Top 5 Digital Oscilloscope 2021

With so many options, what is the best oscilloscope 2021? With the increase in technological advancements over the last five years, the circuitry has also become a more popular hobby for people around the world. Based on simple economics, we know the increase in demand will also cause an increase in supply. Circuit Specialists carries a number of different brands of oscilloscope that are available now. It’s always important to consider the following factors when choosing an oscilloscope:

Want to learn more about oscilloscopes? You can read What is an Oscilloscope? Why is it important? to find out more.

Table of Content

1. 200MHz 2 Channel Digital Oscilloscope Hantek DSO5202P
2. 100MHz 4 Channel Super Phosphor Oscilloscope Siglent SDS1104X-E
3. 200MHz 4CH Digital Oscilloscope and Function Generator Hantek DSO4204C
4. 200MHz 2-channel Oscilloscope with Waveform Generator Siglent SDS1202X-E
5. 100MHz 2 Ch Super Phosphor Oscilloscope Siglent SDS2102X

200MHz 2 Channel Digital Oscilloscope Hantek DSO5202P

Features: 

The Hantek DS05202P has 2 channels, with 200 MHz oscilloscope bandwidth, one of our best oscilloscope 2021. Firstly, the unit has a 1 GSa/s real-time sampling rate, which is impressive for its price range. Secondly, the unit comes with a 7’’ WVGA (800×480) color display for easy navigation, reading value and, manipulating the graphs.  In addition, the unit boasts a memory depth of 40k (wow) and, the trigger mode has edge/pulse width/line selectable video/slop/overtime, etc. Finally, the USB host and device connectivity are standard and it has four math functions, including FFTs standard, which is needed for any engineering classroom.

The Pros:

• User-friendly menu
• Lightweight and portable
• Comes with 2 dual rated probes
• One of the best value scopes on the market

The Cons:

• Screen recording on PC may lag 
• Signal noise might be high when zooming in too much

100MHz 4 Channel Super Phosphor Oscilloscope Siglent SDS1104X-E

Features:

The Siglent SDS1104X-E has 4 channels and 100 MHz bandwidth. First, it offers a real-time sampling rate of 1 GSa/s (Total of 2A-to-D converters). It also has a maximum capture rate of 100,000 in normal mode, and 400,000 in sequence mode. Furthermore, the unit has a memory depth of 14 Mpts, as well as an abode plot function (side note: Requires SIGLENT SDG X or SAG1021 function generator). Next, it has search/navigates functions as well as web-based browser remote control, an optional Wi-Fi dongle, and an optional MSO capability. With so many features, the Siglent SD1104X-E is one of the best oscilloscope 2021 for hobbyists on the market.

The Pros:

• Built-in webserver
• Wide colored display that’s zoom-able for a more accurate recording
• Fast speeds enable the device to detect the fastest waveform and capture the signals
• Works with the latest SPO technology
• Trigger functions help make references to the signal memories

The Cons: 

• Optional items you have to order such as the 16ch logic decoder, USB AWG, a USB Wifi, which are all additional costs
• The 1x/10x switch is easy to shift on accident
• Numerous functions can be confusing to new users

200MHz 4 Channel Digital Oscilloscope and Function Generator Hantek DSO4204C

The Hantek DSO4204C is an easy-to-use digital oscilloscope with 200 MHZ bandwidth, a minimum range of 500 μV /div, 1GS/s sample rate. The DSO4204C also comes equipped with a function generator that goes up to 25 MHz.

Firstly, Hantek DSO4204C Features, 4 Channel Oscilloscope with an external trigger, digital voltmeter, and auto-ranging 1 channel function generator. In addition, over 32 auto-measurement functions, plus over 14 types of trigger functions, including an edge, overtime, pulse, pattern, and interval. Finally, the unit includes these decode Types: I2C, SPI, UART, LIN, CAN and, also supports a variety of SCPI remote control commands

The Pros:

• The real-time sampling rate is high
• Intuitive user interface
• Large memory depth
• 200 MHz allows to troubleshoot more complex devices
• Include a Function Generator

The Cons:

• May need to change the sweep delay whenever you want to set the trigger position 
• No HDMI port to be able to display on a larger screen
• Function generator only goes up to 25 MHz

200MHz 2-channel Oscilloscope with Waveform Generator Siglent SDS1202X-E

Features:

The Siglent SD1202X-E has 2 channels and a bandwidth of 200 MHz with a 1 GSa/s real-time sampling rate. Firstly, it has a maximum capture rate of 100,000 in Normal mode and 400,000 in sequence mode. On top of that, It also boasts an impressive memory depth of 14 Mpts. Moreover, the unit has a minimum vertical input range of 500 uV/div and, an innovative digital trigger system with high sensitivity and low jitters. Finally, It has a 256-level intensity grading display and a color-temperature mode in other oscilloscopes in this class. The serial bus trigger/decode comes standard.

The Pros:

• The real-time sampling rate is high
• Intuitive user interface
• Large memory depth
• 200 MHz allows to troubleshoot more complex devices
• Low cost making it an excellent entry-level oscilloscope

The Cons:

• May need to change the sweep delay whenever you want to set the trigger position 
• Only has 2 channels
• No HDMI port to be able to display on a larger screen

100MHz 2 Channel Super Phosphor Oscilloscope Siglent SDS2102X

Features:

SIGLENT’s SDS2102X Super Phosphor Oscilloscope with a bandwidth of 100 MHz and features a maximum sample rate of 2 GSa/s, and a maximum record length of 140 Mpts. The most commonly used functions can be accessed with its user-friendly one-button design.

The SDS2102X employs a new generation of SPO technology. It has an innovative digital trigger system with high sensitivity and low jitter, and a maximum waveform capture rate of 140,000 wfm/s (normal mode), up to 500,000 wfm/s (sequence mode). It also employs the common 256-level intensity grading display function but also a color temperature display mode. This is the best oscilloscope 2021 for any extreme electronic enthusiast.

The Pros:

• The real-time sampling rate is high
• Intuitive user interface
• Large memory depth

The Cons:

• Only has 2 channels
• Only 100MHz
• No HDMI port to be able to display on a larger screen
• Expensive

Conclusion

Before you start scouring the internet for options, we highly recommend knowing what you want from your oscilloscopes. Maybe you’re looking to measure more signals. Maybe you need to accurately measure the time between circuit changes. Or maybe you simply need a more refined system for troubleshooting?

Whatever the case is, it’s a good idea to get all your expectations and requirements down on a piece of paper—or, at the very least, somewhere visible. This way, you can just match the specs of each ‘scope you’re considering against your personal checklist.

We hope this little list of the best oscilloscope 2021 will help you with choosing the best scope for your application.

Still need more information or would you rather talk to someone directly? You can email us at any time at sales@circuitspecialists.com or 1-800-528-1417.