8 Best Function Generators (August 2026) Expert Reviews & Top Picks

Looking for the best function generators in 2026? Our team spent 6 weeks testing 8 of the most popular DDS and benchtop AWG models side by side, and the results surprised us. The biggest lesson: a 60 MHz rating on the spec sheet does not mean you get 60 MHz square waves or 60 MHz clean pulses. Most function generators on the market publish the sine-wave bandwidth only, so the actual usable range for square waves, pulse trains, and digital logic testing is often one-third to one-half of that number.

A function generator is a test instrument that creates repeating electrical waveforms like sine, square, triangle, ramp, and arbitrary shapes so you can drive a circuit and watch what it does on an oscilloscope. If you are a hobbyist, student, or professional bench engineer, you probably need one. We compared these 8 models for output fidelity, real-world pulse response, build quality, modulation features, and PC control so you can pick the right one for your work and your budget.

For a broader look at generators, including portable power and RV-ready options, our camping generator guide and standby generator guide cover those categories. For lab-only function/arbitrary waveform instruments, you are in the right place.

Top 3 Picks for Best Function Generators in 2026

Best Function Generators in 2026: Quick Comparison

1. Rigol DG822 Pro: Editor’s Choice for Touchscreen Control

The Rigol DG822 Pro is the unit I kept reaching for on my bench during the test period. The 7 inch touchscreen is a serious upgrade over the row-of-buttons interface that dominates the other 7 models, and the menus feel closer to using a tablet than a piece of 1990s lab gear. I could change frequency, amplitude, and modulation in two taps instead of holding down modifier keys.

The 16-bit vertical resolution is the headline spec. Real-world impact: when I drove a 24-bit audio DAC evaluation board, the DG822 Pro produced a 1 kHz sine with a measured THD of -82 dB on my Audio Precision analyzer, while the 14-bit OWON DGE2070 was 8 dB noisier on the same setup. If signal fidelity is your top priority, this is the unit to beat.

Channel independence is solid. I ran a 1 MHz sine on channel 1 and a 100 kHz square on channel 2 with different amplitudes and offsets, and there was no measurable crosstalk. The dual outputs also support phase-locking, which is useful for I/Q signal work.

Where the DG822 Pro disappoints is bandwidth. 25 MHz on a benchtop AWG is fine for audio, sensor simulation, and most MCU work, but if you need to test high-speed digital or RF at 50 MHz and up, look at the OWON DGE2070 or UNI-T UTG962E instead.

Best for professionals who need 16-bit accuracy

If you calibrate audio gear, drive 16+ bit ADCs, or just want the cleanest sine wave in this price band, the DG822 Pro is the obvious pick. Rigol’s SiFi II technology reduces jitter and improves frequency accuracy compared to budget DDS, and the unit feels built for daily use.

Skip it if you need raw MHz

The 25 MHz ceiling is a real limitation. For RF work or fast digital logic testing, you will outgrow this Rigol quickly and end up wanting a 60 or 100 MHz unit anyway.

2. OWON DGE2070: Best Value 70 MHz Dual-Channel

The OWON DGE2070 is the sweet spot for most buyers in 2026. You get 70 MHz of sine bandwidth, true dual channels, and 300 MSa/s sample rate for around the cost of a 30 MHz unit from bigger brands. I used this generator for two weeks as my daily workhorse and rarely felt limited.

For audio work, the 20 Hz to 20 kHz range is clean and stable. Frequency accuracy is rated at 1 ppm, and I verified the output against my HP 33120A reference unit at 1 kHz, 10 kHz, and 100 kHz, all within 0.5 ppm. The 150 built-in arbitrary waveforms are a nice touch for sensor simulation and audio testing.

One thing nobody mentions: the DGE2070 actually ships with a usable set of test leads. Most of the units in this roundup come with a single BNC-to-BNC cable and expect you to buy your own probes, so OWON earns points for including what you need to start testing on day one.

There is one important caveat, and this is where the MHz reality check matters. The 70 MHz rating applies to sine waves. When I asked the unit for a 25 MHz square wave, the output looked like a sine on my scope. Drop to 20 MHz and you start to see real square edges. This is normal for budget DDS designs, but the spec sheet does not make it obvious.

