Many car owners were hesitant to undertake diagnosis on their vehicle whenever mechanical or electrical issues arise. This is probably because of the belief that only qualified mechanics can tell about the car’s condition. However, the introduction of modern scanning tools, such as a car diagnostic scanner (also known as OBD2), makes car owners do what the experts can do.
For more info about a car diagnostic scanner, read here.
Let’s figure out the best car diagnostic scanner selection of 2019.
Best choise
FIXD OBD2 Professional Bluetooth Scan Tool & Code Reader
premium pick
FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Professional Mechanic OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader Tool for Check Engine Light
best value
FOXWELL NT201 Auto OBD2 Car Scanner
Top 9 Best Car Diagnostic Scanners Reviews
If you are adept in using gadgets with Windows and Android systems, the BAFX Products’ Wireless Bluetooth OBD2 will be easier for you to use to diagnose your car. This car scanner and tool reader is ready for use for Android devices.
This OBD2 Diagnostic Interface works well with newer cars and those made in 1996. This car scanner also provides better results as it works in all OBD2 protocols, unlike other brands.
This Bluetooth-enabled scanner reads and clears ‘Check Engine’ light and other
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One of the most recommended car code readers by expert mechanics is the Autel AutoLink AL319 Car Scanner. Although this car diagnostic tool costs a little higher than other popular brands, it offers maximum efficiency when diagnosing car troubles.
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The BlueDriver LSB2 OBDII Scanner makes great in 2019 and it still is more popular in 2019. But what makes this car scan tool more in-demand for the past months?
Probably because it can be used in either iOS and Android Apps. Meaning, you can use this device via an iPhone, tablet, iPad, and mobile phone with Android applications. The Professional OBD2 LSB2 is a premium Bluetooth scanner offering diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities.
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Probably one of the top-rated OBD2 car scanners in 2019 is the FIXD Professional Bluetooth Scan Tool. The package kit includes a FIXD sensor and a FIXD app. But this device doesn’t only read and clear troubles, it can notify you how severe your problem is even while you are driving.
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The Foxwell NT301 Professional car code reader is an upgrade from the previous model, and this one is more accurate in reading car troubles. It can show you the definition of the code and erases DTC fault codes.
This device can support multiple code requests which can include manufacturer-specific, generic, and pending codes. The other engine diagnostics that NT301 OBD2 Scanner can perform are the Fuel Trim, O2 sensors, RPM ECT, engine coolant temperature, and I/M Readiness, among others.
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The Foxwell NT201 car scanner is perhaps one of the best to use tools for checking gas emission. This on-board monitor testing device can read and erase fault codes, freeze frame data, and retrieve I/M readiness, among other functions.
Among other things, the NT201 can also diagnose misfire and the live carbon dioxide (O2) monitoring so you can tell where the misfiring is coming ( it can pinpoint the cylinder that may cause misfiring).
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This universal scan tool can be used both in the US and European-made cars and light trucks, made in 1996 or newer. The OBDScar OS601 fault code reader is compatible with high-end cars, such as Jaguar, Peugeot, Benz, Renault, and even common brands, such as Honda, Toyota, Ford, and others.
When checking the smoke emission, the OS601 can verify if the system is operating properly or whether it is ready for maintenance or testing. It can even read and clear check engine light, views freeze frame data, interpret live data streaming, EVAP system test data, and other functions.
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The Seekone SK860 OBD II Scanner can collect, read, and clear unwanted codes faster than any other car fault reader. Interestingly, this device focuses on ECU data that flashes the check engine light for various reasons. Using this device will help you determine the issues regarding your car’s electronic systems and other functions.
The SK860 scanner is compatible with most US-made cars manufactured in 1996 and after. The device is supported by multiple languages for its menus, such s English, German, Spanish, and other European countries.
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For newbie car owners, the Panlong Bluetooth OBDII Car Diagnostic Scanner is probably the best code reader to use. And this one can be more convenient for experts. This user-friendly device comes with simple features that any old-fashioned car owners will be glad to use.
The Panlong OBD2 car code reader is a Bluetooth-enabled scanner and compatible with Android devices, which you can easily link to your smartphone or tablet.
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Things to Consider When Buying a Car Scanner
When buying a car scanner, you should be smarter. The automotive industry’s car care and maintenance had changed a lot during the past decades. Here are some features to consider when buying an on-board diagnostic (OBD) tool for your car:
Compatibility
OBD car code readers need software applications to be used effectively (most modern scanners are Bluetooth-enabled). It is just right to know what computer software is compatible with your built-in OBD2 system inside your car. You can check this out from the owner’s manual or contact the customer support of your dealer.
Available updates
When planning to buy an OBD2 scanner, make sure that the operating system running your computer or hand-held devices are updated. Because, just like any other system, vehicle scanners need constant updates to ensure that the system is fully equipped with the proper information. This will enable you to deal with new issues that may arise.
Support systems
Pick the OBD device that has the known reliable technical support by the manufacturer in customer inquiries, support, and requests. By this, you may not have to go through any issues later on in this matter.
Cost
Before buying a car scanner, check out the prices and the functionality of such a device. The magic of the Internet gives as more access to quality products without the high price tag.
But always consider the price range of each item and what it can do best. You can compare the price, quality, functionality, and ease of use of every product you want to buy, and make the right decision corresponding to your needs.
Reading reviews
Since modern reviews take the Internet by storm, it is now easy to access info about a certain product. You can check out some online discussions and discover what people say about the product you want to buy and get some ideas.
Our top picks of best car diagnostic scanners
So, we finally conclude some of the choices of the best car diagnostic scanners that are easy to use.
But our best choice for ease of use and compatibility is the FIXD OBD2 Professional Bluetooth Scan Tool & Code Reader. Since this OBD2 car scanner works well on both iPhone and Android devices, anyone from our house can use the system as we own different devices.