The 3 BEST Automotive Diagnostic Tools
Looking to run your own Car diagnostics? Well, you need the BEST Automotive Diagnostic Tools.
But finding one of these that suits you is an arduous task…
So, we put this guide together!
All of the automotive diagnostic tools we will be reviewing today are great for car enthusiasts and technicians alike. Either way, we can guarantee that these products will save you valuable time and money.
Best automotive diagnostic tool comparison table
| Editor’s Choice Pro & DIY | Recommended for Pro | Runner up | |
Innova CarScan Pro 5610 
|
Autel Maxicom Mk808  
|
Foxwell OBD Space NT510 
| |
| 1 year warranty | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ABS Diagnostics | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Free mobile app | ✔ | – | – |
| Defective rate | Lowest | Highest | Medium |
| Product size | Handheld 1.27 pounds | Tablet 2lbs | Handheld 1.35lbs |
| Updates | Free | Requires registration Free | Requires registration Free |
| Code Retrieval Speed | Fastest Plug in get codes | Slow Startup wait Navigate to codes | Middle Navigate to codes |
| Company | Innova USA | Autel China | OBD Space China |
| Customer Service | English / Hispanic | English / Hispanic | English |
| Innova CarScan Pro 5610
|
Autel Maxicom Mk808
|
Foxwell OBD Space NT510
|
Innova CarScan Pro 5610
The first product we’ll be covering, and the product we think is the best on this list, is the Innova CarScan Pro 5610.
Innova is the only American company that provides in-house English and Spanish customer service and has the lowest product return rate in the industry.
A few features of the Innova CarScan Pro include:
- In-depth live data for advanced vehicle systems like ABS and SRS
- Ability to cover OBD1 models with accessory adapters (bought separately)
- Extensive reset functions for repair and maintenance
- 4 star+ rated companion app that walks you through repairs and maintenance.
- UNIQUE Oxygen Sensor repair data; ONLY Innova have this.
- LOWEST defective rate and return rate in the industry.
Innova CarScan Pro 5610 is very adaptable, making it a fantastic tool for diagnostics on basic and professional degrees. Bidirectional control helps test vehicle actuators, which help prevent accidents with braking or fuel issues.
The tool also lets you send commands to your vehicles for better testing. With the all-system network scan, analyzing and troubleshooting coding in modules is very easy. Compared to competitors, Innova CarScan Pro 5610 has a wider range of vehicle coverage.
“I have the Innova CarScan Pro 5610 which has some extra features (e.g. enhanced data stream, utilizes data from all 10 OBDII modes, etc.) compared with the 5160. In addition to the basic OBDII modes you expect (generic OBDII DTCs, PIDs, I/M readiness, etc) the 5610 also provides OEM DTCs and does CAN network scanning so that you can see what the available modules are.”
“This is an excellent product. Just keep in mind that a code-reader is an ‘interpretive’ device. Any decent reader presents codes when plugged into your car and properly run. The INNOVA 5610 is more comprehensive than many. Just be aware that, as with all such devices, the codes can mean one or more issues are in play. Some codes can be intermittent, which may have implications of their own.”
Innova CarScan Pro 5610 is honestly everything you would need in an automotive diagnostic tool. It is extremely comprehensive, boasting many benefits and features that other products may not have.
RepairSolutions 2
[blurb about repair solutions 2 free app] Get the following info free on it
- Fix and parts need for the CEL/SRS/ABS light
- Maintenance Information
- Upcoming breakdowns
Autel Maxicom Mk808
Autel Maxicom Mk808 is an advanced multifunctional scan tool that works on Android
operating systems. Autel is a leading automotive company that works to develop affordable yet
professional diagnostic tools, centered around research and development (R&D)
A few features of the Autel Maxicom Mk808 include:
- Full detection for braking, fuel, light, emission and other vehicle systems
- Fast-core processor for efficient diagnosis speed
- Suitable for many types of vehicles (dating all the way back to 1996)
This OBD2 scanner is not compatible with VCI. With 32 GB of storage, it uses several apps for a more in-depth diagnosis. The product also comes along with free software updates for a year, as well as other Autel benefits.
The product is positively received as it can accurately identify every module, while providing “live data in a configurable form”. According to some reviews, the device doesn’t always help with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration or Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors.
It seems that the device may only provide limited usage on certain car models.
“It’s well made and looks pleasing to the eye, however not as accurate in diagnosis as I hoped. The MP
808 is better than the MS808 which is bigger, faster, and loaded with connectors — but £300 dearer. For basic work, this is ideal. However other models and some brands are doing it better for less.”
“I bought this specially because I wanted to run a forced DPF regeneration on a Ford CMax diesel. This
with the diagnostic at the local garage is the best part of £100, so the Autel should pay for itself
eventually – as well as its multi-manufacturer scan tool capabilities it has a number of service routines that can be run such as the DPF regen, injector retrimming etc.”
All in all, the Autel Maxicom Mk808 is compact and powerful. It is a great choice for those that
may have various cars or want a multi-manufacturer scan tool.
Foxwell Obdspace NT510
Foxwell Obdspace NT510 is an easy-to-use diagnostic scan tool that supports both basic and advanced functions. Foxwell is a professional supplier that develops products for automotive diagnosis, like OBDII code readers and tablet diagnostic platforms.
A few features of the Foxwell Obdspace NT510 include:
- Compatibility with OBDI and OBDII vehicles
- Retrieval of ECU information and live data graphing
- Simple interface with access to most vehicle systems
Foxwell Obdspace NT510 initially only works with BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce cars. The Foxwell website has purchasable software for additional car brands. The product lets you easily control the steering angle sensor (SAS), airbag service (ABS) and more modules of your car. Other features like oil service reset are also included.
“Bought this when my Freelander 2 kept spitting out the dummy and going into limp mode. Was fed up
paying LR dealer £70.00 every time it limped home, then their ridiculous £300 bills for what seems like testing out their theories on my car at my cost. Got this, plugged it in, ran the diagnostic, made a note of the codes and warnings, cleared them all.”
“I’ve both BMW and JLR software on here ($60 from Foxwell for each software group after the free one
that comes with the kit). It has helped me diagnose injector issues on a Freelander, bleed the ABS pump on an R53 Mini Cooper S and reset gearbox adaptives on my Discovery 3. Paid for itself 3 times over already. It could only do with a bit more online help showing context and content of menus.”
In conclusion, Foxwell Obdspace NT510 is a great automotive diagnostic tool that has all the basic fundamentals. It is perfect for calibrating and running tests.
Foxwell OBD Space NT510