Are you trying to find engine diagnostic scanners among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling engine diagnostic scanners on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 13 hours of research and did 17 engine diagnostic scanners tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best engine diagnostic scanners you can buy today
- Multi-Functions - Practical Multi-Functions OBD2 code reader features built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library, which help you to determine the cause of the engine light, read code, erase code, view freeze frame, I/M ready, vehicle information, data flow, real-time curve, get vehicle speed information, calculate load value, engine coolant temperature, get engine speed.
- Wide Capability - Supports 9 protocols compatible with most 1996 US-Based, 2000 EU-Based and Asian cars, and newer OBD II & CAN domestic or import vehicles. Supports 6 languages - English,German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Italian.
- LCD Display - Designed with a clear display LCD screen (128 x 64 pixels) - white backlight and contrast adjustment. No need any battery or charger, OBD reader gets the power directly from your vehicle through the OBDII Data Link Connector.
- Compact Design - Car diagnostic scanner is equipped with a 2.5 feet long cable and made of a very thick flexible insulator.There are 6 buttons on OBD2 Scanner:scroll up/down,enter/exit and buttons that quick query VIN vehicle number& the DTC fault code.
- ABS / Airbag codes NOT Supported - It is able to read and clear check engine information which is part of OBDII system, but it cannot work with non-OBDII systems, including ABS / Airbag / Oil Service Light, etc.
- CEL Doctor: The ANCEL AD310 is one of the best-selling OBD II scanners on the market and is recommended by Scotty Kilmer, a YouTuber and auto mechanic. It can easily determine the cause of the check engine light coming on, quickly read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, read live data & hard memory data, view freeze frame, I/M monitor readiness and collect vehicle information. Instead of taking car to mechanic shop, you can use it to check the trouble code and show code definition by yourself.
- Sturdy and Compact: Equipped with a 2.5 foot cable made of very thick, flexible insulation. It is important to have a sturdy scanner as it can easily fall to the ground when working in a car. The AD310 OBD2 scanner is a well-constructed device with a sleek design. It weighs 12 ounces and measures 8.9 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches. Thanks to its compact design and light weight, transporting the device is not a problem. The buttons are clearly labelled and the screen is large and displays results clearly.
- Accurate Fast and Easy to Use: The AD310 scanner can help you or your mechanic understand if your car is in good condition, provides exceptionally accurate and fast results, reads and clears engine trouble codes in seconds. If you want to find out the cause of the check engine light, this device will let you know immediately and fix the problem right away without any car knowledge. No need for batteries or a charger, get power directly from the OBDII Data Link Connector in your vehicle.
- OBDII Protocols and Car Compatibility: Many cheap scan tools do not really support all OBD2 protocols. This is not the case with the AD310 scanner as it can support all OBDII protocols such as KWP2000, J1850 VPW, ISO9141, J1850 PWM and CAN. This device also has extensive vehicle compatibility with 1996 US-based, 2000 EU-based and Asian cars, light trucks, SUVs, as well as newer OBD2 and CAN vehicles both domestic and foreign. Check compatibility with your vehicle model before purchasing.
- Home Necessity and Worthy to Own: This is an excellent code reader to travel or home with as it weighs less and it is compact in design. You can easily slide it in your backpack as you head to the garage, or put it on the dashboard, this will be a great fit for you. The AD310 is not only portable, but also accurate and fast in performance. Moreover, it covers various car brands and is suitable for people who just need a code reader to check their car.
- đCar Diagnostic Scanner with Full OBD/EOBD Function â â Read codes and clear codes, â 10000+ error codes available for query, â viewe freeze frame, â I/M readiness and historical I/M Data, â live data stream and live curve (car speed, battery voltage etc. ), â car information reading, â oxygen sensor test, â EVAP test, â calculate load value, â engine coolant temperature, â get engine speed. It has all the OBD functions you need.
