UNI-T MSO5000HD Series vs Rigol DHO4000 Series
Two 12-bit HD families — the MSO5000HD reaches 1 GHz with deeper standard memory and a 5-year warranty; the DHO4000 is lower-priced and tops at 800 MHz.
The UNI-T MSO5000HD and Rigol DHO4000 are both 12-bit HD oscilloscope families. The MSO5000HD (350 MHz–1 GHz, 5 GSa/s) ships 500 Mpts of memory standard and a 5-year warranty and reaches 1 GHz; the DHO4000 (200/400/800 MHz, 4 GSa/s) is lower-priced and posts a higher UltraAcquire capture rate. Match the two by bandwidth below.
Both are 12-bit HD families with 10.1-inch touchscreens. The MSO5000HD leads on top bandwidth and standard memory; the DHO4000 leads on price and UltraAcquire capture rate. Sample rate is level.
Match the models by bandwidth
| Bandwidth | Channels | UNI-T model | Rigol |
|---|---|---|---|
| 350 MHz | 4+16 | UNI-T MSO5034HD | DHO4404 (400 MHz) |
| 500 MHz | 4+16 | UNI-T MSO5054HD | DHO4804 (800 MHz) |
| 1 GHz | 4+16 | UNI-T MSO5104HD · Compare › | DHO4804 (800 MHz, series top) |
DHO4000 bandwidths are 200/400/800 MHz; the MSO5000HD line is 350 MHz–1 GHz. The DHO4000 has no 1 GHz model. Both are 12-bit. Prices from authorized US distributors, September 2026.
Series-level comparison
| Feature | UNI-T MSO5000HD | DHO4000 Series | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical resolution | 12-bit native; 16-bit with ERES | 12-bit native; 16-bit (HiRes) | Equal |
| Max bandwidth | to 1 GHz | to 800 MHz | UNI-T ✓ |
| Max sample rate | 5 GSa/s (1-ch); 2.5 GSa/s (4-ch) | 4 GSa/s | Equal |
| Acquisition memory | 500 Mpts standard | 250 Mpts (500 Mpts opt.) | UNI-T ✓ |
| Waveform capture rate | 800,000 wfms/s (1.5M sequence) | 1,500,000 wfms/s (UltraAcquire) | Rigol ✓ |
| Built-in AWG | Dual-channel 50 MHz (option) | Dual-channel 25 MHz (option) | UNI-T ✓ |
| Standard serial decode | RS-232/422/485/UART, I2C, SPI, CAN, LIN standard; 10 more optional | Broad standard incl. CAN/CAN-FD/LIN | Equal |
| Warranty | 3+2 years (5 total with registration) | 3 years | UNI-T ✓ |
| Price (500 MHz, 4-ch) | See current price → | $5,079 (DHO4804, 800 MHz) | Rigol ✓ |
1 GHz where Rigol stops at 800
The MSO5104HD reaches 1 GHz at 5 GSa/s; the DHO4000 line tops out at the 800 MHz DHO4804.
Deeper standard memory
500 Mpts ships standard versus 250 Mpts on the Rigol (500 is a paid option).
Five-year coverage, wider AWG
Exclusive 3+2 (5-year) warranty, US support and an optional dual 50 MHz AWG versus Rigol's 25 MHz.
The bottom line
Every UNI-T HD scope is a 9-in-1 instrument — oscilloscope, 16-channel logic analyzer (option), serial protocol analyzer, spectrum/FFT, frequency counter, 4-digit DVM, Bode-plot analyzer, power analyzer (option) and an optional dual-channel 50 MHz AWG — on a true 12-bit front end with 500 Mpts of memory standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UNI-T MSO5000HD a real alternative to the Rigol DHO4000?
Yes — both are 12-bit, 4-channel HD scopes. The MSO5000HD reaches 1 GHz with deeper standard memory and a 5-year warranty; the DHO4000 is lower-priced at up to 800 MHz with a higher UltraAcquire capture rate. Choose by bandwidth, memory and warranty versus up-front price.
Which is cheaper?
The Rigol lists a little lower: the 800 MHz DHO4804 is $5,079, within a few hundred dollars of the 1 GHz MSO5104HD. The MSO5000HD is the higher-capability flagship — more bandwidth at the top of the line, 500 Mpts standard against 250, and a 5-year warranty. The DHO4000 posts a higher UltraAcquire capture rate.
What does the DHO4000 do better?
It costs less and posts a higher UltraAcquire waveform-capture rate. The MSO5000HD leads on top bandwidth (1 GHz), standard memory and warranty.
Are UNI-T software options subscriptions?
No. Every UNI-T software option — logic, automotive/aerospace decode, power analysis, the AWG — is a permanent one-time unlock. No annual licenses, no renewal fees, no expiring features.
Ready to choose?
A 1 GHz, 5 GSa/s 12-bit flagship with deeper standard memory and a 5-year warranty — above the DHO4000's 800 MHz ceiling.
Shop the UNI-T MSO5000HD Series →
Sources: UNI-T MSO5000HD Series brochure and Rigol DHO4000 Series datasheet; competitor specifications and US prices from authorized distributor listings, September 2026. Last verified 2026-06-15; prices subject to change.
Disclaimer: RIGOL® is a registered trademark of RIGOL Technologies, Inc.. UNI-T® is a registered trademark of Uni-Trend Technology (China) Co., Ltd. The comparison provided is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. This comparison is not endorsed by, affiliated with, or sponsored by RIGOL Technologies, Inc.. All trademarks, product names, and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.