UNI-T MSO2204X vs Rigol MSO5204

Professional Performance at a Fraction of the Cost

Get superior specifications, integrated functionality, and ALL software included in one complete package — delivering enterprise-grade performance with exceptional value.

The UNI-T MSO2204X delivers superior specifications, deeper memory, and more functionality than the Rigol MSO5204. While the Rigol has a lower starting price, once you add the software options needed for a complete solution, the UNI-T offers substantially better value with everything included in one package. Plus, get a full 5 years of warranty coverage with free registration—providing long-term peace of mind for your investment.

True Value Comparison - Total Cost of Ownership

Feature	UNI-T MSO2204X	Rigol MSO5204
Base Price	$1,899	$1,499
Dual-Channel AWG	Included ($280 value)	+ $299 (MSO5000-AWG)
Power Analysis	Included ($280 value)	+ $299 (MSO5000-PWR)
Protocol Analysis	Included ($1,674 value)	+ $298 (min. options)
Total Cost	$1,899	$2,395
You Save	$496	-

* Based on published prices. The Rigol total includes minimum comparable options. Actual price may be higher with full protocol suite.

Superior Signal Insight with Revolutionary Waveform Capture Rate

The MSO2204X's breakthrough 2,000,000 wfm/s capture rate (4X faster than Rigol's 500,000 wfm/s) fundamentally changes how quickly you can debug difficult problems. When hunting for intermittent glitches or rare events, the MSO2204X's ultra-high capture rate means you spend less time waiting and more time solving. A typical 8-hour debugging session could capture up to 57.6 billion waveforms with the MSO2204X compared to just 14.4 billion with the Rigol MSO5204. This dramatic increase in captured signals means you're 4X more likely to catch those random, intermittent events that can take days to isolate with conventional oscilloscopes.

Superior Memory Architecture

The MSO2204X features a superior memory architecture that maintains the full 100 Mpts memory depth on each channel simultaneously, while the Rigol MSO5204 reduces memory to just 50 Mpts per channel when all channels are active. This means you can capture long signal sequences across all four channels without sacrificing resolution—critical for correlating events across multiple signals in complex digital systems.

Larger, Higher Resolution Display

The MSO2204X's 10.1" high-definition (1280×800) touchscreen provides 36% more viewing area and higher resolution than Rigol's 9" display. This larger workspace allows for more detailed signal visualization, easier touch navigation, and more on-screen information, reducing the need to switch between views and menus. When debugging complex signals, this additional screen real estate makes a significant difference in workflow efficiency and reduces eye strain during long testing sessions.

Superior AWG Capability

With its optional 50 MHz dual-channel arbitrary waveform generator (included free in this promotion), the MSO2204X delivers 2X the AWG bandwidth of Rigol's 25 MHz option. This higher bandwidth allows for more accurate stimulus generation when testing higher-frequency circuits and systems. The MSO2204X's AWG also includes Bode Plot analysis capabilities, making it perfect for frequency response testing of filters, amplifiers, and power supplies without requiring additional equipment.

Industry-Leading Warranty

The MSO2204X includes our exclusive 3+2 Year coverage plan. Register your product online and get a full 5 years of warranty protection—significantly longer than Rigol's standard 3-year coverage. This comprehensive warranty includes parts and labor, providing exceptional long-term protection for your investment.

All-in-One Value

The MSO2204X integrates 9 instruments into one compact package: oscilloscope, logic analyzer, dual-channel AWG, spectrum analyzer, digital voltmeter, frequency counter, protocol analyzer, bode plot analyzer, and power analyzer. This comprehensive functionality saves valuable bench space and eliminates the need to purchase multiple separate instruments. For smaller labs, educational settings, or field service applications, this integration delivers exceptional value and workflow efficiency that stand-alone instruments can't match.

