Obd2 Scanner
Chrystal Imaizumi
The Ancel BD310 is our choice as the Best Display OBD-II Scanner for DIY Use. We loved the scanner's happy medium between corded and Bluetooth capabilities and felt the app's interface was excellent. You can use it with just the corded interface or connect it via Bluetooth and use the free app to access more data, diagnostic resources, and performance testing.
There are definitely perks to Bluetooth, and the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro is our pick for the best. Featuring an intuitive, easy-to-use app and some helpful diagnostic direction, this tiny little scanner receives our applause.
It took a bit longer to set up the .css-168zq96-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#1C5f8B;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;word-break:break-word;font-weight:bold;.css-168zq96:hovercolor:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;BlueDriver initially, but once we were in, it was a gold mine. The tile-style interface was exceptionally easy to use, and we had no issues finding codes, tests, and other data. Features accessible through the app include model-specific features, TSBs, a battery reset procedure, and more, along with the expected DTCs. Another benefit to a Bluetooth scanner is the consistent updates, meaning the info is always current.
For an OBD-II scanner with a wider range of diagnostic capabilities, we were impressed by the testing functions, bidirectional control and additional diagnostic suggestions of the Innova 5610. It's a hefty scanner with a price to match. But with that price comes a plethora of functions inaccessible by cheaper OBD-II scanners. We were able to access five system and actuator tests, a hybrid/EV battery test function, an ABS bleeding procedure, and much more.
The MP69033 read our codes quicker than all of our hardwired scanners, displaying them in just over 17 seconds. A neat graphing function is also available for Car Speed, Coolant Temp, Load Value, and Engine RPM. It's not incredibly useful, but more of a neat little added touch.
A Bluetooth device, it fell just short of the BlueDriver in a few key areas. The Innova provided less information and data, is more expensive, and the app is less intuitive. All that said, it worked just fine and it's a solid OBD-II scanner for most consumers.
The Foxwell NT301 struck us as a middle-of-the-road entry in our OBD-II scanner test. The screen is crisp and easily navigable, but it seemed a bit high-cost to justify a Best Of award. Along with the screen and UI, some tests were available to run, including an EVAP leak test and O2 monitor tests. There's also a print function via Micro-USB that could come in handy. But the price point didn't seem right for the limited functionality.
The Fixd Bluetooth Scanner lays excellent groundwork; it's just behind a paywall. While we could read and clear codes with just the base scanner, everything else requires a subscription to access. While there are some cool features once you pay (I/M readiness monitors, tips from mechanics, repair cost calculator), other OBD-II scanners provide access to similar functions without a monthly subscription.
The Autel AL319 OBD-II scanner was slow to boot up, slow to read codes, and difficult to navigate. Thanks to a single directional button, churning through the menus takes some practice (and patience). We recommend you look elsewhere for a simple code-reading scanner.
A check engine light can signal a wide variety of issues, but many of them are easy to fix at home. However, diagnosing the severity of any car trouble requires an onboard diagnostic (OBD) tool. The best OBD2 scanner for the average driver will often cost under $40 and can save you many unnecessary trips to the mechanic.
To help readers find the right scan tool (at the right price), we tested several top options. From simple code readers to advanced OBD2 scanners that can reprogram an engine control module (ECM), the right scanner for you may differ depending on your expertise level and repair skills. In this review, we recommend our eight favorite OBD2 scanners based on hands-on testing and explain, in simple terms, the benefits and drawbacks of each one.
The OBD2 scanners in this article went through two rounds of review. We started by searching Advance Auto Parts, Amazon, and other retailers for top products, looking at factors like customer ratings and prices.
Once installed, the BlueDriver connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone app, from which you can view live data reports from the engine and coolant systems. You can also perform a smog test with this scanner, and it will recommend possible repairs for specific codes.
The BlueDriver is one of the easiest-to-use OBD2 scanners we tested. You simply download the companion smartphone app and plug the scanner into your vehicle. Diagnostics and monitoring run through the app, which has a simple interface.
