In the current economic scenario, owning one of the best OBD-II scanners is crucial. Living expenses have increased significantly over the past few months, so a mechanic’s bill is the last thing you need right now. Fortunately, a reliable best OBD-II scanners can identify your issues and tell you whether you need to seek professional assistance.
The simplest and most affordable ways to determine why your engine light is on and how to turn it off are with automotive OBD2 scanners and car code readers. The majority of the fundamental information that you would receive from a dealer or an auto repair business will be provided by even a simple automobile code reader.
An OBD-II scanner is necessary if you own a car. The best OBD-II scanners can be used to read trouble codes from various car systems, give a real-time reading of the vehicle’s running state, and more, depending on the model you choose, to assist you in troubleshooting problems.
Best OBD-II Scanners
Innova 6200P
Specifications
| size | 2.8 inches |
| Number of keys | 9 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Size | 7.2 x 3.4 x 1.1 inches |
| Weight | 6.5 ounces |
The Innova 6100P is best OBD-II scanners that even a beginner mechanic can use to feel like a pro. At least, that’s how we felt when we were testing. This device can be used as both a handheld unit and a way to connect to the Innova app.
The Innova 6100P, which costs $140, has everything you could want in an OBD-II scanner for a do-it-yourself mechanic. It has a 2.8-inch colour screen that shows live data, fault codes, and an I/M readiness check before an inspection.
Pros
- modest and light
- Oil light reset and battery testing
- Handheld with supplemental app
Cons
- interface with text
Ancel BD310
Specifications
| Time to Receive Code | 18.6 seconds (Plug-In to Bluetooth) |
| Live Data PIDs | 18 |
| Freeze Frame Data PIDs | 13 |
| Cord Length | 55.0 inches |
Our pick for the best OBD-II scanners for home use is the Ancel BD310. We liked that the scanner could work both with a cord and with Bluetooth, and we thought the app’s interface was great.
It’s a unique scanner because you can use it with just the corded interface or connect it via Bluetooth and use the free app to get more information, diagnostic tools, and performance testing.
Pros
- options for using Bluetooth or a tethered connection
- With both alternatives, the user interface is excellent
Cons
- By using Bluetooth, there is no need for the wire.
Foxwell NT301
Specifications
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 1.26 x 5.71 inches |
| Brand | Brand FOXWELL |
| Screen Size | 2.8 Inches |
| Weight | ‎1.32 pounds |
The Foxwell NT301 is a handheld best OBD-II Scanners that uses a cord to connect to the OBD2 port. Trouble code information is shown on a 2.8-inch colour screen and fault lights of different colours.
It also works well as a battery tester, for which it has cables with alligator clamps. Owners like how durable it is and how big the buttons are, but they don’t like how long the OBD cable is, which is only three feet long.
Pros
- A mid-priced scanner with all the functionality
- Large buttons for controls
- Coloured error lights
Cons
- Brief cable
- A few users found the instructions perplexing.
Innova 3160RS All-system
Specifications
| Weight | ‎1.12 pounds |
| Exterior | ‎Machined |
| Brand | Innova |
| Manufacturer | ‎Innova Electronics Corp. |
| Size | 2.8 Inches |
This scan tool costs more because it has more features. This scanner can read more than just check engine codes.
It can also read transmission, ABS, and SRS codes, which are usually locked on cheaper scan tools. This thing can do everything. It can test the battery, reset the oil-change-needed light, and show the severity of a code.
Pros
- reads/clears codes for the ABS, SRS, and transmission
- Complete replacement or refund guarantee
Cons
- Costly but worthwhile
Launch CRP123X OBD2 Scanner
Specifications
| Weight | ‎1.47 pounds |
| Dimensions | ‎9.21 x 7.91 x 1.89 inches |
| Batteries | ‎2 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Operating System | Window |
| resolution | 320 x 480 |
Along with Autel, Launch is a well-known brand of high-quality diagnostic tools for cars. The CRP123X is a better version of their popular CRP123. The CRP123X has both physical buttons and a 5″ touchscreen with a resolution of 720 pixels/inch.
Which makes text and images look great. The best OBD-II Scanners is quick and easy to use because it has a fast processor and 16GB of onboard memory, and the large 6100mAh rechargeable battery gives it a great battery life.
Pros
- fast processor
- excellent text/image quality
Cons
- costly
Motopower OBD-II
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Motopower |
| Part number | MP69033 |
| Connection type | Wired |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.02 x 2.75 x 0.91 inches |
If you need a cheap way to read codes but don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Motopower scanner is an excellent choice. By connecting this device to the OBD port, the user can obtain engine codes that describe why the check engine light on the automobile is on.
A large backlit display that may also offer live data for a real-time readout on the run condition helps prevent eye strain. It is also incredibly simple to set up and manage. The best OBD-II Scanners of this device is often relatively limited, and it is unable to read ABS or transmission codes.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Large backlit display
Cons
- Limited functionality
FAQs
Are OBD-II scanners uniformly designed?
There are primarily two categories of gadgets. Portable OBD-II scanners have their own screen and connection to connect to the OBD port on the car. Wireless OBD2II scanners attach to the port and then pair with a smartphone or tablet over Bluetooth to display their results.
Are inexpensive OBD2 scanners reliable?
An affordable OBD2 scanner will function if all you need to do is study error codes or turn off a check engine light. The finest OBD2 scan tool under $100 is the Innova CarScan Advisor 5210.
How do mechanics interpret codes?
OBD-II scanners hook directly into your car’s OBD port, which was made mandatory for all new automobiles in 1996. They read check engine light codes, and some also read other vehicle data. A scanner allows you to see if a repair is something you can handle yourself or if you’ll need to budget for a trip to the mechanic.
