10 Best Oscilloscope Under 500 – Specs and Buying Guide 2023

An oscilloscope is a tool that measures the fluctuation in the voltage of electric current. Typically, this measurement is shown on the screen graphically. If you are an electrical engineer, lab assistant, or DIY hobbyist, you already know about this machine. One of the frustrating things is most of the sophisticated high-end oscilloscopes are quite expensive.

However, there is good news for you. Still, some affordable oscilloscopes won’t cost you much money but will bring you ultimate satisfaction. In this article, we have listed down 10 best oscilloscope under 500 dollars options for you.

Our expert team conducted thorough research and analysis to make this exclusive oscilloscope buying guide. We hope it will help you to choose the best option. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

Is Oscilloscope Under 500 Worth It?

An oscilloscope is a powerful electronic device that will graphically display electrical signals and their status over time. The price of an oscilloscope can be varied based on some parameters.

If you are a student, hobbyist, or DIY enthusiast, an oscilloscope under 500 will give you everything you need and it is worth the money. In this price range, you will get a scope with a decent bandwidth, typically from 50 MHz to 100 MHz. Most importantly, most of the scopes in this price range will give you great versatility. It can be used to solve a wide range of issues.

Electrical engineers or students can use an oscilloscope to measure electrical phenomena and quickly test, verify and debug their current designs. It can be used for measuring current, DC voltage, sound, capacitance, frequency, and inductance. Most of the models in this price range will offer you excellent ease of use. You will be able to use the scope without any hassle.

Besides, there are many models which are designed with large HD displays to give you a great visual. In a nutshell, even an oscilloscope under $500 is capable of giving you the best level of user experience, hence it is completely worth the investment.

What Bandwidth Oscilloscope Do I Need?

When it comes to buying a new oscilloscope, you need to consider what bandwidth scope you should buy. If you talk about an analog scope, the system bandwidth will determine its ability to measure an analog signal. To be specific, it will tell you about the maximum frequency that the scope can measure precisely. Besides, bandwidth is quite important when determining the price of an oscilloscope.

However, to determine the right bandwidth, you can follow the “five times rule”. For instance, if your input is 20 MHz or lower, you should plan for an analog oscilloscope that comes with a bandwidth of at least 100 MHz. Let us explain it further. Typically, a 100 MHz scope will have an attenuation of less than 30%. So, in that case, choosing an input of 20 MHz will ensure better than 2% amplitude accuracy.

When it comes to digital signals, you should measure the rise and fall. In that case, the sample rate should also be considered along with the bandwidth. There, the bandwidth will determine even the smallest rise-time which a scope can measure.

There will be a measurement system which is formed by the probe and oscilloscope. The measurement system will have an overall bandwidth. So, in that case, you need to choose probes carefully and make sure they are properly matched to the scope.

Table of Contents:

Are you in a hurry and don’t have enough time to go through the whole guide? Here is a table of contents that will help you to navigate through the article conveniently.

Comparison Chart:

If you want to have a comparative idea about our top picks, you can check this comparison chart below. It will certainly help you in decision-making.

