Best Car Diagnostic Scanner Tools [2023] – Reviews & Guide

Diagnostic car problems are a big headache. It might happen that something goes wrong with your car just before your wonderful vacation trip.

The situation becomes more stressful when you don’t know what the real issue is.

Car issues arise all of a sudden and spoil the whole day. You can prevent this breakdown of your car by getting the best car diagnostic tool, which allows you to find the car issues in no time.

Professional car diagnostic tool will help you get to the bottom of the engine trouble in your car and find its cause. You just need to plug in the car diagnostic scanner, and it will send you a notification about the issues with your vehicle.

These tools offer you a complete diagnostic report by which you get to know the damaged components easily.

Moreover, most of the tools work on live data. A basic tool offers reading error codes, checking engine light, and management light features. On the other hand, the high-end tools come with more surprising features. They have digital displays that offer impressive ease and accuracy.

Many impressive brands claim to offer the best car diagnostic tool and promise to deliver a superb user experience. We have reviewed the top tools of the sort in this guide that will surely help you to determine which products in the market genuinely live up to their customer expectations.

Best Car Diagnostic Tool Reviews 2021

The OBD car scanners tell you the state of various subsystems of your car. This way, you can have a full diagnostic and troubleshoot car problems. This is no doubt a wonderful investment you can make for your vehicle.

The best use of such a scanner is when purchasing used cars. This way, you will get to know if all the systems of that car are functioning properly or not.

The options are various, and this is where an informative buying guide will help you to choose the best one that satisfies your needs.

The following tools are the most popular in the market and can truly live up to your expectations. This way, you need not pay the unnecessary amount for your car repair.

Top Car Diagnostic Tool Comparision Table

No.	Preview	Product	Details	Price
1		Autel AutoLink AL539B	Size: 4.06 pounds Dimension: 11.9 x 9.6 x 4.4 inches	Check Price on Amazon
2		Schumacher SC1308	Size: 12.63 pounds Dimension: 7.1 x 10.4 x 10.9 inches	Check Price on Amazon
3		ANCEL AD530	Size: 15.2 ounces Dimension: 9.1 x 7.2 x 1.1 inches	Check Price on Amazon
4		FOXWELL NT301	Size: 16.8 ounces Dimension:8.7 x 3.1 x 6.7 inches	Check Price on Amazon
5		OBDLink LX101	Size: 1.12 ounces Dimension: 1.8 x 0.9 x 2 inches	Check Price on Amazon
6		Autel AutoLink AL319	Size: 12 ounces Dimension: 9.7 x 2.6 x 6.3 inches	Check Price on Amazon
7		FOXWELL NT201	Size: 10.4 ounces Dimension: 6.7 x 6.7 x 2 inches	Check Price on Amazon
8		ANCEL AD310	Size: 12.3 ounces Dimension: 9 x 6.6 x 1.3 inches	Check Price on Amazon
9		BAFX3127	Size: 3.04 ounces Dimension: 2.8 x 1.5 x 1 inches	Check Price on Amazon
10		FIXD OBD-II	Size: 2.4 ounces Dimension: 1.8 x 0.8 x 1.6 inches	Check Price on Amazon

1. Autel AutoLink AL539B: Best OBD2 Code Reader, Avometer, and Battery Tester

This impressive test tool offers a complete diagnosis by supporting all modes of the OBD III test. This tool can not only perform all basic functions but also does an additional circuit test.

Autel AutoLink AL539B is a superb option for DIYers and car owners who intend to perform basic functions and check the battery voltage by a corded device.

It has a bright color display and a long cable. Moreover, these tools work brilliantly in the check engine light and finding errors.

The tools are ruggedly built and won’t be damaged in any accident. The cable is long, and you can easily plug it into the OBD port of your vehicle.

The storage case has a zipper closure that keeps the tool safe. It comes with a manual that explains how to use the tool. It also explains the working of the whole code system. By and large, this is a superbly made cable set. In fact, it is a full car electrical tester.

