100 MHz Oscilloscopes Compared by Listed Specs
Quick answer
- A 100 MHz bandwidth scope is a good starting point for audio, sensor, low-speed serial and most automotive signals. It is not a fit for fast digital edges or RF work.
- Among the nine listings, the Siglent SDS1104X-E and SDS814X HD offer the most detail in their tables (sample rate, memory, decoding). The FNIRSI and HANMATEK models bundle a multimeter or generator and are more portable.
- Read the sample rate, memory depth and channel count together with bandwidth. The listings do not all state these in the same way.
- None of the nine listings states an IEC CAT rating in its specification table. Check the probe and the manual before measuring mains.
What 100 MHz means on a scope
Bandwidth is the frequency at which a sine wave is attenuated to about 70 percent of its true amplitude. It sets how much of a signal the scope can show without shrinking it. Siglent’s operating tip states the rule of thumb directly: for sine waves the scope bandwidth must be equal to or greater than the fundamental frequency of the input. The page also says that for non-sinusoidal signals a bandwidth of about five times the fundamental is an adequate starting point, and it says the five-times figure keeps measurement error within about plus or minus 2 percent for the highest frequency component of the signal.
The Fluke engineering blog makes the same point from another angle. It gives the relationship between bandwidth and rise time as rise time equal to 0.35 divided by bandwidth, and it recommends treating the stated bandwidth as the fifth harmonic of the frequency being measured. Applied to a 100 MHz scope, that means the signal you can see cleanly is roughly 20 MHz, not 100 MHz.
The math behind the number
Two formulas from the sources we opened, applied to a 100 MHz scope:
- Rise time = 0.35 / bandwidth. Siglent gives this as T (rise) = 0.35 / oscilloscope bandwidth for scopes below 1 GHz. For 100 MHz: 0.35 / 100,000,000 = 3.5 ns.
- Highest component you can measure cleanly = bandwidth / 5. For 100 MHz: 100 / 5 = 20 MHz.
The Siglent example shows why this matters. For a 3.5 ns square edge, a 100 MHz scope displays a rise time of about 4.95 ns, an error of roughly 41 percent. A 500 MHz scope with a 0.7 ns rise time reduces that error to about 2 percent. A 100 MHz scope is therefore best used for slow edges. It is not the right tool for measuring the rise time of fast logic or switching power stages.
Comparison table (listed specs only)
Every figure below comes from the specification table or bullet points on the listing. Where a listing does not give a figure, the cell says “not stated”. Where two parts of the same listing disagree, both figures are shown.
| Model (brand) | Bandwidth (listed) | Channels | Sample rate (listed) | Memory (listed) | Other listed features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADS5012h (YEAPOOK) | 100 MHz | not stated | 500 MSa/s real-time | 128 kb record depth | Handheld, 2.4-inch TFT per title, 64 MB flash for up to 2,000 images |
| FNIRSI 1013D Plus | 100 MHz x 2 | 2 | 1 GSa/s real-time | 240 kpts | 7-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen, 6,000 mAh battery, FFT, Lissajous |
| FNIRSI 2D15P | 100 MHz | 2 | 500 MS/s | 10K / 100K / 1M | 19,999-count TRMS multimeter, 10 MHz DDS generator, 4.3-inch touchscreen |
| FNIRSI 1013D | 100 MHz (2 channels) | 2 | 1 GSa/s real-time | 240 kpts | 7-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen, 6,000 mAh battery, FFT, Lissajous |
| Siglent SDS1104X-E | 100 MHz | 4 | 1 GSa/s real-time | 7 Mpts/CH (14 Mpts/CH interleaved) | Standard serial decoder (IIC, SPI, UART, CAN, LIN), 100,000 wfm/s capture |
| Siglent SDS814X HD | 100 MHz (-3 dB) | 4 analog | 2 GSa/s real-time | 50 Mpts (1 ch), 25 Mpts (2 ch), 10 Mpts (4 ch) | 12-bit ADC, Bode plot, 16 digital channels as a separate option |
| UNI-T UPO1104 | 100 MHz | 4 | 2 GSa/s maximum | 56 Mpts | 7-inch LCD, 36 automatic measurements, RS232, UART, I2C, SPI |
| HANMATEK HO102S | 100 MHz | 2 | Bullet says 250 Msa/s; spec table gives no sample rate | 8K single channel, 4K dual channel | 3.5-inch TFT, 20,000-count TRMS multimeter, 25 MHz generator, up to 6 h battery |
| HANMATEK DOS1102 | 110 MHz | 2 | 500 MS/s x 2 | more than 10K points | 7-inch 800 x 480, built-in 2 Hz to 20 MHz frequency meter, FFT, 1X to 1000X probe attenuation |
How we chose
This roundup covers nine listings for 100 MHz oscilloscopes from five brands. All nine are included. None was dropped, because this guide does not rank or score products. The criteria are simple: the bandwidth figure must be stated as 100 MHz on the listing (the DOS1102 is the one exception and is covered below), the listing must state a channel count or a sample rate, and the specifications must come from the listing itself. We read the listings on 2026-10-27.
