If you want the short answer: the Siglent SDG2042X is the function generator we recommend most often, the OWON DGE2070 gives you the most bandwidth per pound, and the Koolertron 15 MHz dual-channel is the sensible first bench purchase. This guide covers the best function generators for electronics hobbyists, from low-cost DDS boxes to 80 MHz two-channel bench instruments.
The single most important buying decision has nothing to do with brand. It is matching the generator to your oscilloscope and to the highest frequency your actual projects touch. Hobby audio, microcontroller and filter work rarely needs more than a few megahertz, and spending far above that is the most common mistake we see.
We checked manufacturer specification sheets rather than repeating listing headlines, because budget DDS models vary between hardware revisions. Each entry below names the bandwidth, channels and resolution figures for the specific model, plus the one drawback an owner is most likely to hit. Last checked October 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Function Generators for Electronics Hobbyists (October 2026)
Siglent SDG2042X 40MHz Dual-Channel
- 40 MHz sine bandwidth
- 16-bit resolution
- USB and LAN remote control
- built-in frequency counter
Koolertron 15MHz Dual-Channel DDS
- Dual-channel with TTL output
- 200 MSa/s and 14-bit
- 99 stored setups
- 60 waveform slots
OWON DGE2070 70MHz Dual-Channel
- 70 MHz dual channel
- 300 MSa/s sampling
- 150 built-in waveforms
- AM FM PM FSK plus sweep
Best Function Generators at a Glance In 2026
Every model below is dual-channel. Bandwidth figures are the manufacturer’s maximum sine output frequency, and remember that square and triangle output is usually around half of that.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Siglent SDG2042X 40MHz Dual-Channel |
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| Koolertron 15MHz Dual-Channel DDS |
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 Siglent SDG2082X 80MHz Dual-Channel |
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 Rigol DG822 Pro 25MHz Dual-Channel |
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 Rigol DG1022Z 25MHz Dual-Channel |
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 UNI-T UTG962E 30MHz Dual-Channel |
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 UNI-T UTG962E Handheld 60MHz |
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| OWON DGE2070 70MHz Dual-Channel |
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 Seesii JDS6600 60MHz Dual-Channel |
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 UNI-T UTG932E 30MHz Dual-Channel |
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 FeelTech FY6900 60MHz Dual-Channel |
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 YERTAI ET3320C 20MHz Dual-Channel |
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Do You Even Need a Standalone Function Generator?
Before you spend anything, check the oscilloscope you already own. Plenty of entry-level scopes include a built-in waveform generator on the rear or front panel, and if yours does, a standalone box may be a later purchase rather than the first one.
Scope-mounted generators are usually limited in ways that matter less than beginners expect. They often provide a single channel, a reduced set of waveforms, no arbitrary waveform memory and no sweep or burst. They are fine for driving a clock line or checking that an amplifier stage passes a sine wave.
Our view is that a standalone generator becomes worth buying once you want two independent channels to drive a filter and a reference, a sweep that pairs with the scope trigger, or arbitrary waveforms loaded from a PC. Our oscilloscope roundup covers which entry-level scopes carry a built-in output.
Long-time forum regulars on EEVblog and r/AskElectronics make the same point repeatedly: a cheap DDS box is a reasonable entry point rather than a mistake, and the FeelTech-style generators stay useful on the bench for years.
1. Siglent SDG2042X – Our Overall Pick for a Home Bench
Siglent Technologies SDG2042X Arbitrary Waveform Function-Generators, 40 MHz, Grey
- Accurate and stable output with excellent build quality
- LAN and USB for remote control and scope integration
- Large sharp display with a usable interface without the manual
- Compact footprint for a crowded workbench
- Quiet cooling fan
- EasyWave arbitrary waveform software is Windows-only and awkward
- Firmware does not accept direct duty cycle entry such as 5-95 percent
- Manual does not explain DDS versus TrueArb modes
This is the generator I reach for first when a bench needs two channels and enough bandwidth to work above audio. It puts out 40 MHz of sine bandwidth across two independent channels with 16-bit vertical resolution, and the TrueArb and EasyPulse modes handle awkward waveforms better than anything else at this size.
The LAN port is the reason it edges out the alternatives. Owners put it to work driving Siglent oscilloscopes over the network for automated sweeps, which is something most budget DDS boxes simply cannot do. At 1.6 pounds it takes almost no bench space.
