If you’re handy with car maintenance, you know the importance of having a car diagnostic scanner on hand. This device can detect potential issues with your car before they cause serious damage. Having a good car diagnostic scanner not only saves you money in the long run, but also helps ensure you don’t end up stranded on the side of the road.
To help you find the right model for your needs, we’ve assembled a list of the top car diagnostic scanners of 2025. We’ve listed a variety of scanners to fit all budgets, so you can find something high-quality without breaking the bank. From basic code readers to more sophisticated models, there’s something for everyone here.
Our first pick is ANCEL’s Universal OBD2 Scanner, an excellent device for checking the health of your vehicle and helping fix any problems it might have. Exceptionally accurate and fast, this device can easily determine thecause of the check engine light, as well as read and clear diagnostic trouble codes. It’s also sturdy, well-constructed, and offers a wide range of compatibility with various car models.
Due to its sturdy construction and lightweight design, this car diagnostic scanner is easy to transport. Additionally, it can read and clear engine trouble codes in seconds, collect vehicle information quickly, and view freeze frames and I/M monitor readiness. This pick is suitable not just for technicians, but also for those who simply want to check their car without extensive knowledge. Overall, the rugged construction and user-friendly interface have made this car diagnostic scanner our top pick.
Ideal for car maintenance, the MOTOPOWER Car OBD2 Scanner offers an array of functions in a compact design. This product can read and clear check engine information, which is part of the OBDII system, and it features a built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library to help verify the cause of a check engine light. The device also supports six languages: English, German, Dutch, Spanish, French, and Italian.
This scanner features a clear display LCD screen with a white backlight and contrast adjustment. It has six buttons that provide quick access to vehicle information, such as your car’s VIN and fault code. In addition, it is versatile enough to work with most 1996 US-Based, 2000 EU-Based, and Asian cars, as well as all OBD2 and CAN domestic or import vehicles. With its easy-to-use LCD and convenient features, this device is an excellent choice for maintaining your car’s health.
Our next pick is the perfect tool for car owners looking to diagnose and repair their car issues quickly. This scanner has a variety of features that make it an attractive option. First of all, it works right out of the box without needing to waste time downloading software and you can get it at an affordable price compared to other auto scanners. Additionally, it has a two-in-one diagnostic capability, being able to check OBD2 and ABS/SRS/transmission/check engine codes. It also boasts an AUTOVIN function to quickly find VIN and vehicle info without any input from you.
The FOXWELL Car Scanner also makes a great gift for any car owner due to its reliable car health monitoring capabilities and rugged design. It includes a built-in DTC library, data playback, and printouts, making doing any diagnostics easier; plus, its solid protective carrying case and lifetime update come included at no extra cost. This combination of features makes this car diagnostic scanner an incredibly useful tool that can save both time and money when making repairs.
The FIXD Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner is a revolutionary tool for car owners, car enthusiasts, and repair shops alike. It comes with an easy-to-use app that instantly translates thousands of engine fault codes into plain English on your phone. It’s easy to set up and use, too, so even those with minimal knowledge of cars can get the info they need quickly and accurately. This eliminates the guesswork involved with troubleshooting car problems and helps you get your vehicle running properly again in no time.
The scanner offers features that no other diagnostic tool has. For example, it keeps track of maintenance items like oil changes and tells you when it’s time for a service appointment. It also allows you to view live car data like O2 sensor voltage and fuel trims, which can help detect small discrepancies in engine performance before they become major problems. Most importantly, this car code reader offers unparalleled accuracy when it comes to diagnosing problems with your vehicle, saving you time and money.
The Autel OBD2 Scanner is a powerful car diagnostic tool that allows users to pinpoint why a check engine light has turned on. It offers a wide range of capabilities such as reading DTC codes, displaying live data, freeze frame, and I/M Readiness. Plus, the code reader comes with easy instructions that make it easy to learn how to use it, so even those not familiar with car repairs will be able to find pertinent information quickly.