A 100 MHz figure is the anchor for this guide, so a model’s position in this list reflects what the listing states, not an independent measurement.
What we could not verify
- None of the nine listings states an IEC CAT rating, a probe voltage rating or a mains-measurement rating in its specification table. The listing does not state a CAT rating for any model in this list.
- The sources we opened do not give accuracy figures for the vertical or DC measurements on these particular instruments.
- The listings do not state actual rise time, noise floor or waveform update rate measured on a unit. Use the 0.35 rule above as a planning number only.
- Figures that differ between parts of the same listing are shown as written. For the HANMATEK HO102S, the bullet points give 250 Msa/s while the specification table gives record length only. For the HANMATEK DOS1102, the title and bullet points give 110 MHz.
- Where a listing does not state a number of channels or a sample rate, we did not infer one.
Product picks
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1. Siglent SDS1104X-E (4 channels, 100 MHz)
The listing states 100 MHz bandwidth, four channels and 1 GSa/s real-time sampling. Memory is listed as 7 Mpts per channel, or 14 Mpts per channel in interleave mode. Capture rate is 100,000 waveforms per second in normal mode and 400,000 in sequence mode. The standard serial decoder covers IIC, SPI, UART/RS232, CAN and LIN. The bullet points also list history recording, sequence acquisition of up to 80,000 segments and a 1 Mpts FFT. The listing states the 16 digital channels and the USB arbitrary waveform generator (25 MHz, one channel) are options.
Skip if you only need two channels or a light, pocket-sized tool. The listing gives a weight of 6.6 pounds.
Limit: the listing states web-browser control and the digital channel option only apply to the four-channel series.
2. Siglent SDS814X HD (4 analog channels, 100 MHz -3 dB)
This is the model with the highest listed sample rate in the set: 2 GSa/s real-time with a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter. The listing states memory of 50 Mpts on one channel, 25 Mpts on two channels and 10 Mpts on four. Capture rate is 80,000 waveforms per second in normal mode and 500,000 in sequence mode. The bullet points list up to 2 Mpts of FFT, four math waveforms, a standard Bode plot and the optional signal generator for loop response testing. Sixteen digital channels are available only with the SDS800XHD-16LA option and the SLA1016 probe, both sold separately.
Skip if you need a scope that fits in a jacket pocket. The listing gives 8.4 pounds and dimensions of 5.94 x 12.28 x 5.2 inches.
Limit: the listing says the 16 digital channels are an extra purchase, so a full logic setup needs an extra purchase.
3. UNI-T UPO1104 (4 channels, 100 MHz)
The listing states 100 MHz bandwidth, four channels, 2 GSa/s maximum sampling and 56 Mpts of memory. It also lists a waveform capture rate of 500,000 per second, a vertical range of 500 microvolts per division to 20 volts per division at 1 megohm, and 36 automatic measurements. Serial bus protocols listed are RS232, UART, I2C and SPI, and the bullet points mention hardware real-time decoding. The listing includes probes, a power cord, a USB cable and a calibration report.
