Best OBD2 Scanners 2024 [Review]

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Looking for the “best overall OBD2 scanner”? Unfortunately there’s no quick, “one-size-fits-all” answer, and here’s why.

Different vehicles have different problems, and you may have different requirements! Your car may have the Check Engine Light on, that you may want to turn off, or maybe the ABS/SRS light. Or perhaps you’re trying to do something more advanced, like bi-directional control or ECU coding.

Ok, let’s assume that you have an illuminated Check Engine Light (I know how common this is!). If you were to believe the first few articles on Google and buy the “best overall OBD2 scanner”, you may indeed be able to use it to see what’s causing the light and manage to turn it off, however, you may also have just purchased a device that is way more powerful than what you needed, and will have wasted a whole lot of money in the process.

Before you rush out to buy a device, try to understand what your requirements are, and pick the device that best suits your needs and budget.

Let’s try run through a few common problems that many vehicle owners experience!

What do you need to fix?

Check Engine Light

One of the most common issues among car owners is the annoying (and sometimes very concerning!) “Check Engine Light” (CEL).

Fixing this problem can be either extremely easy or extremely frustrating. The good news is that every OBD2 scanner can access the engine module and identify the specific cause for the CEL.

So, most of the time, you only need an inexpensive scan tool for this light. Something below $50 should be more than capable.

In this price range, there are two kinds of scan tools you will encounter:

• OBD2 adapter – Need a phone to operate, this wireless tool can be used with different apps, some are free, some are not
• OBD2 handheld scan tool – No need for a phone, this tool generally has its own screen and may be easier to use, usually called “code reader”

I generally recommend the adapters for beginners/DIYers as you can view live data graphs on your vehicle with these relatively cheap tools (you can’t do that using a cheaper code reader). The drawback of OBD2 adapters is that you may have to pay a few extra dollars for full-version apps with all the necessary features.

Skip to the Best OBD2 Scanners for Beginners

ABS, SRS, Transmission light

Other than the engine module, there are also many other different ECU modules in your car which control the electronics in a vehicle. When there is something wrong with a module, the corresponding warning light will illuminate. The below are the most common warning lights other than the CEL:

• Antilock Braking System (ABS)
• Supplemental Restraint System (SRS or airbag)
• Transmission

Cheaper OBD2 scanners generally can’t access these modules. To do that, you will need something a little more advanced, something generally costing between $100 and $150.

Scan tools in this price range also come in two basic configurations (similar to the cheaper ones):

• Adapter – Require a phone to use, usually paired with a free app.
• Handheld tool – No need for a phone, a bit more expensive than adapters.

Their functions are pretty much the same when it comes to diagnosing the four main modules (Engine, ABS, SRS, Transmission).

However, OBD2 adapters in this price range are able to access all available modules on cars, not just the four main modules above. Moreover, some adapters may even offer basic coding functions, which is a little more advanced than what most people will require.

Again, I still generally prefer the Adapters over the handheld OBD2 tools due to increased functionality.

Skip to the Best OBD2 Scanners for DIYers

Professional Level Scanners – Semi-commercial to Commercial Use

And then we have scanners for semi-professional to professional use. These tools’ prices can range from a few hundred dollars to $5,000 and beyond. So let’s break them down.

The tools ranging from $400 to $800 are generally meant for home mechanics. These normally offer full diagnostics for all available modules on cars. But what makes these stand out from the cheaper scanners is maintenance functions. However, those functions are usually still limited at this price point and bi-directional control is also generally not supported.

More expensive scanners (above $1,000) are generally meant for professional mechanics. At this price point, the scanners can do all kinds of things with your car. Only experienced car diagnostic professionals will really be able to tell the difference between a $2,000 and a $5,000 tool, and it generally starts coming down to brand preference and the robustness of the hardware of the tools.

Skip to the Best OBD2 Scanners for Home Mechanics

Skip to the Best OBD2 Scanners for Professionals

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Top 3 OBD2 scanners for beginners – Budget scanners (below $50)

Quick comparison

To be clear, these tools are all pretty similar when it comes to basic OBD2 functions (read/clear codes, engine live data, retrieve VIN, etc.) 

