Here are Top 5 handheld oscilloscopes that you can try at least once. Oscilloscopes are very useful in electronics works. Most of the oscilloscopes are desktop type. But sometimes you may need to carry the device with you to the field. In that case, a handheld oscilloscope gives you great support. This list is made from customer reviews, market analysis, prices, and my personal opinion. So let’s start our review.
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Table of Contents
Why handheld oscilloscopes?
Traditional oscilloscopes are highly powerful and capable of working in a wide range. But these oscilloscopes are not suitable for outdoor use. Besides, a handheld portable oscilloscope comes with a range of capabilities and is also suitable for outdoor use. When these handheld oscilloscopes come in the market, it changes the game.
Handheld oscilloscopes are small, cheap but powerful enough for outdoor testing works. Because no one goes to the field to measure high voltage or high-speed signals. It’s really become a great tool when you are working outside.
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So, this list was made based on customer reviews, market analysis, prices, and my personal opinion. I think this will give you a thought. Let’s check the list.
1: Hantek2D72 70MHz digital oscilloscope
This multi-purpose station is taking first place of our Top 5 handheld oscilloscopes, owns three universal test instrument functions. It is an outgoing right-hand product for engineers. The HANTEK2D72 is an all-new 70 MHz handheld oscilloscope from Hantek featuring a compact and lightweight design with a new generation of 3-in-1 multifunction tester that offers an oscilloscope, signal source, and multimeter. It has a small form factor that is easy to hold in one hand and it has a stand that was designed to support multi-angle viewing adjustment. Ultra-low-power design with a Type C charging interface affords a full day or standby two months 2 hours battery charge allow working one full day of us or a standby time of two months. It also has a High-definition color LCD screen with a nice clear display with a simple easy to operate Minimalist keyboard design.
Features:
- 2 Channel Oscilloscope + Digital multimeter + arbitrary waveform generator
- Oscilloscope: 70MHz Bandwidth with 2 Channels
- Digital Multimeter: AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, resistance, break, capacitance, and diode function
- Arbitrary Waveform Generator: 0~10MHz Output, Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse, Noise, etc
- 320*240 TFT Display, 5200mAh Lithium Battery,Over 24 Hours Cruising Ability
- Auto-scale function
- Ships with 2 oscilloscope probes and 2 BNC to 2 alligator clip test lead sets
Why you should get this?
The Hantek2D72 is a 3-in-1 wonder. It’s a dual-channel oscilloscope, a waveform generator, and a digital multimeter—truly an all-purpose tool that can meet most (if not all) of your requirements. Despite its industry-standard size and dimensions, this portable scope packs more functions in it than some benchtop models.
On top of its full-color LCD screen, multi-functional multimeter, and easy-to-use keyboard design, it also comes with intelligent charging—meaning you can safely use the unit while it’s recharging. You can even choose between charging it using a standard computer USB interface or a high-current 5V/2A. That same USB interface allows you to easily transfer data from the scope to your computer like you would a smartphone or portable hard drive.
If you want a great multipurpose tool that gives you more than your money’s worth, choose the Hantek2D72.
2: GW Instek GDS-200/300 series oscilloscopes
GDS-200/300 series oscilloscopes come in the second position of our Top 5 handheld oscilloscopes, the brand new concept compact digital oscilloscopes developed by GW Instek, introduce 7” capacitive full touch panel LCD which can be positioned in portrait and landscape display. The recharging battery design makes the series easy to operate for field operations. The GDS-200/300 series are applicable in laboratories, R&D, large electric system tests, power product tests, motor tests, solar power battery inspection and repair, and maintenance personnel who are always on field assignments.
The GDS-200/300 series, with two analog signal input channels, have advanced and standard models which come with 70MHz, 100MHz, and 200MHz bandwidth. The maximum sample rate per channel is 1GSa/s and memory depth is 5Mpts. GDS-300 series oscilloscopes are equipped with 50,000 counts DMM, and GDS-200 5,000 counts DMM which can simultaneously measure and monitor A.C. and D.C. voltage and current, and temperature. Trend plot in a long period of time can also be drawn that allows engineers to effectively monitor standard electric parameters while measuring basic circuit signals.
Optional 40 MHz dual-channel differential probe can achieve equivalent isolation results for measurement systems under strict power and grounding environment. Users can also easily apply the oscilloscope as a very convenient USB storage equipment to store waveform images and raw data. Additionally, the oscilloscope can be connected with smartphones to transmit the recorded data. Engineers are aware of GW Instek oscilloscopes’ thoughtful designs through diversified application software. Advanced DMM function and GO/NOGO template editing facilitate users in conducting advanced diversified measurement functions. Engineering calculator, attenuation calculation analysis, and resistance indication analysis help users apply auxiliary functions that demonstrate the concept of powerful and comprehensive technological integration.
