I’ve tested literally hundreds of OBD-II scan tools in DIY to semi-professional budget and this is a list of best overall I found.
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Quick recommendations
XTool A30
Semi-professional scanner for smartphone/tablet. Full-system scan, live data, service resets, and bi-directional testing.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
VGate icar PRO 2s
Cheap ELM327 adapter but is hiding one of the fastest ELM chips with a stable connection. Use 100+ elm apps from the app store.(iOS/Android/Windows)
Thinkscan 689BT
This is a semi-professional/professional scan tool with full-system access, full diagnostic features, 34 reset functions, and OEM ECU coding.
($99 OFF coupon on official website)
XTool D7
One of the cheapest scan tools on the market, but it has everything for diagnosing faults, 36 service resets, and even ECU coding.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
Vdiagtool VD30
Simple scanner to connect with your engine module and see faults, erase check engine and do emission check.
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. xTool A30
xTool A30 is one of the best choices for DIY mechanics as you are getting scan tool functionality for cheap price.
There are 3 versions of the xTool A30 adapter (A30, A30D, and A30M) but the only difference is the number of service procedures (8, 14, 21), otherwise, everything is the same.
I bought the cheapest of 3 different A30 versions on Aliexpress for around $96 and it comes with an extension cable, free lifetime updates, and all the functionality I might need as a home mechanic.
The best deal is on xTool website, use coupon “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF
Find the best price for xTool A30
2. VGate iCAR Pro 2s
One of the best choices for your first ELM327 adapters. It will work basically for any app that does not require a high-end fast connection like OBDLink MX+ has.
Cheap adapter but works fine for all ELM OBD2 apps, and both operating systems. I didn’t have any trouble pairing and connecting it.
It works for all systems (Windows, Android, iOS) and was easiest to pair and connect from all ELM adapters I have tested.
Find the best price
3. 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.
Bluetooth vs wired?
Bluetooth version is easier to operate, especially when doing live data logs while driving. There is also built magnetic space to hold your connection adapter on the back of the thinkscan tablet.
On the other hand, the wired thinkscan689 version will require less charging since it can steal battery power from a connected car when you use it.
Also, there is less risk of failure in the long-term if you plan on keeping it for several yea
One of the best scan tools I have tried, for more information + $99 OFF discount code visit the official website.
4. XTool D7
I like XTool products mostly because of their easy-to-use interfaces without any headaches and 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.
Find the best price
5. VDiagtool VD30 PRO
Comparing Vdiag to other code readers in a similar price range, it can display more live data values and also display up to 4 different graphic values at a time.
It supports all 10 Global OBD modes and you can use it on any vehicle that has an OBD-II system.
Get the best price
Here are multiple stores where you can get Vdiagtool VD30 Pro. Check them out to get the best deal possible.
Conclusion & Total Winners
They are all really good but If I had to pick TOP 3, I would choose these:
xTool A30
Semi-professional scanner for smartphone/tablet. Full-system scan, live data, service resets, and bi-directional testing.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
Thinkscan 689BT
This is a semi-professional/professional scan tool with full-system access, full diagnostic features, 34 reset functions, and OEM ECU coding.
($99 OFF coupon on official website)
xTool D7
One of the cheapest scan tools on the market, but it has everything for diagnosing faults, 36 service resets, and even ECU coding.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
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.
Hi, I am Juraj “Yuri” Lukacko. I got frustrated by unhelpful and scammy mechanics, so I decided to learn everything about car diagnostics myself. I test dozens of new car diagnostic tools every month along with learning new strategies to fix and customize cars. About Juraj Lukacko (Yuri)