Top 10 Best Auto Scanners in 2023 Reviews
Last updated on January 16, 2023
One of the biggest challenges of owning a car is the pesky engine-light check. Having your car checked by a mechanic can be pretty expensive. This is the case especially when you don’t know the problem. However, you can save extra repairs costs by having some mechanic DIY skills. You just need to have the best auto scanners to diagnose and detect the car problems. The scanners communicate with the car’s onboard computer system to help see what causes the check engine light. This way, you get to know what is wrong with your car before taking it to a mechanic. It is a perfect tool that saves time without checking every corner of the vehicle.
In this post, we help you find the best and top-rated auto scanners in the market. Our reviews narrow down your choices of the leading auto scanners. These are the market’s leading auto scanners to seriously consider buying. They are premium quality auto scanners with excellent features. These are truly universal auto scanners that support protocols used by most vehicles. Check them out below and carefully choose one that best matches your needs.
Table of Contents
- 10. ANCEL Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner
- 9. FOXWELL NT301 OBD 2 Scanner
- 8. Autel AutoLink OBD2 Scanner Enhanced Mode 6
- 7. Veepeak OBDCheck BLE OBD 2 Bluetooth Scanner
- 6. ATDIAG OBD2 Scanner
- 5. KONNWEI KW850 Professional OBD2 Scanner Auto Code
- 4. LAUNCH OBD 2 Scanner CRP123X Code Reader
- 3. Actron CP9670 Auto Scanner Trilingual OBD II
- 2. GEMWON OBD2 Scanner Car Code Reader
- 1. TopDiag OBD2 Scanner Universal Car Code Reader
10. ANCEL Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner
This is a classic design OBD II scanner and one of the best picks on the list. It is a fast scanner that clears trouble codes. The scanner is pretty efficient and easy to use even by beginners. You can easily identify the problem and fix it saving money in the long-term. It is a versatile scanner that works on US, EU, and Asian based cars. The scanner also supports several languages like German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Finnish, etc. The scanner easily determines the cause of engine light and view the freeze frame data. It is a well-built scanner with a large LCD screen for easy reading. You also get a long 2.5 feet cable which is thick and flexible.
Pros
- Easy data reading due to a large and clear LCD screen
- Versatile and supports multiple languages
- Large press buttons hence easy to use
- Simple thus suitable for beginners
Cons
- Lacks some features but ideal for personal use
9. FOXWELL NT301 OBD 2 Scanner
This is a professional mechanic OBD II scanner to easily check engine light. It is an excellent choice OBD 2 scanner and one to seriously consider buying. The scanner can locate bad O2 sensors, access emission readiness status, and turn of CEL. It can also relieve data, reset monitor, and mil. This is an accurate scanner with live data logging and graphing. The scanner accurately reads error codes for most worldwide SUVs, 12V diesel machines, and light trucks. It is a top-quality auto scanner recommended by mechanics and one to have in your car. It also features various keys for reset, readiness, erasing, and much more. The scanner is pretty easy to use and operate directly without batteries.
Pros
- Connects directly without batteries
- Easy to use due to smog check help
- Live data graphing and logging hence accurate
- 2.8-inch color screen hence easy data reading
Cons
- OBD II cable not detachable
8. Autel AutoLink OBD2 Scanner Enhanced Mode 6
This is another easy and simple to use the OBD scanner to consider buying. It is a versatile and effective scanner that supports all the 10 modes of OBD II testing. You can be sure of a complete diagnosis. The scanner comes with a clear TFT display and built-in speakers. It is the ultimate auto scanner that allows for fast car engine diagnosis. Moreover, this scanner features excellent compatibility working with most vehicles of 1996 and newer. This is an accurate and reliable auto scanner to easily determine the cause of check engine light. It displays live O2 sensor test data, emissions, readiness tests, etc. It is a compact design scanner easy to hold on your hands.
Pros
- Accurate and faster diagnosis
- Clear TFT color display hence easy data reading
- Versatile and provides complete diagnosis due to 10 modes of testing
- Compatible with most cars of 1996 and newer
Cons
- Not very descriptive on what some tests mean
7. Veepeak OBDCheck BLE OBD 2 Bluetooth Scanner
This is a Bluetooth OBD2 check adapter that works with a wide range of apps. You just need to connect the scanner to your OBD 2 port and check the diagnosis on your smartphone. It is an advanced auto scanner to seriously consider buying. The scanner sends real diagnostic trouble codes and frame freeze data. It also prepares the smog test, resets engine check light, and gives real-time sensor readings. It is a versatile design scanner that works with all brands of OBD2 compliant cars and trucks. Moreover, this scanner is pretty easy to plug in and unplug. There are no complex settings making it a user-friendly auto scanner.
