Rigol DHO802 vs Siglent SDS1104X-U
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right scope for your bench.
Rigol
$329
Siglent
$419
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Rigol DHO802 | Siglent SDS1104X-U |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 70 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Sample Rate | 1.25 GSa/s | 1 GSa/s |
| Channels | 2 | 4 |
| Memory Depth | 25 Mpts | 14 Mpts |
| Display Size | 7" | 7" |
| Weight | 1.78 kg | 3.1 kg |
| Price | $329 | $419 |
| Rating | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Protocol Decoder | Yes | Yes |
| Function Gen | No | No |
| WiFi | Yes | No |
| Battery | No | No |
| Buy on Amazon · $329 | Buy on Amazon · $419 |
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
Siglent SDS1104X-U
Pros
- 4 channels with 100MHz bandwidth — best of both in Siglent's lineup
- CAN and LIN decoding included — no license fees unlike Rigol
- 14Mpt memory depth for long capture sessions
- Better probe compensation and input specs than older Siglent models
- Siglent's firmware has matured significantly with recent updates
Cons
- ~$419 for a 100MHz, non-touchscreen scope is a stiff ask
- No touchscreen — button navigation only
- 1GSa/s sample rate is adequate but not exceptional
- Rigol DHO924S offers 250MHz and a touchscreen for $30 more
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.
Siglent SDS1104X-U
The Siglent SDS1104X-U is Siglent's answer to the 4-channel mid-range market, and its CAN/LIN decoding is its killer differentiator. Rigol charges extra for CAN decoding on most models; Siglent includes it free. If you're doing automotive embedded work — car CAN bus debugging, LIN network analysis, anything that touches vehicle electronics — the SDS1104X-U at $419 is the most cost-effective path to proper protocol support. For general hobbyist use without automotive protocol requirements, the DS1054Z at $349 remains better value, and the Rigol DHO924S at $449 offers 250MHz bandwidth and a touchscreen for just $30 more. I'd buy the SDS1104X-U specifically if CAN/LIN decoding is non-negotiable.