Skip if you need Bluetooth or a rechargeable battery. The listing does not state a battery. Weight is 8.68 pounds.
Limit: the listing gives a display size of 7 inches but no resolution figure.
4. FNIRSI 1013D Plus (2 channels, 100 MHz x 2)
This handheld unit lists 100 MHz on each of two channels, 1 GSa/s real-time sampling and 240 kpts of sample memory. The 7-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen is the main interface. The listing states a 6,000 mAh battery with about four hours of use, a high-voltage protection module that tolerates continuous voltage up to 400 V, and a 100X high-voltage probe in the box. The bullet points also list FFT and Lissajous display for comparing two signals. The listing gives a waveform storage capacity of 1 GB for up to 1,000 screenshots and 1,000 waveform sets.
Skip if the 400 V figure is the only protection you want to rely on. The listing describes it as a protection module for the scope, not a CAT rating, and gives no category for the probes.
Limit: the listing gives 2.33 pounds for the unit. Read the probe manual before using the 100X probe on any line voltage.
5. FNIRSI 1013D (2 channels, 100 MHz)
This is the same family as the 1013D Plus with the same listed bandwidth, sample rate, record length, display and battery. The listing states 100 MHz across two channels, 1 GSa/s real-time, 240 kpts record length and a 6,000 mAh battery. It includes two 100 MHz probes but does not list the 100X high-voltage probe that comes with the Plus model. The bullet points repeat the 400 V protection figure and the one-click auto setup feature.
Skip if you want the 100X probe. The listing for the 1013D does not include it.
Limit: the listing gives 2.16 pounds and a battery of one lithium-ion pack.
6. FNIRSI 2D15P (2 channels plus multimeter)
This three-in-one unit lists 100 MHz bandwidth, 500 MS/s sampling, storage depths of 10K, 100K and 1M, and a 19,999-count TRMS multimeter. The listing also includes a 10 MHz DDS signal generator with nine waveform types, a 4.3-inch IPS touchscreen, and a 5,000 mAh battery with USB Type-C charging. The bullet points list 13 waveform parameters and six math functions. The box includes two P6100 probes and multimeter leads.
Skip if you only need a scope. The multimeter and generator add weight and complexity. The listing gives 2 pounds.
Limit: the bullet points describe a 20 MHz bandwidth limit as a setting on the oscilloscope. The listing does not give a separate bandwidth figure for the multimeter.
7. YEAPOOK ADS5012h (handheld, 100 MHz)
This is the smallest unit in the set by the listed dimensions: 4.5 x 2.9 x 1.4 inches and 10.6 ounces. The listing gives 100 MHz analog bandwidth, 500 MSa/s real-time sampling and 128 kb record depth. It lists automatic measurements for peak-to-peak, peak values, RMS, frequency and cycle. It has 64 MB of flash for up to 2,000 waveform images and three trigger modes: auto, normal and single. The listing states one lithium polymer battery is included.
Skip if you need more than 128 kb of record depth, which the listing gives as its only memory figure.
Limit: the bullet points say to switch the probe to 10X and set vertical sensitivity above 100 mV per division when measuring voltage above 80 V. That is a listing instruction, and it is not a CAT rating.
8. HANMATEK HO102S (3-in-1, 100 MHz)
The listing describes a 3-in-1 unit: a two-channel 100 MHz scope, a 20,000-count 4 1/2 digit TRMS multimeter, and a 25 MHz waveform generator with 5 Vpp maximum output. It has a 3.5-inch TFT display, USB Type-C charging and up to six hours of battery on a full charge. The box includes a multimeter pen, carrying bag and calibration pen. It can save setting groups, reference waveforms and images to a USB drive mode.
Skip if you need a sample rate you can confirm from the table. The bullet points state 250 Msa/s, but the specification table gives only record length (8K single channel, 4K dual channel). The two parts of the listing do not agree on the sampling figure, and we did not choose between them.
Limit: the title and listing do not state a CAT rating.
