Best OBD2 Scan Tools [Reviews & Buyer’s Guide] In 2020

Gone are the days when a mechanic had to work on your car for days to find its problem. With these simple yet useful gadgets like OBD2 scan tools, you can detect and diagnose problems in your automobile’s engine in a couple of minutes.

However, before you hit the market for an auto scanner, you’d better be acquainted with the basics.

A Complete Guide to Choose the Best OBD2 Scan Tools

Choosing the best OBDII Scanners is not easy; believe me. For starters, OBDII scan tools are are small little things that scan and read codes from any cars fitted with OBDII. Before putting your hand on one of these products, it is necessary you should check its capabilities, upgradability and its ergonomics.

However, there are many brands on the market, and ultimately you want what works you and your car.

Don’t let this bother you. We got you covered by reviewing the top 10 best OBDII scan tools in the market today to help you make an easier decision.

OBD2 Scanners – Our Top Picks

10. Autel AL519 Enhanced OBDII Scan Tool

The Autel AL519 is inexpensive and easy to use. It will give a good report in an easy to understand format.

Besides, it will erase trouble codes and even turn off the Check Engine light. This is the scanner to buy if you’re on a tight budget but still want a tool capable of diagnosing a host of car problems.

Performance aside, one of the strongest selling points of the AL519 is its minimalist design. It requires no battery, which means that you can use it anywhere. Of course, the compact design translates to portability.

9. ScanTool 426101 MX Bluetooth OBD-II Scan Tool

If you’re in pursuit of an auto scanner that will offer more without necessarily spending too much, this is an excellent choice. And just so you may know, ScanTool 426101 isn’t designed with a beginner’s needs in mind. You will make the most out of this model if you’re a professional mechanic who understands pretty well how OBD2 scan tools work.

Stream and record error codes in real-time for a more accurate diagnosis.

View graphs on its blue backlit interface for even faster analysis.

8. ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD2 Car Scanners

You can update the ANCEL AD310 online to make it compatible with your newer car model. Do you know what that means? You don’t have to buy a new auto scanner in case you change cars.

What’s more, you can even playback the data streams just in case you want to counter check the codes. The main advantage of recording data is that you can review it later on your PC or mobile device more comprehensively.

The ANCEL AD310 detects problems rather fast after connection. To get it working, just plug it into your auto’s OBD2 port, and you’re ready to go. Use one button to scroll through the codes and the other to clear them. It also comes with a user manual that contains everything you’d need to know if you’re a novice.

7. Oxgord CAN OBDII Scanner Tool

For starters, this car scanner by Oxgord works for 1996 and newer models. And, unlike other tools in its category, it can read and clear both generic and manufacturer error codes. With this unit as part of your car diagnostic tools, you can turn off the MIL engine light in a matter of minutes.

Again, if you’re a DIY enthusiast, you’ll love the Oxgord’s simple operation.

With the ability to ready universal trouble codes, it allows you to fix simple problems by yourself without having to involve a mechanic.

6. Veepeak Mini WiFi OBD2 Scanner Scan Tool

Don’t let the simple design fool you; the Veepeak Wi-Fi OBD2 scanner is a premium car diagnostic tool whichever way you look at it.  It offers universal coverage whether you’re talking about light trucks or EOBD compliant vehicles.

It supports all the five OBD2 protocols including CAN, J1850 PWM, ISO9141-2, KWP2000, and J1850 VPW.

The best part is that you can use it anywhere as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection.

5. Autel MaxiScan MS309 Code Scanner

Autel is an industry leader when it comes to making car diagnostic tools. The MaxiScan MS309 scanner is efficient and just what you’d expect from a well-established brand. This one retrieves manufacturer and universal codes including Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). You also get software on CD to help you look up the definitions on screen.

The one thing that makes the Autel car scanner particularly attractive is the easy-to-read backlit LCD, complete with a multilingual menu.

It also comes with 16-pin OBD2 connectors, eliminating the need for a cable connection.

4. LOLLDEAL Car Diagnostic Scan Tool

The LOLLDEAL OBDII scanner is one of the most versatile OBDII Scan Tools on the market. It is compatible with a host of car models from Nissan to Mazda, Honda, and VW. And, it can accomplish a variety of tasks too. Use it to as a wireless auto check timer, trouble code reader and car diagnostic interface scanner for manufacturer-specific and generic codes.

This car scanner can also display current sensor data ranging from calculated load value, engine RPM, fuel system status, coolant temperature, and long term fuel trim.

3. Foseal Car WIFI OBD 2 Scanner

The Foseal is the best car scanner if you’re looking for a unit to detect and diagnose problems with the ABS including solenoids, pump motors, and brake switches. It will also troubleshoot for speed sensors and control modules for GM cars, Ford and Chrysler.

You’re most likely to use an OBDII scanner when you urgently want to resolve a problem with your automobile. You, therefore, may not have much time to scroll through the gadget’s features to figure out what’s wrong.

This is where the Foseal scanner’s intuitive interface comes in. It features an all-in-one screen where you can view up to 25 bits of information without moving back and forth through the screen.

2. BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII Scan Tool

This model is the best OBD2 scanner on the market at the moment hands down.

It has everything going its way from the mind-boggling numbers to unrivaled excellence. It is super easy to set up – just connect to your phone or laptop using a third party app, and you’re good to go. Car owners hail its ability to scan CAN and J1850 protocols.

With the correct software, the BAFX scan tool can read OBD2 engine light codes and graph sensor as well as reset the CEL for pre-test emission testing.

1. Lemur BlueDriver OBDII Scan Tool

A hot contender for the best OBDII code reader spot the Lemur BlueDriver brings to the fore a brilliant design backed by five-star performance. Professional mechanics and car owners love it alike, more so due to its compatibility with Apple and Android devices.

Plus, you can use it with the BlueDriver App for trouble-free diagnostic.

The Lemur BlueDriver car scanner boasts the ability to read and clear enhanced code. In essence, this means that you can use it to detect ABS and airbag problems in your Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, and BMW.

OBD2 Scanners – Buyer’s Guide

Ask yourself these questions:

Is the Scanner Upgradeable?

You’re better off with an upgradable OBDII scanner. That way, you can rest assured that it will work even with the most recent vehicles on the market. Obviously, you don’t want to keep purchasing a new OBDII scanner each time you change cars.

Is the Scanner Compatible with the Your Car?

You need to make sure that the OBDII scanner you intend to purchase is compatible with your car. At the bare minimum, the code reader has to work with all the computers installed in your automobile.

You may choose an OBDII Bluetooth adapter that is compatible with your smartphone or other mobile devices. In effect, such a device allows you to fix your car’s engine problems at the comfort of your hand.

How is the Scanner’s Ergonomics?

The best car scanner ought to be compact.

You see, a hand-held auto scanner is easy to carry and operate. Also, check to see if the tool has a large display to enable you to scan the codes quickly. A colored screen is indeed a plus as is a battery pack.

Which Serves You Better: OBDII Code Readers or OBD2 Scan Tools?

As stated, even though it may serve its purpose, a code reader has its limitations.

A scan tool, on the other hand, comes with additional extras such as the ability to detect and reset antilock brake systems.

Some high-end models boast printing capability, data logging, on-screen definitions, and live data.