Rigol DHO804 vs Siglent SDS1104X-U
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right scope for your bench.
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Rigol DHO804 | Siglent SDS1104X-U |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 70 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 | 3.8 kg | 3.1 kg |
| Price | $439 | $419 |
| Rating | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Protocol Decoder | Yes | Yes |
| Function Gen | No | No |
| WiFi | Yes | No |
| Battery | No | No |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
Rigol DHO804
Pros
- 7-inch IPS touchscreen — same display as the DHO924S
- 25Mpt memory depth is solid for extended capture sessions
- Modern, intuitive interface makes learning easy
- 4 channels with protocol decoding (SPI, I2C, UART)
- WiFi connectivity for remote viewing and data export
Cons
- 70MHz bandwidth is the real compromise — limits this scope's ceiling
- No built-in function generator unlike the DHO924S
- 25Mpts memory is half the DHO924S's 50Mpts
- Stepping up to the DHO924S now costs substantially more
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
- Touchscreen 12-bit scopes now compete hard at nearby prices
Our Verdicts
Rigol DHO804
The Rigol DHO804 is the entry point to Rigol's DHO platform, offering the same 7-inch IPS touchscreen experience as the DHO924S with 70MHz bandwidth and 25Mpt memory at $439. For Arduino, basic analog work, and learning, 70MHz is genuinely sufficient — most signals you'll encounter stay well under this limit. The old objection was that the DHO924S cost almost the same; that is no longer true. With the DHO924S now priced like a premium scope, the DHO804 is the modern Rigol touchscreen pick for buyers who want a current interface without jumping near $900.
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, while the DHO804 is the more modern touchscreen alternative near this price. I'd buy the SDS1104X-U specifically if CAN/LIN decoding is non-negotiable.