We’ve all encountered them. The dreaded check engine light. Hopefully for you it was something as simple as a loose gas cap. Although for others this isn’t the case. Depending on the vehicle there can be hundreds of different sensors and parts that can go bad. That’s where a OBD2 scanner comes in. We have listed the best professional automotive diagnostic scanners 2020.
What’s an OBD2 scanner? OBD2 or on-board diagnostic refers to the system that tells whether your vehicle’s parts are all working properly. For most vehicles 1996 and up they have an OBD2 port which allows a scanner to be plugged in. With this scanner you are able to diagnose you vehicle’s issues with the press of a few buttons. If you’re not mechanically inclined it can give you essential information for when you decide to take your vehicle to a mechanic.
Nowadays you can keep a scanner at home. When that orange light pops up you can figure out what the issue is and get it repaired. We have researched and found the most popular OBD2 scanners on the market. Below you can find the scanners and more detailed information.
1. BlueDriver LSB2 Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android
The BlueDriver LSB2 Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android which is the most popular on our list comes with multiple features. This scanner uses bluetooth to connect to your iPhone or Android device. You simply download an app and you can scan and get diagnostic information at the tap of a finger.
This scanner uses the Identifix database to generate reports specific to your vehicle. This allows you to get tailored information to get your car back on the road. In addition with a database with over 30 million fixes you know that you are getting the right information verified by mechanics. With all of the features there is no question why this is number one in our list of the best professional automotive diagnostic scanners 2020.
2. Kobra OBD2 Scan Tool
The OBD2 Scan Tool by Kobra is the next on our list. This has a simple design but the features aren’t lacking. Diagnose your vehicle and get information on over three-thousand different diagnostic codes. With this scanner you can erase codes that have been saved in your vehicle’s system.
With quick scanning you can get information on what’s wrong with your car in seconds! Not to mention the ease of use. Also with such a powerful tool you can scan cars from 1996 all the way to the present. Plus if for whatever reason you’re not happy with your purchase they offer a 1 year money back guarantee. That shows they stand behind their product!
3. FIXD OBD2 Professional Bluetooth Scan Tool & Code Reader for iPhone and Android
Next is the FIXD OBD2 Professional Bluetooth Scan Tool. Bluetooth scan tools are becoming more common but this scanner stands out from the rest. Get a powerful car diagnosis with the simple small tool. You can even keep it plugged in for quick access. In addition being so small you will hardly notice that it’s there.
Fixd can save you time and money. Plus with the app features you can get upfront costs on car repairs. No need to travel around and get prices. Get information from the convenience of your home. You get unlimited access to over 10,000 manufacturer specific and enhanced trouble codes. Plus it work for iPhone and Android. So no matter your device you can get the right info when you want it.
4. Bafx Products – Wireless Bluetooth OBD2 / OBDII Diagnostic Car Scanner
Next on our list of the best professional automotive diagnostic scanners 2020 is the Wireless Bluetooth OBD2 / OBDII Diagnostic Car Scanner by Bafx Products. Although this scanner does not work for iPhone like some of the others on our list does not mean it’s out for the count! With and Android or a Windows device you can get information on the go.
This reader supports vehicles from 1996 and up. In addition it uses the OBD2 protocols including J1850 and CAN. It comes with a 2 year warranty. One of the best features of this scanner is that it allows you to monitor sensors on the car in real time. No more guessing which sensor is bad. Get readings instantly and find out why your car is acting up.
5. FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Professional Enhanced OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader
The FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Professional Enhanced OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader is one of our favorites! Not only does it allow you to scan check engine lights but it give your detailed information in graph and text forms. This makes it a piece of cake to find out what’s wrong with a vehicle.
You can disable check engine lights with this scanner, although we wouldn’t recommenced it until you’ve figured out what the issue is. Get live data to assist you in getting to the root of the problem. You’ve probably heard of Mechanic Scotty Kilmer on Youtube. He has a large automotive following and he recommends getting this scanner. You know that if he says the scanner is good that you can trust that it will be more than adequate for any situation.
6. AUTOPHIX OBD2 OBD II Scanner
Next is the AUTOPHIX OBD2 OBD II Scanner. This is one of the quickest scanners on the market. It allows you to read some check engine lights in as little as five seconds! You can diagnose every issue like a faulty oxygen sensor to fuel issues.
It’s easy to operate, supports multiple languages and works on all cars 1996 and newer. There are fifteen different functions that this scanner provides. You can read and erase stored emission related codes, pending codes, and show code definitions, data steam, show live data in graph format, retrieve I/M readiness and freeze frame, review & print diagnostic data , on-board monitoring, and show the vehicle information.
7. Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner
The Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner is number 7 on our list but is the most simple to use. Specifically made for the DIYers and end users it provides an easy way to diagnose your vehicle. This reader is plug and play. No matter if you don’t have automotive knowledge. This reader makes it easy to find the information you need.
This reader works with all OBD2 cars 1996 and up. This makes this tool very versatile. Test an arrange of vehicles and get specific diagnostic information. You can delete check engine lights which helps you find out what the issue is. Don’t waste your time searching the endless websites on the internet to find the problem. You can have the answer right in the palm of your hand.
8. OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner
Have an iPhone, Android or Windows device? This bluetooth scanner works for all three! Simply plug up the scanner to the car, open the app on your phone and start diagnosing. This scanner comes with unlimited free OEM data upgrades for Ford, GM, Mazda, Nissan/Infiniti, Toyota/Lexus/Scion vehicles.
The OBDLink MX+ reads and clears codes on all 1996 and newer OBD-II compliant vehicles. In addition to reading codes this allows your to diagnostics, trip logging, multi-parameter graphing, customizable gauges, 0-60 times, 1/4 mile performance, Freeze Frame, SMOG readiness, over-voltage protection to prevent electrical fires, BatterySaver sleep mode so that it won’t drain your battery, firmware updates, Dropbox support and comes with a 3-year.
9. Kungfuren OBD2 Scanner
The OBD2 scanner by Kungfuren is one of the best on the market. This scanner works with most cars trucks and SUVs 1996 and newer. It comes with a range of features like reading codes, erasing codes, viewing freeze frame data , I/M ready, vehicle information, data flow, real-time curve, get vehicle speed information, calculate load value, engine coolant temperature, get engine speed. This scanner great for all car owners.
The Kungfuren OBD2 Scanner is easy to operate. In addition you know that you are getting accurate data. It has a wonderful LCD display which makes reading the information a piece of cake! You can’t go wrong with this scanner!
10. ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBD II Vehicle Code Reader
Last but certainly not least is the ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBD II Vehicle Code Reader. This reader is recommended by Scotty Kilmer on his Youtube channel. It supports the vehicles that are OBD2 compliant from years 1996 and up. This scanner supports up to 8 different languages. This makes it one of the most friendly of all of the scanners. No matter who you are or what language you speak you can get diagnostic information easy.
This scanner reads quickly and gives you most of the power of all of the other scanners. You can delete codes to help you it finding exactly whats wrong. This also provides and emission and evap system test. This can help you figure out if you have a leak somewhere in the system. It provides a clear LCD display. In addition it also allows you to download and print the information.
In conclusion if you want to be able to diagnose your vehicle’s issues on your own or if you’re a mechanic who needs to diagnose a customer’s vehicle you could benefit from using any of the aforementioned scanners. Let us know if you have one of the best professional automotive diagnostic scanners 2020 we have listed. If you have a check engine light this post will show you some of the most common reasons for a check engine light.