Best Oscilloscope Under 500	It's Best for	Bandwidth	Channels	Weight	Dimensions
Siglent SDS1104X-E 100Mhz digital oscilloscope	Editor's Pick	100 MHz)	4	3 Kg	10 x 17 x 15 inches
Siglent Technologies SDS1104X-U Digital Oscilloscopes	Performance	100 MHz	4	8.35 pounds	12.28 x 5.22 x 5.94 inches
Siglent Technologies SDS1202X-E Digital Oscilloscope	Digital Testing	200 MHz	4	5.51 pounds	10 x 15 x 17 inches
Owon SDS7102 Deep Memory Digital Storage Oscilloscope	Large Display	60MHz - 300MHz	2	4.5 pounds	14 x 3 x 7 inches
Hantek DSO5202P 200MHz 2 Channel Digital Storage Oscilloscope	Ease of Use	200 MHz	2	4.59 pounds	12.32 x 4.25 x 5.59 inches
Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscopes	Design	50 MHz	4	6.6 pounds	13 x 7 x 5 inches
RIGOL DS1202Z-E 200 MHz Digital Oscilloscope	Value for Money	200 MHz	2	9.15 pounds	12.32 x 4.8 x 6.46 inches
Analog Discovery 2: 100MS/s USB Oscilloscope	Versatile	30MHz	2	8.47 ounces	7 x 6 x 2 inches
Siglent Technologies 50 MHz Digital Storage Oscilloscope	Maximum Accuracy	50 MHz-150 MHz	2	7.36 pounds	10 x 17 x 15 inches
YEAPOOK ADS1013D Handheld Digital Tablet oscilloscope	Portable	100 MHz	2	1.32 pounds	7.3 x 4.9 x 2 inches

10 Best Oscilloscope Under 500 in 2023

Choosing top-quality budget oscilloscopes is quite challenging. Explore our in-depth review section below to get full insights into them.

1. Editor’s Pick: Siglent SDS1104X-E 100Mhz digital oscilloscope

Siglent SDS1104X-E 100Mhz digital oscilloscope comes with a bandwidth of 100 MHz, so it has a great ability to measure frequency. Designed with the Gate and Zoom measurement, this device will allow the user to specify an arbitrary interval of waveform data analysis and statistics.

As a result, the measurement validity and flexibility will be enhanced to a great extent. Because it will help you to avoid measurement error which is caused by invalid and extraneous data.

There is a hardware-based pass or fail function in this unit which will perform up to 40000 pass/fail decisions in each second. As a result, long-term signal monitoring is possible with this oscilloscope. With 1 Mpts FFT, the math co-processor of this device will speed up front panel operation.

FFT analysis of incoming signals up to 1 M samples per waveform is possible due to the new math co-processor. So, you will get a high-frequency resolution with a faster refresh rate. In normal mode, the waveform capture rate is up to 100000 wfm/s, whereas, in sequence mode, the rate will increase to 400000 wfm/s.

When it comes to the background noise, it is quite low in this unit. It has 00 μV/div to 10 V/div voltage scales. The serial decoding of this unit is free which includes IIC, SPI, UART, CAN, and LIN. This oscilloscope comes with the history waveforms mode. So, you will be able to playback the latest triggered events easily.

Besides, the segmented memory collection will conveniently store trigger events into multiple memory segments which are up to 80000. Furthermore, it comes with a large 7-inch TFT-LCD display which has an 800 x 480 resolution which is impressive.

Technical Details

• Brand: Siglent
• Color: Gray
• Shape: Rectangular
• Capacity: 3 Kilograms
• Item Weight: 3 Kilograms
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 17 x 15 inches
• Waveform Capture Rate (Normal Mode): 100000 wfm/s
• Waveform Capture Rate (Sequence Mode): 400000 wfm/s
• Bandwidth: 100 MHz
• Channels: 4

Final Thoughts

This unit comes with a 100 MHz bandwidth along with 4 channels. So, it has a great ability to measure a good range of frequencies. The new math co-processor of this unit will speed up front panel operation. It has low background noise. Besides, you will get a large 7-inch TFT-LCD display which will give you a great visual.

2. Best for Performance: Siglent Technologies SDS1104X-U Digital Oscilloscopes

Siglent Technologies SDS1104X-U Digital Oscilloscopes is specially designed with 100 MHz bandwidth. So, you will be able to measure a wide range of frequencies. When it comes to the real-time sampling rate, it is up to 1 GSa/s. On the other hand, the record length is up to 14 Mpts.

It comes with various intelligent triggers which are edge, slope, pulse width, window, Runt, etc. When you talk about serial bus triggering and decoding (standard), it supports protocols like IIC, SPI, UART, CAN, and LIN. This oscilloscope comes with 4 channels which are great as you can analyze more signals simultaneously.