Where it disappoints is the software side. The bundled EasyWave arbitrary waveform editor is Windows-only and reviewers describe it as difficult to use, so plan on spending an evening learning it if complex loaded waveforms are central to your work.
The firmware also refuses direct duty cycle entry, meaning you cannot type in a value like 5 to 95 percent and have it honoured. The manual is thin, and it does not clearly explain when to use DDS mode versus TrueArb mode, so that distinction takes some experimentation.
When the SDG2042X earns its price
It earns its place when you are working above audio frequencies, driving two circuits at once, or scripting measurements over the network. Filter response work and microcontroller timing tests both fall comfortably inside its range.
Forum regulars name the Siglent X-series as the most common step up from a budget DDS box, and owners of the SDG2042X frequently describe it as replacing older RF gear for alignment work.
When to buy something else instead
If you work strictly below 20 kHz on speaker and valve projects, the bandwidth here is far more than you need and a cheaper dual-channel box does the job. It is also the wrong choice if your workflow runs on Windows PCs only and you depend on arbitrary waveform editing as a daily tool.
2. Koolertron 15 MHz Dual-Channel – Best First Bench Purchase
- Strong value for electronics work
- teaching and lab use
- Independent dual-channel parameter control
- Good selection of standard plus user-defined waveforms
- Stores and recalls 99 instrument setups
- 15 MHz sine ceiling is the lowest in this roundup
- 14-bit resolution is a step below the 16-bit models
- A minority of owners report isolated reliability or accuracy issues
With 473 owner reviews on record, this is the most thoroughly used budget generator in the list, and the reviews are consistently positive about what it delivers. It gives you two independent channels with TTL level output, a 200 MSa/s sampling rate and 14-bit vertical resolution.
For audio, sensor conditioning and microcontroller testing it is genuinely capable. It stores 99 instrument setups and 60 user waveform slots at 2048 points each, and the sweep runs up to 999.9 seconds, which is more than most experiments need.
The honest limit is frequency. Fifteen megahertz of sine output is the lowest ceiling here, so RF and fast digital edge work is out of reach. Square and triangle output fall lower still, as they do on every generator in this roundup.
Resolution is 14-bit rather than the 16-bit offered by the Siglent models, so the noise floor on a pure sine is higher. A minority of owners report isolated reliability or accuracy problems, though most describe it as a dependable teaching and hobby instrument.
Who this suits best
Students and first-time bench buyers. Buyers repeatedly describe it as an ideal first bench instrument for students, hobbyists and lab teaching, and the large review base gives unusual confidence for an entry-level box.
It also suits anyone who wants two channels and a built-in measurement function without spending meaningfully more.
Where you will feel the ceiling
Anyone chasing filter response work above a few megahertz, or radio alignment, will outgrow it quickly. The 2048-point waveform slots also mean loaded arbitrary waveforms are coarse compared with the multi-megapoint depth of the higher-tier models.
Pair it with one of our bench power supply picks and it makes a complete low-cost starter bench.
3. Siglent SDG2082X – For Work Well Above Audio
Siglent SDG2082X – Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator (2 Channels/80MHz/1.2 GSa/s)
- 80 MHz dual-channel bandwidth for demanding signal work
- Very high 1.2 GSa/s sampling rate
- 16-bit vertical resolution
- Waveform length from 8 points to 8 Mpts
- Heavy at 8.8 pounds for a crowded shelf
- Only a handful of owner reviews to judge long-term reliability
- TrueArb sample rate tops out at 75 MSa/s
This is the bandwidth end of the roundup. Eighty megahertz across two channels at 1.2 GSa/s sampling puts it well beyond anything a hobby audio or microcontroller project needs, aimed instead at signal work in the tens of megahertz.
Waveform memory runs from 8 points to 8 Mpts, so you can hold long captured or computed waveforms rather than short approximations. TrueArb lets you set a user-defined sample rate between 1 uSa/s and 75 MSa/s, which matters when the shape of a waveform at a specific rate is the point.
Owners rate it five stars across a small sample and describe it as a professional-grade bench instrument. We would not call it a hobbyist purchase unless you already know you need that headroom.
What it unlocks
Radio alignment, RF amplifier work and any measurement where a few megahertz is genuinely the requirement. Two channels at this bandwidth also let you compare a filtered signal against its source in a single sweep.
