Objective To compare the value of low-frequency and high-frequency grayscale/contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the detection and qualitative diagnosis for superficial focal liver lesions. Methods Thirty-eight patients with 63 superficial focal liver lesions were retrospectively included in our study. The mean target lesion depth was 0.82±0.13 cm (0-4.5 cm). Low-frequency convex array probe (gray scale: 3.0~5.0 MHz; CEUS: 2.0~3.0 MHz) and high-frequency linear array probe (gray scale: 6.0~9.0 MHz; CEUS: 5 MHz) were used to perform conventional B-mode ultrasound and CEUS for lesions identified by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), respectively. We evaluate their value in lesion visibility score, detection rate, characterization and initial qualitative diagnosis. Results High-frequency CEUS obtained a higher visibility score and detection rate than low-frequency CEUS (P<0.001), and additionally detect 23 (23/63, 36.5%) lesions that were invisible on low-frequency CEUS. Besides, the display of tumor “halo” sign, typical enhancement patterns, and late wash-out was also more distinct on high frequency ultrasound (P<0.001). Conclusion High-frequency ultrasound significantly enhanced the lesion visibility score and detection rate for superficial focal liver lesions, and better displayed the specific echo signs and enhancement patterns of tumor, which is conducive to the qualitative diagnosis of target lesions.