10 Finest OBD2 Scanners Of 2022

When your automobile wants repairs, no software is extra helpful that can assist you determine what’s happening than an OBD2 scanner. As a result of whereas a verify engine gentle tells you there’s an issue, an OBD2 scanner usually tells you precisely what that drawback is.

However whereas the suitable software can level you in the suitable course and enable you to repair your automobile very quickly, the incorrect one can have you ever working in circles attempting to determine issues out. That’s why we took the time to trace down the most effective OBD2 scanner on the market.

Whether or not you’re in search of a easy code reader on your storage or a complete OBD2 scanner that may do all of it, we’ve obtained you lined.

Disclaimer – This text could comprise affiliate hyperlinks, which means that for free of charge to you, we could obtain a small fee for qualifying purchases.

Prime 10 Finest OBD2 Scanners of 2022

1. BlueDriver Bluetooth – Finest OBD2 Scanner General

Key Options:

• iPhone and Android suitable
• Stay knowledge streams
• Customizable shows
• Limitless vehicle-specific restore stories

Within the fashionable world, there’s no cause for a cumbersome scan software that takes up a ton of area in your toolbox. With the BlueDriver Bluetooth Scanner, you get a compact scan software that works along with your cellular machine to present you as much as the second outcomes.

The complete system is totally wi-fi, user-friendly, and customizable. Because you’re utilizing your cellphone, you may simply report and screenshot knowledge which is beneficial for exhibiting clients to elucidate the issue or to technicians for some extra recommendation.

Not solely that, however you additionally get entry to tons of auto restore stories, and there’s no restrict to what number of stories you may pull. You don’t’ have to fret about spending extra money on updates or help, which is a giant deal in comparison with a number of the dearer choices on the market.

Should you’re an at-home mechanic or an total novice, these options could be the whole lot you could prod you in the suitable course. Not solely do they provide possible options, however additionally they provide hyperlinks to the components you’ll want to repair your automobile.

Whereas this scan software doesn’t eradicate the necessity for mechanical know-how, it does a superb job for novices and people keen to study whereas they get their arms soiled.

Nonetheless, whereas the complete setup is user-friendly, there isn’t a bodily display. You should pair it up with a cellular machine, so for those who’re not tech-savvy or don’t have a linked machine, this isn’t the OBD2 scan software for you.

However since most individuals have a suitable cellular machine, that is the whole lot you may ask for and extra.

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2. Autel MaxiCom MK808 – Finest Premium Scanner

Key Options

• Over 25 service capabilities
• Stay knowledge streams
• Offers detailed stories and potential fixes
• 7-inch LCD display and 32GB reminiscence
• Auto VIN know-how

Alright, the Autel MaxiCom MK808 isn’t the lowest-priced OBD2 scan software on the market however in comparison with the premium choices Autel gives, it’s a steal.

And for many at-home mechanics, that is greater than you’ll ever want. There are over 25 service capabilities that can help you full a wide selection of upkeep capabilities, together with key programming, brake bleeding, injector coding, and extra.

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Even higher, this software does extra than simply verify the OBD2 engine codes. It additionally checks the SRS, ABS, and transmission techniques and breaks the whole lot down for you. The MK808 offers diagnostic stories, stay stream knowledge and even suggests repairs.

With the Autel MaxiCom MK808, a novice mechanic seems like a professional, and a professional seems like the most effective of the most effective. This machine has a 7-inch LCD display for easy-to-see shows and 32GB of reminiscence for loads of storage.

It’s lighting quick, and with the Auto VIN know-how, you additionally save time because you don’t must enter every automobile’s info. Merely hook up the software, and the scan software does the remainder, inputting all the automobile’s info for you.

Not solely does this prevent time, however it additionally prevents errors from taking place, which helps you diagnose and restore your automobile proper the primary time.

