The 10 Best Value Obd2 Scanner For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Value Obd2 Scanner
Best Value Obd2 Scanner

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Autel MS309 OBD2 Scanner

The Autel MS309 OBD2 Scanner is a powerful and reliable tool for any car mechanic or DIY enthusiast. It has an upgraded chip that can accurately detect, diagnose and clear all generic, manufacturer-specific, and pending diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Kobra OBD2 Scanner

This Kobra OBD2 Scanner is the perfect tool for the DIY mechanic or automotive technician. It has many features to diagnose and troubleshoot your vehicle effectively. Read Review

3. Best Performance: ANCEL AD530 OBD2 Scanner

The ANCEL AD530 OBD2 Scanner is an essential tool for any car owner. It has a wide range of features provide a comprehensive diagnostic and maintenance service for your vehicle. Read Review

4. Best Reliable: FOXWELL NT604 Elite OBD2 Scanner

The FOXWELL OBD2 Scanner is the perfect tool for any car owner who wants to stay ahead of the game. This scanner will thoroughly scan and detect any problems with your car, allowing you to quickly and easily fix any issues. Read Review

5. Best Design: INNOVA 6100P OBD2 Scanner

The INNOVA 6100P OBD2 Scanner is essential for any DIYer or professional mechanic. It provides a quick and accurate diagnosis of vehicle problems, allowing you to quickly identify the cause of "Check Engine" light warnings (MIL). Read Review

Are you looking for a way to diagnose and repair your car's engine problems without breaking the bank? If so, then an OBD2 scanner is the perfect tool for you. An OBD2 scanner is a diagnostic tool that reads and interprets trouble codes from your car's computer. It can provide invaluable information about your car's performance and any potential issues that need to be addressed.

With so many OBD2 scanners on the market, knowing the best value cannot be easy. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the best value OBD2 scanner for your needs. We'll discuss the features to look for, the different types of scanners available, and the top brands for value. With this guide, you'll have all the information you need to make an informed buying decision and get the most out of your OBD2 scanner.

We think the best value obd2 scanner available now is Autel MS309 OBD2 Scanner, which can detect and clear generic error codes (P0, P2, and U0) and support manufacturer-specific errors (P1 and U1) and pending error codes. We also provide you with Kobra OBD2 Scanner model that you may consider if the top product is not your choice. Because this scanner reads generic and manufacturer-specific error codes, allowing it to diagnose your vehicle with the precision of a mechanic.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Autel  MS309 OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
9.8
Autel

The OBD2 scanner can retrieve freeze frame data, including essential engine parameters like RPM, fuel pressure, fuel trim, engine coolant temperature, etc. When purchasing a used vehicle, getting Vehicle Information such as the VIN, Calibration ID(s), and Calibration Verification Nos is helpful. (CVNs), and other similar details so that you can verify that the ECU matches. However, it would be best if this scanner's screen was bigger to help you quickly see results after checking your car.

Not only can the Autel MS309 universal OBD2 scanner detect and clear generic error codes (P0, P2, and U0), but it also supports manufacturer-specific error codes (P1 and U1) and pending error codes. It also supports DTC definitions, which makes the fault codes discovered much more straightforward to comprehend and provides a more transparent comprehension of their significance in a much shorter time. Therefore, you won't need to look up the meaning of the codes on the internet.

TOP Choice #2 Kobra OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
9.6
KOBRA Products

This OBD2 Scanner reads generic and manufacturer-specific error codes, allowing it to diagnose your vehicle with the precision of a mechanic. Its database contains over 3000 code definitions. Therefore, this scanner can read generic Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) and Diagnostic Trouble Codes specific to a particular car manufacturer, allowing you to troubleshoot any issues. You will have no problem erasing the "Check Engine" light indicator and any other error codes that may have been stored.

The KOBRA OBD2 car diagnostic code reader is compatible with ALL OBD-II / EOBD-compliant US, European, and Asian automobiles. It works with all vehicles manufactured between 1996 and 2016 and is backward compatible with all vehicles manufactured between 1996 and 2016. Before sending your car to repair, this tool can assist you in figuring out what exactly is wrong with it. In addition, this product is easy to use; you may make an accurate diagnosis of any issue with your vehicle in a matter of moments by just connecting the connected connection. Although this scanner's wire is a bit short, it is still an excellent choice for every vehicle.

