Best OBD2 Scanners 2024 [Review]

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! Your car may have the Check Engine Light on, or maybe the ABS/SRS light. Or perhaps you’re trying to do some bi-directional control on the car.

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 fix the light, however, you may have just wasted a bunch of money for no reason.

Know what your needs are, and pick the right one for your wallet!

But first, let’s try see what problems your car has!

What do you need to fix?

Check Engine Light

The most common issue among cars, the annoying “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 dollars for full-version apps with all the necessary features.

Skip to the best OBD2 scanners for the money

ABS, SRS, Transmission light

Other than the engine module, there are also many other different modules in your car. 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 around $100 to $150.

Car scan tools in this price range also have two kinds (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.

So, again, I generally prefer the Adapters over the handheld OBD2 tools due to increased functionality.

Skip to the best OBD2 scanners for DIYers

Professional Use Scanners – Comprehensive

And then we have scanners for 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 $600 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 $700) 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 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 – $600)

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 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 advanced technology 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 the same 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 – ECU coding can be used to safely increase horsepower by 10% to 20% and torque by 15% to 25%, resulting in improved acceleration and overall performance.
• Emissions compliance – ECU coding can be used to ensure that your vehicle meets emissions standards, resulting in a reduction of pollutants emitted by the vehicle by up to 30% in some cases.
• Major module replacements – ECU coding can be used when replacing major components of a vehicle such as the ECM or TCM. After the replacement, ECU coding ensures that the new module is programmed and configured correctly, allowing the vehicle to start and operate without any issues.
• Variant coding (offline programming) – Variant coding involves programming specific options in a vehicle’s ECU to match vehicle specifications or enable certain features. It is a process that includes a number of functions, including transmission tuning, idle speed adjustment, fuel injector calibration, turbocharger boost control, anti-theft system programming, adaptive headlight control programming, and more.
• Key programming – ECU coding can be used after programming a new electronic key for a vehicle, allowing the technician to verify that the key is recognized and can start the engine without issue.
• Many customization options – ECU coding allows for customization of various vehicle settings, some of which include increasing fog-lamp brightness, resulting in better visibility of the vehicle in adverse weather, and increasing battery capacity, providing the increased power required for accessories like audio systems.
• Diagnosis and troubleshooting – ECU coding aids in diagnosis and troubleshooting by accessing real-time sensor data and retrieving diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
• Selectively enable or disable certain vehicle features – The following (sometimes annoying) features may be toggled on or off by using ECU coding – Vehicle engine stop-start systems, seatbelt reminder chimes, daytime running lights, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Traction Control System (TCS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) or Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror.

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.

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 (above $700)

Quick comparison

At this price point, you’re going to get almost similar features in the OBD2 scan tools. Here hardware is the differentiating feature among the three. 

All three OBD2 scanners can perform basic OBD2 functions, enhanced diagnostics, live data graph, advanced service functions, and auto VIN scan. The Launch X431 PAD V is capable of more than 50 advanced service functions unlike the other two. 

Out of the three, the Launch X431 PAD V is the most expensive since it is packed with the best hardware. It comes with a faster 2.0GHz processor and a quick 4GB RAM. The battery is also much bigger at 9,360 mAh, almost three times the battery capacity of DS808K. 

Buying a professional automotive scanner tool is overkill if you’re looking for a device for your home. If you own a garage, it is best to do a cost features analysis to find out if these devices are worth investing in for your business. 

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Autel DS808K

We’ve entered the professional OBD2 car scanner realm, and the Autel DS808K does not disappoint. 

Featuring a 7inch android tablet, the DS808K is a powerful device with a 3,200 mAh battery that can last up to 4.5 hours on a single charge. It’s perfect for auto technicians and enough to get them through the day. 

Offering full system diagnostic and full OBD2 modes, the device can access all vehicle modules and allow users to find the underlying problem through in-depth diagnosis and get it fixed. 

