For tough on-site troubleshooting tasks, a benchtop oscilloscope might not be practical. Being able to carry around easily for fieldwork, and providing real-time measurements results while on the move — you should have a great handheld oscilloscope in your hand.
You can choose the best handheld oscilloscope with added features, like a compact and lightweight design, higher bandwidth, and a clear and large display screen. Handheld models are easier to use and designed for field use. Portable Oscilloscopes are vital measurement equipment that no electronic system designer or electrician should be without. It makes no difference if you are a professional or a technician.
This instrument is required to determine whether you have the right signal in your design. The oscilloscope can be used to check waveforms from one and two-dimensional signals and is specifically powerful around electronic instrumentation. Oscilloscope screen designed for work with a variety of waveforms.
In this guide I will walk through the world of handheld oscilloscopes, I will explore the benefits, features, pros, and cons of each handheld oscilloscope comparison. It will help to make a more informed buying decision about the best portable oscilloscope for your needs.
Table of Contents
What is the Best Handheld Oscilloscope?
As per my personal experience, I found the Hantek 2d72 one of the best handheld oscilloscopes They are the best because of their high quality, durability, sustainability, and efficiency in the field. Amazingly, They combine all the required latest functions and advanced features, which are the basic need for accurate measurement and analysis.
Let’s first talk about a handheld oscilloscope review of each, and learn how to use these tools to fix the circuit board issues.
1. Siglent SHS806 Handheld Oscilloscope
The best pocket oscilloscope is an ultra-portable oscilloscope for field engineers and highly mobile electricians. Its lightweight and compact size make it a great day-to-day oscilloscope. 200MHz bandwidth is its strong point, allowing you to inspect and troubleshoot problems with a wide range of signals.
It offers noise blanking capability through the analog input, so static or other interference will not be present in the signal being viewed.
Equipped with auto-leveling and automatically adjusting gain controls, this portable oscilloscope allows you to accurately view signals that are significantly warped or distorted.
It also features an on-screen indication of signal polarity for easy identification of positive or negative signals. The portable oscilloscope is also equipped with an integrated waveform generator which makes maintaining your exposure times easier than in previous models.
This is what I consider to be the best pocket oscilloscope. I can’t find anything else that is the more reliable, sustainable, and affordable product in this range. I have been using this product for more than a year. For me, this is working excellently. To compare Rigol DS1202z Vs Siglent SDS1202x-E Oscilloscope please check out my article here.
Key features
- TFT display with exceptional quality
- Support for a Variety of Interfaces
- Capability for Automatic Measuring
- Capabilities for Single-Key Printing
What I like/dislike about Hantek
Like:
- 2mbps is a long record length.
- Dual-channel portable display for simultaneous presentation of two signals
Dislike:
- It has a short battery life.
2. Hantek 2d72 best portable oscilloscope
This new 70 MHz portable oscilloscope from Hantek is one of their most popular models. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to handle. You can easily transport it or place it on your desk.
This variant also has a USB connection, allowing you to use it with your computer. With its industry-standard size and proportions, this portable scope has more functionality than some tabletop ones.
The portable oscilloscope links to the computer through the provided USB cable, providing a clear and exact image on the screen.
The bandwidth is 15 MHz, which allows you to notice even the smallest signal fluctuations. It features an automated power-on function, so you won’t have to bother about turning it on every time you need to use it. It also has a built-in multimeter that can measure AC/DC voltage, resistance, and capacitance.
Overall, the Hantek 2D72 is the Best Handheld oscilloscope out there on the market. They are the best because they are of sufficient acquisition memory, are high resolution, and are affordable in price. In general, choose an oscilloscope that has at least a 5x sample rate of the circuit’s highest frequency component.
Key features
- Minimalist Keyboard for Beginners
- Oscilloscope with Two Channels
- Intelligent Charging Control Using a Waveform Generator.
- Auto-scale color LCD screen resistance, break, capacitance, and diode functions are provided.
What I like/dislike about Hantek
Like:
- Easy to interface.
- It is a very affordable device.
- It is with a high sampling rate
Dislike:
- It is a very outdated device.
- There is no user manual.
3. OWON Digital’s best mini oscilloscope
As the world’s first handheld scope with a VGA display, the OWON Digital Handheld Oscilloscope grabbed headlines. It is the first oscilloscope to provide a high-definition display and the first to include an extensive library of pre-loaded measurement applications.
The software is easily accessible via an external keyboard or a mouse. Adjusting the gain and offset is also easy using external controls.
