Top 6 Best OBD2 Scanners for 2023: Which is Perfect for You?

OBD2: Have you ever experienced a dashboard “Check Engine” light? So, if you drive a car made after 1996, you probably have experience with this. Numerous onboard sensors that keep an eye on the condition of the vehicle cause Check Engine Lights (CEL, often referred to as the Service Engine Soon light and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)). A few hundred sensors were installed in cars in the middle of the 1990s to monitor safety features such as anti-lock braking, emissions management, engine electrics (spark plugs), and brakes.

A sophisticated system known as “On Board Diagnostics,” which first appeared in automobiles in 1991 under the name OBD-I, keeps track of the condition of your vehicle. With the introduction of cars starting with the 1996 model year, a new system known as OBD-II (often abbreviated as OBD2) was developed. It uses a cabin-mounted port to enable readouts from the OBD system via a computer or specialized “scan tool,” designed to identify the potential problems your vehicle may have when the CEL is activated.

The port is always within three feet of the driver and has a uniform design across all manufacturers. It is also easily accessible without the need for any equipment.

Nowadays, do-it-yourselfers maintain a wide range of OBD2 scanners in their garages at home or even in their cars. When the CEL illuminates, a competent scanner identifies the issue and enables users to erase the code, shutting off the warning light.

Additionally, CEL issue codes include details that help do any potential fixes. The check engine light will turn on again if the underlying issue is unresolved. Models with additional features may consist of Bluetooth connections to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, a more excellent range of functions, databases of information on parts and repairs that are particular to the vehicle, the faults found, and more. High-end scanners could also feature a database of diagnostic tools for a specific manufacturer.

The good news is that, as seen in our list, most of these more versatile scanners are still reasonably priced.

2023’s Top OBD2 Scanners

Autel AL539

VARIOUS FEATURES

When it comes to a balance of features, build quality and cost, the Autel AL539 excels. It works with any OBD2-equipped vehicle, supports many languages, and does additional checks on gearboxes, airbags, antilock brake systems, and other components to check engine performance. The portable device is sturdy and features an ergonomic rubberized shell. A multimeter included inside the AL539 may be used to diagnose electrical problems and car charging systems. Several people have issues with this model. The main difficulties include failed firmware updates, poor customer support, and faulty devices supplied (which consumers swapped for good ones).

Cons & Pros

• affordable price
• Multimeter built-in for versatility

• Some owners claim to have received faulty products.
• a few instances of unsuccessful firmware updates
• Customer service problems

BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro LSB2

ADVANCED BLUETOOTH SCANNER

To get car codes (for airbags, ABS, tire pressure monitoring, and other vehicle systems), the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro scanner is an easy-to-use, sophisticated option. It is made of a single component and fits into the OBD2 port. Retrieved information is sent over Bluetooth to smartphones and tablets, where an app reads it. The app provides concise explanations of the issue, limitless vehicle-specific repair reports for remedies, a point-in-time picture of when the OBD2 sensors first detected the problem, and the option to do a simulated smog test to prevent surprises during the inspection. The app won’t be as legible or beneficial for owners of smartphones with smaller displays as it will be for those with larger panels. The manufacturer advises against keeping the sensor connected to the connector because some users claim it might lose contact with the phone or tablet.

Cons & Pros

• The app contains updates that are suggested based on data
• smog test simulation capability
• The sensor may fit in a console or glove box when not in use.

• a challenge to read on lower-screen devices
• Some owners complain about Bluetooth connectivity problems.
• It may create issues if left in the OBD2 port when no tests are done.

Foxwell NT301

BEST HANDHELD SCANNER

The Foxwell NT301 is a conventional portable scanner that connects through a connection to the OBD2 port. Trouble code data is shown on a 2.8-inch colour screen with the help of colour-coded fault lights. It also has a battery testing function, and cables with alligator clips are included. Owners like the sturdy design and giant control buttons but are dissatisfied with the 3-foot length of the OBD cable.

Cons & Pros

• A mid-priced scanner with all the functionality
• large buttons for controls
• coloured error lights

• brief cable
• A few people found the instructions perplexing.
• A few customers report issues with software updates.

Autel MaxiCom MK808

BEST NEARLY PROFESSIONAL SCANNER

The Autel MaxiCom MK808 is a superb OBD2 scanner with expert-level performance designed for the experienced do-it-yourselfer. The durable portable tablet-style scan tool can provide information in 13 languages, performs 25 servicing operations, and is compatible with 56 automobile manufacturers.

Cons & Pros

• Almost expert-level scanner
• Unbreakable 7-inch tablet-style readout
• Numerous features in 13 languages

• An unnecessary expense for certain house garages
• Nearly a third of the scanner’s cost goes into yearly database upgrades.

Ancel BD310

BEST BUDGET SCANNER

There are trade-offs in purchasing an OBD2 scanner for much less than $100. The Ancel BD310 is still a practical basic scanner with a few tricks. It can read and clear check engine codes as a portable plug-in scanner. However, the Bluetooth capability of the BD310 allows it to link to your smartphone or tablet through an app, substantially expanding the variety of data and solutions that are accessible. Users have complained about sporadic Bluetooth connectivity, software bugs, and unclear instructions.

Cons & Pros

• Low cost
• includes dashboard mounting Bluetooth
• and the ability to install apps.

