The Best OBD2 Scanners For Your Vehicle

  • Chris Jones

OBD2 scanners can be a vital part of any driver's tool kit. These handheld devices provide a bevy of information about the real-time status of your car, and since OBD2s connect directly to your battery, they're easier than ever to use. But that doesn't mean all of them will give you the same quality or quantity of data, which is why we've made this list of the OBD2 scanners we think most belong on your dashboard. Read on and let your car troubles melt away.

What to Look For

There were a few standards these OBD2 scanners had to meet before we could recommend them: Do they provide information quickly and accurately? Are they easy to set up? And do they have a user interface that lets you access that information concisely? A few OBD2 scanners earned their license and then some. Motopower’s scanner won our top spot, thanks to their device’s ease of use and vast array of provided data sets. We also had to highlight the Innova unit, which was invaluable when it came to testing for smog levels and oil status. Keep reading to see what else these and other OBD2 scanners did to earn a spot on our list (and in our cars).

Motopower MP69033 OBD2 Scanner

Solve issues simply

With its legible screen and flexible language options, this user-friendly scanner makes it our favorite.
Best Overall

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While there are many worthy OBD2 scanners on the market, few match the utility of Motopower’s unit. It can help you determine everything from the temperature of your coolant to your calculated load level, and do so in as many as six different languages to boot. It also features a large, legible LCD screen with a protective film that guards against scratches and bumps. If you’re overwhelmed searching through OBD2 scanners for vehicle usage, this is a great one to put your trust in.

Pros

  • The instruction booklet is easy to follow and makes for a quick setup process.
  • It’s fantastically affordable considering how pricey OBD2 scanners for comprehensive vehicle assessment can get.

Cons

  • It does lack some of the premium features of those aforementioned pricier OBD2 scanners.

Ancel AD410 Enhanced OBD2 Scanner

One trusty tool

Not many OBD2 scanners are optimized specifically for American-made cars, but this one fills that niche quite nicely.
Runner Up

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OBD2 scanners for any vehicle new or old aren’t common, but this one fills that niche quite nicely. If your car was both made after 1996 and by an American manufacturer, this scanner can help monitor its health. And this is a scanner you’ll want by your side, as it can read your car’s status quickly and report it through a user interface that’s simple to navigate. This is one of the few OBD2 scanners for specific American vehicle usage, and it excels at this particular task.

Pros

  • It features a built-in code library that eliminates the need to look up codes from sources outside your device.
  • The real-time graphing function is a boon for data nerds who want a comprehensive evaluation of their car’s health.
  • Its manual is well written and easy to use.

Cons

  • The text can be difficult to read due to the screen’s size.

Innova 5310 OBD2 Scanner

Worth the investment

Smog can ruin any driver's day, but you won't have to worry about it with this scanner's assistance.
Best For Smog Testing

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For vehicle safety, OBD2 scanners need to be able to detect smog, and few do so like this one. Innova’s scanner gives you live updates on things like smog levels and oil temperature, keeping you safe and your car up to legal specifications. What’s more, its accompanying app can even recommend the proper tools and techniques for fixing a given problem. Great OBD2 scanners for vehicle fog detection are hard to come by, so don’t pass this one up.

Pros

  • The battery alternator and test feature is a unique, welcome bonus.
  • Innova has lots of tutorial videos online for the best ways to use your app and scanner, and they’re easy to find with a quick web search.

Cons

  • It gives information in a way that’s geared toward car experts, so casual users might be slightly confused at some readings.

BlueDrive BlueTooth Pro OBD2 Scanner

Calling all cars

This wireless scanner links flawlessly to your phone, providing both accuracy and convenience.
Best Phone Connectivity

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Many OBD2 scanners for vehicle use have app compatibility, but none work with your phone quite like this one. Tool-free setup, Bluetooth functionality, and an easy-to-navigate app make this one of the most intuitive OBD2 scanners. Its deep library of fixes and cordless functionality only add to the user-friendly experience. If you want a scanner that’s as efficient as it is easy to use, BlueDriver has the product for you.

Pros

  • Its sleek look sets it apart from other OBD2 scanners you’d consider for your vehicle.
  • The code database is constantly growing from a network of user data, giving you ever-expanding insight into ways to fix your car.
  • It can read your car’s VIN number and send you updates about recall information, service bulletins, and more.

Cons

  • It is more expensive than some other OBD2 scanners.

Foxwell NT301 OBD2 Scanner

Gearheads unite

No matter what you drive, this scanner has your back.
Best Professional

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This feels like one of the only genuine OBD2 scanners for vehicle lovers, and we definitely welcome it. This scanner is unlocked for international use, meaning vehicles from all over the world can benefit from its valuable tools. A few of those tools include VIN retrieval, a built-in speaker that informs you when your car is ready for its emissions test, and free lifetime updates for the device’s software. OBD2 scanners for vehicle enthusiasts don’t get much better than this one.

Pros

  • Setup is straightforward and rarely requires one to consult the instruction booklet.
  • It can be charged via USB, which is oddly uncommon for this type of scanner.

Cons

  • It uses very technical vocabulary when describing a car’s issue, so inexperienced users may need to do some research on the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shouldn’t I go to a mechanic if I have car problems?

While mechanics will be able to reliably fix your car, good OBD2 scanners have near-perfect consistency in diagnosing your car’s issue, which can save you a fortune on diagnostic fees. It may even reveal that the issue is simple enough that you may be able to fix it yourself.

Should I get an OBD2 scanner for my vehicle even if it runs fine?

OBD2 scanners aren’t just good for fixing problems, but for detecting subtle engine discrepancies that might cause your car to fail an inspection. Trust us when we say that spending a small sum on a good scanner beats paying a fine for an avoidable issue any day of the week.

About the Author

Chris is a self-proclaimed geek who spends his time writing, learning about weird subcultures, and, of course, gaming. A gamer and a streamer, Chris loves connecting with the gaming community and understands that every gamer’s rig is unique. He wants to makes sure you have the equipment you need to for the most optimal gaming experience.

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