Is Rigol a Good Brand? A Deep Dive into Performance, Reliability, and User Feedback

Rigol Technologies has established itself as a prominent manufacturer of electronic test and measurement equipment, particularly oscilloscopes, since its inception in 1998.

Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscope 50 MHz DSO 4 Channels

The brand is recognized for offering feature-rich instruments at competitive prices, making them accessible to both professionals and hobbyists. This article examines Rigol’s reputation by analyzing user feedback from Reddit and other forums.

Cost-Effective and High-Performance Instruments

Rigol offers a range of instruments that balance cost-effectiveness with performance, making them attractive to both hobbyists and professionals. Notable examples include:

  • DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscope: A 50 MHz, 4-channel oscilloscope renowned for its affordability and comprehensive feature set. Users have praised its value, with one stating, “I have a Rigol DS1054z and I love it.”
  • MSO5000 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes: These instruments offer bandwidths ranging from 70 MHz to 350 MHz, integrating multiple functionalities such as logic analysis and protocol decoding. A user shared, “I bought the MSO5000 before the new scopes came out, and I really like it.”

These models exemplify Rigol’s commitment to delivering instruments that do not compromise on essential features while remaining budget-friendly.

Rigol MSO5104 100 MHz Mixed Signal Oscilloscope with 4 Analog Channels and UltraVision II High-Speed Oscilloscope

User Feedback and Experiences

Positive Aspects:

  • Affordability and Features: Many users commend Rigol for providing advanced features at budget-friendly prices.
  • Adequate for Hobbyists: Rigol oscilloscopes are frequently recommended for hobbyist applications. A Reddit user mentioned, “They aren’t bad. They aren’t the latest Agilent or Tek scopes but the average hobbyist doesn’t need that kind of horsepower usually.”
  • Decent Build Quality: Discussions on forums like EEVblog suggest that Rigol products are well-made physically, offering generous features at a reasonable price point.

Negative Aspects:

  • User Interface Preferences: Some users express a preference for other brands over Rigol concerning user interface design. For example, one user noted, “When it comes to cheap scopes, I’ve used Rigol and Siglent. Both of them are very good for the money, but I do like the Siglent’s more.”
  • Software Limitations: There are mentions of limitations in software capabilities, particularly in complex analysis and math functions, where higher-end brands may offer more robust solutions.

Conclusion

Rigol is generally regarded as a reputable brand, especially for entry-level and mid-range electronic test equipment.

While they may not match the advanced features of high-end brands, their products are often deemed sufficient for many applications, particularly for hobbyists and small-scale professional use.

As with any equipment purchase, potential buyers should assess their specific needs and consider both the advantages and limitations highlighted by current users.

Rigol DSA815-TG 9kHz to 1.5GHz with Pre-Amplifier and Tracking Generator Spectrum Analyzer