You possibly can stay stream knowledge and save the outcomes for later with out ever worrying about working out of area. So, whereas this could be a dearer choice for an at-home mechanic, it’ll do something you may ever want, saving you cash and holding you out of the restore store.

It's undoubtedly the most effective OBD2 scanner for house utilization if you're not afraid of paying a bit of bit further.

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3. Kasmotion – Finest Finances Scanner

Key Options

• Learn and clear codes
• Emissions take a look at (pc solely)
• Freeze body knowledge streams

Simply since you don’t need to spend a ton of cash on an OBD2 scan software doesn’t imply you may’t get one which will get the job completed. With the Kasmotion OBD2 Scanner, you get a top-notch choice that does extra than simply learn codes – and also you don’t have to fret about spending a ton.

You possibly can nonetheless stay stream and freeze body knowledge streams, which suggests you get extra details about the system you’re attempting to repair. Whereas it doesn’t provide playback capabilities, on the earth of cellular gadgets, that’s not as large of a deal because it was once.

The Kasmotion OBD2 Scanner helps seven totally different languages, so likelihood is, it doesn't matter what language you communicate, this software works for you. And whereas it doesn’t have a ton of options or service capabilities, it may well verify your automobile’s emissions system that can assist you move native inspections.

However remember the fact that that is solely a pc verify. Meaning it would learn the info from the oxygen sensors and different inputs and allow you to know if the whole lot seems proper. But when these parts are giving defective outcomes, your automobile could be placing out totally different emission ranges.

Additionally, this scan software solely reads OBD2 codes. SRS, ABS, and transmission codes will not be lined. Which may not matter now, however for those who get one in every of these codes down the highway, this software received’t have the opportunity that can assist you out.

Lastly, whereas this software provides you with the engine code and even clear it for you, it doesn’t provide any diagnostic help. You’ll be by yourself for researching potential causes and options. However at this value, it’s a steal, and it may well bail you out of quite a lot of diagnostic bother codes.

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4. Actron CP9690 OBD1 & OBD2

Key Options

• Works with each OBD1 and OBD2 automobiles
• CodeConnect for databases of reported faults
• 3.5” coloration display
• Document and examine stay knowledge

Since OBD2 solely entered automobiles in 1996, when you've got an older automobile, then it has OBD1. Whereas OBD1 isn’t almost as complete as OBD2, it may well inform you some vital info that can assist you observe down the supply of a verify engine gentle.

So, for those who personal an older automobile or a restore store that works on older automobiles, you want one thing that may learn OBD1 codes. With the Actron CP9690, you get a complete OBD1 and OBD2 code reader in a single machine.

Take note for OBD1 automobiles, you’re possible getting nothing greater than a code, even with a code reader like this. That’s as a result of OBD1 was manufacturer-specific, and getting a scan software that works with all of them whereas offering complete diagnostic and troubleshooting instruments is close to not possible.

Nonetheless, for OBD2 and choose OBD1 automobiles, this scan software permits you to view and report stay streaming knowledge and diagnose ABS and SRS codes. It presents all of this knowledge on a small however crisp and coloration 3.5” show that can assist you interpret knowledge.

Additionally, this scan software solely works with Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Toyota OBD1 automobiles. As soon as once more, it's because OBD1 was manufacturer-specific, so monitoring down the coding used for every smaller automobile producer isn’t straightforward.

Should you do want an OBD1 code reader for a smaller automobile producer, it’s greatest to trace down a product that particular producer produces.

Lastly, this scan software doesn’t provide service capabilities, though it does have CodeConnect that provides you entry to databases of confirmed fixes on your particular code and automobile.

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5. MOTOPOWER MP69033 OBD2 Scanner

Key Options

• Simply learn and erase codes
• View freeze-framed knowledge
• Checks the emissions system (pc solely)
• DTC lookup

If all you want is a scan software to provide the code and you may deal with the remainder, then the MOTOPOWER MP69033 is a wonderful selection. It could learn and erase codes and even permits you to view and freeze body knowledge streams.