TOP Choice #3 ANCEL AD530 OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
9.5
ANCEL

The ANCEL AD530 code reader can turn off the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), read and clear fault codes, reset the monitor, graph live data stream, and display freeze frame data. It cannot only check for engine failure and make recommendations for its upkeep. In addition, this product is equipped with a professional battery tester that can evaluate the state of the vehicle's battery. 

The ANCEL scanner can verify the real-time voltage of the battery and then compare the results to the voltage specifications stored in the system. You will better understand the battery's health state or estimated remaining life if you pay attention to the prompts provided by the interface and monitor the changes in the graphics depicting real-time voltage. Moreover, this scanner quickly checks the battery in the winter because you don't need to open the hood when reviewing it. Unfortunately, this scanner's manual is a little complex; hence you should watch detailed instructional videos on Youtube to learn how to use it,

4 FOXWELL NT604 Elite OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
9.4
FOXWELL

This Foxwell scanner will assist you in comprehensive scanning and detection for your precious automobiles. Additionally, it will identify the nature of the issue and help you save time and money. This product can also turn off the warning light once the problem has been fixed, encouraging you to learn more about your vehicles and repair them yourself. Through the I/M readiness menu, you can use it to determine whether or not your vehicle is prepared for the annual inspection. 

This OBD2 scanner lets you quickly obtain your V-IN and vehicle information using the AUTOVIN menu. Therefore, you no longer have to spend time locating your V-IN and inputting it one by one. Moreover, this device has a sturdy protective cover that shields it from harm should it be dropped or knocked over. This scanner also features an individual menu for the live data stream, which displays the transmission temperature as a graph for your viewing convenience. This product may be a bit difficult to use initially, but you don't need to worry because you will get used to it after several times.

5 INNOVA 6100P OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
9.2
Innova

The performance of a vehicle's charging system can be evaluated with the help of the battery and alternator tests offered by the INNOVA 6100P obd2 scanner. It does this by determining whether or not the voltage output of the car's batteries and alternators meets the specifications set forth for that vehicle. Moreover, performing this test helps you determine where to look when troubleshooting a no-start or hard-start condition, saving time.

This diagnostic tool can promptly address the possible difficulties with the SRS system to ensure your driving safety. It can rectify the problem after it has been repaired by detecting every electrical parameter in the SRS system and checking the health status of those parameters. This scanner can troubleshoot the ABS issue by visually inspecting all braking components that generated the warning light. The only downside of this scanner is that its menu is not very user-friendly, but it generally works well.

6 kungfuren OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
9.1
Kungfuren

The car diagnostic tool comes with an LCD screen that can be used to show the results of tests. This screen has a white backlight and can have its contrast adjusted to directly display test results that are accurate and simple to read. OBD2's silicone keyboard allows for simple navigation via all available menu options. In addition, this product can support up to six different languages, including English, German, Dutch, Italian, French, and Spanish, making it simple to use for people from various countries.

The OBD2 scanner is pretty simple to use, even for inexperienced users. It has six buttons: one for scrolling up and down, entering and leaving, and controls that allow for a quick query of the VIN vehicle number and the DTC error code. Moreover, this device has a built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library, which may assist you in determining why the engine light is on, reading the code, and erasing the code. The only drawback of this product is that it shows the live data a bit slowly.

7 MOTOPOWER MP69035 OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
8.9
MOTOPOWER

This OBD2 scanner has a built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library, which allows you to determine the cause of the engine light, read code, and erase code quickly. This product lets you view freeze frame, I/M ready, vehicle information, data flow, and real-time curve. You can get information on vehicle speed, calculated load value, engine coolant temperature, and engine speed. Additionally, this OBD2 scanner allows you to determine the cause of the check engine light. It is a pity this product's text on the screen is a bit small, which may make it hard to see results after checking.

With this scanner, you won't need a battery or charger because the power for this OBD reader comes directly from the OBDII Data Link Connector on your car. The OBD2 Scanner has six buttons to scroll up and down, enter and quit, and controls that quickly query the VIN car number and the DTC error code. It can assist you in determining why the Check Engine Light (CEL) is illuminated and turned off; it can also help you in detecting any prospective issues; and it can assist you in preventing excessive spending for repairs that are not essential.

