Top 10 Best Car Diagnostic Tools in 2023 Reviews
Last updated on January 13, 2023
The best car diagnostic tools can help prevent unnecessary mechanic visits and costly repairs. These tools can turn off the check engine light. OBD2 diagnostic scanner tools are a must-have if you own a car. They provide a wide range of services ranging from turning the check engine light to oil reset. The scanners are also ideal for ECU programming, key coding, ABS bleeding, bi-directional control to injector coding among and much more. These tools are quite effective in helping you to save in the long run. A car diagnostic tool is one of the best investments you can make for your DIY repairs.
In this post, we help you find the best diagnostic tools on the market. These are premium diagnostic tools with pretty exciting features. OBD diagnostic tools can help troubleshoot small problems saving you the time and expenses of visiting a mechanic. You get to know your car is in good functioning condition and safe to drive. Read below and carefully choose one car diagnostic tool that best suits your needs and desires.
Table of Contents
- 10. ANCEL AD310 Classic Diagnostic Enhanced Universal OBD
- 9. AUTOPHIX OBD2 Scanner Enhanced Vehicle Code Reader
- 8. FOXWELL NT201 OBD2 Scanner
- 7. Kobra Newest Version OBD2-Scanner Car Code Reader
- 6. KONNWEI KW310 OBD2 Scanner Full OBDII
- 5. NEXAS NL OBD2 Scanner Check Engine Light Car
- 4. LAUNCH CRP123 OBD2 Scanner Engine
- 3. Autel AutoLink AL519 OBD2 Scanner Enhanced Mode
- 2. thinkcar Thinkobd OBD2 Scanner
- 1. NEXPOW Car OBD2 Scanner
10. ANCEL AD310 Classic Diagnostic Enhanced Universal OBD
This is a classic design OBD II scanner for fast scan and clear-code trouble-shooting. It is simple for beginners to use with ease. It helps save time by finding the time and fixing the errors. The scanner is versatile and works on most US-based, EU, and Asian-based car models from 1996. It is quite easier to determine the cause of the check engine light and turn it off. The scanner also monitors the readiness test as well as viewing freeze frame data. Overall, this is a well-built scanner with a large display. The scanner features a backlight and contrast adjustment for easy reading of data. Moreover, the scanner comes equipped with a long cable for flexible use.
Pros
- Flexible use due to a long cable
- Easy data reading due to a large and bright screen
- Easy determination of check-engine light and switching it off
- Compact and lightweight for easy carrying
Cons
- Does not work with apps
9. AUTOPHIX OBD2 Scanner Enhanced Vehicle Code Reader
This is a car engine tool to read and erase trouble codes on your car. You can quickly learn and troubleshoot emission problems. The tool also helps turn off the check engine light and monitor resetting. It features a DTC library where you can find the code definitions and related problems. The scanner is quite easy to set up and use. It features a large 2.4-inch TFT screen for easy code reading. Besides, this scanner offers a wide range of diagnostic features. It can diagnose most USM EU and Asian-based cars from the year 1996. It also supports over 10 languages making it a pretty versatile tool. Overall, this is a powerful scanner with built-in 14 special functions.
Pros
- 14-built-in special functions hence powerful
- 10 languages for multiple uses
- DTC library for easy code explanation
- Easy to operate and use
Cons
- Lacks use instructions but easy to understand
8. FOXWELL NT201 OBD2 Scanner
This is a simple yet effective OBD2 scanner to consider buying. The scanner can check engine light cause and turn it off. This tool can save you money and time visiting a mechanic. This is a one-click smog-check scanner with an I/M readiness test. The scanner gives a quick smoke emission readiness check. It also verifies the drive cycle and checks the health status of your car. There is a further onboard monitor test to test O2 sensors and turn off the check engine light. Overall, this is a functional scanner with wide coverage and multiple language use. It is a necessary tool in your car toolbox and one to seriously consider buying.
Pros
- Wide coverage and multiple languages
- One-click Smog check for effective use
- Compact and lightweight hence portable
- Live data in graphs for easy data viewing and interpretation
Cons
- Does not tell code description
7. Kobra Newest Version OBD2-Scanner Car Code Reader
This is an accurate car code reader to diagnose and remove all check engine lights. It is a decent choice code reader that can transform your car into a smart car. The scanner comes with over 3000 definitions making data reading and explanation easier. This is a decent auto scanner that can diagnose in seconds. It is a mechanic-approved code reader that works on most car models since 1996. The scanner is highly rated and makes a great addition to our list. It is a risk-free purchase code reader that meets the highest quality needs.
