Oscilloscopes are a crucial tool for anyone working in electronics or electrical engineering. They allow you to measure and visualize electrical signals, making them invaluable for debugging circuits, testing equipment, and developing new designs. However, with so many different oscilloscopes on the market, knowing which one to choose can be challenging. In this article, we’ll look at the 5 best oscilloscopes for beginners, makers, and professionals.
Overview
If you’re just starting with oscilloscopes, it can be challenging to know what features to look for and what kind of price range is reasonable. On the other hand, if you’re a professional, you may have more specific requirements, such as a high sampling rate or advanced triggering capabilities. In this article, we’ll cover a range of oscilloscopes that should meet the needs of both beginners and professionals.
How to Choose an Oscilloscope
Choosing the right oscilloscope for your needs can be a daunting task. There are many different parameters and specifications that need to consider. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:
- Bandwidth: The bandwidth of an oscilloscope refers to the range of frequencies that it can accurately measure. If you’re working with low-frequency signals, such as those found in audio equipment, a lower bandwidth oscilloscope may be sufficient. However, if you’re working with high-speed digital signals, such as those found in microcontrollers or data communication systems, you’ll need an oscilloscope with a higher bandwidth.
- Sample Rate: The sample rate of an oscilloscope refers to the number of samples it can take per second. A higher sample rate allows you to capture faster signals with more accuracy. However, a high sample rate also requires more memory, which can impact the oscilloscope’s ability to capture long-duration signals.
- Channels: The number of channels an oscilloscope has determines how many signals it can measure simultaneously. Most oscilloscopes come with two or four channels, but some models may have more. For beginners, two channels are enough but for professionals may need four channels oscilloscope. If you’re working with complex circuits, you may need an oscilloscope with more channels.
- Memory depth: The memory depth of an oscilloscope refers to the quantity of data or samples it can retain. An oscilloscope with a greater memory depth can accumulate and display a broader time frame of the signal, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis.
- Display Size and Quality: The display of an oscilloscope is where you’ll be analyzing your signals, so it’s important to choose a model with a clear and easy-to-read display. Look for a high-resolution display with good contrast and brightness.
- Price: Oscilloscopes come in a wide range of prices, from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Determine your budget before you start shopping and make sure to choose a model that meets your needs without breaking the bank. From my experience, I can tell that you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars for buying an oscilloscope when we can get a really good oscilloscope for just a couple of hundred dollars.
List of 5 Best Oscilloscopes for Beginners and Professionals in 2024
In this section of the article, I will create a list of the 5 best oscilloscope and their features. So that you can compare and take the best decision according to your needs.
Rigol DS1054Z (Bandwidth: 50 MHz, Channels: 4)
The Rigol DS1054Z is one of the best oscilloscopes for beginners. It is affordable, easy to use, and has a range of features that make it ideal for hobbyists and students.
Specifications:
- Bandwidth:50 MHz
- Number of Channels: 4
- Real-time sample rate: 1 GSa/s
- Memory depth: 24 Mpts
- Display: 7 inch WVGA (800×480) TFT LCD
Rigol DS1054Z: Check on Amazon.com | AliExpress
Siglent SDS1052DL (Bandwidth: 50 MHz, Channels: 2)
Siglent SDS1052DL is an oscilloscope that is designed for beginners and hobbyists. It has a bandwidth of 50 MHz and two channels, making it suitable for measuring signals in a range of electronic applications.
Specifications:
- Bandwidth:50 MHz
- Number of Channels: 2
- sample rate: up to 500 MSa/s
- Memory depth: up to 32 Kpts
- Display: 7 inch (8*18 div) color TFT-LCD display
Siglent SDS1052DL: Check on Amazon.com | AliExpress
Hantek DSO2D10 (Bandwidth: 100 MHz, Channels: 2)
The Hantek DSO2D10 is a dual-channel oscilloscope that offers advanced features at an affordable price point, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Specifications:
- Bandwidth:100 MHz
- Number of Channels: 2
- Real-time sample rate: up to 1GSa/s
- Memory depth: 40Kpts
- Display: 7-inch color TFT-LCD display
Hantek DSO2D10: Check on Amazon.com | AliExpress
Siglent SDS1104X-E (Bandwidth: 100 MHz, Channels: 4)
The Siglent SDS1104X-E is a four-channel digital oscilloscope that offers advanced features and high performance at a lower price range.
Specifications:
- Bandwidth:100 MHz
- Number of Channels: 4
- Real-time sample rate: 1 GSa/s
- Memory depth: 14 Mpts
- Display:7-inch TFT-LCD display
Siglent SDS1104X-E: Check on Amazon.com | AliExpress
Siglent SDS1202X-E (Bandwidth: 200 MHz, Channels: 2)
The Siglent SDS1202X-E is a two-channel digital oscilloscope that offers high performance and advanced features at an affordable price. It has a bandwidth of 200 MHz and a sampling rate of 1 GSa/s, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in electronics, telecommunications, and other industries.
Specifications:
- Bandwidth:200 MHz
- Number of Channels: 2
- Real-time sample rate: 1 GSa/s
- Memory depth: 14 Mpts
- Display:7-inch TFT-LCD display
Siglent SDS1202X-E: Check on Amazon.com | AliExpress
Note: 1 GSa/s = 10^9(Giga) Samples per second.
1 MSa/s = 10^6(Mega) Samples per second.
1 Mpts = 1 Million points.
1 Kpts = Thousands points.
My Recommendations
Here are my recommendations for the best oscilloscopes for beginners and Professionals:
From my experience, I can say that the Hantek DSO2D10 is the best oscilloscope for beginners or makers. But, if you need more Channels, you can go for Siglent SDS1104X-E. I have been using this oscilloscope for almost 2 years without any issues.
If you are an advanced user and need a higher Bandwidth oscilloscope then go for Siglent SDS1202X-E.
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