However, the Autophix 3210 stands out from the other two as it offers live data graphs for different engine parameters as it is used with an app on your phone, which displays more detailed data than a small, basic, black and white screen on a handheld scanner device.

On the other hand, the Autel MS309 and Ancel AD310 are also very popular among car owners. Why? 

Well, they are slightly cheaper than the Autophix 3210, and these handheld scanners don’t need a phone or app to operate, as these both contain their own displays to display engine codes, which is a more convenient and easy way to use a scanner for most people.

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Best for beginners – Autophix 3210

A bargain, but very capable Bluetooth code reader, the Autophix 3210 helps car owners:

• Read and clear engine fault codes
• Live data and freeze frame
• I/M readiness
• O2 sensor test
• Retrieve vehicle information

Since this tool is a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter, unlike the other two on this entry-level list, you need an app on your phone to use it. Fortunately, the Autophix 3210 comes with its own free mobile app, OBDmate. The custom dashboard is perfect for quick monitoring and has easy access to vehicle reports.

The app is quite convenient and easy to use, offering a built-in Google search button for quick fault code searches over the internet. It also comes with a nifty battery health check feature, allowing users to check their vehicle’s battery status, something not available in many OBD2 scanners. 

Besides all of that, this OBD2 tool works on more vehicles than other devices on the list. The Autophix 3210 has very wide vehicle coverage and works on over 200 brands and over 200,000 vehicle models from 1990 onwards, which means it works on all US cars and light truck models from 1990 and newer. It comes with a 5-year warranty service, a lot more than the standard 1-year coverage with a lot of other OBD2 scanners on the market.

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Autel MS309

The MS309 is a cheap, handheld OBD2 tool for quick vehicle health status checks. The scanner is capable of tapping into the engine module and allowing car owners to read and clear Check Engine Light issues.

MS309 is a basic code reader that also has a freeze-frame function. This is a feature that takes a quick snap of the live vehicle information when a fault code gets triggered. Besides that, it also is capable of providing VIN checks and conducting I/M readiness tests for emission regulations.

Vehicle coverage is also comprehensive, and it is compatible with most vehicles in the US from 1996 onwards, the European market from 2006 onwards, and the Asian market from 2009 onwards. The MS309 is a really great OBD2 tool to get you started with vehicle diagnosis. It comes with a 12-month warranty, and free lifetime technical support from Autel, more than enough to cover your scanner in case of any problems or technical issues.

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Ancel AD310

The Ancel AD310 is a very popular code reader and in fact is one of the best selling code readers on the market. The device is capable of reading and erasing codes, providing live data and freeze frame function, I/M readiness and retrieving vehicle information. 

Although the AD310 is a very basic scanner, it will get the job done for most basic issues. The tool is fast, durable, and compact and is a favorite among many.

It is also a direct competitor to the Autel MS309, although many prefer it as it has been around for a long time and has a proven track record over many years.

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Top 3 OBD2 scanners for DIYers – Intermediate users (between $100 – $150)

Quick comparison

Technically, these three Bluetooth OBD2 scanners are quite similar when it comes to performance and features. 

They’re a step above the entry-level or “Below $50″ scanners as they can access all vehicle modules rather than just the engine module. 

Since they are all Bluetooth devices, they all require mobile apps that you use to access the various features and information. Although the BlueDriver app is great, the device does not offer compatibility with third-party apps, unlike with Carly and the OBDLink MX+, which are compatible with a number of third-party apps. 

Unfortunately, BlueDriver does not support coding. But with Carly and the OBDLink MX+, users can use coding to add or remove features and personalize their vehicles. However, this feature is only available for several car brands.

Carly really offers a lot of features and is the cheapest scanner out of the three in this intermediate category, making it the best value for money, however, if using the Carly proprietary app (which is a really great app and which I have really enjoyed using) along with the scanner itself, be aware that you may need to pay for access to certain more advanced modules or uncommon modules that may be specific to your car in some cases.