• Some owners claim that Bluetooth connections are sporadic.
• Some users have reported app bugs.
• Unclear instructions and problems with customer service

MaxiCom MK906 Pro-TS from Autel

PROFESSIONAL GRADE SCANNER OF THE BEST

Modern cars with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) need a powerful scanner to decipher trouble codes and enable diagnostic features. That scanner is the Autel MaxiCom MK906 Pro-TS. It can quickly identify vehicles by scanning the VIN. It may do 31 maintenance tasks, including five “Hot Repair” tasks: oil life reset, TPMS reset, electronic parking brake reset, and ABS reset.

All electrical systems, including the supplementary restraint system (SRS), engine, gearbox, chassis, steering, airbags, air conditioning, air suspension, cruise control, and more, may be accessed via the MS906 Pro-TS. It sports two cameras with a combined 16 MP back camera and 5 MP front camera.

Cons & Pros

• Has two cameras to record your findings, a rechargeable battery, and cordless access.
• For more trustworthy OBD2 connections, an 8-inch touchscreen with excellent resolution and the most recent Bluetooth wireless communication protocols are used.
• Carries out ADAS calibrations for radar, lidar, and night vision

• It costs more than $1,400, so it’s pricey.
• Database updates and hardware warranty are only accessible for one year;
• Overwhelming to learn the scores of available features built-in

Best Fuel Stabilizers of September 2023

Onboard Diagnostic II (abbreviated as “OBD2”) readers are like CSI investigative tools for locating and fixing problems in your car’s subsystems. The primary OBD2 language applies to almost all internal combustion passenger cars built after 1996. However, readers may explore different depths into your car’s subsystems. Cheaper variants can read the basic codes for common problems like oxygen sensors and throttle position sensor failures. In contrast, more costly ones provide users access to ABS and airbag systems and let them modify the operational settings of a vehicle. A mid-priced reader will be a valuable addition to the toolkit for users searching for proof of a suspected defective item or as a defence against being overcharged at the store. It will quickly pay for itself.

We rank all OBD2 readers using the following weighted metrics:

• Price (25%)
• Cross-Brand Versatility (25%)
• Decoding codes (20%)
• (15%) Screen Legibility
• Installation, use, and connectivity simplicity (10%)
• Warranty and Returns (5%)

FAQs

How Many Different Types of OBD2 Scanners Exist?

There are mainly three kinds. The cheapest are code readers. All they do is inform you if anything is wrong. A full-featured scanner is an improvement over that. You can learn more about other automobile systems using them. Finally, professional OBD2 scanners have even more capabilities, excellent diagnostic capacity, updated information from manufacturers, touchscreens, and other functions (including the ability to adjust car settings).

How Effective Is an OBD2 Scanner?

The simple ones have two functions: they can turn off a “check engine” light and determine what set it on. The ability to conduct comprehensive diagnostic tests and services, such as anti-lock brake bleeding, key fob programming, and ADAS diagnosis, is another feature of more expensive versions.

Is it Worth Buying an OBD2 Scanner?

Owning your own OBD2 scanner may save you money on visits to the technician or dealership, but many big auto parts businesses provide free OBD2 scans or even let you use a scanner outside in the parking lot. It’s generally essential to estimate how frequently you’ll use any tool. Whatever route you choose, being knowledgeable about possible problems with your car may help you avoid spending hundreds of dollars on repairs that might not even be required.

Do All Cars Support OBD2 Scanners?

Although there are a few exceptions, they are meant to function on all cars and light trucks produced after 1996, when the OBD2 standard was introduced. Some automobiles made before 1996 also feature OBD systems (OBD1). Some scanners may not be able to diagnose a particular car. Before spending money on a scanner for an older car, check with the manufacturer and internet model communities regarding certain automobiles.

OBD2 Scanners: How Accurate Are They?

While scanners are pretty precise, problems might occur when decoding the codes since many automakers, especially European ones, use model-specific codes. Scanners that cost more may be able to read codes unique to a specific model and carry out particular diagnostic and repair tasks. Various scanners will provide straightforward alphanumeric codes that need to be searched or direct diagnoses. For instance, some people would describe the error code “P110” as “Oxygen Sensor” to be more helpful.

How Effective are Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners?

OBD2 scanners with Bluetooth connectivity increase utility and versatility by enabling readings and inputs from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. But Bluetooth isn’t flawless, just like any other wireless application. Connections may fail or be challenging to make. Bluetooth devices are sensitive to distance. Regardless of how far you are from the scanner, what works one time cannot perform the next. The heavier, more professional-grade scanners are more dependable since they have the most recent wireless Bluetooth car connection interfaces and communications protocols.

Are OBD2 Scanners Allowed to Remain Plugged In?

Scanners use a tiny amount of power; thus, keeping one connected to a car’s port while not in use might eventually cause the battery to discharge. Several pieces of equipment available for purchase track your vehicle’s OBD condition and offer GPS readouts of your position and speed. Typically, they are modest dashtop-mounted items. Some scanners may cause extra warning lights and are not meant to be kept in the OBB2 port.

Can Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (Hydrogen), Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles, and All-Electric Vehicles Use Scanners?

These “green” automobiles must comply with EPA rules and include onboard monitoring capabilities, which may differ from monitoring via an OBD2 connection. To view the agency’s page on the scanners, go to www.epa.gov and type “Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) Regulations and Requirements: Questions and Answers” into the search bar.