When engineers and researchers talk about test and measurement equipment, two names often come up first: Keysight Technologies and National Instruments. Both companies are global leaders in electronic test equipment, data acquisition, and measurement solutions. Their products help drive advances in telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, education, and many other fields. But which one is better for your needs? What are their strengths and weaknesses? If you’re choosing between Keysight and National Instruments, you’re not alone—this is a decision that impacts accuracy, productivity, and even innovation.
In this article, you’ll get a detailed comparison of Keysight vs National Instruments. You’ll learn about their company backgrounds, main products, software ecosystems, hardware capabilities, pricing, customer support, and much more. We’ll also discuss real-world examples, user experiences, and some insights that beginners often overlook. By the end, you’ll know how to make the smartest choice for your application, project, or business.
Company Profiles And History
Understanding the background of each company helps explain their philosophy and product design.
Keysight Technologies
Keysight was born from the legendary Hewlett-Packard (HP) company. In 2014, Agilent Technologies spun off its electronic measurement division, creating Keysight as an independent company. Its roots go back to HP’s first audio oscillator in 1939, a tool used by Walt Disney for the movie Fantasia. Today, Keysight is headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, and operates in over 100 countries.
Keysight focuses on electronic design and test solutions. Its products are used by engineers working on wireless, aerospace, defense, semiconductors, automotive, and education.
National Instruments
National Instruments (also known as NI) was founded in 1976 in Austin, Texas. The company started by making GPIB interface boards for connecting computers to instruments. NI’s big breakthrough was LabVIEW, a graphical programming environment launched in 1986. LabVIEW made it possible to build complex test systems without traditional coding.
NI specializes in modular hardware, data acquisition, and software-centric measurement systems. Its customers include researchers, scientists, manufacturers, and educators worldwide.
Product Portfolio Overview
Both companies have wide-ranging portfolios, but their focus areas differ. Here’s a direct look at what they offer.
Keysight Product Range
- Benchtop Instruments: Oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, power supplies.
- Modular Instruments: PXI, AXIe, and USB modules for automated test systems.
- Network Analyzers: Tools for RF, microwave, and high-speed digital signal testing.
- Wireless Test Solutions: 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, and IoT protocol testers.
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE): High-throughput systems for manufacturing.
- Semiconductor Test: Parametric, reliability, and functional test tools.
- EMC/EMI Testing: Pre-compliance and full compliance solutions.
- Software: PathWave platform for simulation, analysis, and test automation.
National Instruments Product Range
- Modular Hardware: PXI, CompactRIO (cRIO), CompactDAQ (cDAQ) for scalable systems.
- Data Acquisition: DAQ modules for voltage, current, vibration, temperature, and more.
- Instrument Control: GPIB, USB, Ethernet interfaces for connecting various test devices.
- Embedded Systems: Real-time controllers and FPGA-based systems for custom applications.
- Test & Measurement Software: LabVIEW, TestStand, DIAdem, VeriStand.
- Automated Test Equipment: Customizable solutions using modular hardware.
- Wireless Research Platforms: Tools for prototyping wireless systems (e.g., USRP).
- Academic Products: Specialized kits and software for education.
Quick Product Comparison
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at some key product areas.
| Product Area | Keysight | National Instruments |
|---|---|---|
| Oscilloscopes | Industry-leading benchtop & modular | Basic PXI/cDAQ modules |
| RF Test | Advanced, high-frequency solutions | Research-focused, flexible platforms |
| DAQ | High-performance, less modular | Highly modular, broad I/O options |
| Software | PathWave, VEE, BenchVue | LabVIEW, TestStand, VeriStand |
| Education | University kits, lab instruments | LabVIEW-based learning kits |
Hardware Platforms: Modular Vs Benchtop
The approach each company takes to hardware design is a core difference.
Keysight Hardware
Keysight is known for its high-quality benchtop instruments. These are the classic boxes you see on an engineer’s workbench—oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, power supplies, and more. They are robust, accurate, and often set the industry standard for performance. Keysight also offers modular platforms like PXI and AXIe, but modular is not its primary focus.