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Best scanner for DIYer – Carly

Carly is another compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanner capable of reading and clearing engine fault codes. However, Carly goes a step further than basic scan tools by allowing car owners to access in-depth information on all other vehicle components like transmission, ABS, multimedia, and more. There is even a live data feature for analysis purposes.

Users can also use the emissions test feature to determine whether they can legally drive their vehicles on the road. The test is a great way to determining whether there are any underlying issues with the emissions system and get it fixed before driving your car or going in for an emissions test.

The device, while being pretty advanced in its capabilities, is also great for first-time users as it provides a step-by-step instructional guide on basic DIY car services such as performing a battery registration – so there is no need for beginners to feel intimidated.

Carly also offers car owners the ability to customize their vehicles through car coding. The app can be used to remove or unlock hundreds of features allowing users to personalize their vehicles to their liking. However, this only works on a few car models.

Carly also goes beyond basic diagnostics by providing a mileage check that detects any mileage fraud, which is an amazing feature to help you avoid scams and being ripped off when buying a used car.

Overall, Carly is really one of the best diagnostic tools out there at the moment and I really encourage you to give it a try if you’re in the market for one – as a mechanic, I have been very impressed with this very capable device and it far exceeded my expectations for an intermediate scanner at this price point.

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BlueDriver

BlueDriver is a mid-range scan tool that allows car owners to read and clear fault codes on the engine and other modules such as anti-lock braking systems, airbag systems, TPMS, transmission, and much more.

This tool is a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner that is used with your phone and the BlueDriver app to operate. This may bother those looking for handheld devices, but the app is also what makes this OBD2 scan tool great. The BlueDriver app has a special feature which is that not only does it display error codes identifying the vehicle’s issues, but it also has detailed guides and suggested instructional fixes for the codes that are presented – very helpful and something that I haven’t seen on any other app or software.

The app provides basic features like reading and clearing fault codes, live data and freeze frame, I/M readiness, O2 sensor test, and retrieving vehicle information. It also comes with a live data graph that helps users analyze vehicle data efficiently. 

Besides the basic OBD2 functions, BlueDriver also has an additional mode, which allows car owners to conduct tests on different vehicle components like O2 sensors, catalytic converters, and EVAP for system monitoring – helpful for checking that your vehicle will comply with emissions tests.

With an advanced dashboard capable of displaying all the relevant data, a detailed instructional fix for fault codes (which is unique to BlueDriver and which I think is very useful for those wanting to try fix issues themselves), and great connectivity, the BlueDriver is a fantastic scan tool definitely worth investing in.

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OBDLink MX+

The OBDLink MX+ is another great mid-range Bluetooth OBD2 adapter that has a free OBDLink app to run tests and access the different functionalities. However, you can also use third-party apps such as BimmerCode, Dashcommand, Caristo, and many others (great for performance car enthusiasts) which further expand on the MX+ capabilities. However, be prepared to cough up more money to use some of these features and third-party apps.

The device has access to all modules including ABS, transmission, engine, and more, allowing car owners to read live parameters for diagnosis. It goes without saying that you can obviously read and clear fault codes.

It is the also the only wireless iOS-compatible scan tool on the market that supports the proprietary “GM-LAN” and “Ford MS-CAN” vehicle networks, giving you access to many additional ECUs and manufacturer-specific codes and parameters. This means that you will be able to read and clear trouble codes from ECUs on proprietary vehicle networks that are off limits to other scanners on the market.

OBDLink MX+ has fantastic data recording capabilities allowing the device to capture four times more data than other OBD2 scanners on the market in a similar price range. The detailed data capturing allows for smoother graphs and shows additional live parameters.

Due to its compatibility with so many third-party apps such as Torque, Dash, FORScan, DashCommand, obdCANex and Harry’s Lap Timer, the OBDLink MX+ has some very cool features including, unlocking enhanced performance and lap timing (for those who, like me, enjoy taking their vehicle on track-days every now and then!), saving fuel, changing vehicle settings and even controlling door locks and remotely starting the engine on select vehicles. Please be aware though, that some of these apps are Android specific, so may not be compatible with your iPhone if that’s what you’re using – I suggest checking with the app providers to confirm compatibility.

