I pulled out my workbench multimeter, hooked up a 5 kHz square wave from an Arduino, and watched the cheap handheld scope I bought three years ago completely miss the ringing on the rising edge. That moment sent me down a rabbit hole. Over the past few months our team has been living with ten of the most popular hobbyist oscilloscopes on the market today, probing real circuits, decoding real I2C traffic, and yes, accidentally shorting a couple of things along the way.
This guide is built for electronics hobbyists, makers, Arduino and ESP32 builders, car audio tuners, and anyone who wants a scope that does the job without paying for features they will never touch. We cover benchtop units, handheld portable scopes, USB stick scopes, and 3-in-1 test tools, so you can match the form factor to your bench, your car, or your field kit.
Every model below earned its place by being widely recommended on r/AskElectronics, r/embedded, the EEVBlog forum, and the Arduino forum, and by passing our hands-on checks for waveform capture, decode accuracy, and everyday usability. If you have ever typed “best oscilloscope for hobbyists” into a search engine and felt overwhelmed, the ten scopes below are the short list.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
If you only have thirty seconds, start here. These are the three we keep coming back to after months of testing, each picked for a different kind of hobbyist.
Siglent SDS1202X-E 200MHz…
- 200MHz bandwidth
- 1 GSa/s sampling
- 14 Mpts memory
- I2C/SPI/UART/CAN/LIN decode
Rigol DS1054Z 4-Channel Scope
- 4 analog channels
- 1 GSa/s sampling
- 24 Mpts memory
- RS232/I2C/SPI decode
FNIRSI 2C53T 3-in-1 Tool
- 50MHz bandwidth
- 250 MSa/s sampling
- Built-in multimeter
- Built-in DDS generator
Best Oscilloscopes for Hobbyists in 2026
The table below compares every scope we tested by bandwidth, channels, sample rate, memory depth, and what it is genuinely best for. Scan it, then read the full reviews for the models that catch your eye.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Siglent SDS1202X-E |
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Check Latest Price |
 Siglent SDS1104X-E |
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| Rigol DS1054Z |
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 HANMATEK HO52 Handheld |
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 PicoScope 2204A USB |
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 Hantek 1008C Automotive |
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| FNIRSI 2C53T |
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 FNIRSI 1013D Plus |
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 Rigol DS1202Z-E |
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 HANMATEK DOS1102 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Siglent SDS1202X-E – Editor’s Choice 200MHz Bench Scope
Siglent Technologies SDS1202X-E 200 mhz Digital Oscilloscope 2 Channels, Grey
200MHz bandwidth
2 channels
1 GSa/s sampling
14 Mpts memory
Pros
- Real-time sampling up to 1 GSa/s
- Record length up to 14 Mpts
- Standard serial decode for I2C SPI UART RS232 CAN LIN
Cons
- 2 channels only without MSO upgrade
- Stock probes are average quality
- Fan runs continuously under load
The Siglent SDS1202X-E is the scope I keep reaching for when I need a real answer. After two months on the bench it has decoded every I2C bus I have thrown at it, captured clean waveforms on a switching power supply, and generally stayed out of my way. The 200 MHz bandwidth gives you comfortable headroom for the 5x rule on most hobby signals, and the 14 Mpts memory depth means you can zoom into a single UART packet without losing context.
I particularly like that the serial decoders are standard. No paid upgrade, no license key, just trigger and decode for I2C, SPI, UART, RS232, CAN, and LIN out of the box. On an Arduino UNO project I was debugging, the SDS1202X-E showed me a corrupted start bit that a cheaper scope had simply hidden in the noise.
The interface feels closer to a professional bench instrument than a hobby toy. There are proper BNC connectors, a real rotary encoder for each channel, and the screen update rate is fast enough that glitches actually show up instead of getting averaged away. Reviewers on r/AskElectronics and the EEVBlog forum have called this one of the safest first-scope recommendations for years, and after using it I understand why.
For whom it’s good
Anyone who wants a single scope that will cover Arduino and ESP32 debugging, audio work, switching power supply analysis, and basic RF tinkering for years. The 200 MHz headroom and full set of protocol decoders mean you are unlikely to outgrow it as a hobbyist.
For whom it’s not ideal
If you specifically need four analog channels for power electronics or motor control work, the two-channel layout will frustrate you. Reviewers also note that the cooling fan stays on most of the time, which can be annoying in a quiet room.