Strengths:
- Superior signal integrity and measurement accuracy
- Rugged hardware, long lifespan
- Leading RF/microwave solutions
Limitations:
- Less modular flexibility compared to NI
- Benchtop units can be large and expensive
National Instruments Hardware
NI’s strength is in modular and embedded systems. PXI, cDAQ, and cRIO platforms allow users to build custom test systems by mixing and matching modules. This is ideal for automated test setups, research labs, and production lines. NI’s systems are especially popular in data acquisition and real-time control.
Strengths:
- Highly modular, customizable solutions
- Easy integration with software
- Wide range of I/O modules
Limitations:
- RF performance can lag behind Keysight
- Requires more initial setup and system integration
Software Ecosystem: Pathwave Vs Labview
Software is where the experience can be dramatically different.
Keysight Pathwave And Other Tools
Keysight’s main software platform is PathWave, which unifies design, simulation, and test. PathWave Test Automation, PathWave BenchVue, and PathWave Advanced Design System (ADS) are used for everything from circuit simulation to automated measurements.
- PathWave BenchVue: Easy instrument control and data logging.
- ADS: Industry standard for RF/microwave design.
- VEE: Visual programming for automation.
Keysight’s software is powerful but may require more programming experience, especially for custom automation.
National Instruments Labview Ecosystem
LabVIEW is the heart of NI’s software ecosystem. LabVIEW uses a graphical programming language—users drag and drop “blocks” to build test sequences, automate measurements, and process data. This makes it accessible to non-programmers and highly flexible for advanced users.
- TestStand: Test sequence automation.
- VeriStand: Real-time testing and simulation.
- DIAdem: Data analysis and reporting.
LabVIEW’s strength is in rapid development and easy hardware integration. Many universities use LabVIEW as a teaching tool.
Software Feature Comparison
To help you see the differences, here’s a summary in a table:
| Feature | Keysight (PathWave) | National Instruments (LabVIEW) |
|---|---|---|
| Programming Style | Script-based, some visual tools | Graphical programming (G language) |
| Ease of Use | Moderate learning curve | Beginner-friendly, visual interface |
| Integration | Excellent with Keysight gear | Best with NI hardware, supports 3rd-party |
| Simulation | Strong RF/microwave simulation | Limited simulation, focuses on test |
| Automation | High-level scripting, test automation | Drag-and-drop automation, TestStand |
Performance And Accuracy
Precision matters in test and measurement. Here’s how both companies stack up.
Keysight Performance
Keysight’s benchtop instruments are often the benchmark for accuracy. For example, their Infiniium oscilloscopes reach bandwidths of up to 110 GHz with extremely low noise floors. In RF and microwave, Keysight’s spectrum analyzers and vector network analyzers are widely used in cutting-edge research.
Signal fidelity, phase noise, and measurement repeatability are areas where Keysight excels. This is why aerospace, defense, and semiconductor companies often choose Keysight for critical measurements.
National Instruments Performance
NI focuses on system-level flexibility and speed. Its modular PXI systems can deliver high channel counts, rapid data acquisition, and scalable architectures. For many industrial and academic applications, NI’s accuracy is more than enough. Its DAQ modules can measure voltage, current, temperature, vibration, and more—often simultaneously.
For ultra-high-frequency or ultra-low-noise requirements, NI can sometimes lag behind Keysight’s flagship models. But for most automated testing, NI’s performance is highly competitive.
Practical Example
If you need to test a 5G radio at 40 GHz, Keysight’s RF analyzers will likely be the best fit. If you need to measure 100 temperature points across a factory, NI’s modular DAQ is often more practical and cost-effective.
Pricing And Cost Considerations
Both Keysight and NI are known for premium pricing, but their pricing models are different.
Keysight Pricing
Keysight’s benchtop instruments can be expensive, sometimes costing tens of thousands of dollars per unit. However, the total cost of ownership can be lower in the long run, thanks to reliability and long calibration intervals.
