The 10 Best OBD2 Scanners of 2025

The top 5 products are those for which we spent the most time studying, along with an explanation of their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Best Overall: OBDLink MX+ OBD2

2. Best Budget: AMTIFO OBD2 Scanner

3. Best Material: Autel OBD2 Scanner

4. Best Durability: ANCEL AD310 OBD II Scanner

5. Best Design: LAUNCH Creader 3001 OBD2 Scanner

1. OBDLink MX+ OBD2

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Product Summary

With the help of this scanner, you can identify and resolve engine, transmission, ABS, and airbag codes. It is a professional-grade tool. It offers an easy-to-use. This scanner's ability to generate repair reports with potential remedies for faults discovered is one of its special capabilities.

Specification

• Turn your iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC into a professional-grade diagnostic scan tool
• Recommended adapter for FORScan, Torque, BimmerCode, Dashcommand, AlfaOBD, Carista and many more more

Reasons to buy

• Provides access to diagnostic information from a car's onboard computer system.
• Helps diagnose and troubleshoot car problems more effectively.
• Can save time and money on car repairs by identifying the root cause of a problem.

Reasons to avoid

• May have limited diagnostic capabilities or may not be able to read certain diagnostic trouble codes.

2. AMTIFO OBD2 Scanner

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Product Summary

A versatile scanner that can perform all the basic functions of an OBD2 scanner, such as reading and clearing codes, but it also offers advanced features like key programming, oil reset, and SAS calibration. 

Specification

• ✐【Multi-Functions】 Practical Multi-Functions obd2 scanner diagnostic tool features built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library, which help you to determine the cause of the engine light, read code, erase code, fault code information query,view freeze frame, I/M ready,reading data stream and playback function, real-time curve, reading vehicle information, get vehicle speed information, calculate load value, engine coolant temperature, get engine speed. Support car battery voltage test, oxygen sensor test
• ✐【 Car Diagnostic Scanner for Most Cars】- 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 8 languages - English,German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Italian,Russian and Chinese. more

Reasons to buy

• Allows for real-time monitoring of a car's performance.
• Provides detailed information about a car's emissions output.
• Can help ensure that a car is in compliance with emissions standards.

Reasons to avoid.

• May not be able to diagnose problems related to mechanical or physical issues in a car's system.

3. Autel OBD2 Scanner

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Product Summary

This is a reliable scanner that provides accurate diagnosis of engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS codes. It has a large color screen display that shows real-time data and can perform smog tests. One of its unique features is the ability to display live data in graphical form, making it easy to interpret the data.

Specification

• 【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. more

Reasons to buy

• Can improve overall fuel efficiency and performance.
• Can be used by both professionals and DIY car enthusiasts.
• Can be used with a wide range of car makes and models.

Reasons to avoid

• May be difficult to use for those who are not familiar with car diagnostics or technology.

4. ANCEL AD310 OBD II Scanner

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Product Summary

This is a budget-friendly scanner that can read and clear codes for most cars, SUVs, and light trucks made after 1996. It has a large, easy-to-read LCD screen and provides basic diagnostic information such as engine status and emissions readiness.

Specification

• 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. more

Reasons to buy

• Easy to use and operate, with simple interface and displays.
• Portable and compact, making it easy to use on the go.
• Can provide insight into a car's overall health and longevity.

Reasons to avoid

• May not be able to diagnose problems related to the car's electrical system or other components not monitored by the onboard computer system.

5. LAUNCH Creader 3001 OBD2 Scanner

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Product Summary

This scanner is small and simple to use, and it can read and clear codes for all OBD2 protocols. It can do pollution tests and features a vivid color screen that shows real-time data. Its ability to display freeze frame data, which offers a snapshot of the car's performance at the moment the code was created, is one of its distinctive characteristics.

Specification

• [ Read and Clear Codes ] : LAUNCH Creader 3001 obd2 scanner read and clear fault codes for engine system. In addition, Creader 3001 built in fault codes definition lookup library. LAUNCH Creader 3001 obd2 scanner works on most 1996 and newer US-based vehicles that are OBDII compliant (OBDII protocols: KWP2000, ISO9141, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM and CAN). "PLUG AND PLAY" scan tool, equipped with a 2. 5 feet long cable and made of a very thick flexible insulator, very easy to use for beginners.
• [ I/M Readiness Status Test] : You can use this obd2 scanner to check the status of emission-related monitors misfire system and fuel system, make sure the monitor was set before taking it to smog, help you pass the Smog Check easily, save your money for paying fine tickets. more

Reasons to buy

• Can be used to clear diagnostic trouble codes, which can turn off a check engine light.
• Can be used to reset maintenance reminders and other alerts.
• Can be a valuable tool for car inspections and maintenance checks.

Reasons to avoid

• May not be able to diagnose problems related to certain types of vehicles, such as hybrid or electric cars.

Compatibility:

Make sure the OBD2 scanner you select is appropriate for the year, make, and model of your vehicle. Before making a purchase, it's critical to confirm compatibility because not all scanners are compatible with all vehicles.

Features:

Think about the attributes an OBD2 scanner should have. Basic scanners may just be able to read and clear codes, while more sophisticated scanners may also be able to do tasks like key programming, SAS calibration, and smog testing. Consider the characteristics you require, then pick a scanner that has them.

Display:

Make sure the scanner's display is simple to see and comprehend by checking it. Other scanners feature bigger, full-color screens that may provide real-time data in graphical form. Some scanners use modest, rudimentary displays. Pick a display that you can read and understand easily.

Ease of use:

Think about how simple the scanner is to use. Others feature straightforward plug-and-play designs that anybody can use, while some scanners have sophisticated menus and call for technical expertise. Pick a scanner that is user-friendly and appropriate for your degree of technological expertise.

1. What kind of information can I get from an OBD2 scanner?

   An OBD2 scanner can retrieve and display a wide range of information from your car's system, including diagnostic trouble codes, real-time sensor data, fuel system status, emissions information, and more.

2. What are the benefits of using an OBD2 scanner?

   Using an OBD2 scanner can help you diagnose and troubleshoot car problems more effectively. By identifying the specific diagnostic trouble codes that your car is producing, you can pinpoint the root cause of the problem and take steps to fix it. OBD2 scanners can also help you monitor your car's performance, save money on repairs, and ensure that your car is in compliance with emissions standards.

Overall, both mechanics and automobile owners may find an OBD2 scanner to be a useful tool. To ensure that you acquire the greatest OBD2 scanner for your needs, it's crucial to take into account variables like compatibility, functionality, convenience of use, and display. You can approach vehicle maintenance more proactively and make sure that your automobile is always in top shape if you have the correct OBD2 scanner in your possession.

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