The primary advantage of the Bluetooth device, if it isn't obvious: lower cost. Why pay for a screen and computer chip when your smartphone already has those? A Bluetooth OBD2 code reader dongle uses those components on your phone, where the screen and the chip are probably much higher quality than you need for this task.
If the typical cost advantage in a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner sounds like a no-brainer, you should consider the more subtle issues. Dedicated scanners are in important respects more efficient to use and if you use the code reader regularly to diagnose check engine lights, or for longer sessions, speed and simplicity matter. With a self-contained scanner, you never have to worry about the quality of the Bluetooth connection, your phone charge or the strength of your Wi-Fi or cellular signal the typical Bluetooth OBD2 scanner relies on access to internet databases.
You won't be interrupted by incoming calls or notifications while you're using it. A good dedicated scanner is more impact-impervious than a smartphone and drops are probably inevitable. Many Bluetooth scanners want to sell you upgrade subscriptions and some of the apps have ads.
A dedicated OBD2 scanner in many respects is more efficient to use than a Bluetooth smartphone dongle. It probably goes back to the first thing you need to know when buying an OBD2 scanner: your primary purpose for doing so. And maybe how often you plan to use it. The great majority of OBD2 scanners sold today will work on the great majority of vehicles built for model year and beyond. Yet for fairly arcane reasons, there are exceptions to this assumption of universal application a few companies still build scanners for specific makes.
Most reputable scan tool manufacturers have application checkers on their websites, so play it safe. When you think you know what scanner you want, check to ensure that it will work on cars you might regularly want to use it on. And if you plan to buy a Bluetooth-based scanner, there's another potentially embarrassing mistake.
The control apps that connect with the OBD2 dongle are specific to the operating system on the phone, tablet or PC that's going to run the app. Some manufacturers have an app for Android or Apple, but not for other OSes, much less for Windows devices. Confirm that there's an app that will work on your device. There's one more word of caution to note here. With some OBD2 scanners, some of the features or commands may not work on every make or model of automobile.
This is largely a function of how the automakers build their control architecture or operating software. Some brands are just more particular about what they'll let people see and who they'll let see it. This applies particularly with scanners that allow bidirectional control or adjustments within the vehicle's control software. As a rule of thumb, US automakers generally allow the most access. Higher-end European brands allow the least.
Again, you can sometimes learn something using the application checker on manufacturer websites. Often you can find the OBD2 scanner's operating manual online, so look at that, too. An OBD2 scanner is a valuable tool to help figure out what might be wrong with a car and help get it fixed.
An OBD2 scanner is primarily intended to help figure out what might be wrong with a vehicle and then help get it fixed. It can reset certain parameters once the repairs are accomplished.
More capable scanners can make finite adjustments in certain vehicle systems. An OBD2 scanner is not a flash programmer -- a device that can actually rewrite the carmaker's control code in search of more horsepower from the engine or different transmission shift points.
Flash programmers are a thing, but they're a different beast entirely and typically auto-brand specific. Finally, when it comes to OBD2 scanners, don't underestimate the value of product support. Even the most confident do-it-yourself folk will have questions about what the code reader might be telling them, or something that doesn't seem to be working as it should. Beyond limitations noted in the list, the manufacturers of our best scanners should be able to provide answers to your questions and in reasonably short order.
Product support includes software updates. The reputable brands update their OBD2 scanner software regularly -- at least once a year -- so stay on top of it. The updates are usually easy to install, from a PC or over the air.
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Roadshow staff. Jump to details. The best OBD2 scanner overall. Innova CarScan Pro Model The best Bluetooth smartphone OBD2 scanner. The best OBD2 scanner if money is no object or you're a paid professional.
The best leave-it-in-all-the-time OBD2 Bluetooth dongle. Another great feature is its powerful battery that can run for more than 4 hours. Use it to check why the check engine light is on your Honda, Lexus, Ford, or Toyota car. Most of the Autel scanners come with only a year free software update. Lots of people try to find a budget-friendly Bidirectional Scan tool and this diagnostics scanner for you. MP has bi-directional control ability, also considered a prime version of MS The Innova g diagnostic scanner is suitable for beginners or professionals who want to upgrade from a basic scanner to an advanced scan tool.
Unlike many of the professional-grade scanners on the market, the Innova scan tool is easy to operate and compact in design. It features an intuitive user interface with easy to use buttons. The 3. The Innova is a little bit cheaper than the g, but you will not get live data feature with The multilingual menu allows the user to choose between French, English, and Spanish.
If you are looking for the best obd2 scanners with abs and srs, then it will be a great choice. In addition, it has the ability to graph, read, and record live data from your car engine. The memory or battery backup helps you detect the problem even with the car switched off. This scan tool can be used on any or newer light truck, SUVs, and cars both foreign and domestic. Foxwell is one of the top OBD2 brands. The brand offers high-quality, accurate and affordable scan tools.
It features a large LCD color screen for showing results, and it is perfectly designed for easy use. If you are looking for a bigger display screen, then the Foxwell NT scanner could be a good option, which has similar features. The NT rubber cover or case prevents the device from impact and its compact design easy to keep. The code reader covers more than 52 car manufacturers, which makes it be suitable for car repair shops and car-owners with more than one vehicle.
Moreover, the NT car scanner can be used to turn off malfunction indicator light, it playbacks live data PCM data stream, view live data readings and reads diagnostic trouble codes.
This is a very efficient obd2 code reader as you do not need an extra battery to use it but just connect the power charge directly from the OBD2 interface in your car. Above all, it is updated via PC.