For those who simply need the DTCs, this OBD2 scanner does that and offers you with a brief DTC lookup. Whereas it is a far cry from a full diagnostic troubleshooter and doesn’t make restore ideas, it does offer you sufficient info to let what the particular code means.

The one different characteristic this scan software gives is an emissions verify, however even that doesn’t verify the precise emissions popping out of the tailpipe. As an alternative, it simply tells you what the assorted sensors are telling the ECU concerning the emissions.

However because you’re not getting a scan software that’s jam-packed with options you don’t want, you’re additionally getting one at an incredible value. Why spend extra on a scan software that has a ton of options you’ll by no means use?

One other perk is that it nonetheless comes with a two-year guarantee regardless of the cheaper price, so that you don’t have to exchange it anytime quickly.

However most significantly, it’s extraordinarily user-friendly. So, for those who’re in search of a fundamental scan software since you need one thing straightforward to make use of, that is an excellent selection.

It’s a no-frills scanner that will get the job completed and is straightforward to make use of – excellent for the mechanic that already is aware of what they’re doing and simply want the code.

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6. Autel MaxiSys MS906BT

Key Options

• Tons of service capabilities
• “Energetic” troubleshooting – you may flip parts on and off
• Works on nearly any automobile
• Stay stream and report knowledge

Should you’re working a workshop, good simply doesn’t minimize it. You want a scan software that provides you the potential to deal with any job that comes your approach. With the Autel MaxiSys MS906BT, you will have that functionality. Not solely do you get an OBD2 scan software, however you additionally get a software that has 31 service capabilities.

Whether or not you’re attempting to program keys or code BMWs, this scan software can do all of it. One other big perk of this software is that you could actively take a look at parts. You possibly can flip varied parts on and off with the clicking of a button to troubleshoot, and also you get entry to stay knowledge.

You possibly can report and freeze-frame, and with an 8” LED display viewing the outcomes is less complicated than ever. This scan software works with 99.99 % of automobiles on the earth, which suggests you may deal with nearly any automobile that comes via the door.

Furthermore, this scan software helps 14 totally different languages, so regardless of the place you’re at, you should utilize it. However remember the fact that it solely helps one language at a time, and you may’t simply change between them.

However whereas it is a state-of-the-art diagnostic OBD2 scan software, it’s additionally priced like one. It’s extraordinarily costly upfront, and after the primary 12 months, you’ll must spend one other $695 to maintain it updated. Whereas the scan software will proceed to work with out the latest updates, you’re not getting probably the most up-to-date info.

Not solely do you want these updates, however for those who do want to change the language on the machine, there’s one other $100 payment related to that too. Whereas this machine can do something on the store, you’re additionally paying fairly a bit for these capabilities.

These excessive prices are why this isn’t an excellent match for these in search of a scan software to make use of on their very own automobiles.

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7. Autel MaxiCOM MK908

Key Options

• Tons of service capabilities
• Stay stream and report knowledge
• “Energetic” troubleshooting – you may flip parts on and off
• 10.1” display
• Works on nearly each automobile

Whereas the Autel MaxiSys MS906BT is a wonderful selection, for those who’re in search of one thing even higher, it’s the Autel MaxiCOM MK908. This machine is a direct improve to the MS906BT, and upgrading that already spectacular machine isn't any small feat.

It has the identical 31 service capabilities, can verify each single automobile system, works on 99.99 % of automobiles, and stay streams and data knowledge. Moreover, it has energetic troubleshooting that permits you to flip varied parts on and off whereas troubleshooting.

It helps 14 totally different languages, however you continue to can’t simply change between them. The upgrades for this scan software are easy however vital. First, this scan software has a ten.1” LED display, making it simpler to see every chart.

However whereas the bigger display is probably the most seen improve, what’s extra, vital is what’s happening beneath the floor. The MaxiCOM MK908 has an upgraded processor that hastens every course of, and for an automotive store, which means quicker repairs and extra money.