Features:
- 200/100/70MHz Handheld Oscilloscope
- 2 Input Channels
- 1GSa/s Maximum Sampling rate
- Maximum 5M Memory Depth Per Channel
- 7” 800 x 480 Full Touch Panel Capacitive LCD Multi-Point Control, Landscape and Portrait Display
- Built-In 50,000/ 5,000 Counts DMM
- True RMS measurement in DMM function
- 30,000 Consecutive Waveform Records Logging Function, Replay Measurement Results Any Time
- Temperature Measurement and Logging Function
- Built-In Engineering Calculator, SMD Resistance Coding, Color Coding Info, and Attenuator Calculation Application Software
- Optional Differential Probe to Achieve Isolation Effect
Why you should get this?
The GDS-200/300 is completely different from any type of handheld oscilloscope. The full Touch Panel Capacitive LCD Multi-Point Control gives a great user interface besides its 1Gig sample speed. A true RMS measurement in the DMM function also provides a full performance of digital multimeter alternatives. This oscilloscope is a little expensive, but if you can afford it I suggest getting one.
3: Siglent SHS815 150MHz 2Channel
The Siglent SHS810 is a 100MHz handheld, two-channel digital oscilloscope for viewing electrical signals and has a 6,000-count multimeter mode for measuring AC and DC voltage. The oscilloscope has a real-time sample rate of 1GS/s and a record length of 2Mpts for acquiring detailed waveforms. Four math functions plus FFT (fast Fourier transform), and automatic and cursor measurements allow an in-depth analysis of waveforms. Edge, Pulse, Video, Slope, and Alternative triggers allow isolation of specific signals. The oscilloscope’s automatic triggering recognizes signal patterns and optimizes triggering, timebase, and amplitude settings. The oscilloscope has a recorder that captures up to 18 hours of waveforms. I’ll keep it on the 3rd position of our Top 5 handheld oscilloscopes.
Additional specifications include a rise time of 3.5ns. The unit has a 5.7″ color TFT-LCD. The oscilloscope has a USB host port for storing data on a 4GB-maximum flash drive and a USB device port for connecting to a compatible PC. Operating menus and help display in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Arabic, French, German, Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Italian languages. The unit operates on a rechargeable battery pack or a 100 to 240VAC, 50/60Hz adapter/charger (both included). It meets CAT II 300V and CAT III 300V safety standards.
Features:
- Five (5) Trigger Types: Edge, Pulse, Slope, Video, Alternative
- 6-bit Frequency Counter
- Full-Color LCD Screen
- Dual Channel Capabilities
- 150 MHz Bandwidth
- 800K Points Oscilloscope Trend
- Built-in Multimeter and Waveform Recorder
- 100MHz handheld, two-channel digital oscilloscope for viewing electrical signals with multimeter mode for measuring voltage, frequency, duty cycle, and power
- Real-time sample rate of 1GS/s and record length of 2Mpts for acquiring up to 18 hours of detailed waveforms
- Advanced triggers for isolation of specific signals
- 5.7″ color TFT-LCD with an internal 8 x 12 division grid for viewing waveforms
Why you should get this?
If you need a robust handheld scope for testing outdoor circuits, energy sources, power systems, and other strong electric charges, the Siglent SHS815 is your best bet. You’ve got a powerful oscilloscope, versatile multimeter, and hyper-intuitive waveform recorder in one portable device. Capable of supporting USB storage, USB updates, complicated math functions, and FFT operations, you’ll find this model is an all-around star.
The jack-of-all-trades of portable oscilloscopes, it’s got enough features in it to be well worth its price. The bundled TrendPlot—for easy scope measurement and review—alone makes the Siglent SHS815 oscilloscope a tough one to beat.
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4. SainSmart DSO212 Pocket Size Portable Handheld Mini Digital Storage Oscilloscope
And in the 4th position of our Top 5 handheld oscilloscopes, The SainSmart DSO212 is here. The SainSmart DSO212 is the right option that doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to performance. Its display is bright and sharp, and it makes easy work of taking readings from small, uncomplicated electronics, which is widely applicable in academic experiments, electronics maintenance, electronic engineering tasks, etc.
