Introduction
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate way to diagnose and troubleshoot your vehicle’s engine, an OBDII scanner is a must-have tool. OBDII scanners are designed to read and interpret diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from your vehicle’s onboard computer. Consumer Reports has tested and reviewed a variety of OBDII scanners to help you find the best one for your needs.
What to Look for in an OBDII Scanner
When shopping for an OBDII scanner, there are several features to consider. First, make sure the scanner is compatible with your vehicle’s make and model. Many scanners are designed to work with a variety of vehicles, but some are only compatible with certain makes and models.
Next, consider the type of data the scanner can read. Some scanners can only read basic engine codes, while others can read more advanced data such as fuel economy and emissions data.
Finally, consider the user interface. Some scanners have a simple, easy-to-use interface, while others have more complex menus and settings.
Consumer Reports Reviews
Consumer Reports has tested and reviewed a variety of OBDII scanners. Here are some of the top-rated models:
• Actron CP9125: This scanner is designed to work with a variety of vehicles and can read basic engine codes. It has a simple, easy-to-use interface and is one of the most affordable models on the market.
• Autel MaxiScan MS300: This scanner is designed to work with a variety of vehicles and can read basic engine codes as well as more advanced data such as fuel economy and emissions data. It has a simple, easy-to-use interface and is one of the most affordable models on the market.
• Innova 3160g: This scanner is designed to work with a variety of vehicles and can read basic engine codes as well as more advanced data such as fuel economy and emissions data. It has a more complex menu and settings, but is still easy to use.
Conclusion
OBDII scanners are a must-have tool for diagnosing and troubleshooting your vehicle’s engine. Consumer Reports has tested and reviewed a variety of OBDII scanners to help you find the best one for your needs. Be sure to consider the type of data
Obdii Scanners Comparison Table
Last updated on December 30, 2022 11:29 pm
Top Obdii Scanners Reviews By Consumer Reports March 2023
Below is the list of top Obdii Scanners with a detailed guide that you can consider in your purchase:
MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Code Reader Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow
$25.00 in stock
Amazon.com
as of December 30, 2022 11:29 pm
Features
- 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.
ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool-Black
$29.99 in stock
2 new
from $29.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 30, 2022 11:29 pm
Features
- 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.
FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Live Data Professional Mechanic OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader Tool for Check Engine Light
$69.99
in stock
Amazon.com
as of December 30, 2022 11:29 pm
Features
- 【Vehicle CEL Doctor】The NT301 obd2 scanner enables you to read DTCs, access to e-missions readiness status, determine the cause of the engine light or MIL, check 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 Mechanic Scotty Kilmer on Youtube. Codes analysis and Printer compatible. Unique PATENTED design, 2.8" color screen, Free 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 one of the best gifts for Home and Autoshop Mechanics.
for Android Phones ONLY - Wireless Bluetooth Diagnostic OBD2 Scanner Car Code Reader and Scan Tool for All 1996 & Newer Vehicles ELM327 Compatible OBDII
$16.99 in stock
Amazon.com
as of December 30, 2022 11:29 pm
Features
- [DATA] Read & Clear your Check Engine Light (CEL); Check emissions testing readiness; Read real time vehicle sensor information;
- [ANDROID] Our Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for use with Android devices ONLY! For iOS devices, please purchase our WiFi OBD reader.
- [3RD PARTY APPS] A 3rd party app is required to use our OBD reader. Obtainable from the Google Play store. Free & Paid apps available. Recommended free: Piston; Recommended paid: Torque Pro (Not Torque Lite), OBD Fusion, Car Scanner & OBD Auto Doctor
- [COMPATIBLE] Works with ALL consumer vehilces located in USA model year 1996 & newer; Works on ALL OBD2 Protocols including J1850 & ISO9141 which are problematic for other OBD scanners
- [ELM327 COMPLIANT] Fully ELM327 compliant. works with any app stating an ELM327 code reader is needed
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android
$119.95
in stock
Amazon.com
as of December 30, 2022 11:29 pm
Features
- [Pro OBD2 Scanner] - BlueDriver is the easiest way to scan and understand your vehicle like a professional mechanic. Read and clear your car’s trouble codes and check engine light.
- [Read & Clear All The Codes] - BlueDriver's enhanced vehicle diagnostics gives you access to information normally available only to mechanics on their OBD2 scan tools. Now you can read and clear ABS, Airbag, SRS, TPMS codes, and many more.