9. HANMATEK DOS1102 (2 channels, 110 MHz)
The listing states a bandwidth of 110 MHz, which is above the 100 MHz target of this guide. The listing’s title says the same. We have kept it in the set because it sits at the edge of the category, but we did not round it to 100 MHz. Other listed figures are 500 MS/s on each of two channels, storage depth of more than 10K sampling points and a 7-inch 800 x 480 display. The bullet points list a built-in 2 Hz to 20 MHz frequency meter, FFT, automatic range and 30-value measurement display. Probe attenuation is listed as 1X, 10X, 100X and 1000X. The listing states at least 16 waveform groups of USB storage.
Skip if you need a bandwidth of exactly 100 MHz for a compliance test. The listing says 110 MHz.
Limit: the listing gives no weight or battery figure in the specification table.
Buying checklist
- Confirm the bandwidth figure is for the scope and not the probe. Several listings bundle 100 MHz probes.
- Check channel count against what you need to measure at the same time.
- Compare sample rate and memory depth together. A high sample rate with a small memory captures only short windows.
- For mains work, find a stated CAT rating in the manual or the probe documentation. The listings in this set do not state one.
- If you plan to decode serial buses, check which protocols the listing names. The listings name different sets.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming 100 MHz covers fast digital edges. By the 0.35 rule a 100 MHz scope has about a 3.5 ns rise time, so fast edges are distorted.
- Treating the headline figure as the only spec. The Siglent SDS814X HD lists 2 GSa/s and 50 Mpts, while the FNIRSI 2D15P lists 500 MS/s and 1M storage depth.
- Using a probe at a voltage it is not rated for. The HO102S and ADS5012h listings give voltage-related instructions for their probes. Follow them.
- Buying the 110 MHz DOS1102 for a 100 MHz requirement without reading the figure. The listing says 110 MHz.
Electrical safety first
Work on mains circuits can kill. Use a scope with a probe and input rating that matches the circuit, and check the CAT rating in the manual before measuring line voltage. The listings in this set do not state a CAT rating, so do not assume a bench scope is safe for household mains. Panel and service work belongs to a licensed electrician.
FAQ
Is a 100 MHz oscilloscope enough for a hobbyist?
For audio, sensors, low-speed serial buses and most automotive waveforms, a 100 MHz scope is a common starting point. The Fluke blog suggests treating the stated bandwidth as the fifth harmonic, so the cleanly visible signal is about 20 MHz.
What does the 0.35 number mean?
It is the constant in the rise-time formula. Rise time in seconds equals 0.35 divided by bandwidth in hertz. For 100 MHz that is 3.5 ns. The constant is a planning figure, not a guarantee for every unit.
Does sample rate matter as much as bandwidth?
Both matter. The Siglent page treats bandwidth as the main limit for sine waves, while sample rate and memory affect how much detail a capture holds. Compare them together.
Why does the HANMATEK HO102S list two sample rates?
The bullet points give 250 Msa/s, and the specification table gives only record length. The listing does not reconcile them, so this guide does not pick one.
Which model is closest to 100 MHz exactly?
Eight of the nine listings state 100 MHz. The HANMATEK DOS1102 states 110 MHz.
Can I use these scopes on mains?
The listings in this set do not state a CAT rating. Check the probe and manual, and read the safety section above before measuring line voltage.
Bottom line
If the signals are slow and you want a scope that does the job without wasting money on bandwidth you cannot use, a 100 MHz instrument is enough. Choose by channel count, memory and the features your work needs, and check the CAT rating in the manual before measuring mains.
See also our guides: GOCHIFIX Pro handheld oscilloscope multimeter for a combined scope and multimeter, and the Extech multimeter guide for meter-only options.
Sources
- Siglent Technologies, “How do I determine what bandwidth of scope I require for my application?”, opened 2026-10-27: https://siglentna.com/operating-tip/determine-bandwidth-scope-require-application/
- Fluke, “What is the relationship between oscilloscope bandwidth and waveform rise time?”, opened 2026-10-27: https://www.fluke.com/en-gb/learn/blog/oscilloscopes/what-is-the-relationship-between-oscilloscope-bandwidth-and-waveform-rise-time
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