Gear guide
Best OBD2 scanners for DIY mechanics who fix their own cars
Picked from Amazon listings, not hands-on tests. How we pick
Top picks at a glance
Compare all picks
Closest match for the job
TOPDON ArtiDiag600 Pro: all systems, 9 services
Supports FCA, Renault, Nissan and SFD secure gateway access plus CAN FD, per the listing.
See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon
Most for the money on paper
THINKCAR THINKSCAN 662: active tests under $200
Bidirectional active tests are stated, which is rare in this price range.
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Most complete listing
XTOOL D6: full system scanner with 15 relearns
15 functions, including oil, EPB and BMS resets, are listed, the most in this guide.
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A $30 code reader only talks to the engine computer. Once you start doing your own brakes, batteries and suspension work, you need a scanner that reads ABS, airbag, transmission and body modules, and can run the reset after the job, like an EPB service mode or a battery registration. Around $150 to $300 you can get that, but the listings vary a lot. Some cover all systems, others only four. Some include ABS bleeding and injector coding, others only oil and throttle resets. Newer Chrysler group vehicles need FCA AutoAuth support, and newer GM models need CAN FD. Update terms also differ. This guide compares seven scanners for owners who fix their own cars, using the systems, service functions, protocols and update terms each Amazon listing states.
Compare the picks
- TOPDON ArtiDiag600 Pro: all systems, 9 services
- Systems
- All systems
- Service functions
- 9
- Active tests
- Not stated
- Protocols
- CAN FD, FCA, Renault, Nissan, SFD gateways
- THINKCAR THINKSCAN 662: active tests under $200
- Systems
- Engine, transmission, ABS, SRS
- Service functions
- 12
- Active tests
- Yes
- Protocols
- CAN FD, FCA SGW
Autel MaxiDiag MD906 PRO: all systems, 11 services- Systems
- All systems
- Service functions
- 11
- Active tests
- Not stated
- Protocols
- CAN FD, FCA AutoAuth
- XTOOL D6: full system scanner with 15 relearns
- Systems
- All systems
- Service functions
- 15
- Active tests
- Not stated
- Protocols
- CAN FD, FCA AutoAuth
FOXWELL NT624 Elite: all systems, 8 resets- Systems
- All systems
- Service functions
- 8
- Active tests
- Not stated
- Protocols
- KWP2000, J1850, ISO9141, CAN
Autel MaxiDiag MD808 PRO: all systems, 7 services- Systems
- All systems
- Service functions
- 7
- Active tests
- Not stated
- Protocols
- Not stated
Innova 5410: engine, ABS, SRS, transmission plus app- Systems
- Engine, ABS, SRS, transmission and others
- Service functions
- Not stated
- Active tests
- Not stated
- Protocols
- Not stated
| Pick | Systems | Service functions | Active tests | Protocols | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOPDON ArtiDiag600 Pro: all systems, 9 services | All systems | 9 | Not stated | CAN FD, FCA, Renault, Nissan, SFD gateways | - | Amazon |
| THINKCAR THINKSCAN 662: active tests under $200 | Engine, transmission, ABS, SRS | 12 | Yes | CAN FD, FCA SGW | - | Amazon |
| Autel MaxiDiag MD906 PRO: all systems, 11 services | All systems | 11 | Not stated | CAN FD, FCA AutoAuth | - | Amazon |
| XTOOL D6: full system scanner with 15 relearns | All systems | 15 | Not stated | CAN FD, FCA AutoAuth | - | Amazon |
| FOXWELL NT624 Elite: all systems, 8 resets | All systems | 8 | Not stated | KWP2000, J1850, ISO9141, CAN | - | Amazon |
| Autel MaxiDiag MD808 PRO: all systems, 7 services | All systems | 7 | Not stated | Not stated | - | Amazon |
| Innova 5410: engine, ABS, SRS, transmission plus app | Engine, ABS, SRS, transmission and others | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | - | Amazon |
Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.
The picks in detail
Pick 1 · TOPDON
TOPDON ArtiDiag600 Pro: all systems, 9 services
See price on AmazonAn all-system TOPDON scanner with 9 maintenance functions, broad secure gateway support and all 10 OBD2 modes. A solid pick for home mechanics who work on several brands.
What the listing offers
- Supports FCA, Renault, Nissan and SFD secure gateway access plus CAN FD, per the listing.
- 9 functions include ABS bleeding, battery matching, DPF regeneration and throttle relearn.
- Live data can be graphed, recorded, replayed and overlaid, which helps with intermittent faults.
Limits to know
- Active tests are not listed, so it reads and resets but does not command parts.
- 9 service functions is fewer than the MD906 PRO and XTOOL D6 in this guide.
Pick 2 · thinkcar
THINKCAR THINKSCAN 662: active tests under $200
See price on AmazonA four-system scanner that adds bidirectional active tests and 12 resets for about $190. Good for DIYers who want to test a part, not just read its code, on a tight budget.
