Top 10 Best OBD2 Scanners of 2024 – Buyer’s Guide
Most Popular & Best Selling OBD2 Scanners of 2024 (Top 10 List)
OBD or On-board Diagnostics system can be regarded as one of the numerous boons of the modern science which has made our life easy and convenient.
It offers the user or the technician of a vehicle an enhanced access to various systems and mechanisms working inside the car and informs if the vehicle is having a problem in any of its components.
This helps the user quickly identify the issue and take up remedial steps without having to search for it in every nook and corner of the vehicle. Moreover it is also a very useful way to keep your vehicle under constant monitoring and thus keep up a healthy vehicle condition all through its life.
Which OBD2 Scanner is Best For You ?
Now the question arises what kind of OBD2 scanner is best for you. The answer depends largely upon your skill level. For instance code readers offer basic capability to interpret and clear codes related to the problems of a vehicle which is equipped with the advanced on-board diagnostics system.
But if you are an advanced user and familiar with the detailed knowhow of your vehicle you can go for the expensive precise tools that presents a lot of meticulous information related to different mechanical issues.
And finally be sure to crosscheck whether the OBD2 scanner you are choosing is truthfully universal and actually support the protocol used by your vehicle although today’s OBD2 systems are generally standardized to be compatible across every manufacturer.
Today the automobile market is full of different OBD2 scanners with a wide variety of price tags ranging from less than $100 to as high as $20,000.
Hence you might feel a bit confused to determine which should be the most suitable option for you. But don’t worry; we have made an extensive analysis and sorted out some of the best products that are presently available in the market. This will save much of your time and effort and at the same time help you take the right buying decision.
Top 10 OBD2 Scanners (Recommended By Experts)
1) DS808 Automotive OBD2 scanner from Autel
This high class OBD2 scanner is really a very nice diagnostic device quite literally. It offers a great coverage of over 50 European, Asian and domestic makes. It equips a remarkable technology that recreates the full functionality of an OEM tool that is used by the automobile technicians
Key Features
Comprehensive Diagnostic System: The device offers a complete solution for each and every diagnostic need and includes OE connectors for all models released since 1996 till the latest ones such as BMW 20 pins, Mercedes 30 pins, Nissan 14 pins etc.
Wide ranging OBD2 functionalities: This high end model equips the exclusive OBD2 features and supports every OBD2 protocol including ten test modes.
Wi-Fi Capability: The users can use the device wirelessly sitting at any corner of the workshop with Wi-Fi facility. Moreover, it features a convenient easy-to-use design with automatic operation and a tech savvy touch screen.
Large Display: The gadget boasts a large 7” display with 800*400 pixels of resolution to offer you the best monitoring experience. It can also record, playback and stream live data to trace malfunctioning components.
PROS
- Wide range vehicle coverage
- Swift Operation
- Stunning Performance
- ECU Programming Support
CONS
- A bit expensive but provides value for money.
2) BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
This is also a highly efficient OBD2 scanner with a lot of utilitarian facilities including the unique dongle connectivity.
Key Features
BlueDriver Sensor and App: While the efficient sensors guarantee errorless results, the effective app gives you the codes in a precise and easy to read format.
Advanced Readings: The device is endowed with the enhanced ability to read out advanced data such as misfire counts and provides advanced codes related to transmission, ABS and airbags offering you the best control over the vehicle.
Repair Reporting: In addition to detecting problems the gadget also provides possible suggestions about the fixing procedures. It fetches the suggestion from its enormous database made up of over 4 million successful repairs.
PROS
- Convenient for the first time users.
- Compact design to fit near the dashboard.
- Suggestion for possible repairing methods.
CONS
- The app is not efficient enough to interpret live engine data.
3) AD510 Professional OBD2 scanner from ANCEL
Ancel’s AD 510 is designed to support all the modes (total 10) of OBD2 to facilitate a complete diagnostics. Moreover, it can be updated online.
Key Features
I/M Readiness Key: The model enjoys an exclusive feature which helps you determine whether your vehicle is close to an emission test. It also checks the drive cycle in addition.
Engine Light check: AD 510 automatically checks and notifies the cause for the engine light to be on. The device also regains generic and manufacture specific codes for accurate malfunction detection.
Troubleshooting Tips: A good OBD2 scanner not only rescues the trouble codes but also suggests possible rectification procedures at the same time. And AD 510 does that very efficiently and thus saves considerable time and effort.
Enhanced Onboard Monitoring: The device monitors the engine system on a constant basis and reports anomaly if any. In this way it helps to keep up the optimal performance of the vehicle.
PROS
- Offers memory backup facility
- Allows data printing through PC
- Supports and interprets graph data
CONS
- The outer casing seems to require some modification.
4) 3150e Code Reader cum Scan Tool from Innova
This premium OBD2 scanner emphasized much on quality and works well with cars, hybrids, light trucks and SUVs alike.
Key Features
Easy-to-use Design: No matter whether you are casual or professional this model offers easy access to different features through its all-in-one hot keys.
Repair Solution: 3150e equips a patented RepairSolution option, an online service that helps detect and repair a problem more accurately.
