Portable oscilloscopes are a must-have tool for anyone who works with electronics. These devices allow you to measure and analyze electrical signals in real-time, which is essential for troubleshooting and diagnosing problems. Whether you’re a professional technician or a hobbyist, a portable oscilloscope can make your life easier.
When it comes to choosing the best portable oscilloscope, there are a few critical things to consider. One of the most important factors is the size and weight of the device. Since you’ll likely be carrying it around with you, you want something that’s lightweight and easy to transport. Another important consideration is the number of channels the oscilloscope has. If you’re working with complex circuits, you’ll want a device with multiple channels to help you analyze the signals.
Other features to consider when choosing a portable oscilloscope include the screen size and resolution, battery life, and the type of probes that are included. Some devices also come with built-in signal generators, which can be helpful for testing circuits.
In this article, I’ll be taking a look at some of the best portable oscilloscopes on the market. I’ll be evaluating each device based on its features, performance, and overall value for the price. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which portable oscilloscope is the best choice for your needs.
Best Portable Oscilloscopes
As an electronics enthusiast, I know the importance of having a reliable and accurate portable oscilloscope. Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or professional, having the right tool for the job is essential. In this article, I’ve put together a list of the best portable oscilloscopes on the market today. These oscilloscopes are compact, easy to use, and packed with features that make them ideal for a wide range of applications. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the top portable oscilloscopes you should consider for your next project.
Leolov Portable Oscilloscope
If you’re looking for a portable oscilloscope that can handle various measurement tests, the Leolov Portable Oscilloscope is worth considering. With its high bandwidth, FFT spectrum display, and signal generator, it offers a wide range of functions for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
Pros
- High bandwidth of up to 120MHz can easily cope with measurement tests in various fields
- FFT spectrum display and cursor measurement function for analyzing the spectral characteristics of the signal
- Signal generator can output a variety of waveforms of 2.5V amplitude such as sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and more
Cons
- Small 2.8″ LCD backlight display may be difficult to read in low light conditions
- Learning curve to use the push buttons and navigate the various waveform parameter settings
- Screen size could be larger for easier use and visibility
The Leolov Portable Oscilloscope is a versatile tool that can be used for single-chip debugging, car maintenance, home appliance maintenance, DIY debugging, electronic competition, power supply debugging, frequency converter, and more. It comes with 14 measurement options available, including frequency, peak-to-peak, duty cycle, amplitude, RMS, average, period, pulse width, max, min, top, and base. Plus, Leolov provides lifetime service and technical support for added peace of mind.
If you’re in the market for a portable oscilloscope that offers a wide range of functions and features, the Leolov Portable Oscilloscope is definitely worth considering.
Portable Tablet Oscilloscope
If you’re looking for a portable oscilloscope that’s easy to carry around and has a range of useful features, the Portable Tablet Oscilloscope from Aiteme is a great choice.
Pros
- Ultra-thin and easy to carry
- Equipped with efficient one-button automatic device
- High measurement voltage range
Cons
- May require reading the manual before use
- Some users have reported quality control issues
- Not suitable for heavy-duty industrial use
The Portable Tablet Oscilloscope is a great choice for anyone who needs a portable oscilloscope that’s easy to carry around. With its ultra-thin design, you can take it with you wherever you go and use it to measure a range of different signals.
One of the standout features of this oscilloscope is its efficient one-button automatic device. With just one click, you can save waveforms and screenshots, and the built-in 1GB storage space can store up to 1000 screenshots and 1000 sets of waveform data. The powerful waveform picture manager also supports thumbnail browsing, viewing, detailed viewing, page turning, deletion, waveform zooming in, zooming out, moving, and more.
Another great feature of this oscilloscope is its high measurement voltage range. With 1X, you can measure 0 ~ 40 V, 10X can measure 0 ~ 400V, and 100X can measure 0 ~ 4000V. It can also measure up to 12 parameters, including VPP, VP, Vmax, Vmin, Vavg, Vrms, Frequent, Duty, Duty-, Time, Time-, and Period.
However, it’s worth noting that this oscilloscope may require reading the manual before use, and some users have reported quality control issues. It’s also not suitable for heavy-duty industrial use. But overall, if you’re looking for a portable oscilloscope that’s easy to use and has a range of useful features, the Portable Tablet Oscilloscope from Aiteme is a great choice.
LCD Handheld Digital Oscilloscope Kit
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable portable oscilloscope, the MakerHawk LCD Handheld Digital Oscilloscope Kit is a great option.
Pros
- Faster Sampling Speed: With a real-time sampling rate of 2.5MS/s, this oscilloscope can measure both periodic analog signals and aperiodic digital signals, making it a versatile tool for a variety of industries.
- More Powerful Detection Range: It’s highly practical and cost-effective, making it a great option for people in the maintenance industry and R&D education industry.
- Clearer LCD Display: The 2.4-inch high-definition LCD screen is small in size but has a strong anti-overload capability, ensuring that you can easily read the measured waveform.
Cons
- Short Battery Life: While the built-in 1000mAh high-quality lithium battery can be used for up to 4 hours after being fully charged, it may not be enough for longer testing sessions.
