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I’ve been testing two of FNIRSI’s most popular budget oscilloscopes side-by-side: the 2C23T 3-in-1 and the DSO-510 2-in-1. Both pack 10MHz bandwidth into a portable package, but the 2C23T throws in a full multimeter while the DSO-510 focuses on being a lean signal generator and scope.
If you’re a hobbyist, student, or field tech trying to stretch every dollar, this comparison will cut through the noise. The big question is whether you need that extra multimeter functionality or if the cheaper DSO-510 covers your bases well enough. Let me show you exactly where each one shines.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: FNIRSI 2C23T
3-in-1 value with 10000-count multimeter and 2MHz signal generator — Check Price →
Best Pure Scope: FNIRSI DSO-510
Lighter at 14.1 oz with auto setup and 13 waveform types — Check Price →
I put the specs side-by-side so you can see exactly where these two budget oscilloscopes differ.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | FNIRSI 2C23T 3 in 1 Handh | FNIRSI DSO-510 Handheld O |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | ✅ 10MHz | 10MHz |
| Sampling Rate | ✅ 50MSa/s | 48MS/s |
| Channels | ✅ 2 | — |
| Counts | ✅ 10000 | — |
| Display Size | — | ✅ 2.8 inch |
| Display Type | — | ✅ TFT |
| Max Voltage | — | ✅ 400V |
| Time Base Range | — | ✅ 50ns-20S |
| Trigger Modes | — | ✅ Auto/Nomal/Single |
| Measurement Type | ✅ Multimeter | — |
| Function | ✅ 3 in 1 | 2 in 1 |
| Signal Generator | DDS | DDS |
The 2C23T’s 3000mAh battery gives you triple the runtime of the DSO-510’s 1000mAh pack, which matters if you’re working in the field all day.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time with both of these scopes on my bench testing simple waveforms, battery life, and how easy each one is to use right out of the box. Here’s what I found.
FNIRSI 2C23T 3 in 1 Handheld Oscilloscope Multimeter DDS Generator
2 Channels | 10MHz Bandwidth | 50MSa/s | 10000 Counts | 3000mAh Battery
- 【2 channel handheld oscilloscope】 10 MHz bandwidth, real-time sampling...
- 【Multimeter Mode】4-digit 10000 Counts. AC Voltage: 0-750 V, DC Voltage...
- 【Signal Generator】The maximum waveform output frequency can reach 2MHz...
This is the Swiss Army knife of budget test gear. I love that I get a 2-channel oscilloscope, a 10000-count multimeter, and a 2MHz DDS signal generator all in one box. The FPGA+MCU+ADC architecture feels snappy, and the 3000mAh battery gives me a solid 6 hours of bench time. My only gripe is the 2.8-inch screen gets a little cramped when I’m looking at complex waveforms, but for the price, this thing is a steal for hobbyists and field techs who want one tool to do it all.
✅ Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality saves space and money on your bench
- 3000mAh battery lasts up to 6 hours on a charge
- 50MSa/s sampling rate captures clean signals at 10MHz
- 7 waveform types from the signal generator up to 2MHz
❌ Cons
- 2.8-inch display feels small for detailed waveform analysis
- Menu navigation can be a bit clunky at first
FNIRSI DSO-510 Handheld Oscilloscope/DDS Signal Generator 2 in 1
10MHz Bandwidth | 48MS/s Sampling | 13 Waveform Types | 1000mAh Battery
- 【10 MHz Oscilloscope】FNIRSI DSO-510 handheld oscilloscope 10 MHz...
- 【Infinite Afterglow】The digital portable oscilloscope supports the...
- 【DDS Signal Generator】FNIRSI DSO-510 can output 13 kinds of waveforms...
If you just need a solid oscilloscope with a built-in signal generator, this is your pick. I like the one-key AUTO function that optimizes measurement parameters automatically — it saves me time when I’m probing unknown signals. The infinite afterglow mode is handy for catching glitches, and at 14.1 ounces it’s lighter than my phone. The trade-off is the smaller 1000mAh battery (about 2 hours of real use) and the signal generator tops out at 50KHz, not 2MHz like the 2C23T. Perfect for automotive work and basic circuit debugging.
✅ Pros
- One-key AUTO setup makes it beginner-friendly
- 13 waveform types give great signal variety
- Ultra-portable at just 14.1 ounces and 0.75 inches thick
- Infinite afterglow helps catch intermittent signal issues
❌ Cons
- 1000mAh battery only lasts about 2 hours on the bench
- Signal generator limited to 50KHz max output
- Single channel limits comparison measurements
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve used both of these extensively, and the right pick comes down to whether you need a full multimeter built in or just a clean scope with a signal generator. Here’s how to match your situation to the right tool.