If your oscilloscope is in the same class, this generator keeps both instruments under one manufacturer for a matched workflow.
Why most hobbyists skip it
You are paying for capability you will not exercise. The practical ceiling for most home projects sits far below 80 MHz, and a 25 or 40 MHz dual-channel box covers the same work at a fraction of the outlay.
At 8.8 pounds it is also the heaviest instrument here, and with only a handful of owner reviews available it carries less real-world feedback than the models ranked above it.
4. Rigol DG822 Pro – Packed With Modulation for Teaching
Rigol DG822 Pro Waveform Generator 25MHz,2 Channels,16 bit, 625MSa/s
- Dual independent channels for testing and classroom demonstration
- 16-bit resolution and 200 MSa/s give smooth low-distortion signals
- Wide modulation sweep burst and harmonics feature set
- 25 MHz ceiling is modest for radio alignment
- Some setups report occasional USB driver resets
- Only a small number of owner reviews available
The DG822 Pro stands out for its modulation list rather than its bandwidth. Alongside AM, FM and PM it offers ASK, FSK, PSK and PWM, plus sweep, burst and harmonic generation, on two independent channels at 25 MHz.
That combination makes it the one we would put in front of students. Demonstrating FSK or PSK modulation usually means stacking equipment, and here it is a menu selection on a unit that measures 10.47 by 3.15 by 6.5 inches.
Reviewers describe it as a dependable lab, education and development instrument with an easy-to-operate bench form. Sixteen-bit resolution at 200 MSa/s keeps distortion low for classroom signal quality checks.
Where it earns the badge
Teaching modulation concepts, and bench work that leans on PWM or digital keying rather than high-frequency analogue measurement. The harmonic output is useful when checking amplifier stages for distortion products.
It also suits anyone who wants 16-bit resolution without moving up a size class.
What to watch for
Forum users with this model report occasional USB driver resets on some PC setups, where the instrument disconnects and reboots mid-session. Worth checking compatibility with your machine before you rely on PC control.
At 25 MHz the ceiling is modest for radio work, and the review count is small, so long-term reliability feedback is thinner than for the picks above.
5. Rigol DG1022Z – The Biggest Built-In Waveform Library
Rigol DG1022Z Signal Generator, 25MHz Function Arbitrary Waveform Generator
- Simple to use and reliable for everyday bench tasks
- Clean accurate output for both basic and complex tests
- 160 built-in waveforms plus arbitrary output
- USB Host USB Device and LAN connectivity
- Cooling fan is audible during operation
- Manufacturer-listed dimensions are not populated
- 14-bit resolution sits below the 16-bit models
With 160 built-in waveforms, this is the pick when you want to try odd shapes without uploading anything. It covers AM, FM, PM, FSK, ASK and PWM modulation plus sweep, burst and harmonic generation across two channels up to 25 MHz.
Owners describe it as a straightforward instrument they use constantly, with clean accurate output for both routine and more demanding tests. The only recurring remark in reviews is fan noise.
Connectivity is genuinely useful: USB Host, USB Device and LAN together mean it can be scripted or driven from a network, and the three interfaces cover most automation approaches you would attempt at this level.
When to pick it
Choose it for analogue circuit work where you want ready-made shapes on the panel, for teaching modulation, or for driving microcontrollers without writing waveform files. The wide library saves real time when experimenting.
Anyone building a remote test bench will value the LAN interface, which few competing units at this class include.
Where it disappoints
The cooling fan is audible during operation, which matters in a quiet room. It also measures 3.5 kg and the manufacturer-listed dimensions on record are not populated, so confirm the footprint against your shelf before ordering.
Resolution is 14-bit, a step below the Siglent and Rigol DG822 Pro models, so expect a slightly higher noise floor on a pure sine.
6. UNI-T UTG962E – Noticeably Low Output Noise
UNI-T UTG962E Arbitrary Waveform Generator Function Signal Generator
- Very low noise output including clean DC
- Time base measured at roughly 1.7 ppm against a GPS reference
- Intuitive flexible interface with a bright screen
- Compact and well built for the money
- 15 ns square wave rise time as specified
- Output loses phase when parameters are changed
- Printed manual lacks detail on operation and modulation
- One owner reported glitches and frequency slip at low output voltages
Output noise is the reason this model stands apart. Owners specifically praise very low noise, including clean DC output, and several note it performs better on noise than more expensive laboratory equipment they have used.
