Rigol’s DHO900 series brings true 12-bit resolution to affordable oscilloscopes, and the DHO914S and DHO924S represent the lineup’s most popular “S” variants. Both include a built-in arbitrary waveform generator and Bode plot analysis, both share the same low-noise 12-bit front end, and both are compact, USB-C powered instruments.
The decision between them comes down to one simple question: is doubling the bandwidth from 125 MHz to 250 MHz worth roughly $200? Everything else is essentially identical. Here’s how to decide.
Specification Comparison Table
| Feature | DHO914S | DHO924S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$560–650 | ~$720–850 |
| Bandwidth | 125 MHz | 250 MHz |
| Resolution | 12-bit (4,096 levels) | 12-bit (4,096 levels) |
| Analog Channels | 4 | 4 |
| Digital Channels | 16 (probe required) | 16 (probe required) |
| Sample Rate | 1.25 GSa/s | 1.25 GSa/s |
| Memory Depth | 50 Mpts | 50 Mpts |
| Waveform Capture Rate | 1,000,000 wfms/s | 1,000,000 wfms/s |
| Display | 7″ touch, 1024×600 | 7″ touch, 1024×600 |
| Built-in AWG | Yes, 25 MHz, 1 ch | Yes, 25 MHz, 1 ch |
| Bode Plot Analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Vertical Sensitivity | 200 µV/div – 10 V/div | 200 µV/div – 10 V/div |
| DC Gain Accuracy | 1% | 1% |
| Noise Floor | Ultra-low | Ultra-low |
| USB-C Power | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | ~3.5 kg | ~3.5 kg |
| Included Probes | 4× 150 MHz (PVP3150) | 4× 350 MHz (PVP2350) |
| Best For | Budget, signals under ~50 MHz | Higher-frequency headroom |
The Only Real Difference: Bandwidth
125 MHz vs 250 MHz
This is the only meaningful technical distinction. Using the common 1:5 bandwidth rule, the DHO914S accurately measures signals up to roughly 25 MHz, while the DHO924S extends that to around 50 MHz.
For most Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32, ESP32, audio circuits, and standard power electronics, 125 MHz is already more than enough. The DHO924S becomes relevant when you move into faster digital interfaces, CAN-FD or FlexRay, higher-frequency switch-mode supplies, or light RF work.
The probes matter
The DHO914S ships with 150 MHz probes, while the DHO924S includes 350 MHz probes. That difference is not cosmetic. If you later decide you need higher-bandwidth probes, a quality 4-probe set can cost $100–200, which eats into the apparent savings of the lower-cost model.
The Shared 12-Bit Advantage
Aside from bandwidth, these two scopes behave the same in practice.
12-bit resolution
Both use a 12-bit ADC, giving 4,096 vertical levels, 16× more than a traditional 8-bit scope. This dramatically improves small-signal visibility, making power ripple, sensor noise, and analog detail far easier to see.
Ultra-low noise floor
The low-noise front end and 200 µV/div sensitivity make both scopes excellent for precision analog, audio, and power integrity work.
1 million waveforms per second
UltraAcquire mode improves the odds of catching rare glitches and intermittent events by sheer capture speed.
Built-in 25 MHz AWG
Both include a single-channel arbitrary waveform generator as standard, eliminating the need for a separate function generator for most bench tasks.
Bode plot analysis
Thanks to the built-in AWG, both scopes can automatically generate gain and phase plots for control loop and amplifier stability analysis, a feature that was previously limited to much more expensive instruments.
USB-C portability
Both can run from a USB-C power bank, making them genuinely portable for field work, automotive diagnostics, and on-site troubleshooting.
When 125 MHz Is Enough (DHO914S)
The DHO914S covers the majority of real-world electronics work:
- Microcontroller debugging at standard clock speeds
- UART, I2C, and SPI at typical data rates
- Audio circuits with enormous headroom
- Most switch-mode power supplies
- Standard CAN bus systems
- Sensor and instrumentation signals
- Learning, teaching, and general lab use
If your signals stay under about 40–50 MHz, you will not hit the practical limits of the DHO914S.
When 250 MHz Makes Sense (DHO924S)
The DHO924S earns its premium when you work with:
- Fast digital clocks and logic above 50 MHz
- CAN-FD, FlexRay, or other high-speed automotive buses
- USB 2.0 signal integrity
- DDR or SDRAM interfaces
- Faster switching power supplies
- VHF and low-end RF work
- Projects where future headroom matters
If you routinely deal with edges and harmonics above 50 MHz, the DHO914S will roll off and hide detail that the DHO924S can still capture accurately.
The Value Perspective
The price gap is typically $160–200.
With the DHO914S, you get outstanding value: a 12-bit scope with AWG and Bode plots at around $600. With the DHO924S, you pay about 30% more for double the bandwidth and significantly better probes.
Unlike some Rigol lines, the DHO900 series does not offer bandwidth upgrades. Once you choose, you’re locked in.
Decision Framework
Choose the DHO914S if:
- Your signals stay comfortably under 50 MHz
- Budget matters and ~$600 is your ceiling
- You work mostly with microcontrollers, audio, or sensors
- You want maximum value per dollar
Choose the DHO924S if:
- You already work with signals above 50 MHz
- You want long-term headroom for faster projects
- The extra $200 fits your budget
- Probe quality and future usefulness matter to you
What’s Easy to Miss
12-bit resolution matters more than bandwidth
For many applications, the jump from 8-bit to 12-bit is more impactful than doubling bandwidth. Even the 125 MHz DHO914S can outperform many 250 MHz 8-bit scopes when measuring small signals.
Probes are part of the cost equation
The higher-bandwidth probes included with the DHO924S reduce the real-world price gap if you value probe longevity.
Portability is a shared advantage
USB-C power and compact size make both models uniquely flexible compared to traditional bench scopes.
The Verdict
For most users, the DHO914S is the smarter buy. It delivers the full 12-bit experience, ultra-low noise, AWG, and Bode plot capability at a price that undercuts many 8-bit competitors.
The DHO924S is the right choice for engineers who already know they need higher-frequency performance or who want maximum future-proofing without stepping up to a much larger, more expensive scope.
Bottom line
If your real signals stay under 40–50 MHz, save the money and buy the DHO914S. If you regularly work above that range or want extra headroom and better probes, the DHO924S justifies its premium. Both are excellent instruments, and both represent a major step forward for affordable oscilloscopes thanks to their 12-bit architecture.