The circuit should work, but it doesn't. A multimeter tells you the voltage is "about right". What it can't show you is the glitch, the ringing edge or the serial packet that never arrives. That's the moment you need an oscilloscope. Then comes the next question: which one?
The short answer: for most engineers, students and hobbyists, a PC-based (USB) oscilloscope such as the PicoScope 2207B is the best place to start. It gives you 70MHz bandwidth, a 1GS/s sample rate and a deep 64MS buffer. It's powered from your laptop's USB port and weighs just 0.2kg. It also costs a fraction of a comparable bench scope and comes with a five-year warranty.
There are still jobs where a bench scope or a handheld is the better choice. And sometimes what you really need is a good multimeter, not a scope at all. In this guide, we compare PC, bench and handheld oscilloscopes and match each one to the job it does best.
PC (USB) vs bench vs handheld oscilloscopes
All three types do the same core job: they turn voltage into a picture you can see over time. Where they differ is where the screen, the controls and the power come from.
|
PC (USB) oscilloscope |
Bench oscilloscope |
Handheld oscilloscope |
| Example |
PicoScope 2207B |
Tektronix MSO24-EDU |
Metrix OX9062 Scopix IV |
| Screen |
Your laptop or PC |
Built in (10.1" touchscreen on the MSO24-EDU) |
Small built-in screen |
| Power |
USB from the PC |
Mains |
Battery |
| Size and weight |
130 x 104 x 18.8mm, 0.2kg |
Bench-sized, with a stand |
Toolbox-sized (2.1kg on the OX9062) |
| Typical price |
Entry level (around £300) |
Mid to high (around £2,000+) |
Mid to high (around £2,800 for the OX9062) |
| Best for |
Bench and field debugging, learning, budget-conscious labs |
Shared teaching labs, standalone use, more channels |
Field service where there's no laptop; built-in multimeter and spectrum analyser |
| Watch out for |
Needs a computer; software learning curve |
Cost, bench space |
Costs more than a bench scope of similar bandwidth; smaller screen |
Why we suggest starting with a PC scope: a USB oscilloscope such as the PicoScope 2207B uses your laptop for the screen and processing. That makes it tiny (0.2kg) and affordable, and you get a big display with easy saving and sharing. It also works as a spectrum analyser, function generator and serial protocol decoder. Choose a bench scope when you need a standalone instrument for a shared lab. Choose a handheld only when there's nowhere to put a laptop. You'll see these scopes called both "PC oscilloscopes" and "USB oscilloscopes". It's the same thing.
Best oscilloscope for the job
The right scope depends on the job, not on which spec sheet has the biggest number. For most jobs, the PicoScope 2207B is the one we'd pick.
| Job |
Our pick |
Why it fits |
| Beginners and hobbyists |
PicoScope 2207B |
Comes with two 60MHz probes and free PicoScope 7 software for Windows, macOS and Linux. 70MHz covers Arduino, Raspberry Pi, audio and most microcontroller projects |
| Working to a budget |
PicoScope 2207B |
Five instruments in one: oscilloscope, spectrum analyser, function generator, arbitrary waveform generator and protocol decoder |
| Embedded and serial debugging |
PicoScope 2207B |
Decodes I²C, SPI, UART, CAN and more as standard. The 64MS buffer, 10,000-waveform history and mask limit testing catch intermittent faults |
| Automotive sensor and CAN diagnostics |
PicoScope 2207B |
CAN decoding in a laptop-powered, pocket-sized scope. For ignition and other high voltages, check the input range and use suitable attenuators |
| Field and portable work |
PicoScope 2207B |
Weighs 0.2kg and runs on USB power, so there's no mains lead or extra battery to charge |
| Shared teaching labs |
Tektronix MSO24-EDU |
Standalone with a 10.1" touchscreen. Instructor mode turns off Autoset so students learn the fundamentals |
| Four-channel and mixed-signal R&D |
Tektronix MSO24-EDU |
4 analogue and 16 digital channels at 2.5GS/s, with a built-in function generator and Bode plots |
| Field work without a laptop |
Metrix OX9062 Scopix IV |
A 60MHz, 2.5GS/s, 12-bit handheld scope with a built-in multimeter and spectrum analyser, so one instrument covers both jobs on site |
What to look for in a digital oscilloscope
Whichever type you choose, these specs decide whether a scope is right for your work.
