Top 4 Best Spectrum Analyzers under $199 (Ultimate Guide)
A spectrum analyzer is a staple electronic tool for the serious electronic buff. The analyzer is used to understand the frequency spectrum of an electronic signal. It is used in many industries, including telecommunications, electronics, and audio engineering. We have scoured Amazon to provide you with our top picks.
Don’t forget to also peruse our oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other electronics lab tools.
Top 4 Best Spectrum Analyzers in 2024
Seesii TinySA Ultra
Spectrum Analyzer (5.3 GHz)
The Seesii TinySA Ultra Spectrum Analyzer is a versatile and reliable device that is perfect for a wide range of applications. While the device may not be suitable for professional use, it is still a great choice for hobbyists and enthusiasts who need a reliable and efficient spectrum analyzer. It’s not the cheapest nor the most expensive but loved by many. Features include:
- The spectrum ranges from 100kHz to 5.3GHz
- 4-inch touchscreen display at 480×320
- Signal Generator included
- PC and Android Control
- Memory Card 32Gb
Pros
- Easy to operate, nice menu.
- The upgraded version has a wider frequency (5.3GHz).
- Great to identify sources of interference.
- Large Display and easy to read.
- 32Gb card is perfect for recording data to the card.
Cons
- May hard to pick up “burst” WiFi signals.
- The device may be difficult to use for beginners.
- This may not be suitable for very noisy EMI.
- May not be for the experienced serious pros user.
Overall, the Seesii TinySA Ultra Spectrum Analyzer is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and efficient spectrum analyzer. Up to 5GHz for about $200 bucks. That is amazing. In the old days, such capability would cost tens of thousands of dollars. You cannot go wrong with this beauty.
AURSINC Portable Tinysa
Spectrum Analyzer (960 MHz)
This Portable Tinysa Spectrum Analyzer from AURSINC is a sensation and wins the Best Buy award for its affordability. To state the obvious, it is much lower cost due to the limited range of about 1GHz. Yes, 1 GHz will take care of most of the tasks demanded by novices and DIYers so most folks will be happy. The price fluctuates so apologies if it’s over $199. For the professionals, we recommend skipping this 1GHz mini spectrum analyzer. Features include:
- The spectrum ranges from 100kHz to 960MHz
- 2.8-inch touchscreen display
- Signal Generator between 0.1MHZ and 350MHz
- PC and Android Control
- 2 hours of battery time
Pros
- ESD protection diodes for a more stable.
- Complete package with cable.
- Good battery life.
- Small and very portable.
- Super low price with excellent features for the price point. Cannot complain.
Cons
- Limited frequency range may restrict usability.
- Complex display interface may pose a learning curve.
- Limited signal processing may impact accuracy.
- Small screen size may hinder data visualization.
Overall, if you’re looking for a bargain 1GHz (max) spectrum analyzer that can also be used as a signal generator, the Portable Tinysa Spectrum Analyzer from AURSINC is a great choice with many solid reviews on Amazon. It’s perfect for most ham and consumer applications, and we see this product now getting a big following on various forums such as Reddit and Facebook Groups.
Siglent Technologies SSA3021X
Spectrum Analyzer (2.1 GHz)
If you’re a pro techie and looking for a solid spectrum analyzer with a wide range of features, the Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzer should be on your shortlist. With a frequency range of 9 kHz to 2.1 GHz, this analyzer is perfect for a variety of applications, including research and development, education, production, maintenance, and pre-compliance testing. Features include:
- The spectrum ranges from 2kHz to 2.1GHz
- 10.1-inch touchscreen display
- All-Digital IF Technology
- PC and Android Control
- 1 Hz Minimum Resolution Bandwidth (RBW)
Pros
- All-digital IF technology.
- Low noise floor when the optimum RBW is set.
- Excellent features for signal analysis.
- Solid build for the benchtop version.
- The inter-trace math is impressive.
Cons
- Tracking generator may not always be enabled.
- Internal noise may affect accuracy.
- Limited demodulation modes may hinder functionality.
