Does your car speak a different language? Ours does, too. That’s why we always keep an OBD2 scanner in the glovebox to help us bridge the gap if the engine starts to sputter, new noises pop up, or the check engine light pops on.

Communicating with your vehicle’s computer is the job of an OBD2 scanner, also known as a code reader. These savvy auto tools can clear the car’s trouble codes, check engine lights, and monitor the automobile’s health and information.

While most of these computers offer a fairly universal service, the designs also differ. Various types of scanners serve different makes and models, and some code readers provide fixes for the issue, as well as a plethora of additional data about how your vehicle is used.

To learn more about the features of OBD2 scanners and a more in-depth analysis of how these straps can vary, be sure to check out our comprehensive buying guide, FAQ, and comparison chart below.

Otherwise, scroll through to see all of our recommended buys for 2024.

The Best OBD2 Scanner of 2024

OBD2 Scanner Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Connection, Data Log, Identifies Solution, Live Data, and Vehicle Compatibility.

How We Tested OBD2 Scanners

Our team tested OBD2 scanners in two primary ways. First, we used the code detectors to read, diagnose, and clear codes. Secondly, we used the scanners to get as much information as possible about our test vehicle. On our 2014 Ford F-150 Raptor test vehicle, we unplugged the MAF (mass air flow) sensor to generate a check engine light and the P0103 and P0113 codes. From one design to the next, we compared how fast it was to read and clear the code, as well as how much information about the code was recorded. We compared what diagnostics, or fixes, were available alongside the code. At a foundational level and functionality, each OBD2 scanner we tested was able to read and clear both codes. 

Furthermore, our test team looked at all of the information that was available within each scanner. At a basic level, could we check ABS and airbag systems? How much live data could we monitor at one time, and how easy was it to glimpse the data while driving? (We absolutely recommend that you pull over to read in-depth information like you should for text messages — we simply mean, do you have the ability to scan data much like you would glance at your speedometer or fuel tank gauge.) Additionally, we took a deep dive into the menus and functionalities of each scanner, making sure to see which one could provide our readers with the most information possible. 

Our lead tester, Eric Phillips, has been an outdoor professional for the last 10 years along with being a hobby automotive enthusiast. From growing up working on and building cars to continuing to build trucks in his free time, Phillips has always had a code reader in his glove box and wasn’t scared to use it. 

Throughout our field tests and personal experience, we determined the top OBD2 scanners based on a variety of metrics including vehicle compatibility, live data, diagnostics, connection point, ease of use, vehicle information, functions, logs, test reports, features, and support.

Beyond our tests, we also considered the most popular, award-worthy, universal, and affordable designs. These OBD2 scanners serve a range of drivers, vehicles, applications, styles, and budgets.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose an OBD2 Scanner

Read and Clear Codes

The most basic function of an OBD2 scanner is to read and clear the trouble codes that cause check engine lights. Now, what are these codes referring to? A trouble code is produced by the onboard computer system when it senses a status that’s out of normal parameters. These hiccups can exist within the engine and transmission, emissions, or other systems.

Clearing a code deletes it from the system and turns off the check engine light. If the problem that caused the code in the first place is not fixed, the vehicle will produce the code again and turn the check engine light back on. You can clear a code to verify that it is a recurring problem by waiting for it to come back or after a fix is attempted.

Foundation: How to Read an Error Code

Codes produced are five characters long and can be broken down simply. The first character of the code represents the system related to the problem:

• B: Body
• C: Chassis
• P: Powertrain
• U: Undefined

Second in line, the next character lets you know whether the code is generic or enhanced:

The third character identifies the sub-system that the code pertains to:

• 1: Emission management (air or fuel)
• 2: Injector circuit (air or fuel)
• 3: Misfire or ignition
• 4: Emission control
• 5: Idle control and vehicle speed
• 6: Output circuit and computer
• 7: Transmission
• 8: Transmission
• 9: SAE Reserved
• 0: SAE Reserved

The fourth and fifth characters are variable and relate to specific problems. 

Code Reading Interface

While all the scanners in our guide can connect to the vehicle and produce this five-character trouble code, some of them make it easier to not only read the codes, but can also read more vehicle-specific codes. To point, the Motopower MP69033 doesn’t have many features, therefore it has an uncomplicated menu that is very self-explanatory to use in order to read and clear basic codes.

Alternatively, we considered the Bosch 1300 OBD to be among the most time-consuming to read codes as it asks a few questions before reading the codes. With all consideration, it’s still pretty fast. It can read airbag and ABS codes on top of normal codes. 

Any of the Bluetooth code readers use a phone-based app to read the codes compared to pushing physical buttons. The user interface of such designs is much quicker to use and delivers more information. Each Bluetooth app will walk you through step-by-step instructions to connect to your vehicle and then read any error codes.