The car diagnostic scanner is compatible with seven languages and various post-1996 OBD2 protocol vehicles from brands like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Ford. It features a user-friendly design including a TFT color display, built-in speaker, LED indicator, and a long cable for ease of use. Autel also offers a 12-month warranty from the purchase date and includes lifetime free updates, which makes this product an excellent choice for anyone looking for reliable car diagnostics.
If you’re looking for a convenient way to check out your car’s health, there’s no better choice than a car diagnostic scanner. From determining the cause of a check engine light to displaying freeze frame data, there are a ton of things these devices are great for. But, with so many features and models to choose from, picking out a scanner can be a daunting task. To help you out, we’ve written a comprehensive buying guide with everything you should know about car diagnostic scanners. Take a look!
First and foremost, the car diagnostic scanner must be compatible with your vehicle’s make and model. Make sure to double-check that the scanner works with all the years and models under the same make before purchasing. It’s also important to see if it works with other makes and models, in case you have multiple types of cars or plan to do business in the future.
The scanner should cover all of your car’s systems and components that need to be diagnosed, such as the engine, transmission, airbag, and ABS. Look for one that provides extensive coverage for all types of cars so that you don’t miss out on anything.
A good car diagnostic scanner should provide all the functions you need, such as reading code, clearing codes, data streaming, and live data. Some higher-end scanners offer more sophisticated features such as graphing engine data or recording data logs for detailed analysis.
The scanner needs to connect to your vehicle’s diagnostic port and your computer easily. Most scanners today use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity for convenience and faster transfer speeds.
Look for a model that is easy to use for both beginners and pros alike. Search for customer reviews focusing on how easy a particular product is to use so you can make an informed decision.
When investing in a car diagnostic scanner, get one that is built tough with durable construction. Make sure it can handle rough environments such as garages or mechanic shops without breaking down too easily.
The car diagnostic scanner should require regular updates to stay up-to-date with new car models and features, otherwise, it may become outdated quickly. Check if updates are offered for free or at an additional cost before making a purchase.
Lastly, familiarize yourself with the company’s customer service policies and warranties so you have protection in case something goes wrong after purchasing. Make sure to check reviews to see how well they handle complaints from previous customers so you know what to expect.
A car diagnostic scanner is an automotive tool that scans and diagnoses problems in your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and electrical system.
Car diagnostic scanners analyze the data sent from your vehicle’s onboard computer to detect potential problems. The scanner then shows the diagnostic codes related to the problem and can provide troubleshooting suggestions.
A car diagnostic scanner can detect any issues with your vehicle’s engine, transmission, or electrical system. It can detect common problems such as faulty fuel injectors, worn spark plugs, or bad oxygen sensors, as well as less common things like problems with your vehicle’s brakes, suspension system, and airbags.
A car diagnostic scanner’s price can vary depending on the features it offers and how advanced it is. Basic models range from around $50 to $100, while more advanced models can cost up to around $400.
Most car diagnostic scanners come with an instruction manual that explains how to use the device and interpret the results it provides. That said, some users may find it helpful to have some basic knowledge of mechanics or electronics to get the most out of their car diagnostic scanner.
Car diagnostic scanners are generally compatible with most vehicles made after 1996, but you should check with your model’s manufacturer to ensure compatibility. Scanners are typically not compatible with classic cars or those made before 1996 due to the lack of an onboard computer in these vehicles.
Most modern car diagnostic scanners are easy to install and use, but you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use for accuracy and safety.
In some cases, yes. Depending on the cause of the check engine light being triggered, you may be able to diagnose and resolve the problem using a car diagnostic scanner. But remember, you should always consult a professional mechanic if you’re unsure about what’s causing your check engine light to prevent further harm to your vehicle or yourself.
The warranty offered by each manufacturer varies widely. That’s why it’s a good idea to check with manufacturer specifications before purchase so you’re aware of what warranty they offer (if any) before buying their scanner.
An OBD scan tool is more comprehensive than a basic car diagnostic scanner and can read all kinds of data related to your vehicle's performance — this includes engine temperature, fuel level, battery charge status, and more. OBD scan tools also provide more detailed troubleshooting advice compared to basic scanners, so they’re best suited for more complex diagnostics tasks like emissions testing or engine tuning/modifications.