The Owon’s best cheap handheld oscilloscope is equipped with a 1920×1200 resolution, however, it’s worth noting that this resolution still has a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Combined with its ability to store 200 waveforms internally and its capability to display up to 100 of them at once, this handheld oscilloscope is impressive. It also boasts a 1 Mpts sample rate. The OWON digital handheld oscilloscope performs troubleshooting in the field.
If you’re willing to invest more in the Best handheld oscilloscope I recommend the OWON. This tool combines the best to meet your needs. It can handle everything for portable and on-the-go use precision work. I think most people would prefer this due to its ease of carrying and use in various environments.
I relied on various additional features and build quality making it a nice choice. To test these tools, I spent more than 15 days reading specific reviews and comparing the features, specifications, and prices of different models.
Key features
- Support for Multiple Languages
- USB Connectivity with a Bandwidth of 100/200 MHz
- Data Logging Capability for Channel-to-Channel Isolation
What I like/dislike about SainSmart
Like:
- It is a great portable scope.
- It comes with in-country calibration, repair, and maintenance.
Dislike:
- It is not easy to understand road tests.
4. SainSmart DS212: best portable oscilloscope
SainSmart Nano DSO202 2-CH is a powerful little device capable of running multiple features, menus, and measurement options. It is an ideal tool for people who want to measure the frequency and amplitude of various signals.
The bandwidth on this portable oscilloscope is 10 MHz, which means you can view small signals as well as larger ones. You will also be able to see the frequency of either signal in both digital and analog readings, making it even more useful.
Its compact size makes it easy to place on your desk or carry with you wherever you go. It uses a USB connection so that you can link it to your computer and send the signal directly from the oscilloscope to the computer.
It also has an 8 Mpts sample rate. This portable oscilloscope is equipped with an auto-calibrating function, so it will remain accurate each time you use it. When it comes to looks, It is the best portable oscilloscope that offers some useful features.
It comes equipped with an intelligent charging control which allows you to keep your power consumption low. The only real downside is that it has a small 2.8-inch color. I think that the small screen size can make it challenging to view complex waveforms or detailed measurements.
Key features
- The screen displays waveforms clearly and accurately even when they are warping or distorted.
- It has a large memory of 8Mpts for storing waveforms.
What I like/dislike about SainSmart
Like:
- Operation is simple and easy.
- It also comes with a user manual that can help you properly use it.
Dislike:
- The device comes with a USB cable, but no batteries.
5. Fluke 123b best small oscilloscope
The best handheld oscilloscope for automotive use for the money has high-performance gadgets designed for high-stakes troubleshooting and rough terrain.
Fluke 123B portable oscilloscope packs a backlit breadboard that is – just as good as an engineer’s desktop breadboard. It comes with a battery, which means you can use the scope in remote locations without worrying about your laptop.
The device is also equipped with an auto-ranging function, allowing it to quickly and easily obtain accurate readings no matter what level of distortion is present in the signal being viewed.
Fluke 123B portable oscilloscope has a memory buffer of 10 Mpts, which means you can store up to 10 minutes of signal data. This provides users with plenty of time to assess the signal without worrying about losing important data or losing contact with the device.
The Fluke 123B is a compact and lightweight oscilloscope, making it the best pocket oscilloscope to easily carry and use in different locations. The only real downside is that it often comes with a higher price tag compared to some other brands.
Key features
- Broadband bandwidth of up to 500 MHz
- Support for two or four channels
- Safety Rating CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V 5 GSa/s Sampling Rate Dedicated 999 Count Digital Multimeter
What I like/dislike about Fluke
Like:
- It is a dual-channel oscilloscope.
- It extended operating hours by up to 4 hours.
Dislike:
- It is expensive to buy.
6. BSHAPPLUS best mini oscilloscope
The BSHAPPLUS Handheld Oscilloscope is a multi-purpose portable oscilloscope that can also do four other tasks. The oscilloscope is a suitable tool to be used while testing the amplifiers of audio equipment, or putting out fires.
Powered by solar, it will run for up to four hours on a single charge and include an external speaker to amplify its signal. The BSHAPPLUS works with 500 MHz and can be used in either analog or digital applications.
It provides long-range sampling for precise measurements and short-range sampling for fast analysis of weak signals.
The BSHAPPLUS comes with a variety of measurement ranges, all of which are easily adjustable, including both 3- and 4-lead electrical systems. The range spans from less than 100 µs to just under 300 ms at the lowest setting. Its only potential downsides are its limited software functionality and it’s less sturdy compared to higher-end oscilloscopes.
The best thing I love because it is protected and features auto shutdown, a double protective tube, and distortion detection options. It’s an easy-to-use best pocket oscilloscope available on the market. When I compared it with our other picks, the BSHAPPLUS portable oscilloscope is safer to use.