However as soon as once more, the main commerce off is value. This scan software is much more costly, and also you’ll nonetheless want the costly yearly updates, and for those who plan to vary the language from English, you’ll must spend an additional $100.

Should you’re on a good price range, this isn’t the software for you, however for those who’re working an automotive workshop, this software pays for itself very quickly.

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8. LAUNCH

Key Options

• 5 service capabilities
• Stay knowledge and playback
• 5” display
• Printable outcomes

Simply because the LAUNCH OBD2 Scanner doesn’t have a “greatest for” tag subsequent to it doesn’t imply that’s not price testing. It’s a superb selection for the at-home mechanic who desires a scan software that may perform a little extra with out spending a ton of cash.

Whereas it’s not the lowest-priced scan software on the market, it’s not within the stratosphere because the higher-priced Autel fashions. Furthermore, this scan software comes with a 5-year guarantee, has free lifetime updates, and helps 9 totally different languages.

You get stay knowledge and playback and the power to verify the transmission, ABS, SRS, and naturally, engine codes. Whereas it solely has 5 service capabilities, they’re vital capabilities that embrace an ABS reset and steering angle calibrations.

And whilst you don’t get as a lot diagnostic help or options because the dearer fashions, they nonetheless have way over only a fundamental OBD2 scan software. This software additionally permits you to print out your outcomes, so for those who’re attempting to elucidate your findings to a buyer or a supervisor, it’s simpler than ever.

Whereas this isn’t very best as the one scan software in an automotive store, it does make an incredible second choice or an incredible selection for a mechanic understanding of your storage. It offers you tons of knowledge to make troubleshooting straightforward and works with nearly any automobile on the market.

Ultimately, it’s an excellent mixture of value and efficiency, even when it didn’t earn a “better of” nod.

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9. INNOVA Automobile Scan Advisor

Key Options

• ABS diagnostic verify
• Stay graphs and knowledge
• Diagnostic suggestions and steered repairs

Whereas the INNOVA Automobile Scan Advisor can’t do all of it, for the quantity you’re spending, it may well do fairly a bit. It helps three totally different language choices that you could change with the clicking of a button, and it offers you reside knowledge that can assist you troubleshoot what’s happening along with your automobile.

Furthermore, it checks each the ABS and your OBD2 system, which implies that it may well enable you to deal with and repair much more issues. Nonetheless, remember the fact that it doesn’t help SRS troubleshooting, so for those who do get an airbag gentle, it received’t have the opportunity that can assist you out.

Nonetheless, the INNOVA Automobile Scan Advisor gives a wide selection of diagnostic suggestions and ASE mechanic verified fixes to related issues, and it’s fully freed from cost. You possibly can pull as a lot info as you’d like with out spending a dime which is a bid deal for those who’re scanning a number of vehicles.

It additionally helps out novice mechanics by connecting them to knowledge that skilled mechanics have used to repair issues. With the INNOVA Automobile Scan Advisor, it’s like have a licensed mechanic within the storage with you that can assist you determine what’s happening.

The complete setup is extraordinarily user-friendly and simple to make use of, so for those who’re not probably the most tech-savvy, you continue to ought to be capable to determine how you can use this scan software. Nonetheless, it doesn’t have any service capabilities, and the general variety of options is a bit restricted.

Due to these considerations and the truth that it may well’t verify the SRS system, there was no approach we might embrace it on the upper finish of our record.

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10. Autel ML629

Key Options

• Engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission diagnostics
• Stay knowledge and freeze body
• Lifetime free updates

Autel makes our record of high merchandise fairly just a few instances, and for good cause. Whereas the Autel ML629 is much from their high choice, it's one in every of their most inexpensive. It’s a simplified model of their high instruments, which is strictly what many novice mechanics are in search of and may afford.