This unit will offer you an excellent level of ease of use. It comes with a user-friendly front panel design from where you will be able to access all of its commonly used functions. The SPO (Super Phosphor Oscilloscope) technology of this device will give you great signal fidelity and performance.

You will get a great digital trigger system with high sensitivity and low jitter. Besides, it will give you a waveform capture rate of 400000 frames per second in the sequence mode. You will also get a 256 level intensity grading display function along with a color temperature display mode which will give you a great visual.

Besides, it comes with the new 128k point FFT math function which will deliver a very high-frequency resolution during the time of signal spectra observation.

Technical Details

• Brand: Siglent Technologies
• Item model number: SDS1104X-U
• Product Dimensions:28 x 5.22 x 5.94 inches
• Item Weight:35 Pounds
• Bandwidth: 100 MHz
• Channels: 4
• Real-Time Sampling Rate: Up to 1 GSa/s
• Record Length: Up to 14 Mpts
• `Display: 7-inch TFT-LCD

Final Thoughts

This unit comes with a bandwidth of 100 MHz. You will get the maximum sample rate of 1 GSa/s along with the maximum record length of 14 Mpts. It comes with a user-friendly front panel design where you can get access to all commonly used functions. Built with the innovative e SPO technology, this oscilloscope will deliver excellent signal fidelity and seamless performance.

3. Best for Digital Testing: Siglent Technologies SDS1202X-E Digital Oscilloscope

Here is another product from Siglent technologies. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you have an oscilloscope with many exclusive features that comes at an affordable price? Of course, that would be awesome. SDS1202X-E digital oscilloscope from Siglent Technologies comes with a math co-processor that will speed up front panel operation.

The bandwidth of this scope is 200 MHz which is great. You will get a sample rate of 1 GSa/s from it. Built with the new generation of SPO technology, this unit will deliver excellent signal fidelity and performance.

When you talk about the system noise, it is quite lower than the industry average. The minimum vertical input range of this unit is 500 UV/Div. You will also get an innovative digital trigger system with high sensitivity and low jitter. \

In Sequence mode, it comes with a waveform capture rate of 400000 frames/sec. So, you can expect to have a seamless performance from this digital oscilloscope. It also comes with a 256-level intensity grading display function and a color temperature display mode which you will not get in other models in the same class.

This new Oscilloscope from Siglent Technologies will support multiple powerful triggering modes which include serial bus triggering. When it comes to decoding, it features a standard configuration that includes IIC, SPI, UART, can, LIN.

Besides, you will get history waveform recording and sequential triggering which will enable extended waveform recording along with analysis. On top of that, it is designed with a 1M points FFT math function which will give this unit a very high-frequency resolution in the time of observing signal Spectra.

Not to mention, you will get quick and accurate measurements from the improved hardware co-processor of this unit. Furthermore, it features a large 7-inch TFT-LCD display with an 800 x 480 resolution.

Technical Details

• Brand: Siglent Technologies
• Color: Gray
• Display Type: 7 inch TFT-LCD (800×480)
• Item Weight:51 pounds
• Manufacturer Series Number: SDS1000X-E
• Bandwidth: 200 MHz
• Record Length: 14 Mpts

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for the best digital oscilloscopes, it is the right product. It comes with a 200 MHz bandwidth and a sample rate of 1 GSa/s. You will get a waveform capture rate of 400000 frames/sec in Sequence mode. Besides, it comes with a large 7-inch TFT-LCD display to give you excellent visuals.

4. Best for Large Display: Owon SDS7102 Deep Memory Digital Storage Oscilloscope

Owon SDS7102 Deep Memory Digital Storage Oscilloscope is a great product that comes with a bandwidth of 60 MHz to 300 MHz. The bandwidth range is really impressive as it will allow you to measure higher frequencies very conveniently. The sample rate of this unit is 1 GSa/s. When using both channels, the sample rate will be 500 MSa/s.

