Best OBD-II scanners under $500 2025/2026 list
In this budget, you can get a solid tool that will be enough not only for DIY mechanic purposes but also to run a car shop or used car checks. Some may be a little over the $500 mark, but I am including discount coupons with each that will decrease the price very close to this budget.
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Quick recommendations
Mucar 682
The Mucar 682 is the most affordable option in the under $500 range, making it a great entry point for serious DIY mechanics. It delivers full-system diagnostics and live data, bi-directional controls, and 20 service resets. As with other Mucar tools, you also get free lifetime updates.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
Mucar 892BT
The Mucar 892BT is a compact yet powerful scanner with fast full-system scanning. It includes advanced features like service resets, feature coding, an AI assistant, and free lifetime updates — all in a tool small enough to carry anywhere.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
XTool D8S
The XTool D8S stands out with a topology map scan, a function usually found in much more expensive scanners. While it may run slower than Thinkcar or Mucar tools, it makes up for it with better model support for advanced resets like odometer correction, key programming, and more.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
Thinkscan 689BT
The Thinkcar Thinkscan 689BT delivers everything you’d expect from a high-end scan tool. You get full-system scans, fault clearing, live data, and a complete set of service functions and coding options — perfect for DIY or semi-professional mechanics. Includes free lifetime updates.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
Mucar VO7
The Mucar VO7 is one of the cheapest full-system scan tools on the market, yet it still provides everything you need. It even supports advanced features like ECU coding and OEM-level functions, making it an unbeatable budget option.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
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.
1. Mucar 682
Mucar 682
Great alternative to Mucar 892BT or Thinkscan 682BT if you still want scan tool with free lifetime updates but you don’t need that advanced device.
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2. Mucar 892BT
Mucar 892BT
Mucar 892BT offers full DIY to semi-professional functionality, including scanning all systems, checking used cars, or even unlocking hidden features for more than 150+ brands covered.
Best part? Free lifetime updates, AI mechanic, and even access to the DIY mechanics community.
I listed multiple places to buy (depending on location), but the cheapest is usually on the Thinkcar official website.
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3. XTool D8s
XTool D8S
Service procedures are working better on Xtool (D8s) than in other OBD2 scanner brands.
I was able to use stuff like odometer change, airbag module repair, oil, tpms resets and others with both XTool D8s but also with similiar XTool IP900BT.
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4. Thinkscan 689BT
Thinkscan 689BT
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 10% OFF on the official website while it lasts.
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5. Mucar VO7
Mucar VO7
The Mucar VO7 is one of the cheapest scan tools on the market but it does everything you need, even more advanced functions like ECU coding or OEM functionality, for example, long coding/adaptations for VAG cars.
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Best OBD2 scanners in 2025
I constantly test new OBD-II scanners to give you the best options possible. Here is a full list of the best tools in all categories currently.
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