Comprehensive Feature Comparison

Feature	UNI-T MSO2204X	Rigol MSO5204	Advantage
Bandwidth	200 MHz	200 MHz	Equal
Analog Channels	4	4	Equal
Digital Channels	16	16	Equal
Max Sample Rate	5 GSa/s (interleaved mode) 2.5 GSa/s (all channels)	8 GSa/s (single channel) 2 GSa/s (all channels)	Rigol ✓
Memory Depth	100 Mpts per channel	200 Mpts (single-channel) 100 Mpts (half-channel) 50 Mpts (all channels)	UNI-T ✓
Vertical Resolution	8-bit, 12-bit ERES	8-bit, 12-bit high resolution	Equal
Waveform Capture Rate	500,000 wfm/s 2,000,000 wfm/s (sequence)	500,000 wfm/s	UNI-T ✓
Display	10.1" capacitive touch (1280×800)	9" capacitive touch (1024×600)	UNI-T ✓
Display Technology	Ultra Phosphor 3.0 (256 levels)	UltraVision II	UNI-T ✓
Built-in AWG	50 MHz dual-channel (option)	25 MHz dual-channel (option)	UNI-T ✓
FFT Resolution	4 Mpts	1 Mpts	UNI-T ✓
Frequency Counter	7-bit resolution	6-bit resolution	UNI-T ✓
Digital Voltmeter	4-bit resolution	3-bit resolution	UNI-T ✓
Measurement Parameters	54 parameters	41 parameters	UNI-T ✓
Bode Plot Analysis	Included with AWG option	Optional extra cost	UNI-T ✓
Standard Protocol Analysis	RS232/UART, I2C, SPI	None (all optional)	UNI-T ✓
Protocol Analysis Options	9 protocols	8 protocols	UNI-T ✓
Power Analysis Functions	5-7 functions	2 functions	UNI-T ✓
Multi-instrument Integration	9-in-1	7-in-1	UNI-T ✓
Warranty	5 years with registration	3 years	UNI-T ✓
Base Price Range (USD)	$1,899	$1,499	Rigol ✓
Price with Comparable Options	$1,899 (All included)	$2,395+ ($1,499 + $896 for options)	UNI-T ✓

* Specifications based on manufacturer published data.

Understanding Rigol MSO5000 Series Variants

The Rigol MSO5000 Series offers multiple variants with different capabilities, each requiring separate purchases for full functionality:

Rigol Model	Included Features	What You'll Pay Extra For
Base Models (e.g., MSO5204)	Basic oscilloscope functionality, digital voltmeter	All protocol analysis, AWG, power analysis
Memory Upgraded Models	Basic functionality plus 200 Mpts memory	All protocol analysis, AWG, power analysis
2-Channel Models (MSO5102, MSO5072)	2 analog channels + 16 digital channels	Channel upgrade to 4 channels, all software options

Software Bundle Comparison

Software Option	UNI-T MSO2204X	Rigol MSO5204	Value You Save
Dual-Channel AWG	Included FREE ($280 value)	Optional MSO5000-AWG	$280+
Power Analysis	Included FREE ($280 value)	Optional MSO5000-PWR	$280+
CAN Bus Analysis	Included FREE ($279 value)	Part of optional MSO5000-AUTO	$279+
CAN-FD Analysis	Included FREE ($279 value)	Not available	$279+
LIN Bus Analysis	Included FREE ($279 value)	Part of optional MSO5000-AUTO	$279+
FlexRay Bus Analysis	Included FREE ($279 value)	Optional MSO5000-FLEX	$279+
SENT Bus Analysis	Included FREE ($279 value)	Not available	$279+
Audio Bus Analysis (I2S)	Included FREE ($279 value)	Optional MSO5000-AUDIO	$279+
Total Value	Included FREE	$2,000+ in options	$2,234

All UNI-T software options are permanently unlocked with NO subscription fees or renewals! Unlike competitors who often charge subscription fees or require renewals, all software options included in this promotion are permanently unlocked. There are absolutely no subscription fees, no renewal costs, and no recurring charges of any kind. Once unlocked, these features are yours to use forever.

Looking for More Options?

Perfect For:

Electronic Design & Debugging for 200MHz Applications

The MSO2204X's 200MHz bandwidth and exceptional memory depth make it ideal for designing and debugging modern digital circuits, microcontrollers, embedded systems, and analog circuits operating up to 200MHz. With its superior waveform capture rate, you'll catch elusive glitches and intermittent problems that other oscilloscopes might miss.