The Autel ML629 can verify the ABS, transmission, engine, and SRS techniques and has a complete DTC library that can assist you determine what every code means. The Autel ML629 comes with a lifetime of free updates, however because it doesn’t have troubleshooting recommendation, the updates don’t comprise close to as a lot.

Nonetheless, you get stay knowledge and the power to freeze-frame what’s happening, and also you get a one-year guarantee. However with an Autel product, the probabilities of you needing to make use of that guarantee are extraordinarily slim.

However there are two options we want Autel would enhance with the ML629. For starters, you may’t report knowledge, solely freeze-frame it. Whilst you can report what’s happening with a cellular machine, the smaller display measurement is our second criticism.

Not solely does this make it arduous to see what’s happening, however it makes it a lot tougher to report stay streaming knowledge in a usable approach.

Nonetheless, the Autel ML629 is an especially inexpensive scan software choice, and it offers you all the info that their far dearer OBD2 scan instruments provide – even when it doesn’t present all the identical troubleshooting instruments.

However for those who’re simply in search of a strong OBD2 scanner on your storage, this isn’t a nasty selection.

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How To Select The Finest OBD2 Scanners?

Whereas all of the OBD2 scan instruments are a sensible choice, the only option for you isn’t essentially the only option for everybody. That’s why we got here up with this complete purchaser’s information to stroll you thru the whole lot you could know and enable you to select your excellent scan software.

Figuring out Compatibility

Earlier than you head out and buy an OBD2 scan software, you could decide compatibility between the machine you’re attempting to buy and the automobile you’re attempting to apply it to. As a result of whereas OBD2 has been common since 1996, that doesn’t imply each characteristic on each scan software will work on each automobile.

If the automobile was out there within the US market after 1996, then it’s OBD2 suitable, however that doesn’t do a factor for the stay knowledge monitoring, service capabilities, energetic troubleshooting, and different superior options.

Earlier than you exit and spend a ton of cash on a scan software with tons of additional options, see if it really works along with your automobile. You possibly can verify the product description web page on your particular automobile, however for those who’re nonetheless not sure, you may at all times shoot the producer a message, they usually’ll let !

Lastly, make sure that you’re really attempting to verify the OBD2 system as a result of the SRS, ABS, and even the transmission system work with totally different computer systems, and fundamental OBD2 scanners received’t get the job completed.

What To Search for In Your OBD2 Scan Instrument

Should you’re solely keen on a code reader, you then skip this part. However for those who’re questioning what else your scan software can do so that you can make troubleshooting simpler, maintain studying. As a result of fashionable scan instruments can do way over simply learn a code.

1. Stay Knowledge

Whenever you’re troubleshooting what’s happening in your automobile, stay knowledge could be invaluable. They will inform the variety of instances a specific cylinder is misfiring, the quantity of air the consumption brings in, and extra.

If what you’re , you should utilize this knowledge to pinpoint issues previous the verify engine gentle. Extraordinarily skilled mechanics can use stay knowledge and the engine code to pinpoint nearly any drawback – though even they should confirm earlier than getting any components on order.

2. Transmission/SRS/ABS Scanning

Examine engine lights are one factor, however they aren’t the one techniques in your automobile. A fundamental OBD2 reader can solely learn engine codes, however a sophisticated one can learn each system in your automobile.

This won't seem to be a giant deal for those who solely have a verify engine gentle on, however having a software that may verify each system can bail you out down the highway.

Even higher, that is usually one of many first options that producers put of their instruments, so it’s not too arduous to seek out one that may verify each system.

3. Troubleshooting Suggestions

Whether or not you’re a novice mechanic or an professional, it’s solely a matter of time till you run into an issue that leaves you stumped. That’s why there are databases full of data on the market that can assist you via issues.

However whereas lots of these databases lock their info behind paywalls, choose scan instruments provides you with entry to those databases – typically totally free. Even higher, many scan instruments will routinely put in your automobile’s info and issues and information you in the suitable course.

