Best Oscilloscopes for Beginners and Professionals

Oscilloscopes are one of the most important tools used by electronic engineers that allows them to visualize waveform signals on the device for further observation and problem-solving. The oscilloscopes are also needed in almost every electronic laboratory where electronic hardware is being tested. It is useful in multiple fields of studies including RF design, electronic circuit design, electronic manufacturing, servicing and repairing of electronic devices, and many more. Here are some of the many important factors of an ideal oscilloscope.

• Bandwidth: Similar to the network, the bandwidth on an oscilloscope refers to the range of maximum level of frequency it can measure. The low bandwidth oscilloscopes have a comparatively shorter frequency response range than high bandwidth oscilloscopes.
• of Channels: The number o0f channels on an oscilloscope is quite important. Traditionally, all-analog oscilloscopes have been operating with two channels. But, the newer digital models offer up to 4 channels for detailed results.
• Sampling Rate: Sampling is necessary to reconstruct the signal perfectly. The sampling rate of an oscilloscope refers to the number of observations recorded by the device per second. Naturally, the device with a higher sampling rate will provide you with more accurate results.

We will be including all of the necessary information with each of our picks so that you can understand them completely. There is also a “Buying Guide” present later on in the article to help you with the same.

8 Best Digital Oscilloscopes 2023

Best Digital Oscilloscopes 2023: Reviews

Rigol is present on the 1st position on our picks today with a great oscilloscope that is comparatively better than most options available in the market. This highly functional oscillometer might just be perfect for professional applications.

Our 1st pick is the Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscope. As the name suggests, it is a digital oscilloscope that features a major advantage over the analog option. This digital oscilloscope operates over 4 channels instead of 2 to give you a more detailed and precise result. With a total bandwidth capacity of 50 MHz, it allows a total waveform capture rate of up to 3000 efms/s which is quite high for a device in this price range.

It comes with a real-time record and relay feature that allows you to monitor in real-time and record the results instantaneously via the free software bundle program. Its innovative UltraVision technology has a default memory depth of 12 Mpts that is upgradeable up to 24 MPts if required by the user. You can also use this device to quickly focus on a pre-recorded piece of information or waveform for additional observation. The Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscope has a 3 year long warranty period.

Best Features:

• 50 MHz bandwidth range
• Operates over 4 channels
• Digital oscilloscope
• Waveform capture rate of up to 3000 efms/s
• Powered by upgradeable UltraVision technology
• 3 year warranty period

Pros:

• The waveform capture rate is very high
• Only 4 channel option available on our list today
• Great option as an upgrade

Cons:

• Not a suitable choice for first-time owners

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Siglent is a very popular brand when it comes to electronic tools and instruments. This is why we have selected our brand for our best oscilloscope picks today.

If you have prior experience in the field of electronic experiments, you must have heard about Siglent Technologies and its tools. The 2nd pick on our list today is the Siglent Technologies SDS1052DL+ digital oscilloscope which is a perfect device for product design, assembly lines, servicing jobs, and many more applications. It has a maximum bandwidth level of 50 MHz and features a 2 channel design for perfect results.

The maximum sample rate of the SDS1052DL+ digital oscilloscope is around 500 MS/s for each channel that can be recorded in real-time. As for the record length for the sale, it is capable of 32 Kpts for each channel that helps you to acquire detailed information on the waveforms.

The experiment-focused instruments need a proper display for easy visibility. Thus, there is a new higher-resolution digital display on the Siglent Technologies SDS1052DL+ along with advanced triggers to isolate certain signals on command.

Best Features:

• 50 MHz bandwidth range
• Operates over 2 channels
• Digital oscilloscope
• 500 MS/s maximum real-time sampling rate
• 32 Kpts record length for each channel
• 3 year warranty period

Pros:

• Perfectly suitable for a range of applications
• One of the most affordable devices on our list
• Suitable bandwidth and sampling rate

Cons:

• Display panel type isn’t good enough

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Yeapook is a relatively small brand that specializes in developing electronic test and measuring equipment with advanced features. The brand’s products are priced reasonably compared to other options in the market.

Yeapook’s oscilloscope operates over 2 channels that give you the most precise and detailed results. It has an analog bandwidth level of 100 MHz with a real time sampling of 1 GSa/s. When it comes to the display interface, the oscilloscope features a 7-inch LCD touch screen. The LCD has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels for easy and convenient viewing.

The digital oscilloscope offers you 3 trigger modes – auto, normal, and single. With these modes, you can easily capture instantaneous waveforms. The oscilloscope is equipped with a high voltage protection module that allows you to operate the unit up to 400V.

The oscilloscope is lightweight with only 600g and features a slim body with dimensions of 7.08 x 4.72 x 1.57 inches for easy handling. It has a storage capacity of 1 GB which means that you store up to 1000 screenshots and 1000 sets of waveform data. With the help of the built-in 6000mAh lithium battery, you can use this oscilloscope for up to 4 hours on a single full charge.