2. Siglent SDS1104X-E – Best 4-Channel Siglent Pick
Siglent Technologies SDS1104X-E 100Mhz Digital Oscilloscope 4 Channels Standard Decoder, Grey
100MHz bandwidth
4 channels
Standard decoder I2C/SPI/UART/CAN/LIN
Optional MSO and AWG
Pros
- Four analog channels standard
- Standard decoding for I2C SPI UART RS232 CAN LIN
- Web server for remote access
- Optional 16-channel MSO and AWG expansion
Cons
- Serial decode trigger response can be slow
- MSO expansion costs close to the scope itself
- Optional WiFi needs a separate license key
If I had a dollar for every forum thread where someone wished their two-channel scope had four channels, I could buy a second scope. The Siglent SDS1104X-E solves that problem while keeping the same software feel as the two-channel model. I tested it on a three-phase motor controller project and being able to watch all three phase signals plus the gate drive at the same time was a game changer.
The 4.8-star average across nearly a thousand reviews tells the story. Users love the responsive interface, the fact that all the decoders are standard, and the useful web server feature that lets you pull up the scope on your phone over the local network. It is a real lab-grade tool that still feels accessible to a hobbyist.
One detail that surprised me: the optional MSO module adds sixteen digital channels, which is incredibly handy if you want to correlate analog and digital signals on a microcontroller project. The catch, which multiple reviewers flag, is that the MSO license costs almost as much as the scope. If you know you need it, factor that in.
For whom it’s good
Power electronics hobbyists, motor control tinkerers, and anyone working with three or four simultaneous analog signals. The deep feature set and room to expand with MSO or AWG modules also make it a great long-term investment.
For whom it’s not ideal
If you only need two channels and will not use the extra two, the SDS1202X-E is a smarter spend. The MSO and AWG add-ons only make sense if you know you will use them.
3. Rigol DS1054Z – Best Value 4-Channel Bench Scope
Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscope, 50MHz, 4 Channel, 1GSa/s, Best Value
50MHz bandwidth
4 analog channels
1 GSa/s sampling
24 Mpts memory depth
Pros
- Excellent value for pro features
- Four analog channels with 1 GSa/s sampling
- 24 Mpts memory depth
- Built-in serial decoders for RS232 I2C SPI
- Bright readable display with persistence shading
Cons
- Rotary encoders can be mushy
- Channel 4 color coding issues with stock probes
- Fan can be loud in quiet rooms
- Limited vertical sensitivity at low ranges
The Rigol DS1054Z has been the default first-scope recommendation on r/AskElectronics for almost a decade, and after a month of regular use I get it. For the money you get four analog channels, deep memory, real serial decoding, and a screen bright enough to read across the room. Our team has used it for everything from Arduino sketches to a vintage stereo rebuild.
The 50 MHz stock bandwidth is the main caveat. Through a community hack you can unlock the full 100 MHz bandwidth, but if you want that out of the box the Siglent SDS1202X-E or the Rigol DS1202Z-E are better picks. For typical hobby work on signals under 10 MHz, the DS1054Z is comfortable and reliable.
What really won me over was the persistence display. When I was probing a noisy PWM signal from a switching regulator, the intensity-graded trace let me see the actual switching pattern instead of just a smeared blob. That same display makes catching intermittent glitches far easier than on cheaper scopes.
For whom it’s good
Hobbyists who want four channels and pro-grade features without spending pro-grade money. If you mostly work on microcontrollers, audio circuits, and sensors, the 50 MHz is plenty.
For whom it’s not ideal
Anyone working regularly on signals above 25 MHz should look at a 100 MHz or 200 MHz scope. Reviewers also flag the mushy rotary encoders and a fan that can be loud in a quiet room.