What the listing offers
- Bidirectional active tests are stated, which is rare in this price range.
- 12 resets plus CAN FD and FCA SGW access for 2018 and newer FCA vehicles.
- Touch screen plus physical buttons, with 28 languages and 140+ vehicle brands listed.
Limits to know
- System coverage is stated as engine, transmission, ABS and SRS, not every module.
- The listing does not describe the screen size or battery, which matter for longer jobs.
Pick 3 · Autel
Autel MaxiDiag MD906 PRO: all systems, 11 services
See price on AmazonThe top MaxiDiag code reader, with all-system scans, 11 services, CAN FD and FCA AutoAuth, and lifetime WiFi updates. The Autel to buy if you do not need active tests.
What the listing offers
- Lifetime WiFi updates with no extra charge are stated in the listing.
- 11 services, compared with 7 on the MD808 PRO and MD806.
- CAN FD and FCA AutoAuth support for newer GM and Chrysler group vehicles.
Limits to know
- Active tests are not listed, so it cannot command parts like the MaxiCOM tools.
- The listing's claim of matching the MK808S refers to diagnostics, not services.
Pick 4 · XTOOL
XTOOL D6: full system scanner with 15 relearns
See price on AmazonA budget full-system XTOOL scanner with 15 relearn and reset functions, CAN FD and FCA AutoAuth support, and AutoVIN. Fits owners who want the most resets for under $250.
What the listing offers
- 15 functions, including oil, EPB and BMS resets, are listed, the most in this guide.
- Covers ECM, TCM, ABS, SRS, HVAC, BCM, TPMS and EPB, per the listing.
- FCA AutoAuth and CAN FD support are stated for newer Chrysler group and GM vehicles.
Limits to know
- Live data shows up to 4 PIDs at once, fewer than some rivals can graph.
- FCA AutoAuth needs separate account registration, according to the listing.
Pick 5 · FOXWELL
FOXWELL NT624 Elite: all systems, 8 resets
See price on AmazonAn all-system code reader that replaces the NT604 Elite and NT614 Elite, with 8 resets and lifetime WiFi updates. For DIYers who need all-module codes but not active tests.
What the listing offers
- All-system scanning covers engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, TPMS, suspension, HVAC and BMS.
- 8 resets include ABS bleeding, battery registration, DPF regen and injector coding.
- Lifetime free updates via WiFi are stated.
Limits to know
- Bidirectional control is not listed, so it cannot command components.
- Fewer resets than the NT716 or the bidirectional NT726.
Pick 6 · Autel
Autel MaxiDiag MD808 PRO: all systems, 7 services
See price on AmazonAn older MaxiDiag all-system reader with 7 services, all 10 OBD2 modes and graphed live data. Consider it if you find it priced well below the MD906 PRO.
What the listing offers
- Scans engine, ABS, SRS, EPB and other systems to read and clear codes.
- All 10 OBD2 modes, including the O2 monitor test, are stated.
- Live data in text or graph form helps spot intermittent sensor faults.
Limits to know
- CAN FD and FCA AutoAuth are not listed, unlike the MD906 PRO.
- Only 7 services are listed, and update terms are not stated.
Pick 7 · Innova
Innova 5410: engine, ABS, SRS, transmission plus app
See price on AmazonA handheld Innova scanner that reads engine, ABS, SRS and transmission codes, shows live data and links to the RepairSolutions2 app for verified fixes with no subscription.
What the listing offers
- Reads and clears engine, ABS, SRS and transmission codes, per the listing.
- Live data includes RPM, fuel trims, O2 sensor and battery voltage readings.
- The RepairSolutions2 app gives verified fixes with no added cost, according to the listing.
Limits to know
- The listing does not name any service resets, so brake and battery jobs may need another tool.
- Coverage varies by vehicle. The listing tells buyers to use Innova's coverage checker.
Read before you buy
- Why is my check engine light on? The common causes in orderWhy is your check engine light on? The most common causes from a loose gas cap to misfires, what the light means, and how to find the real reason with a scanner.
- Where is the OBD2 port? Finding the 16-pin connectorWhere is the OBD2 port? On most cars it is under the dash on the driver side near the steering column. Common spots and fixes if a scanner will not power up.
- U0101 code: Lost communication with TCMU0101 means a module stopped hearing from the transmission control module. Learn the common causes, how to diagnose the network, and if it is safe to drive.
- U0100 code: Lost communication with ECM/PCM AU0100 means a module lost contact with the engine computer on the vehicle network. Causes, from a weak battery to CAN wiring faults, and how to diagnose it.
- TPMS relearn: the three methods and when each appliesTPMS relearn explained: auto, stationary and OBD relearn methods, when your car needs one, and why the TPMS light stays on after a tire rotation or new sensor.
More gear: Choosing a scan tool
Code & Clear chooses every product independently from what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission from the links above. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.