Best Function Generator for Hobbyists: Rigol vs Siglent vs JDS6600

A function generator outputs a known, controllable signal — sine, square, triangle, pulse, or an arbitrary waveform you define yourself — at a frequency and amplitude you set. Paired with an oscilloscope, it's how you measure frequency response: inject a known signal at one end of a circuit and watch what comes out the other.

That pairing is the fundamental toolkit for characterizing filters, amplifiers, and any analog circuit where you need to know how it behaves across a range of frequencies rather than at a single instant. A scope on its own tells you what a signal *is doing*. A scope plus a generator tells you what your circuit *does to a signal* — which, most of the time, is the question you actually walked up to the bench with.

All three generators in this guide are two-channel, support arbitrary waveforms, and have burst mode. The differences between them are signal quality, frequency range, and how much of the price is buying precision you may or may not need.

Before buying a standalone unit, check whether your oscilloscope already has a function generator built in. Duplicating an integrated source is avoidable unless you need additional channels, output range, modulation, or automation features.

Several scopes cataloged on this site are sold in variants with an integrated generator, including the Rigol DS1104Z-S Plus, Rigol DHO924S, and Rigol DHO914S. Closely named variants may omit the source, and model suffix conventions are not universal across brands. Check the exact manufacturer datasheet and option list for your unit before assuming the function exists.

Integrated generators are genuinely useful, and for plenty of bench work they're all you need. They're also uniformly limited: a lower maximum frequency than a standalone, a smaller waveform library, coarser amplitude control, and — on most scopes — a single output rather than two independent channels.

The cases where a standalone earns its bench space:

• You need two independent channels, to drive a circuit's input while generating a reference or a second stimulus
• You need higher frequency than your scope's built-in source tops out at
• You need real arbitrary waveform depth — thousands of definable points, not a handful of presets
• You want a generator that works with whatever scope is on the bench that day, rather than being tied to one instrument

If none of those describe your work and your scope already has a source, save the money. That's the honest answer, and it's why this section comes before the recommendations rather than after them.

Maximum frequency is only one specification. Signal fidelity, vertical resolution, arbitrary-waveform memory, output amplitude into the intended load, modulation modes, and remote-control support may matter more. Manufacturer ceilings also use stated test conditions, so compare datasheet conditions rather than assuming two headline numbers describe identical output quality.

For basic stimulus work, a budget generator may be sufficient. For characterization where the source's distortion or timing becomes part of the result, use the published distortion, jitter, and load specifications to choose the instrument and verify the output with appropriate measurement gear.

The JDS6600 is the budget-oriented option in this set. It offers two channels, sweep and burst functions, and arbitrary-waveform capability, but the exact maximum frequency and interface details vary across revisions and sellers. Confirm the model manual that matches the unit being offered.

Choose it for general low-risk stimulus work when its documented amplitude, load, distortion, and frequency limits meet the job. If calibrated output quality, traceable specifications, or maintained automation software matter, compare the current Siglent and Rigol documentation before deciding.

The Siglent SDG1032X is the documented-modulation pick. Siglent publishes a 30 MHz maximum output frequency, 150 MSa/s sampling, 14-bit vertical resolution, 16 kpts waveform length, two channels, AM/FM/PM and digital modulation modes, sweep and burst, USB, and LAN control.

Do not confuse those modulation modes with vector I/Q generation: Siglent's SDG1032X product page does not advertise I/Q baseband output. If vector I/Q is a requirement, choose a model whose current datasheet explicitly specifies it. The SDG1032X is better framed as a general-purpose two-channel generator with maintained documentation and remote-control interfaces.

The Rigol DG1022Z is the deep-arbitrary-memory pick. Rigol publishes 25 MHz sine and square output, two independent channels, 200 MSa/s sampling, 14-bit vertical resolution, 2 Mpts arbitrary memory, and more than 160 built-in waveforms.

That makes it a different trade from the Siglent: the Rigol emphasizes deeper arbitrary-waveform memory, while the SDG1032X publishes a higher 30 MHz ceiling and a 16 kpts waveform length. Compare the exact modulation, distortion, amplitude, and automation requirements for your work instead of inferring overall signal quality from brand or price.

Check your oscilloscope's exact spec sheet first. If it has a built-in source and you do not need additional channels, output range, or automation, you may not need a standalone generator.

For budget general-purpose stimulus: consider the JDS6600 only after matching the offered hardware revision and manual to your requirements.

For a documented 30 MHz two-channel generator with modulation and LAN control: the Siglent SDG1032X is the clearer fit; it is not an I/Q vector generator.

For deeper arbitrary-waveform memory and a 25 MHz ceiling: the Rigol DG1022Z is the stronger fit.

Need the oscilloscope to go with it? See our oscilloscope reviews. Debugging a digital bus rather than an analog signal? Start with our logic analyzer buying guide.