- đ±2.8'' HD Color Screen â Compared with traditional OBD scanners, Zmoon 2.8'' HD color check engine code reader displays more and richer content, which will not cause eye fatigue after long-term use. And the body design is very suitable for one-handed holding.
- đCompatible with Most Vehicles & 7 Languages Available â OBDII/EOBD car scanner diagnostic for all American cars after 1996, European cars after 2002, Asian cars after 2008. Supports English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian and Dutch.
- đPlug and play: Directly powered by the car, even beginners can quickly master and use the car code scanner proficiently. No need to download APP, it is more accurate and stable than the wireless bluetooth code reader! And there are 3 statu lights on the device to remind you if your car is faulty, which is very friendly to beginners.
- đ§Worry-Free After-Sales Service: Zmoon OBD car scanner diagnostic tool has 30 days return policy and extended 3 years warranty! 7*24 hours customer service, if you have any dissatisfaction or questions, you can send us a message in the background, we will reply quickly within 24 hours.
- [Vehicle CEL Doctor] The NT301 obd2 scanner enables you to read DTCs, access to e-missions readiness status, turn off CEL(check engine light) or MIL, reset monitor, read live data and retrieve VIN of your vehicle.
- [Accuracy & Streams] Live data graphing and logging. Accurately read error codes for most Worldwide cars, SUVs, light trucks and 12V diesels equipped with Obd2. Graphing live vehicle sensors data allows you to focus on any suspicious data and trend.
- [Worthy to Own] Recommended by most professional mechanics on Youtube. Codes analysis and Printer compatible. Unique PATENTED design, 2.8" color screen, F-ree Lifetime Update and 1-year seller assurance with EXCLUSIVE tech and service team.
- [S-mog Check Helper] Read/Erase and I/M readiness hotkeys make it easy to use the car computer reader right out of the package. Red-Yellow-Green Leds and build-in speaker indicate the readiness status for confident e-missions test.
- [Home Necessity] Open to global customers. No battery required, NT301 obd scanner is charged directly from the 16pin DLC in your vehicle. It is recommended as a necessity in your toolbox and great choice for Home and Autoshop Mechanics.
- ăEasy to UseăThe obd2 scanner housing is made of ABS thermoplastic polymer with excellent heat and impact resistance, bringing you unmatched reliability. Equipped with a 1.8-foot cable with extra-thick flexible insulation for great convenience and durability, the plug-and-play makes for a more stable connection without having to worry about cable fraying.The car code reader is the ideal tool to be the go-to source for you and your mechanic to understand the health of your vehicle. Even if you are not familiar with vehicle maintenance, you can quickly operate this code reader and get the information you want in just a few seconds, which greatly saves valuable time.
- ăKeep Engine in Good ConditionăThe obd scanner makes it easy to keep track of your vehicle's health, and also quickly retrieves and clears generic fault codes, providing detailed DTC definitions to help you gain a deeper understanding of exactly what each fault means, saving you the time and effort of traveling to a repair store for troubleshooting. This obd2 scanner diagnostic tool is also designed specifically for engine problems, quickly reading and clearing engine fault codes in seconds, with clearly labeled buttons and a large screen that clearly displays the results, enabling you to quickly pinpoint the cause of the fault and get a full picture of your vehicle's health.
- ăFirst Choice Doctor for Vehicle InspectionăIf you want to find out the root cause of the check engine light, this check engine code reader device will tell you and solve the problem instantly, no need any car knowledge and battery or charger, directly plug the scanner for car into the car's 16-pin OBD II port to get the power supply, and then after turning on it, it will prompt you to start the car, and then according to the requirements Press the button and you will immediately see the error codes and their definitions. This car diagnostic scanner can be the first tool to help you determine the cause and find the solution, so that your car is always in the best condition.
