The Best ODB2 Scanner You Can Buy
An On Board Diagnostics Scanner (OBD2) is better than your average automotive diagnostic tool. It can help run advanced tests, detect problems in various car components and modify code for better performance.
It is extremely helpful to know what is wrong with your car, whether you’d like to go to a repair shop or fix the issue yourself. Today, we will be reviewing four different OBD2 scanners that are sure to come in handy.
| Editor’s Choice Pro & DIY | Recommended for Pro | Runner up | Runner up | |
Innova CarScan Pro 5610 
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Autel Maxicom Mk808  
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NEXPEAK NX301  
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Foxwell OBD Space NT510 
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| 1 year warranty | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ABS Diagnostics | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ | – | – |
| Free mobile app | ✔ | – | – | – |
| Low defective rate | ✔ | – | – | – |
| Product size | Handheld 1.27 pounds | Tablet 2lbs | Handheld 1.35lbs |
Handheld 1.35lbs |
| Updates | Free | Requires registration 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 |
Middle Navigate to codes |
| Company | Innova USA | Autel China | NEXPEAK China |
OBD Space China |
| Customer Service | English / Hispanic | English / Hispanic | English | English |
| Innova CarScan Pro 5610
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Autel Maxicom Mk808
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NEXPEAK NX301
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Foxwell OBD Space NT510
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Innova CarScan Pro 5610
We will first talk about the Innova CarScan Pro 5610. Innova is the only American company that provides in-house customer service with the lowest return rate in the industry. A few features of the Innova CarScan Pro 5610 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
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 the perfect example of what an OBD2 scanner should be. With a multitude of different features, it shows off some functionality that other automotive diagnostic tools may not have.
Innova CarScan Pro 5610
MaxiDiag MD808 Pro
MaxiDiag MD808 Pro is a great choice for both domestic and foreign vehicles. This tool can be used for component testing, handling monitors and performing forced regeneration.
A few features of the MaxiDiag MD808 Pro include:
- Compatibility with OBDII vehicles from the United States, Europe and Asia
- Simple interface with live data, test modes and OBDII protocols
- Retrieval of information and code from all vehicle systems
You can reset engine warning lights, calibrate tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and do battery registration. Printing diagnostic reports with your PC makes analyzing data much easier as well.
The product was very positively received in the reviews, with many praising the modules and system checks. However, it is worth noting that the manual or product description are not that extensive, so you would need to do some research beforehand.
I purchased this to register a new battery for a 2013 Mini Cooper S. The scan tool is listed as supporting battery registration and reset, and the manual even includes an example of using such a function specifically for BMWs. Unfortunately, it can do the reset, but cannot change battery type (AGM vs. lead acid), battery capacity (Ah), and does not allow registration of an aftermarket battery.”
Purchased this to help diagnose an ABS issue and to clear the trouble code(s). It handled these tasks without issue. The extra 5 feet male to female cable along with the MD808Pro is a plus. It makes me work outside my vehicle.
All in all, MaxiDiag MD808 Pro is a solid tool to save money and perform diagnostics. You can also keep everything optimized with free software updates.
MaxiDiag MD808 Pro
NEXPEAK NX301
NEXPEAK NX301 is an enhanced OBD2 with full functionality. NEXPEAK is one of the largest manufacturers for vehicle devices, catering to both professionals and hobbyists. A few features of the NEXPEAK NX301 include:
- Storage of emission-related and pending codes
- Compatibility with all OBD2 protocols and most diesel vehicles
- Access to rigorous testing with EVAP, O2 sensors and more systems
Equipped with a STM32 chipset, this scanner performs diagnostics 2-3 times faster than other tools. Along with a lifetime of free software updates, NEXPEAK NX301 has a professional code reader to analyze free-frame data and dynamic data streams.
This being said, NEXPEAK NX301 only supports 12V vehicles and engines. This means it is not compatible with ABS (anti-lock braking system), SRS (supplemental restraint system) and some other components.
This product worked just as intended, and at a very fair price! I wanted to know why my engine check light was on, and all I had to do was plug this code scanner into my car. It gives you the basic information you need to narrow down the problem, and the menu is very simple to navigate. Because of this tool, I know exactly what needs to be replaced in my car.
My husband has been trying to repair a 1999 Jaguar XK8. He’s not a mechanic by any means but he knows a little. He had gotten to the point where he didn’t know what was wrong with the car. So I bought him this Nexpeak tool and he had the last mechanical problem solved in under 5 minutes! Highly recommended!
NEXPEAK NX301 is an amazing tool that you can set up within seconds. This scanner is efficient and definitely worth the money.
NEXPEAK NX301
Autel AutoLink AL319
Last but not least, we have Autel AutoLink AL319. Autel specializes in automotive intelligence diagnostics, having sold products in over 50 different countries worldwide.
A few features of the Autel AutoLink AL319 include:
- Support for OBD2 protocol vehicles with 7 different languages available
- Simple and manageable user interface with LED indicators and a built-in speaker
- “Plug and play” error code reader and I/M readiness key
Autel AutoLink AL319 is great for resetting warning lights, reading DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) and inhibiting other functions. This scanner can cover vehicle models dating all the way back to 1996 as an added bonus. It also comes along with a cable that you can directly connect to your vehicle, which means that no batteries are needed.
I bought this OBD reader to investigate a couple of issues which my car has been flagging up. After using this product I checked the fault codes produced against an online guide and found the cause, rectified and tested. It was very helpful and well worth the money. It’s even helped to put out an Engine management light before taking my car for an MOT test and no doubt will save me hundreds on costly diagnostic scans to give me the fault codes.
The AL319 works very well, it showed me the one stored code that allowed me to look it up online and make the repair myself, I cleared the codes afterwards and that also turned off the Check Engine light. It comes with a owners manual and updating software CD for the PC and a USB cable for connecting to the PC for updates in the future that may be required for new changes made to OBD 2 in new vehicles in the future.
Autel AutoLink AL319 helps avoid unnecessary repairs with its informative code reader. Even if you are just starting out with vehicle scanning, we would highly recommend this product.
Autel AutoLink AL319
