---
title: "Hologic DEXA Machines: Horizon & Discovery Models, Prices & For-Sale Listings"
description: "Hologic Horizon A/W/C and Discovery DEXA machines compared — new and used pricing, body-composition licensing, service costs, and current for-sale inventory."
image: "https://www.dexascans.com/og-image.jpg"
url: "https://www.dexascans.com/dexa-machines/brands/hologic"
---

[Dexascan](/) › [DEXA Machines](/dexa-machines) › Hologic

# Hologic DEXA Machines: Models, Prices & Where to Buy

Horizon and Discovery lineups compared — pricing new and used, the body-composition licensing gotcha, and real ownership costs.

Published: July 14, 2026 Prices last verified: July 2026 Reviewed by [Dr. Michael Rodriguez, MD, PhD](/author/dr-michael-rodriguez)

Hologic is the US market leader in DEXA, and every current model is fan-beam. The active line is the **Horizon series (A, W, C, Ci)** at roughly **$65,000–$100,000+ new**; used Horizons trade at **$25,000–$45,000** and legacy **Discovery** units at **$12,000–$25,000** (verified July 2026). The single most important line item on any Hologic quote: whether the body-composition software license is included.

## Hologic DEXA Model Lineup

| Model | Status | Beam | Body Comp | New | Used |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Horizon A** | Current flagship | Fan-beam | Yes (licensed) | $85,000–$100,000+ | $32,000–$45,000 |
| **Horizon W** | Current | Fan-beam | Yes (licensed) | $75,000–$90,000 | $28,000–$40,000 |
| **Horizon C / Ci** | Current (compact) | Fan-beam | Limited | $65,000–$80,000 | $25,000–$35,000 |
| **Discovery A / W** | Discontinued | Fan-beam | Yes (licensed) | — | $12,000–$25,000 |
| **Discovery C / Ci** | Discontinued | Fan-beam | Limited | — | $10,000–$18,000 |

Indicative ranges, last verified July 2026. Configuration, tube life, and licensed options move individual units substantially.

## Horizon vs Discovery: What Changed

The Horizon (introduced 2014) replaced the Discovery with a faster detector array, shorter scan times, updated advanced applications, and current-generation APEX software. Clinically both produce excellent bone density; for body-composition businesses the Horizon's reporting and speed are a genuine upgrade.

Used Discoveries are cheap for a reason that has nothing to do with quality: the line is discontinued, OEM parts support is winding down, and buyers price in that horizon. A Discovery with a healthy tube and transferred licenses remains a rational budget buy for a startup scanning business — just buy it knowing third-party service (not Hologic) will carry it from here, and resale value will keep stepping down.

## Body Composition on Hologic: The #1 Gotcha

Hologic's **Advanced Body Composition** capability is a **separately licensed software option**, not a standard feature. A used Horizon or Discovery whose console happens to show body-comp screens does not mean you own the license — and on resale, licenses must be formally transferred through Hologic. Gym and longevity buyers get burned here more than anywhere else in the market: the "bargain" machine that needs a four-figure re-license (when it's available at all) to do the one thing the business was built on.

Before paying for any Hologic unit: get the licensed-options list on the invoice, written confirmation the body-comp license transfers to you, and the software version (APEX 4.x+ for current reporting). Our [used-machine inspection checklist](/dexa-machines/used-refurbished) covers the rest.

## Service & Ownership Costs

-   **Service contracts:** roughly $6,000–$12,000/year from Hologic; independent service organizations typically 30–50% less. Horizon units still qualify for OEM contracts; Discovery coverage is increasingly ISO-only.
-   **Parts:** abundant for Horizon; Discovery parts now flow mostly through the salvage/third-party market — fine today, thinner every year.
-   **License transfers on used units:** budget time (weeks, not days) and possibly money for the Hologic license-transfer process. A dealer who handles this paperwork for you is earning their margin.
-   **Everything else** — install, physicist survey, state registration — is brand-independent; the [cost guide](/dexa-machines/cost) itemizes it.

## Hologic Machines for Sale

Typical availability: refurbished **Horizon W** ($28,000–$40,000) and **Horizon A** ($32,000–$45,000) with warranty and license transfer handled; used **Discovery A/W** ($12,000–$25,000) for budget builds. New Horizon quotes are configured to order.

[See current listings →](/dexa-machines/for-sale)

**Looking to get a DEXA scan instead of buying a machine?** A professional DEXA scan costs $100–$250 (from $99 at many partner clinics), takes about 10 minutes, and requires no referral.

[Find a DEXA Scan Near You →](/locations)

## Hologic FAQ

How much does a Hologic DEXA machine cost?

New Hologic Horizon systems run roughly $65,000–$100,000+ depending on model tier (Ci, C, W, A) and options. Used Horizons trade at $25,000–$45,000, and legacy Discovery units at $12,000–$25,000. Add $2,000–$8,000 for logistics/installation and $5,000–$12,000/year for a service contract. Verify whether body-composition software is included — it's often a separate license.

What's the difference between Horizon A and W?

Both are full-size fan-beam systems. The Horizon A is the flagship — fastest scan modes and the full advanced application set (including instant vertebral assessment); the W is the high-throughput clinical workhorse with a slightly reduced application set; the C/Ci are compact, budget-tier versions with smaller tables and fewer scan modes. For body-composition-focused facilities, the W is usually the sweet spot.

Does Hologic sell to non-medical facilities?

Yes — gyms, longevity clinics, and wellness studios buy Hologic units new and used. The constraint isn't the seller but state regulation: the buyer must register the device with the state radiation program and meet operator/supervision rules. Dealers routinely handle non-hospital buyers; compliance paperwork is on you.

### Get Hologic Pricing

Or email [info@dexascans.com](mailto:info@dexascans.com) · No spam, no obligation.

Comparing Hologic vs GE? See [GE Lunar DEXA machines](/dexa-machines/brands/ge) · [All manufacturers](/dexa-machines/manufacturers) · Part of the [DEXA machine buyer's guide](/dexa-machines).

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