The time base matters too. One owner measured it against a GPS reference and found roughly 1.7 ppm accuracy, which is a genuinely verifiable figure rather than a marketing claim, and the 15 ns square wave rise time is on the record as a published specification.
It pairs two channels with Ch1-Ch2 combining, 200 MSa/s sampling, 14-bit resolution and full-band resolution of 1 uHz using a DDS method, with a built-in six-digit frequency counter covering 1 uHz to 60 MHz.
Why clean output matters
When you are chasing a small ripple on a power rail or characterising a low-level analogue stage, generator noise sets the floor on what you can see. Low noise lets you measure the circuit rather than the instrument feeding it.
For audio and sensor work this quiet output is the feature that changes what you can see on the scope.
Where it falls short
The output loses phase when parameters are changed, which matters if you are comparing two channels through a phase-sensitive circuit. The printed manual also lacks detail on operation and modulation, so budget time for the learning curve.
One owner reported glitches and frequency slip at low output voltages, and the 4.3 average rating reflects that minority.
7. UNI-T UTG962E Handheld – The Portable 60 MHz Option
UNI-T UTG962E Handheld 60MHz 2Ch Arbitrary Waveform Generator – Compact RF Signal Generator with Dual Channels, AM/FM/PM Modulation, USB Connectivity
- Clean stable output with bench-suitable frequency accuracy
- Palm-sized and light at 14.1 ounces
- Dual channels for comparing or driving two inputs
- Front panel layout is quick to learn
- Runs from a 5V USB battery for ground isolation
- 4Kpts memory depth is thin for long arbitrary waveforms
- No LAN or GPIB so automation is USB only
- A small number of owner reviews on record
This is the same model number in a different enclosure, and the difference matters on a small bench. At 14.1 ounces and 7 by 3 by 4 inches it fits a tool bag or a shelf where the desktop version will not, while still delivering 60 MHz on two channels.
Owners use it for amplifier testing, filter troubleshooting, counter verification, radio alignment and RF work. It carries USB connectivity, AM, FM, PM and FSK modulation, linear and logarithmic scan types, and 24 non-volatile waveform storage slots.
Running it from a 5V USB battery is a detail we like more than we expected. Battery power removes the mains earth reference, which gives you genuine ground isolation between generator and circuit under test.
Best used for
Field work, radio alignment and troubleshooting away from a bench. Reviewers highlight accurate output, solid build and the front panel layout being quick to learn without the manual.
Dual channels let you drive a reference and a DUT side by side while watching both on a portable or handheld scope.
Where it disappoints
Memory depth is 4Kpts, which is thin if you want to upload long captured waveforms. Connectivity is USB only, with no LAN or GPIB, so long automation runs are out of reach.
The review sample is small, so treat the perfect ratings as encouraging rather than conclusive. For a fixed bench, the desktop model gives you more memory for the same core electronics.
8. OWON DGE2070 – The Best Value Per Pound
- Crisp readable display with informative button markings
- Reliable well-built unit that works as expected
- Lightweight and compact with quick-access shortcut keys
- Includes a useful set of test leads
- Level adjustment control is awkward to use
- Menus take exploration before they feel intuitive
- One owner reported lower accuracy than a UNI-T unit
Seventy megahertz across two channels for a compact enclosure is unusual value, and the 300 MSa/s sampling rate is the highest of the compact dual-channel models here. At 1.85 pounds with a 3.6-inch LCD, it takes almost no space.
You get five standard waveforms plus 150 built-in ones, with AM, FM, PM and FSK modulation alongside sweep and burst, and PC software control for remote operation. That feature list normally sits in larger instruments.
Owners across several countries describe a reliable, well-constructed generator with a readable display that feels familiar to anyone who has used laboratory instruments before.
Where the value shows
Filter and amplifier response work in the megahertz range, RF experiments, and anything where you want two channels plus modulation without moving up a size class.
The quick-access shortcut keys and included test leads make it practical straight out of the box, which matters for a first serious purchase.
Where it frustrates
The level adjustment control is not user-friendly and the menus take practice before they feel intuitive. One owner reported lower accuracy than a UNI-T unit, so if frequency precision is critical, verify against a known reference before trusting it.
Display size is 3.6 inches, fine for a glance but small when you are reading fine digits at a distance.