- ăMulti FunctionalăThe obd ii scanner retrieves the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Calibration ID, Calibration Verification Number (CVN) and other information to ensure that the ECU matches your car.The car code reader and reset tool has a view freeze frame function that retrieves data recorded in the ECU at the time of the malfunction, and also allows you to quickly determine the cause of the illuminated Check Engine Light to shorten the test drive verification time. It can also read codes, clear codes, check the status of I/M functions for readiness, vehicle information, calculate load values, obtain vehicle speed information, engine coolant temperature, and obtain engine RPM.
- ăBroad CompatibilityăMost car scanner diagnostic tool do not really support all OBD II protocols, while LK11 car scanner tools are different and conform to all OBD II protocols. And also has wide vehicle compatibility, Including passenger cars and light trucks in the United States after 1996, cars and SUVs in the European Union and Asia after 2000, and vehicles with relatively new OBD2 and CAN standards at home and abroad. Please check the compatibility with your vehicle model before buying. Code readers & scan tools support multiple languages, including English, German, Dutch, Spanish, French, etc.
- ăFamily Necessities & 2 Year WarrantyăLK11 car diagnostic tool a great portable tool for traveling or home use, very light weight and compact design, you can easily put it into your backpack when you go to the garage or put it on the dashboard for next time use, a good and best choice. Also, this professional car code reader diagnostic is backed by a free 30-day money back guarantee, 2-year warranty and lifetime technology. If you have any problems with your vehicle code reader or need help, please contact us and we will help you out promptly.
- ăEasy to Use--Work out of boxă+ăFOXWELL 2024 New Versionă FOXWELL NT604 Elite scan tool is the 2024 new version from FOXWELL, which is designed for those car owners who want to figure out the cause issue before fixing the car problem via scanning the most common systems like abs srs engine and transmission.The NT604 Elite diagnostic tool comes with latest software, which can be used out of box. No need to waste time to download the software first.
- ăAffordableă+ăReliable Car Health Monitoră Will you be confused what happen when the warning light of abs/srs/transmission/check engine flashes? Instead of taking your cars to dealership, this foxwell scanner will help you do a thorough scanning and detection for your cars and pinpoint the root cause. It will t-urn off the warning light car after the problem is fixed.đTIPS: Airbag crash/collision data can NOT be cleared even you replace the new airbag.
- ă5 in 1 Diagnostic ScannerăCompared with those auto scanners (50-100), NT604 Elite code scanner not only includes their OBDII diagnosis but also it can be an abs/srs scanner, transmission and check engine code reader. When itâs an odb2 scanner, you can use it to check if your car is ready for annual test through I/M readiness menu. In addition, live data stream, built-in DTC library, data play back and print, all these features are a big plus for it.
- ăFantastic AUTOVINă+ăNo extra software feeăThrough the AUTOVIN menu, this NT604 Elite car scanner allows you to get your V-IN and vehicle info rapidly, no need to take time to find your V-IN and input one by one. What's more, the NT604 Elite abs srs scanner supports 60+ car makes from worldwide (America/Asia/Europe). You donât need to pay extra software fee.
- ăSolid protective case KO plastic carrying bagă+ ăLifetime updateăAlmost all same price-level obd scanner diagnostic tool only offers plastic bag to hold on the scanner.However, NT604 Elite automotive scanner is equipped with solid protective case, preventing your obd2 scanner from damage. Then you donât need to pay extra money to buy a solid toolbox.
- Paul Danner (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 200 Pages - 07/03/2024 (Publication Date) - ScannerDanner (Publisher)
- đ Elevate Your Car Diagnostics with Speed and Precision: This advanced OBD2 scan tool can provide comprehensive OBD2 functions. Effortlessly read and clear codes, check I/M readiness, capture freeze frame data, retrieve your vehicle's VIN, evaluate EVAP systems, and access live data streams with graph displays. Built-in 35,901 DTCs, O2 sensor tests, onboard monitoring, and component assessments. Keep your vehicle's health in check, saving you both time and money on unnecessary repairs.