Features

Product Information

Pros

• You need not visit google to find about codes as the scanner gives you the complete information.
• You can update it with a TF card.
• The easy to use tool doesn’t face connection dropouts. It comes with a one year warranty.

Cons

• Doesn’t support wifi or Bluetooth.
• The voltage checking feature work on +-30 volts ranges only.

2. Schumacher SC1308: Best Engine Starter with Advanced Diagnostic Testing

This impressive battery tester has an easy to read digital display. The charger reads the battery charge accurately. This tool gives a digital reading while charging. Also, you won’t be overcharging batteries with this superb tool. The handbook explains everything.

The charger has plenty of power and is much easy to use. This tool analyzes your battery and is quite impressive. You need to plug in the tool, and it will do the job.

Also, it has a good form of factor and is solidly built. All in all, this excellent product is worth the money.

Features

Product Information

Pros

• The tool is easy to hook up and has a decent charging speed.
• You don’t have to hang around watching the charger as it comes with an automatic shut off feature.
• The tool isn’t bulky and has a nice balance. You won’t be confused with the reverse polarity.

Cons

• The clamp springs can be better. They seem to a bit flimsy.
• The cable gets warm on charging.

3. ANCEL AD530: Best Top Rated Car Diagnostic Tool

This marvelous scanner is designed for both homes DIYers and professional mechanics. It supports OBD modes. You can check the real-time battery status.

Furthermore, it offers lifetime free updates. There is a help button, so you don’t get confused about the complex professional vocabulary. This offers a marvelous user experience.

This tool supports all OBDII protocols. It is also equipped with a TFT true color screen and offers a steady performance.

Altogether, this handy device allows you to diagnose the most complex issues with your vehicle.

Features

Product Information

Pros

• Onboard, monitoring, VIN information, DTC lookup, and real-time battery status in graph form.
• The tool comes with two years manufacturer warranty. Updates are freely available. You can download them and install them.
• It supports 16 languages. This enhances the usability of the tool.

Cons

• Typing on the arrow keys is a bit challenging.
• Some customers complained that the instructions to update the device weren’t clear.

4. FOXWELL NT301: Best Professional Enhanced Diagnostic Code Reader

This scanner is not a conventional OBD2 device.  It is multilingual and is compatible with a full range of cars. The DTCs definition allows you to read or erase DTC. It has a built-in DTC lookup library that helps you check engine light in your car.

No battery is required to operate it. You need to plug the scanner in your car’s OBD2 port. Then the car’s battery will power it up.

Now you can start the vehicle and read the trouble codes. You can also erase the codes, but they will return if the issue remains unfixed. This advanced engine fault sensor is perfect for checking your vehicle engine.

Features

Product Information

Pros

• Good looking devices that allow you to see all the engine fault codes show live data and offer excellent value for money.
• Well, build housing, elegant design, simple and user-friendly UI, easy to use. 8-inch color screened and clear fault codes
• Easy to update. Offers lifetime free firmware and software updates

Cons

• Poor instructions
• TFT display isn’t much bright.

5. OBDLink LX101: Best Automotive Scan Tool

This Bluetooth adapter can quickly turn your smartphone or laptop into a diagnostic tool and a real-time performance monitor.

This product is small and unobtrusive. It allows real-time operations of the engine. The installation process is quite easy.

Offers the impressive feature of information customization of the dashboard and displays. It provides simple setup and immediate responses. Code reading and clearing is pretty much straightforward.

Moreover, the real-time diagnostic display is accessible in an easy to interpret manner.

This lets you enjoy detailed and accurate graphs. Moreover, it delivers 300% more data samples per second.

It has a battery saver mode. This allows the adapter to remain plugged in constantly without consuming the battery of your vehicle.

Furthermore, it has a unique multi-layered security mechanism that eliminates the risk of unauthorized access. This little investment will help you save a lot of bucks.

Features

Product Information

Pros

• Fastest response time, minimal cost, stable, hackerproof and small form factor device with battery saver technology.
• Comes with a pocket-sized adapter and realistic virtual measurements.
• Higher compatibility and stylish app UI.