Best Features

• 100 MHz bandwidth range
• Operates over 2 channels
• 3 trigger mode
• 1 GSa/s sampling rate
• 7-inch large TFT LCD digital screen
• 1 GB memory
• 6000mAh lithium battery

Pros

• High sampling rate
• Lightweight and ultra-thin
• Has a voltage protection module for safety

Cons

• No information on warranty

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Owon is yet another popular brand that has managed to land a couple of options on our list today. Many different electronic instruments are manufactured by Owon including digital oscilloscopes.

The Owon SDS7102 Deep Memory Digital Storage Oscilloscope comes with an auto-scale function that completely simplifies the overall operation of the device and helps you to get the results easily. It is designed with precision so that it can be easily used at the workplace. It also has an SVGA port that allows you to connect the device to an external monitor so that you can easily look at the waveform on a larger and sharper display.

Although, it should not be a necessity as the Owon SDS7102 Deep Memory Digital Storage Oscilloscope by default features an 8 inches wide TFT display with a high panel resolution of 800 x 600 pixels. Such high resolution is good enough for a compact display to generate a sharp image. Talking about the performance, you will be able to record 10m length of results from each channel on this device. Owon is backing this device with 3 years warranty period.

Best Features:

• 100 MHz bandwidth range
• Operates over 2 channels
• Digital oscilloscope
• Autoscale function
• 8 inches wide TFT display
• SVGA, USB, RS232, and LAN ports available
• 3 year long warranty period

Pros:

• The record length for results is pretty long
• It features many different ports for better connectivity
• There is a warranty period

Cons:

• The display panel could have been better

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Our next from Hantek is also a high-end digital oscilloscope that is definitely the right choice for many users. Hantek introduces many helpful features on its products that make them ideal for regular use.

The Hantek DSO5102P has dedicated onboard storage that is capable of storing up to 1000 waveform information at once. Hence, it is perfect for experiments as you can always take a look at previous results if required. You can also exchange the information via the given USB port by either connecting it to a computer or a USB flash drive. There 32 different types of waveform parameters that this device can measure automatically. It also allows manual cursor test function.

The Hantek DSO5102P features a 7 inches wide digital TFT LCD display on the front of the device that comes with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. This will clearly show you the measured results on the display and make it easier to note down. The results include alternating current waves such as sine waves, square waves, and triangular waves. There is a 3 year long warranty period available by Hantek.

Best Features:

• 100 MHz bandwidth range
• Operates over 2 channels
• Digital oscilloscope
• Capable of storing up to 1000 waveform information
• TFT LCD display with 800 x 480 pixel resolution
• 32 different types of waveform parameters
• 3 year long warranty period

Pros:

• The automatic measurement feature is great
• Easy and portable for use
• Multi-function button design for best user experience

Cons:

• Comparatively compact display

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Here, we have one more digital oscilloscope coming from Owon. The following option is the most premium offering from Owon so it is definitely worth looking into.

Coming to the most versatile, heavy-duty, and premium pick on our list of the best oscilloscopes, we have the MSO7102TD Series MSO Mixed Signal Oscilloscope from Owon. Owon MSO7102TD is a 16 channel logic analyzer device that operates over 2 physical channels and supports a bandwidth of 100 MHz. There is a high sampling rate available on this device that measures up to 1GS/s which is higher than other choices in this range.

The 16 channel logic analyzer enables this device for cross triggering applications which helps a lot in professional usage. The maximum record length for each channel is limited to 2 Mpts that might not be enough for longer experiments. Still, it can guarantee detailed waveforms in every result. Similar to most options from Owon, it also has an 8 inches TFT LCD screen that displays precise results on the screen.

Best Features:

• 100 MHz bandwidth range
• Operates over 2 channels
• Digital oscilloscope
• 16 channel logic analyzer
• Cross triggering applications possible
• 1GS/s sampling rate
• 3 year long warranty period

Pros:

• There is a long warranty period available
• High sampling rate
• Suitable for professional applications

Cons:

• Expensive price tag

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The next product on our list is from Hantek DSO5102P that is also one of the highest capacity oscilloscopes in this article. So, if you have a specific application in mind that requires such high capacity, don’t miss out on this oscilloscope from Hantek.

It features the maximum bandwidth capacity of 100 MHz over 2 channels. It also has an external trigger functionality to introduce convenience in the functionality. It features 7 inches wide WVGA LCD display with an 800 x 480-pixel resolution display.

As for the record length, it supports around 1M which is decent enough for its application. There is a USB host present on the device along with support for sd card storage and USB interface.

Best Features:

• 100 MHz bandwidth range
• Operates over 2 channels
• 7 inches 800 x 480-pixel resolution display

Pros:

• The sampling rate is very high
• Only oscilloscope with 200 MHz capacity
• Comes with USB and SD card memory support

Cons:

• Warranty details not provided

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Lastly, we are bringing you our final choice for the best oscilloscopes from Siglent. Again, it is a highly renowned brand in electronic instruments so make sure you carefully check out its specifications.

