10 Best ODB2 Readers Reviewed & Rated in 2024
You’ve just gotten your paycheck, paid all the bills, stashed a little cash in the bank and finally have enough extra to get that laptop you’ve had your eye on. Then, all of a sudden, the check engine light comes on! Just your luck! Now you have to spend that extra cash just to find out what’s wrong with your car. Or do you? If you have an OBD2 scanner, you could find out what the problem is and possibly even fix it yourself, which would save you time and money.
An OBD2 scanner is a tool that can read and clear codes from your vehicle’s onboard computer. Thanks to standards set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), which were implemented on January 1, 1996, by the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, all car and truck models produced in 1996 and after share a standardized system for self-diagnostics and reporting known as Onboard Diagnostics II. This allows OBD2 scanners to work on all cars models after 1996 and can help you figure out exactly why that check engine light is on.
Featured Recommendations
- BAFX Products Bluetooth OBD2
-
Our rating - Price: See Here
- BlueDriver OBD2 Scanner
-
Our rating - Price: See Here
- ANCEL AD310 OBD2 Scanner
-
Our rating - Price: See Here
Although it may seem very technical and intimidating at first, and OBD2 scanner is pretty easy to use. Because the system is standardized, all scanners use the same kind of connecter to plug into your vehicle’s OBD-II diagnostic connector. Your basic scanner can read and clear codes, but if you are looking for something more advance, there are also OBD2 scanners that can access other systems, show real-time information, save information, and much more. If you are not sure what you need, we’ve reviewed some of the best scanners on the market and provided information on the features available for each one. This list will help you find everything you are looking for within your budget.
10 Best OBD2 Readers
1. BAFX Products Bluetooth OBD2
Using a 3rd party app, this tool can be used to do more than just read and clear the CEL. You can also check the coolant temp, oil temp, fuel trim, and much more to ensure that your vehicle is prepared to pass the smog and emissions testing. You can also do graph sensor readings and data logging.
Compatibility Guaranteed
BAFX Products stands by their OBD2 reader and ensures 100% compatibility with all vehicles made in the USA in 1996 and later. Their readers are some of the most durable on the market with many of their first units still in use today.
Cost and Value
This OBD2 reader is a not only one of the best-selling scanners on the market, but it’s also one of the most affordable. You get lots of great features that go beyond just reading and clearing your check engine light, including a two-year warranty.
- Very low cost
- Guaranteed to work with all US models from 1996 and beyond
- Reads faster than most units on the market
- Map based tracking and data logging
- Does not work on commercial vehicle like semi-trucks and tractors
- Need an Android or Windows based device
2. BlueDriver OBD2 Scanner
Keeping your vehicle in tip-top condition is easier than ever with detailed vehicle information always available in the palm of your hand. You can easily access information concerning recalls, vehicle specifications and even create a maintenance schedule.
Repair Reports
The BlueDriver Sensor works with their app to give you free repair reports that are specific to your vehicle’s make and model. The Information is stored in a database that includes over 30 million specific fixes allowing you to easily find the best solution for your vehicle.
Cost and Value
The professional grade OBD2 reader includes all the extra features and benefits you would normally find in a much more expensive hand-held scanner at only a fraction of the cost. It is designed and certified to work with both Apple and Android devices.
- Designed by Professional Engineers in North America
- Access to free repair report
- Compatible with both Apple and Android devices
- Has enhanced diagnostic features
- Does not work with JDM vehicles
- Can’t show certain information
3. ANCEL AD310 OBD2 Scanner
If you are new to using an OBD2 scanner, then is the model for you. The large LCD display features white backlight with contrast adjustments that make it easy to read and four buttons for navigating the menu.
Built-In Library
The ANCEL Classic scanner not only reads and displays the code, but it has an OBD2 DTC library built in that also shows the user the definition of the code with a simple click. This saves you time from online searching and you can be sure you got the right definition.
Cost and Value
This scanner features a strong body and a thick cable made from flexible insulator to ensure many years of use. This company is leader in manufacturing automotive products and stands by the quality of their OBD2 scanner by offering a three-year warranty.
- Long and thick cable made from flexible insulator
- Large LCD display
- Features a built-in library
- Displays definition of codes
- Only works with 12 volt vehicle battery
- Not compatible with all vehicles
4. Autel AutoLink OBD2 Scanner
If you have an emissions test coming up, it’s always a good idea to test your car in advanced to make sure that it can pass the smog test. Autel’s patented one-click I/M readiness key makes this an easy and convenient task, saving you time and a failed emissions test.
