Whether you are looking for a professional Bi-Directional scan tool to run a shop or you just want to get something on a DIY budget I got you covered. I tested a bunch of Bi-Directional scanners including smartphones, tablets, and computer tools.
Affiliate Disclosure: iamcarhacker.com is an Amazon and other affiliate programs Associate. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full Affiliate disclosure.
Quick recommendations
Thinkscan 689BT
Thinkcar Thinkscan 689BT does it all. You have full-system scan/erase faults and data + all the service and coding features you might need as a DIY or semi-professional mechanic.
(Use “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF on official website)
XTool D7
Simple to use, packed with advanced features like ECU coding and with a wired connection, you don’t even have to charge it often.
It will charge itself when connected to the car.
(Use “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF on official website)
Mucar V08
Cheapest on this list, and the only one you can buy with free lifetime updates included! So no more payments while it works as a full-functional scanner even with ECU coding.
(Extra 10% off with coupon “CARHACKER”)
Topdon Phoenix lite 2
Phoenix Lite 2 will not disappoint when working on any car. With large vehicle coverage, you can work on basically all brands.
Launch X431 V+
My favorite scanner for cars I am dealing with (Eastern Europe) but it will not get lost even on American/Asian cars. Great for both diagnosing issues and coding new features.
XTool D9S
XTool tends to bring more advanced features to their lower-priced scanners and this is Wi-Fi connection which tends to be faster than Bluetooth.
(Extra 10% off with coupon “CARHACKER”)
Kingbolen K10
Similar to others offers full Bi-Directional features, scans all systems, large vehicle coverage,e and even ECU coding to customize settings in car and code replacement modules.
My insights after testing 100+ OBD2 tools
I’ve tested literally hundreds of OBD2 scanners, so let me tell you why I find these the best value for money.
What I found testing different scan tools
The entry-level scan tool will give you access to more functionality + better speed. Even in the entry-level price range for scan tools, there are a few worth mentioning.
(By the way, this is only a tablet scan tool. You can have a scan tool way cheaper if you choose one of these J2534 adapters and use them with your smartphone). BUT, it will be with less functionality and with a mandatory yearly subscription for most of them.
Thinkscan 689BT has free lifetime updates!
Think car Thinkscan 689BT does it all. You have full-system scan/erase faults and data + all the service and coding features you might need as a DIY or semi-professional mechanic.
But with an amazing bonus. Free lifetime updates which is extremely rare in scan tools like this.
Get $99 OFF on the official website while it lasts.
Mucar VO7 – Entry level for Europe/Asia
Mucar VO7 is literally cheapest scan tool I ever bought. But using it for a few months now it definitely doesnt seem the cheapest.
I used it for multiple cars for full scan which as expected works fine but also advanced procedures like solving TPMS faults by reprogramming sensors, disabling lightbulb control lights with ECU coding for Skoda Rapid, and coding new features for Toyota Corolla.
Especially for VAG cars, this tool is amazing since it comes with a built-in long coding helper which you can use to perform advanced procedures on your Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and Seat same as aftermarket VAG tools like VCDS or OBDeleven.
XTool D7 is great budget pick
I like XTool products mostly because of their easy-to-use interfaces without any headaches and XTool D7 is not different.
Simple to use, packed with features and with a wired connection, you don’t even have to charge it often.
It will charge itself when connected to the car.
Use “CARHACKER” for an extra 10% OFF on xtool website.
Find the best price
Topdon Artidiag 900 lite
This is Topdon artidiag 900 lite and even though I liked it, I feel like there are some better options as a DIY scan tool.
Topdon Artidiag 900 lite is a great entry-level scan tool suitable for every DIY mechanic who is looking to start using a professional diagnostic tool.
It just misses ECU coding and doesn’t have that many service procedures. The brand itself is very good, but I would rather go with their better model like Phoenix 2 Lite.
Get the best price
Here are multiple stores where you can get Topdon Artidiag 900 lite. Check them out to get the best deal possible.
Otofix D1 lite for US
It uses Autel software which is popular for US vehicles. You might not get ECU coding like with Mucar V07 but it does support more service procedures + they also have cloud live data analysis to help you solve fault codes based on scanned data.
Ideal for home mechanics as you are getting a professional scan tool for an affordable price and updates are not mandatory.
This means after the 2-year free update period is over, you can continue using the tool with the same software, you just will not receive new updates.
Find the best price
Conclusion: Best Bi-Directional scan tools
OK, I provided a lot of examples of Bi-Directional scanners for DIY budget which you can choose from. But if you rather spend more money for better featured tool, here are my TOP 3 Winners
Thinkscan 689BT
Thinkcar Thinkscan 689BT does it all. You have full-system scan/erase faults and data + all the service and coding features you might need as a DIY or semi-professional mechanic.
(Use “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF on official website)
Mucar V08
Cheapest on this list, and the only one you can buy with free lifetime updates included! So no more payments while it works as a full-functional scanner even with ECU coding.
(Extra 10% off with coupon “CARHACKER”)
XTool D9S
XTool tends to bring more advanced features to their lower-priced scanners and this is Wi-Fi connection which tends to be faster than Bluetooth.
(Extra 10% off with coupon “CARHACKER”)
Video: Best Bi-Directional scan tools
Free PDF: How to choose OBD2 scanner
I’ve made you a free PDF to choose the OBD2 scanner in 5 minutes.
✅ Which OBD2 scanner is best?
✅ Which type should you get (DIY, Pro, Hobby)
✅ What is the best scanner for the exact brand/feature (e.g best for BMW)
✅ How to get a Bi-Directional tool for as cheap as $40
✅ Discount coupons for scanners
PDF is 100% free and it is designed to help you pick a scanner in less than a few minutes! Not a boring 50-page guide.
Just tell me where to send it.
