Top 5 BEST OBD2 Scanners in 2025

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Unlock the secrets hiding inside your car with the best OBD-II scanners

By connecting to the onboard computer and providing you with access to the data it stores, the top OBD-II scanners can unveil the mysteries of your vehicle. The computer typically knows what’s going on, whether it’s an issue with the vehicle or an enigmatic light on the dashboard. By acting as a middleman, the OBD-II scanner enables you to diagnose the issue on your own without having to pay an expert to do it.

Since not all OBD-II scanners are created equal, the idea is likely to frighten newcomers. I’ve been there, so I know. Thankfully, we have evaluated a wide variety of OBD-II scanners over the years, so we are fully aware of which ones are worthwhile purchasing. Additionally, for a brief explanation of OBD-II scanner operation and the meaning of all those fault codes, scroll to the bottom of this page.

The Topdon TopScan, which is entirely wireless and surprisingly helpful for troubleshooting, is one of our favorites. At $40, the Launch CR529 is ideal for those of you on a tight budget, but if you can afford it, the Topdon Phoenix Lite 2 provides a diagnosing experience that is comparable to that of a professional. For that privilege, just be ready to pay $799.

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1. Topdon TopScan

Yes, I am aware that the Topdon TopScan appears to be quite unimpressive. But trust me, this small scanner is far more complex than it first appears. This isn’t your typical Bluetooth OBD-II module that sends data from your vehicle to your phone app. The fact that it also surpasses the capabilities of competing scanners in its class thrilled me.

Finding errors and performing I/M Readiness tests are only two of the capabilities. While having those features may be crucial, the TopScan goes above and beyond with its capacity to assess effectiveness and performance. It is even capable of estimating the horsepower and torque of your vehicle.

These kinds of tests are not possible with OBD-II scanners that are ten times more expensive. This is therefore one of the greatest items to have in your toolbox, whether you want to adjust your vehicle or simply ensure that it remains roadworthy.

According to our tests, this Bluetooth scanner is the simplest to set up and packs a number of features that give it a professional feel into its small form factor. In other words, you receive parts lists, repair instructions, diagnostics, and even predictive features to foresee future issues.

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2. Launch CR529

The Launch CR529, in my opinion, may be the most affordable OBD-II scanner on the market. Not simply because it costs $38, but also because of the magnitude of diagnostic capabilities it offers. I didn’t think I would get that much for such little money.

For a scanner this inexpensive, you have to make certain sacrifices. such as the fact that it felt somewhat hefty in my hand or that it is unable to employ the special codes of the automaker. However, it still provides real-time data, an instant inspection function, and an unexpectedly thorough insight at your car’s internal operations.Even better, you should be able to continue using this scanner for a long time without the need for a subscription thanks to the lifetime upgrades.

I’ll concede that those of you who have a more professional attitude about vehicles might not be a good fit for the CR529. The others, though? Having something in your toolbox is far worse than anything else.

All the functions you would expect from an OBD-II scanner are included in the compact and potent Launch CR529, along with a few extra premium features that aren’t available on comparable models. This scanner is excellent value for the money because it comes with lifetime support and upgrades.

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3. Topdon Phoenix Lite 2

Although Topdon’s Phoenix Lite 2 scanner costs more than a number of other OBD-II scanners that are equally powerful, you get a great deal for your money. The least of which is a scanner that is perfect for both expert mechanics and amateur diagnosticians.

The best feature of the Phoenix Lite 2 is that it is totally wireless. The control pad connects to a Bluetooth receiver that is plugged into the OBD port of your vehicle. This enables unmatched mobility within the vehicle.The scanner itself is heavy and bulky, but it has a kickstand and a rugged design that should allow it to survive any workshop environment.

It also has live data graphing, fault information, and a ton of other advanced features that most less expensive scanners can only dream of. However, be aware that you only get two years of firmware updates, after which you’ll have to pay an additional $495 annually. With its rugged horizontal case, this device might as well be a Nintendo Switch for your car’s onboard computer. It’s not just a sturdy device, though, because it was made for both professional and amateur drivers.

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4. Ancel BD310

The Ancel BD310 is a multifunctional scanner that may be used as a regular portable device or when paired with a smartphone using Bluetooth. Even better, it can be used as a supplementary display to show important engine information inside the cabin.

