The Best And Cheapest Obd2 Scanners unlock your car’s secrets by connecting to the onboard computer, granting access to its data, and MERCEDES-DIAGNOSTIC-TOOL.EDU.VN provides information to help you find the right scanner. Whether addressing a car problem or a dashboard light, the computer usually holds the answer. Optimize your vehicle’s performance with diagnostic tools for car maintenance.
Contents
- 1. What are the best OBD-II scanners?
- 2. Best mobile OBD-II scanner
- Topdon TopScan
- 3. Best cheap OBD-II scanner
- Launch CR529
- 4. Best Pro-level OBD-II scanner
- Topdon Phoenix Lite 2
- 5. Best dual-purpose OBD-II scanner
- Ancel BD310
- 6. Best companion app
- Carly OBD-II Scanner
- 7. Other OBD-II Scanners We’ve Tested
- 8. Frequently asked questions
- 9. How to choose the best OBD-II scanner for you
- 10. How we test OBD-II scanners
Table of Contents
- What are the best OBD-II scanners?
- Best mobile OBD-II scanner
- Best cheap OBD-II scanner
- Best Pro-level OBD-II scanner
- Best dual-purpose OBD-II scanner
- Best companion app
- Other OBD-II Scanners We’ve Tested
- Frequently asked questions
- How to choose the best OBD-II scanner for you
- How we test OBD-II scanners
1. What are the best OBD-II scanners?
The best OBD-II scanners provide insights into your vehicle’s performance and potential issues by connecting to the onboard computer and reading the results, giving you the same diagnostic capabilities as car dealers or repair shops. Understanding how we test, analyze, and rate these scanners ensures you get the most reliable information for your car maintenance needs.
2. Best mobile OBD-II scanner
The best mobile OBD-II scanner offers excellent coverage of automotive diagnostics, live data, unique performance indicators, and maintenance item coverage, making it a valuable tool for in-depth vehicle analysis. However, note that the transmitter can be bulky, and some features may require a subscription after the first year.
Topdon TopScan mobile OBD2 scanner
Topdon TopScan
The Topdon TopScan offers more than meets the eye, acting as a compact scanner exceeding the capabilities of its rivals.
Specifications:
- Display/size: None
- Bluetooth/handheld: Yes/No
- I/M Readiness test: Yes
- Displays live data: Yes
- Number of keys: None
- Warranty: 2 year
- Size: 3.2 x 2.0 x 1.1 inches
- Weight: 2.6 ounces
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent coverage of automotive diagnostics
- Live data
- Unique performance indicators
- Maintenance items covered
Reasons to avoid:
- Transmitter is big and heavy
- Some features require subscription after a year
The Topdon TopScan goes beyond finding faults and running I/M Readiness tests by checking performance and efficiency and estimating your car’s horsepower and torque. For fine-tuning your car or ensuring it stays roadworthy, this scanner is an excellent addition to your toolbox.
3. Best cheap OBD-II scanner
The best cheap OBD-II scanner is small, powerful, and provides essential OBD-II functions with high-end features, lifetime support, and upgrades, offering fantastic value for money. Keep in mind that it lacks manufacturer specialty codes and has a one-year warranty.
Launch cr259 obd-ii scanner
Launch CR529
The Launch CR529 offers exceptional value, providing diagnostic features typically found in more expensive models, making it a steal for its price.
Specifications:
- Display/size: Color/ 2.8-inches
- Bluetooth/handheld: No/Yes
- I/M Readiness test: Yes
- Displays live data: Yes
- Number of keys: 8
- Warranty: 1 years
- Size: 6.5 x 3.8 x 1.2 inches
- Weight: 11 ounces
Reasons to buy:
- Inexpensive
- Lifetime updates
- Easy pre-inspection report
Reasons to avoid:
- Lacks manufacturers specialty codes
- Feels heavy in hand
- 1-year warranty
Despite its low cost, the Launch CR529 offers live data, an instant inspection feature, and in-depth insights into your car’s inner workings. Its lifetime updates ensure long-term usability without needing a subscription. While it may not suit those with professional automotive needs, it’s a valuable tool for the average car owner’s toolbox.
4. Best Pro-level OBD-II scanner
The best pro-level OBD-II scanner is ideal for both amateur diagnosticians and professional mechanics, providing near-professional OBD scanning, wireless capabilities with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, an 8-inch touch screen, and an excellent array of diagnostic tests and live data. However, it’s big, heavy, and requires a subscription after two years.
Topdon Phoenix Lite 2 obd2 scanner over car engine
Topdon Phoenix Lite 2
The Topdon Phoenix Lite 2 blurs the line between amateur and professional diagnosis.
