Top 4 Best PC USB Oscilloscopes under $186 (in 2024)
A PC USB oscilloscope is a type of oscilloscope that connects to a computer via a USB port instead of having its own built-in display. Here we review the best offerings from Amazon and compile a Top 4 Best PC USB Oscilloscopes under $186 using our powerful 5 decades of accumulated engineering and technical experience here at Oscilloscope Pros.
Don’t forget to also peruse our oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other electronics lab tools.
Best PC USB Oscilloscopes in 2024
Owon VDS1022I USB PC Oscilloscope
(2-channel, 25 MHz)
On a budget and need a basic oscilloscope? This is it. The Owon VDS1022I connects seamlessly via USB and includes two probes, making it portable and versatile for various tasks. The device offers a dual trace display, automatic calculations, and diverse trigger options. The Owon VDS1022I USB PC Oscilloscope is a solid choice and gets our Best Buy Award. Features include:
- Bandwidth of a 25MHz
- 2 channels
- 100M samples per second
- 5K memory depth
- Comes with 2 probes
Pros
- Offers good functionality for its price.
- Allows monitoring of two signals simultaneously.
- Portable and easy to carry.
- Comes with waveform analysis software.
Cons
- May not handle high-frequency signals.
- May encounter software compatibility problems.
- Issues with certain operating systems may arise.
- Software interface may require some learning.
I’ve used the Owon VDS1022I for electronic circuit testing, circuit functional testing, and design and manufacturing testing. The USB isolation function effectively reduces signal interference, making it safer to use. The motor isolation function also keeps your computer and equipment safer in the event of a transient shock. The FFT mode and waveform can be displayed simultaneously, which is very convenient. Overall, I highly recommend the Owon VDS1022I USB PC Virtual Oscilloscope for anyone in need of a reliable and portable oscilloscope at a budget price point.
PicoScope 2204A
(2-channel, 10 MHz)
Fussy about brand reputation? Pico Technology is the leader when it comes to PC Oscilloscopes. Yet the PicoScope 2204A remains at an affordable price, with the benefits of a trusted brand. This little monster is packed with features. Use it as an advanced oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, function generator, arbitrary waveform generator, and protocol decoder out of the box. Wow! Features include:
- Bandwidth of 10MHz with 2 channels
- PicoScope 6 software (advanced)
- 1G samples per second
- Multifunction Oscilloscope
Pros
- Ideal for Linux users.
- Great value for beginners.
- Offers significant functionality.
- Intuitive interface.
Cons
- Linux version may lack advanced features.
- Scope’s sampling rate may not suffice.
- Additional probes may be needed.
- Maximum peak voltage may not meet all needs.
Overall, the PicoScope 2204A is a great USB PC Oscilloscope with some impressive advanced functions. While not as intuitive as a stand-alone scope, the PicoScope 2204A boasts well-written software tailored for practical use. The added waveform generator is a convenient feature, that will come in handy. A solid brand, great customer reputation, and many customer reviews.
Hantek 6074BC
(4-channel, 70 MHz)
If you’re looking for an affordable PC USB oscilloscope, the Hantek 6074BC is a great option. It has a 70MHz bandwidth and 1GSa/s sampling rate, making it suitable for most hobbyists and light users who demand low-profile dimensions. Features include:
- Bandwidth of a 70MHz
- 1G samples per second
- USB Charging and PC connectivity
- Development library DLL with Labview/VC/VB examples
Pros
- Responsive company for after-sales service.
- Works on all versions of Windows.
- Excellent accessories.
- Space saver.
Cons
- Check to make sure all accessories are included.
- Voltage measurements are tricky because they are made after the input attenuator.
- A little unintuitive with poor instructions.
- Once in a while, the included software will hang.
The Hantek 6074BC is effortless to operate and the software covers basic to mid-level signal analysis effectively. Its excellent quality and compact design make it highly convenient. For speedy signal analysis in a lightweight and compact package, the Hantek 6074BC comes highly recommended and has made our shortlist.
HANMATEK DOS1102 Digital Oscilloscope
(2-channel, 110 MHz)
If you have come this far, then you are on the fence about grabbing a PC USB Oscilloscope. Cool. We recommend just sticking with a low-cost traditional digital oscilloscope that has good USB PC connectivity. For that, we recommend and are big fans of this small and affordable 2-channel Digital Oscilloscope called the HANMATEK DOS1102. Features include:
- Bandwidth of a 110MHz
- 2 channels with a display
- 500M samples per second
- Support SCPI, Labview communication functions.
Pros
- Perfect for hobbyists and simple diagnostics.
- Powered by USB.
- 30 measurement functions & waveform capture.
- Support for LABVIEW communication.
Cons
- May not suit all user preferences.
- Most sensitive scale may have noticeable noise.
- Steep learning curve for beginners, unclear functions may be challenging.
- Not as small as a Pico USB PC Oscilloscope, still good.
The HANMATEK DOS1102 is a high-volume selling unit on Amazon and has solid reviews at an unbelievable price point. We like it as a quasi-USB PC Oscilloscope because it has SCPI support and labview communication functions. The HANMATEK DOS1102 can communicate with a PC Computer via a supplied USB cable to display the contents of the oscilloscope on your computer. Can’t go wrong especially if you are not convinced about a fully-fledged PC USB oscilloscope version. The HANMATEK DOS1102 will do the trick!
Reviewer Final Comments
We hope you like the tight selection we put together for you on USB PC Oscilloscopes. These are all top sellers on Amazon, and highly ranked and tested by us, so you cannot go wrong. Again, PC USB Oscilloscopes, don’t have a digital screen, are very small for portability, and are designed with easy-to-use software and controlled via a PC Computer.
Don’t forget you have a few other options if USB PC Oscilloscopes don’t fit your needs. We have reviewed more standard Desktop Digital Oscilloscopes. These are bread-and-butter instruments for technicians and hobbyists. Also, there are handheld oscilloscope versions and automotive oscilloscope versions.
Also important when choosing a PC USB oscilloscope, is to consider your technical requirements when it comes to bandwidth, sample rate, resolution, and number of channels.
Well, I hope you found this list helpful and if you have any recommendations not on this list, drop us a line.