- Limited Bandwidth: With a bandwidth of 200KHz and 80KHz Pwm, it may not be suitable for more complex testing needs.
- No Built-in Storage: Unlike some other portable oscilloscopes on the market, this one doesn’t have any built-in storage, which means you’ll need to keep track of your measurements manually.
The MakerHawk LCD Handheld Digital Oscilloscope Kit is a great option if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable portable oscilloscope. It’s versatile enough to handle a variety of testing needs, and the clear LCD display makes it easy to read your measurements. While the short battery life and limited bandwidth may be a concern for some users, the pros outweigh the cons overall.
If you’re interested in purchasing the MakerHawk LCD Handheld Digital Oscilloscope Kit, you can find it on Amazon.
MINIWARE Pocket Oscilloscope DS211
I highly recommend the MINIWARE Pocket Oscilloscope DS211 for anyone looking for an affordable and portable option for electronic measurement and experimentation.
Pros
- Compact and portable design makes it easy to carry in your pocket and use anywhere you need to make detailed measurements.
- Integrated 2.8 inch, 320×240 colorful display screen allows for easy viewing of waveform data.
- Build-in 8 MB storage memory and can export waveform data to computer with micro USB port.
Cons
- May be difficult to use for beginners without prior experience with oscilloscopes.
- Some users have reported difficulty with setting up and using the device without clear instructions.
- May not have the same level of accuracy and precision as more expensive oscilloscopes.
The MINIWARE Pocket Oscilloscope DS211 is an excellent option for anyone who needs to make detailed electronic measurements on the go. Its compact and portable design makes it easy to carry with you wherever you need to go, and its colorful display screen allows for easy viewing of waveform data. Additionally, its build-in 8 MB storage memory and micro USB port allow for easy export of waveform data to your computer for further analysis.
However, it may not be the best option for beginners who are new to oscilloscopes, as it may be difficult to use without prior experience. Additionally, some users have reported difficulty with setting up and using the device without clear instructions. Finally, while the MINIWARE Pocket Oscilloscope DS211 is a great option for its price point, it may not have the same level of accuracy and precision as more expensive oscilloscopes on the market.
FNIRSI 1013D Plus Oscilloscope
If you’re looking for a portable oscilloscope, the FNIRSI 1013D Plus is a great option. It’s highly portable, easy to use, and offers a lot of functionality.
Pros
- The FNIRSI 1013D Plus has a real-time sampling rate of up to 1GSA/S and an analog bandwidth of 100MHZ * 2, making it a highly performing oscilloscope.
- Equipped with efficient one-button automatic device, one-click waveform saving and screenshots, and a powerful waveform picture manager that supports thumbnail browsing, viewing, detailed viewing, page turning, deletion, and waveform zooming in, zooming out, moving, etc.
- The FNIRSI 1013D Plus features capacitive screen touch & gesture operation, cursor measurement function, Lissajous graphic display function, and FFT viewing function, making it easy to operate and measure.
Cons
- If you want a solid 100 Mhz, this may not be the unit. While it claims to be a 100Mhz scope, in some tests, at 100 Mhz this scope’s traces just collapsed into a heap of tears.
- The stand is extremely flimsy, which can be problematic if you’re trying to use the oscilloscope in a less-than-ideal environment.
- While the FNIRSI 1013D Plus is a beginner-friendly device, it may not be suitable for more advanced users who require more specialized features.
The FNIRSI 1013D Plus is a great portable oscilloscope that offers a lot of functionality in a small package. It’s easy to use and highly portable, making it a great option for anyone who needs to take their oscilloscope on the go. While it may not be suitable for more advanced users, it’s a great option for hobbyists and beginners who need a reliable, easy-to-use oscilloscope.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable oscilloscope that offers a lot of functionality in a small package, the FNIRSI 1013D Plus is definitely worth considering.
So, if you’re in the market for a portable oscilloscope, be sure to check out the FNIRSI 1013D Plus.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best portable oscilloscope, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the range of frequencies that an oscilloscope can accurately measure. The higher the bandwidth, the more accurately the oscilloscope can capture high-frequency signals. When choosing a portable oscilloscope, consider the bandwidth you need for your specific application.
Sampling Rate
The sampling rate determines how often the oscilloscope takes a measurement. A higher sampling rate means more data points and a more accurate representation of the signal. Look for an oscilloscope with a high enough sampling rate for your needs.
Channels
Channels refer to the number of inputs an oscilloscope has. A single-channel oscilloscope is suitable for basic applications, while a dual-channel oscilloscope allows for more complex measurements. Consider the number of channels you need before making a purchase.
Size and Portability
Portable oscilloscopes come in a variety of sizes and weights. Consider how and where you will be using the oscilloscope and choose a size and weight that is convenient for your needs.
Display
The display is where you will view the waveform and measurements. Look for an oscilloscope with a clear and easy-to-read display that suits your preferences.
Price
Portable oscilloscopes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Consider your budget and choose an oscilloscope that offers the features you need within your price range.
Conclusion
When choosing a portable oscilloscope, consider the bandwidth, sampling rate, channels, size and portability, display, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best oscilloscope for your needs.