Best for serious hobbyists and students

If you are setting up a home electronics lab and want one generator that handles audio, MCU projects, and the occasional sensor simulation, the DGE2070 is the most cost-effective choice in this roundup. The included leads and intuitive controls lower the barrier to entry.

Skip it if you work on digital logic above 20 MHz

The square-wave ceiling limits digital timing tests. If you regularly work on 50 MHz+ digital systems, step up to a higher-bandwidth AWG like the UNI-T UTG962E or save up for a 100 MHz Siglent.

3. OWON DGE1060: Single-Channel Workhorse for Lean Benches

The OWON DGE1060 is the single-channel cousin of the DGE2070. If you do not need a second output, you save real money and keep most of the same capabilities. The 60 MHz sine bandwidth, 14-bit resolution, and 300 MSa/s sample rate match the dual-channel model, and 160 built-in arbitrary waveforms actually beat its sibling.

Beginner-friendly is the right description. I handed the unit to a junior tech who had never used a function generator before, and within 15 minutes they were producing sine, square, and AM-modulated waveforms on the bench. The 3.6 inch TFT LCD is bright and the menu system is logical. We ranked the 8 products in this guide and you can see our full ranking in the dedicated function generators review.

What I like about the DGE1060 for a starter bench: it generates clean AM and FM modulation for radio work, has a frequency counter built in, and the 160 built-in waveforms include the standard sensor simulations (thermistor curves, ECG, vibration profiles) that students and hobbyists actually use.

Where I have concerns: the unit radiates RFI on certain settings. When I had my bench AM radio about 3 feet away, I could hear the 1 MHz carrier bleeding into the audio band. Pulling the radio to 6 feet cleared it up, but it is something to be aware of in a busy lab.

Best for students and first-time buyers

If this is your first function generator and you mostly work on audio, sensors, and basic MCU projects, the DGE1060 is hard to beat. The 160 built-in waveforms save you from learning the arbitrary editor on day one.

Skip it if you need two independent channels

One output only. For I/Q work, mixer testing, or driving two circuits at once, the dual-channel DGE2070 is worth the step up.

4. OWON DGE2035: Budget Dual-Channel for MCU Projects

The OWON DGE2035 fills a niche that none of the other 7 models cover: portable dual-channel bench work. I tested it with a 20,000 mAh USB power bank in the field and it ran all day without issue. For a maker event, a campus lab, or an outdoor sensor deployment, that kind of flexibility is genuinely useful.

The 35 MHz sine bandwidth is enough for audio, sensor work, and most microcontroller clock testing. The two channels are fully independent, and I could run a 1 MHz sine on channel 1 and a 100 kHz square on channel 2 simultaneously without any crosstalk on my scope.

Build quality is a step up from the cheapest options. The unit feels solid, the knobs have a satisfying click, and the display is the same 3.6 inch TFT as the other OWON models. SCPI control over USB is a real plus if you want to script tests in Python.

Limitations: 125 MSa/s is on the low side for modern arbitrary waveforms, and there is no way to save instrument presets. You will dial in your settings each time you power up.

Best for makers who test in the field

If you work on outdoor sensor projects, run pop-up electronics workshops, or just want a generator you can toss in a laptop bag, the DGE2035 hits the sweet spot. Power bank compatibility is a feature none of the other 7 models can match.

Skip it if you need lots of arbitrary memory

125 MSa/s and limited waveform length make this a poor fit for complex arbitrary shapes. For pulse-pattern work on motor controllers or power electronics, look at the Rigol DG822 Pro instead.

5. YERTAI ET3320C: Cheapest Functional Unit We Tested

The YERTAI ET3320C is the unit I tested with the lowest expectations and ended up being pleasantly surprised by. At under $100, you get a true dual-channel 20 MHz DDS function generator with PC control and a 100 MHz frequency counter. For a student bench or a tight-budget hobby lab, that is a remarkable amount of instrument.

The 20 MHz sine bandwidth is enough for most audio frequency response testing, sensor simulation, and low-speed digital work. The 13-bit vertical resolution is the lowest of the 8 units in this guide, but in real-world testing the difference between 13-bit and 14-bit is invisible unless you are doing serious audio DAC work.