The device truly shines in the function’s department, offering beyond the 15 common service functions available in mid-tier scan tools. Being capable of 15 advanced service functions, from seats to power balance, throttle adaptation, and more, the 808K is a gadget exceeding your expectations. 

The scan tool has an efficient cloud-based data manager capable of storing all sorts of vehicle data and diagnostics reports. Users can also print the reports via Wi-Fi. It comes with an Auto-Vin technology that helps save time by retrieving vehicle information with a single button.

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Launch X431 V+

The Launch X431 V+ 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.

The device boasts a 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen and comes with a 1.4GHz quad-core processor complemented by a fast 2GB of RAM. It has an internal storage of 32GB. However, users can expand the storage capacity with additional expandable storage up to 128 GB. The internal hardware is paired with an Android 7.1 operating system, providing a fast and seamless diagnosis experience.

There are two cameras, a front 2 MP and a rear 5 MP, capable of taking snaps and sharing them with nearby mechanics or even your friends if you’re looking for guidance. The 7,000 mAh Li-Poly battery is large enough and will comfortably last you more than a day of continuous usage.

Now let’s go over the features.

The Launch X431 V+ is capable of the 10 basic OBD functions, including 02 sensors, EVAP, vehicle information, reading and clearing fault codes, providing live data, and more.

The scan tool goes beyond the capabilities of basic code readers and provides a complete system diagnosis. Users have access to more than 31 advanced functions for monitoring and troubleshooting the following:

• Injector coding
• TPS
• SAS
• EPB
• And more

The device is also capable of ECU coding allowing users to change or remove unwanted features and even unlock hidden features.

With a remote diagnosis option, mechanics can allow other auto technicians (in or outside the city) to look at the vehicle data or reports and provide their input. It helps save a lot of time.

When it comes to compatibility, the scan tool will work with 99% of the vehicles worldwide. The X431+ is loaded with features and functions capable of solving any problems in a car. Pair that up with fantastic compatibility and you’ve got yourself a “one window solution” car diagnosis product.

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Launch X431 PAD V

Equipped with a 10.1-inch screen, the Launch X431 PAD V is an advanced tablet OBD2 car scanner. The device rocks an 8 core processor with 8GB of RAM complemented by Android 7.1, meaning that you probably will not run into any performance issues any time soon.

To save all maintenance and diagnostic reports, the X431 PAD V comes with 64 GB of storage. However, there is an option for expandable storage up to 128 GB. 

This is a device aimed at auto technicians who do not have the time to waste. With that in mind, it even comes with a 3.0 quick charge, something uncommon in many scan tools on the market.

With multiple connectivity options, an 8 MP front camera, and a 13 MP rear camera, the X431 PAD V boasts superior hardware, but at a cost.

Besides the top-notch hardware packed into the device, the X431 PAD V has some impressive features too. The device is capable of all those features available in code readers at a cheaper price point and a lot more. 

Loaded with OE-level advanced system diagnostics, the X431 PAD V can access all electrical modules in the vehicle. You can read and clear codes on all modules, view live data, perform tests, and retrieve vehicle information. 

The scan tool comes with more than 50 reset functions, including oil reset, VGT turbo calibration, SAS calibration, ABS brake bleed, and many more.

Capable of static ADS calibration to help avoid accidents, you do not need to head to a mechanic for a quick alignment of the sensing devices in your vehicle. If you are a fan of customizing every inch of your car, the X431 PAD V allows ECU coding. Car owners can unlock special features or change or remove existing features to their liking. 

The powerful dashboard is capable of showing 12 different types of data into one easy-to-understand graph. You can even connect additional external modules to the scan tool to further expand its capabilities, such as an endoscope, multi-meter, battery tester, and more. 

It also offers fantastic compatibility with more than 20,000 vehicles across multiple different brands and models. With continuous updates, compatibility issues remain a thing of the past.

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 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!