Visual and Audible
It’s important that you understand what the issues are in order to fix them. This scanner features a TFT color screen that displays vivid color coded LEDs for easy readability and a built-in speaker that provides audible indications.
Cost and Value
This scanner comes at an amazing cost to quality ratio as you get a powerful diagnostic tool for a great price. It can support several languages, including German, French, and Spanish and comes with a one-year warranty and a lifetime of free online updates.
- Provides audible and visual indications
- Free online updates
- One-click I/M readiness key
- Access to DTC library
- No Reset Functions
- Directions could be more clear
5. FIXD OBD2 Car Monitor
If you have more than one vehicle then this is the product for you. Connect the FIXD OBD2 reader to each vehicle and track them all with your phone or tablet. FIXD is compatible with both, Android and iOS devices.
Maintenance Reminders
Life is hectic, and sometimes when you have a lot on your mind, it’s easy to forget about your vehicle’s maintenance requirements such oil changes. FIXD helps solve this problem by sending you alerts that remind you keep your vehicle maintained and save money in the long run.
Cost and Value
FIXD OBD2 reader not only displays the severity of the problem, but it also explains the consequences in plain English. This allows you the opportunity to make the best choices for your vehicle and save the most money.
- Actively monitors your vehicle’s health
- Explains issues in plain English
- Features a maintenance price estimate
- Provides maintenance reminders
- Does not work on diesel or all-electric vehicles
- Doesn’t detect airbag or ABS lights
6. Panlong OBD2 Scanner
Cars are complicated machines with lots of moving parts, which means that there are a wide variety of different issues that can pop up. This scanner can display information not found on your dash, including fuel consumption, intake air temperature, and ignition timing advance.
Android Compatible
If you are not a professional mechanic and are only looking for something basic that you can connect to your Android phone or tablet, this is perfect for you. There are also some free apps available like torque lite and OBD car doctor.
Cost and Value
Although this is a very inexpensive device, it can still read and clear error codes and display their meaning, giving you important information about the maintenance of your vehicle. It upholds all OBD2 protocols and comes with a 100% money back guarantee.
- Very inexpensive
- Displays current sensor data
- Features a 100% money back guarantee
- Scans your vehicle in seconds
- Doesn’t read hybrids, diesels, or trucks with 24V batteries
- Not compatible with iOS devices
7. OxGord OBD2 Code Reader
This OBD2 reader may be small and inexpensive, but that doesn’t mean it is short on great features. You’ll have access to the meaning of more than 3000 generic error codes, all saved in its database.
Everything is Included
For one low price, you get everything you need in one small device. This means that you don’t need to use your phone or tablet, you don’t need to download any extra apps, and you still have access to a large database to help you troubleshoot problems.
Cost and Value
If you need something basic, easy to use, and inexpensive, this reader is all that and more. Works on most vehicles manufactured in the US since 1996 and supports several OBD2 protocols.
- Compact design
- Simple two button navigation
- Has more than 3000 generic error code meanings
- Easy to read LCD screen
- Can’t update
- Difficult to understand instructions
8. Kitbest Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner
Kitbest’s scanner has excellent compatibility and guarantees that it will work on all 1996 and newer cars and small trucks that were manufactured in the US. It supports 5 OBD2 protocols including; ISO9141-2, CAN, J1850 VPW, KWP2000, and J1850PWM.
Real-Time Scanning
You can use this OBD2 scanner real-time engine data so you have the most accurate information possible. Some of these readings include coolant temperature, calculated load value, short and long term fuel trim, and intake air temperature.
Cost and Value
The Kitbest Bluetooth OBD2 reader is compatible with all Android based devices and works with several free downloadable apps, including OBD Car Doctor and Torque Lite. It also comes with a five-year, no-hassle replacement warranty if something goes wrong.
- Reads real-time sensor data
- Five-year free replacement warranty
- Meets five OBD2 protocols
- Reads faster than most units
- Only compatible with Android devices
- May cause phone to heat up
9. Seekone OBD2 Scanner
Seekone’s OBD2 scanner has an exclusive one-click I/M readiness feature which allows you to quickly scan your car’s engine health statues. It will perform an EVAP test of the fuel tank system, O2 sensor test, and advanced onboard monitoring that will let you know if your car meets the State Emission Monitor Status.