More To Consider

8 CGSULIT SC301 OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
8.7
CGSULIT
10 MOTOPOWER MP69037 Car OBD2 Scanner
Our Score:
8.4
MOTOPOWER

What to Look For in a best value obd2 scanner?

The best value obd2 scanner is a product type that many customers feel hesitant to select because of the challenges in evaluating its features. It comes to trust! When studying a significant purchase, many factors must be considered. Our best value obd2 scanner knowledge will help you make an ideal decision.

Our article here will highlight some outstanding items and provide solutions to FAQs and guides to buying. You should keep in mind some main criteria of best value obd2 scanner below:

Information Processing

Commonly, an OBD-II scanner provides plain English with a nice resolution, rather than the underlying trouble codes. Even high-grade scanners that provide almost exactly the same data as those at the low end are rare. Whenever you look up the code or use a scanner that translates it, you will comprehend the code. Higher-end scanners that offer repair solutions are the best investment.

Code Reading

To get the check engine light code on an OBD2 scanner, the primary purpose is to provide you with the numbers. You can find the engine light code on a simple scanner, but some of them may also provide you with additional information about what the code means. If you have a small screen and can’t read the definitions clearly on your scanner, you might want to get a model with a larger screen.

Types Of OBD2 Scanners

A OBD-II scanner plugged into the OBD port is a quick and simple engine monitoring setup. However, it doesn't enable you to move around the vehicle while working on the engine bay. Battery-powered machines are also non-operational. The advantage of wired scanners is that they offer a link to a computer to translate codes. Because vehicles can be driven without wire, this option is more popular. Wireless scanner linkages are more difficult to establish at first, but the mobility advantage makes it hard to resist when working on an engine.

Compatibility

All of the car manufacturers have their own unique codes. Because the OBD2 system is standardized, the codes are not. To select the best scan tool, you must know whether your vehicle is included. These devices will have most of the major domestic businesses, including Toyota, Ford, and Honda. If you have a foreign or special vehicle, you must look for a scanner that is compatible with it.

Live Data Scanning

With the advancement of onboard computers, modern vehicles can now monitor a large number of their subsystems simultaneously. You can check on the performance of your vehicle using live scanning. The technology has significantly advanced since 1996, so you can monitor your vehicle's operations in real time. You can, for instance, find out why your vehicle is losing gas mileage.

Connectivity

The majority of OBD-II scanners can be connected directly to an OBD-II port on the car with a cable. These scanners do not require batteries to function. They draw power directly from your battery. Wireless scanners with separate display units/app and a plug allow for easy mobility.

Scanner

An OBD-II scanner's most important capability is not the actual scanning process but rather the data transmission abilities. Because the scanner itself doesn't monitor the vehicle, this phrase is somewhat misleading. Instead, the scanner communicates with the onboard computer through various sensors to assess problems. This, however, doesn't mean that the data the scanner receives is the same from vehicle to vehicle. Some scanners can read only basic trouble codes, whereas others can gather a wider array of information.

FAQs

What is an OBD2 Scanner?

An OBD2 Scanner is a diagnostic tool used to read and diagnose trouble codes from a vehicle's on-board diagnostic system. It allows mechanics and vehicle owners to diagnose and repair issues quickly and efficiently.

What are the benefits of using an OBD2 Scanner?

OBD2 Scanners provide quick and accurate diagnostic information, allowing mechanics and vehicle owners to accurately diagnose and repair issues with the vehicle quickly and efficiently. Additionally, OBD2 Scanners can help identify potential problems with the vehicle before they become major issues, potentially saving time and money.

What types of OBD2 Scanners are available?

There are a variety of OBD2 Scanners available, ranging from basic models to more advanced models with more features. Basic models typically provide read and erase diagnostic codes, whereas more advanced models may offer additional features, such as live data monitoring and graphing, as well as a variety of other features.

What is the difference between an OBD2 Scanner and a code reader?

An OBD2 Scanner is a more advanced tool than a code reader. Code readers are only able to read and erase diagnostic codes, while OBD2 Scanners are able to read and erase codes, as well as display live data, graph data, and offer a variety of other features.


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

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