Cons

• Unstable Bluetooth connection in some devices
• It is made from solid plastic, which offers a cheap look.

6. Autel AutoLink AL319: Best Automotive Engine Fault Code Reader

This is a unique code reader with built-in speakers and a TFT color display.

Autolink AL319 provides ease in affordability and allows you to verify repairs, solve fundamental engine problems, and check state emission monitor status. It notifies the driver with its dynamic I/M readiness status, audible time, and color codes LEDs.

The freeze-frame and live data features are impressive for troubleshooting engine problems. It comes with a nice LED screen. It is much simpler to operate.

The one-click I/M readiness key allows you to find the vehicle’s condition conveniently. It gets power from your vehicle’s OBD port.

Features

Product Information

Pros

• Reliable, free lifetime software updates, and user-friendly tool with an amazing handheld unit. Provide you emission ready monitors
• Easy to view code definition. Minimizes scrolling and displays all data at once.
• Multi-language support, including English, Deutsch, Espanol, and Francais.

Cons

• Updates issues
• The instructions in the manual aren’t much clear.

7. FOXWELL NT201: Best Auto OBD2 Car Diagnostic Scan Tool

Foxwell vehicle diagnosis code reader works on standard and CAN domestic and import cars. It has a unique one-click I/M readiness status design that checks the engine good status of the vehicle.

The customer service is impressive. You can contact them in case of any issue, and they will fix your queries for sure. The device is well made. It displays the code and the suggested cost of fixing that issue too.

This is a brilliant product at an affordable price.

The tool is quite easy to use. Supports more than ten languages including English, Swedish, Polish, Dutch, Hungarian, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese Italian, and many more.

It works on all OBD2 vehicles. You can easily update online via a USB cable. Also, it’s reliable and accurate.

Features

Product Information

Pros

• Advanced engine fault sensor. It allows you to check for a more significant number of issues
• Modernized and internet updated, cost-effective and free lifetime updates.
• Big and bright screen. Allow you to view the code definition directly. Dustproof and waterproof. Easy to clean surface and easy to use interface.

Cons

• This reader does not work on electric and hybrid cars.
• It doesn’t tell the code description.

8. ANCEL AD310: Best Car Diagnostic Tool Overall (Our Top Pick)

Ancel AD310 is the best center around. This is a must-have tool for every car owner. This stand-alone readier is user-friendly. You can also clear the code after reading.

It has a large LCD display and is equipped with a 2.5 ft cable. This product comes with a three-year warranty too.

This way, it saves a significant amount of money and time for you. Get this tool now as it undoubtedly one of the top-performing concerning rating.

It does a brilliant job of diagnosing the problems related to vehicles and is, therefore, an excellent choice to buy. The product weight is just 300g. It is simple, straightforward, and pretty much easy to use.

Features

Product Information

Pros

• The display is designed in a way that makes the instructions easily decipherable.
• A user-friendly and stand-alone reader with three years warranty.
• Multilingual, fast Scan, classic design, and time saver. Gives the details for the codes. You can also temporarily erase the codes.

Cons

• Small printed letters in manual.
• It does not have the ability to diagnose ABS.

9. BAFX3127: Best Budget Car Diagnostic Tool

BAFX OBD2 reader connects to the vehicle. You can sync this reader with your tablet, phone, or computer to send and receive real-time data.

This way, you can also read and clear the OBD2 engine light. The reader works on almost all vehicles. It allows you to read and remove the DTC display. You can also read engine data with this reader. This is a must-have tool for your cars.

Its weight is around 3.2 ounces. The tool comes in a white box with a troubleshooting guide and setup, and a CD. The instructions are pretty much easy to understand.

Connect the tool, and don’t worry about your vehicle battery going down, as it goes to sleep mode after a while.

Features

Product Information

Pros

• Excellent compatibility. Also backed by the 2-year warranty
• Provides real-time information
• Capable of displaying more than 3000 error codes.

Cons

• Doesn’t work with iOS devices
• Does not provide support for ABS/SRS codes

10. FIXD OBD-II: Best Active Car Health Monitor & Scan Tool

FIXD OBD-II tool is an excellent product and is much easy to use. This tool clears the check engine light with a single tap of a button.

