If you're building a home bench for oscilloscopes and signal spectrum analyzers, one of the first decisions is whether to go with a standalone scope or a USB-connected instrument that lives beside your laptop. The HP 54600B is a 100 MHz two-channel digital oscilloscope sold as used with a front cover and carrying case, at $135. The Digilent Analog Discovery 2 is a 30 MHz, two-channel USB oscilloscope with 14-bit resolution and WaveForms 2015 software, at $150. They are only $15 apart in price, but the trade-offs are about more than the sticker.
Quick verdict
If maximum bandwidth is your priority, the HP 54600B is the stronger bench unit: it offers 100 MHz of bandwidth for $135, and it comes with a front cover and case. If portability, modern USB connectivity, and 14-bit signal detail matter more, the Digilent Analog Discovery 2 is the better pick at $150. For a fixed lab setup where high-frequency capture is the main job, choose the HP. For a compact, PC-based test tool that works with bundled software, choose the Digilent.
At a glance
| HP 54600B | Digilent Analog Discovery 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 135.00 | USD 150.00 |
| Condition | Used | New - Open box |
| Maximum Bandwidth | 100 MHz | 30 MHz |
| Number of Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Notable extras | Front cover + case | USB connectivity, WaveForms 2015 |
Where each product wins
- HP 54600B: higher bandwidth (100 MHz vs. 30 MHz), lower price ($135 vs. $150), and a protective front cover plus case.
- Digilent Analog Discovery 2: compact USB form factor, included WaveForms 2015 software, and 14-bit digital resolution for finer signal detail.
- Both: two channels and a digital oscilloscope design, so they can handle basic two-signal comparisons.
Product notes
HP 54600B Digital Oscilloscope
The HP 54600B is a used digital oscilloscope with a listed 100 MHz maximum bandwidth and two channels, and it arrives with a front cover and a case. The listing describes the unit as pulled from a working environment and checked to power on, and it includes a 30-day warranty. That makes it attractive if you need a bench scope that can capture faster signals than the 30 MHz Digilent. The main limitation is the condition: it is used, and the description says the check was limited to power-on rather than a full functional test. Also, the included items are the scope, cover, and case, so you should not expect a large accessory kit. For the $135 price, it gives you the highest bandwidth in this comparison.
Digilent Analog Discovery 2 USB Digital Oscilloscope
The Digilent Analog Discovery 2 is sold as new open-box for $150 and is built around USB connectivity. Its 30 MHz bandwidth and two channels cover many general-purpose audio, sensor, and control signals, while the 14-bit digital resolution can make finer signal detail visible. The listing includes WaveForms 2015 software, so the instrument can function as a PC-connected measurement station rather than a standalone screen. The trade-off is that 30 MHz is a lower bandwidth ceiling than the HP's 100 MHz, so it is less suited to very high-frequency work. The open-box condition means it is not a sealed new unit, but the hardware advantages and included software make the $150 price reasonable for a portable, software-driven oscilloscope setup.
Final choice by use case
Choose the HP 54600B if you mostly work at a dedicated bench, want 100 MHz of bandwidth, and prefer a traditional oscilloscope with its own controls. The included cover and case make it slightly easier to store or move between work areas.
Choose the Digilent Analog Discovery 2 if you want a USB instrument that pairs with a laptop, rely on software for waveform analysis, or need the extra resolution that 14-bit sampling provides. It is the more portable and software-centric option, though with a lower bandwidth ceiling.
At $15 apart, the decision is not really about the price difference. It is about whether you value raw bandwidth or software-based portability more.