You will get a record length of 10M for each channel. It comes with an auto-scale function which will simplify its operation. It has a very smart design body with an easy workplace. This digital oscilloscope will offer you a multi-function opportunity. It has auto-scale, pass/fail, and current-measuring functions to give you the best level of user experience.

You will get a LAN remote control and a newly supported SCPI in it. This smartly designed digital oscilloscope weighs only 4.5 pounds. So, you will get excellent portability from it. This unit is designed with an SVGA port to enlarge the waveform display. You will get an 8-inch high-definition TFT display that has an amazing resolution of 800 x 600 pixels.

The battery is optional in this unit. This excellent digital oscilloscope has a wide range of applications. It can be used in electrical circuit debugging and testing. You can also use it in automobile maintenance and testing. Besides, this oscilloscope is used in several industries including design, manufacture, education, and training.

Technical Details

• Brand: OWON
• Bandwidth: 60MHz – 300MHz
• Sample Rate: Up to 1 GSa/s (500 MSa/s when using both channels)
• Record Length: 10M for each channel
• Multi-function: auto-scale, Pass / Fail, and current-measuring
• LAN remote control: Yes
• Display: Large 8 inch 800 x 600 pixels display
• Battery: Optional battery available
• Product Dimensions: 14 x 3 x 7 inches
• Weight:5 pounds

Final Thoughts

This unit is designed with a large 8 inch 800 x 600 pixels display, so you will get excellent visuals. With a bandwidth of 60MHz – 300MHz, this unit is excellent for measuring high-frequency signals. Weighing only 4.5 pounds, this oscilloscope is designed smartly which will offer you very easy portability.

5. Best for Ease of Use: Hantek DSO5202P 200MHz 2 Channel Digital Storage Oscilloscope

Hantek DSO5202P 200MHz 2 Channel Digital Storage Oscilloscope comes with an affordable and compact design to give you superior performance. You will get a bandwidth of 200MHz and a sampling rate of 1 Gig/s which is impressive in this price range. You will get a real-time sampling along with a minimum of 10X oversampling on all channels.

It comes with a 40K record length memory so that it will capture signals accurately at all times. This unit features a clear and detailed 7″ color TFT display that comes with a fully innovative on-screen “Help” system. So, whenever you become stuck on something, just press the help button to get an instant on-screen guideline.

You can expect excellent ease of use from this digital storage oscilloscope. It is designed with an easy PC connectivity feature. You can easily connect it to the PC by rear-panel USB device port. As a result, you will be able to quickly capture, save and analyze measurements. You will get intuitive menus and easy-to-operate buttons in this unit. So, you will be able to access information quickly during measurements.

The autoset function of this scope will let you automatically detect sine and square waves. Besides, you will get multifunction knobs and shortcut keys in this unit which will save your time and effort during your use. Furthermore, it comes with a probe check wizard to guide you through adjusting the probe compensation along with setting the probe option attenuation factor.

Technical Details

• Brand Name: Hantek
• Color: Gray
• Display Type: digital
• Item Shape: Rectangle
• Item Weight:59 pounds
• Manufacturer Series Number: DSO5202P
• Product Dimensions: 12.32 x 4.25 x 5.59 inches
• Bandwidth: 200 MHz
• Sampling Rate: 1 Gig/s
• Display: Large (7.0-inch) color display, WVGA (800×480)
• Record Length: Up to 40k
• Channel: 2

Final Thoughts

This digital storage oscilloscope will give you outstanding ease of use. You will be able to operate it very easily. In fact, it comes with an on-screen help button which will be always there to help you out whenever you got stuck during the use. You will get an excellent bandwidth and real-time sampling rate from this unit. Besides, a large 7.0-inch color display gives you a great visual.

