Key takeaways
The best OBD2 scanner is the cheapest one that reads the systems you need. For a check engine light, that is a basic code reader of about $20. The five picks below are chosen from the makers' published specifications and prices: nothing was bench-tested, and this site earns nothing from the links.
- 01A basic reader covers check engine codes. Autel lists its MaxiScan MS309 at $22.99 and the simpler MS300 at $19.99.
- 02An ABS or airbag light needs a scanner that lists those systems, and coverage varies by make, model and year.
- 03A bidirectional tool can command a part to run. Innova lists the example here, its 5610, at a regular price of $379.99.
- 04No scanner names the failed part. A code identifies the circuit, component or system area to test.
This guide belongs to our Car accessories guide: diagnostic tools section, which covers the wider topic.
The Best OBD2 Scanners by Type: Quick Picks
Start with the job, not the brand. Each row is one type, a named example and the price its maker lists.
All 1996 and newer passenger cars and trucks sold in the United States are required to have an OBD system, according to the OBD II fact sheet from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
The trouble codes follow one industry standard, the SAE J2012 code definitions, and the way a scan tool talks to the car follows another, so even the cheapest reader can tell you why the check engine light is on. What you pay more for is reach: more of the car's computers, more data and, at the top, the ability to send commands.
This guide sits under diagnostic tools in our car accessories guide. For the types without the products, read which OBD2 scanner you need.
| Type | Example | Who it suits | Maker's list price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic code reader | Autel MaxiScan MS309 | Any driver with a check engine light | $22.99 |
| Bluetooth scanner with a phone app | OBDLink MX+ | Drivers who want live data on a phone they already own | $139.95 |
| Handheld with ABS and airbag codes | Ancel AD610 Pro | Owners with an ABS or airbag light on as well | $119.99 ($106.99 sale price shown) |
| Mid-range scan tool with service resets | Topdon ArtiDiag500 | Home mechanics who do their own oil, battery and brake work | $178.00 |
| Bidirectional scan tool | Innova 5610 | Experienced DIYers who want to test a part before replacing it | $379.99 ($349.99 sale price shown) |
Prices are the makers' own, read on their sites on October 12, 2026. Autel showed $22.99 as a limited sale price with no regular price listed. The rows are not a ranking.
A $20 reader does exist at a maker's own price: Autel lists the MaxiScan MS300 at $19.99, shown as sold out when we read the page. The MS309 is the example because its page also lists on-screen code definitions and freeze frame data.
How We Chose These Scanners
Read this before you trust the list. It says what the picks are based on, and what they are not.
Not tested, not paid
Nobody at CarTipsMentor has bench-tested these scanners. Every specification and price here is the maker's own, read on its product page on October 12, 2026. There are no affiliate links, and we earn nothing if you buy one.
- One pick per type. The five are not ranked against each other.
- The maker had to publish it. A scanner made the list only if we could open its official product page and read what it does and what it costs.
- The maker's own price only. No retailer prices. Check the current price before you buy.
- Running costs as stated. Where a maker says updates are free, or that an add-on costs extra, we repeat it.
- Five different makers. Some well-known scanners are missing because we could not open the maker's page. That is not a judgment on them.
This method cannot tell you how quickly a tool connects, how well it is built or how good its repair suggestions are, so we make no claims about those. Innova and Ancel both state that features vary by vehicle year, make and model, so check your own car in the maker's coverage tool before you buy.
Five OBD2 Scanners, One for Each Type
Each one is a good fit for a specific need because of features its maker publishes.
The specifications are condensed from each maker's product page. The limits are ones the maker states, or functions its page does not list.
Autel MaxiScan MS309
Basic code reader. A good fit if all you want is the reason for a check engine light. Autel says it reads and erases generic and manufacturer-specific codes, shows each code's definition on screen, and reports freeze frame data and I/M readiness status.
| Specification | As published by the maker |
|---|---|
| Connection | Plug-in handheld, powered by the vehicle |
| Systems read | Check engine codes: generic, manufacturer-specific and pending |
| Also shows | Code definitions, freeze frame data, I/M readiness status, VIN |
| Live data and active tests | Neither is listed |
| Vehicle coverage | Domestic, Asian and European vehicles, 1996 and newer |
| Update cost | No update policy stated |
A good fit if:
- You want to know why the check engine light is on
- You want to check emissions readiness before a smog test
- You want a tool that needs no phone
Limits to know:
- Check engine codes only. No ABS, airbag or transmission functions are listed
- No live data is listed
- No service resets or active tests
$22.99 on store.autel.com, shown as a limited sale price with no regular price listed, read October 12, 2026. See it on the maker's site
OBD Solutions OBDLink MX+
Bluetooth scanner with a phone app. A good fit if you would rather use your phone's screen than a handheld's. OBDLink lists free iOS, Android and Windows apps, and says the enhanced diagnostics in its app, which reach modules such as ABS and airbag on nine listed makes, are free with the MX+.
