The Best OBD2 Scanners
If the dreaded engine light has popped up on your dashboard display, you're probably reluctantly planning an imminent visit to the mechanic. Booking our cars in for repair with no insight into the fault we're experiencing can be disconcerting, often leaving us wondering whether we're being overcharged in the process. An OBD2 scanner allows you to take matters into your own hands. These scanners retrieve diagnostic codes from the engine computer, allowing you to anticipate the cost of labor and parts at your local garage. You might even be able to attempt the repair job yourself.
What to Look For
While searching for the best OBD2 scanners on the market today, we had three questions in mind: Is this scanner widely compatible with a range of modern vehicles from manufacturers across the globe? Does the interface allow for clear interpretation of fault codes and other diagnostic information? Are there integrated features for analyzing error codes to assist in diagnosis? Our favorite was the Ancel AD310, thanks to its intuitive interface and wide vehicle compatibility. This scanner keeps things simple with a dedicated handset and cable connection. But, if you’re looking for a more compact option, you might want to check out the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro. This compact device provides live readouts directly to your tablet or smartphone, so you can do away with cables. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Ancel AD310 Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner
Back to basics
This familiar design from Ancel will have you diagnosing minor faults in no time, no matter your level of experience. A 2.5-foot cable makes it easy to find a comfortable spot to read fault codes once connected. Study your engine report from the bright backlit LCD screen to quickly determine the cause for alarm. With wide compatibility for post-1996 domestic vehicles and post-2000 EU and Asian vehicles, this scanner is sure to fit the bill for most models on the road today.
Pros:
- Smart vehicle recognition works to instantly identify the make and model of your car, so you won’t have to pore through lengthy manuals to identify enigmatic codes.
- A simple four-button interface with sizable pads makes this scanner easy to operate, even if you’ve got a little engine grease on your hands.
- We appreciate how this one powers up without the need for batteries since the cable draws power directly from the vehicle.
Cons:
- This scanner might not be able to identify codes highlighting more advanced engine faults.
Innova 5210 OBD2 Diagnostic Code Scanner
Data at your fingertips
If you’re looking for swift and effective engine diagnosis on the move, the Innova code scanner offers a direct solution to pinpoint malfunctions in an instant. It displays codes on the easy-to-read screen, but you can also pair it with the RepairSolutions2 app for immediate identification of the root cause of any fault signal. The live data readings provide unparalleled insight into the internal functioning of your vehicle. And this scanner supports real-time RPM, speed, and oil temperature readings alongside battery and alternator status.
Pros:
- We were impressed by the extra capacities of this option. This model will provide fault code readings for the ABS, a feature that is omitted from many basic OBD2 scanners.
- The freeze frame data mode allows you to easily isolate global vehicle readings from the moment a code is triggered.
- Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity allows you to easily store and retrieve test history.
Cons:
- Though this scanner saves fault codes once detected, it won’t store the live data readings.
BlueDriver Pro OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool and Code Reader
Big power in a small package
If you’re tired of cords and bulky interfaces, look no further than this compact OBD2 reader from BlueDriver. This miniature device plugs directly into your car’s OBD2 port to deliver results in seconds via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet. With support for ABS, airbag, and TPMS scans, this scanner leaves no stone unturned. The BlueDriver app comes packed with a library of pro tips to help you diagnose any issue on the fly.
Pros:
- Enhanced diagnostics are supported for a range of models, offering unprecedented access to vehicle status information. Check the manufacturer specifications for a full list of supported vehicles.
- Online app functionality means that this device updates automatically, continually expanding the repository of repair information.
- This scanner allows you to read previously erased codes, a handy feature for checking the service history of a used vehicle.
Cons:
- The live data monitoring on this scanner has a more limited range of parameters than some dedicated handsets.
MotoPower MP69033 OBD2 Scanner Code Reader
Stay within your budget
For those new to automobile diagnosis, or regular car owners simply looking for a broad overview of their engine condition, this hassle-free scanner from Motopower can bring a ton of features without breaking the bank. With the pre-installed OBD2 DTC lookup library, you’ll be equipped to identify common causes of engine fault and read a wide variety of other system codes and data. This backlit LCD screen is sealed under a screen protecting film, so it’s sure to stand the test of time no matter your service conditions.
Pros:
- This scanner is ready for most vehicles, with wide compatibility for globally manufactured models produced after 1996.
- A compact design with a slimline width of under 1″ makes this scanner easy to tuck away in your overhead or glove compartment for use when trouble strikes.
- Despite basic functionality in some domains, this scanner undercut most options on price by more than half.
Cons:
- This rudimentary scanner won’t diagnose non-OBD2 faults, such as those related to the airbag, ABS, or oil service light.
Launch CRP123E OBD2 Scanner
For premium diagnostics
Dive into the heart of this issue with the glorious 5″ touchscreen on this diagnostic scan tool from Launch. This device has you covered for readings of OBD2 data as well as facilitating ABS, SRS, and transmission scans. One-click Wifi updating can store a readout of your current engine condition for historical analysis and comparison. A four-in-one graphical data stream offers exceptional precision and insight with a simultaneous overview of engine, gearbox, ABS, and SRS status.
Pros:
- Launch boasts device compatibility with over 100,000 models of vehicles from 57 manufacturers across the globe, so there’s little risk that this scanner won’t be fit for purpose.
- The inbuilt diagnostic assistant connects you to the wisdom of a team of experts, for speedy insight and fault evaluation.
- Real-time battery voltage monitoring offers additional insight into your vehicle’s general condition.
Cons:
- This touchscreen model comes with a higher price tag than most LCD scanners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the OBD2 Interface Connection?
The OBD2 port is most often located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Some models place the OBD2 port in the central console, under a panel below the handbrake.
Why can’t I erase a fault code with my OBD2 scanner?
Any fault causing a code to appear will need to be sufficiently repaired before a fault code can be erased. Some scanners won’t allow you to erase ABS, airbag, or other system fault codes. These will need to be addressed using a compatible device.
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