OBD 2 scanners are life-savers when you want to avoid overpaying that mechanic that always charges you incredulous amounts. Instead of taking your car to the mechanic because the “check engine” caution lights on, why not buy an OBD2 and diagnose it yourself.
OBD2 stands for Onboard Diagnostics 2 which comes either as handheld or plug-ins. Within minutes, a good OBD will become able to tell you exactly what is wrong with your car. Because of their popularity though, several hundred copycats have popped up which is why you need to know which ones are duds and gems.
Features that stand out in an OBD2 are often the price, weight, efficiency, material quality, and customer service. Our review agrees with Ancel BD310 as having the best value right now with little to no contender for the title.
Best OBD2 Scanner 2023
1. Ancel BD310
BD310 from Ancel is a lightweight choice that can handle both handheld use and a plugged-in one. It shows a variety of performance details like engine speed, engine timing, coolant temperature, and more. Ancel also offers I/M readiness test for pre-inspection while showing parameters as graphs or numbers.
It does have awkward navigation though because of the four-key interface. This multi-purpose scanner is available for a reasonable price which gives it an amazing value.
Specs
- 4-ounces
- Readiness test
- Four keys
- Three-year warranty
- Bluetooth and handheld utility
- Live data display
- 2-inch colour screen
Pros
- Lightweight and cheap
- Small/compact
- Can act to supplement car display
- Effective scanning
- Can work with or without a phone
Cons
- The interface is weak and rudimentary
2. BlueDriver Bluetooth
Unlike our chosen number one, while BlueDriver is ridiculously cheap, it can’t operate as a handheld scanner. The diagnostic unit is limited but you get an adaptor for OBD connection and 24/7 service time. It has access to BlueDriver’s incredible database and can be easily installed on any phone.
Specs
- Freeze frame data
- Bluetooth utility
- Live data analysis
- Smog test scanner
Pros
- Compatible with most cars
- Clean and clear codes
- User-friendly
- Can read enhanced transmission codes and more
- Cheap
Cons
- Extra Purchase
- Basic Outfit
- Extra purchase.
3. Autel AutoLink AL539
AutoLink AL539 has an integrated multimeter that allows it to uncover electric issues by checking connections. It is lighter and smaller than most other ODB2 with a pull-out leg for a freestanding function.
Its clear, bright display has an easy-to-use interface and icons for the main functions. There are three LED for indicating no faults, temporary faults, and permanent faults. It is packaged with a PC software, one-year warranty, and a padded case.
Specs
- 6-ounces
- 8-inch colour display
- Eight keys
- Live data display
- Bluetooth
- I/M readiness test
- One-year warranty
- 58-inch cable
Pros
- 9-seconds start-up
- Includes a padded case
- Has pre-inspection readiness keys
- Lightweight and small
- Cheap
- Can check electronic faults
- Wide range of car checks
- Includes a stand
- Has a battery
Cons
- OBD scanner can’t work simultaneously with the multimeter
4. Autel MaxiCom MK808
MaxiCom is a professional choice of OBD2 scanner and has a high-performance rating in automobile workshops. While its price is a little over the top, it has a lot of functions that you won’t find in cheaper options.
MK808 will grant you access to important functions like electric parking brake reset, service light reset, and more. Its 7-inch LED touchscreen is one of the easiest to use and it doesn’t skimp on the warranty either.
Specs
- Electric parking brake reset
- 7-inch LED touch
- Advanced programming and coding
- One-year warranty
- Full OBD2 diagnostics
- Freeze time data and diagnostic graphs
- Immobilizer key programming
- Key programming
- Padded case
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and compact
- High-end performance
- Has wi-fi for printing and diagnostics
- Large compatibility coverage
- Great quality
Cons
- Pricy
- Too large an investment for small scale use
5. SeekOne SK860
A lifetime warranty, ease-of-use, colour screen, wide range, rugged design, durability, and more are offered in SeekOne’s SK860. There is an eight-button scheme for navigation, a three-light fault indicator like in AutoLink, and an icon-based interface.
Specs
- 2-ounces
- 8-inch colour display
- I/M readiness test
- Handheld interface
- Live data display
- Lifetime warranty
- Eight keys
Pros
- Cheap
- Compatible with most car models
- Durable and rugged
- Navigation is an icon-based
- Warranty is insane
- Has indicator lights
- Wide-ranging diagnostics
Cons
- Heavy and large
6. Autophix Code Reader OM126
OM126 feels good on hand and has a bright LED touchscreen with six navigation icons. While it has a rugged look, its orange colour makes it stand out easily. The diagnostics are so wide-ranging that there is a sensor for oil temperature.
Specs
- 2-ounces
- 4-inch colour display
- I/M readiness test
- Live data display
- Handheld interface
- Four keys
- Three-year warranty
Pros
- Can display battery, oxygen, and manufacturer-specific code data
- Affordable
- Comfortable use
- Lifetime upgrades for software
- Can turn off “check engine” light
- Lightweight
Cons
- The interface is not intuitive
- Display lacks backlight
7. Innova 3160g Bluetooth
Specs
- 5-inch colour display
- Led cable
- Live data display
- Software updates
- Bluetooth compatible
- Read and erase transmission, ABS, SRS, controls
- Trouble code library
Pros
- Portable and cheap
- Multi-language
- Large database
- Impressive performance
- Not limited to engine checks
Cons
- Not many extras
- Durability is not ideal
8. Autel MaxiDiag MD808
MaxiDiag grants access to a massive library to accompany impressive functions like steering angle calibration and electric parking-brake reset. It is both grease and waterproof and can read even airbag and ABS control unit conditions
Pros
- Strong performance
- Oil reset
- One-year warranty
- Multi-language
- Has enhanced and generic codes
- Accepts SD card
- The display is bright and clear
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
9. Autel MaxiAP AP200
Specs
- 1-ounce
- LED display
- I/M readiness test
- One-year warranty
- Bluetooth interface
Pros
- Cheap
- Intuitive use
- Easy to remove the cord
- Impressive range
- Can export report as PDF
- Wide-ranging diagnostics
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow response
- Display is half-resolution
- Just one LED display
10. DodyMPS
It is powerful and connects both easily and quickly. DodyMPS is one of the easiest OBD2 scanners to use and can easily turn off fault lights in the vehicle.
Specs
- I/M readiness test
- Bluetooth interface
- Two LED display
- 1-ounce
- Live data display
- Lifetime warranty
- Regular updates
Pros
- Affordable
- Shows VIN code
- Compact and lightweight
- Impressive performance
- Best value
Cons
- The display is half-resolution.