| Specification | As published by the maker |
|---|---|
| Connection | Bluetooth adapter for iOS, Android and Windows |
| Systems read | Check engine codes. ABS, airbag, transmission, 4x4 and body modules on Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Nissan and Infiniti |
| Live data | Yes, with dashboards and graphs in the OBDLink app |
| Bidirectional tests | None listed |
| Vehicle coverage | All 1996 and newer cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. |
| App and update cost | App, firmware updates and OEM add-ons are free with the MX+ |
A good fit if:
- You want live data, graphs and a report you can send to a mechanic
- You own one of the nine makes with enhanced coverage
- You want to check emissions readiness from your phone
Limits to know:
- It has no screen. You need a phone, tablet or Windows computer
- ABS and airbag access is listed for nine makes only
- OBDLink says third-party apps may cost extra
$139.95 list price on obdlink.com, read October 12, 2026. See it on the maker's site
Ancel AD610 Pro
Handheld with ABS and airbag codes. A good fit if an ABS or airbag light is on alongside the check engine light. Ancel says it reads and clears ABS and SRS codes, runs the full set of OBD2 functions and adds four service functions, with free lifetime Wi-Fi updates.
| Specification | As published by the maker |
|---|---|
| Connection | Plug-in handheld with a screen; Wi-Fi updates |
| Systems read | Engine (OBD2), ABS and SRS (airbag) |
| Live data | Yes, with freeze frame and I/M readiness |
| Service functions | ABS bleeding, steering angle calibration, oil light reset, parking brake reset |
| Vehicle coverage | Almost all OBDII vehicles, such as 1996 US-based, 2000 EU-based and Asian cars |
| Update cost | Lifetime free Wi-Fi updates |
A good fit if:
- An ABS or airbag warning light is on
- You do your own brake work and want ABS bleeding
- You want updates without a computer or an account
Limits to know:
- Ancel says it cannot reset airbag crash data or transmission codes
- ABS bleeding does not work on vehicles that only support manual bleeding
- Features vary by model and year. Ancel asks buyers to confirm with their VIN
$119.99 list price on ancel.com, shown reduced to $106.99, read October 12, 2026. See it on the maker's site
Topdon ArtiDiag500
Mid-range scan tool with service resets. A good fit if you service your own car and want resets as well as codes. Topdon says it covers four systems (engine, transmission, ABS and airbag), shows up to four live data streams at once and performs six reset functions, with free lifetime updates.
| Specification | As published by the maker |
|---|---|
| Connection | Handheld with a 5-inch screen and an OBD2 cable |
| Systems read | Engine, transmission, ABS and airbag (SRS) only |
| Live data | Yes, up to four data streams at once |
| Service resets | Oil, throttle adaptation, steering angle, TPMS, battery and parking brake |
| Bidirectional tests | Not included, per Topdon's specification table |
| Update cost | Free lifetime updates |
A good fit if:
- You change your own oil, battery or brake pads and need the reset afterwards
- You want transmission codes as well as ABS and airbag codes
- You want to compare several sensor readings side by side
Limits to know:
- Four systems only. It is not a full-system scanner
- No bidirectional control, coding or guided functions
- Confirm your car in Topdon's Vehicle Coverage Tool before you buy
$178.00 list price on topdon.us, read October 12, 2026. See it on the maker's site
Innova CarScan Pro 5610
Bidirectional scan tool. A good fit if you want to command a part to run before you pay for a new one. Innova says the 5610 diagnoses all vehicle systems, sends commands to components such as ABS pumps and fuel injectors, and has free updates with no subscription.
| Specification | As published by the maker |
|---|---|
| Connection | Handheld. The RepairSolutions2 phone app is optional and free |
| Systems read | All vehicle systems, including ABS, SRS, engine and transmission |
| Live data | OBD2 and manufacturer data, with graphing, recording and playback |
| Bidirectional tests | Yes, for components such as ABS pumps and fuel injectors |
| Vehicle coverage | Most vehicles manufactured in the U.S. or Canada |
| Update cost | Free updates, no subscriptions |
A good fit if:
- You want to command a component from the scanner to see if it responds
- You need relearns and calibrations after a repair, such as TPMS, throttle body or steering angle
- You do not want to pay for updates
Limits to know:
- On 2018 and newer FCA vehicles that need AutoAuth, it cannot erase codes or do oil resets
- It cannot reprogram vehicle computers or program key fobs
- Innova says it does not work outside the United States and Canada
$379.99 regular price on innova.com, shown on sale at $349.99, read October 12, 2026. See it on the maker's site
Code Reader vs Scan Tool vs Bidirectional Tool
Stores use the names loosely. What matters is which of the car's computers a tool can reach, and whether it can also give commands.
