Head to head

Secret RF vs VirtueRF (2026)

Published new pricing is limited: Secret RF lists $30k–$50k, but we haven't verified a new-price band for VirtueRF — see the table below for what we've confirmed. Both are used for RF microneedling, so choose on consumable cost per treatment, cleared indications and how many treatments you can realistically book each month.

Category group: Skin tightening & remodeling (RF microneedling, monopolar RF, HIFU)

Device A
Device B

Price comparison

New price range

Cartessa VirtueRF
Cutera Secret RF
$30k–$50k

Used asking range

Cartessa VirtueRF
Cutera Secret RF
$12k–$22k

Payback calculator

Cartessa VirtueRF
View ROI calculator
Cutera Secret RF
View ROI calculator

Next step

Cartessa VirtueRF
Cutera Secret RF

Consumable economics

Consumable cost / lock-in

Cartessa VirtueRF
Every VirtueRF treatment uses a sterile single-use tip matched to the handpiece. Cartessa's own store lists SmartRF tips at $1,700 / 20 ($85 each), ExactRF kits $990 / 10 ($99 each) and DeepRF kits $1,290 / 10 ($129 each). Secondary-market singles are cheaper ($70–$139) but are aftermarket, not OEM. Use OEM pricing for budgeting.
Cutera Secret RF
Single-use 64-pin microneedle tips: $895 per box of 9-10 (Sentient Lasers) and $949 per box of 10 (The Laser Professionals), which is $89-$95 per treatment (derived from box price and box count).

Service cost

Cartessa VirtueRF
Not published
Cutera Secret RF
Not published

FDA clearance

FDA status & indication

Cartessa VirtueRF
FDA ClearedK202415, K211562
Intended for use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures for electrocoagulation and hemostasis. The 2MHz frequency is not intended to treat wrinkles.
Cutera Secret RF
FDA ClearedK170325
SECRET RF is intended for use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures for electro-coagulation and hemostasis.

Which chains run each

Chain adoption

Cartessa VirtueRF
0 recorded pairings
Cutera Secret RF
0 recorded pairings

Chains using it

Cartessa VirtueRF
Cutera Secret RF

Approved reviews

Cartessa VirtueRF
0
Cutera Secret RF
0

Specs and platform

Manufacturer

Cartessa VirtueRF
Cartessa
Cutera Secret RF
Cutera

Built by (OEM)

Cartessa VirtueRF
ShenB Co., Ltd.
Cutera Secret RF
Ilooda Co., Ltd.

Category

Cartessa VirtueRF
RF Microneedling
Cutera Secret RF
RF Microneedling

Technology

Cartessa VirtueRF
RF microneedling — 36 gold-coated insulated needles, robotic-precision needle insertion, three handpieces (Smart RF, Deep RF, Exact RF) (RF Microneedling)
Cutera Secret RF
Semi-insulated needle fractional RF (RF Microneedling)

Launch year

Cartessa VirtueRF
Cutera Secret RF
2018

Status

Cartessa VirtueRF
Current
Cutera Secret RF
Current

OEM platform

Cartessa VirtueRF
Cutera Secret RF

Alternatives

Other devices in the same subcategory.

Device and company names are trademarks of their respective owners. The Aesthetic Index is not affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer, distributor or lender named here, except as disclosed. Prices are researched estimates, not quotes. Not medical, legal or regulatory advice.