Specifications:
- Display/size: Color/8-inch
- Bluetooth/handheld: Yes/Yes
- I/M Readiness test: Yes
- Displays live data: Yes
- Number of keys: Touchscreen
- Warranty: 2 years
- Size: 10.2 x 7.2 x 1.7 inches
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
Reasons to buy:
- Near professional OBD scanner
- Hybrid handheld with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 8-inch touch screen
- Excellent array of diagnostic tests and live data
- Includes adapters and hard case
Reasons to avoid:
- Big, heavy and at times cumbersome
- Expensive
- After two years, it requires a subscription
The Phoenix Lite 2 is completely wireless, connecting via Bluetooth to your car’s OBD port, allowing unparalleled movement around the car. It includes live data graphing, fault information, and advanced features typically found in more expensive scanners.
5. Best dual-purpose OBD-II scanner
The best dual-purpose OBD-II scanner is light, compact, and can operate as a standard handheld device or connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth, doubling as a secondary car display. However, the interface is minimalist, and the screen is small.
Best OBD-II scanners: Ancel BD310
Ancel BD310
The Ancel BD310 is a handy OBD-II scanner that can perform double duty.
Specifications:
- Display/size: Color/2 inches
- Bluetooth/handheld: Yes/Yes
- I/M Readiness test: Yes
- Displays live data: Yes
- Number of keys: 4
- Warranty: 3 years
- Size: 5.1 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 5.4 ounces
Reasons to buy:
- Light and compact
- Works as scanner and secondary car display
- Offers handheld and Bluetooth scanning capabilities
Reasons to avoid:
- Interface is too minimalist
- Screen is small
The Ancel BD310 is small and light enough to fit in your glovebox, offering handheld and Bluetooth scanning capabilities. It can turn into a secondary display, showing key engine details inside the cabin. The BD310 can perform I/M inspection-readiness tests and divulge performance details like coolant temperature, engine timing, and engine speed.
6. Best companion app
The best companion app offers an easy-to-use interface, customization options, live data display, maintenance and repair coverage, and a lifetime warranty and updates. However, its functionality varies by car model, and accessing more than basic OBD features requires an ongoing subscription.
carly obd 2 scanner design
Carly OBD-II Scanner
The Carly OBD-II Scanner is a solid scanner that’s only as good as the car you have.
Specifications:
- Display/Size: No
- Bluetooth/Handheld: Yes/No
- I/M Readiness Test: No
- Displays live data: Yes
- Number of keys: None
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Size: 2.9 x 1.5 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 0.7 ounces
Reasons to buy:
- Easy to use interface
- Customization options
- Live data display
- Maintenance and repairs covered
- Lifetime warranty and updates
Reasons to avoid:
- Can’t do all tasks for all cars
- App can get expensive
The Carly OBD Scanner stands out with its high-quality companion app, offering features for fixing lights, diagnosing problems, providing repair help, and checking used cars for issues. The lifetime warranty adds significant value. However, compatibility varies by car model, and accessing advanced features requires an active subscription.
7. Other OBD-II Scanners We’ve Tested
Beyond our top picks, several other OBD-II scanners have been put through rigorous testing, each offering unique features and capabilities to meet various diagnostic needs. These scanners provide additional options for users seeking reliable and effective tools for vehicle maintenance and troubleshooting.
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Innova CarScan Mobile 1000 (★★★★☆)
The Innova CarScan Mobile 1000 offers innovative features like predictive diagnosis in a wireless, Bluetooth-enabled device. Its simple setup process makes it an impressive Bluetooth-only option.
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ThinkCar ThinkDiag TKD01 (★★★★☆)
The ThinkCar ThinkDiag TKD01 is a durable, Bluetooth OBD-II scanner with manufacturer-specific error codes and extended fault codes for minor error fixes. However, a $40 subscription is required after the first year.
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Autel AutoLink AL539 (★★★☆☆)
The Autel AutoLink AL539 is designed for diagnosing electrical problems with a built-in multimeter, identifying issues like burnt cables and electric shorts. It also provides a wide range of live data and pre-inspection readiness checks.
8. Frequently asked questions
Navigating the world of OBD-II scanners can be complex, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you better understand these tools and how they can assist in diagnosing and maintaining your vehicle. These FAQs cover essential topics, providing clear and concise answers to common queries.
What is an OBD-II Scanner?
An OBD-II scanner is a diagnostic tool that plugs into your car’s OBD port, allowing you to access information from the onboard computer to identify and troubleshoot vehicle issues. Mechanics use these scanners to determine problems without disassembling the car. Advanced models can monitor systems in real-time and predict future issues.
What is the OBD-II port?
The On-board Diagnostics Version Two (OBD-II) port is the standard port on almost all passenger vehicles sold in the United States since 1996, in Canada since 1998, in the European Union since 2004, and in Australia, Mexico and New Zealand since 2006.
This port is where you plug into the car and interface with the onboard computer. A variety of devices can be plugged into the OBD-II port including OBD-II scanners, insurance black boxes, and more recently dash cams.
What is a DTC?