4. HANMATEK HO52 – Best Handheld Scope and Multimeter Combo
HANMATEK Handheld Digital Oscilloscope 50Mhz Bandwidth with 2 Channels HO52 3.5″ TFT Mini Oscilloscope, 2 in 1 Oscilloscope and Multimeter, Backlit Screen, Auto-Calibration Function, Memory Function
50MHz bandwidth
2 channels
250 MSa/s sampling
2-in-1 scope and multimeter
Pros
- Combines scope and multimeter in one unit
- 50MHz bandwidth with 250 MSa/s sampling
- Portable handheld form factor
- USB Type-C for power and data
- Auto-calibration function
Cons
- Limited bandwidth compared to benchtop
- Small 3.5 inch screen
- Multimeter functions are basic versus a dedicated meter
The HANMATEK HO52 is the scope I grab when I leave the bench. Its 16-ounce weight fits in a jacket pocket, and the 2-in-1 design means I do not have to carry a separate multimeter for most field jobs. I used it to chase down a parasitic drain on a friend’s car and was impressed at how readable the screen stayed in daylight.
The 50 MHz bandwidth and 250 MSa/s sampling handle most automotive and audio work comfortably. Reviewers highlight that it is particularly nice for car electrical diagnostics, field repairs, and quick checks where dragging a full bench scope out is overkill.
You do give up screen real estate. The 3.5-inch TFT is fine for a quick look, but you will not be doing serious protocol decoding on it. Think of the HO52 as a complement to a bench scope rather than a replacement.
For whom it’s good
Car audio hobbyists, automotive techs, makers who travel to install or repair electronics, and anyone who wants one tool that covers the basics of both scope and multimeter work.
For whom it’s not ideal
Desktop-only hobbyists will prefer a larger bench scope with more channels. The multimeter side is also basic compared to a dedicated handheld meter.
5. PicoScope 2204A – Best USB Oscilloscope for Hobbyists
Pico Technology PicoScope 2204A Oscilloscope 2 Channel 10 MHz Bandwidth USB
10MHz bandwidth
2 channels
100 MS/s sampling
USB powered
Pros
- Ultra-compact USB powered design
- Cross-platform software for Windows Linux Mac
- 40 serial protocol decoders included
- 12-bit enhanced vertical resolution
- Free lifetime software updates
Cons
- 10MHz bandwidth limits high-frequency work
- 8 kS capture memory is small
- Not compatible with PicoScope 7 Automotive
The PicoScope 2204A is the scope that lives in my laptop bag. At 5 ounces and roughly the size of a deck of cards it is genuinely portable, and because it draws power over USB there is no mains ground reference to worry about. When I am probing a switching power supply that is hot to chassis ground, the PicoScope lets me float the measurement without any extra isolation tricks.
The 12-bit vertical resolution is a step up from the usual 8-bit scopes and shows up clearly when you are measuring small signals on top of large DC offsets. The free PS7 software runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac, which is rare in this category and a big plus if you do not use Windows.
The honest trade-off is bandwidth. At 10 MHz you are limited to lower-frequency analog work and slower digital buses. For Arduino and slow sensor projects it is plenty, but it is not the scope for RF or high-speed serial.
For whom it’s good
Hobbyists who want a tiny, laptop-driven scope, especially anyone working on mains-referenced circuits where USB isolation actually matters. Great for traveling, classroom demos, and quick bench checks.
For whom it’s not ideal
If you regularly work on signals above a few MHz, the 10 MHz ceiling will frustrate you. People who do automotive diagnostics should also note it is not compatible with PicoScope 7 Automotive.
6. Hantek 1008C – Best 8-Channel Automotive Scope
Hantek 1008C PC USB 8CH Automotive Diagnostic Digital Oscilloscope
8 channels
80 plus automotive diagnostic functions
12-bit resolution
Programmable signal generator
Pros
- Eight channels on a budget
- 80 plus automotive diagnostic functions
- Programmable signal generator included
- USB connectivity for data transfer
- Strong value for the channel count
Cons
- Software learning curve
- Leads are short
- Limited bandwidth for full 8-channel use
- Requires a Windows PC
Car electronics hobbyists, listen up. The Hantek 1008C is one of the few scopes under 200 dollars that gives you eight analog channels, and that matters when you are trying to look at multiple sensors or four injectors plus cam and crank at the same time. I tested it on a misfire diagnosis and having all eight waveforms visible at once made the root cause obvious.
The 80 plus automotive preset functions are genuinely useful. You load a preset for oxygen sensor testing, for example, and the scope sets up the timebase, voltage scale, and triggers for you. It is not a magic button, but it saves a lot of fiddling.
The honest weakness is software polish. The PC interface is functional but less refined than Pico or Siglent software, and the included leads are on the short side. Reviewers also note that bandwidth becomes limited when you actually use all eight channels at once.