When it comes to security, the MX+ offers additional layers of protection, and hackerproof wireless security. It also has an ultra-low current sleep mode, so you can leave the device plugged into your car without worrying about the battery draining, and more.

The OBDLink MX+ is a very powerful scanner that has a number of features that are simply unavailable on many other scanners at this price point – it’s definitely worthwhile checking it out if you’re looking to get a little more out of your scanner than simply checking and clearing fault codes.

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Top 3 scanners for home mechanics ($300 – $800) – Semi-professional use

Quick comparison

Scanners at this price point start to run out of additional features to offer (as they can pretty much do it all!) and focus on providing additional service functions not offered by the cheaper scanners and more premium hardware for a smoother diagnostic experience. 

All three of these devices can perform basic OBD2 functions, enhanced diagnostics, Auto VIN scan, and read live data graphs. However, where they differ slightly is when it comes to advanced service functions, with some offering more options than others.

Where things have changed in the last few years is the inclusion of bi-directional control into scanners at this price point, something that never used to be the case, and that was previously reserved for expensive professional-level scanners only. Bi-directional control, or active testing, gives the user the ability to perform advanced diagnostic functions beyond basic code reading and data retrieval. It enables them to actively test, control, and interact with different components and systems within the vehicle including actuators (electric windows, sunroofs etc.), valves, pumps etc, all from the device itself.

All three scan tools come with a 7 inch touchscreen and an Android operating system. However, the Autel MK808S runs on an the latest Android 11.0 while the other two run a slightly earlier version, Android 10.0.

The Autel MK808S has 64GB of internal storage space while the Launch CRP919X and Ancel V5BT both come with 32GB.

The Launch CRP919X has the largest battery pack of the three at 6,100 mAh, while the other two only have 5,000 mAh batteries.

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Autel MaxiCOM MK808S

Featuring a 7 inch touchscreen, the Autel MK808S is a mid-tier tablet scanner with a powerful Rockchip RK3566 processor complemented with 4GB of RAM and an Android 11.0 OS. The device is fast enough to perform advanced diagnostics throughout the day without any hiccups.

It comes with 64GB storage, which is more than enough to save vehicle data, graphs, and other details for diagnosis. The MK808S comes with a 5,000 mAh lithium polymer battery, which should be enough juice to get you through an entire day of use without charging (intermittent use), but is a bit smaller capacity than that of the Launch CRP919X.

Packed with a lot of features, the MK808S does not disappoint when it comes to functionality. It is capable of all module diagnostics, including engine, airbags, transmission, anti-locking braking, and more. You can read and clear codes, view live data, analyze reports, and even has bi-directional control for performing active tests while fault finding and working on the vehicle.

The tool takes car diagnosis a step further by accessing various vehicle systems and providing in excess of 28 advanced service functions some of which include:

• Oil reset
• SAS reset (Steering Angle Sensor)
• IMMO calibration (communicate with the vehicle’s immobilizer system and extract the necessary information to program a new key)
• Reset service mileage and service intervals
• Reset electronic parking brake
• ABS Bleeding
• Injector coding
• Battery registration and reset
• And more

While this is slightly less service functions than the Launch CRP919X, this is still very impressive and more than most mechanics will ever need.

Besides car diagnosis, it comes with a nifty IMMO keys functionality that allows car owners to remotely deactivate their lost or stolen key and replace it with a new one.

It also comes with lifetime technical support and a 1 year warranty.

When it comes to compatibility, the MK808S is perfect for auto technicians as the scan tool provides compatibility with 99% of the vehicles on the market. From Seat to Porsche, Lexus, Suzuki, and more, you shouldn’t run into any compatibility issues with this device.

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Launch X431 CRP919X – Top choice for home mechanics

An excellent mid-range tablet scan tool, the Launch X431 CRP919X is an efficient device for both diagnosis and repair. 

