Choosing the right oscilloscope is essential for anyone working with electronics, whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist. An oscilloscope lets you see and analyze electrical signals, making it easier to troubleshoot and improve your projects.
I’ve tested and compared different oscilloscopes, looking at how accurate, easy to use, and feature-packed they are. Whether you need something advanced for work or a budget-friendly option for learning, these top picks will help you find the best oscilloscope for your needs.
Key Factors To Consider
- Bandwidth: Select an oscilloscope with sufficient bandwidth to accurately capture the signals you’re analyzing. For general use, a bandwidth of at least 100 MHz is recommended, but more advanced applications may require 200 MHz or higher to ensure precise signal measurement.
- Sample Rate: Look for an oscilloscope with a high sample rate to capture detailed signal data. A minimum sample rate of 1 GSa/s (gigasamples per second) is ideal for most applications, but higher rates like 2 GSa/s or more are preferable for capturing fast, transient events.
- Number Of Channels: Consider how many channels you need on the oscilloscope. Two-channel models are sufficient for basic tasks, but if you need to compare multiple signals simultaneously, opt for a four-channel oscilloscope to increase versatility and functionality.
Best Oscilloscope- An Overview
| Product Name | Sample Rate | Number of Channels | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siglent Technologies SDS1104X-E Oscilloscope | 1 GSa/s | 4 Channels | Check On Amazon |
| Rigol DS1054Z Oscilloscope | (tbd) | (tbd) | Check On Amazon |
| Hantek DSO2C10 Oscilloscope | 1 GSa/s | 4 Analog Channels | Check On Amazon |
| YEAPOOK ADS1014D Oscilloscope | 1 GSa/s | 2 Channels | Check On Amazon |
| FNIRSI 1013D Plus Oscilloscope | 1 GSa/s | 2 Channels | Check On Amazon |
| SainSmart Micsig Oscilloscope STO1004 | 1 GSa/s | 2 Channels | Check On Amazon |
Best Oscilloscope- Reviewed
1. Siglent Technologies SDS1104X-E Oscilloscope
After testing out the oscilloscope from Siglent Technologies, the SDS1104X-E to be particular, I realised that it is one of the best tools out there because of its build for precision and versatility. It has a waveform capture rate of up to 100,000 wfm/s in normal mode and 400,000 wfm/s in sequence mode, which provides rapid and accurate data collection. It features a large 7-inch TFT-LCD display with an impressive resolution of 800 x 480, ensuring that readings are clear and easy to interpret.
This digital oscilloscope offers voltage scales ranging from 500 μV/div to 10 V/div, ensuring low background noise for high-quality signal analysis. With true measurement capabilities and a 14 Mpts record length, you can trust that their data is complete and reliable. So whether you’re a professional or hobbyist, this oscilloscope is an important tool for anyone working with electronic signals.
Specifications:
- Power Source: Us
- Style: Decoder
- Colour: Grey
- Item Weight: 6 Pounds
Pros:
- Outstanding display quality and intuitive user interface, making it user-friendly for beginners.
- High accuracy and precision in troubleshooting and diagnosing electronic circuits, suitable for both simple and complex tasks.
- Robust and durable build quality, ensuring long-term reliability.
- A variety of connectivity options, including software updates and a Wi-Fi dongle, enhanced versatility.
Cons:
- Expensive software licenses are required to unlock certain features, which may not justify their cost.
- Bandwidth is limited by software to 100 MHz despite the hardware being capable of 200 MHz.
2. Rigol DS1054Z Oscilloscope
This product from Rigol has a real-time sample rate of up to 1 GSa/s and a memory depth of up to 24 Mpts. The Rigol DS1054Z is an exceptional digital oscilloscope that combines functionality and affordability, making it one of the best inexpensive oscilloscopes on the market. It ensures accurate and detailed waveform captures, with a maximum waveform capture rate of 30,000 wfms/s. This oscilloscope also supports up to 60,000 frames for hardware real-time waveform recording and playback, improving its utility for long-duration tests and diagnostics.
It adds extra functionality with its built-in dual-channel 25 MHz function/arbitrary waveform generator. This makes it a complete solution for waveform generation and analysis. So if you’re a beginner looking for the best starter oscilloscope or an experienced technician who needs a reliable performance, the Rigol DS1054Z meets all your requirements for effective signal analysis.
Specifications:
- Analog Channel Bandwidth: 50 MHz
- Channels: 4 Analog Channels
- Real-Time Sample Rate: Up to 1 GSa/s
- Memory Depth: Up to 24 Mpts
- Waveform Capture Rate: Up to 30,000 wfms/s
Pros:
- Excellent value for a 4-channel digital oscilloscope, with a high sample rate and memory for the price.
- Intuitive interface with a large, bright screen and easy-to-learn functionality.
- Compact and lightweight design, making it much more portable than older analogue scopes.
- Regular firmware updates from the manufacturer, ensuring continuous improvement and reliability.
Cons:
- High noise floor, making it difficult to analyze very weak signals.
- The FFT feature is limited, offering minimal information compared to higher-end scopes.
