Purpose <p>As ultrasound imaging has evolved through time, the size of the ultrasound device has been reduced. Moreover, the improvement of wireless networks and technologies has led to the possibility of streaming high-quality video. However, most of these advances have been performed by manufacturers as many research centers may not have the means to perform research on ultrasound devices. In this paper, we perform a study on wireless ultrasound imaging for research purposes.</p> Methods <p>We have performed a comprehensive review of the available literature for research regarding open-source wireless ultrasound imaging. We divide the process of developing a low-cost wireless ultrasound system into open-source software, portable and wireless probes, and wireless technologies for ultrasound medical imaging.</p> Results <p>The current and most employed software programs and libraries for ultrasound recording and image analysis are depicted and discussed. The differences between portable and wireless ultrasound systems and their uses are discussed as well. Finally, the current wireless protocols employed for ultrasound medical imaging are introduced and studies on ultrasound imaging video streaming are reviewed as well. Furthermore, a discussion on the current challenges for wireless ultrasound medical imaging is presented.</p> Conclusions <p>We have therefore addressed the existing gap in literature regarding open-source research on wireless ultrasound imaging. Moreover, although there has been works that have provided great advances in this field, research on wireless ultrasound imaging is still being led by private companies, making their products less accessible for users with limited economic resources.</p>