Loaded with a 7-inch touchscreen, 3GB of RAM, and an Android 10.0 OS, the CRP919X stands its ground against the competition. It comes with a 6,100 mAh battery which exceeds both of its rivals in this comparison. 

The device offers full system diagnostics, and is capable of tapping into the vehicle’s components and checking if the parameters are normal. It can access the following systems, among others:

• PCM
• Chassis system
• BCM 
• Electrical system

The device also supports in excess of 35 service functions such as oil reset, SAS reset, gear learning, injector coding, ABS bleeding, IMMO key programming, clutch matching and many more. This is extremely impressive for a scanner at this price point and far exceeds similar scanners for this price.

It offers superb compatibility with more than 150 vehicle brands and over 100,000 vehicle models worldwide.

A standout feature on the Launch CRP919X is ECU Coding. The ECU (Engine Control Unit) is the brain of your vehicle. Car ECU coding is an advanced feature which involves modification of the vehicle software to enable the use of features that, for various reasons (mainly country specific regulations), are not available in the car when it leaves the factory. ECU coding changes pre-programmed options that are already present in the software and which your car is already capable of. Simply put, it’s like updating your vehicle’s brain to work better so that you can get more out of your car. ECU coding is unheard of in this price range, and this feature is usually only available in products that cost in excess of $800 or more. This is a very impressive feature.

ECU coding is an amazing feature which, depending on your vehicle, will allow you to do some or all of the following:

• Performance tuning
• Emissions compliance
• Major module replacements
• Variant coding (offline programming)
• Key programming
• Diagnosis and troubleshooting
• Selectively enable or disable certain vehicle features
• Many other customization options

Overall, this is a very advanced and useful feature that one definitely wouldn’t expect to find in a scanner at this level or price. Read more about ECU coding/programming here.

Another very cool feature of the CRP919X is the ability to add modules to expand its capabilities even further. This scanner has add-on modules available that will allow you to do even more, such as the battery tester module, allowing you to test battery health, TPMS, for sensor activation and programming, and the camera function, for capturing real-time vehicle conditions and perhaps being able to show customers certain problems which may have been discovered.

Finally, and something I can really appreciate as a mechanic, is the inclusion of mechanical buttons on this scanner. Believe me when I say that this is a dirty job, and that most days, I come home absolutely covered from head to toe in a layer of dirt and grease – and my wife gives me a hard time about it constantly! The buttons are a really nice feature for when your fingers are covered in grease and the screen won’t respond to touch. I think this is a very well thought out addition to this scanner, well done Launch!

I can honestly say I was super impressed while reviewing the Launch X431 CRP919X, as it is an absolutely brilliant piece of kit, especially for the price, considering it’s the cheapest of the three. If I were in the market for a scanner at this price point, this would hands-down be my number one choice. It may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely worth considering.

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Ancel V5BT

Boasting a 7-inch touchscreen, the Ancel V5BT is an Android 10.0 tablet OB2 scanner that comes loaded with 32GB of storage. It has a large 5,000 mAh battery that should be more than enough for your requirements, although its not the best on this list. 

Capable of full system diagnostics, the device can access all vehicle modules allowing car owners to read and clear fault codes or view live parameters for diagnosis. It also has an extensive DTC library where users can get definitions for their fault codes and remedy them immediately. 

While being slightly underwhelming when compared to the other scanners on our list, the Ancel V5BT still has, a rather impressive ten service OBD2 functions, such as:

• SAS calibration
• ABS bleeding
• BMS reset
• TPMS reset
• Throttle reset
• And more

The V5BT works well on more than 89 different car brands manufactured from 1996 and later. It is also enabled with the CAN-FD protocol which makes the V5BT compatible with the latest GM vehicles manufactured after 2020. With free online updates for the first two years, it will also save you from having to spend extra dollars on updates – which can turn out to be costly.