3. Hantek DSO2C10 Oscilloscope
If you’re looking for the best cheap oscilloscope or are exploring new scopes available in the market today, the Hantek DSO2C10 would make a good choice as it offers both performance and affordability for diverse electronic testing needs. With a vertical range spanning from 2 mV/div to 10 V/div, it provides accurate measurements for various signal levels, ensuring reliable data capture across different applications.
I liked this product because it excels in data management, allowing users to save multiple formats, including settings, waveforms, reference waveforms, CSV files, and images. The built-in digital oscilloscope camera functionality enables users to capture and store images of their measurements directly, making documentation and reporting easier. At the end of the day, the Hantek DSO2C10 is a powerful digital oscilloscope designed to deliver precision and versatility for both amateur and professional users.
Specifications:
- Style: Cost-effective economy oscilloscope
- Support: Arbitrary waveform output, 14 kinds of trigger modes, standard with 5 kinds of serial protocol triggers and decodes
Pros:
- Comparable performance to more expensive scopes, offering an adjustable frequency generator and reliable data logging.
- Multiple firmware updates have significantly improved stability and functionality.
- Accurate measurements within the typical operating range, with useful features for diagnosing low-power circuits.
- Quick boot time and a bright, clear display make it easy to use and efficient.
Cons:
- The rotary encoder on the V/div knob is unreliable, causing skipping and dead spots.
- Significant DC offset on channels, which can affect measurement accuracy.
4. YEAPOOK ADS1014D Oscilloscope
Let me start by telling you about the unique features of the Yeapook ADS1014D Oscilloscope. Its Original Capture Output Function enables users to intercept portions of complex signals and output them as signals from the generator. This functionality, combined with the FFT Analysis Function, allows for a complete analysis of harmonic components within signals, making it an ideal tool for engineers and technicians who require precise waveform analysis.
With 100 MHz analogue bandwidth and a real-time sampling rate of 1 GSa/s, this oscilloscope is capable of accurately capturing and analyzing complex waveforms across a wide range of applications. It comes equipped with a powerful waveform manager that features a one-key screenshot and saving design, complete with 1GB of built-in storage which adds to its convenience. This allows users to save up to 1,000 screenshots and 1,000 sets of waveform data for future reference or analysis.
Specifications:
- Channels: 2
- Bandwidth: 100MHz
- Sample Rate: 1GSa/s
- Storage Depth: 240Kbit
- Timebase: 50S/div ~ 10nS/div
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight, with a built-in signal generator and quick boot time, ideal for on-the-go use.
- Intuitive menus and easy setup, with a bright and colourful screen that enhances usability.
- Good value for money, offering a range of features suitable for hobbyists and light professional use.
- Battery-powered, providing isolation from AC ground, which is advantageous in certain testing environments.
Cons:
- Quality control issues, as some units have failed after minimal use, with no support from the vendor.
- Some functions, like the signal generator’s amplitude control, are lacking or insufficient.
5. FNIRSI 1013D Plus Oscilloscope
After looking at and playing around with the FNIRSI 1013D Plus, you could easily guess that it was designed to offer the utmost convenience as it features a 7-inch display with an 800 x 480 resolution, and delivers bright colours and high contrast for easy readability. It is ultrathin and lightweight and is easy to carry and store. It comes equipped with a built-in high-voltage protection module and can withstand continuous voltages of up to 400 V.
The powerful 6000 mAh lithium battery gives you a guaranteed 4-hour use which I feel is ample time for your testing sessions without the need for constant recharging. With a sampling rate of 1 GSa/s and a bandwidth of 100 MHz, this oscilloscope provides precise measurements for various applications, from periodic analogue signals to aperiodic digital signals.
Specifications:
- Number Of Channels: 2
- Bandwidth: 100MHz
- Sample Rate: 1GSa/s
- Storage Depth: 240Kb
- Timebase: 50S/div ~ 10nS/div
Pros:
- Highly portable and battery-powered, making it ideal for fieldwork and automotive diagnostics.
- Large, easy-to-read screen with intuitive touch display for simple setup and operation.
- Comes with multiple probes and accessories, providing good value for the price.
- Effective for basic measurements and troubleshooting, even in non-laboratory environments.
Cons:
- Prone to noise interference, which can cause erratic behaviour and make it difficult to obtain stable readings.
- Durability concerns, as the scope may malfunction or stop working after extended use.
6. SainSmart Micsig Oscilloscope STO1004
This oscilloscope from SainSmart, the STO1004 uses advanced hardware and software to make it simple to navigate and use, whether you’re a professional or just starting out. It offers a smooth and easy-to-use experience with its large 8-inch TFT-LCD touch screen that has a clear 800 x 600 resolution.
With a powerful 70 Mpts memory depth, you can easily zoom in on waveforms and focus on specific areas you want to analyze. It also has 31 auto measurements that can be displayed all on one screen, making it very convenient to get the information you need quickly. Clearing the measurements is just a single touch away, making this one of the best digital oscilloscopes for capturing and analyzing signals.
