Rigol DHO814 vs Rigol DS1054Z
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right scope for your bench.
Rigol
$549
Rigol
$349
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Rigol DHO814 | Rigol DS1054Z |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 100 MHz | 50 MHz |
| Sample Rate | 1.25 GSa/s | 1 GSa/s |
| Channels | 4 | 4 |
| Memory Depth | 25 Mpts | 12 Mpts |
| Display Size | 7" | 7" |
| Weight | 1.78 kg | 3.2 kg |
| Price | $549 | $349 |
| Rating | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Protocol Decoder | Yes | Yes |
| Function Gen | No | No |
| WiFi | Yes | No |
| Battery | No | No |
| Buy on Amazon · $549 | Buy on Amazon · $349 |
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 DS1054Z
Pros
- 4 channels at a mid-range price — still rare and genuinely valuable
- 12Mpt memory depth is excellent for long capture sessions
- Massive community: tutorials, hacks, and forum answers everywhere you look
- Well-documented bandwidth hack unlocks 100MHz — free upgrade
- Trigger types rival scopes twice the price
- Protocol decoding (SPI, I2C, UART) included at no extra cost
Cons
- 50MHz stock bandwidth is limiting for faster SPI clocks and RF work
- Interface feels dated compared to the newer Rigol DHO series
- No touchscreen — menu navigation requires physical button presses
- Fan is audible in quiet environments
- The DHO924S has overtaken it on almost every spec at a similar price
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 DS1054Z
The Rigol DS1054Z is the default recommendation in every electronics forum for a reason — it earned that reputation over a decade of consistent performance. Four channels, 12Mpt memory, comprehensive protocol decoding, and an absurd number of trigger types for ~$349 is a package that nothing in this price range matched for years. The 50MHz bandwidth is the only real limitation, and the well-documented hack to unlock 100MHz makes even that a manageable concern. Yes, the newer Rigol DHO924S has better specs in nearly every category — but the DS1054Z has something no spec sheet can quantify: years of solved problems, answered questions, and tutorials from the EEVblog and r/AskElectronics communities. If you're buying your first serious oscilloscope and want to minimize frustration, this is still a great choice. If you can stretch to $449, the DHO924S is the better buy in 2026.