Best Function Generators for Hobbyists
Generate test signals and characterize your circuits properly — a function generator is the natural companion to your oscilloscope.
What Is a Function Generator?
A function generator produces electrical waveforms — sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, pulses — at frequencies you specify. You connect it to a circuit under test and observe the output on your oscilloscope. This lets you characterize filters (what frequencies does it pass?), test amplifiers (how does gain change with frequency?), and verify digital circuits (does this respond correctly to a clock signal?).
Without a function generator, you depend on your circuit to generate its own test signals. With one, you control exactly what goes in — making debugging and characterization dramatically faster.
All Function Generators Reviewed
JDS6600 DDS Signal Generator lists Maximum frequency (MHz): 60; Channels: 2; Amplitude range: 0 – 20Vpp (no load); Connectivity: USB (PC software). Maximum sine-wave frequency does not establish square-wave edge speed or arbitrary-waveform bandwidth. The exact model and selected variant were checked against Amazon Creators API and the product page on 2026-11-01. No independent performance or calibration test is documented.
Rigol DG1022Z lists Maximum frequency (MHz): 25; Channels: 2; Amplitude range: 1mVpp – 10Vpp (50Ω load); Connectivity: USB Device, USB Host, LAN. Maximum sine-wave frequency does not establish square-wave edge speed or arbitrary-waveform bandwidth. The matching Amazon catalog identity was checked on 2026-11-01. No independent performance or calibration test is documented.
FeelTech FY6600 lists Maximum frequency (MHz): 60; Channels: 2; Amplitude range: 0 – 20Vpp (no load); Connectivity: USB (PC software, Windows only). Maximum sine-wave frequency does not establish square-wave edge speed or arbitrary-waveform bandwidth. The exact model and selected variant were checked against Amazon Creators API and the product page on 2026-11-01. No independent performance or calibration test is documented.
A current two-channel source for documented modulation, arbitrary waveforms and remote control. The 50 MHz figure is the sine-wave ceiling; waveform limits, load settings and optional memory must be checked separately.
Pair It With Your Oscilloscope
A function generator and oscilloscope together are how you measure frequency response — inject a signal at a known frequency, observe what comes out. They're the fundamental toolkit for analog circuit characterization.
Check the generator output limits and required control interfaces for your exact scope. Automatic Bode plots require an explicitly supported instrument combination.
See our oscilloscope reviews →Do You Actually Need One?
Yes, if you...
- • Test amplifier gain and frequency response
- • Characterize analog filters
- • Debug audio circuits
- • Work with RF or transmission lines
- • Need to inject clean clock signals for testing
Probably not, if you only...
- • Debug Arduino and sensor communication
- • Read I2C / SPI / UART protocol data
- • Measure voltages and check continuity
- • Do basic microcontroller projects