- Example: A Keysight 4-channel, 1 GHz oscilloscope can cost $15,000–$30,000.
- Software: Licenses for PathWave or ADS can add significant cost.
National Instruments Pricing
NI’s modular approach means you can start small and scale up. Initial costs are often lower, especially for custom or high-channel-count systems. However, adding more modules can drive up the price quickly.
- Example: A PXI chassis with controller and DAQ modules may start at $7,000–$10,000, but grow with complexity.
- Software: LabVIEW is licensed annually or perpetually; TestStand and other packages add extra cost.
Non-obvious Cost Insight
A common beginner mistake is underestimating integration and support costs. With modular systems, the hardware may be cheaper up front, but system integration, cabling, and software development can add up—sometimes exceeding the cost of a single high-end benchtop unit.
Flexibility And Customization
Keysight
If you need a turnkey solution—something that works out of the box for a specific measurement—Keysight’s benchtop instruments are hard to beat. Their modular systems (PXI, AXIe) offer some flexibility, but are less customizable than NI’s.
National Instruments
NI’s entire philosophy is about customization. You can build almost any test or measurement system by mixing modules and programming in LabVIEW. This is ideal for R&D labs, manufacturing, or any place where requirements change often.
Non-obvious insight: Some users overlook the importance of driver support—NI’s hardware is designed to integrate smoothly with LabVIEW, but using third-party instruments may require more work.
Integration And Ecosystem
Keysight Integration
Keysight focuses on seamless integration within its own ecosystem. It provides drivers for connecting to other systems, but the smoothest experience is with other Keysight products.
- PathWave Test Automation can connect to some third-party hardware, but best performance is with Keysight instruments.
- Keysight supports SCPI, IVI, and other common instrument control protocols.
National Instruments Integration
NI is famous for its open ecosystem. LabVIEW supports hundreds of hardware drivers, including third-party instruments from Keysight, Tektronix, Rohde & Schwarz, and more.
- LabVIEW Instrument Driver Network offers thousands of free instrument drivers.
- CDAQ and PXI systems can control both NI and non-NI modules.
This makes NI a favorite in mixed-vendor environments.
Credit: www.fool.com
Customer Support And Community
Keysight Support
Keysight offers:
- Global support centers
- Calibration and repair services
- Extensive documentation and application notes
Keysight’s support is generally rated highly for technical depth, especially for advanced measurement problems.
National Instruments Support
NI offers:
- Online forums and user communities
- Direct technical support
- Large library of example projects and code
The NI Community is active and helpful, with many engineers sharing solutions and code online. For LabVIEW users, this ecosystem is a powerful advantage.
Training And Education
- Keysight partners with universities and offers online training, but is less focused on education than NI.
- NI invests heavily in academic programs, offering LabVIEW licenses for students and educators, and sponsoring competitions like the NI Robotics Competition.
Application Focus: Who Uses What?
Here’s where Keysight and NI shine in the real world.
Keysight
- RF/Microwave Research: 5G, radar, satellite communications
- Semiconductor Testing: Wafer probers, reliability labs
- Aerospace & Defense: Signal intelligence, electronic warfare
- Automotive: EV battery testing, ECU validation
National Instruments
- Automated Test Systems: Production line testers, end-of-line inspection
- Data Acquisition: Environmental monitoring, energy research
- Embedded Control: Robotics, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation
- Academic Research: Multi-channel experiments, teaching labs
Real-world User Experiences
Keysight User Stories
- A telecommunications company uses Keysight spectrum analyzers to develop new 5G antennas, relying on their high dynamic range and accuracy.
- A university research lab chose Keysight oscilloscopes for measuring ultra-fast electrical pulses, citing their “rock-solid reliability.”
National Instruments User Stories
- An automotive manufacturer built a custom end-of-line test station for EV batteries using NI PXI and LabVIEW, automating hundreds of test steps.
- A government lab created a seismic sensor array with 128 channels using NI cDAQ, highlighting the easy scalability and rapid prototyping.
Practical tip: Talk to peers in your industry or check user forums—real-world feedback often reveals issues or benefits you won’t find in product brochures.