- Bandwidth. This is the highest frequency the scope can measure accurately. Choose three to five times your fastest signal, because square-wave edges contain much higher harmonics than their base frequency. A 70MHz scope suits most microcontroller, audio and power work.
- Sample rate. This is how many points per second the scope captures. Aim for at least four to five times the bandwidth, so fast edges are drawn accurately. The 2207B's 1GS/s is comfortable for its 70MHz bandwidth.
- Vertical resolution. Most scopes are 8-bit. Enhanced or higher-resolution modes (up to 12 bits on the 2207B) reveal small signals riding on larger ones, such as ripple on a power rail.
- Memory depth. A deep buffer, such as 64MS on the 2207B or 10Mpoints on the MSO24-EDU, keeps the sample rate high over long captures.
- Channels. Two analogue channels cover most debugging. Choose four, or a mixed-signal scope with digital inputs, if you compare several signals or watch a parallel bus.
- Software and decoding. Serial decoding, maths, mask testing and easy export often save more time than raw specs.
- Probes. A scope is only as good as its probes. Check what's included, and add current or differential probes for power work. Our guide to oscilloscope probes: passive vs active vs high-voltage explains the options.
Frequently asked questions
What are oscilloscopes?
Oscilloscopes are test instruments that display voltage against time as a waveform. They let you see the shape, timing, noise and distortion of electrical signals, which a multimeter can't show.
What is an oscilloscope used for?
Oscilloscopes are used to debug circuits, check signal integrity, measure timing and frequency, and find intermittent faults. Common uses include embedded and microcontroller development, power supply design, audio work, automotive diagnostics and teaching electronics.
Are PC-based oscilloscopes any good?
Yes. A modern PC oscilloscope such as the PicoScope 2207B matches entry-level bench scopes on the core specs: 70MHz bandwidth and a 1GS/s sample rate. It also gives you a 64MS buffer, up to 12-bit enhanced resolution, serial decoding and a built-in signal generator, all on your laptop's screen. The main trade-off is that it needs a computer to run.
What is the best oscilloscope to buy?
The best oscilloscope is the one that suits your job. For most beginners, hobbyists and engineers on a budget, we recommend the PicoScope 2207B USB oscilloscope. For teaching labs or four-channel mixed-signal work, a bench scope such as the Tektronix MSO24-EDU is a better fit.
What's the difference between a USB oscilloscope and a PC oscilloscope?
There's no difference. Both names describe a scope that connects to a computer, usually over USB, and uses its screen and processing power.
Do I need an oscilloscope or a multimeter?
Use an oscilloscope to see how a signal behaves over time. Use a multimeter for precise values such as voltage, current and resistance. Most benches benefit from both. If you need both in the field, a handheld such as the Metrix OX9062 Scopix IV puts a 60MHz scope and a multimeter in one instrument. For work away from the bench, you can also browse our hand-held multimeters.
Is a digital oscilloscope the same as a digital storage oscilloscope?
In practice, yes. Almost all modern digital oscilloscopes are digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs): they sample the signal and store it in memory for display and analysis.
Find the right oscilloscope for your work
For most engineers, students and hobbyists, the PicoScope 2207B gives you the most measurement for the money. It's compact, capable and backed by a five-year warranty. When you need four channels or a standalone instrument, step up to a bench scope such as the Tektronix MSO24-EDU. For field work without a laptop, a handheld such as the Metrix OX9062 Scopix IV combines a scope and multimeter in one.
Browse oscilloscopes
Get in touch
Related reading
{{SessionBasket.ItemCount }}