- [Get The Right Fix] - Much more than a car code reader, BlueDriver is a diagnostic tool. Get unlimited specific repair reports containing possible causes, reported fixes, and more for virtually every vehicle make and model (1996 and newer).
- [Wireless & Bluetooth Enabled] - Say goodbye to wires. BlueDriver connects with Bluetooth via your phone/tablet to a sensor that plugs into your car's OBDII port. Get all of the capabilities of an expensive code reader & scan tool without any annoying wires.
- [User-Friendly App and Repair Videos] - BlueDriver gives you more ways to scan and fix your vehicle. Our iOS & Android app connects you to a large database of repair videos with step-by-step directions of repairs.
2022 Ver. EDIAG OBD2 Scanner YA-101 Auto Code Reader for Check Engine Light,O2 Sensor,EVAP Test,On-Board Monitor Test,Smog Check,OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD2 Cars Since 1996-Upgrade Version
$19.99 in stock
Amazon.com
as of December 30, 2022 11:29 pm
Features
- 【Vehicle Diagnoses Doctor】YA-101 is an upgraded version of basic obd2 scanners with feature complete support of all 10 modes of obd2; including reading and erasure of current codes, O2 Sensor Tests, On-Board Monitor Test (Mode 6), EVAP System Test (Mode 8), I/M Readiness, Vehicle Info, etc,.Help you pass the Smog check!
- 【View Live Data & DTCs Lookup】View Freeze Frame/Live Data streams, Live O2 monitoring, Misfire, Engine Coolant Temperature and Engine RPM Data; view real-time PID data from ECM; built-in DTC lookup library with definitions.
- 【All OBDII protocols Vehicles Coverage + 9 Languages】Works with most 12V gasoline vehicles sold in the USA since 1996. Supports all OBD2 Protocols: KWP2000, ISO9141, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM and CAN. Support for 9 languages: Simplified Chinese, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Russian.
- ✅【Garage Necessity】✅Plug and play function,easy to use.✅ Add Battery Test Function to view of Battery Status; ✅ color display; ✅ FREE LIFETIME software updates via USB port. It is recommended as a necessity in your garage/ Home and Autoshop.
- 【Youtube Influencer Mechanic Recommend】ediag Tools provides Lifetime warranty for the YA-101 scan tool. Please feel free to contact, any time, via Q&A, Email and/or Amazon Messages.PLEASE NOTE:this tool only works on 12V cars,not NOT WORK FOR 24V truck.
OBD2 Scanner Car Scan Diagnostic Tool Reset Clear Check Engine Code Reader for All OBD II Vehicles LeeKooLuu LK11
$17.99
in stock
2 new
from $17.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 30, 2022 11:29 pm
Features
- 【Auto OBDII Scanner Diagnostic Tool:】Easy-to-use plug-in-play car scanner that read and clear codes.Retrieves generic code and displays DTC definitions. It can check engine related fault codes,easily find out what caused.
- 【Wide Compatibility:】Code readers & scan tools are compatible with all OBD II and CAN Compliant vehicles,passenger cars or light trucks,post 1996 in US,post 2000 for EU-based and Asian cars.Not compatible with new energy and hybrid vehicles.
- 【Freeze Frame Date For Accurate Diagnosis:】Car code reader comes with viewing freeze frame function that enables you to retrieve data recorded in the ECU of the condition under which the fault occurs to figure out why the check engine light is on and cut down test drive verification time.
- 【I/M Readiness Function:】 Car diagnostic scanner comes with I/M Readiness function to check the operations of the Emission System on OBD2 compliant vehicles.It includes vehicle-specific number of monitors like misfire monitor, fuel system monitor,Comprehensive component monitor, Oxygen sensor heater monitor,EVAP system and etc.It can help get your vehicle ready to pass the annual smog check.
- 【Retrieve Vehicle Infor:】 Vehicle code reader enables retrieval of Vehicle Identification No. (VIN), Calibration ID(s), Calibration Verification Nos. (CVNs). This function is most useful to check whether the ECU matches your car.
Autel OBD2 Scanner Autolink AL319 Code Reader Read and Erase Codes Check State Emission Monitor Status Powerful Scan and Car Diagnostic Tool
$35.98
in stock
Amazon.com
as of December 30, 2022 11:29 pm
Features
- 【TURN OFF CEL】 This AL319 car diagnostic tool supports Reading DTCs, displaying Live Data, Freeze Frame & I/M Readiness etc to figure out the root cause of the Check Engine Light (CEL) and turning it off, to help you detect any potential problems, and to avoid excessive costs for unnecessary repairs.
