Gear
Gear guides, one item at a time
Each guide covers a single tool or consumable and compares a handful of options by what their Amazon listings state.
Choosing a scan tool
- Best XTOOL scanners: D5, D6, D7 and D8 series comparedXTOOL D5S, D6, A30M, D7S, D7BT, D8 V3.0, D8S and D8W compared by bidirectional control, service count, ECU coding, topology and update terms.
- Best wireless Bluetooth scan tools with a tabletEight wireless OBD2 scan tools compared by VCI link and stated range, screen, active test count, service functions and update terms in each listing.
- Best Topdon scanners: ArtiDiag, AD and Phoenix lines comparedTopdon scan tools compared by listing facts: bidirectional control, reset service count, ECU coding, FCA AutoAuth, screen size and update terms.
- Best scan tools for Volkswagen and Audi ownersVW and Audi scan tools compared by VAG coding, guided functions, reset services, other-make coverage and the update terms each listing states.
- Best scan tools for Toyota and Lexus: brand editions vs all-makesToyota and Lexus scan tools compared: Launch Toyota editions, all-makes bidirectional tablets and a J2534 cable, by coverage, active tests, resets and updates.
- Best scan tools for Mercedes-Benz ownersMercedes-Benz scan tools compared by the Mercedes functions each listing names: full-system access, Benz coding, bidirectional tests and update terms.
- Best scan tools for Jeep, Dodge, Ram and ChryslerJeep, Dodge, Ram and Chrysler scan tools compared by FCA gateway access, bidirectional tests, reset services and update terms, from brand editions to all-makes.
- Best scan tools for Honda and Acura ownersHonda and Acura scan tools compared: Launch Honda editions, all-makes tablets and Innova readers, by coverage, active tests, resets and update terms.
- Best scan tools for GM: Chevy, GMC, Buick and CadillacGM-specific and all-makes scan tools compared for Chevy, GMC, Buick and Cadillac by bidirectional tests, resets, CAN FD support and update terms.
- Best scan tools for BMW and Mini: battery registration and codingBMW and Mini scan tools compared by battery registration, ECU coding, bidirectional tests and DoIP support, from BMW editions to all-makes tablets.
- Best OBD2 scanners for DIY mechanics who fix their own carsSeven all-system OBD2 scanners from $161 to $279 compared by systems covered, service resets, active tests, protocol support and update terms.
- Best motorcycle diagnostic scannersMotorcycle scanners compared by brand coverage (Harley, KTM, multi-brand), service resets, active tests and update terms, plus two powersports extras.
- Best Launch scanners: Creader, CRP and X431 comparedSeven Launch scanners across the Creader, CRP and X431 lines compared by systems, active tests, service functions, ECU coding and connection.
- Best Foxwell scanners for DIY and pro useFoxwell NT510 Elite, NT710, NT614, NT624, NT716, NT726, NT809BT and NT919BT compared by systems covered, active tests, resets, screen and updates.
- Best Autel scanners: which MaxiDiag, MaxiCOM, MaxiCheck or MaxiSys to buyEight Autel scanners compared across the MaxiDiag, MaxiCOM, MaxiCheck, MaxiTPMS and MaxiSys lines by systems, active tests, services and connection.
ABS, airbag and network codes (C, B, U)
TPMS, battery and service resets
- Best TPMS relearn and sensor programming toolsTPMS tools compared by sensor activation, relearn methods, MX-Sensor programming, extra scan functions and the update terms each listing states.
- Best heavy duty and diesel truck scanners with DPF regenHeavy duty truck scanners compared by DPF regen support, J1939/J1708 protocols, connectors, engine coverage (Cummins, Detroit, PACCAR) and update terms.
- Best battery testers with built-in diagnosticsBattery testers compared by CCA range, cranking and charging tests, built-in scan functions, battery registration and the update terms each listing states.
Bidirectional tests and coding
- Best scan tools with ECU coding for module replacement and setupEight ECU coding scan tools from $380 to $1,369 compared by coding type, active tests, service functions, protocol support and stated update terms.
- Best professional diagnostic tablets for a home garage or small shopEight pro diagnostic tablets from Autel, Launch, TOPDON and THINKCAR compared by screen, J2534 pass-thru, topology mapping, services and update terms.
- Best key programming scan tools for home useKey programming scan tools compared by the key and immobilizer functions each listing states, included key tools, credential needs and update terms.
- Best bidirectional scan tools for home mechanicsEight bidirectional scan tools from $329 to $529 compared by active tests, service resets, ECU coding, wireless range and stated update terms.