9. Seesii JDS6600 – The Vintage Audio Workhorse
Professional Upgraded DDS Signal Generator Counter, Seesii 60MHz LCD Display High Precision 200MSa/s Dual-Channel Arbitray Waveform Function Generator Frequency Meter
- Good value with a long service life
- Quick to operate with logically arranged buttons
- Built-in counter measures externally generated signals
- Clean sine and fast square transitions around 10 ns
- Bright readable bench display
- Not lab-grade
- with reported square wave edge overshoot
- No start-of-sweep trigger output for filter work
- Included power supply can inject noise into readings
This is the unit most often discussed on electronics forums, and owners generally treat it as a capable hobby and vintage-audio instrument rather than lab equipment. It delivers 60 MHz sine output at 200 MSa/s across two channels with separately adjustable duty cycle per channel.
It also stores 99 parameter groups and 60 user waveform positions, supports linear sweep up to 999.9 seconds plus logarithmic sweep, and measures frequency, period and pulse width on externally applied signals. Reviewers report clean sine waves and square transitions around 10 ns.
The recurring criticism is that it is not lab-grade. Owners report overshoot on square wave edges, output noise, light-duty construction with hard plastic feet that let the unit slide, and one measured a roughly 12-cycle frequency reading error against a precision standard.
The missing start-of-sweep trigger output is the limitation that matters most for beginners. Sweeping a filter and watching the scope at the same instant is much harder without that trigger, and this is why we would not recommend it as a first filter-testing tool.
Who should buy it
Anyone restoring vintage audio gear, measuring and generating low-level audio signals, or who wants a second generator on the bench without spending much. Long-serving owners report units still working after years.
Forum discussions repeatedly note it as a capable budget two-channel unit with sweep and burst, with the caveat that details differ between revisions.
Who should not
If your main interest is filter frequency response measurement, the absent sweep trigger output will frustrate you. Precision-dependent work is also a poor fit given the reported frequency reading error.
Specification variance between hardware revisions is the persistent caveat for this model and every similar budget DDS box, so treat headline figures as approximate.
10. UNI-T UTG932E – Built for Audio Projects
- Compact unit that fits a small shelf
- Easy to use with more than enough features
- Two channels are easy to set up and use
- Intuitive interface with a clear colour display
- 30 MHz ceiling suits audio rather than radio work
- Warranty coverage requires registration
- Small owner-review sample for long-term reliability
Thirty megahertz on two channels sits at the sweet spot for speaker building, preamp design and audio measurement. It runs 200 MSa/s with waveform memory, carries a 3.5-inch colour display and accepts USB connectivity with SCPI compatibility for scripted control.
What stands out is phase-locking between the two channels, plus AM, FM, PM, FSK, PSK and PWM modulation and sweep. Owners describe two-channel setup as straightforward and the interface as intuitive and comfortable, and they repeatedly call it great value for the feature set.
Several reviewers note the feature set exceeds what audible-range frequency projects actually require, which is about as strong an endorsement as you get for an audio-focused pick.
Why it suits audio work
Two phase-locked channels let you drive a filter and a reference at the same time with a known phase relationship, which is exactly how you measure distortion and intermodulation products in audio stages.
The compact 4 by 7 by 3 inch body and colour screen make it comfortable for long sessions at the bench.
Where it stops helping
Thirty megahertz is fine for audio and low-frequency digital work, but it will not cover radio alignment or fast edge work. If your projects are heading into RF, look at the 60 and 70 MHz models instead.
Warranty coverage requires registration, and the owner-review sample is small, so long-term reliability feedback is thinner than for the top picks.
11. FeelTech FY6900 – The Student Favourite
- Excellent value across many waveform types
- Useful for students
- hobbyists and college lab projects
- Accurate display readings
- Bounded output driver keeps noise acceptable
- Very small screen with cramped hard-to-read digits
- Output restarts when any control is adjusted
- Flimsy case with awkward small knobs
- No trigger output in sweep mode
The FY6900 has a 60 MHz ceiling, a 250 MSa/s sampling rate and two channels, which puts real capability on a student bench at a budget level. It covers sine, square, triangle, pulse, sawtooth and staircase waveforms, with a built-in frequency meter.
Owners consistently describe it as a capable entry-level instrument that carried students through electronics classes and hobby projects. Display readings are reported accurate, and the bounded output driver keeps noise within acceptable limits.