DTC stands for Diagnostic Trouble Code, an error code generated by a car’s OBD system when it detects an issue, read by OBD-II scanners to help users understand the problem. These codes are standardized across different makes and models, though some manufacturers use unique DTCs.
What do DTCs actually mean?
DTCs are written with a specific logic that can help you understand the errors detected by your car. The first letter indicates the system experiencing the issue: Powertrain (P), Body (B), Chassis (C), or Network (N). The second character (0 or 1) denotes whether the code is generic or manufacturer-specific.
The third character identifies the specific system:
- 1 is fuel and air metering
- 2 is an injector circuit specific fuel and air metering code
- 3 is the ignition system or a misfire
- 4 is an auxiliary emissions code
- 5 concerns vehicle speed controls and idle control systems
- 6 is for computer auxiliary outputs
- 7, 8 and 9 are for transmission and gearbox faults
- A, B and C are for hybrid-specific propulsion faults
The fourth and fifth characters confirm the exact fault. OBD-II scanners provide descriptions of these error codes, with more advanced models offering detailed information. While some DTCs indicate critical issues, others may simply warn of minor problems like a slightly high engine temperature.
9. How to choose the best OBD-II scanner for you
Choosing the best OBD-II scanner involves considering factors like ease of setup, the ability to explain fault codes, I/M Readiness check functionality, accuracy, size, weight, live data capabilities, graphing features, and warranty. Selecting a scanner with the right combination of these elements ensures you can effectively diagnose and maintain your vehicle.
There are two general types of devices:
Handheld OBD-II scanners come with their own screen and cable to plug into the car’s OBD port. Wireless OBD2II scanners plug into the port, but then connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet to display their findings.
What’s important to remember is that the best OBD-II scanners provide the right mix of size, weight and the ability to read your car’s fault codes and live data. The most important criteria are:
- Easy setup: A scanner that sets up quickly allows you to diagnose problems early.
- Faults and explanations: Scanners should identify and explain fault codes for easy understanding.
- I/M Readiness check: A good scanner will run engine and emissions tests to check if you’ll pass inspection.
- Accuracy: Accurate results are crucial for effective diagnosis.
- Size and weight: A compact scanner is more likely to be kept in the car for on-the-road assistance.
- Live data: Monitoring engine speed, timing, and other parameters helps track intermittent problems.
- Graphs: Visual data representation is better than numbers for comparison.
- Warranty: Opt for a scanner with a long or lifetime warranty.
10. How we test OBD-II scanners
Testing OBD-II scanners involves a thorough evaluation process, including verifying VIN reporting, assessing wireless connectivity, monitoring engine performance, and confirming accurate fault code identification and resolution. Our testing ensures that the scanners meet high standards of reliability and effectiveness.
To test the best OBD2 scanners, the 2014 Audi A4 Allroad vehicle was used while it was in the garage or on the road over a period of several weeks. After connecting each scanner to the car’s OBD-II port, it was ensured that they could report the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN).
For the wireless scanners, connection to the Apple iPad Pro, Microsoft Surface or Samsung Galaxy S9+ phone was done via a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. The handheld scanners only needed to be plugged into the OBD-II port, which provides power.
Next, the cord’s length on the handheld scanners and the wireless range on the others was measured. With the car running, the engine and other vital systems were monitored, and then the engine’s oil temperature sensor was disconnected.
Finally, the details provided by the scanner were checked, the problem fixed, the check engine light turned off, and the error code erased.
Then the road was hit to see if the scanner could display operating data such as engine speed, timing and coolant temperature. Attention was paid to whether the device reported the data as numbers, graphs or auto-style gauges.
Regardless of which OBD-II scanner is used, its code needs to be cracked. All fault codes have four numbers and a letter prefix:
- Powertrain (P)
- Body (B)
- Chassis (C)
- Undefined (U)
Of the roughly 5,000 diagnostic fault codes available, some are generic and apply to all cars, like air temperature and throttle position. For these, the numeric section starts with a 0. Others are specific to individual carmakers and represent either a special piece of hardware or a more in-depth analysis of the problem. These start with a 1.
For instance, if you get a P0098 code, chances are there’s something wrong with the engine’s intake air temperature sensor. By contrast, a Ford that displays a P1112 specialty fault code means that the intake air temperature sensor is reporting values intermittently and should be replaced.
Are you struggling to find the best OBD2 scanner for your Mercedes-Benz? Do you need help interpreting complex diagnostic codes or unlocking hidden features? Contact MERCEDES-DIAGNOSTIC-TOOL.EDU.VN today for expert guidance and support. We offer comprehensive information and services to help you diagnose, repair, and maintain your Mercedes-Benz with confidence.
Contact us:
- Address: 789 Oak Avenue, Miami, FL 33101, United States
- WhatsApp: +1 (641) 206-8880
- Website: MERCEDES-DIAGNOSTIC-TOOL.EDU.VN