- 【EXTENSIVE APPLICATION】 Autel AL319 Compatible with 7 languages (English, French, Spanish, etc.) and various post-1996 OBD II protocol vehicles (Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Ford, etc.), this OBD II scanner provides accurate and fast diagnosis for worldwide car owners.
- 【FOR END USER & DIYERS】 This error code reader AL319 is “plug and play” and comes with an easy interface. Even if you’re not familiar with vehicle repair, you can quickly take control of this obd2 scanner, and get the information you want.
- 【USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN】 This check engine code reader features a patented One-Click I/M Readiness Key, TFT color display, built-in speaker, LED Indicator etc. The cable is long enough without being too long and getting in the way. No batteries are needed.
- 【HIGH-QUALITY SERVICES】 12 months warranty from the date of purchase and lifetime free update are offered by this Automobile OBDII scan tool. Welcome to contact us via Q&A, email, or hotline, and our after-sale-service team for technical support.
INNOVA 6030P OBD2 Scanner ABS Code Reader-Check Engine Light-Diagnostic Scan Tool Live Data with Battery & Alternator Test-Code Severity Levels-Full OBDII Modes
$109.98
in stock
Amazon.com
as of December 30, 2022 11:29 pm
Features
- CEL & ABS FIX FOR FAMILY---Compared to other complicated scanners on the market, Innova 6030P obd2 scanner is designed for all US family at an affordable price to assist with the most common automotive warning lights issues, namely check engine light(CEL) and ABS(brake) light faults.
- GET RID OF ANNOYANCE---During this difficult time, it can be annoyed when you found the warning lights on. With Code Severity Levels function of 6030P ABS scanner, you can quickly identify if your vehicle needs an immediate fix or if it can wait until you get home to fix it yourself.
- DO IT YOURSELF---Not only can you read codes to diagnose your car problem directly, you can also see key information about your vehicle in real time (RPM, Oil Temp, etc.) to aid in diagnosis. And we are glad to tell that Innova 6030P has been selected to "Amazon Editorial Recommendations" as "Best OBDII Scanners" and "Amazon's Choice Code Reader". 🙂
- BATTERY TEST TO SAVE TIME---Innova 6030P enhanced scan tool provides battery & alternator tests to check the performance of a vehicle's charging system. It does so by checking if the batteries and alternators are in line with voltage specs recommended for the vehicle. When troubleshooting a no start/hard start condition, carrying out this test really helps in knowing where to look, hence saving time.
- DEVELOPED IN USA---Buy with Confidence. Innova 6030P car scanner empowers the home mechanics with its professional-level functionality but entry-level difficulty, for it is designed and developed in the US and supported by unmatched technical assistance from a staff of all ASE certified technicians. At the same time, it is also the perfect gift for your family and friends. 😉
Panlong OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth OBDII Diagnostic Tool Car Code Reader Turn Off Check Engine Light Support Android Torque App
$12.99 in stock
Amazon.com
as of December 30, 2022 11:29 pm
Features
- Read/clear error codes, display their meaning, turn off MIL, show current sensor data, I/M readiness; find out why check engine light is on before visiting a mechanic, save money by fixing simple problems yourself
- Support 1996 and newer vehicles 12V light trucks that are OBDII compliant like Acura, Audi, BMW, Benz, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Peugeot, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen...
- Work with Android cellphone and tablet; compatible Apps on Google Play: Torque, Car Scanner, OBD Auto Doctor… and Dr. Prius App for Toyota/Lexus hybrid; we recommend downloading free version first as there are many other Apps you may be interested in trying out
- Support 9 OBDII Protocols: SAE J1850 PWM (41.6Kbaud)， SAE J1850 VPW (10.4Kbaud)，ISO9141-2(5 baud init, 10.4Kbaud)， ISO14230-4 KWP (5 baud init, 10.4 Kbaud)， ISO14230-4 KWP (fast init, 10.4Kbaud)， ISO15765-4 CAN (11bit ID,500 Kbaud)， ISO15765-4 CAN (29bit ID,500 Kbaud)， ISO15765-4 CAN (11bit ID,250 Kbaud)， ISO15765-4 CAN (29bit ID,250 Kbaud)
- 100% money back guarantee, 1-year replacement with professional customer service. Note: supports Android phone/tablet only