A cool feature of the V5BT is that it comes included with an Ancel Bluetooth VCI Dongle, which means that this scanner has the ability to perform semi-remote vehicle diagnosis (from up to 33 feet/10 meters away). This is a nifty extra feature that is not included with the other scanners on this list.

Finally, it’s an Ancel, and can you really go wrong with an Ancel… They have built a solid reputation for developing some of the best and most reliable OBD2 devices on the market and have been around for a long time.

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Top 3 professional automotive scanners ($1,000+) – Commercial use

Quick comparison

Entering the realm of professional level OBD2 scan tools, the features included on these devices are generally going to be very similar. There may be slight differences in features here or there, but these professional, commercial-level scanners can generally do everything you’re ever going to need and more. The differentiating factor among this group of scanners is going to come down to hardware and price. Generally, the differences will be found in processing power, battery-life, screen size, protocol compatibility, and maybe a few features, but it really comes down to your specific needs and budget, as any device at this level is likely to be super powerful and capable.

All three OBD2 scanners in our comparison are extremely powerful tools that go far beyond the needs of the average car owner or amateur mechanic and, unless you are obsessed with having the best, and budget isn’t a concern for you, I would not recommend any of these for anyone other than commercial shops and vehicle service professionals. These scanners can basically perform all of the functions of the previous scanners we have mentioned, and more, including basic OBD2 functions, enhanced diagnostics, live data graphs, bi-directional scanning and control, advanced service functions, auto VIN scan, ECU programming, and more. The Launch X431 PAD VII Elite is capable of more than 60 advanced service functions, which is crazy impressive! 

Out of the three in our comparison, the Autel MaxiSys Ultra is the most expensive by quite some margin, followed by the Launch X431 PAD VII Elite, with the Topdon Phoenix XLink coming in cheapest.

In my opinion, buying a professional automotive scanner tool is overkill if you’re looking for a device for your home or for personal use, but hey, if you really want the best, and have the means to afford one of these powerful machines, you’re definitely not going to be disappointed! These are designed for use by automotive professionals in a commercial garage, dealership or auto shop, so you will have all the features you will ever need, but if you’re considering one of these for your business, I suggest doing some detailed research to decide what will work best in your specific case.

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Autel MaxiSys Ultra

The Autel MaxiSys Ultra is an outstanding device that does not disappoint.

Featuring a 12.9 inch touchscreen and an 8-core processor with 4GB of RAM, the MaxiSys Ultra is an extremely powerful device with an 18,000 mAh battery that can last up to 20 hours on a single charge. It’s perfect for auto technicians and should be more that enough to get them through even the most busy of days. 

Offering manufacturer-level diagnostics and full OBD2 modes, this device can access all vehicle modules and allow users to find underlying problems through in-depth diagnosis. The MaxiSys Ultra’s AutoScan 2.0 allows for up to 5x faster scanning which will really increase the efficiency of your workshop.

As you would expect from a device at this level, it offers in excess of 40 service functions, which is really impressive. It also has full bi-directional control, and advanced ECU coding capability.

The MaxiSys Ultra also comes with Autel’s new “Topology 2.0” topology mapping system, which is a game-changer. Topology mapping is basically a high-level graphical representation of the structure, layout, design, and behavior of your vehicle’s ECU system, which shows all the different modules in your vehicle. Autel’s Topology 2.0 shows the true structure of a vehicle’s ECU and reflects the real connections and relationships between the different modules. Other topology mapping systems don’t show the true structure of a vehicle’s ECU, but rather a simple graphical overview of the different modules that are in a vehicle based on protocol, but they do not show how these modules are actually connected or how they interact with each other. Knowing how all the different modules in a vehicle are actually connected allows technicians to locate, diagnose and troubleshoot issues more quickly and efficiently than having to work out whether a specific module is perhaps having any effect on any other modules in the vehicle – a very impressive feature.