The downside of this device that I noticed, This device is the basic hand-held oscilloscope. Some owners face concerns about its capacitance measurement. But Overall it is the best mini oscilloscope available on market place.
Key features
- 60 MHz bandwidth and a real-time sampling rate of 250 Ms/s.
- It has a dual-channel oscilloscope with two different Time Bases in ALT trigger mode.
- It allows it to display two separate signals.
What I like/dislike about BSHAPPLUS
Like:
- Manufacturer’s guarantee of one year.
- Up to 1,000 waveforms can be recorded and saved.
- Compatibility with PCs and memory devices is excellent.
Dislike:
- It is heavier than competitors.
7. hantek 2c42 best pocket oscilloscope
Hantek 2C42 is one of Hantek’s most popular models. It comes in a compact, lightweight design that makes for comfortable handling.
The Hantek 2C42 is equipped with a 19.8-inch monitor and a resolution of 1280 x 1024 and comes with an auto-ranging function.
The dual-channel oscilloscope can measure the frequency and amplitude of various signals, as well as store up to 200 waveform images in its internal memory.
The device has two modes of operation, either by USB or by LAN port, which is ideal for use in remote locations. The keyboard is equipped with an on/off button that has a short-cut key for the spacebar, making it more user-friendly. It can measure over 100 kHz, usually found in industrial environments. Its only potential downside is its limited connectivity options for external devices.
Overall, Compared to larger benchtop oscilloscopes, handheld models tend to be more budget-friendly, making them a suitable choice for hobbyists or students.
Key features
- It has a display resolution of 1280×1024.
- An external speaker is attached to amplify and hear signals.
- The Time Base control can be set from 500 microseconds to 20 milliseconds.
- The device comes with a LAN port and a USB port.
- Easy to connect to your computer with ease.
What I like/dislike about Hantek
Like:
- Its size fits comfortably in my hand.
- It also comes with a 10:1 probe, USB cable, and software CD that can be used to perform multi-channel applications.
Dislike:
- No DC coupling option is available.
8. Hanmatek Ho52 handheld oscilloscope review
Hanmatek HO52 is the most cost-effective option for a portable oscilloscope you can consider. The oscilloscope works with a 1 GSa/s sampling rate and has a bandwidth of 50 MHz.
Hanmatek HO52 is the most cost-effective option for a portable oscilloscope you can consider. The oscilloscope works with a 1 GSa/s sampling rate and has a bandwidth of 50 MHz.
The Hanmatek HO52 is equipped with an auto-range function that measures frequencies from 0.5 to 100 seconds per division. It also has two channels, allowing it to view two separate signals at the same time.
Its display can be rotated and tilted for more convenient viewing, while its keyboard features hotkeys that can be programmed for certain functions, making it easy to identify what key does what on the device. The Hanmatek HO52 comes with an external speaker which allows you to hear high-pitched sounds and hear weak signals more clearly.
When it comes to looks, It is small, light, and easy to carry. You can use it in your hand. The only real downside is that the device is quite expensive but feels a little cheap.
Key features
- It features a 1,000-point memory and an internal clock.
- A USB cable is included.
- The screens are adjustable to make it easier to read them when conditions are not ideal.
What I like/dislike about Hanmatek
Like:
- The compact design makes it easy to move around with.
- It can connect easily to many different devices such as a PC, laptop, TV, and Android devices.
- The interface is also user-friendly and can be used in multiple different languages.
Dislike:
- The USB cable is sold separately with the device so you will have to buy it separately which makes the device quite expensive for what it does.
9. Allsun 2 in 1 best portable handheld oscilloscope
The Allsun 2 in1 handheld Multi-function ‘scope makes up for it with versatility and utility. As well as being a fully functional oscilloscope, it features an ECG monitor, thermometer, and light meter.
The Allsun 2 in 1 handheld Multi-function ‘scope makes up for it with versatility and utility. As well as being a fully functional oscilloscope, it features an ECG monitor, thermometer, and light meter.
t also has a speech recording function and supports SD cards, TF cards, and other storage devices for memory expansion. A built-in magnet on the device allows it to be used as an external hard drive for those who need to transfer data from one computer to another.
The best handheld oscilloscope for automotive use will provide you with a good base of information whether you are trying to measure the temperature of your home or determine the temperature level in a remote location where there is no access to power. The device can measure temperatures between -30 and 700 degrees Celsius. The only real downside is that it is expensive compared to others.
Overall, the Handheld digital oscilloscope multimeter is typically compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use on the go.
Key features
- It can also store data externally due to its USB port and micro-SD card slot.
