Digilent Analog Discovery 3 vs OWON XDS3064AE
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right scope for your bench.
Digilent
$379
OWON
$799
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Digilent Analog Discovery 3 | OWON XDS3064AE |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 50 MHz | 60 MHz |
| Sample Rate | 0.125 GSa/s | 1 GSa/s |
| Channels | 2 | 4 |
| Memory Depth | 32 Kpts | 40 Mpts |
| Display Size | N/A | 8" |
| Weight | 0.15 kg | 3.5 kg |
| Price | $379 | $799 |
| Rating | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Protocol Decoder | Yes | Yes |
| Function Gen | Yes | No |
| WiFi | No | Yes |
| Battery | No | No |
| Buy on Amazon · $379 | Buy on Amazon · $799 |
Pros & Cons
Digilent Analog Discovery 3
Pros
- 14 instruments in one: scope, logic analyzer, protocol analyzer, function gen, power supplies, network analyzer, and more
- WaveForms software is excellent, free, and regularly updated
- 16-channel logic analyzer is invaluable for digital protocol debugging
- Fits in a pocket — genuinely portable full lab capability
- Great for students and educators who need multiple instrument types
Cons
- Only 125MSa/s — significantly lower than benchtop scopes
- Requires a PC to operate — no standalone use in the field
- 2 analog channels with limited bandwidth compared to benchtop alternatives
- 32Kpt analog memory depth is very shallow for longer captures
- Not a replacement for a dedicated scope when analog performance matters
OWON XDS3064AE
Pros
- 40Mpt memory depth is exceptional for long serial transaction capture
- 14-bit ADC resolution — doubles the vertical resolution of standard 8-bit scopes
- 8-inch touchscreen display feels modern and responsive
- 4 channels with protocol decoding including CAN
- Built-in WiFi for remote viewing and data export
Cons
- 60MHz bandwidth is very limiting at the ~$800 price point
- At $799, the Siglent SDS1104X-U offers 100MHz and CAN/LIN for $380 less
- OWON software ecosystem is less mature than Rigol or Siglent
- Touchscreen can lag — not as responsive as Rigol's DHO series
- Smaller community means fewer tutorials and troubleshooting resources
Our Verdicts
Digilent Analog Discovery 3
The Digilent Analog Discovery 3 isn't really an oscilloscope — it's a multi-instrument lab that happens to include a 2-channel oscilloscope alongside 13 other tools. The 16-channel logic analyzer is its killer feature for embedded work: you can monitor SPI, I2C, GPIO pins, and PWM outputs simultaneously, something a 4-channel scope simply cannot do. WaveForms software is genuinely excellent — one of the best oscilloscope software experiences on any platform. As a pure oscilloscope, the 125MSa/s sample rate and 32Kpt memory are real limitations that you'll notice on any non-trivial analog signal. This is the right tool if you need a logic analyzer AND a scope AND a function generator and can only buy one device — especially for embedded development and student labs. If you primarily need to measure analog signals or capture long waveforms, a dedicated benchtop scope will serve you better.
OWON XDS3064AE
The OWON XDS3064AE is a niche instrument that earns its place for a specific buyer. At ~$800, the 14-bit ADC is its genuine differentiator — that extra vertical resolution matters for precision analog measurements and signal integrity work where standard 8-bit ADCs fall short. The 40Mpt memory depth is also excellent for capturing very long serial transactions. The problem is 60MHz bandwidth at $800 — that's genuinely hard to justify for most hobbyists. The Siglent SDS1104X-U at $419 gives you 100MHz, 4 channels, and CAN/LIN decoding for $380 less. The XDS3064AE only makes sense if you specifically need 14-bit resolution or very deep memory captures — for general-purpose work, better options exist at this price.