The Ancel BD31 can read both airbag and anti-lock braking system (ABS) codes. The Bluedriver Pro can read airbag, tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and ABS. And with a strong throw-down, the OBDLINK MX+ can read ABS, airbag, TPMS codes plus additional GM and Ford codes and parameters that are off limits to other code readers. 

Diagnostics

Before diagnostics, the first step when using an OBD2 scanner is to read the code, which is provided in a basic five-character format. When a scanner provides its reading, it’ll deliver a basic description associated with that code. The Motopower MP69033, for example, only displays the code and its foundational descriptions.

Take P0113, for instance, which is the code that identifies the Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High. After you have the code in hand comes diagnostics, or trying to diagnose the problem that caused the code in the first place. Many scanners in our guide go a step above reading codes and also provide high-quality diagnostics. The Bosch 1300 OBD provides the same information on its screen as the Motopower MP69033 but has an internal library of 26 million possible fixes for different error codes. On a different screen, you can type in the specific error code to find possible fixes, which is pretty advantageous. 

Bluetooth-compliant OBD2 scanners go a step further by connecting to the internet, which helps open up a library of information when it comes to understanding codes. On their display readout of the error code, they will include a link to the internet to search the specific code in order to find fixes. It’s worth noting that this only works with cell service, unlike the Bosch 1300 OBD, which has its diagnostics saved internally in its computer. The standout in this realm was the Ancel BD31, coming in hot with six possible faults per error, plus a link to view more information via Google for every faulty code.

Live Data and Real-Time Monitoring

OBD2 scanners not only read codes but can also show you real-time data about your vehicle. First and foremost, each trouble code is associated with a sensor on your rig. When that sensor identifies data beyond its typical parameters, it triggers the code. You can use a scanner to view the live data from any of the sensors on your vehicle.

Certain scanners let you view only one set of sensor data at a time, while others monitor and display lists of multiple sensors at once. Some of these code readers can chart these data sets with a graph or numerically, while others put them into an easily readable display much like the one on your vehicle’s dashboard. 

Regarding this feature, the standout scanner was the OBDLINK MX+. First, the design uses a heads-up display similar to a dashboard gauge to show 13 specific and comprehensible parameters. Secondly, you can choose to monitor any of the vehicle’s sensors on a different screen. Lastly, it archives the data for all of the vehicle’s sensors. Not only does it collect data from hundreds of vehicle sensors, but it also logs trip data, including GPS, trip distance, fuel economy, and more. It can be pretty useful for a scanner to be able to record what the sensors were doing during a trip and save that data into a log.

Ease of Use 

When you first start using OBD2 scanners, it might feel that these are instruments reserved for the professionals. But modern day scanners make it easy for any level of automotive enthusiast to use and even understand trouble codes. Each character-reader has step-by-step instructions and prompts to help walk you through connecting and scanning your vehicle. 

When it comes to ease of use, the Bluetooth-compatible scanners really shine. To read error codes with these setups, you need to download the corresponding app for a compatible phone or tablet. Then, you plug the scanner into the OBD2 port on a vehicle and connect via Bluetooth. From here, the apparatus is controlled through the app, where the user interface is more vivid and comprehensive compared to the traditional wired scanners. 

We found that the Bluedriver Pro and corresponding app were the easiest to operate. Reading and clearing codes was done via a simple menu. The mechanism provided obvious instructions for every step of the process. We had a plain-sailing experience with the app throughout different functions, and it offered a user manual that was readily available. 

Connection

Each scanner connects to the vehicle’s OBD2 port via an OBD2 plug. The machine either utilizes a wire from the port to the scanner or a Bluetooth connection to a cell phone or tablet. 

Wired

Wired OBD2 scanners are more common and are the original design. The brain of the scanner is contained within its own shell. They come with a screen that displays information, and the face buttons control the device.

These don’t require additional batteries or accessories to operate and can even store information offline, like the 26 million code fixes in the Bosch 1300 OBD. Using the scanner means you need to be physically close to the OBD2 port, which usually means sitting in the front seat of the vehicle due to the constraints of the wire. They take up more space compared to their Bluetooth counterparts. 

Bluetooth

Bluetooth scanners are very small in size. They still plug into the vehicle’s OBD2 port but don’t use any wires. Instead of an included screen and a wire, this appliance uses Bluetooth to connect to a phone or tablet. The brain behind the system is an app that needs to be installed onto your phone or whatever device you’re using like a remote control.

Compared to old-school accessories, using a phone means you’ll have a much larger and crisper screen. Plus, the user interface is an even bigger piece of cake. These auto gadgets take up considerably less space when not in use. You can even leave them plugged into the OBD2 port when they’re powered down. One drawback: In order to be used on the fly, they need a fully charged and compliant phone or tablet with the app previously installed. Also, they won’t display some information if you’re out of cell phone coverage or lacking a WiFi connection. So there’s some contingency with the functions.

FAQ