Rigol DHO814 vs Siglent SDS1104X-U
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right scope for your bench.
Rigol
$549
Siglent
$419
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Rigol DHO814 | Siglent SDS1104X-U |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Sample Rate | 1.25 GSa/s | 1 GSa/s |
| Channels | 4 | 4 |
| Memory Depth | 25 Mpts | 14 Mpts |
| Display Size | 7" | 7" |
| Weight | 1.78 kg | 3.1 kg |
| Price | $549 | $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 · $549 | Buy on Amazon · $419 |
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
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 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.
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.