Rigol DHO802 vs Rigol DHO814
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right scope for your bench.
Rigol
$329
Rigol
$549
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Rigol DHO802 | Rigol DHO814 |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 70 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Sample Rate | 1.25 GSa/s | 1.25 GSa/s |
| Channels | 2 | 4 |
| Memory Depth | 25 Mpts | 25 Mpts |
| Display Size | 7" | 7" |
| Weight | 1.78 kg | 1.78 kg |
| Price | $329 | $549 |
| Rating | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Protocol Decoder | Yes | Yes |
| Function Gen | No | No |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | No | No |
| Buy on Amazon · $329 | Buy on Amazon · $549 |
Pros & Cons
Rigol DHO802
Pros
- 12-bit ADC at $329 — the cheapest way to get modern 12-bit resolution from a major brand
- Same compact form factor and touchscreen as the rest of the DHO800 series
- 25Mpt memory depth is excellent for a scope at this price
- USB-C power means you can run it from a portable battery pack
- Protocol decoding for SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN included
- Modern Rigol UI — the same intuitive touchscreen experience as the DHO924S
Cons
- Only 2 channels — the biggest limitation for embedded debugging
- 70MHz bandwidth is adequate but not exciting
- Fan noise carries over from the DHO800 series
- For ~$120 more, the DHO804 adds 2 more channels which matters enormously
- No function generator
Rigol DHO814
Pros
- 12-bit ADC — the Reddit community now considers this mandatory for new scope purchases
- Compact form factor is noticeably smaller and lighter than the DHO900 series
- Same modern touchscreen interface as the DHO924S — intuitive and responsive
- 100MHz bandwidth handles most hobbyist and embedded signals comfortably
- USB-C power input means you can run it from a power bank in the field
- CAN decoding included — Rigol doesn't always include this on lower-tier models
Cons
- Fan noise is a known complaint in the DHO800 series — audible in quiet rooms
- At ~$549, you're only $10 below the DHO924S which has 250MHz bandwidth
- 25Mpt memory is half the DHO924S's 50Mpts
- No built-in function generator
- The Siglent SDS804X HD offers similar 12-bit performance for $100 less at 70MHz
Our Verdicts
Rigol DHO802
The Rigol DHO802 is the budget entry point to 12-bit oscilloscope territory, and at $329 it's genuinely compelling. You get the same modern touchscreen interface, 12-bit ADC, and compact form factor as the rest of the DHO800 series, just with 2 channels instead of 4. The 25Mpt memory and protocol decoding are both strong at this price. The honest question is whether 2 channels are enough for your work — if you're probing a single signal or doing basic Arduino debugging, absolutely. The moment you need to correlate clock and data lines on SPI, or monitor multiple signals simultaneously, you'll wish you had 4 channels. The DHO804 at ~$439 adds those extra channels, and for most users that $110 premium is worth paying upfront rather than regretting later.
Rigol DHO814
The Rigol DHO814 is the mid-tier entry in Rigol's 12-bit DHO800 lineup, offering 100MHz bandwidth and 4 channels in a compact, USB-C-powered package. The 12-bit ADC is the real story here — the Reddit community has essentially made 12-bit resolution the new baseline for oscilloscope recommendations, and the DHO814 delivers. The compact form factor and power bank compatibility are genuine advantages over the larger DHO900 series. The uncomfortable truth is pricing: at ~$549, you're within striking distance of the DHO924S at $449 which gives you 250MHz bandwidth and 50Mpt memory. The DHO814 only makes sense if you specifically value the smaller size or find it on sale significantly below MSRP.