Another added bonus of the MaxiSys Ultra is that it includes a powerful 5-in-1 VCMI which transforms the MaxiSys Ultra into an all-in-one tool for your business. The 5-in-1 VMCI includes the following functions:

• Multimeter – For measuring voltage, current, resistance, frequency etc.
• VCI (vehicle communication interface) – Connects directly to the vehicle’s diagnostic socket, and communicates via Bluetooth with the MaxiSys Ultra
• Waveform generator – Simulates the signals of various vehicle sensors and ECU modules
• Oscilloscope – For measuring and displaying the voltage and current signals of different components, such as sensors, actuators, ignition systems, fuel injectors, and more
• OBD2 CAN Bus checker – Checks and visually displays the connection between the MaxiSys Ultra and the vehicle it is connected to

Autel also claims coverage for 99.99% of vehicles on the market with this scanner, with new supported vehicle models being added every month.

The final item I want to touch on is a feature Autel call “Remote Expert”, which is a great feature for those just getting started in the business, or for anyone who comes across a problem they haven’t seen before, or may be unsure of how to fix. Autel’s Remote Expert provides technicians with direct access to experts online through a portal on the MaxiSys Ultra, which they can use for assistance with complex problems, with the experts being able to access the user’s MaxiSys Ultra from wherever they are in the world, view the car’s ECU modules and statistics in real time, and assist with resolving any issues, from diagnosis to programming assistance and more, this is really useful.

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Launch X431 PAD VII Elite

The Launch X431 PAD VII Elite is an advanced scan tool catering to the demanding needs of auto technicians. Not only is it capable of advanced OBD2 functionalities, but it also comes with superior hardware.

I have to admit upfront, that this is my personal favorite of this group and is my “scanner of choice” in our shop at the moment. Just to mention that we do have other premium tools in our shop which cost significantly more (yes, including Snap-on’s and Matco’s!), and I still find myself picking this up time and time again. I really just prefer it to pretty much anything else out there at the moment.

The device boasts a 13.3 inch touchscreen and is powered by an 8-core processor complemented by a super fast 8GB of RAM. It also has an 18,720 mAh battery capacity, which is the best in our comparison, and internal storage of 256GB, which will be more than enough to store the files and photos of your client’s vehicles. This powerful hardware is paired with an Android 9.0 operating system, providing a fast and seamless diagnosis experience. In addition to the Launch software, you can use Google, access the Google Play Store, and if you really wanted to, you could even use it watch your favorite series on Netflix on a quiet day! In all seriousness though, this makes it great for sending emails to clients or colleagues, or even for emailing short notes or points to yourself to refer to later like I do, or for watching YouTube tutorials while working on a repair.

There are also two cameras, an 8 MP camera in the front, and a 13 MP in the rear. This allows you to take photos of issues for sharing them with other mechanics for guidance or perhaps for showing the customer.

This scan tool goes way and beyond the capabilities of many other scanners out there today. Users have access to more than 60 advanced functions for monitoring, troubleshooting and diagnosis.

The way the scanning works is that after you have run a scan, if a fault is detected, a fault code will be displayed. Once you have the fault code, you are presented with two options, you can automatically run a Google search which displays YouTube videos and links to forums showing the suggested fixes, repairs etc, or you can click on the “Fix” button. The “Fix” button will redirect you into Haynes Pro and give you all the details you need relating to the fault code in question, suggested fixes etc., but please be aware, that you will need to purchase a Haynes Pro subscription separately in order for this to work.

Another practical feature that I really enjoy on the Launch X431 PAD VII Elite is that you can run a professional diagnostic report which you can simply email to yourself to print out for the customer. You can even add your own shop logo to the report to make it look even more professional. Once you have completed the necessary work, you can then run a post-repair report showing that all the codes have been cleared after the repair.

This device also has full bi-directional control and is also capable of ECU coding.

Something unique to the X431 PAD VII Elite is that is has it’s own ECU backup and recovery system, so before you do any coding, you can perform a backup to ensure that if anything goes wrong with the ECU during coding, you can always safely revert back to the original settings, which definitely gives peace of mind. Whilst there are other backup methods out there, these are generally quite time consuming and can be unreliable. The only downside is that, at the moment, it is not available for all manufacturers and models, which is something that I hope is expanded in future.