Free Upgrades and Updates
As an owner of a Seekone OBD2 scanner, you will be given access to a life-time of free software upgrades and updates to ensure that your reader will be free of the latest bugs and compatible with the newest vehicles on the market.
Cost and Value
This is a professional grade OBD2 reader was built for the rugged environment you find in a garage. It features and anti-slip and anti-shock design that can withstand a fifteen feet drop. The large TFT LCD color screen is easy to read and the five feet long cable gives you the option of performing diagnostics in or out of our car.
- Lifetime of free updated and upgrades
- Large TFT LCD screen
- Anti-shock and slip patented design
- Unique OBDII diagnostic feature
- Cable can make it bulky
- No dedicated delete button
10. Autophix OBD2 Scanner
Although this scanner has a large LCD screen that displays the problems and solutions clearly, you may still run into problems. Autophix has included a “Feedback” option that sends the issue to a professional who will get back to you with assistance within a few days.
Plug and Play
The plug and play interface makes this OBDII scanner easy to use and allows you to do more than just the basic function of reading and clearing codes. It enables you to check soft or pending codes and provides a built-in OBDII library with highly reliable information.
Cost and Value
This scanner offers professional quality features at a great low price. It will help you find OBDII freeze frame information and has a plug and play design that makes it easy to use and reliable.
- Features a feedback assistance option
- Has a built-in OBD2 diagnostic trouble code library
- Can check soft and pending codes
- Shows I/M readiness status
- Some complaints about the instructions
- No recall information
With so many different types of OBD2 scanners available on the market, it may be difficult figuring out which one is right for you. Do you just want something basic that can read and clear codes? Or are you a mechanic who requires more information to service your vehicle properly? Whatever your needs may be, we can all agree that an OBD2 scanner is a great way to stay informed about your vehicle’s engine health, which will save you time and money in the long run!
Criteria Used in Evaluation of the Best OBD2 Scanners
Types of OBD2 Scanners
Although all scanners are designed to read your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics, some are much more advanced than others.
OBD2 Code Reader – A basic, no-frills device is the OBD2 code reader, which is fairly inexpensive and has the capability of reading and clearing codes from all vehicles that are equipped with OBD2. They usually offer limited, if any, information about manufacturer-specific codes or any other information. These are basic tools used to let you know if there is a trouble code or if your vehicle needs to be taken to a mechanic to get diagnosed.
OBD2 Scan Tool – Scan tools may be more expensive, but they also offer a variety of features that can be helpful with finding a problem and getting it fixed. Some of these features include:
- Access to advanced troubleshooting information
- Data on manufacturer-specific codes
- Information about live and recorded data
- Ability to log and store data about your vehicle
- Can print results
- Detects and resets airbag, ABS, and other systems
- Displays diagnostic code definitions on screen
- Retrieves the vehicles VIN
- Check soft and pending codes
OBD2 scan tools also come in two different forms, PC-based OBD2 scanners, and handheld auto scanners. PC-based scanners are usually less expensive than handheld scanners and use Bluetooth to transform your tablet, phone, or laptop into an advanced diagnostic tool that can provide highly reliable information and perform many of the same functions you find in high-end OBD2 scanners. Handheld scanners are the tool of choice for professional mechanics. They are powerful and can diagnose brake, engine, and transmission problems. They are more expensive but provide clearer and more detailed information.
Clear Diagnostics
What good is an OBD2 reader if you don’t understand the information that is being provided? Whether this is because the screen is so small, you can barely make out what is being displayed or because the language being used is confusing, the main purpose of an OBD2 reader is to provide you with comprehensible data. Make sure that the reader of your choice has a large, easy-to-read screen and uses simple language to present information in a way that you are comfortable with. Some scanners even allow you to customize the way data is displayed, which can save you a lot of time and prevent possible mistakes.
Data Saving
The ability to save data from your vehicle’s diagnostic tests is an important feature that can help you in the long run. You may think that if the issue is solved, then why do you need to save the information about this issue? Mechanics understand that knowing what problems your vehicle has had in chronological order is important for preventing future issues. It means lesser questions for you and more information for the mechanic to work from.