- Restricted RBW steps may limit spectrum analysis.
We are at a mid-price point for the Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzer which is between $1000 to $2000. Is it worth going up in price to this tier? For RF hardware design, it’s a definite yes. In my experience, the Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzer is our top pick. It’s not a cheapie nor the most expensive in the world, but great reviews from serious RF engineers. In other words, the Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzer should be on your shortlist if you are in the market for a benchtop mid-level spectrum analyzer. This unit will become your staple if you are a professional RF technician or a basement electronic tech junkie.
Rigol DSA815-TG-AMZ2
Spectrum Analyzer (1.5 GHz)
This is similar to the Singlet, a benchtop high-performance spectrum analyzer costing between $1000 to $2000. Only for serious RF tech users, please. This baby is a reliable and efficient spectrum analyzer, Rigol DSA815-TG-AMZ2 is worth considering, and hence why it’s on our shortlist. Features include:
- The spectrum ranges from 9kHz to 1.4GHz
- All-Digital IF Technology
- 10 Hz Minimum Resolution Bandwidth
- 1.5 GHz Tracking Generator (TG)
- 8-inch Display
Pros
- The tracking generator makes it easy to find signals.
- Preamplifier and tracking generator included.
- Excellent features for signal analysis.
- Phase noise < -98 dBc/Hz @10 kHz offset.
- GUI to control the RF demo kit.
Cons
- May lack advanced features of pricier models.
- The learning curve for beginners may be steep.
- Firmware updates may optimize performance.
- Complex interface may require learning time.
The Rigol DSA815-TG-AMZ2 is a great high-end choice. It doesn’t win any awards today but a quick search on google and you will find many happy customers that speak highly of this unit. Overall, Oscilloscope Pros highly recommend the Rigol DSA815-TG-AMZ2 to anyone in need of a high-quality spectrum analyzer.
Common Questions
What does a spectrum analyzer do?
- Breaks down a signal into its frequency components.
- Visualizes the frequency spectrum on a digital display.
- Helps discover undesirable noise sources.
- Characterize output frequency components tuning RF sources.
The main driver of price is the spectrum analyzer frequency range. The broader the more expensive. We present a variety of analyzers here to cover simple low-frequency tasks for the beginner, to more expensive high GHz spectrum analysis for the professional RF engineer.
Types of Spectrum Analyzers
There are two main types of spectrum analyzers: swept-tuned and real-time. Swept-tuned analyzers scan through a range of frequencies and display the results on a screen. Real-time analyzers, on the other hand, capture and analyze the entire frequency spectrum in real time, providing a more detailed and accurate analysis.
Specifications to Consider?
When choosing a spectrum analyzer, it is important to consider factors such as frequency range, resolution bandwidth, and dynamic range. The frequency range should cover the range of frequencies you need to analyze, while the resolution bandwidth determines the smallest frequency component that can be detected. Dynamic range is the ratio between the largest and smallest signals that can be measured. The three most important specifications for a spectrum analyzer include:
Frequency Range
The frequency range is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a spectrum analyzer. The frequency range of the analyzer should match the frequency range of the signals you want to analyze.
Resolution Bandwidth
The resolution bandwidth is another important factor. The resolution bandwidth determines the smallest signal that the analyzer can detect. A smaller resolution bandwidth will provide better resolution, but will also result in longer measurement times.
Dynamic Range
The dynamic range of the analyzer is the range of signal amplitudes that the analyzer can measure accurately. A higher dynamic range is better, as it allows you to measure a wider range of signal amplitudes.
Reviewer Final Comments
To end, not all units reviewed here were less than $199. Ok, we got it, but we needed you to see the low-end handheld units which are priced about $199, and the higher-end benchtop units priced between $1000 – $2000. For personal use, sure, the Tinysa Spectrum Analyzer from AURSINC, is a no-brainer. But if you are in the market for a serious unit, then stick with the highly-reviewed Siglent Technologies SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzer. Don’t forget to match up with a function generator and an oscilloscope.
