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Best OBD-II Scanners for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: June 13th, 2024

🚗Dealing with a pesky Check Engine light? An OBD-II scanner can help you get to the bottom of it, possibly saving you a trip to the mechanic and some hard-earned cash. These scanners read your car's critical systems, giving you insights into warning lights, airbags, ABS, and more. It's like having a mini car doctor in your toolbox, helping you figure out what's up and how urgent the issue is.

The tricky part is picking the right one, as there's a vast range from basic ones to those packed with advanced features. To make life easier, we've done the homework and put together this list of top picks based on thorough research and real-world testing, covering different needs and budgets.

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Overall Best: Carly OBD-II Scanner

The Carly OBD-II Scanner offers a host of valuable features, making it our top pick overall. One standout aspect is its companion app, which easily outshines those provided with many other Bluetooth scanners. The app can diagnose problems, offer repair advice, and even help you determine if a used car is a potential lemon. Carly’s scanner is backed by a lifetime warranty, a significant bonus for any long-term investment. However, it's worth noting that not all functionalities may be compatible with every vehicle, so checking compatibility is essential. Additionally, while the scanner itself is reasonably priced, accessing its advanced features requires a subscription, which can get expensive over time. Overall, Carly is ideal for users looking for a comprehensive, reliable scanner with an excellent app experience.

Available at Amazon

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Runner-up: Innova CarScan Mobile 1000

Innova 1000 OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth - OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool for Android & iPhone Car Scanner - App Based OBD Scanner for Car - Check Engine Code Reader ABS SRS - Wireless Car Diagnostic Scanner

The Innova CarScan Mobile 1000 comes in as a close runner-up with its blend of ease of use and advanced diagnostic features. Its setup is straightforward, and the scanner boasts Innova's predictive software, which forecasts potential issues before they become serious problems. The device offers repair and parts suggestions, making it easier to communicate with your mechanic. It can also turn your phone into a set of automotive gauges for real-time monitoring. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, its comprehensive diagnostic tools and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance OBD-II scanner.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$94.99 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Motopower MP69033

MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow

For those on a tight budget, the Motopower MP69033 is an excellent choice. It provides basic yet effective code reading and displays the results quickly. The device includes a neat graphing function for certain live data PIDs and features separate up and down buttons for easy navigation. Although the screen is somewhat dated and pixelated, it remains functional and user-friendly. During our tests, the MP69033 read codes faster than any other hardwired scanners, making it a top choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable tool without the extra frills.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$16.48 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the MOTOPOWER MP69033 OBD2 Scanner? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are the limitations of the MOTOPOWER MP69033 scanner?

The MOTOPOWER MP69033 scanner is a handy tool if you want to read and clear standard OBD2 codes from most vehicles made since 1996. The manufacturer says it works with nine OBD2 protocols, which means it should be compatible with a lot of US, European, and Asian cars. But like anything, it’s not without its limitations. For starters, it's pretty good at handling generic OBD2 trouble codes, and it even has a built-in code library to help you understand those basic error messages. Our research shows that a lot of folks find this feature helpful for quick fixes—saving a trip to the mechanic and some cash! Now, if you're thinking about more advanced diagnostics or need to deal with manufacturer-specific codes, this might not be your best bet. It doesn't cover systems beyond OBDII, like ABS or airbags. According to our research, some users with European cars, like Volvos or Saabs, found it couldn't tackle some of the more specialized error codes. This is something a few professional reviewers have pointed out too. Basically, while this scanner does a solid job with general diagnostics, it might fall short with more complex vehicles or tasks. So, if your primary goal is to read and clear basic codes, it's a cost-effective choice. But if you need deeper diagnostic capabilities, you might want to check out more advanced models, like the [Innova 5610](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DInnova%2B5610%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). It could handle your specific needs better. In short, the MOTOPOWER MP69033 is a solid option for basic, everyday diagnostics—great for the DIY crowd. But for anything more complex, a more advanced model could be a smarter move. Just think about what you need it for and what kind of vehicle you have before making a decision.

