditions like a fracture.
The global portable X-ray devices market is bifurcated dental X-ray, mammography, chest X-ray, and abdomen X-ray. The dental X-ray segment owns the highest market share and is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 9.14% over the forecast period. Portable X-ray systems are used in dentistry to visualize dental diseases and surrounding tissues that cannot be evaluated with a simple oral exam. Portable dental X-rays identify decay beneath an existing filling, visualize decay areas in teeth, and assist in tooth implants, braces, dentures, or other dental procedures, among many other functions. Compared to fixed systems, portable dental X-rays offer greater accuracy and versatility in capturing images of the dental portion of the body. As a result, they are highly recommended and utilized for dental procedures, which will fuel the segment's growth.
Mammography is a standard diagnostic and screening technique that employs low-dose X-rays to detect breast cancer in women with no visible symptoms (when it is most curable). The image produced by an X-ray is known as a mammogram. Mammograms fall into two categories: screening and diagnostic. The growing incidences of breast cancer across the globe are driving the demand for mammography procedures and are anticipated to fuel the segment's growth.
The global portable X-ray devices market is divided into handheld X-ray devices and mobile X-ray devices. The mobile X-ray devices segment is the most significant contributor to the market and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 8.73% over the forecast period. Portable X-ray devices are considered mobile if they are equipped with wheels that allow for simple relocation from one location to another and if they are occasionally powered by an electric motor supplied by a battery that aids the movement of the mobile unit when the operator drives it with less effort. In addition, mobile diagnostics/screening vans are also equipped with mobile X-ray devices when deployed in rural or remote regions where radiology facilities are unavailable. With the increasing initiatives for expanding healthcare facilities in remote regions by governments and private entities, the mobile X-ray devices segment is expected to grow over the forecast period.
Handheld X-ray equipment is compact, highly portable, and can be operated with one hand. These devices are available in two types, a pistol design resembling a hairdryer operated by a trigger on the handle and a camera-like design operated by a push-button. These devices offer greater operating flexibility than the other X-ray devices, are highly convenient, occupy less space, and are cost-effective. These factors collectively drive the demand for handheld X-ray devices worldwide.
