Best ANCEL scanners for 2024 [Full review with buying guide]

Ask any mechanic, and he’ll say that ANCEL scanners are the best tool any garage can have. The ANCEL scan tool is an or on-board diagnostic tool for your car. It reads the car’s computer and reports back how it works or if there are any errors.

So, why would you need one? Simple, it’s easier to diagnose your car at home instead of making a trip to the mechanic.

Let’s dive into details.

Best ANCEL scanners: Comparison chart

ANCEL brand introduction

ANCEL is a company that provides professional automotive products. This includes OBD2 code readers, battery testers, and many tools for the benefit of their clients.

They bring about the best quality in the automotive industry at an affordable price.

Why buy an ANCEL scanner?

There are multiple reasons to possess an ANCEL scan tool. All of them are intertwined, but here’s a breakdown.

Often our cars can put out an error that we don’t know what it means. Going to the mechanic to get to the root of the problem is the solution, but that solution can be expensive. 

If you don’t have an ANCEL diagnostic tool at hand, you’ll need to spend time taking your car to the mechanic. There you will be charged for getting your car checked out before you know what the problem is.

On the other hand, having an ANCEL OBD2 scanner at home allows you to check your vehicle in a matter of minutes and see what the problem is. If it’s something serious, you will need to go to the shop.

As a bonus, ANCEL OBDII scan tools provide you with an opportunity to make some modifications to how your engine runs.

Types of ANCEL scanners

ANCEL manufactures multiple OBD2 scanners that you can get for your car. Each one has a distinctive set of features, making it easier for you to choose the one for you.

• Handheld ANCEL OBDII scanners are the most common ones. They plug in directly to the car and provide the basic diagnostic options.
• Wireless ANCEL scan tools are very similar to the handheld ones. You can plug them into the car and connect the code scanner via Bluetooth to your phone or tablet.
• Professional tools are top of the line. You get tons of diagnostic and settings options, paired with a bigger screen and loads more adjustability.

Price range of ANCEL scanners

Considering the features, ANCEL scanners can get divided into several price categories.

• Under $50: The cheapest ANCEL OBD2 scanner is in the sub $50 category. They are handheld wired diagnostic tools that provide the most basic features out of all the others.
• $50-$150: The second range is more expensive handheld scanners and wireless ones. You may also manage to find a professional ANCEL code reader in this price range at a discount.
• Over $150: The most expensive ones are the professional ANCEL OBD2 scan tools. They provide all kinds of features, a bigger display, and greater control over your car’s computer.

Tips and buying guides

Going out and getting the most expensive ANCEL scanner may not be the best approach. Since each one has a distinctive set of features, there are a few things to know before making a purchase.

What to look for?

The first thing to consider is your demands. Depending on the price range, you get a tool with a different set of features. The cheaper options will provide you with basic functionality, where you can check how the engine is running, see if there are any errors, and delete them. For most people, getting one of the handheld units will be an excellent choice.

If you are an enthusiast and like to tinker around with the engine, the professional tools will do a better job. While they will provide the same error scanning features, you can also make some ECU changes. That can help you increase power or set the engine to run as you want it to.

While looking at ANCEL scanners, you should also keep in mind your car’s make and model. While they will work with most modern vehicles, it is recommended to double-check the specifications and check whether your car is on the list.

As mentioned, the price plays a significant role in the type of scanner you get. The higher the price, the more features you get. When looking at the scanning tools, look for the sweet spot, aiming for the code scanner with the features you need that doesn’t go outside your budget.

Other considerations

There are some less important things to consider when you are shopping for your ANCEL code reader. Connectivity is one of them. A wireless tool will provide you with the flexibility to choose if you will be checking your car via a handheld device or your smartphone.

Cable length is another aspect that may be a deciding factor. The connector is usually hidden away, and each car manufacturer puts it in a different location. Before you purchase any of the ANCEL scanners, we’ll recommend checking to see how long the cable should be. For some cars, a shorter cable will do just fine, while you may need a longer one for others.

Best ANCEL scanners reviews

ANCEL AD310 Enhanced OBDII scanner

We are kicking off the list with a sub $50 ANCEL scanner. The AD310 OBD2 is an entry-level diagnostic tool with a basic set of features, which should be enough for most home users. The interface comes in 8 languages and a 2.5 feet cable to connect it to the car.

