Choosing a spectrum analyzer comes down to where and how you measure. Are you chasing weak signals across a wide RF range on a dedicated bench, or do you need something compact that goes where the signals are? That divide separates the Agilent N9320B from the TinySA.
Quick verdict
If your work demands a professional-grade analyzer with a broad frequency span and low displayed noise, the Agilent N9320B is the stronger instrument-but it is out of calibration, sold as-is, and lacks accessories. If you want a small analyzer for signals at the lower end of the RF spectrum and like the idea of having a signal generator in the same box, the TinySA is the practical companion.
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Price | Price bar | Frequency range | What stands out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agilent N9320B 9 kHz - 3 GHz RF Spectrum Analyzer | USD 1,200.00 | 9 kHz to 3 GHz | -130 dBm displayed average noise level, 10 Hz to 1 MHz resolution bandwidth | |
| TinySA Tiny Spectrum Analyzer Frequency Analyzer 100kHz to 960MHz MF HF Used | USD 39.98 | 100 kHz to 960 MHz | Two inputs, switchable resolution bandpass filters, built-in calibration signal generator |
Where each product wins
- Agilent N9320B: Choose it when you need to analyze signals beyond the TinySA's top end, with the sensitivity and resolution bandwidth range to dig into RF details.
- TinySA: Choose it when portability and price are the driving factors and the signals you care about live within the lower RF spectrum.
Product notes
Agilent N9320B 9 kHz - 3 GHz RF Spectrum Analyzer
The Agilent N9320B is a professional-grade spectrum analyzer covering 9 kHz to 3 GHz. Its displayed average noise level of -130 dBm and resolution bandwidth range of 10 Hz to 1 MHz make it well suited for detailed RF signal analysis, education, and lab troubleshooting. If you work with higher-frequency signals, this is the one that can follow you there. The unit powers on and functions properly, but it is out of calibration and sold as-is, with no accessories or power cable included. That means you'll need to handle calibration and cabling yourself, which is worth weighing against the asking price. For bench work that demands a wide range, the Agilent brings the capability.
TinySA Tiny Spectrum Analyzer Frequency Analyzer 100kHz to 960MHz MF HF Used
The TinySA packs a full analyzer setup into a compact unit. It covers 100 kHz to 960 MHz with two inputs: a higher-quality MF/HF/VHF input for 0.1 MHz to 350 MHz and a lesser-quality UHF input for 240 MHz to 960 MHz. Switchable resolution bandpass filters range from 2.6 kHz to 640 kHz, and the color display shows 290 scan points. It also includes a built-in calibration signal generator and can work as a signal generator when it is not analyzing. The clear limitation is the top frequency: anything above 960 MHz is beyond its reach, and the UHF input is the lesser-quality of the two. For MF/HF/VHF work, the TinySA is a lot of capability in a small box.
Final choice by use case
If you need a bench-grade RF analyzer for serious troubleshooting, education, or lab work, the Agilent N9320B gives you the range and sensitivity to tackle those jobs, provided you can work around its as-is condition. If you want a compact analyzer that also acts as a signal generator and fits into a much smaller budget, the TinySA is the one to reach for.