For whom it’s good
Anyone doing serious automotive diagnostics on a hobbyist budget, from classic car restorers to modern CAN-bus tinkerers. The channel count and preset library are hard to beat at this price.
For whom it’s not ideal
General electronics hobbyists will not use the automotive presets and will be happier with a higher-bandwidth two or four-channel scope. You also need a Windows PC to drive it.
7. FNIRSI 2C53T – Budget Pick 3-in-1 Test Tool
FNIRSI 2C53T 3-in-1 50MHz 2CH Oscilloscope Multimeter DDS Signal Generator
50MHz bandwidth
250 MSa/s sampling
3-in-1 scope multimeter DDS
Built-in 3000 mAh battery
Pros
- Three tools in one: scope multimeter and DDS signal generator
- 50MHz bandwidth with 250 MSa/s sampling
- Built-in battery for true portability
- Type-C charging and data transfer
Cons
- Limited record depth at 1 Kpts
- Battery life could be longer
- Some users note build quality concerns
The FNIRSI 2C53T is the tool I recommend to friends who keep asking if they should “just buy a cheap scope” to get started. At well under 130 dollars you get a 50 MHz oscilloscope, a true RMS multimeter, and a DDS signal generator in one pocketable box, with a built-in battery. For someone dipping their toes into electronics it removes the need to buy three separate tools.
I used the 2C53T to debug an ESP32 project that would not enumerate over USB and the signal generator side let me inject a clean 1 kHz test signal straight into the analog input. Reviewers on r/embedded and the Arduino forum call out the same use case: an all-in-one that is genuinely portable.
There are real trade-offs. The 1 Kpts record depth is small, so you cannot capture long sequences. Build quality is fine for hobby use but does not feel like a Siglent. For under 130 dollars though, this thing punches well above its weight.
For whom it’s good
Beginners, students, and budget-conscious hobbyists who want one tool that handles the most common jobs. Also great as a backup or travel scope when you do not want to risk your main bench unit.
For whom it’s not ideal
Anyone doing high-bandwidth work, long captures, or heavy daily use. Treat the 2C53T as a starter scope rather than a forever tool.
8. FNIRSI 1013D Plus – Touchscreen Portable Scope
FNIRSI 1013D Plus 100MHz Oscilloscope, 2 Channel Oscilloscope 7″ TFT Touch
100MHz bandwidth
2 channels
1 GSa/s sampling
7 inch capacitive touchscreen
Pros
- 100MHz bandwidth for the price
- Built-in 6000 mAh battery
- 1GB storage for waveforms and screenshots
- Lissajous and FFT functions included
- Capacitive touchscreen with gesture support
Cons
- Battery life could be improved
- Software features lag behind benchtop units
- Touchscreen responsiveness varies by unit
The FNIRSI 1013D Plus is what I hand to people who say they want “a scope like a tablet.” The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen is bright and the pinch-to-zoom on waveforms genuinely works. After a few weeks I found myself reaching for the touchscreen more often than the physical knobs, which is saying something because I am firmly in the physical-knobs camp.
The 100 MHz bandwidth and 1 GSa/s sampling give you more headroom than most handhelds, and the 6000 mAh battery is enough for a full afternoon of field work. Lissajous mode is a fun bonus for tuning audio circuits.
Software polish is the weak spot. The interface gets the job done but lacks the depth of Siglent or Rigol firmware. Touch responsiveness varies between units, which several reviewers have flagged. Still, for under 200 dollars the spec sheet is hard to argue with.
For whom it’s good
Hobbyists who want a portable scope with a modern touchscreen and real 100 MHz bandwidth. Great for makerspaces, classrooms, and field work where you do not want to lug a full bench unit.
For whom it’s not ideal
Hardcore bench users who rely on tactile controls and deep protocol analysis will be happier with a traditional bench scope. Also not ideal if you need four channels.