- đšïž Seamlessly Print and Stay Upgraded for Life: Our OBD2 scanner brings cutting-edge features to your fingertips. Review data streams and replay DTCs with ease, and take advantage of the convenient printing function. Connect the scanner to your Windows computer and effortlessly print fault data, arming you with the information you need to dodge surprise costs at auto repair shops. Enjoy a lifetime of free upgrades, ensuring you're always equipped with the latest features and enhancements.
- đ Vibrant 2.8â Display & Intuitive New User Interface: Experience optimal clarity on our 2.8-inch color screen. Tailor your experience with dark or light modes and adjust brightness to your liking. The revamped user interface is designed for simplicity, making it the ideal choice for beginners and experts alike. Effortlessly navigate setup, OBDII diagnostics, I/M readiness, and DTC search and check. Our intuitive UI guides you step by step, creating a seamless and stress-fr-ee journey.
- ⥠Swift Hot-Keys for Effortless Navigation: Simplify your experience with our car check engine code reader's 3 quick-access hot-keys. The "F2" key swiftly displays I/M readiness status, perfect for s-mog checks. Tap "F1" to instantly read current fault codes and pinpoint issues. When you're done, the "EXIT" key smoothly returns or exits the menu. Crafted for home mechanics, DIYers, dealers, novices, and auto repair shops, these hot-keys make every operation a breeze.
- đ Plug & Play for Real-Time Updates: Forget about batteries and chargers. Our OBD2 scanner seamlessly connects to your vehicle's OBD2 interface, keeping you informed about your car's health around the clock. The vehicle code reader's visual indicator light offers at-a-glance insights: red for faults, yellow for incompatibilities, and green for successful connections. Stay in the loop without the hassle.
- đ Universal Compatibility & Multilingual Support: Compatible with 9 protocols post-1996 in the USA, 2002 in the EU, and 2008 in Asia, our car diagnostic scanner is your versatile companion. Note that it isn't suitable for new energy or hybrid vehicles outside the OBD2 protocol. The OBD2 scanner supports 10 languages, including English, German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese. If you're uncertain about compatibility, we're here to assist on Amazon.
- â No-Hassle Returns and Extended 3-Year Replacement: Your satisfaction is our priority, backed by a 60-day return policy for complete peace of mind. If you're not entirely satisfied, we gladly offer full refunds. Plus, our industry-leading 3-year replacement service guarantees years of confident use. Have questions? Reach out to us for swift and effective solutions. Also, enjoy the added convenience of a Type-C cable to connect the OBD2 scanner tool to your computer, streamlining diagnostics.
- ă2024 Newest OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic ToolăNC610 car scan diagnostic tool adopts new smart chip and latest user interface design, which perfectly combines OBDII 16-pin and 9-pin (gasoline and diesel). This OBD2 car code reader can easily determine why the check engine light is on, quickly read and erase diagnostic trouble codes, freeze frames, I/M monitor ready status, battery test, smoke test, fuel test, trouble code query library (50000+), read data stream and data playback function.
- ăHeavy Duty Truck Diagnosis + Powerful Data Streamingă: HD OBD heavy duty truck scanner can quickly read engine fault codes (stored fault codes, intermittent, permanent, recorded fault codes) and clear codes, retrieve vehicles Information as well as complete data streams, classify data streams Display real-time vehicle sensor data in text and graphs so you can view them more intuitively. Suitable for Cummins, Caterpillar, Detroit, Packard and other diesel engines with 9-pin connector.
- ăVehicle coverageă: OBD2 scanner is suitable for most OBDII-compliant vehicles updated after 1996 (OBDII protocol//16-pin diagnostic interface: J1850 (PWM, VPW), ISO_9141-2, ISO_14230-4 (KWP , KWP-5BPS), ISO_15765-4 (CAN, CAN-B, CAN-C, CAN-D)) Compatible vehicles - cars, light trucks, pickups, SUVs, etc. Compliant with J1939 protocol // 9-pin diagnostic interface for light and heavy trucks, engineering vehicles, agricultural vehicles, buses, etc.
