Rigol DHO814 vs Rigol DHO924S
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right scope for your bench.
Rigol
$549
Rigol
$449
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Rigol DHO814 | Rigol DHO924S |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 100 MHz | 250 MHz |
| Sample Rate | 1.25 GSa/s | 1.25 GSa/s |
| Channels | 4 | 4 |
| Memory Depth | 25 Mpts | 50 Mpts |
| Display Size | 7" | 7" |
| Weight | 1.78 kg | 3.8 kg |
| Price | $549 | $449 |
| Rating | 7.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Protocol Decoder | Yes | Yes |
| Function Gen | No | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | No | No |
| Buy on Amazon · $549 | Buy on Amazon · $449 |
Pros & Cons
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
Rigol DHO924S
Pros
- 250MHz bandwidth with 4 channels for under $500 — exceptional value
- 7-inch IPS touchscreen with 1024x600 resolution — sharp and responsive
- 50Mpt memory depth for extended captures
- Built-in function generator and WiFi connectivity included
- Modern phone-like interface has almost no learning curve
- Protocol decoding for SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, and LIN
Cons
- 1.25GSa/s sample rate could be higher given the 250MHz bandwidth
- Newer platform means less community documentation than the DS1054Z
- Some early firmware bugs have been reported — check version before updating
- Fan can be audible in a quiet room
Our Verdicts
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.
Rigol DHO924S
The Rigol DHO924S is the best hobbyist oscilloscope under $500 in 2026, and I say that having used the DS1054Z for years before switching. The 7-inch IPS touchscreen transforms the experience — pinch to zoom, tap to place cursors, swipe to scroll through captures — in a way that button-based scopes simply can't match. Add 250MHz bandwidth, 4 channels, 50Mpt memory, a function generator, WiFi, and CAN/LIN protocol decoding at $449, and it obsoletes the DS1054Z in every spec column except community documentation and proven long-term reliability. If you're buying a scope in 2026 and can spend $449, this is the one to get. The only reasons to look elsewhere: you need deeper memory (Siglent SDS2104X Plus), you want proven track record over specs (DS1054Z), or you need CAN/LIN included free and can save $30 (Siglent SDS1104X-U at $419).