| Type | What it can do | What it cannot do |
|---|---|---|
| Basic code reader | Read and clear check engine codes. Many also show freeze frame data and emissions readiness. | See ABS, airbag or other systems. Run resets or tests. |
| Bluetooth scanner and app | The same codes, plus live data on your phone. Some apps reach more systems on certain makes. | Work without a phone. Check the app supports yours: OBDLink notes its LX adapter is not iOS compatible. |
| Scan tool with ABS and SRS | Read and clear ABS and airbag codes as well as engine codes. | Cover every car equally. Functions vary by make, model and year. |
| Mid-range scan tool | Add transmission codes, several live data streams and resets such as oil, battery and parking brake. | Command parts to run, unless the maker lists bidirectional control. |
| Bidirectional scan tool | Send a command to a component, such as an ABS pump or a fuel injector, to see whether it responds. | Reprogram the car's computers. Innova says its 5610 cannot. |
The split exists because the OBD II rules are about emissions. CARB says the system monitors virtually every component that can affect emission performance, and the SAE J1979 standard that scan tools follow covers that emissions-related communication. Brakes and airbags are outside that scope, so scanner makers add them one make at a time. OBDLink, for example, lists its ABS and airbag access for nine makes.
OBD2 Scanner Features That Matter
Makers list dozens of functions. These are the ones that change what you can do with the tool, and what it costs to keep.
Live data
Sensor readings while the engine runs. It is how you compare the two oxygen sensors on a P0420 code instead of guessing. The makers list it for four of the five picks.
Freeze frame
The information the car stored at the point the fault was detected, as set out in the federal OBD rule. Autel's examples are engine speed, fuel pressure, fuel trim and coolant temperature. More in freeze frame data explained.
Readiness monitors
The car's record of whether its self-checks have finished. CARB says that in California, too many incomplete readiness indicators fail a Smog Check. See OBD2 readiness monitors.
ABS and SRS
Needed for a brake or airbag warning light. Read the fine print: Ancel says its AD610 Pro reads and clears SRS codes but cannot reset airbag crash data.
Service resets
Functions you need after routine work. Topdon lists six on the ArtiDiag500, including oil, battery and parking brake resets.
App fees and updates
The purchase price is not always the whole cost. Some tools include updates for life and some charge by the year.
Check the update policy before the price
Innova says updates for the 5610 are free, with no subscriptions. Topdon lists free lifetime updates for the ArtiDiag500, yet sells a one-year update for the ArtiDiag Pro, another of its tools, at $249.00. The policy belongs to the model, not the brand.
Check what the app charges for
OBDLink says in its FAQ on subscription fees that its app is free for every OBDLink user, and that add-ons and third-party apps may need a separate purchase or subscription. Its own add-ons are free with the MX+.
What No OBD2 Scanner Can Do
A scanner reports what the car's computer noticed. It does not tell you which part to buy.
A trouble code is the start of a diagnosis. Innova's own guide to trouble codes says each code identifies the circuit, component or system area where the problem was found, and warns against replacing parts on a code alone. The EPA describes codes the same way: they help a technician pinpoint the problem.
P0420 is the usual example. The code says the catalytic converter is working below standard. A worn oxygen sensor or an exhaust leak can set the same code for far less money, and no scanner will choose between them for you.
Do not clear a code to pass a test
Clearing the car's memory also resets its readiness indicators. CARB's OBD II fact sheet says that in California, a car with too many incomplete indicators fails its Smog Check, and that it takes about a week of normal driving to set them again. Write the code down before you clear anything.
How to Use an OBD2 Scanner in Five Steps
The steps are the same for a $20 reader and a $380 scan tool. Only the menus differ.
- Find the port and plug in. The 16-pin OBD2 port is in the driver's footwell, below the steering wheel. A plug-in reader such as the MS309 takes its power from the car, according to Autel.
- Switch the ignition on. Follow the scanner's instructions and let it connect. A Bluetooth adapter has to be paired with your phone first.
- Read and write down every code. Note each code exactly, including any marked pending, and the freeze frame data if your tool shows it. Do this before you clear anything.
