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Rigol DS1054Z vs Hanmatek DOS1104
The Rigol DS1054Z and Hanmatek DOS1104 are two popular 4-channel digital storage oscilloscopes in the entry-to-mid-range category, often compared by hobbyists, students, and engineers deciding between a proven classic and a modern budget challenger. The Rigol DS1054Z (originally 50 MHz, hackable to 100 MHz) has been a bestseller for years thanks to its reliability and community support. The Hanmatek DOS1104 offers native 110 MHz bandwidth at a competitive price, making it an appealing alternative for those needing higher out-of-box performance.
This head-to-head comparison draws from real specs, user reviews (EEVblog, Reddit, YouTube tests), and community feedback to help you make an informed buying decision.
Appearance and Build Quality Comparison
Both scopes feature a compact benchtop design with a 7-inch color TFT LCD (800x480 resolution) for clear waveform viewing.
- Rigol DS1054Z: Classic white/gray enclosure with a premium feel, dedicated per-channel knobs (color-coded), intuitive layout, and excellent knob/encoder quality. The build is sturdy and professional, with good spacing that reduces menu diving during extended use.
- Hanmatek DOS1104: Modern white design, slightly more compact and lightweight. Knobs are responsive, but the panel feels denser with multipurpose buttons—some users find it "annoying" or less ergonomic in dense operations.
The Rigol edges out in hand feel and long-term durability perception, while the Hanmatek is portable and space-efficient.
Core Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Rigol DS1054Z | Hanmatek DOS1104 |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 50 MHz (hackable to ~100 MHz) | 110 MHz native |
| Channels | 4 | 4 |
| Real-time Sampling Rate | 1 GSa/s (single/dual); drops to 250 MSa/s (all 4 ch) | 1 GSa/s (interleaved; ~250 MSa/s all 4 ch) |
| Memory Depth | 12 Mpts standard (upgradable to 24 Mpts) | ~20K+ pts (shallower) |
| Waveform Capture Rate | Up to 30,000 wfms/s | Decent (up to ~50,000 in modes) |
| Triggering | Advanced (edge, pulse, video, serial with hacks) | Edge, pulse, video; stable |
| Additional Features | FFT, math, auto measurements, deep decode options (hacked) | FFT, math, persistence, basic measurements |
The Hanmatek starts with higher bandwidth for faster signals, but the Rigol's vastly deeper memory excels at capturing long transients or protocol data without losing detail.
Real-World Performance Comparison
- Signal Capture: Both handle square/sine/triangle waves well up to their limits. The Hanmatek shows cleaner high-frequency edges (110 MHz native) with less roll-off. The Rigol (hacked) performs similarly but benefits from deeper memory for zoomed-in views without aliasing.
- Waveform Accuracy & Stability: Rigol offers lower noise floor, better vertical precision, and more stable triggering in noisy environments. Hanmatek is solid for the price but shows minor overshoot/UI quirks.
- User Experience: Rigol's menu system is polished, intuitive, and community-backed (tons of tutorials/hacks). Hanmatek's UI is functional but criticized as awkward/crowded, with slower navigation in advanced modes.
In side-by-side tests (e.g., YouTube/EEVblog), Rigol often wins on polish and deep analysis, while Hanmatek shines for quick high-bandwidth scans.
Pros and Cons Summary
Rigol DS1054Z Pros: Deeper memory (12-24 Mpts), mature firmware, excellent community support/hacks (bandwidth, serial decode), proven reliability, intuitive UI. Cons: Base 50 MHz (hack required for more), older design, higher price (~$350-460).
Hanmatek DOS1104 Pros: Native 110 MHz bandwidth, great value (often under $300), large screen, solid for multi-channel hobby/lab use. Cons: Shallower memory limits deep captures, UI quirks/annoyances, less polished triggering/noise performance.
Value for Money: Hanmatek wins pure bang-for-buck with higher native specs at lower cost. Rigol offers better long-term investment due to depth, ecosystem, and hackability.
Recommended Buying Scenarios
- Choose Rigol DS1054Z if you prioritize deep memory for protocol decoding, serial buses (I2C/SPI/CAN), or long captures; want a "lifetime" scope with strong resale/community; or prefer a refined UI. Great for serious hobbyists or entry-pro use.
- Choose Hanmatek DOS1104 if you need higher bandwidth out-of-box for faster analog/digital signals; want maximum channels/specs on a tighter budget; or focus on basic-to-intermediate debugging without heavy analysis.
Budget under $300? Go Hanmatek. Willing to spend a bit more for polish and future-proofing? Rigol.
Conclusion & Buying Advice
Both are excellent 4-channel options, but the choice depends on your needs: Rigol for depth/reliability, Hanmatek for immediate performance/value. Many users own both and find them complementary.
For the Hanmatek DOS1104—strong contender with native 110 MHz—check the official page for current deals: https://hanmatek.com/collections/benchtop-oscilloscope/products/hanmatek-dos1104-oscilloscope-portable-4-canaux-110mhz
Whichever you pick, you'll get capable 4-channel power—happy scoping!
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