- Compatible with both PCs and Android 4.0 or above, the device is easy to link up to all kinds of devices.
What I like/dislike about Hanmatek:
Like:
- It is small and light enough for easy storage in a pocket or bag.
- Its versatility makes it a good choice in emergency situations or if you are in a remote location without access to power or other devices such as laptops.
Dislike:
- Something not a lot of traditional oscilloscopes can do.
Buying Guide for Handheld Oscilloscope Comparison
Looking for a great handheld oscilloscope but don’t know where to start? Well, fear not my friend! Before you dive headfirst into a purchase, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
First up, you’ll want to consider the oscilloscope’s bandwidth. This determines the frequency range it can handle with accuracy. You want to make sure you pick a device with a bandwidth that matches your specific needs.
What should I look for when buying the best handheld oscilloscope for automotive use?
1. Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the frequency that an oscilloscope is meant to measure. Depending on how fast the oscilloscope is able to capture signals, its bandwidth determines how much information it can capture. Be wary of oscilloscopes that are not as fast as you want them to be.
The higher the bandwidth, the longer it takes for a signal to go from a high frequency and then get edited into a standard format used by most oscilloscopes.
2. Sample Rate
Depending on the device you choose, the sample rate will vary. However, if you want to capture images of electronic components such as small batteries and transistors, especially with high-speed sensors such as CMOS and CCDs, then a higher sample rate is necessary.
3. Memory Depth
Memory depth refers to the total amount of memory space used for your oscilloscope. It can be measured in either M or GB. The higher the number of bits used for memory, the more accurate results you can get from the best handheld oscilloscope for automotive use. The amount of memory and the type of memory affect the speed of your oscilloscope.
4. Number of Channels
Most oscilloscopes come with at least two channels, which allows you to view two separate signals simultaneously. The more channels, the more information you can observe at once.
FAQ: Best handheld oscilloscope
1. Can I use an oscilloscope to measure the frequency of sound?
Oscilloscopes can be modified to display waveforms that resemble sound waves. However, you should know that it is trickier and will require more settings than a typical oscilloscope.
2. What do the settings on a scope mean?
Oscilloscope settings are different for each type of oscilloscope, but some common configurations may be for triggering the load, setting time bases, and displaying voltage, current or frequency readings from the circuitry.
3. What is a good beginner oscilloscope?
The good oscilloscope for beginners and hobbyists due to their affordability is the Hantek DSO5102P. It is best because of the balance of features, performance, and affordability.
Why handheld oscilloscopes?
There are a lot of reasons why you might want to consider buying a handheld oscilloscope. The best handheld oscilloscope for car audio is ideally suited for jobs that require portable, low cost and easy-to-use hand-held oscilloscopes. This also makes them useful in many different environments such as being able to use the device in the field.
Many people believe that they can’t compare with the more expensive models due to the price point. But they may be very surprised when considering the features that are available today. Many of these lower-priced devices offer similar functions and capabilities as their more expensive counterparts, though this isn’t always the case overall.
What Are Handheld Oscilloscopes Used For?
The handheld oscilloscope is a very useful tool for many different people in a wide range of situations. It can be used by hobbyists, technicians, electricians, and even sometimes professionals. There are a few key uses for this best cheap handheld oscilloscope though, but it does vary from model to model.
You want to make sure that your oscilloscope is easy to carry so you can take it with you wherever you go. Some people may need their device to be more rugged and durable than others too. It all comes down to the purpose of the oscilloscope and the model that you need for your needs.
How to Use an Oscilloscope – Video Tutorial
Here’s a step-by-step general video guide on how to use an oscilloscope for measuring and analyzing electrical signals.
Final Words: Best handheld oscilloscope
When choosing the best portable handheld oscilloscope, it’s important to consider the value of portability. A handheld oscilloscope is sometimes preferable to larger, more stationary models. To purchase and understand how important it is to have the right and the best oscilloscopes available on the market.
In this guide, we provide detailed reviews, comparisons, and user feedback on the best handheld oscilloscope so that you will get your winning product. However, when evaluating handheld oscilloscopes you have to consider the above crucial factors. Gathering my specific recommendations helps you make a more informed decision.
Sources
- Keysight Technologies (www.keysight.com)
- Rigol Technologies (www.rigolna.com)
- Fluke Corporation (www.fluke.com)
- Siglent Technologies (www.siglent.com)
- GW Instek (www.gwinstek.com)
- Yokogawa Electric Corporation (www.yokogawa.com)
- Rohde & Schwarz (www.rohde-schwarz.com)
- Hantek (www.hantek.com)
- Pico Technology (www.picotech.com)
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