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Does the MOTOPOWER MP69033 work on European cars like Volvo or Saab?

Yep, the MOTOPOWER MP69033 OBD2 Scanner should work fine with European cars like [Volvos](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dvolvo%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [Saabs](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsaab%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), as long as they have an OBD2 system. Most cars made after 1996 do, so you should be covered there. According to the manufacturer, a key feature of this scanner is its ability to read and clear check engine codes, which can really come in handy when you want to see if an issue has been resolved without waiting for the light to pop back on. From what we've found, folks seem to have good experiences with this scanner. Some mentioned it helped them clear codes and save money by fixing minor issues themselves, and others said it was great for spotting small problems so they could take care of them quickly. But, it's important to remember that this scanner is mainly for basic OBD2 diagnostics. It won't handle more complex stuff like ABS, airbags, or transmission codes. Both our research and user feedback pointed this out. So, while it's a solid choice for engine diagnostics, you'll need something else for those other systems. So if you're thinking of using it with a [Volvo](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dvolvo%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [Saab](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsaab%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), or another European car that has an OBD2 system, it should easily take care of your basic diagnostic needs. Just keep in mind if anything comes up that's beyond what this scanner can handle, you might need another tool or to consult a professional.

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How easy is the MOTOPOWER MP69033 to use for beginners?

If you're new to car diagnostics, the MOTOPOWER MP69033 could be a pretty solid starting point. It's meant to help beginners with reading and clearing error codes on their vehicles. According to the manufacturer, it's compatible with cars from 1996 onwards, covering US, European, and Asian models. Our research shows it's handy for tackling various common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), with the ability to both read and clear them. Clearing codes can seem overwhelming when you're new, but this scanner seems to make it more straightforward. According to our research, it's been useful for sorting out issues that cause the check engine light to come on, like small mechanical problems. This can be quite a relief since it might save you a trip to the mechanic, which can be pricey. Our data suggests that for minor issues, using this scanner is generally a hassle-free and cheaper solution compared to professional diagnostics. However, there are a couple of caveats. The MOTOPOWER MP69033 is more aimed at basic engine diagnostics, so it doesn’t always catch complex or manufacturer-specific issues. There have been cases, according to our research, where it didn't pick up every problem or pinpoint the exact cause. Plus, it's not equipped for advanced diagnostics for things like ABS, airbags, or other systems beyond the engine. So, if you're looking for a tool to cover all vehicle aspects, you might need something more comprehensive. In short, if you're primarily focused on basic engine-related codes and you're just starting out, the MOTOPOWER MP69033 seems like a decent pick. Just be mindful that its capabilities might not cover everything if you need diagnostics beyond engine issues.

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Best for DIY Use: Ancel BD310

ANCEL BD310 OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool - 3 in 1 OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth - App Base...

DIY enthusiasts will find the Ancel BD310 to be the perfect tool for their garage projects. This versatile scanner offers the best of both worlds: it can function as a standalone unit or connect via Bluetooth to its user-friendly app for enhanced capabilities. Through the app, users can access more data, diagnostic resources, and performance testing features. This dual functionality makes the Ancel BD310 an excellent option for those who love to tinker with their vehicles and need a reliable, adaptable diagnostic tool.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$77.99 at Amazon

Best Mobile OBD-II Scanner: Topdon TopScan

TOPDON TopScan OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth, Bi-Directional Scanner Wireless All System Diagnostic Tool for iOS & Android, FCA AutoAuth, 8+ Hot Reset, Repair Guides, Car Code Reader, Performance Test

If you're seeking a discreet, mobile solution, the Topdon TopScan fits the bill. This compact Bluetooth scanner sets up quickly and packs a range of professional-grade features in its small form factor. Whether you're diagnosing issues or monitoring live data, the TopScan provides reliability and convenience without taking up much space. Its compact design and robust functionality make it a top pick for anyone needing a portable yet powerful OBD-II scanner.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$79.99 at Amazon

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