Featuring the battery backup memory, which offers off-car review analysis, the Innova scan tool is a great scanner for intermediate mechanics as well as car repair enthusiasts. The Innova is offered at a great price but features several outstanding features. To begin with, it is compatible with most and newer SUVs, cars, and light trucks — foreign or domestic. It is also lightweight and compact for easy handling and storage.
It measures 12 by 8. Innova has a weight of 1 pound. If you want a budget scanner from Innova, then buy this best obd2 scanner. Related: Innova Review [Bluetooth Diagnostic scan tool]. You can also use it to read and erase ABS light trouble codes. Furthermore, it is easy to operate as it has a large patented all-in-one screen and LED color display, where results are shown.
Regrettably, the screen is in black and white. Sometimes, not every person can afford the high-end and sophisticated auto scanners on the market. Alternatively, you may be looking for a cheap scanner that will help to accurately read and erase error codes on your GM car. The Foxwell NT is a great choice and only comes at a fraction of the price of high-end scanners. This affordable scanner can identify bad O2 sensors, turn off check engine lights, and read enhanced data.
Other functions include automatic VIN acquisition and decoding, live data reading, check emissions readiness status. It is one of the cheapest but best obd2 scanners. In addition, the NT scanner is compactly designed for easy handling and storage. It will accurately read and clear engine fault codes in your vehicle. Unlike many scan tools on the market, this one provides you with both visual and audio results for better comprehension.
With such features at a great price, this is a great obd2 code reader for car owners or DIYers. This trilingual scanner is sleekly built for easy use and it is offered at a very good price. As compact and sturdy as the Actron trilingual code reader is, it still features a large LCD color screen that displays error codes, code definitions, and data recorded by the scanner from your car. This is on both foreign and domestic cars, light trucks, and SUVs.
The app can turn off the oil-change light, check tire pressure, airbags and brakes, and predict which systems will go south soon. However, it doesn't tell you which replacement parts or repairs might be needed.
Its LED lights glow red for a permanent fault, yellow for an intermittent fault and green for no problems. The software explains the repairs and even the parts needed to fix the car.
It found the fault I introduced to my Audi AllRoad and turned off the car's check engine light. Ancel's BD is just as good as a handheld scanner with a screen as it is when connected to a phone or tablet via Bluetooth. It can also augment the car's cockpit with a supplemental display of key engine parameters. Think of it as freedom-of-scanning choice. Small and lightweight, the BD can live in your car's glove box.
Its icon-based, 2. They can be shown as numbers or graphs. It has a inch cable that makes it just as good for hanging over the hood looking for an engine problem as monitoring the engine while driving. On the other hand, the BD's rudimentary four-key interface can make navigation awkward. There's also a mode button on the side for selecting Bluetooth and cable operation. Read our full Ancel BD review. The device's lithium-ion battery powers it for checking fuses, the alternator's voltage or the gas gauge.
The AL not only shows live data, like engine speed, coolant temperature and other items but also can run a comprehensive pre-inspection readiness test. It shows results as three lights for faults: red permanent fault , yellow temporary fault or green no faults. Despite its soft rubber bumpers, the AL is fairly compact and light at 6. It has a unique pull-out leg so the device can stand on its own, as well as a generous inch cable. Its bright, 2. Its large color screen, range of tasks, lifetime warranty and ease of use make the SeekOne SK a winner.
The price for this is a handheld scanner that can feel bulky and heavy. Its soft rubber bumpers and rugged design mean you don't have to baby the SK, and it comes with a inch cord and bright, 2.
Its eight-button navigation scheme and icon-based interface are easier to use than budget scanners. The SK does much more than typical handheld scanners and comes with a padded case, but its lifetime warranty makes it stand out from the crowd. Read our full SeekOne SK review. Small and inexpensive, the 5.
However, it lacks the depth to explain deeper automotive problems. Its four-quadrant home screen is simple with entries for Diagnose, Lookup, Setup and Help, but the four yellow circles above do nothing. That leaves the rudimentary four-button keypad as the only way to interact with the scanner.
In addition to displaying current fault codes, the ThinkOBD shows live car data, like spark advance and engine speed, but it spreads the data over 38 pages. Unfortunately, I had to manually type the code into the Lookup section to find its meaning. The device offered no explanation or repair options, making it second best to more advanced and expensive handheld scanners, like the Innova CarScan Pro Its ribbed sides make it a snap to pull out.
The 1. It has a single LED but it was always red. The Jethax scanner uses Bluetooth 4. In addition to a series of automotive gauges and fault codes, the system can run acceleration tests. The Jethax has a foot Bluetooth range, which was on a par with other Bluetooth scanners. It found my introduced fault and turned off the check engine light.
Big and bulky, the ArtiLink weighs The scanner can be updated using its included USB cable. The 8-key interface is efficient and lets you pick from the major categories. After I introduced a problem with my Audi AllRoad, the scanner showed the fault and zeroed in on the problem. I was able to turn off the check engine light but the scanner stopped short of providing repair advice that the CarScan Pro does. The first time you use it, figure on spending 20 minutes before you get any automotive data.
It quickly found my introduced fault and allowed me to turn off the Check Engine light. It has a lifetime warranty that includes endless firmware updates. This scanner has a color screen and a fairly intuitive interface, but it doesn't graph data and can't turn off the oil-change light.
Do not launch it until Step 4 below. Then it's all yours to play with. Don't worry, it's impossible to 'damage' anything in the car's chip. Not changing data.
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