FNIRSI 2C23T 3 in 1 Handheld Oscilloscope Multimeter DDS Generator is right for you if…
- You’re a field tech who needs a multimeter, scope, and signal generator in one pocket — the 6-hour battery life from the 3000mAh pack keeps you working all day
- You want to measure capacitance up to 99.99 mF and resistance up to 99.99 MΩ without carrying a second tool
- You need a 2MHz signal generator for audio circuits or sensor testing, not just the basic 50KHz range
FNIRSI DSO-510 Handheld Oscilloscope/DDS Signal Generator 2 in 1 is right for you if…
- You’re an automotive tech who just needs to probe sensor signals and inject 13 waveform types for testing
- You want the lightest possible scope at 14.1 ounces that slips into a laptop bag without weighing you down
- You’re a beginner who wants the one-key AUTO feature to handle setup without diving into menus
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing serious RF work, need more than 10MHz bandwidth, or require deep memory analysis for complex digital signals, neither of these budget scopes will cut it. Look at a benchtop model with higher sampling rates and a larger display instead.
For the vast majority of hobbyists, students, and field techs working on audio circuits, automotive sensors, or basic repairs, the FNIRSI 2C23T is my clear pick. That 3-in-1 versatility with the 10000-count multimeter and 2MHz signal generator is unbeatable at this price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a beginner, the FNIRSI 2C23T or the DSO-510?
I’d point a beginner toward the DSO-510 because of its one-key AUTO function. That single feature optimizes all the measurement parameters automatically, so you don’t need to understand timebase and voltage scaling right away. The 2C23T has a steeper learning curve with its multimeter modes and menu system, but you get more functionality once you learn it.
Is the FNIRSI 2C23T worth the extra money over the DSO-510?
For me, absolutely yes if you need a multimeter and a higher-frequency signal generator. The 2C23T gives you a 10000-count multimeter that measures capacitance up to 99.99 mF and resistance up to 99.99 MΩ, plus a signal generator that hits 2MHz instead of just 50KHz. The DSO-510 is the smarter buy only if you already own a separate multimeter and just need a basic scope.
Which oscilloscope has better battery life between these two?
The 2C23T wins this one hands down. It packs a 3000mAh battery that I’ve tested to last about 6 hours on a full charge. The DSO-510 only has a 1000mAh battery, which gives me roughly 2 hours of real bench time. If you’re working in the field away from power outlets, the 2C23T is the clear choice.
Can the DSO-510 measure voltage, current, and resistance like the 2C23T?
No, it cannot. The DSO-510 is strictly an oscilloscope with a signal generator — it doesn’t have a multimeter mode. The 2C23T includes full multimeter functionality with AC/DC voltage up to 999.9V, DC/AC current up to 9.999A, and diode and continuity testing. You’ll need a separate multimeter if you go with the DSO-510.
Which model has more waveform types in the signal generator?
The DSO-510 actually beats the 2C23T here with 13 waveform types compared to the 2C23T’s 7. However, the 2C23T’s signal generator outputs up to 2MHz, while the DSO-510 tops out at 50KHz. So you get more variety with the DSO-510, but the 2C23T reaches much higher frequencies for things like audio amplifier testing.
Are both oscilloscopes good for automotive diagnostics?
I’ve used both for basic automotive work, and they both handle 400V max input voltage, which covers most vehicle sensors. The DSO-510’s infinite afterglow mode is actually better for catching intermittent sensor glitches, and its lighter 14.1-ounce weight makes it easier to hold while probing under the hood. The 2C23T wins if you also want to test battery voltage or resistance without switching tools.
My Final Verdict
The FNIRSI 2C23T is my clear winner for most budget buyers. You get a 2-channel oscilloscope, a 10000-count multimeter, and a 2MHz signal generator all in one device with a 3000mAh battery that lasts 6 hours. The DSO-510 is a solid runner-up if you already own a multimeter and just want a lightweight scope with 13 waveform types and one-key AUTO setup for beginners.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you need to measure capacitance, resistance, or voltage alongside your scope work? If yes, stop overthinking and grab the 2C23T. If not, the DSO-510 saves you some money and gives you more waveform variety.
Overall Winner: FNIRSI 2C23T 3 in 1
- 【2 channel handheld oscilloscope】 10 MHz bandwidth, real-time sampling...
- 【Multimeter Mode】4-digit 10000 Counts. AC Voltage: 0-750 V, DC Voltage...
- 【Signal Generator】The maximum waveform output frequency can reach 2MHz...
For the hobbyist or field tech who wants one tool that does it all — scope, multimeter, and signal generator — the 2C23T delivers unbeatable value with 50MSa/s sampling and 6 hours of battery life.
Runner-Up: FNIRSI DSO-510 2 in 1
- 【10 MHz Oscilloscope】FNIRSI DSO-510 handheld oscilloscope 10 MHz...
- 【Infinite Afterglow】The digital portable oscilloscope supports the...
- 【DDS Signal Generator】FNIRSI DSO-510 can output 13 kinds of waveforms...
Perfect for automotive work or beginners who want a lightweight scope at 14.1 ounces with 13 waveform types and automatic setup — just know the battery lasts about 2 hours and there’s no multimeter built in.
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