- Look up what the code means. The first letter names the system: P for powertrain, B for body, C for chassis and U for network. Our guide to reading OBD2 codes explains the rest.
- Fix the cause, then clear and recheck. Repair the fault, clear the code and drive. Then scan again to confirm it has not returned. The EPA notes that a technician rescans after a repair too.
Free tool
OBD2 Code Lookup. After the scanner gives you a code, look up what it means, how serious it is and its usual causes.
If the check engine light is flashing, deal with that first. The EPA's advice on the check engine light says a blinking light means a severe engine problem such as a misfire, and CARB says it could be damaging the catalytic converter. Our check engine light checker tells you whether to keep driving.
Do You Need an OBD2 Scanner at All?
Not always. If you only want one code read, someone else's scanner will do.
A parts store reads it
Major chains including AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts and O'Reilly Auto Parts scan check engine lights at no charge on compatible vehicles, according to Motor1's feature on free code scans. Treat the result as step one, not as a parts list.
Your own reader
Worth owning if the light comes on more than once, or if you want to check readiness before an emissions test. A basic reader pays for itself the first time it saves you a diagnostic fee.
When the job needs more
Some jobs are beyond the scanners here. Innova says its 5610 cannot reprogram vehicle computers or program key fobs, and Ancel says its AD610 Pro cannot reset airbag crash data.
You do not have to use a dealer. CARB says properly trained and equipped independent shops can use the car's OBD II information and make repairs just like dealers. What you pay a shop for is the testing that turns a code into a cause. See DIY or mechanic, and price the job with the repair cost estimator.
A scanner is also the wrong first tool for a car that will not crank. Innova says its scanners need a vehicle that can start, or at least crank. Try our symptom diagnosis tool first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best OBD2 scanner for a beginner?
A basic code reader is the right first scanner for most drivers. It reads and clears check engine codes and shows whether the emissions monitors are ready. Autel lists its MaxiScan MS309 at $22.99. We have not bench-tested it, so treat it as an example of the type.
Do OBD2 scanners work on all cars?
A basic scanner works on 1996 and newer passenger cars and trucks sold in the United States, because all of them are required to have an OBD system. Functions such as ABS, airbag and service resets vary by make, model and year, so check the maker's coverage tool first.
What is the difference between a code reader and a scan tool?
A code reader reads and clears check engine codes, and many show freeze frame data and readiness status. A scan tool reaches more of the car's computers, such as ABS, airbag and transmission, and adds live data and service resets. A bidirectional tool can also command a part to operate.
Can a cheap OBD2 scanner clear the check engine light?
Yes. Even a basic reader can erase codes and switch the light off, but that repairs nothing. If the cause is still there, the light returns. Clearing also resets the readiness indicators an emissions test checks, and in California too many incomplete indicators fail a Smog Check.
Do OBD2 scanners need a subscription?
Some do, so read the maker's page. Innova says updates for its 5610 are free with no subscription. OBDLink says its app is free, but add-ons and third-party apps may need a separate purchase or subscription. Topdon sells a one-year update for its ArtiDiag Pro at $249.00.
Will an OBD2 scanner tell me exactly what is wrong?
No. It gives you a trouble code, and a code identifies the circuit, component or system area where the fault was detected. Several different failures can set the same code. Use it to decide what to test first, and do not buy parts on the code alone.
Sources and References
- California Air Resources Board. On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) Systems Fact Sheet
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. What To Do With the Check Engine Light (EPA420-F-00-041)
- SAE International. J2012: Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions
- SAE International. J1979: E/E Diagnostic Test Modes (February 2017 revision)
- Code of Federal Regulations. 40 CFR 86.1806-17: Onboard diagnostics
- Autel. MaxiScan MS309 product page (specifications and price)
- Autel. MaxiScan MS300 product page (specifications and price)
- OBD Solutions. OBDLink MX+ product page (specifications and price)
- OBD Solutions. OBDLink App: features and enhanced diagnostics
- OBD Solutions. OBDLink FAQ: Does OBDLink charge subscription fees?
- Ancel. AD610 Pro product page (specifications and price)
- Topdon. ArtiDiag500 product page (specifications and price)
- Topdon. ArtiDiag Pro Online Update - One Year (price)
- Innova. Innova 5610 product page (specifications, FAQs and price)
- Innova. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
- Motor1.com. Did You Know: Auto Parts Stores Can Read Your Check Engine Light For Free
Written by
CarTipsMentor Team
Researched from the sources listed above and checked against them before publishing. Nobody paid to be mentioned on this page. It is general information, not advice about your own vehicle.
Published . Last updated .