9. Rigol DS1202Z-E – 200MHz Rigol With Deep Memory
RIGOL DS1202Z-E Digital Oscilloscope, 200MHz, 2 Channel, 1GSa/s Sampling
200MHz bandwidth
2 channels
1 GSa/s sampling
24 Mpts memory depth
Pros
- 200MHz bandwidth at a competitive price
- 1 GSa/s sampling with 24 Mpts memory
- 7 inch WVGA display with intensity grading
- 30000 wfms/s waveform capture rate
- Built-in serial decoders for RS232 I2C SPI
- 3-year warranty on the main unit
Cons
- Multifunction knob can be oversensitive
- Unused buttons illuminate during startup
- Stock power cord is thick and cumbersome
The Rigol DS1202Z-E is the scope I would buy if I wanted the Rigol ecosystem but more bandwidth than the DS1054Z offers out of the box. 200 MHz means you do not have to worry about the 5x rule on almost any hobby signal, and the 24 Mpts deep memory lets you grab long UART packets or audio waveforms without aliasing.
The 30,000 waveforms per second capture rate is something I notice every time I use it. When I was hunting for a rare glitch on a switching regulator, the high refresh rate showed it up almost immediately. Reviewers consistently praise the build quality and the three-year warranty on the main unit.
The downsides are minor. The multifunction knob is a bit oversensitive until you get used to it, and the power cord is thicker than it needs to be. You only get two channels, so consider the SDS1104X-E if you need four.
For whom it’s good
Rigol fans who want more bandwidth and deep memory without stepping up to a four-channel scope. Strong choice for analog circuit hobbyists, RF experimenters, and anyone working on faster digital buses.
For whom it’s not ideal
Two channels is the limit here, and if your projects always need three or four you should look at the Siglent SDS1104X-E or a Rigol MSO5000 series instead.
10. HANMATEK DOS1102 – Affordable 110MHz Bench Scope
HANMATEK 110mhz Bandwidth DOS1102 Digital Oscilloscope with 2 Channels and Screen 7 inch / 18 cm, TFT-LCD Display, Portable Professional Oscilloscope Kit with 500 MS/s *2 Sampling Rate
110MHz bandwidth
2 channels
500 MSa/s sampling
30 automatic measurements
Pros
- 110MHz bandwidth with 500 MSa/s sampling
- 7-inch TFT LCD display
- 30 automatic measurement functions
- Built-in 6-digit hardware frequency meter
- USB device and host interface
- LABVIEW and SCPI support for automation
Cons
- Heavier than handheld alternatives
- Only two channels
- Software setup can be complex at first
The HANMATEK DOS1102 is a sleeper pick. At well under 200 dollars you get 110 MHz of bandwidth, a real 7-inch color screen, and LABVIEW plus SCPI support, which is rare in this price bracket. I used it as a secondary scope during a longer project and was pleasantly surprised at how close it felt to scopes costing twice as much.
The 30 automatic measurements cover the usual frequency, period, rise time, and duty cycle, and the built-in hardware frequency meter is handy when you want a quick sanity check without setting up a full trigger. SCPI support means you can drive it from a Python script if you are into test automation.
The trade-offs are weight and channel count. At 2.4 pounds it is heavier than a handheld, and you only get two channels. The initial software setup is not as polished as Siglent or Rigol, but once configured it is stable.
For whom it’s good
Hobbyists who want real bench-scope bandwidth and screen size on a budget, and anyone planning to automate measurements with LABVIEW or SCPI. Also great as a second scope for a busy bench.
For whom it’s not ideal
If portability matters more than screen size, a handheld like the FNIRSI 1013D Plus or HANMATEK HO52 will suit you better. Four-channel projects are also out of scope here.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Oscilloscope for Hobbyists
Specs lists can be paralyzing, so let us walk through the seven things that actually matter for hobby use, in plain English.
Bandwidth: the 5x rule
Bandwidth is the highest frequency your scope can measure accurately. The rule of thumb is to pick a scope with at least 5x the bandwidth of the fastest signal you expect to see. If you mostly work with Arduino and slow sensors, 50 MHz is plenty. If you dabble in switching power supplies, audio amplifiers, or fast SPI buses, aim for 100 MHz or 200 MHz of headroom.
Sample rate: aim for at least 5x your signal
Sample rate is how many points per second your scope can capture. Look for at least 5x the signal frequency, more if you want to see fine waveform details. A 1 GSa/s scope will sample fast enough for most hobby projects, but note that on many scopes the sample rate drops when you use multiple channels at once.
Memory depth: long captures need more points
Memory depth is how many samples the scope can hold per capture. More memory means you can capture a longer time window at full sample rate. Anything from 1 Mpts upward is workable, and the 14 Mpts to 24 Mpts you find on Siglent and Rigol bench scopes makes UART decoding and power supply ripple analysis much easier.
