OWON XDS3064AE vs Rigol DS1104Z-S Plus
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right scope for your bench.
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | OWON XDS3064AE | Rigol DS1104Z-S Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 60 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Sample Rate | 1 GSa/s | 1 GSa/s |
| Channels | 4 | 4 |
| Memory Depth | 40 Mpts | 12 Mpts |
| Display Size | 8" | 7" |
| Weight | 3.5 kg | 3.2 kg |
| Price | $850 | $699 |
| Rating | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| Protocol Decoder | Yes | Yes |
| Function Gen | No | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | No |
| Battery | No | No |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
OWON XDS3064AE
Pros
- 40Mpt memory depth is exceptional for long serial transaction capture
- 14-bit ADC resolution — doubles the vertical resolution of standard 8-bit scopes
- 8-inch touchscreen display feels modern and responsive
- 4 channels with protocol decoding including CAN
- Built-in WiFi for remote viewing and data export
Cons
- 60MHz bandwidth is very limiting in the mid-$800s
- The Siglent SDS1104X-U offers 100MHz and CAN/LIN for hundreds less
- OWON software ecosystem is less mature than Rigol or Siglent
- Touchscreen can lag — not as responsive as Rigol's DHO series
- Smaller community means fewer tutorials and troubleshooting resources
Rigol DS1104Z-S Plus
Pros
- 100MHz bandwidth with 4 channels — no bandwidth hack needed
- Built-in 25MHz function generator saves desk space and cost
- Same excellent trigger set as the DS1054Z
- Protocol decoding (SPI, I2C, UART) included
- Proven platform for teaching labs that need scope plus signal generator
Cons
- At ~$699, it is no longer the obvious value play next to newer touchscreen scopes
- Same dated interface as the DS1054Z — no touchscreen
- No WiFi or CAN/LIN decoding at this price
- The DS1000Z platform is aging compared to the DHO series
Our Verdicts
OWON XDS3064AE
The OWON XDS3064AE is a niche instrument that earns its place for a specific buyer. In the mid-$800s, the 14-bit ADC is its genuine differentiator — that extra vertical resolution matters for precision analog measurements and signal integrity work where standard 8-bit ADCs fall short. The 40Mpt memory depth is also excellent for capturing very long serial transactions. The problem is 60MHz bandwidth at this price — that's genuinely hard to justify for most hobbyists. The Siglent SDS1104X-U at $419 gives you 100MHz, 4 channels, and CAN/LIN decoding for hundreds less. The XDS3064AE only makes sense if you specifically need 14-bit resolution or very deep memory captures — for general-purpose work, better options exist at this price.
Rigol DS1104Z-S Plus
The DS1104Z-S Plus is the DS1054Z with the limitations officially removed: full 100MHz bandwidth and a built-in 25MHz function generator. At ~$699, it's the premium version of a proven platform that has a decade of community support behind it. The problem in 2026 is that newer touchscreen scopes have made the DS1000Z platform feel dated. The DHO924S costs more now, but it brings 250MHz bandwidth, a 7-inch IPS touchscreen, WiFi, 50Mpt memory, and a much more modern workflow. I'd only choose the DS1104Z-S Plus if you're buying for a teaching lab with specific software integration requirements, or if you specifically need the proven DS1000Z platform.