6. Best for Design: Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscopes

Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscopes come with 50 MHz Analog bandwidth. It has a total of 4 Analog channels. When it comes to the maximum waveform Capture rate, it is up to 30000 wfms/s. Built with innovative UltraVision technology, this unit will provide you with a deeper memory depth of 12 Mpts standard.

The large 7” display of this unit, with an 800 X 480 pixels resolution, will give you a great visual. You can view data of all channels on a single screen. So, you will be able to analyze more efficiently. It comes with a sampling rate of 1 GS/s which will make this oscilloscope perfect for any application.

There is an optional waveform recording option in this unit. With the simple purchase of the DS1000Z-REC software, you can go back and analyze previous data. Another great feature of this unit is it is designed with a multi-level intensity graded display. With this feature, you will be able to focus on and visually detect event frequency over time. You will also get advanced triggering options in this oscilloscope.

When you talk about the serial bus analysis option, you can avail it by purchasing the SA-DS1000Z Serial Bus Analysis Option. With the help of this feature, you will be able to examine, decode and view RS232/URAT, I2C, and SPI. Besides, it will offer you advanced signal calculations. It is designed with an integrated and advanced system of formulas that will help you to solve complex signal calculations.

Technical Details

• Brand: Rigol
• Sample Mode: Real-time sample
• Real-time Sample Rate: Analog channel: 1 GSa/s (single-channel
• Peak Detect: Analog channel: 4 Ns; Digital channel: 4 ns
• Averaging: Average 2^N samples where N=1 to 10 (2 to 1024 samples)
• High Resolution: 12 bit (max.) achieved through sample averaging
• Interpolation: Sin(x)/x (optional)
• Minimum Detect Pulse Width: Digital channel: 10 ns
• Memory Depth: Analog channel: 24 Mpts (single-channel), 12 Mpts (dual-channel), 6 Mpts (three/four-channel); Digital channel: 24 Mpts (8-channel), 12 Mpts (16-channel)
• Input Coupling: DC, AC, or GND

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for the best oscilloscope under 500 that is great for design, it is the right product. It has a large 7-inch display which will give you a great visual. With a real-time sampling rate of 1 GS/s, this unit will give you the best level of user experience. Besides, it will offer you excellent ease of use.

7. Best for Value for Money: RIGOL DS1202Z-E 200 MHz Digital Oscilloscope

RIGOL DS1202Z-E 200 MHz Digital Oscilloscope is an excellent edition in the RIGOL brand. It has many exciting features which will meet your expectation. When it comes to the real sample rate of this unit, it is 1 GSa/s which is impressive. You will get 2 analog channels in this oscilloscope.

When it comes to the standard memory depth, it is up to 24 Mpts. Besides, you will get a bandwidth of 200 MHz. So, you will be able to measure higher frequency signals with this scope. When it comes to the waveform capture rate, it is 30000 wfms/s. Besides, you will get real-time hardware waveform recording and playback options from this unit. You can record up to 60000 frames of a waveform.

This exclusive series comes with a 7.0-inch WVGA (800*480) TFT LCD, with a widescreen format. So, you will experience vivid pictures from this display. No wonder, with intensity graded color display, you will get an excellent level of visuals from this unit.

Moreover, the power consumption will be quite low and you will get a long service life from it. There will be up to 15 trigger types in this scope which include various types of protocol triggers. Besides, this scope has the ability for parallel decoding along with multiple serial decodes functions.

Besides these exclusive features, there will be many other exclusive functions you will get from this scope. For instance, there will be Ethernet and USB communication. With adjustable waveform brightness and auto setting of waveform display, this unit can be a perfect choice for you.