Future Trends And Innovations
Keysight
Keysight invests heavily in next-generation wireless, quantum computing, and high-speed digital technologies. Their recent focus is on AI-driven test automation and simulation tools that work together from design to manufacturing.
National Instruments
NI is expanding into edge computing, software-defined measurement, and open-source hardware. They’re developing more cloud-integrated solutions for remote monitoring and collaboration.
Noteworthy trend: Both companies are moving towards software-centric test systems, where automation, data analytics, and remote collaboration matter as much as hardware specs.
Credit: www.comparably.com
Strengths And Weaknesses Summary
To help you decide, here’s a strengths/weaknesses overview.
| Aspect | Keysight | National Instruments |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | High-precision RF, benchtop | Modular, automated test |
| Ease of Use | Turnkey, less setup | Customizable, requires setup |
| Software Learning Curve | Moderate to advanced | Beginner to advanced |
| Cost Model | Higher initial | Scalable, modular |
| Community Support | Good, less active | Very active, large |
| Innovation | RF, simulation, AI | Modular, cloud, open-source |
How To Choose: Practical Guidance
When making a decision, consider these questions:
- What is your main application?
- For high-frequency, precision RF: Lean towards Keysight.
- For large, customizable, or automated systems: NI is likely best.
- How much flexibility do you need?
- Turnkey instruments: Keysight.
- Custom setups, mixed I/O, future expansion: NI.
- What is your budget?
- Initial investment vs. scalability: Keysight may cost more upfront; NI lets you start small.
- Do you have programming resources?
- LabVIEW’s graphical interface is easier for non-programmers.
- Keysight’s scripting and automation tools may require more coding.
- What about long-term support?
- Both offer strong support, but NI’s community is more active for troubleshooting and sharing code.
Insider tip: Sometimes, the best choice is a hybrid approach—using Keysight for high-end RF measurement, and NI for system control and automation.
Credit: electrozlab.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Main Difference Between Keysight And National Instruments?
The biggest difference is in their approach to test and measurement. Keysight focuses on high-precision, benchtop instruments (like oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers) and is known for top-tier RF and microwave solutions. National Instruments is known for modular, customizable systems (PXI, cDAQ, cRIO) that can be tailored for automated testing and data acquisition.
Which Company Offers Better Software For Beginners?
National Instruments offers LabVIEW, which uses a graphical interface. This makes it easier for beginners, students, and people without a strong programming background. Keysight’s software is powerful but often requires more technical skill.
Can I Use Keysight Hardware With National Instruments Software (or Vice Versa)?
Yes, it’s possible. LabVIEW supports many third-party instrument drivers, including those from Keysight. Keysight’s PathWave can also communicate with non-Keysight equipment using standard protocols. However, for the smoothest experience, using each company’s hardware with its own software is usually best.
Which Is Better For High-frequency Rf Testing?
Keysight is the industry leader in high-frequency RF and microwave testing. Its instruments are used in cutting-edge research and product development for 5G, radar, and satellite communications.
Where Can I Learn More About These Companies And Their Products?
Both companies have extensive resources on their official websites. You can also find independent reviews and discussions in engineering forums. For official company information, see Keysight Technologies and National Instruments. For general background, check out the Wikipedia article on Keysight.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Keysight and National Instruments is not always simple. Your decision should be guided by your application needs, technical skill level, budget, and future plans. If you value ultimate measurement precision and need top-tier RF or benchtop instruments, Keysight is hard to beat. If you need flexibility, modularity, and rapid prototyping, NI’s solutions are often the better fit.
Remember, the right choice is the one that fits your workflow—not just the one with the most features. And don’t hesitate to combine both companies’ products if it helps your project succeed. For more technical comparisons and industry trends, you can visit resources like Electronics Weekly.
Whether you’re building tomorrow’s wireless networks, automating a factory, or teaching the next generation of engineers, both Keysight and National Instruments have tools to help you succeed. The key is understanding how their strengths match your unique requirements.