We spent 26 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top choices for this wiki. Nothing can make your heart sink faster than seeing a warning indicator light pop up on your dashboard. If you have one of these OBD2 scanners, however, you can save yourself some time and money by finding out exactly what’s wrong with your vehicle, instead of paying a mechanic to do it. They all run on Android-based operating systems as well, so they’re extremely user-friendly. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work.
10. VGate iCar Pro
Anyone worried about their diagnostic tool draining their battery will appreciate the VGate iCar Pro, as it has an automatic on/off function that limits power consumption — because a dead battery is one problem you don’t need a scanner to identify.
- Fast arm processor
- 3 leds provide useful information
- Instructions are worthless
| Brand | Vgate |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 1 ounces |
| Rating | 4.2 / 5.0 |
9. Amtake Code Reader
The Amtake Code Reader ships preloaded with over 3,000 generic code definitions in its database, so if yours isn’t on it, then you have a unique problem on your hands. It doesn’t come with a dedicated app, though, so you’ll need to find one you trust on your own.
- Includes cd for installing on a pc
- Customizable interface
- Doesn’t work on hybrids
| Brand | Amtake |
|---|---|
| Model | Amtake-OBD2 Scanner |
| Weight | 4 ounces |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5.0 |
8. Veepeak Mini
The Veepeak Mini can tell you everything you never realized you wanted to know about your car’s performance, including the intake manifold pressure, engine load, and throttle position. It’s a great tool for anyone looking to maximize their vehicle’s operation.
- Lets you monitor fuel economy
- Helpful for passing smog checks
- Gets hot if left plugged in
| Brand | Veepeak |
|---|---|
| Model | VP01 |
| Weight | 0.3 ounces |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5.0 |
7. Innova 3160g
If you haven’t had a chance to take your car into the shop and just want a break from those annoying warning lights, the Innova 3160g makes it a snap to erase trouble codes. It also lets you record data, so you can hand it to your mechanic when you finally stroll in.
- Works on asian and european vehicles
- Can be upgraded to read obd1
- On the expensive side
| Brand | Innova |
|---|---|
| Model | 3160g |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5.0 |
6. ScanTool 427201 OBDLink LX
If you worry about unsavory characters gaining access to your car’s onboard computer systems, the ScanTool 427201 OBDLink LX boasts a multilayered security mechanism to keep the bad guys at bay — but you still need to remember to lock your doors when you get out.
- Won’t drain the battery
- Works with most 3rd party apps
- Difficult to keep in place
| Brand | ScanTool |
|---|---|
| Model | 427201 |
| Weight | 2.4 ounces |
| Rating | 5.0 / 5.0 |
5. Kitbest Bluetooth
If you’re concerned your diagnostic tool could get in your way while you drive, the Kitbest Bluetooth has an extremely small footprint — about the size of a credit card. Unfortunately, the display is small as well, so don’t expect to be able to read it behind the wheel.
- Easy to pair with phones
- Budget-friendly option
- Tough to remove when finished
| Brand | Kitbest |
|---|---|
| Model | KBOBD01 |
| Weight | 0.3 ounces |
| Rating | 4.9 / 5.0 |
4. Autel MP808TS MaxiPro
You have to be a professional mechanic to justify the hefty price tag on the Autel MP808TS MaxiPro, but if you can afford it, it’s worth every penny. It can instantly identify your car based on its VIN, giving you all the information you need for your specific model.
- Software updated frequently
- Can program 20 sensors at same time
- Seven-inch full hd screen
| Brand | Autel |
|---|---|
| Model | MP808TS |
| Weight | 6 pounds |
| Rating | 4.2 / 5.0 |
3. ATDiag Wireless
The ATDiag Wireless works on just about every operating system you can think of, so your buddies can use it even if they have iPhones. It has a code search feature as well, so they can use whatever phones they have to look up what’s wrong with their cars.
- Shows o2 sensor data
- Monitors coolant temperature
- Supports multiple languages
| Brand | ATDIAG |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 1.6 ounces |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5.0 |
2. Lemur Vehicle Monitors BlueDriver
The Lemur Vehicle Monitors BlueDriver uses Bluetooth technology to talk to your smartphone, so you can get updated on your car’s performance while on the road. It even gives you repair reports, so you know what to expect when you visit the mechanic.
- Includes misfire counts
- Alerts you to any recalls
- App is sleek and user-friendly
| Brand | Lemur Vehicle Monitors |
|---|---|
| Model | LSB2 |
| Weight | 2.4 ounces |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5.0 |
1. BAFX Products
As long as your car was made in America after 1996, this model from BAFX Products will work on it, which takes the guesswork out of finding a compatible tool for your vehicle. It also offers data logging, so you can chart your car’s progress (or collapse) over time.
- Provides graph sensor readings
- Lets you monitor data in real time
- Connections are steady and reliable
| Brand | BAFX Products |
|---|---|
| Model | BAFX3127 |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5.0 |