PUBLISHER: MarketsandMarkets | PRODUCT CODE: 2076880
PUBLISHER: MarketsandMarkets | PRODUCT CODE: 2076880
The MRI systems market is shifting in terms of design and features, with helium-free and helium-light MRI technologies emerging as a significant growth driver. This development is largely influenced by increasing operational costs, helium supply instability, and the healthcare sector's growing focus on sustainability.
| Scope of the Report | |
|---|---|
| Years Considered for the Study | 2026-2031 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2031 |
| Units Considered | Value (USD billion) |
| Segments | Field Strength, Architecture, Design, Application, End User, and Region |
| Regions covered | North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa |
Conventional MRI systems typically require over 1,000 liters of helium to cool superconducting magnets. However, global helium shortages-such as the Helium Shortage 4.0 reported by Gasworld-have led to price increases of up to 250%, disrupting imaging operations and increasing maintenance costs. Such challenges are particularly pressing for mid-sized hospitals and outpatient facilities with constrained budgets. In response, manufacturers like Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), Siemens Healthineers (Germany), and Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co., Ltd. (China) have launched MRI systems that require significantly less helium or are completely sealed.

These innovations reduce the total cost of ownership and support environmental goals in terms of sustainability and zero carbon emissions.
The global MRI systems market is projected to reach USD 9.68 billion by 2031, growing from USD 6.88 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2026 to 2031.
The market's growth can be attributed to an increase in disease burden, specifically for neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, which is expected to increase in the coming years. Additionally, an increase in the aging population, with the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, is anticipated to increase the need for MRI systems across the globe. All these factors, on a broader level, will help to grow the market for MRI systems.
By field strength, the high & very high field segment dominated the MRI systems market in 2025.
The MRI systems market is categorized, by field strength, into low-to-mid-field MRI systems, high and very high field MRI systems, and ultra-high-field MRI systems. High and very high field MRI systems are known for their superior signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which enhances clinical utility significantly. These systems are not only instrumental in imaging the brain, musculoskeletal structures, and vascular systems but also excel in specialized applications within psychiatry, neurology, biomedical research, and the early identification of conditions such as multiple sclerosis. The integration of MRI with complementary modalities such as PET and ultrasound further optimizes operational throughput and decreases helium usage while also delivering faster scan times and enhanced image resolution. High-field MRI systems, specifically those operating at 1.5T and 3T, are favored over low-field systems (below 1T) due to their markedly superior image quality, reduced acquisition times, and extensive range of clinical applications. The elevated SNR in high-field systems translates to clearer, more detailed imaging essential for diagnosing complex conditions such as neurological disorders, musculoskeletal injuries, and cardiovascular abnormalities. The rapid scan capabilities not only improve patient throughput but also enhance operational efficiency within healthcare facilities. Collectively, these factors have driven the growing adoption of high-field MRI systems within the market.
By architecture, the closed MRI systems segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2025.
A closed MRI scanner utilizes a small cylindrical chamber to produce highly detailed images of the body's structure. Most high-field superconducting magnetic resonance imaging scanners are designed in a closed format. Due to their higher efficiency, superior image quality, and increased throughput-all resulting from greater magnetic field strengths-closed MRI systems are considered the industry standard. In contrast to open MRI systems, which may require up to four or five scans for a comparable evaluation, closed MRI systems typically complete the scanning process in just one or two scans. This efficiency not only shortens examination times but also enhances the clinical utility of procedures and therapies. Closed MRI offers faster scan times, which helps reduce motion artifacts and improves patient throughput, making it particularly suitable for high-volume hospitals and diagnostic centers. Additionally, it supports advanced imaging techniques such as functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and cardiac MRI, all of which rely on high-field strength for precision.
By design, the fixed/stationary MRI systems segment accounted for the largest share in 2025.
By design, the MRI systems market is divided into fixed/stationary MRI systems and portable MRI systems. Fixed MRI systems are generally preferred over portable ones for several reasons. They offer superior image quality, the ability to conduct full-body scans, improved workflow efficiency, and better long-term cost-effectiveness. Typically, fixed MRI units operate at a magnetic field. Another significant advantage of fixed MRI systems is their capability for full-body imaging, which further fuels market growth.
By application, the brain & neurological MRI segment is expected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period.
By application, the MRI systems market is segmented into brain & neurological MRI, spine & musculoskeletal MRI, pelvic & abdominal MRI, vascular MRI, breast MRI, cardiac MRI, pediatric MRI, and other applications. The brain & neurological MRI segment of the MRI systems segment is expected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Key drivers contributing to the rapid growth of this segment include the integration of sophisticated AI technologies as well as the increasing adoption of innovative devices that enable accurate targeting of internal organs, thereby facilitating real-time imaging capabilities.
By end user, the hospitals segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2025.
By end user, the global MRI systems market is categorized into hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and other categories. In 2025, the hospitals segment accounted for the largest market share. This dominance is primarily due to the increased use of advanced MRI systems in hospitals, which enhance accurate diagnosis and raise awareness of the importance of early detection. Additionally, factors such as product launches, the growing adoption of advanced systems with improved features that support patient care, and a rising number of imaging procedures conducted in hospitals are also driving the growth of the market. As the demand for rapid and precise diagnoses of various medical conditions grows, many hospitals are prioritizing the installation of advanced MRI systems. Large government hospitals with dedicated imaging units have been early adopters of these technologies, while private hospitals are increasingly embracing advanced imaging solutions over time. The trend towards modernizing imaging workflows has further driven the adoption of MRI systems in hospitals.
Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate in the MRI systems market.
The MRI systems market spans five primary regions: North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Notably, the Asia Pacific region houses a significant number of MRI systems manufacturers that deliver a comprehensive range of MRI modalities equipped with advanced technological features, all while maintaining competitive pricing. End users, particularly in healthcare institutions, are increasingly facing budget constraints exacerbated by recent tariff sanctions; this has prompted a shift towards more cost-effective MRI solutions offered by Chinese manufacturers. The region's manufacturing landscape benefits from low labor costs and abundant resources, facilitating efficient production processes for MRI systems. These dynamics position the Asia Pacific market to experience the highest growth rate within the global landscape, driven by both increased local demand and the strategic pricing of offerings.
The key players profiled in the MRI systems market include Siemens Healthineers (Germany), GE HealthCare (US), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), FUJIFILM Corporation (Japan), Canon Inc. (Japan), Fonar Corporation (US), Esaote S.p.A (Italy), Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co., Ltd (China), Aspect Imaging Ltd. (US), and Time Medical Holding (Hong Kong).
Research Coverage
The research report examines the MRI systems market field strength, architecture, design, application, end user, and region. This research covers factors that are driving market expansion, analyzes prospects and parameters faced by industries in the present time, and provides specifics on the competitive landscape, considering market leaders and small and medium enterprises. This research also estimates the revenue of different market segments by considering five regions and micro-market analysis
Reasons to Buy the Report
The report will provide market leaders and new entrants with valuable information regarding the revenue estimates for the overall MRI systems market and its subsegments. It will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape, allowing them to position their businesses more effectively and develop appropriate go-to-market strategies. Additionally, the report offers insights into the market dynamics, including key drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.