It is also the model forum users keep recommending as a first purchase rather than a compromise, with long-time regulars saying it stays useful to have around.
The compromises are felt in the handling. The screen is very small with cramped digits, the knobs are small and awkward, and the case feels flimsy in the hand compared with the Rigol and Siglent boxes.
Most annoying is that the output restarts when any control is adjusted, so a fine sweep gets interrupted every time you turn the encoder. There is also no trigger output in sweep mode, which limits RF filter work on this model.
Best reasons to buy it
Students, first-time builders and anyone who needs sine, square, triangle, pulse, sawtooth and staircase plus a frequency meter without spending much. Sixty megahertz of bandwidth on two channels is more than most college lab work needs.
It also works well as a second instrument once you have something better, since it covers the fundamentals independently.
What to watch for
Buy the complete instrument rather than an optional module or add-on, which is a mistake buyers on these forums report making. Expect the small display and the control-restart behaviour to slow you down during fine adjustments.
As with other budget DDS boxes, specifications vary between hardware revisions, so treat the headline figures as a guide rather than a promise.
12. YERTAI ET3320C – Small, Dual-Channel and Counter-Focused
YERTAI ET3320C Signal Function Generator, 20MHz DDS Arbitrary Waveform Frequency Counter Machine with USB Communication,Dual Channels
- Easy to use with a clear graphic TFT interface
- Compact and lightweight body
- Dual channels with a useful frequency counter
- ASK FSK and PSK modulation with internal or external source
- 13-bit resolution is the lowest in this roundup
- One owner received a unit that output only the negative half of the signal
- Limited owner feedback on long-term reliability
The ET3320C covers twenty megahertz at 200 MSa/s across two channels with 13-bit vertical resolution, which is the lowest resolution in this group. Resolution is rarely the deciding factor for PWM and microcontroller timing work, where frequency accuracy matters more.
Its standout feature is a 100 MHz high-precision frequency counter with a 32-bit counter, plus a 2.4-inch 320×240 TFT LCD showing a clear graphic interface. Owners find it easy to operate and appreciate the compact, lightweight body.
You get five basic waveforms plus 32 arbitrary ones, 50 sets of stored custom edited waveforms, and ASK, FSK and PSK modulation that can be driven internally or externally.
Where it fits best
Microcontroller and PWM testing, digital logic work and any bench where a colour TFT with readable graphics matters more than high bandwidth. The external modulation input is useful for testing receiver chains.
The large counter relative to the generator bandwidth is a genuine bonus when you are checking oscillator and resonator frequency.
What to be careful about
One owner received a unit that output only the negative half of any signal, which suggests you should verify full swing on both channels before you start a project with it. Others mention case damage from handling before arrival.
Thirteen-bit resolution means a higher noise floor on analogue signals, and the small owner-review sample means long-term reliability feedback is limited.
How to Choose a Function Generator
Bandwidth first. Maximum output frequency is quoted for sine waves and usually roughly halves for square and triangle. Work out the highest frequency your project touches, not the highest number on the box. Audio needs kilohertz, microcontroller and filter work needs a few megahertz, and only radio work pushes past 20 MHz.
Two channels, or one? Dual-channel lets you drive a filter and a reference simultaneously, or an amplifier stage in two configurations. Single-channel entry models are fine for learning and simple audio work, but they limit comparison testing.
Sample rate and resolution. The sample rate must be at least twice the highest frequency you want to reproduce, following the Nyquist relationship. Vertical resolution in bits determines how clean a pure sine looks; 14-bit is acceptable, 16-bit is noticeably cleaner on a scope trace.
Waveform memory depth. Arbitrary waveform memory decides how long a loaded waveform can be. Two thousand points is adequate for simple shapes, while multi-megapoint depths allow captured or computed waveforms.
Output impedance and your scope. Function generators typically output 50 ohms, while most oscilloscopes have a 1 megohm input. Connect the two directly and the generator’s output stage dissipates the difference, so your circuit receives roughly half the set amplitude. Set the scope input to 50 ohms, or leave it at 1 megohm and double the generator amplitude to compensate. Mismatched impedance is also the usual cause of distorted readings that get blamed on the scope.
Modulation versus I/Q. AM, FM and PM put a varying envelope or phase on a carrier. Vector I/Q generates two independent baseband signals for simulating modulated RF carriers, which is a different thing entirely and is missing on most hobbyist generators. Check the manual rather than assuming a menu labelled modulation gives you I/Q.