- ăThe latest designă: Humzor NC610 car OBD2 scanner adopts the latest interface and 2.8" large screen, long-term use will not cause eye fatigue. It is also equipped with three fault indicator lights to display the status, so that you can understand the vehicle status more intuitively and at the same time can execute the car Battery Voltage Test - 12V/24V.
- ăInstructions for useă: NC610 OBD2 car code reader is delivered with a portable tool box and a 9-pin connector. If you encounter any problems when using the NC610 professional scanning tool, you can directly contact us through Amazon Support or send us an email, and we will provide you with professional technical support. We provide hassle-free return service If you are not satisfied with the product, you can contact us directly, we will provide you with efficient after-sales service.
- ăNoteă: HUMZOR NC610 Automotive Diagnostic Tool does not require any battery or charger, the OBD reader gets its power directly from the vehicle through the OBDII data link connector. Supports 8 languages - English, German, Polish, Spanish, French, Italian and Russian Chinese.
- Vehicle CEL Doctor: The W4 obd2 scanner allows you to read fault diagnostic codes, access electronic readiness status, turn off the CEL (Check Engine Light) or MIL, reset monitors, read real-time data, and retrieve the vehicle's VIN.
- Multi-functionality: The practical obd2 scanner diagnostic tool is equipped with a built-in OBD2 DTC database to help you identify reasons for the engine light, read and clear codes, test car voltage, query fault code information, view freeze frame data, check I/M readiness, access data stream and playback functions, view real-time curves, read vehicle information, obtain speed data, calculate load value, and monitor engine coolant level.
- Plug and play: Simply locate the OBD port below your steering wheel to easily connect to our obd2 scanner for a fast and stable connection that won't disconnect. The user interface is user-friendly, making it easy for beginners to use. You can conveniently use this car code reader at home, in the garage, at car rental companies, auto repair shops, or on the road. This car scanner is also an excellent gift for those who need to diagnose vehicle issues.
- Your car assistant: The W4 code readers & scan tools is the ideal choice for self-maintenance and household use, saving on maintenance costs and monitoring vehicle health. It can assist in repairs, test drives, pre-diagnosing engine light issues, and checking performance data. Both DIY mechanics and professionals in the automotive industry can utilize this code reader effectively. With support for 9 protocols, this car diagnostic scanner is compatible with most American cars from 1996, EU cars from 2000, Asian cars, as well as newer OBD II and CAN domestic or imported vehicles.
- Premium Materials and Color Screen: This device revolutionizes the traditional concept of scanner for car by featuring a stylish 2.8-inch IPS color display screen, offering a comfortable handheld experience. Additionally, it is constructed with the latest PV material, ensuring durability with resistance to high temperatures and impact.
- Perfect Design: The car scanner diagnostic for all cars is equipped with a 2.5-foot long cable made of highly durable flexible insulation material. The AMTIFO W4 obd2 scanner features 4 buttons: up/down scrolling, enter/exit, and three warning lights (green light: vehicle detection support; yellow light: indicates vehicle malfunction; red light: product powered normally), allowing for quick status comprehension.
- Warranty and Service: Benefit from a two-year warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with the code reader, please contact AMTIFO's 24-hour customer service team for easy returns and refunds. Save your money and time.
How to choose a good engine diagnostic scanners
Does the idea of finding a fantastic engine diagnostic scanners make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in engine diagnostic scanners. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top engine diagnostic scanners products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top engine diagnostic scanners on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top engine diagnostic scanners brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top engine diagnostic scanners based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Â Would it be accurate to suggest that the engine diagnostic scanners were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, Â provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good engine diagnostic scanners, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your engine diagnostic scanners.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting engine diagnostic scanners for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our engine diagnostic scanners. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what engine diagnostic scanners should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on engine diagnostic scanners.