Handheld & Portable:
SainSmart DSO212 has a lightweight feature since it only weighs about 3.17 ounces yet it has an overall measurement of 3.9 x 2.2 x 0.4 inches. If you own it you never have to worry about taking up much room while using it, it will fit your workbench very nicely.
Simple Design:
If you find all the various controls on the front panel of a usual oscilloscope a bit puzzle, you may be more comfortable with the SainSmart DSO212. Its small buttons, thumbwheel dramatically simplifies its exterior, making it a bit more inviting to novices.
Various Waveforms:
Offering the Max Sample Rate of 10 MSa/s and two digital channels, DSO212 is a great choice for many hobbyists out there. These features help you come with coming up with reliable results of waveforms, including sine, square, sawtooth, and triangle waveforms.
Features:
- Max sample rate: 10MSa/s
- Analog bandwidth: 1MHz
- Max sample memory depth: 8K
- Analog input impedance: 1MΩ
- Max input voltage: ±40V(X1 probe)
- Coupling:AC/DC
- Vertical sensitivity: 20mv/Div~10V/Div (1-2-5 sequence step)
- Horizontal sensitivity: 1uS/Div~2S/Div(1-2-5 sequence step)
- Dimension: 100mm X 56.5mm X 10.7mm
- Weight: 95g
- Case side thumbwheel control
- Screen: 2.8″ Full Color TFT LCD Display (320X240 pixels)
- Recharging through Micro USB port
- Internal 500mAh Lithium battery
- Compliant with EU/USA certification CE/FCC
Why you should get this?
DSO212 is Powerful But Simple to Use. It has a built-in signal generator, it also has modes of vertical precise, horizontal precise measurement, and triggering threshold. Operation is very simple and easy, using taps and swipes much like any smartphone. DS212 is widely applicable in academic experiments, electronics maintenance, electronic engineering tasks, etc. The size fits in your pocket and is ready for your testing. This pocket oscilloscope is really helpful if you travel and work without many handy tools.
5. ALLOSUN 3 In1 Digital Oscilloscope 50Mhz EM115A
This oscilloscope is designed according to the research, production, debugging, and repair requirements of many electronic engineers. In contrast to a traditional oscilloscope is equipped with a built-in lithium battery and can work without an external power supply, so it is convenient for carrying, especially for field application.
The oscilloscope features compactness, a beautiful appearance clear, and friendly interfaces. It can quickly and accurately detect the faults of the circuit under test and can serve as an electronic engineer’s assistant, and will provide a great convenience for you in work. It is one of the best 3 in 1 portable test tools in outdoor research, production, debugging, and repairing. It has three trigger modes: Auto, Normal and Single. You can lock and save the waveform of a non-periodic signal. Its multimeter part uses a dedicated chip (6000-count), which can provide a higher precision. The Sony 4100mAh lithium battery (built-in) can ensure long hours working after fully charged without an external power supply. And I’ll keep it on the 5th position of our Top 5 handheld oscilloscopes list.
Features:
- 50 MHz Bandwidth, 200 MSa/s Sampling Rate
- High-Resolution 320 x 240mm Screen
- 6000-Count High-Precision Multimeter Chip
- Signal Generator Function
- NPX Intelligence Collection Chipset
- Rechargeable Battery
- Available in Chinese and English
- Auto, Normal, and Single-Trigger Modes
Why you should get this?
If you’re looking for a truly portable oscilloscope to supplement an existing benchtop model, this could be the ‘scope for you. Durable, robust, and surprisingly useful in multiple situations, the All-Sun’s scope is great to have on-hand during unpredictable fieldwork.
The chip on its shoulder is, without a doubt, the 6000-count, high-precision multimeter chip that powers many of its functions. Its rechargeable battery is nothing to scoff at either, as that just gives it yet another feature over the other listed in this article. This 3-in-1 scope is also capable of locking and saving the waveform of a non-periodical signal—something not a lot of traditional oscilloscopes can do.
If you value features and performance overpower and size, give the All-Sun 3-in-1 a try.
Oscilloscope selection guide:
An oscilloscope is not essential like a multimeter but it is a vital part of an electronics workbench. It totally depends on your pocket size which one you can afford. But I suggest getting the maximum performance in an affordable range. Also, oscilloscopes are sensitive comparing to multimeters. So if you get one, use it carefully. Don’t burn it.
Conclusion:
There are thousands of products out there. But it’s totally up to you which one you will get. Here in this article, I presented you only Top 5 handheld oscilloscopes, but there are many similar products too. You can buy other oscilloscopes too besides the above list.
I hope this article will help you selecting your pocket oscilloscope. Have a nice day. Thank you.
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