Connectivity. USB is standard. LAN matters if you intend to script measurements or drive the generator from another machine on your network, and only a few models in this roundup include it. Check SCPI compatibility if you plan to automate anything.
Sweep trigger output. If your main interest is filter frequency response, a trigger that fires at the start of each sweep makes the scope display far easier to read. Several budget units omit it, and that single missing feature changes what you can measure.
Budget vs Serious Bench: Where to Spend and Where to Save
Entry tier is where most hobby projects live. Units like the Koolertron 15 MHz, the FY6900 and the YERTAI ET3320C give you two channels, the standard waveform set, a frequency counter and enough bandwidth for audio and microcontroller work. Spend here and you will not run out of capability for years.
The middle tier is where the sweet spot sits for anyone serious about filters and amplifiers. The UNI-T models, the OWON DGE2070 and the Rigol DG822 Pro add 16-bit or 14-bit resolution, cleaner output and full modulation sets, and they remain compact enough for a home bench.
Spend more only when a specific project demands it. The Siglent SDG2042X and SDG2082X make sense when you work above audio frequencies or want network-controlled automation; below that threshold the extra bandwidth is unused capability.
Where it is worth spending more: resolution and noise, because they set the floor on what you can see. Where you can save: display size, cosmetic build and waveform memory depth, none of which change a measurement. Also avoid buying optional add-on modules or partial configurations by mistake, a buying error that comes up repeatedly on electronics forums.
Pair whichever generator you choose with a solid digital multimeter and a bench power supply and you have a working home electronics bench.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a function generator AC or DC?
A function generator mainly produces an adjustable AC signal, but most models add a DC offset control that shifts the waveform up or down around zero. With the offset set to zero you get a symmetric alternating signal, and with offset applied you get a unipolar signal riding on a DC level. Some units also output a pure DC waveform from the waveform menu.
What is the best function generator for home use?
For most home benches the Siglent SDG2042X is the strongest overall choice, with two independent channels, 40 MHz of sine bandwidth, 16-bit resolution and LAN control. If your work stays under 20 kHz on speaker and valve projects, a dual-channel budget DDS box such as the Koolertron 15 MHz does everything you need. Match the bandwidth to your highest project frequency rather than buying the largest number available.
Do I need a separate generator if my oscilloscope has one built in?
A built-in scope generator is usually single channel, limited to a handful of waveforms, and has no arbitrary waveform memory, sweep or burst. That is enough for clock lines and simple amplifier checks. A standalone unit becomes worth buying when you need two independent channels, a sweep that pairs with the scope trigger, or arbitrary waveforms uploaded from a PC.
Is a cheap DDS generator like the FY6900 good enough for a hobbyist?
Yes, for most hobby work. The FY6900 gives you two channels, 60 MHz of sine bandwidth, a 250 MSa/s sampling rate and a built-in frequency meter, which covers audio, filter and microcontroller projects comfortably. The trade-offs are a very small display, controls that restart the output when adjusted, and no trigger output in sweep mode. Forum regulars generally treat these units as a reasonable entry point rather than a mistake.
What are the limitations of using a function generator?
Output impedance is the main one. Most generators output 50 ohms while most scopes input 1 megohm, so a direct connection halves the voltage your circuit receives unless you match the scope input to 50 ohms. Maximum frequency is quoted for sine waves and roughly halves for square and triangle. Amplitude also rolls off near the bandwidth ceiling, and budget units vary between hardware revisions.
What is the difference between a function generator and an arbitrary waveform generator?
A function generator produces the standard shapes, sine, square, triangle, sawtooth and pulse, from an internal library. An arbitrary waveform generator lets you load a waveform you created elsewhere, such as a captured audio file or a computed pulse train, into on-board memory and replay it. Most modern DDS instruments do both, and the difference is how deep the waveform memory is.
The Right Function Generator for Your Bench
There is no single best function generator for electronics hobbyists, only the right match for your bandwidth need and your oscilloscope. For most people the Siglent SDG2042X is the default answer, with the OWON DGE2070 for compact high-bandwidth work and the Koolertron 15 MHz as a capable first bench instrument.
Check whether your scope already has a built-in generator before you buy anything, then pick on channels, resolution and noise rather than the largest headline frequency. Whichever you choose, verify the output swing and frequency against a known reference on day one.