Along with conducting basic diagnostic tasks, you can set up customizable monitoring of basic information like engine RPMs and exhaust pressure. A full list of monitoring functions can be found here. For more information on this great OBD2 scanner, check out our dedicated review page here.
Those dissatisfied with this OBD2 scanner say that the battery drains quickly. Some also complain about advanced features not working, such as key programming. Features like key programming and anti-theft matching may only be available for certain vehicles.
Because of its limited number of functions, it is easy to operate. It notably lacks the ability to perform an emissions readiness test. Spending a little bit more can afford a scanner with this useful feature.
We found it similar, in terms of functions, to other $30 OBD2 scanners. That is, except until paired with the app, which offers more features, including repair suggestions, details about potential replacement parts, and freeze frame data.
The CarScan Advisor is popular because it is easy to use. Many reviewers note that the ABS brake diagnosis function is appreciated, as not all basic scanners offer this feature. However, ABS scanning does not seem to work in older vehicles
The Launch CRP129E is an expensive, advanced scan tool with a wide range of features. The large, bright screen offers one of the best displays of any tool on the market. One plus is that Launch offers free lifetime updates as long as you buy from an authorized dealer. The Launch CRP129E comes with data code protocols from nearly 60 carmakers and over 1,000 models, so this scanner likely knows something about your vehicle.
Autel updates the device for free for your first year of ownership, but it already comes with plenty of information about American, European, and Asian car brands. Also included is an app that stores automotive and customer data, so you get an OBD2 scanner and logbook all in one.
It took us five button pushes to get the Ancel to display engine codes, but the menu is straightforward and we were able to read codes quickly enough. The B0310 is similar in size and capability to most other basic OBD2 scanners.
Since the functionality and features vary depending on the brand and model of car scanner, our review team breaks down each in the following sections to help you make an informed decision about which OBD2 scanner is right for you.
Mechanics typically tell us that the most important feature of any OBD2 scanner is that it can read engine codes. Other design features can be nice, but for many, a basic code reader is all they need. Zac Salerno, a technician at Import Performance and certified Safety Inspector with more than three years of experience, told us:
With that said, there are several other factors to look for in the best OBD2 scanners, including compatibility, Bluetooth capabilities, and protocols. In the following sections, we will detail each feature offered by the best OBD2 scanners to help you decide which one is best for you.
The numbers that follow may further specify the issue. If your OBD2 scanner shows a DTC, type this code (followed by the manufacturer, for manufacturer-specific codes) into any search engine to quickly learn what it indicates.
Those looking for an advanced scanner to perform complex diagnostic functions should check out the TOPDON ArtiDiag800BT, which has a large touchscreen display and can test just about every system in your vehicle.
The accuracy of an OBD2 scanner depends on the model you buy and the extent of codes it can read. More advanced scanners can read a greater number of codes from different automakers, and perform more functions.
OBD2 scanners can display and clear DTC, as well as reset the check engine light on vehicles. More advanced car scanners can run emission tests, run Steering Angle Sensor calibration, run smog tests, provide live data framing, and provide freeze frame data.
More advanced OBD2 scanners can be more complicated, but not necessarily more difficult to use. Advanced OBD2 scanners with simple-to-navigate menus and that explain features score well in this category.
To verify that each scanner could read an engine code, we unplugged the mass airflow sensor from our test vehicle and counted the number of button pushes it took to retrieve a code. Those that were able to display an accurate fault code quickly scored best in this category.
All of the OBD2 scanners that we recommend are compatible with a broad range of vehicles. However, not every OBD2 scanner works perfectly with every vehicle. Each manufacturer (especially in different countries) uses its own computer protocol for storing vehicle fault codes. OBD2 scanners that support the broadest range of protocols score best in this category.
Our value score is based on our other ratings relative to the cost of the product. To receive a high rating in this category, an expensive OBD2 scanner must justify its price tag by offering features and functions well beyond a basic OBD2 code reader.
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