Technical Details

• Brand Name:
• Model Number: DS1202Z-E
• Sample Mode: Real-time sample
• Real-time Sample Rate: 1 GSa/s (single-channel), 500 MSa/s (dual-channel)
• Peak Detect: 4 ns
• Averaging: Average 2^N samples where N=1 to 10 (2 to 1024 samples)
• High Resolution: 12 bit (max.) achieved through sample averaging
• Interpolation: Sin(x)/x
• Memory Depth: 24 Mpts (single-channel), 12 Mpts (dual channel)
• Number of Channels: 2 analog channels

Final Thoughts

If you want to have a well-capable scope at an affordable price, this is the right product. It will offer you great value for money. You will get 2 analog channels in this unit. The real-time sample rate is 1 GSa/s. Besides, you will get up to 24 Mpts memory depth which is impressive at this price range.

8. Best Versatile: Analog Discovery 2: 100MS/s USB Oscilloscope

Being a multi-instrument test and measurement device, the Analog Discovery 2 will allow you to measure, visualize, simulate and analyze mixed-signal circuits of almost every kind. In this portable device, you will get a mixed signal, mixed channel oscilloscope, and 16-channel logic and protocol analyzer.

It comes with a two-channel USB digital oscilloscope along with a two-channel arbitrary function generator. With this oscilloscope, this device can test and display voltage signals as waveforms. Besides, you will be able to view visual representations of voltage variation over time.

The arbitrary function generator can be used to test a design or you can easily know whether an electronic device is properly working or not. Besides, you will get a stereo audio amplifier so that you will be able to drive external headphones or speakers with replicated AWG signals.

On top of that, this device will offer you a 16-channel digital logic analyzer. So, it can capture multiple signals from a digital system or digital circuit. So, it will be able to capture data into timing diagrams, protocol decodes, state machine traces, etc. You will also get a 16-channel pattern generator.

This unit can be used as a network analyzer, impedance analyzer, and spectrum analyzer as well. You will also get a data logger in this unit. With many exclusive features, this device can be one of the great options for you.

Technical Details

• Brand: Digilent
• Color: green, gray
• Oscilloscope: 2- channel
• Arbitrary Function Generator: 2-Channel
• Digital Logic Analyzer: Yes, 2 –channel
• Voltmeter: 2-channel
• Portable Analyzer: SPI, I2C, CAN, and UART
• Item Weight: 47 ounces
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 2 inches

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a versatile device that will offer you many functionalities, this unit is the perfect fit. You will get a 2 channel USB digital oscilloscope in this device. Besides, it can be used as an arbitrary function generator or stereo audio amplifier. Digital logic and pattern analyzer.

9. Best for Maximum Accuracy: Siglent Technologies SDS1052DL+ 50 MHz Digital Storage Oscilloscope

Our next product in this exclusive buying guide is Siglent Technologies SDS1052DL+ 50 MHz Digital Storage Oscilloscope. It comes with many exclusive features which will fulfill your needs. Talking about its bandwidth, you will get 50 MHz – 150 MHz of bandwidth from this unit which is great for measuring a moderate range of signal frequency.

It is a two-channel digital oscilloscope that can be used in many applications. The maximum sample rate you will get from this unit is 500 MS/s for 1 channel. Besides, for each channel, you will get a record length of 32 Kpts for acquiring detailed waveforms.

It comes with a 7 inch (8*18 div) color TFT-LCD display. So, you will experience a great level of visuals from this digital storage oscilloscope. You will get many other exclusive features from this exclusive scope. For instance, it will offer you 32 types of auto measurements. \

Also, there will be a zoom function and the innovative pass/fail function. Not only that but also 5 parameters display is available from this unit. As a result, this oscilloscope has a wide range of applications.

If you talk about electronic circuit design and debugging, or electrical circuit function tests, this scope is widely used. You can also inspect instantaneous signals by using this scope. Besides, for industrial control and measuring, product quality control, and education and training purposes, this unit is used widely.