This implies much less time looking for related info and quicker repairs. Whether or not you’re stumped or simply need affirmation of what you suppose the issue is, it’s an incredible software to have at your disposal.

4. Service Features

Do you know that you simply want a scan software to finish some jobs? For jobs like steering wheel recalibrations and key fob programming, you want a scan software.

However not each OBD2 scanner can do these duties. Whereas these options shortly drive up the price of the software, they’re additionally important for mechanics that want to have the ability to full any job.

Whereas some service capabilities are extra vital than others, capabilities like ABS brake bleeding helps by turning a two-person job right into a one-person job. It’s not mandatory, however it may well assist unencumber time within the store to get extra work completed.

5. Energetic Troubleshooting

Energetic troubleshooting is one thing that solely a number of the costliest scan instruments have, however it may well make troubleshooting complicated issues a breeze. Units with energetic troubleshooting can help you enter totally different variables into sensors or flip varied parts on or off – all with the clicking of a button.

This lets you decide exactly what’s happening and even troubleshoot varied theories with out the necessity to dig into hard-to-reach places on the engine.

Whereas most OBD2 scanners require you to get out and bodily troubleshoot your theories, with an OBD2 scanner that has energetic troubleshooting, you don’t at all times want to do this.

Software program Updates

Earlier than buying an OBD2 scan software, verify how usually and the way a lot they cost for software program updates. These updates usually offer you up-to-date entry to troubleshooting suggestions as a result of as automobiles age, new issues emerge.

However whereas some scan instruments present these updates totally free, others cost fairly a bit for them. The very last thing you need is to drop a ton of cash on a scan software solely to appreciate that it's a must to spend much more yearly on updates.

Most lower-end scan instruments provide the updates totally free, however for those who’re buying a dearer choice, you'll want to double-check.

Wired vs Wi-fi

There’s a giant debate about whether or not you must get a wired or wi-fi scan software, however the fact is that for many gadgets, you need each. As a result of most wi-fi scan instruments want batteries or a charger, and the very last thing you need is to take care of a useless scan software once you want it.

In the meantime, for those who’re attempting to troubleshoot a automobile once you’re up on the engine bay, the very last thing you need to take care of is a twine working to the cab.

Scan instruments which have each sometimes cost once you plug them into the automobile, however when you could transfer round, you may unplug it and transfer. After all, choices just like the BlueDriver Bluetooth Scanner are fully wi-fi, and also you by no means require batteries, which provides you the most effective of each worlds too.

What Scan Instrument Do You Want?

Discovering the suitable scan software on your automobile doesn’t must be sophisticated with a assessment like this. Most at-home mechanics may gain advantage from the BlueDriver Bluetooth Scanner, but when you have already got a ton of expertise and need to forego the upkeep suggestions, the MOTOPOWER MP69033 is all you want.

In the meantime, each the Autel MaxiSys MS906BT and the Autel MaxiCOM 908 are nice for skilled workshops. Whereas they’re costly to buy and preserve, they can help you full any job that comes via the door.

Ultimately, the suitable scan software for you is one that you simply’re snug utilizing and provides you all the knowledge you want. As a result of for those who don’t perceive a number of the extra complicated options and don’t know how you can use them, there’s no cause to spend the additional cash on them.

Regularly Requested Questions

We perceive that discovering the suitable OBD2 scan software on your automobile can deliver up many questions. That’s why we addressed just a few of the most typical right here earlier than diving into our complete purchaser’s information.

Conclusion

With out the suitable instruments fixing your automobile could be subsequent to not possible. However with the suitable instruments, you may deal with the job and transfer on along with your life. Should you’re an at house mechanic with entry to a smartphone, you actually can’t go incorrect with the BlueDriver Bluetooth Scanner, and for those who’re working a store, you need an Autel.

Whereas the opposite choices is usually a nice selection too, you may’t beat what these gadgets have to supply. So, what are you ready for? Choose up an OBD2 scanner and get your automobile again on the highway very quickly!