This compact module works through a mobile application. Its weight is 2.08 ounces. It sturdy and is simple and easy to use.

Also, it is light and compact. This device can sync data wirelessly to your phone. Moreover, it will alert you in case any issue is detected with your vehicle.

The tool monitors your car’s health. It is designed to work with any vehicle made in 1996 or after that. You can easily get information about your vehicle’s check engine light.

It can also reset the light. You can download the app using an Android or an iOS system and then pair it with this FIXID uint.

Features

Product Information

Pros

• Compact with brilliant features.
• Easy to setup.
• Inexpensive  and friendly tool offers good support, saves money and time and a simple terminology

Cons

• Doesnot support windows and mac apps
• No dynamic data

Buyer’s Guide – Things to Consider When Buying the Best Car Diagnostic Tool

There are various models and brands of car diagnostic tools with a considerable difference in the market. This can inevitably lead to some confusion.

You need to check the tools to make sure you have got the desired functionalities. Well, buying such devices won’t be any more complicated for you after reading this buying guide.

There are several essential things you should be aware of before buying them.

Vehicle Diagnostic Tools Types

There are two main categories of the OBD scanner. These are the diagnostic scan tools and adapters. The diagnosis tool refers to the traditional scanner.

Such tools are a stand-alone device and are connected to the OBD port with the help of an OBD connector.

In contrast, the adapters are the dongles. They work with a mobile device. You need first to plug in the dongle to the OBD port.

It then shows your desired data in the smartphone via Bluetooth or WiFi connection. To use an OBD dongle, you need to install an app first.

Adapters are simple to use, and the main benefit of using them is that you can leave them plugged into the car. They are best for real-time vehicle monitoring.

Diagnostic tools feature a straightforward way. They are sometimes more expensive than dongles.

Well, your choice here is not only dependent on the budget but also on the tools which are more comfortable for you.

Keeping a portable bike bicycle toolset will also be helpful to you.

Vehicle Compatibility

You need to make sure the device you are going to buy is compatible with your vehicle. Some scanners are designed in a way that covers few brands.

In contrast, some are universal and work with almost all variety of vehicles. Thus you need to make sure that the tool covers the model, make and type of your car. You can also get the best mechanic toolset to solve other car issues.

Basic vs. Advanced Functions

The car diagnostic scanners come up with basic and advanced functionalities. Well, there functioning is also dependent on the manufacturer and their compatible apps.

You need to consider the functions that you need while buying these tools.

Cost

The cost depends on the features of the tools. Make sure you buy the one that doesn’t break your budget.

Diagnostic Features

Almost all diagnostic tools display the engine error codes. Well, some advanced scanners allow you to get more detailed information.

Thus before purchasing such tools, made a list of your must-have features. So you may know what you are looking for in the device you buy.

Tool Usability

It is essential to figure out how to use the tool you are going to buy. First, search for the device online and how it works.

Make sure its working is not much complicated. Also, get the best mechanic socket set to do the maintenance work of your vehicles easily in the garage.

Software Upgrades

Do checks about the software upgrades of the tool you are going to buy. Also, have a look at the price of the update and check if it’s free or paid.

Extra Features

The feature of such tools varies from one model to another model. Higher ned models usually have the best features.

Some of the most important features you need to consider are:

• Freeze data
• SRS and ABS functionality
• Connectivity
• Real-time data

Popular Brands Offering Best Car Diagnostic Tool

You can tell some useful information about the device by looking at the brand. This is because some brands are famous for their impressive quality, while some are known for their worst products.

Final Words

Diagnosing car problems was a big headache some times ago. Mechanics had to spend hours poking around the engine to find the real issue with the automobiles.

Well, that much hard work is no longer needed. The wide range of diagnostic tools in the market today will make your work easier.

You can get the best car diagnostic tool to have precise information on every issue with your automobile. Also, check out how to deal with a flat bike tire.

Top Rated Car Diagnostic Scanner Tools

FAQs