High Compatibility: In addition to being compatible with all the new OBD2 vehicles, this versatile scanner also supports the older OBD1 vehicles at the same time.
PROS
- Supports both OBD2 and OBD1 vehicles
- Simple and straightforward operation
- Presents live information in seconds
CONS
- Unable to read all ABS and SRS cars
5) AL519 OBD2 Scanner from Autel
AL 519 really uses cutting-edge technology and offers several well thought features.
Key Features
Turning off the Check Engine Light: With AL519 model you never have to worry about the illumination of the Check Engine Light as it successfully turns off the said light, clears the relevant code and also reset the display.
Smog Detector: Similar to Ancel AD510, this scanner also features the capability to foretell whether your vehicle would pass or not in the smog test even before you take it to a test center.
Integrated Notification: The gadget comes with an efficient alert system equipped with a small speaker which generates audible notifications to inform whether your vehicle is ready.
PROS
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Improved notification
- Comparatively affordable
CONS
- SRS and ABS testing doesn’t support every car released before 2014.
6) CP9580A OBD2 Scanner from Actron
This is one of the fewer scanners that offers the best value for money and can mend millions of verified problems.
Key Features
CodeConnect Technology: The technology assists solving the engine’s problem in an efficient and faster way by fetching solution from its CodeConnect database.
Verified Fixing: The solution offered by the device is well verified by Actron’s panel of ASE certified technicians and hence you need not worry about its accuracy.
Additional benefits: CP9580A offers several useful additional features such as drive cycle mode, live graph data, data frame freeze, data print through PC, optional battery backup etc.
PROS
- Simply designed
- Easy data navigation
- High data accuracy
CONS
- Not compatible with all Operating Systems
7) MaxiScan MS 300 CAN from Autel
This is yet another highly efficient OBD2 scanner that comes with a host of useful features and benefits.
Key Features
Extensive trouble code catalogue: The device boasts an expansive catalogue of over 7000 trouble codes along with their detailed descriptions to ensure the peak performance of your vehicle all the time.
Simplicity of Design: A good scanner must be easy to operate and MS 300 abides by that rule. It features the simplest of design with only a couple of buttons which makes it easier to read and clear the codes in a faster way.
Efficient Display: The device sports a nice backlit LCD display which is clearly legible at all conditions. The display also offers a convenient multilingual menu at the same time.
PROS
- Covers wide range of vehicles
- Space friendly design
- Intuitive interface
- Good value for money
CONS
- The software takes a bit longer to load
8) Innova 3100 OBD2 Scanner
This is certainly one of the most popular OBD2 scanners in the market with some appreciable features.
Key Features
Easy to apprehend Trouble Codes: Diagnosing the problem accurately is one thing and interpreting it effectively is another. Innova 3100 displays all the codes in such a format which is very easy to understand even by inexperienced users.
Smart Operation: The device is smartly designed to provide you the ultimate control on the Check Engine light. Moreover it is compatible both with Androis and iOS and hence you can easily remove codes from your device.
Smog Test Alert: The gadget can check and inform whether the vehicle is in proper condition to pass a smog test. And if it is not Innova 3100 will also suggest what needs to be done to make it ready for the said test.
PROS
- Offers useful technical tips
- Sturdy construction for long term usage
- Highly reliable Performance
CONS
- Some users report issues about the difficulty in connecting it to PCs.
9) Launch Creader vii Plus
If you are technically sound and know a lot about different systems and mechanisms of your vehicle, this professional scanner could be a very good option for you.
Key Features
Wide range of Support: In addition to supporting OBD2 as well as EOBD protocols Creder vii supports the prime four functions namely engine, auto transmission, airbag, and anti- lock breaking in most of the models. In addition the device has support also for multi-language and graphic display.
Playback of Data stream: Besides detecting and correcting various issues in your vehicle the device can also playback all the data so that you get to know what exactly the problem was which might be helpful at any point in future.
Effective DTC Display: Creader vii offers a host of useful DTC info including various service data like carbon canister check and oxygen sensor.
Memory Card Support: You can easily increase the deevice’s memory to accommodate more DTC information. Although this does not enhance the scanner’s efficiency directly, still the enhanced memory will provide you with more information that can be required and utilized at any time in future.
PROS
- Extremely reliable in terms of accuracy
- Upgradable through internet
- Reads real-time PCM data stream
CONS
- A bit over priced
10) ScanTool 426101
If you want to operate your OBD2 scanner exclusively through Bluetooth then this device is no doubt one of the best options for you. Moreover it comes equipped with a patented BatterySaver option which ensures constant power backup.
Key Features
Extreme Vehicle Coverage: This high performing scan tool covers OBD2, EOBD, JOBD as well as many other global variants.
Efficient Diagnostic Software with App: ScanTool 426101 allows you to clear out the Check Engine Light and reads all diagnostic trouble codes as well as makes research on them online. The OBDLink app also verifies whether the vehicle is fit for the emission test.
Unmatched Security System: The device offers 128 bit data encryption which protects the user’s automobile network from any illegal access through hacking.
PROS
- Enhanced throughput for detailed and accurate graph
- Protection against overvoltage
- Automatically switches to sleep mode when not in use
CONS
- There are issues on working with 3rdparty apps