Because it can be difficult to find the right product for you in the long list of products, we try to give you as much advice as possible. This can be in the form of theoretical knowledge of properties, or a simple comparison between the advantages and disadvantages of products. The latter is the purpose of this article. This article takes a look at the features offered by the cheapest .
There are two basic features of an oscilloscope: bandwidth and the number of channels. This is the easiest way to distinguish between models and brands. However, there are many other features that are important when purchasing an oscilloscope. For example, whether or not it has a sufficient sample rate to provide all channels with maximum resolution. Because there are multiple target groups and price points for the models of all manufacturers, the purchasing advice is divided into three parts. This article specifically deals with the purchase of an absolute entry-level oscilloscope.
This article is structured in such a way that all comparisons can be read separately. Using the table of contents below, you can quickly use the article for a specific comparison to find what you are looking for.
Content
- Recommendations
- Screenless oscilloscopes
- Handheld oscilloscopes
- Stand-alone oscilloscopes
- Conclusion
Purchase advice for entry-level oscilloscopes
When the oscilloscope category is sorted by price, it is clear that there is a wide range of products available for less than €450. For example, there is a choice of USB, handheld and stand-alone oscilloscopes. This is essentially a good selection from the entire range, as all types of scopes are represented.
The €450 limit has been chosen as the maximum because it offers a wider choice of models. However, not all models can be discussed because this would make the article too long. To keep it clear and concise, only those oscilloscopes that offer an interesting comparison or are worth mentioning will be discussed.
Screenless oscilloscopes
These oscilloscopes require a computer to perform measurements. They are often connected to a PC or laptop via USB and can display the measurement results directly on the screen. This has both advantages and disadvantages. The oscilloscopes are smaller and relatively cheaper, but they must always be connected to a computer in order to be used. There are three oscilloscopes of this type that we would like to highlight in this article:
Owon VDS1022IThis oscilloscope has 2 channels, a bandwidth of 25 MHz, and a sample rate of 100 MS/s. This makes it a good choice as an absolute entry-level model. |
Hantek HT1008CThis oscilloscope is interesting because of its application. This scope is specifically designed to perform basic measurements and diagnostic tests on cars. With 8 channels, a bandwidth of 100 KHz, and a sample rate of 2.4 MS/s, this scope is ideal when multiple channels are needed and specifications do not need to be high. |
Micsig VTO2004Finally, there is the Micsig VTO2004. This oscilloscope has 4 channels, a bandwidth of 200 MHz, and a sample rate of 1 GS/s. With this scope, Micsig demonstrates that a screenless model can compete with standalone models. That is why it is recommended when specifications and high quality are desired. |
| Specification | Owon VDS1022I | Hantek HT1008C | Micsig VTO2004 |
| Bandwidth | 25 MHz | 70 KHz | 200 MHz |
| Channel | 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Sample rate | 100 MS/s | 2.4 MS/s | 1 GS/s |
| Memory depth | 5 kpts | 4 kpts | 50 Mpts |
| Interfaces | USB | USB 2.0 | USB-C |
| Price |
Handheld oscilloscopes
Like screenless oscilloscopes, handheld oscilloscopes are very easy to carry around. The difference between the two, however, is that handheld oscilloscopes can be used without a computer or other device nearby. Three oscilloscopes stand out in this category and price range.
Owon HDS seriesThe Owon HDS series is a robust series of 2-channel handheld oscilloscopes with a bandwidth between 25 and 100 MHz. The functionality of these oscilloscopes is more than sufficient for all basic applications. The oscilloscopes are equipped with a multimeter, and the -S versions within this series even have a built-in function generator! |
Hantek 2000 seriesThe Hantek 2000 series is a series of oscilloscopes with similar specifications. This series includes oscilloscopes with a bandwidth between 40 and 70 MHz. An advantage over the Owon HDS series is that this Hantek 2000 series always has a built-in function generator. This makes this series very suitable for tasks where a multifunctional device is required. |
| Specification | Owon HDS series | Hantek 2000 series |
| Bandwidth | 40 - 100 MHz | 40 - 70 MHz |
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Sampling frequency | 250 MS/s | 250 MS/s |
| Memory depth | 8 Kpts | 6 Kpts |
| Multimeter | yes | yes |
| Function generator | (only -S models) | yes |
| Display | 3.5" LCD (320x240) | 2,8" TFT (320x240) |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
| Connectivity | USB-C | USB |
| Price |
Standalone scopes
Almost all professional scopes are standalone oscilloscopes, so this can be considered the standard. Compared to handheld oscilloscopes, standalone oscilloscopes also perform better in terms of ease of use. Standalone oscilloscopes often have a larger screen, a clearer interface, and the controls with the rotary knobs of a standalone scope are more intuitive. Of course, standalone oscilloscopes also have entry-level models.
Owon SDS210This is a truly impressive entry-level 2-channel stand-alone oscilloscope. With a bandwidth of 100 MHz, it has more than enough power for all the tasks you would expect from an entry-level oscilloscope. In addition, this oscilloscope has a sample rate of 1 GSa/s per channel, which is comparable to much more expensive oscilloscopes. The -S variant even has a built-in function generator! |
Rigol DHO802This 2-channel oscilloscope from Rigol is a great entry-level model with an excellent price/quality ratio. The 12-bit resolution makes it much more reliable in measurements and analyses. |
Siglent SDS802X HDThe Siglent is also a 2-channel oscilloscope with a bandwidth of 70 MHz and 12-bit resolution.However, it has a sample rate of 2 GSa/s, which is normally only available on more expensive oscilloscopes. This oscilloscope can also be expanded with a function generator. The SDS802X HD even has a Bode plot option for this. Variants with higher bandwidth and multiple channels are also available for this model. |
| Specifications | Owon SDS210 | Rigol DHO802 | Siglent SDS802X HD |
| Badwidth | 100 MHz | 70 MHz | 70 MHz |
| Channel | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Sample rate | 1 GS/s | 1.25 GS/s | 2 GS/s |
| Resolution | 8 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Horizontal scale | 2 ns/div - 1000 s/div | 5 ns/div - 500 s/div | 2 ns/div - 1000 s/div |
| Vertical scale | 2 mV/div - 10 V/div | 500 µV/div - 10 V/div | 500 µV/div - 10 V/div |
| Connectivity | USB | USB LAN, HDMI, Pass/fail, Trigger out | USB, LAN, Pass/Fail, Trigger Out |
| Memory depth | 20 Mpts | 25 Mpts | 50 Mpts |
| Function generator | -S versions | No | Optional |
| Display | 7", 800x480 px | 7", 1024x600px | 7", 1024x600px |
| Price |
In terms of specifications, the Siglent comes out very well in the test. The Rigol, on the other hand, has connectivity and mobility as its main advantages. Owon makes up for it with its overall price-quality ratio.
Conclusion
The purpose of this article was to shed some light on the differences between the entry-level oscilloscopes in our range. Based on the various comparisons, it is clear that the competition is keeping a close eye on each other. It is always a price/performance consideration that everyone will have to make for themselves when purchasing an oscilloscope. The three main categories already offer a good clarification when making the choice. If the scope is always used with a computer, then the screenless oscilloscopes are an interesting and inexpensive option. If mobile use without a computer is required, then the handheld category is a good choice. If some connectivity is expected and the scope will generally be used in a fixed location, such as a laboratory, then the stand-alone category is the best choice. Within the categories, consideration of channels, bandwidth, and other specifications is still important.
