There are three main options when purchasing a cheap oscilloscope: 

1. Cheap new oscilloscopes 
2. Cheap used oscilloscopes
3. Refurbished oscilloscopes

 
Here is a summary of the key differences between these options.

1. Cheap new oscilloscopes. These brand-new oscilloscopes are typically made with lower-quality components and sold at lower prices. These entry-level scopes are less reliable and durable than more expensive models.
2. Cheap used oscilloscopes. These oscilloscopes have been previously owned and may show signs of wear and tear. They may not have all the latest features or be in perfect cosmetic condition. However, they are often a more cost-effective option. They may also have a proven track record of reliability if they have been well-maintained.
3. Properly refurbished oscilloscopes. These used oscilloscopes are professionally restored to their original condition. This process includes repairing damaged components, replacing worn parts, and testing to ensure that the oscilloscope is functional. Refurbished oscilloscopes offer many benefits and advanced features of a new oscilloscope at a lower price point. In addition, they are backed by warranty to give you peace of mind.

If you are on a budget, a cheap entry-level scope might seem attractive, but it's important to remember that these devices will not provide the same accuracy and performance as used high-end oscilloscope models.

A cheap entry-level oscilloscope may be enough for hobbyists or someone that only uses it occasionally. For professionals who rely on accurate measurements and results, a cheap oscilloscope will not be able to handle more complex circuits or measurements.

At Keysight, we understand that not everyone has the budget to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on an oscilloscope. In today's challenging economic climate, many companies face tighter budgets and are looking for ways to stretch their resources as far as possible.

Our Used Equipment portal helps thousands of companies worldwide look for a cost-effective solution for their equipment needs. We understand that budget constraints can be a real challenge, and we are committed to helping our customers find the best value for their money.

When investing in an oscilloscope, you may think purchasing a brand-new cheap model is the best option. However, there are better options than this. Used oscilloscopes offer many benefits, especially if you are on a budget.

When you purchase a high-quality used oscilloscope from Keysight, you get the superior performance and functionality of a new unit. We offer two standards of used products: "Premium Used" and "Used."

Premium Used: 

• Up to 70% savings
• Like-new condition
• Updated firmware
• Fully calibrated
• Same great warranty as a new product (1-5 years depending on the model and region)

Used:

• Up to 90% savings
• In full working condition
• 30-day right of return

Whether buying new or used, you can always count on the high standards and reliability Keysight prides itself on. You will have peace of mind knowing that you're buying a reliable and accurate piece of equipment and not just a cheap alternative. Other resellers' shipping times vary from 8-21 weeks. Depending on item availability, we ensure that our oscilloscope will reach your door within two weeks for US customers. That means you can get your oscilloscope up and running in no time. 

As an engineer, have you found yourself in this position before?

"Tony was an engineer at a small startup, and he was excited when given the opportunity to lead the development of a new product. He had a tight budget and timeline but was confident he could make it work.

One of the key pieces of equipment Tony needed for his project was an oscilloscope. He researched and found a cheap, used one for sale online from a reseller. The price was too good to pass up, so Tony placed an order and waited for it to arrive.

When the oscilloscope arrived, Tony was impressed by how good it looked. It appeared in good condition, and he eagerly set it up and started testing his circuit. But soon after, he began to notice some strange readings. The oscilloscope was giving inaccurate readings, and no matter what he did, Tony couldn't get the accurate results he needed.

Panicked and running out of time, Tony called the reseller to see if they could help. But when he explained the problem, the reseller told him that the oscilloscope was sold "as is" and there was nothing they could do.

Tony knew the project was at risk of failing and had to find a solution fast. He started looking for other options and eventually found a refurbished used oscilloscope. It had higher specifications and a full warranty. He took a chance and ordered it, hoping it would answer his problems.

To Tony's surprise, the refurbished oscilloscope arrived quickly and was in excellent condition. It was fully calibrated and ready to use and worked perfectly with his circuit. With the help of the refurbished oscilloscope, Tony could complete his project on time and to the highest standards.

In the end, Tony learned that sometimes it pays to invest extra money in high-quality, reliable used equipment."

The example of Tony serves as a good reminder of how important it is to purchase used test equipment from a reliable source. When purchasing an oscilloscope, it's important to be aware of the risks of buying from the wrong reseller. While it is tempting to purchase a used or refurbished oscilloscope from the cheapest reseller, there is a high chance that you will end up with a faulty or miscalibrated product.

This is a significant problem and can be a waste of time if you are working on a critical project that requires accurate measurements and reliable results. A faulty or miscalibrated oscilloscope leads to incorrect data and project failures.

Purchasing your oscilloscope from a reputable source is essential to protect yourself from these risks. Keysight's Used Equipment portal is the only place where you can get officially refurbished and calibrated oscilloscopes. Other resellers cannot provide this guarantee or compete with our warranties and shipping times.

When purchasing a refurbished oscilloscope, it's vital to consider not only the initial cost but also the long-term value of the device. While buying from a reseller may seem more cost-effective, it can also come with many uncertainties.

One of those uncertainties is not knowing the condition of the oscilloscope or if it has been properly calibrated. You may also not have access to support or service if you encounter any issues.

That's where Keysight's refurbished equipment comes in. We are the only place where you can get refurbished and officially calibrated oscilloscopes. This removes many of the uncertainties that come with buying used scopes. Our team of experts has the knowledge and experience to ensure that every oscilloscope we sell is fully functional and ready to use.