Best OBD2 Code Scanners

engine light

OBD2 Code Scanners

Automotive OBD2 code scanners are invaluable for determining why your engine light is on. Even if you don’t plan on doing the work yourself, a low cost code scanner can help you keep a dishonest auto repair shop from ripping you off. Often times, using a code scanner will allow you to diagnose the problem and fix it yourself inexpensively.

code scanner

When it comes to purchasing a code scanner, the list of available options is a mile long. Basic models that will read engine trouble codes start around $20 or so. More expensive options not only read engine trouble codes but can also diagnose ABS brake and SRS systems. Some allow users to test their batteries, charging systems and other advanced functions.

Best OBD2 Code Scanner

Some of the latest models work by connecting via wifi or bluetooth to your smartphone. The advantages of these include the ability to store data and easily update internal software. Their smaller size is nice too.

OBD bluetooth

Top Selling Scanning Tools

For this article we’ll break scanning tools into three distinct categories. The categories are standard code scanners, advanced code scanners and bluetooth and wifi versions. We’ll list the current top three selling OBDII scanners for each category. While most scanners tend to work on a wide range of makes and models, always check to be sure it’s compatible with your particular vehicle(s).

Standard Code Scanners

These scanners will read engine trouble codes and allow you to clear check engine lights.

#1 – FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00UJV3E12″ apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UJV3E12?tag=pcdssite-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”1″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Professional Mechanic OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader Tool for Check Engine Light[/amalinkspro]

#2 – ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B01G5EA74I” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G5EA74I?tag=pcdssite-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”1″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool-Black[/amalinkspro]

#3 – AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B007XE8C74″ apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XE8C74?tag=pcdssite-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”1″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner Automotive Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Scan Tool[/amalinkspro]

Advanced Code Scanners

These scanners will do everything standard code scanners will do. They will also read codes for anti-lock brake system and supplemental restraint systems. Some allow testing of batteries and charging systems, transmissions, steering and chassis systems and more.

#1 –ANCEL FX2000 OBD2 Scanner

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B07N69PC3D” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N69PC3D?tag=pcdssite-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”1″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]ANCEL FX2000 Vehicle OBD2 Scanner Automotive Car Code Reader Check Engine ABS SRS Transmission Diagnostic Scan Tool[/amalinkspro]

#2 –LAUNCH CRP123X OBD2 Scanner

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B07RLF8FBC” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RLF8FBC?tag=pcdssite-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”1″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]LAUNCH OBD2 Scanner CRP123X Code Reader for ABS SRS Engine Transmission Diagnostic Tool, 5.0” Touchscreen Android 7.0-Based Wi-Fi One-Click Lifetime Free Update Scan Tool, Upgraded Version of CRP123[/amalinkspro]

#3 – Autel MaxiCOM MK808 Scanner

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B0744B55QV” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0744B55QV?tag=pcdssite-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”1″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808, 2021 Newest OBD2 Car Diagnostic Scanner, Equipped with 25+ Maintenance Functions, All System Diagnosis, IMMO/EPB/BMS/SAS/TPMS/AutoVIN/ABS Bleeding (Original)[/amalinkspro]

Bluetooth Code Scanners

These bluetooth OBD2 code scanners will allow you to read engine trouble codes and clear engine lights. Some have more advanced features. These scanners work with most Apple and Android smart phones and tablets.

#1 – BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro Scanner

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00652G4TS” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00652G4TS?tag=pcdssite-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”1″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android[/amalinkspro]

#2 – Veepeak Mini Bluetooth Scanner

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B011NSX27A” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011NSX27A?tag=pcdssite-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”1″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Veepeak Mini Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner for Android, Car OBD II Diagnostic Scan Tool Check Engine Light Code Reader, Supports Torque Pro, OBD Fusion, DashCommand, Car Scanner App[/amalinkspro]

#3 – Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B076XVQMVS” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076XVQMVS?tag=pcdssite-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”alignnone” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”1″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ Bluetooth 4.0 OBD2 Scanner for iOS & Android, Car Diagnostic Code Reader Scan Tool for Universal OBDII/EOBD Vehicles[/amalinkspro]

Additional Options

If the best sellers above aren’t right for you check out all the top selling OBD2 scanners available on Amazon.