The SIGLENT SDS2102X might be our last pick for today’s article, but it is one of the most heavy-duty options from our list today. It also has a very expensive price tag justified by its superior specifications, For starters, it features a real-time sample rate of 2 GSa/s which is not available in any of the oscilloscopes we have seen so far. Other than that, it has a high bandwidth capacity of 100 MHz operating over 2 channels for best results.

Another great specification of the SIGLENT SDS2102X Super Phosphor Oscilloscope is its memory depth. While other devices feature a shorter record length, this device allows you a record length of 140 Mpts, making it perfect for a research-based application. The 8 inches large TFT LCD digital screen is an advantage for those who are going to use this device daily.

Best Features:

• 100 MHz bandwidth range
• Operates over 4 channels
• Digital oscilloscope
• 2 GSa/s sampling rate
• 140 Mpts record length
• 8 inches large TFT LCD digital screen
• 3 year long warranty period

Pros:

• Highest record length in any oscillometer
• Highest sampling rate in any oscillometer
• Long warranty period

Cons:

• Very expensive oscillometer

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Buying Guide For The Best Oscilloscope

Selecting an oscilloscope can be a difficult task, especially if you do not have prior experience with these devices. The Oscilloscopes are very intricate devices and each variant is suitable for a limited set of applications. Thus, if you wish to buy one, you need to carefully pick the perfect option from the thousands of options available out there.

While going through the best oscilloscopes provided in our article today, you must be familiar with some technical specifications like the bandwidth, number of channels, and overall performance range of a device. But, specifications are simply not enough to get the perfect oscilloscope as most of the devices you have seen today feature similar properties. Thus, we are bringing you a specific buying guide for the best oscilloscopes so that you can get an idea about oscilloscopes in general and make the correct choice.

Analog vs Digital Oscilloscope

If you have been working with electronic devices such as oscilloscopes, you must know that the traditional oscilloscopes were analog. These analog devices would operate over 2 channels with being sensitive enough to calculate most signals.

The only major problem in the analog devices is the room for human error because of the visual scale and the limitation of record length. Now that there are digital variants available for an oscilloscope, you can easily get up to a 4 channel device that will be much more helpful in generating precise results. You will find the digital oscilloscopes even with 2 channels with similar accuracy.

Sampling Rate

The sampling rate of an oscilloscope refers to the reconstruction of a signal in the oscilloscope. In simpler words, the frequency of samples generated on the device per second. If the sampling rate is high, the accuracy of your results will be higher and more precise due to the larger amount of generated samples in a given time.

There are 2 types of sampling rates that are real-time sampling rates and equivalent times sampling rate. Out of which, you should only pay attention to the real-time sampling rate as only that affects the actual performance of the oscilloscope at the time of an experiment.

Bandwidth Capacity

The bandwidth of a signal is its intensity. Sound propagates in the form of waves with a certain highest and lowest intensity which is represented in MHz. To be able to measure this intensity, the oscilloscope should also have a similarly high capacity.

For example, if the signal you are measuring has a bandwidth over 100 MHz, it will not be detected by a 50 MHz oscilloscope, rendering it useless for the application. A high capacity oscilloscope on the other with a capacity of 200 MHz can easily measure these signals along with high-intensity signals up to its bandwidth limit. Thus, having a high bandwidth capacity oscilloscope allows you to perform higher experiments with promised results.

Record Length

The record of an oscilloscope is basically its capacity to store previous results. While performing an experiment, you will usually take a significant number of readings to avoid the inaccuracy in results caused by external factors.

In such a case, you will require all of your previous results to get to a precise conclusion. With a higher record length, your device will be capable of recording and storing larger numbers of results for you simultaneously. It is not crucial if you are a hobbyist but it is certainly a necessary factor for professional workers.

Conclusion

It does not matter whether you are a professional worker, an experimentalist, or simply a hobbyist who is looking forward to studying and understanding the workings of an oscilloscope as you will require a proper oscilloscope by your side. We have included a variety of different options on our list today so that you can find the perfect oscilloscope under your preferred budget range. If you have not found a decent option yet, try one of our top recommendations present below.

• To put it in simple words, oscillometric aren’t the cheapest instruments. Still, options like the Siglent Technologies SDS1052DL Digital Oscilloscope are comparatively cheaper than most other options on the market. It is the cheapest device on our list today featuring a 50 MHz bandwidth range and dual-channel operation.
• If you have a professional application in mind where you are going to measure large quantities of signals, the Hantek DSO5102P Digital Storage Oscilloscope is the right choice for you. It is operated over 100 MHz bandwidth capacity over dual channels. Apart from that, it is better in terms of observation thanks to the large 7 inches WVGA LCD display with an 800 x 480-pixel resolution display.
• Long-term functionality is often expected from high-end devices like an oscilloscope. Hence, our next recommendation would be the Owon MSO7102TD Digital Mixed Oscilloscope as it is a premium device featuring a 3 year long warranty period. It has 100 MHz bandwidth capacity and has a 16 channel logic analyzer while the device operates over 2 channels.