Specifications:
- Analog Channels: 4
- Bandwidth: 100MHz
- Sampling Rate (Max.): 1GSa/S (single channel)
- Memory Depth: 70Mpts (single channel)
- Waveform Capture Rate (Max.): 130,000 wfms/s
Pros:
- Highly portable, making it ideal for automotive diagnostics and on-the-go testing.
- Crisp LCD screen with minimal jitter, providing clear and accurate waveforms.
- 4-channel capability offers significantly more flexibility compared to 2-channel scopes.
- Excellent value for money, with strong build quality and good out-of-the-box performance.
Cons:
- The only downside is the difficulty in naming and finding saved waveforms, as the naming system is limited to about 8 characters.
What To Consider When Buying An Oscilloscope: Buying Guide
When selecting the best oscilloscope, several key factors should guide your decision. This buying guide will help you navigate the important features to consider, ensuring that you choose the right digital oscilloscope for your specific needs.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the first and arguably most critical factor when choosing the best oscilloscope. It determines the range of frequencies the oscilloscope can accurately measure. Generally, you should choose a bandwidth that is at least five times higher than the maximum frequency of the signals you plan to measure. For general electronics work, a digital oscilloscope with a bandwidth of 50 to 100 MHz is typically sufficient. However, for high-speed digital circuits, consider models with 200 MHz or more, especially if you’re working on advanced projects involving digital oscilloscope design or digital oscilloscope 1GHz tasks.
Sample Rate
The sample rate of an oscilloscope determines how many samples per second it can capture, directly influencing the detail and accuracy of the waveforms you observe. A higher sample rate, such as 1 GS/s (giga samples per second) or more, is recommended for capturing fast-changing signals. If precision is paramount in your work, like in digital oscilloscope communication or digital oscilloscope camera setups, opting for a higher sample rate will provide better detail and more reliable results.
Number Of Channels
The number of channels on an oscilloscope determines how many different signals you can monitor simultaneously. Basic models often have two channels, which might suffice for simple projects. However, if you are engaged in complex debugging or multi-signal analysis, a digital oscilloscope with four or more channels would be more appropriate. This is especially true if you’re looking at digital oscilloscope USB or digital Bluetooth oscilloscope options for more portable and flexible setups.
Resolution
A high-resolution display is crucial for accurately analyzing waveforms. Modern digital oscilloscopes often feature large, high-resolution screens with at least 640 x 480 pixels. Some advanced models offer touchscreens, which can significantly enhance ease of use, allowing for intuitive zooming and navigation. This feature is particularly useful when working on detailed tasks, such as digital oscilloscope image analysis or digital oscilloscope settings.
Memory Depth
Memory depth refers to the amount of data the oscilloscope can store per waveform. Deeper memory allows for capturing longer signal periods at higher resolutions without losing detail. For complex signal analysis, an oscilloscope with at least 10 kpts (kilo points) is recommended. However, if you’re dealing with long or complex signals, look for an oscilloscope with memory depths in the Mpts (mega points) range. This is especially important for digital oscilloscopes DSO or digital oscilloscopes USB that need to capture large amounts of data.
FAQs:
A digital oscilloscope is used to visualize and analyze electronic signals by displaying their waveforms on a screen. It helps in troubleshooting and designing circuits by providing detailed information about signal behavior.
Bandwidth determines the range of frequencies an oscilloscope can measure accurately. A higher bandwidth allows the oscilloscope to capture and analyze faster signals with greater detail, making it crucial for high-speed applications.
A 2-channel oscilloscope can measure and display two signals simultaneously, while a 4-channel oscilloscope can handle four signals at once. More channels are beneficial for complex analysis involving multiple signal sources.
The sample rate is the number of samples an oscilloscope takes per second. A higher sample rate provides more detailed waveform information and is essential for accurately capturing fast-changing signals.
When choosing the best portable oscilloscope, consider features such as compact size, battery power, and ease of use. A digital Bluetooth oscilloscope can offer additional convenience by allowing wireless data transfer.
Choose an oscilloscope with a high-resolution display to view and analyze waveforms. A screen resolution of at least 640 x 480 pixels is recommended for detailed signal analysis.
Memory depth refers to the amount of data an oscilloscope can store for each waveform. Greater memory depth allows you to capture longer signal periods at higher resolutions without losing detail.
Yes, digital oscilloscopes can be used for automotive diagnostics. Look for a digital oscilloscope to test car batteries and other automotive components for accurate readings and analysis.
“True RMS” refers to an oscilloscope’s ability to accurately measure the root mean square value of varying signals, especially useful for analyzing non-sinusoidal waveforms and ensuring precise readings.
For the best budget oscilloscope 2024, consider models that offer essential features like adequate bandwidth, sample rate, and user-friendly interfaces. The best scopes and cheap options provide good performance without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
After thoroughly reviewing a range of oscilloscopes, it’s clear that the top models make the list because of their accuracy, functionality, and user-friendly features. These oscilloscopes provide the precision and versatility needed for effective signal analysis and troubleshooting. By selecting one of these highly recommended models, you ensure you have a reliable tool that meets your technical requirements and enhances your work or projects.