Pros
- User-friendly due to simple settings
- Versatile and works with all OBD2 compliant vehicles
- Real-time diagnostic trouble codes hence reliable
- Convenient to use due to Bluetooth connection
Cons
- Bluetooth connection tends to break easily
6. ATDIAG OBD2 Scanner
This is a top-quality OBD 2 scanner that easily determines the cause of engine light. The scanner also reads codes, erases codes, views freeze frames, and much more. It is an advanced design OBD 2 scanner that will serve you in so many ways. The scanner can give clear vehicle information, data flow, speed information, and real-time curve. It is a compatible design scanner that supports all 9 OBD 2 protocols. This scanner will work with most cars from the EU, US, Asia, and much more. You can be sure of accurate and live data helping you prevent further damage. Overall, this is a simple design scanner and one that is pretty easy to use. It is a great choice that will diagnose car errors and save you extra mechanics cost.
Pros
- Easy to use due to a simple design
- Compatible with most cars hence versatile
- Supports all 9 OBD 2 protocols hence reliable
- Accurate and love graphing
Cons
- You need the right app to connect properly
5. KONNWEI KW850 Professional OBD2 Scanner Auto Code
This is another professional OBD2 scanner to help diagnose your car’s engine problems. It is an excellent scanner easy to use and understand. The scanner comes with a built-in library with over 8500 generic codes with definitions. This allows you to understand the trouble codes without searching anywhere. It is an excellent scanner that allows you to fix most simple problems without visiting a mechanic. The scanner works effectively covering all OBDII/EOBD diagnostic functions. For the engine system. You can be sure of getting full control of your vehicle. The scanner also offers full compatibility with a wide range of cars making it a great buy.
Pros
- Wide compatibility hence versatile
- Full OBDII/EOBD diagnostic
- User-friendly design hence easy to use
- Built-in generic codes library
Cons
- None
4. LAUNCH OBD 2 Scanner CRP123X Code Reader
This is another top-rated OBD 2 scanner for a full engine diagnostic. It is an excellent choice reader to give vehicle information, data graphing, I/M readiness, and DTC lookup. This is a simple design code reader with one-click Wi-Fi updates. The reader also comes with a variety of easy-to-use features making it a decent buy. Overall, this is a perfect auto scanner with a wider vehicle coverage. It is highly recommended and one to seriously consider buying. The scanner also comes with a 5-year warranty making it a great choice.
Pros
- Easy one-click Wi-Fi updates
- Wide compatibility hence versatile
- Full OBDII test functions hence reliable
- Massive 5-year warranty
Cons
- A little vague due to manual functions
3. Actron CP9670 Auto Scanner Trilingual OBD II
This is another simple, compact, and reliable OBD II scanner. It is an excellent scanner that relays real live data on the color screen. The scanner is pretty easy to use and read the data. It is a versatile scanner that works with most cars and light trucks from 1996 and newer. The scanner features DTC lookup, ABS codes, and all OBD II data. It is an excellent way to detect any car problems in advance and save on extra costs. The scanner reads and erases the anti-locking braking system and definitions of a wide range of cars. The LCD screen is big, bright, and easy to read. It also features three bilingual manuals and definitions for versatile use.
Pros
- Trilingual menu and definitions hence versatile
- Wide compatibility
- Easy to use
- Clear LCD screen
Cons
- Requires a mini USB cable
2. GEMWON OBD2 Scanner Car Code Reader
This is another reliable scanner car code reader with accurate and real-time detection. It is a simple key operation scanner that scans your entire car. The scanner performs all-around detection. You can get all the car information on the large display screen. This is a comprehensive design auto scanner that supports all the OBD 2 protocols. You can clearly see and read the data on the screen making it a convenient pick. It is a versatile scanner with a dynamic data monitor. This scanner gives real-time battery voltage, car battery health status, vehicle speed, engine load, engine RPM, closed-loop status, etc. It is an excellent choice scanner with enhanced SMOG diagnostics. The scanner also features wide compatibility making it a great buy.
Pros
- Wide compatibility thus works with most cars
- Comprehensive analysis hence reliable
- Easy to read due to the wide screen
- Compact and portable design
Cons
- A little learning curve
1. TopDiag OBD2 Scanner Universal Car Code Reader
This is our final best auto scanner and a quality choice to consider buying. It is a universal car code reader that works with a wide range of cars. The reader has wide compatibility of most cars newer than 1996. It is an excellent choice code reader with excellent accuracy levels. Apart from detecting the cause of engine light, the code reader also shows the emission status using LED color lights of red, yellow, and green. This is an expanded scanner that also tests the car battery health status. It is a must-have device in your car. You can be sure of detecting most problems early and taking the necessary steps. You can order with confidence as there are two years warranty.
Pros
- Wide compatibility
- Versatile and tests battery health status and emission status
- Easy and simple to use
- Reliable supporting most OBD 2 protocols
Cons
- Lacks code library and one must search online
Final verdict
In conclusion, these are the best auto scanners on the market to consider buying this year. Go right ahead and choose one today with confidence. You can easily detect and solve most car problems in advance before they get worse. Auto scanners are ideal for every car owner and can help you save a lot on simple repairs.