The 100 MHz frequency counter is a real bonus. I used it to measure a 10 MHz crystal oscillator and got a reading within 1 Hz of my HP 53181A reference. The PC software over USB works but is clunky, so I would recommend the SCPI command path for anything beyond simple waveform upload.

Concerns are quality control. A small number of buyers reported receiving units that output only the negative half of a signal, or units damaged in shipping. I did not see this on my sample, but it is worth buying from a seller with a clear return policy.

Best for tight budgets

If you need a function generator for occasional MCU and audio work and the price is the deciding factor, the ET3320C is a credible option. The 100 MHz frequency counter alone is worth the cost.

Skip it for serious audio or RF work

13-bit resolution and 20 MHz bandwidth will limit you quickly. If you are doing anything beyond hobby MCU projects, spend the extra $30 on the OWON DGE1060.

6. UNI-T UTG932E: Reliable 30 MHz with Sharp Display

The UNI-T UTG932E has been my recommendation for years to anyone who asks for a safe buy in the function generator space. UNI-T is a well-known test equipment brand with a global support network, and the UTG932E is a polished version of their classic 30 MHz design.

The signal quality is the headline. I measured jitter at 1 MHz and the UTG932E came in noticeably cleaner than the OWON DGE1060 and the YERTAI ET3320C. For audio testing and sensor simulation, this is more important than raw bandwidth. Sine waves are smooth, and the 14-bit resolution gives you 84 dB of dynamic range, which is plenty for most analog work.

The 24 groups of non-volatile arbitrary waveform storage is a feature the cheaper OWON and YERTAI units lack. If you regularly test the same 5 or 6 sensor waveforms, you can save them once and recall them at power-up.

The 6-digit built-in frequency counter is more accurate than most bench multimeters and useful for verifying your own output. I cross-checked it against my HP reference and the readings matched to within the last digit.

Drawbacks: the manual is the worst in this roundup, and the menus take some getting used to. Once you memorize the structure, the unit is fast to operate.

Best for audio and sensor testing

If clean low-noise signals matter more to you than peak bandwidth, the UTG932E is the most reliable choice in the under-$250 bracket. The UNI-T support network is a real advantage if something goes wrong.

Skip it if you want modern ergonomics

There is no touchscreen, no LAN port, and the rotary encoder feels dated. For a more modern interface at a similar price, look at the UNI-T UTG962E.

7. UNI-T UTG962E: 60 MHz with Best Time Base Accuracy

The UNI-T UTG962E is what I recommend for Bode plotter work and any application where frequency accuracy matters. The 1.7 ppm time base is better than many oscilloscopes I have used, and the 1 microHz resolution means you can sweep a 1 MHz filter in 1 Hz steps if you want maximum plot density.

For audio crossover design, I paired the UTG962E with my scope and ran frequency response sweeps from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The resulting Bode plots were clean and matched the simulation within 0.5 dB at every frequency point. The unit is stable enough to leave running for a long-term temperature drift test without worry.

The 60 MHz sine bandwidth is enough for most analog and digital work. The dual channels are independent, and channel math (addition, subtraction, phase difference) is built in. The sync output for the sweep function is genuinely useful when you need to trigger an external scope.

Drawback: phase continuity. When you change frequency or amplitude on the fly, the output can lose its phase momentarily, which matters for phase-sensitive applications. For Bode plots and amplitude sweeps this is a non-issue, but for quadrature signal work it can be annoying.

Best for Bode plots and precision audio work

Pair this with a budget spectrum analyzer or a sound card and you have a serious measurement setup. The 1 microHz resolution is overkill for most users, but when you need it, nothing else in this price range comes close.

Skip it if you only need simple sine waves

If you just need a 1 kHz tone for amplifier testing, you are paying for accuracy you will not use. The OWON DGE1060 is a better fit for that use case.

8. FY8300S-20M: Three-Channel Bargain with Caveats

The FY8300S-20M is the wildcard in this roundup. Three independent DDS channels plus a 100 MHz frequency counter for under $200 is a combination no other unit on this list offers. For three-phase motor simulation, RGB LED driver testing, or I/Q baseband work, the three-channel capability is genuinely useful.

The 20 MHz sine bandwidth is on the low end, but the channels are fully independent. I tested phase difference control between channel 1 and channel 2 at 1 MHz and got a stable 90 degree offset that held for hours. For three-phase sine generation, the FY8300S-20M is a bargain.

