I tested dozens of different scanners over the past 2-3 years working as OBD-II scanner tester. Check my best recommendations for buying all brand-scanner sort by budget and type, or jump to car brands and select yours to see best picks for your brand.
By Budget
By Type
| ELM327 | Smartphone adapter, pair with apps |
| Engine code readers | Wired engine reader |
| J2534 adapter Bluetooth | Scan tool for smartphone/tablet |
| Scan tools | Full system, data, component tests in tablet |
| Bluetooth scanners | ELM327 & J2534 for phones |
| Laptop Scanners | Specific-brand OBD |
| One-brand scanners | PRO features, free updates |
| 4-system scanners | ECM, TCM, ABS, SRS scanners |
| Best for professionals | For car shop, tire shop, key programming |
Choose by brand
If you need scanner just for one brand or one group of brands you can get professional Bi-Directional scanner with OEM functionality with free lifetime updates included for most of these car brands.
By Feature
| Best OBD-II for a used car check | Best OBD-II for used car check |
| Best TPMS tools | Best TPMS OBD tools |
| Unlock hidden features | Best scanners with ECU coding |
| Mileage correction | Best scanners for mileage correction |