Channels: 2 vs 4
Two channels cover most hobby work. If you regularly work on power electronics, motor control, or anything with clock plus data plus enable signals, four channels save a lot of frustration. Many hobbyists report buying a two-channel scope first and upgrading within a year.
Protocol decoding: I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, LIN
If you debug microcontrollers, you want hardware-based serial decoding. The Siglent SDS1104X-E decodes I2C, SPI, UART, RS232, CAN, and LIN out of the box. The Rigol DS1054Z and DS1202Z-E cover RS232, I2C, and SPI. FNIRSI and HANMATEK handhelds are more limited here.
Form factor: bench vs handheld vs USB
Bench scopes give you the most screen, the most channels, and the best ergonomics for long sessions. Handheld scopes win for field work, automotive diagnostics, and cramped benches. USB scopes like the PicoScope 2204A are perfect for laptops and floating measurements because they draw power over USB and have no mains ground reference.
Probes and accessories
Stock probes are often the weakest link. Most hobbyists end up buying a better passive probe or a current clamp within their first year. Factor that into your budget, and look for scopes with standard BNC connectors rather than proprietary or MCX connectors.
Safety: Probing Mains-Referenced Circuits
Almost every switching power supply, motor drive, and dimmer circuit in your house is referenced to mains ground. A standard bench scope ties the probe ground clip to earth ground through the wall outlet, which means if you clip onto a “floating” part of a live circuit you can complete a path to ground through the scope, your body, or both. Reviewers on EEVBlog and r/AskElectronics have posted plenty of melted probe ground leads to remind us of this.
For mains-referenced work, you have three safer options. A handheld battery-powered scope like the HANMATEK HO52 or FNIRSI 2C53T is naturally floating. A USB scope like the PicoScope 2204A has no mains connection and is also floating. A proper differential probe lets you measure across two points that are not at ground on a regular bench scope. If you only ever work on low-voltage battery projects you can skip this section. If you ever plan to probe a wall-powered circuit, please read your scope manual on ground referencing first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of oscilloscope is considered the best for hobbyists?
For hobbyists, Siglent and Rigol are the most consistently recommended brands thanks to their deep memory, accurate serial decoders, and strong community support. Siglent leads on out-of-the-box decoder coverage and the SDS1202X-E remains a top pick for many first-time buyers.
What is a good, cheap oscilloscope for hobbyists?
The FNIRSI 2C53T is a strong budget pick under 130 dollars, combining a 50 MHz scope, a true RMS multimeter, and a DDS signal generator in one tool. For two-channel bench work on a tighter budget the HANMATEK DOS1102 delivers 110 MHz of bandwidth and a real 7-inch screen.
Is 100 MHz bandwidth enough for hobbyist electronics?
Yes, 100 MHz covers the vast majority of hobby work including Arduino and ESP32 projects, audio circuits, switching power supplies under a few hundred kHz, and most SPI and I2C buses. You only need more if you are doing serious RF work or measuring very fast digital signals.
Do I need 4 channels on an oscilloscope?
Two channels cover most hobby projects. You only need four if you regularly work on power electronics, three-phase motor control, or any project where you want to watch a clock, data, and enable signal at the same time. Many hobbyists start with two channels and upgrade within a year.
Should I buy a used oscilloscope instead of a new one?
A used Tektronix or Keysight bench scope can be a great value if you can test it before buying and confirm the probes and calibration. The downside is no warranty and an older interface. For a first scope, a new Siglent or Rigol with current firmware is usually the safer choice.
The Verdict: Which Hobbyist Oscilloscope Should You Buy?
After months of testing, the Siglent SDS1202X-E remains our top pick for the best oscilloscope for hobbyists in 2026. It pairs 200 MHz of bandwidth with hardware-based I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, and LIN decoding, and its 14 Mpts memory depth handles real projects rather than demo waveforms.
If you want four channels without breaking the bank, the Rigol DS1054Z is still a brilliant choice, and its huge community of users means help is never far away. If you are just getting started and want one tool that does the job of three, the FNIRSI 2C53T is the best budget oscilloscope for hobbyists and a great first scope to learn on. Match the form factor to your workbench, mind the bandwidth rule, and remember that the best scope is the one you actually use. Happy probing.