The 10 best automotive scan tools for car diagnostics in 2022
Each day, car technology is getting more sophisticated. There are no longer days when your car could be maintained by cleaning the carburetor.
An automotive scanner tool is very useful to diagnose your car and determine the best way to replace parts. Diagnostics are now fun thanks to great scanners.
These are my top picks for the most effective automotive scanners on the market.
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Top Overall
BlueDriver Bluetooth Auto Scanner
- Affordable
- Coverage for large vehicles
- Simple to use
Premium Choice
Autel MaxiCom MK808 Professional
- Scanner Professional for Autos
- Programming functions
- Coverage for a large number of vehicles
Budget Choice
Nexpeak NX501 Diagnostic Scanner
- Generic Trouble codes
- Very economical
- Well designed
- Automotive Diagnostics Tools of the Future in 2022
- 1. BlueDriver Bluetooth – Best Diagnostic Scanner Tool Overall
- 2. Autel MaxiCom MK808 Professional Automobile Scanner
- 3. Nexpeak NX501 Diagnostic Scanner
- 4. Autel Maxisys Elite Professional Diagnostic Tool
- 5. Innova CarScan Pro5210 Scan Tool
- 6. Ancel BD310 Diagnostic Scanner
- 7. Autel AutoLink Al539 Auto Scan Tool
- 8. Foxwell NT510 BMW Car Diagnostic Tool
- 9. ThinkOBD 100 Car Scanner
- 10. Jethax Automotive Scanner
Automotive Diagnostics Tools of the Future in 2022
1. BlueDriver Bluetooth – Best Diagnostic Scanner Tool Overall
Through the years we have tested many automotive scanners and can confidently say the BlueDriver is the best in terms of price and functions.
The reason is likely that there's only an adapter, and it can be controlled with your phone. You don't have to buy a scanner with a screen.
BlueDriver is able to read higher trouble codes making it a unique product on the market at this price. The BlueDriver is easy to use. If you have any questions, you'll get great support.
Pros:
- Small & Easy to store
- Coverage for large vehicles
- Simple to use
- Excellent support
- Affordable price
- Trouble codes with enhanced meaning
- Big trouble code database
2. Autel MaxiCom MK808 Professional Automobile Scanner
These people will appreciate the Autel MaxiCOMMK808. This may be too costly for those that are just starting to fix their cars. It might also fit smaller workshops more well.
If you do not care for paying a little bit extra, though – this is a really great scanner for a great price.
Autel MaxiCom offers all the functions you require for programming and car diagnosis. The database contains a wealth of information about trouble codes.
Pros:
- Huge code database
- Programming functions
- Live data
- Excellent UX
- Quick scanning
- Trouble codes with enhanced meaning
Cons:
- A touch on the pricey side
3. Nexpeak NX501 Diagnostic Scanner
The Nexpeak NX501 scanner is great for people on a tight budget who don't want to pay too much for an auto scanner. Nexpeak's low price makes it affordable, and the scanner has all of the functions necessary to perform simple home tasks.
The device reads most cars and provides live data that makes diagnostics easier.
This tool cannot read any enhanced trouble codes, but only generic codes. While this is not an issue for all diagnostics, it may be a problem in certain cars.
Pros:
- Very economical
- Quick reading
- Live data
- All updates are free
- Generic codes are read
Cons:
- There is no increased trouble code
4. Autel Maxisys Elite Professional Diagnostic Tool
Autel MaxiSys elite isn't for home users. It is an extremely professional tool with almost all functions required for scanning tools.
This tool works well in small- to medium-sized workshops, which need it to read many vehicles at once and have programming capabilities.
Unfortunately, this tool comes with a price. This tool is great if you have the budget for it.
Pros:
- Wifi
- Professionals
- All codes functions
- Programming ECU
- Software updates are free
- Fantastic support
- Programming in J2534
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5. Innova CarScan Pro5210 Scan Tool
Innova CarScan Pro, another powerful candidate to be a top tool in this auto scan tool set. The bright, 2.8 inch color display makes it simple to navigate the system.
This repair solution app allows you to quickly diagnose and fix any problems in your car. The app has great quality and is manufactured in America.
It can't even read enhanced trouble codes or live data.
Pros:
- Help with repair
- Live data
- Made in USA
- Generic trouble codes are read
- An easy interface
Cons:
- Codes not for trouble increased
- Cant graph live data
6. Ancel BD310 Diagnostic Scanner
Ancel BD310 automotive scanner is for people who are looking for a scanner that does simple functions but costs less.
The scanner is affordable, has many functions, such as live data, monitoring and general trouble codes reading. The scanner can also be linked directly to either an Android or iPhone.
This tool’s drawbacks are that it is fundamental and you cant either read the enhanced trouble codes.
Pros:
- Small device
- Warranty for 3 Years
- Either a smartphone app, or a handheld scanner
- Live data
Cons:
- Don't read enhanced trouble codes
- Interface very basic
7. Autel AutoLink Al539 Auto Scan Tool
The Autel Autolink AL539 has something that stands out when it comes to OBD2 scanners – it can also be used as a multimeter. This unique feature can greatly improve your diagnostics.
You get a lot for the price and the basics you will need.
This tool’s drawbacks are that it cant read enhanced trouble codes, and you can’t check live data and other functions simultaneously as you are using it as a multimeter.
Pros:
- Includes electrical tester for diagnostics
- Testing batteries
- Affordable
- DTC Lookup
- Simple to use
Cons:
- There is no increased trouble code
- You can't simultaneously use multimeter and scanner
8. Foxwell NT510 BMW Car Diagnostic Tool
It is a powerful scan tool if your car has a BMW, Mini or Rolls Royce. Advanced programming functions, such as ECU and TPMS programming can be done if you own one of these vehicles.
You also get the basic functions like active testing and live data. The price is also very reasonable considering the capabilities it offers.
Although it has some limitations for certain car models, the upside is that you can use it with any other vehicle.
Pros:
- BMW features that are advanced
- Active Testing
- Excellent for Mini-BMW, BMW, Rollsroyce
- Programming for TPMS
- SAS calibration
Cons:
- It is very good for BMW Mini, rolls royce and Mini, but it's not so great for other things, which can make the experience less enjoyable.
9. ThinkOBD 100 Car Scanner
This Device is tiny and simple – and you will get it for a super low price. The ThinkOBD 100 Car Scanning Tool is an excellent choice if you're looking for a basic tool that doesn't cost a lot.
The basic functions include checking the onboard monitor and reading trouble codes. You also get a 12-month warranty.
The downsides include a small screen and inability to read the enhanced trouble codes. However, this is understandable given the amount of money.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Very small
- Live data
- 12 month warranty
- Generic trouble codes are read
- Monitoring system onboard
Cons:
- Very small screen
- There are no additional trouble codes
- Limitated functions
10. Jethax Automotive Scanner
Jethax Automotive scanner can scan smart-phones. This scanner does not have its own screen/device so it requires a mobile phone.
It is also possible to save money by only purchasing the adapter. Jethax offers the most essential functions such as reading and updating data, or interpreting generic codes.
The drawbacks are that it can’t read enhanced trouble codes and is limited to the functions.
Pros:
- Coverage for large vehicles
- Reads common trouble codes
- Excellent Bluetooth range
- Affordable
- Simple to use
Cons:
- There are no additional trouble codes
- Only the adapter
I hope this article has been helpful in determining the top auto scan software. Let me know if you think I should change anything in the comments section below.
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