Technical Details

• Brand Name: Siglent Technologies
• Height:2 inches
• Item Weight:36 pounds
• Length:7 inches
• Manufacturer Series Number: SDS1000L+
• Sampling Rate: 500 MSa/s
• Memory Depth: 32 Kpts
• Display: 7 inch (8*18 div) color TFT-LCD display
• Bandwidth: 50 MHz- 150 MHz

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a scope, which will give you an accurate measurement, this is the right fit. This unit comes with 50 MHz-150 MHz of bandwidth which is great. Besides, it has a very large 7″ display to give you a great visual.

10. Best Portable: YEAPOOK ADS1013D Handheld Digital Tablet oscilloscope

YEAPOOK ADS1013D Handheld Digital Tablet oscilloscope is a professionally designed unit that comes with 2 channels. It features 100 MHz of analog bandwidth which is awesome when it comes to measuring high-frequency signals. The real-time sampling rate of this unit is 1 GSa/s. Besides, it will offer you a sample memory depth of 240 kbit.

When you talk about the display of this scope, it is designed with a 7” color TFT- LCD touch screen with 800 * 480 resolution. So, you will enjoy a great level of visual experience from this unit. One of the amazing things about this device is it is super easy to use. You will get three trigger modes in it which are auto, normal and single. No wonder, it will easily capture an instantaneous waveform.

Furthermore, this digital oscilloscope is quite safe to use. It comes with a built-in high-voltage protection module. So, it can tolerate a continuous voltage which is up to 400V. Needless to say, this oscilloscope will offer you great versatility. Whether you talk about academic experiments, electronic product design, debugging, or maintenance, this scope is used widely.

The dimension of this unit is only 7.3 x 4.9 x 2 inches, so it is quite thinner. Besides, it weighs only 1.32 pounds which makes it quite lightweight. As a result, you can easily carry this scope.  It has a 1 GB storage space. So, you will be able to store up to 1000 screenshots along with 1000 sets of waveform data. It also supports USB export which will give you great flexibility.

This unit comes with a Lissajous figures display function that can be used to determine the amplitude, frequency, and phase contrast of 2 groups of signals. On top of that, the FFT analysis function of this unit will be able to analyze the harmonic components of the signal. Besides, it has a built-in 600mah high-quality lithium battery. On a full charge, you will get a battery life of 4 hours.

Technical Details

• Brand Name: YEAPOOK
• Color: Black
• Display Type: digital
• Item Weight:32 pounds
• Material: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
• Operating Frequency:00 GHz
• Number of Channel: 2
• Bandwidth: 100MHz
• Sample Rate: 1GSa / s
• Storage Depth: 240Kb
• Timebase: 50S / div~10nS / div
• Vertical Sensitivity: 50 mV / div~500 V / div
• Input Impedance: 1M ohm
• Trigger Modes: Auto / Normal / Single

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for the best portable oscilloscope, it is the right product. This unit has a dimension of 7.3 x 4.9 x 2 inches and a weight of 1.32 pounds. So, it is a compact and lightweight oscilloscope. So, you can easily carry it. With built-in high voltage protection, this unit is quite safe to use. Besides, it will offer you a great level of versatility.

How to Choose the Best Oscilloscope Under 500?

When it comes to buying a high-end oscilloscope, you need to consider some factors before making your final buying decision. Otherwise, you will end up buying the wrong product. Things you should look for while buying a new oscilloscope are discussed below.

Analog vs. Digital

First of all, you have to choose whether you need an analog or digital unit. Most of the oscilloscopes which come at a reasonable price are digital. You will see many digital units these days which will give you data with maximum precision.

Besides, they will offer you other benefits as well. For instance, analog scopes will not give you much portability as they are quite bulky and heavier. On the other hand, digital scopes are much more portable.

You will also get a colored digital display, the ability for single-shot, along with bandwidth which is above average, etc. from a digital oscilloscope. So, you should make your decision wisely.

Bandwidth

The bandwidth of an oscilloscope depicts its maximum ability to measure frequency. If your device comes with higher bandwidth, it will be able to measure more frequency accurately. Not to mention, the price of a unit will increase simultaneously with the bandwidth.