The handheld device features a decently sized display, where you can get an overview of how your engine works. Since this ANCEL scanner is an engine only reader, you cannot check the other systems like ABS brakes or transmission. Luckily, you can clear the codes if the problem causing them is fixed.

In addition to that, the ANCEL AD310 can get live data from your engine as it’s running and will also be able to provide an EVAP test for leaks. It also has an error code library, which gives you a detailed explanation of the error code and sees how severe the problem is.

This ANCEL diagnostic tool is compatible with most US-based cars from 1996 and most Asian and European models from 2000.

Verdict

The ANCEL AD310 Enhanced OBDII scanner is an excellent addition to your garage if you want to keep track of how your car works.

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ANCEL FX2000 OBD2 diagnostic tool

On the opposite side of the price spectrum, we have the ANCEL FX2000, an OBD II diagnostic tool sitting in the above $150 price category. While it is still handheld, it is quite bigger, meaning you’ll get a lot more functionality.

Unlike the previous one, where you can only scan the engine, the FX2000 will enable you to scan other systems as well, such as ABS, airbags, and transmission. This ANCEL scanner can make a complete OBD2 diagnosis ranging from checking and deleting errors to EVAP testing, DTC look-ups, and much more.

It is designed with grips on the side for easier handling. A 4-inch display panel shows you the raw data coming from the systems. Besides, the included lookup library can help you identify the problem, as it can explain each error code.

Verdict

With the option to check multiple systems and cover many manufacturers, ANCEL FX2000 OBD2 diagnostic tool is a perfect OBDII scanner for people who want to dive deeper into their cars.

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ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBDII scan tool

Going back to the handheld ANCEL OBD II diagnostic tools, we have the ANCEL AD410. This has a few additional features compared to the AD310. You get a similar interface translated into 8 languages and a cable with an equal length.

While it supports a wide range of car manufacturers, you are still only limited to engine reading. The supported protocols are ISO9141, KWP2000, J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW, and CAN. With a press of the button, you can check your car’s inspection and maintenance readiness without too much fuss.

The live data option can show you how your engine is performing in real-time. You can also test your O2 sensor, do an EVAP test, and check for errors. If there are, the included library will explain what each code means and whether you need to take it to the mechanic or not.

Verdict

In general, the ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBDII scan tool is a must-have entry-level scanner for any garage. It can go through the entire engine and check all the systems if they are working correctly.

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ANCEL VD500 OBDII diagnostic scanner

If you own a car from the Volkswagen group, you may want to check out the ANCEL VD500. While this ANCEL OBD2 scan tool should work with most modern cars that are OBD2 compliant, its forte is the German cars. It is compatible with most Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, and Seat models.

In terms of capabilities, this scan tool shines when it comes to Volkswagen group cars. It can diagnose any system, from the engine and ABS to the airbag, transmission, or ESP. It can also check the battery system and reset the oil service module. Additionally, you will be able to make some changes to the throttle position and reset the e-brake system.

For non-Volkswagen models, the set of features is relatively limited. You can plug it in your car, get the vehicle info, read and delete error codes and turn off the check engine light. For the unknown errors, the library will help you out and explain what the code means.

Verdict

While it is compatible with most cars not older than 20 years, it shines with VAG cars. If you own a Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, or Skoda, you should get this ANCEL VD500 OBDII diagnostic scanner.

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ANCEL FX9000 OBD2 scanner

Car enthusiasts and mechanics should look at this model. The ANCEL FX9000 is the absolute best OBD2 scanner that the company manufactures. It supports most cars that are OBD2 compliant. You will have the option to scan and diagnose every system in your car.

There are two modes: automated and manual diagnosis. The automated one gets the VIN and starts the scanning process. You can run the manual mode if you want to scan a particular system. This ANCEL scan tool offers 15 reset functions, and unlike most of the diagnostic tools on this list, you have the option to make calibration to some of the systems.

The ANCEL FX9000 is an android tablet with a 7-inch screen and 6000 mAh battery, meaning that you can read the data even when it’s not connected. As a bonus, when you run the auto’s diagnostic tool, a report will be generated and sent to your email.

Verdict

Considering the price, we cannot recommend ANCEL FX9000 OBD2 scanner for every garage. With all the bells and whistles for scanning and resetting, it is best suited for enthusiasts and car mechanics.

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ANCEL AD530 OBD2 code reader