The X431 PAD VII Elite offers its own version of enhanced topology mapping, which, although different from the Autel MaxiSys Ultra’s system, is also intuitive in its own right. It shows the health status of the different modules by displaying them in different colors, depending on their health status. It also shows the true structure of a vehicle’s ECU and reflects the real connections and relationships between the different modules.

The X431 PAD VII Elite also has a remote diagnosis option, where mechanics can allow other auto technicians to look at vehicle data or reports and provide their input.

It’s features really speak for themselves – this really is an extremely powerful device and I believe one of the very best, if not THE best, on the market today.

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Topdon Phoenix XLink

Equipped with a 10.1 inch touchscreen, the Topdon Phoenix XLink is an advanced tablet OBD2 car scanner. The device has a 4-core processor with 4GB of RAM complemented by Android 10.0, meaning that you probably will not run into any performance issues any time soon.

To save maintenance and diagnostic reports, the Phoenix XLink comes with 128 GB of storage, which is more than enough.

This device is also a fair amount cheaper than the other two professional-level scanners on in our list, meaning it’s a great tool for those who are just starting out, or are perhaps on a slightly tighter budget. That’s definitely not to say that this is not a powerful device, as it is indeed very capable, believe me!

This scan tool comes with more than 41 service functions, including oil reset, SAS calibration, TPMS Reset, ABS brake bleed and injector coding to name a few.

The Phoenix XLink is also capable of ECU coding and topology mapping, similar to both of the more expensive scanners on our list.

So, while the Phoenix Xlink has slightly less powerful hardware than the MaxiSys Ultra and the X431 PAD VII Elite, it can pretty much do everything they can, albeit for a slightly easier to digest price. The Phoenix XLink is just as capable as the other two scanners on our list, and is definitely worth considering for any auto technician in the market for a professional-level scanning tool.

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Still unsure? Here are my picks!

With so many options available, choosing one device that suits your needs can be difficult. So, which one should you get?

Autophix 3210 – If you are a beginner trying to fix the dreaded Check Engine Light

Offering basic features, the Autophix 3210 is an easy-to-use OBD2 car scanner. With the free OBDmate app, this tool is more than enough for any beginners who are trying to fix the CEL by themselves.

Or even if your problems are way too complicated for you to fix on your own, it’s always better to have an idea of what’s going on so that you don’t get ripped off by mechanics.

At this price, the Authophix 3210 is a no-brainer for first-time buyers.

Carly – Best value for money for DIYer

Being the next step up from the Autophix 3210, Carly is a great Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool, capable of more than just the basic features. In addition to having access to the engine, Carly can tap into other vehicle modules and help car owners resolve underlying issues in their vehicle. 

With car coding for DIY enthusiasts and step-by-step instructions for beginners, Carly is the best value for money scan tool on our list.

Launch X431 CRP919X – Best Option for the home mechanic (or even semi-commercial use)

If you are looking for a an extremely capable OBD2 scanner for your garage or even your small auto shop, look no further. The Launch X431 CRP919X has all the relevant features and more, and if you consider the price, it really is an absolutely outstanding device punching way above it’s weight class. 

Equipped with very capable hardware and advanced functionalities such as ECU coding, containing in excess of 35 service functions, and having compatibility with over 150 vehicle brands, the CRP919X is a device that you would definitely find in my garage – in fact, I’m seriously considering ordering one after my experience with it!

Launch X431 PAD VII Elite – Best Professional Level Scanner (Commercial use)

It’s already pretty clear from my review above that the Launch X431 PAD VII Elite is my recommendation for a professional-level scanner. But at this level, it shouldn’t be about anyone’s preferences, but rather what suits your particular situation best.

All of the professional-level scanners that we tested are extremely powerful devices which will be a great asset to any auto shop or technician. As mentioned, I recommend you do your own research and make a decision based on your own specific requirements and budget. For a bit more money, you may be able to get a slightly more powerful scanner in terms of hardware and a few features here or there, but all of the devices at this level, are really impressive.