Rigol DHO804 vs Siglent SDS1204X-E
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right scope for your bench.
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Rigol DHO804 | Siglent SDS1204X-E |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 70 MHz | 200 MHz |
| Sample Rate | 1.25 GSa/s | 1 GSa/s |
| Channels | 4 | 4 |
| Memory Depth | 25 Mpts | 14 Mpts |
| Display Size | 7" | 7" |
| Weight | 3.8 kg | 3.3 kg |
| Price | $439 | $775 |
| Rating | 7.0/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Protocol Decoder | Yes | Yes |
| Function Gen | No | No |
| WiFi | Yes | No |
| Battery | No | No |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
Rigol DHO804
Pros
- 7-inch IPS touchscreen — same display as the DHO924S
- 25Mpt memory depth is solid for extended capture sessions
- Modern, intuitive interface makes learning easy
- 4 channels with protocol decoding (SPI, I2C, UART)
- WiFi connectivity for remote viewing and data export
Cons
- 70MHz bandwidth is the real compromise — limits this scope's ceiling
- No built-in function generator unlike the DHO924S
- 25Mpts memory is half the DHO924S's 50Mpts
- Stepping up to the DHO924S now costs substantially more
Siglent SDS1204X-E
Pros
- 200MHz bandwidth with 4 channels — strong spec combination
- CAN and LIN decoding included at no extra cost
- 14Mpt memory depth for long serial transaction captures
- Proven, reliable platform with a solid firmware update history
- Good long-term track record from Siglent
Cons
- At ~$775, it sits close enough to premium touchscreen scopes that the use case needs to be clear
- 7-inch non-touch display feels dated compared to modern alternatives
- No function generator
- Hard to justify the $356 premium over the SDS1104X-U at $419
Our Verdicts
Rigol DHO804
The Rigol DHO804 is the entry point to Rigol's DHO platform, offering the same 7-inch IPS touchscreen experience as the DHO924S with 70MHz bandwidth and 25Mpt memory at $439. For Arduino, basic analog work, and learning, 70MHz is genuinely sufficient — most signals you'll encounter stay well under this limit. The old objection was that the DHO924S cost almost the same; that is no longer true. With the DHO924S now priced like a premium scope, the DHO804 is the modern Rigol touchscreen pick for buyers who want a current interface without jumping near $900.
Siglent SDS1204X-E
The Siglent SDS1204X-E is a solid, proven instrument — but at ~$775, it's a specialized buy in 2026. The 200MHz bandwidth with 4 channels and free CAN/LIN decoding is still a good spec combination, and Siglent's reliability and firmware update track record are real advantages. The competition is clearer now: the SDS1104X-U is much cheaper if 100MHz is enough, the DHO804 is the modern touchscreen pick under $500, and the DHO924S costs more but gives you 250MHz plus Rigol's touchscreen workflow. To justify the SDS1204X-E today, you need to specifically need 200MHz bandwidth, 4 channels, CAN/LIN, and Siglent's platform advantages.