Because it’s lightweight and compact enough to fit in your glovebox, we discovered that the BD310 was among the most convenient scanners to carry around. Although we thought the four-key interface was a touch strange and the 2-inch display felt a bit small, these issues didn’t stop us from diagnosing your car.

The BD310 itself may execute tasks like an I/M inspection-readiness test or reveal performance parameters, such as coolant temperature, engine timing, and engine speed. The 56-inch cable is ideal for draping over the hood while working.

The Ancel BD310 can be used as an OBD-II scanner, but it can also be used to add various engine specifications to your car’s dashboard. In addition, it has a relatively affordable price tag, smartphone compatibility, and a sleek and simple appearance.

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5. Carly OBD-II Scanner

We were really pleased with the quality of the accompanying software, and the Carly OBD Scanner has many fantastic capabilities for the price. Carly has one of the greatest apps we’ve ever used, even though some Bluetooth scanners provide a quite basic app experience.

In addition to diagnosing issues and repairing lights, it has tools to make sure the used car you’re interested in isn’t a lemon and repair assistance to get your vehicle back on the road. Additionally, there is a lifetime warranty, which is uncommon but always valued.

The drawback is that not every automobile model is compatible with all of the numerous functions that are available. Therefore, before making a purchase, you should find out how suitable your car is. Similarly, even while the app is excellent, if you want to use anything beyond the most basic OBD features, you must keep your subscription active, which may get expensive if you’re not cautious.

Your car type will determine how much use you get out of the Carly; automobiles made by Ford, BMW, and VW get the most out of the fundamentals. On the other hand, Carly offers one of the greatest companion apps we’ve ever encountered, complete with professional-level tests and a wide range of customizing choices.

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Over the course of several weeks, I tested the top OBD2 scanners using my 2014 Audi A4 Allroad, either in the garage or on the road. I ensured that each scanner could report the vehicle identifying number (VIN) of my car after connecting it to the OBD-II port.

I used Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to link the wireless scanners to my Samsung Galaxy S9+ phone, Microsoft Surface, or Apple iPad Pro. All that was required to power the handheld scanners was to plug them into the OBD-II port.

I then measured the wireless range on the other scanners and the length of the cord on the handheld scanners.I unplugged the engine’s oil temperature sensor while the car was running and kept an eye on the engine and other critical systems.

Ultimately, I verified the information the scanner had given me, resolved the issue, extinguished the check engine light, and removed the error number.

After that, I drove to check if the scanner could show operational information like coolant temperature, timing, and engine speed. Whether the device displayed the data as numbers, graphs, or auto-style gauges was something I carefully considered.

You must decipher the code of the OBD-II scanner you are using. Every error code starts with a letter and four numbers:

Body (B) Powertrain (P) Undefined (U) Chassis (C)

Some of the approximately 5,000 diagnostic fault codes that are available are universal, such as throttle position and air temperature. The numeric portion begins with a 0 for them. Others are exclusive to certain automakers and reflect either a unique piece of hardware or a more thorough examination of the issue. These begin with a 1.

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An OBD-II scanner: what is it?

If you’ve ever wondered how mechanics diagnose your car’s issue, it’s not because they disassemble the entire vehicle and do it by hand. In order to retrieve data from the onboard computer, they instead connect a diagnostic scanner to the OBD connection on your vehicle.

In their most basic form, these OBD-II scanners can read and recognize error codes that your car has marked because it has previously detected a problem. More sophisticated models can also keep an eye on your car’s systems in real time and sometimes even forecast potential trouble spots.

What port is the OBD-II?

Nearly all passenger cars sold in the US since 1996, Canada since 1998, the EU since 2004, and Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand since 2006 have the On-board Diagnostics Version Two (OBD-II) port as standard.

You connect to the vehicle and use this port to communicate with the onboard computer. The OBD-II port can be used to connect a wide range of devices, such as dash cams, insurance black boxes, and OBD-II scanners.

Here’s how to locate the OBD-II port on North American autos if you’re not sure where an OBD-II scanner plugs in. If you live somewhere else, here’s how to locate your OBD-II/EOBD port globally.)

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