If you are planning for an analog oscilloscope, try to get a bandwidth that is at least 3 times greater than the highest frequency you wish to measure. In the case of a digital scope, the bandwidth should be at least 5 times higher than the ones you want to measure.

Sample Rate

How detailed the waveform can be displayed in a digital scope, can be known from the sample rate. Typically, the sample rate in an oscilloscope is measured in MS/sec or GS/sec. Here, MS stands for a mega sample, and GS is used for a Giga sample. We recommend the sampling rate of your oscilloscope should be 2 times bigger than the max frequency you are wishing to measure.

Memory Depth

You should also consider the memory depth of the scope. When the sample rate is multiplied by the time across the display, you will get the memory depth. Typically, sample points are captured in the memory of an oscilloscope. The amount of memory in scope is quite important. Because it determines how long the scope can store the signal before it must dump or remove it.

Channels

Channels in an oscilloscope are also important. How many signals an oscilloscope can analyze simultaneously can be determined by the number of channels available in scope. In most modern oscilloscopes, the channel range is 2-4. If you work only occasionally, two channels will be enough for you. On the contrary, if you have regular lab work with scopes, you should get a unit with 4 channels.

Ease of Use

The Oscilloscope should offer you excellent ease of use. It should come with a built-in help menu so that you don’t need to read the manual often. There must be a large display and you should be able to zoom/amplify the waveform. As a result, you would be able to check both waveforms and measurement data at the same time. The unit should come with larger knobs and a voice control feature which will make the control easier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are you still confused? Explore the FAQ section below to know the answers to some commonly asked questions.

What is the main differentiating feature of a digital oscilloscope?

In a digital oscilloscope, inputs are usually converted into digital signals. If you use an LCD monitor, you can even view the digital signal. On the contrary, in an analog oscilloscope, the waveform is shown in its original form. The digital scope comes with many advanced features of storage, triggering as well as measurement. It will display the signal both visually and numerically. It also stores the signal in digital format.

Why should one purchase a mixed-signal oscilloscope?

In a mixed-signal oscilloscope, both the analog and digital signals are displayed and compared. In this type of scope, input channels are designed for both analog and digital signals. So, if you wish to analyze both the analog and digital signals at once, you should purchase a mixed-signal oscilloscope.

What does 100 MHz oscilloscope mean?

A 100 MHz oscilloscope means it can accept signals from electronic appliances that have a signal frequency below or equal to 100 MHz. It is also known as the bandwidth. One notable point is, if your oscilloscope comes with higher bandwidth, it will be able to measure more accurately.

How is an oscilloscope used to see sound waves?

You can use an oscilloscope to see the sound wave. In the vertical axis of an oscilloscope screen, you will see the loudness or intensity of a sound. On the contrary, on the horizontal axis, you will see the time. That means it will tell you how intensity changes with time. The pitch of a sound signal can also be identified by a scope when you measure the time between two peaks which is also known as frequency.

How much does an oscilloscope cost?

The price range of an oscilloscope can vary depending on its bandwidth. If you talk about scope with a narrow bandwidth like 100MHz -200MHz, it may cost a few hundred dollars. On the other hand, an oscilloscope with 1 GHz bandwidth might cost you around 30000 dollars.

Final Words

There is no denying that an oscilloscope is quite important for many users. But when it comes down to choosing the best oscilloscope under 500, you should consider some factors that we already discussed in this guide.

We only have reviewed all top-notch products. You can choose any one from our list. Nonetheless, if you are still confused about the best one, you can go for our Editor’s pick which is the Siglent SDS1104X-E 100Mhz digital oscilloscope.

It comes with a bandwidth of 100 MHz which is helpful. The background noise generated from this unit is quite low. It is a 4-channel oscilloscope and it comes with a large 7-inch TFT-LCD display which has an 800 x 480 resolution. So, you will experience a great level of visuals from it.