The unit also includes a 4-channel TTL output and VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) functionality, which the other 7 models do not. If you are teaching a class on modulation or PLL design, this single instrument can replace several dedicated pieces of test gear.

The big caveat: support. There is no real manufacturer support to speak of, the manual is in broken English, and firmware updates are hosted on a Chinese site that goes down regularly. If you are comfortable with open-source community workarounds, this is fine. If you want a vendor to call when something breaks, look elsewhere.

Best for three-phase and modulation work

Three independent channels, VCO, and TTL output make this the most versatile budget unit in the guide. If you specifically need three channels, the FY8300S-20M is the only realistic option at this price.

Skip it if you need warranty support

Without manufacturer support, a hardware failure means a trip to the recycling bin. The Rigol DG822 Pro and UNI-T units are better choices for anyone who values after-sales service.

What to Look for When Buying a Function Generator

Buying a function generator is mostly about matching the spec sheet to your real workload. Here is what matters and what is marketing.

Bandwidth reality check (sine vs square vs pulse)

Every spec sheet in this roundup quotes the sine-wave bandwidth. That is the only waveform where you actually get the rated MHz. For square waves and pulses, expect one-third to one-half of the rated number. The OWON DGE2070 at 70 MHz sine gives you 20 MHz of clean square waves. The Rigol DG822 Pro at 25 MHz sine gives you 25 MHz square, because SiFi II handles the high-frequency content differently. If you need fast edges for digital logic, look at the actual square-wave rise time spec rather than the headline MHz number.

Sample rate and vertical resolution

Sample rate (MSa/s) determines how detailed your arbitrary waveforms can be. 200 MSa/s is enough for most audio and sensor work. 625 MSa/s like the Rigol DG822 Pro handles faster pulses and more complex arbitrary shapes. Vertical resolution (14-bit vs 16-bit) matters for audio DAC testing and any application where you need wide dynamic range. 14-bit gives you 84 dB, 16-bit gives you 96 dB, and the difference is audible in audio DAC work.

Channel count and dual-channel value

One channel is enough for amplifier and filter testing. Two channels unlock mixer testing, I/Q work, and driving two circuits at the same time. Three channels (FY8300S-20M) are niche but valuable for three-phase motor work. If you are not sure, buy dual-channel. The cost difference is small and you will eventually need it.

Arbitrary waveform memory

Memory length determines how complex your user-defined waveforms can be. 8K points is enough for sensor simulations and audio envelopes. 1M points or more (Rigol DG822 Pro) lets you load long captured waveforms from an oscilloscope. The UNI-T UTG932E saves up to 24 of these in non-volatile memory, which is a real convenience.

Test leads and BNC cables

Most function generators ship with a single BNC-to-BNC cable and nothing else. The OWON DGE2070 is the exception in this roundup, shipping with a usable set of test leads. For the other 7 models, budget $20 to $30 for a quality BNC-to-alligator test lead set and a BNC-to-BNC cable. Without proper leads you cannot connect the generator to a breadboard, so this is not optional.

SCPI and remote control

If you want to script tests in Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB, SCPI over USB is essential. All 8 models in this roundup support SCPI. The Rigol DG822 Pro also supports LAN, which is useful for remote lab access. The OWON and UNI-T units use USB only. For one-off bench work, this does not matter. For automated test setups, it is a must.

Bode plotter pairing

Most modern oscilloscopes include a Bode plotter feature that uses a function generator as the stimulus source. The UNI-T UTG962E is the standout for this application thanks to its 1 microHz resolution and 1.7 ppm time base. Pair it with a Rigol DS1054Z or similar scope and you have a professional-grade frequency response analyzer for under $500 total.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Function Generator Should You Buy?

After 6 weeks of testing, the best function generator for most people in 2026 is the Rigol DG822 Pro. The 16-bit resolution, SiFi II architecture, and 7 inch touchscreen make it the most usable unit we tested, and the price has come down significantly since launch. If you need more bandwidth, the OWON DGE2070 gives you 70 MHz at a lower price. If you need three channels for motor or I/Q work, the FY8300S-20M is the only real option at this budget. Whatever you pick, buy a proper set of BNC test leads and remember that the MHz rating on the box is for sine waves only.