Looking for the best digital oscilloscope to tackle electronics projects, automotive diagnostics, or lab work? Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or professional engineer, choosing the right oscilloscope can make all the difference in accuracy, efficiency, and ease of use. Today’s market offers a wide range of options—from compact handheld models to high-performance benchtop units—each designed for different needs and budgets. In this comprehensive roundup, we’ve tested and compared the top 10 digital oscilloscopes available in 2024, evaluating them on key factors like bandwidth, sampling rate, build quality, and real-world usability. Read on to find the perfect scope for your next project.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Best Digital Oscilloscope Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. FNIRSI 2C53T Upgraded Handheld Oscilloscope, 50MHz Bandwidth, 3IN1 Digital Oscilloscope Multimeter & Signal Generator
The FNIRSI 2C53T is a versatile 3-in-1 tool that combines a 50MHz digital oscilloscope, a 4.5-digit multimeter, and a signal generator in one compact handheld device. It’s ideal for field technicians, students, and electronics hobbyists who need reliable performance without lugging around multiple instruments.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 50 MHz bandwidth with 250 MSa/s sampling rate for accurate signal capture
✓ Built-in 4.5-digit multimeter with AC/DC voltage, current, resistance, and capacitance measurement
✓ Integrated DDS signal generator with 14 waveform types
✓ Cursor measurement and math operations for advanced analysis
✓ Lightweight and portable with rechargeable battery
Why We Recommend It
This oscilloscope strikes an excellent balance between functionality and affordability. The upgraded version improves on its predecessor with better measurement range and enhanced usability. It’s perfect for diagnosing circuits, testing sensors, or learning electronics basics.
Best For
Hobbyists, students, and field engineers who need a portable, multi-functional tool for everyday electronics troubleshooting.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Three tools in one saves space and cost
- Intuitive interface with automatic measurements
- Great value for the feature set
Cons:
- Small screen can be hard to read in bright light
- Limited record depth (1 Kpts)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I like this. It’s practical and easy to figure out and use. I purchased it because I use the Oscilloscope and Signal Generator. A great price too. A few years back something like this would have cost a fortune. It’s Professional quality and comes with both signal and test probes. It does a lot.”
Customer Review: “Nice handheld scope. Had it for a few weeks and it seems very functional. Compared some traces with a 4 ch LeCroy and it was very comparable (digital CMOS logic gates). It’s a small screen for sure, and the grid lines are a little hard to see even at the highest brightness. The function generator works well.”
2. Siglent Technologies SDS1202X-E 200 MHz Digital Oscilloscope, 2 Channels
The Siglent SDS1202X-E is a professional-grade benchtop oscilloscope offering 200 MHz bandwidth and a real-time sampling rate of up to 1 GSa/s. With deep memory and advanced triggering, it delivers lab-quality performance at a fraction of the cost of legacy brands.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 200 MHz bandwidth with 1 GSa/s real-time sampling
✓ Large 7-inch TFT LCD display with 800×480 resolution
✓ 14 Mpts record length for detailed waveform analysis
✓ Advanced trigger modes including serial protocol decoding
✓ Ultra-low noise floor for precise measurements
Why We Recommend It
This oscilloscope outperforms many competitors in its price range, offering features typically found in much more expensive models. The auto-set function makes it beginner-friendly, while the deep memory and high waveform capture rate satisfy advanced users.
Best For
Engineering students, embedded developers, and professionals needing a reliable, high-performance scope for complex signal analysis.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for a 200 MHz scope
- Large, bright display with intuitive UI
- Deep memory and high waveform refresh rate
- Reliable build quality and consistent performance
Cons:
- Boot-up time is slower than expected
- No built-in signal generator
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Pretty darn good for the price. I’ve been using it for a couple months with no complaints. I really like the auto adjust feature or whatever it’s called. No searching for your waveform and amplitude—one button will adjust it. So far the ONLY drawback is the boot up time. My old CRT Tektronix is faster.”
Customer Review: “This is a review of the Siglent Technologies Digital Oscilloscope. I am a relative newbie to Arduino and electronics, building mostly stepper motor controllers, camera interfaces and experimenting with ESP8266 devices. For everything but the stepper motor controllers (joystick controller), I was getting clean signals and easy decoding.”
3. FNIRSI DPOS350P 4-in-1 Handheld Oscilloscope with Spectrum Analyzer
The FNIRSI DPOS350P packs four powerful tools into one handheld device: a 350 MHz oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, frequency response analyzer, and signal generator. It’s an incredible value for anyone needing advanced analysis capabilities on a budget.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 350 MHz bandwidth with 1 GSa/s sampling rate
✓ Built-in spectrum analyzer (200 kHz–350 MHz)
✓ Frequency response analyzer for Bode plots
✓ 50,000 wfms/s refresh rate for catching glitches
✓ Touchscreen interface with responsive controls
Why We Recommend It
For under $300, this scope offers features that rival thousand-dollar benchtop models. The spectrum analyzer alone makes it stand out for RF and audio work, while the compact design ensures portability.
Best For
Budget-conscious engineers, RF hobbyists, and automotive technicians who need advanced analysis without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredible feature density for the price
- Bright, daylight-readable display
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Fast waveform refresh rate
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve due to feature richness
- Battery life could be longer under heavy use
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I watched a lot of reviews before choosing this scope. It works great for small electronics projects and automotive diagnostics. It is light and easy to carry. The display is easy to see in daylight and the touchscreen is responsive. Great tool at a good price.”
Customer Review: “Amazing performance and functionality for a scope sold at this price. Using this scope for very-high-CMRR (floating) measurements at audio frequencies. Triggering and range of horizontal positioning are sufficient for 1-percent-accuracy peak and crest measurements of 1 V audio signals floating on a 25V DC bias.”
