Rigol DS1104Z-S Plus vs Siglent SDS1204X-E
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right scope for your bench.
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Rigol DS1104Z-S Plus | Siglent SDS1204X-E |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 100 MHz | 200 MHz |
| Sample Rate | 1 GSa/s | 1 GSa/s |
| Channels | 4 | 4 |
| Memory Depth | 12 Mpts | 14 Mpts |
| Display Size | 7" | 7" |
| Weight | 3.2 kg | 3.3 kg |
| Price | $699 | $775 |
| Rating | 7.0/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Protocol Decoder | Yes | Yes |
| Function Gen | Yes | No |
| WiFi | No | No |
| Battery | No | No |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
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
Siglent SDS1204X-E
Pros
- 200MHz bandwidth with 4 channels — strong spec combination
- CAN and LIN decoding included at no extra cost
- 14Mpt memory depth for long serial transaction captures
- Proven, reliable platform with a solid firmware update history
- Good long-term track record from Siglent
Cons
- At ~$775, it sits close enough to premium touchscreen scopes that the use case needs to be clear
- 7-inch non-touch display feels dated compared to modern alternatives
- No function generator
- Hard to justify the $356 premium over the SDS1104X-U at $419
Our Verdicts
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.
Siglent SDS1204X-E
The Siglent SDS1204X-E is a solid, proven instrument — but at ~$775, it's a specialized buy in 2026. The 200MHz bandwidth with 4 channels and free CAN/LIN decoding is still a good spec combination, and Siglent's reliability and firmware update track record are real advantages. The competition is clearer now: the SDS1104X-U is much cheaper if 100MHz is enough, the DHO804 is the modern touchscreen pick under $500, and the DHO924S costs more but gives you 250MHz plus Rigol's touchscreen workflow. To justify the SDS1204X-E today, you need to specifically need 200MHz bandwidth, 4 channels, CAN/LIN, and Siglent's platform advantages.