Pros
- Works on most car models
- Diagnoses in seconds hence time-saving
- Check-engine light eliminator
- Over 3000 code definitions for easy code explanation
Cons
- Not enough clear instructions
6. KONNWEI KW310 OBD2 Scanner Full OBDII
This is a functional OBDII scanner for professional check-engine light. It is a diagnostic tool with advanced features and one that supports live data. This scanner can read and erase code faults in seconds. It is an onboard monitoring scanner tool with pretty exciting features. The scanner is versatile and works on all US, EU, and Asia model vehicles from 1996. It is a simple plug-and-play diagnostic tool to get your car status. Overall, this is one of the best scanner tools on the market to consider buying. Moreover, the scanner comes with a 3-year warranty.
Pros
- Works on multiple cars thus versatile
- Easy design for simple plug and play
- Full OBD2 modes hence reliable
- Check-engine light cause and turn-off
Cons
- The power cable is a little too shot
5. NEXAS NL OBD2 Scanner Check Engine Light Car
This is a compact and lightweight design car code reader with a protective carrying case. It is an elite version that supports 10 modes. The scanner reads and erases fault codes. It also allows you to view I/M readiness, freeze frame data, data stream and automatic data retrieve. It is a dependable design scanner capable of real-time live data presented in the form of graphs. The scanner works efficiently and one t have with you in your car wherever you go. Overall, this is a quality car code reader with a rare unique battery check. The scanner supports multiple car models and languages for versatile use.
Pros
- Multiple car models and languages support
- Live data graph presentation for easy reading
- Portable and compact with a free carrying case
- The scanner supports 10 full modes
Cons
- Use mini USB ports
4. LAUNCH CRP123 OBD2 Scanner Engine
This is a premium quality scanner engine with excellent powers. The scanner provides car owners the ability to preview and preset various data. It can also live stream data for engine, ABS, SRS, and AT data. The scanner features a large screen display for easy data reading. It can graph, record, and replay data via print. Overall, this is an advanced scanner tool to meet a variety of functions. The scanner provides extensive vehicle coverage with OBD 2 scanner. It is a highly recommended scanner tool with clear DTC codes.
Pros
- Clear DTC codes for easy explanation
- Compact and lightweight hence portable
- Full OBDII support
- Versatile and works on most car codes
Cons
- Not easy to activate
3. Autel AutoLink AL519 OBD2 Scanner Enhanced Mode
This is a simple turn-off check-engine light car scanner to consider buying. It is a quality scanner with enhanced modes for versatile use. It is an auto diagnostic scanner capable of figuring check-engine light and turning it off. The scanner also performs proper repairs and provides definitions with tips. It is a reliable design scanner with a complete mode to meet a variety of needs. Overall, this is a quality OBD2 scanner with unmatched vehicle coverage. The scanner features a patented- one-click smog check. It can help your vehicle pass various government smog checks seamlessly. This coupled with a lifetime warranty and zero risk purchase for confidence buying.
Pros
- Patented one-click SMOG check
- Unmatched OBD 2 vehicle coverage
- Performs all 10 modes OBD2 tests
- Lifetime warranty and free updates
Cons
- A bit pricy
2. thinkcar Thinkobd OBD2 Scanner
This is a premium quality OBD 2 scanner with exciting features and reviews. It is a versatile scanner with full OBD 2 functions. The scanner is cost-effective and one of the most affordable on the list. The scanner features 10 enhanced obd2 modes and can perform a variety of diagnostic functions. It can read and erase codes with ease. This is a diagnostic scanner tool suitable for DIY individuals. It is a decent quality tool with wide vehicle coverage. The scanner tool also supports 7 languages for versatile use. Besides, this scanner also features a DTC lookup to get the definition of all codes. The scanner is versatile to use and comes highly recommended.
Pros
- 10 obd2 modes support
- Supports 7 languages and wide vehicle diagnostic
- Cost-effective and reliable
- DTC lookup library
Cons
- Poor use instructions
1. NEXPOW Car OBD2 Scanner
This is a newly upgraded car OBD2 scanner with multiple diagnostic functions. The scanner can determine the check-engine light cause, read and erase codes, view freeze frame,
I/M readiness test, BAT-Battery detection, Vehicle information, Data Stream, etc. It is a lightweight and compact design reader to consider buying. The scanner is pretty easy to use and operate. It also features easy-press buttons for convenient operation. You can easily diagnose and clear error codes as a beginner. Overall, this is a one-click DTC lookup scanner to find all code meaning. It also features a clear LCD screen for easy data reading.
Pros
- Easy data reading due to large LCD screen
- One-click DTC lookup
- Strong compatibility
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- A bit of a learning curve
Final verdict
In conclusion, these are the best car diagnostic tools on the market to consider buying. The tools are pretty easy to use and operate. They easily diagnose most car problems and troubleshoot them for efficient use. The tools can check the cause of the check engine light and turn it off. They are effective, easy to use and a must-have for car owners.