Compatibility
Because of standards set in 1996, all vehicles sold in the US on that year and after must be equipped with an on-board diagnostic system that makes it easier for professional auto mechanics and consumers to find possible issues with their vehicles. Although OBD2 devices share a universal connector that can be connected to the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system, they are not all compatible with all vehicles. To ensure that your scanner will work with your vehicle, you need to find out which signal protocol is met. A good reader will support all five basic signal protocols, which will enable it to work on all vehicles made in the US in 1996 and later.
Upgradable
Nobody wants to spend money on a tool or device that will be outdated and useless after a few years. Many of today’s readers can go through upgrades and updates. This can be helpful in many ways and allows you to use your OBD2 reader for many years to come. Some of these upgrades help get rid of bugs that can cause problems with your scanner. Updates are important because they allow your device to work on the newest vehicles and adhere to any changes that have been made to the standards.
Scanning Options
The more advanced the OBD2 scanner is, the more scanning options it will provide. For some people, a simple scan of the engine is enough. For others who prefer fixing the problem themselves, a more advanced scan can provide you with more information about other issues including ABS brakes, airbags, coolant temperature, air flow rate, calculated load value, and more.
Ease of Use
Not everyone plans on fixing their vehicle’s problems themselves. Some people just want basic information, so they know what the issue is and if they need a professional to take a look at it. Some people just want to know if their vehicle will pass the emissions test or not. Look for OBD2 devices that use simple English and feature a built-in database to provide you with code error definitions. This will save you time from having to Google it and possibly get the wrong information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if an OBD2 scanner is compatible with my vehicle?
The best way to ensure that a scanner will work with your vehicle is to read the owner’s manual. Most manufacturers will claim that their scanner will work on all 1996 US vehicles and newer, but that is not always the case. Another way to find out if your scanner will work on your vehicle is to which OBD2 protocol it supports:
- SAE J1850 PWM – this support vehicles made by Ford and uses PINS 1 and 2
- SAE J1850 VPW – supports cars and light trucks made by General Motors and uses PIN 1
- ISO9141-2 – supports cars made in Europe between 2000 and 2004 and uses PIN 7 and 15
- ISO14230-4 (KWP2000) – supports some vehicles made in Asia and uses PIN 7
- ISO 15765-4/SAE J2480 – supports all vehicles sold in the US after 2008 and uses PINS 6 and 14
Q: I’m no mechanic and have no desire even to try working on my car. Do I still need OBD2 scanner and why?
Although you have no desire to physically work on your vehicle yourself, you should stay informed about any issues it may have. Let’s face it; not all mechanics are honest. The more you know about your car’s issues, the less likely you are to get ripped off. Besides, some issues which seem minor at first can evolve into a major problem that costs a lot of money if not taken care of immediately. Here are some basic reasons why you should have an OBDII reader:
- Most modern vehicles have computer systems that control the ignition system, automatic transmission, ABD, fuel infections, airbags, and more. An OBD2 can scan the entire electronic system, find problems, and inform you about the issue.
- An OBD2 scanner can let you know if your car can pass the emissions readiness test. This allows you to fix any problems before going in.
- OBD2 readers can detect possible malfunctions by displaying problem codes. Some scan tools even have a database from which you can get the definition of the problem code and how to fix it. If your OBD2 reader does not have this option, you find problem code definition online.
- OBD2 scanner can save you time and money in the long run. Being able to determine what the problem is will give you peace of mind. You’ll also know if the issue is an easy fix or something that needs professional assistance. You’ll find that there are some issues you can troubleshoot yourself with a little help from the internet.
Q: What should I look for in an OBD2 scanner?
That’s a good question considering that there are so many different types to choose from. If you want something easy that can read and erase codes, most basic code reader will do the job. However, if you’re willing to spend a few extra dollars to get better features, here are some things you should look for:
- Compatibility, which means that it supports all five OBD2 signal protocols
- Easy to follow instructions
- Ability to log and store data
- Can be upgraded
- Can be used on different platforms, such as tablets, phones, and laptops
- Large, easy to read screen
- Uses simple language
- Compact and Portable
- Good value to cost ratio
- Can print information
- Built-in database
- Comes with a warranty
Sources
- Lifewire – What is an OBDII Scanner
- ZENTIZ – How to Choose the Best OBD2 Scanner
- Amazon – Amazon