Automotive Electronics Development & Testing

With standard CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, FlexRay, and SENT protocol analyzers included, the MSO2204X is perfectly equipped for automotive electronics testing. Whether you're developing ECU systems, testing sensor networks, or validating automotive communications buses, the MSO2204X provides all the tools you need without requiring expensive add-ons.

Mixed-Signal IoT & Embedded Systems Design

IoT and embedded systems often combine analog sensors, digital processing, and communications interfaces. The MSO2204X's 4 analog channels and 16 digital channels, combined with extensive protocol analysis capabilities, make it the perfect tool for developing, debugging, and testing these complex mixed-signal systems.

Power Electronics Analysis & Testing

With the included power analysis software option, the MSO2204X provides comprehensive tools for analyzing power supply switching characteristics, measuring power quality, calculating losses, and evaluating efficiency. This capability makes it ideal for power electronics engineers developing motor drives, inverters, DC-DC converters, and switch-mode power supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the MSO2204X compare to the Rigol MSO5204?

While both oscilloscopes offer 200MHz bandwidth and 4 analog channels, the MSO2204X provides significant advantages including 4X faster waveform capture rate in sequence mode (2M wfm/s vs 500k wfm/s), a larger 10.1" touchscreen (vs 9"), twice the AWG bandwidth (50MHz vs 25MHz), and better per-channel memory allocation when using all channels. The Rigol has a lower base price ($1,499 vs $1,899), but when you factor in the cost of adding comparable software options to the Rigol (approximately $896 for AWG, power analysis, and protocol analyzers), the UNI-T delivers much better value with everything included for $1,899.

What makes the 100 Mpts memory depth so important?

Memory depth determines how long you can capture signals at high sample rates. With 100 Mpts per channel - 2X more than Rigol's 50 Mpts when using all channels - the MSO2204X allows you to record much longer signal sequences while maintaining full resolution. This is critical for capturing and analyzing complex behaviors that occur over extended time periods, such as startup sequences, intermittent glitches, or serial bus communications with long idle periods.

Why is waveform capture rate so important?

Waveform capture rate directly impacts your ability to detect rare or intermittent events. At 2,000,000 wfm/s in sequence mode, the MSO2204X captures 4X more waveforms than the Rigol MSO5204, giving you a 4X better chance of catching elusive glitches, transients, or sporadic errors that might occur only once in thousands or millions of cycles. This translates to significantly reduced debugging time when troubleshooting complex problems.

Are the software options really permanent?

Yes! Unlike some competitors who offer time-limited trials or features that require renewal, all software options included in this promotion are permanently unlocked. There are absolutely no subscription fees, no renewal costs, and no recurring charges of any kind. Once unlocked, these features are yours to use forever.

What warranty is included?

The MSO2204X comes with our exclusive 3+2 Coverage: 3 years standard warranty with an additional 2 years available with free product registration at uni-trendus.com/pages/uni-trend-product-registration. This comprehensive coverage includes parts and labor, providing you with exceptional long-term protection for your investment.

Is shipping really free?

Yes! We offer free shipping to all addresses within the Continental United States (CONUS).

Explore Our Other Professional Oscilloscopes

Looking for different specifications? Check out our complete range of professional oscilloscopes:

• MSO2104X: 100MHz bandwidth, 4 channels - ideal for entry-level applications
• MSO2304X: 300MHz bandwidth, 4 channels - for advanced applications
• MSO3034X: 350MHz bandwidth, 4 channels - for high-performance needs
• MSO3054X: 500MHz bandwidth, 4 channels - our premium research-grade oscilloscope

Visit our Oscilloscopes collection to see all available models, including our premium 12-bit HD oscilloscopes with up to 1GHz bandwidth.

Ready to Upgrade Your Oscilloscope?

The UNI-T MSO2204X offers professional performance at an unbeatable price compared to Rigol MSO5204!

Includes 3+2 Year Warranty & Free Technical Support

Register at uni-trendus.com/pages/uni-trend-product-registration to extend your 3-year standard warranty to a full 5 years at no extra cost!

FREE Software Bundle Offer valid through December 31, 2025