What are the best CAN diagnostic tools to quickly identify your car’s problems without costly mechanic visits? After testing dozens of OBD2 scanners over the years, I’ve found the top 10 tools that translate confusing error codes into plain English and can save you hundreds of dollars on repair bills.
Your car’s check engine light just turned on, and you need answers fast. CAN diagnostic tools help you find out what’s wrong without expensive trips to the mechanic. These smart devices plug into your car and show you error codes in plain English.
I’ve tested dozens of OBD2 scanners over the years and know which ones actually work. The best tools save you hundreds of dollars on repair bills while giving you peace of mind on the road.
List of Top 10 CAN Diagnostic Tools
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ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool, Read and Clear Error Codes for 1996 or Newer OBD2 Protocol Vehicle (Black) |
The ANCEL AD310 OBD II Scanner is perfect for car owners and mechanics who need a quick and easy way to diagnose engine problems. It’s great for those who want to clear error codes and check the health of their car without any technical knowledge. This scanner is also ideal for DIYers who want a compact and portable tool that works with many vehicle brands. |
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MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow |
This product is perfect for car owners who want to easily diagnose engine problems without visiting a mechanic. It is especially useful for those with OBD II compatible vehicles looking for a compact, easy-to-use tool for quick and reliable car diagnostics. |
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Autel Professional OBD2 Scanner AL319 Code Reader, Enhanced Check and Reset Engine Fault Code, Live Data, Freeze Frame, CAN Car Diagnostic Scan Tools for All OBDII Vehicles After 1996, 2025 Upgraded |
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to save money on repairs and DIY enthusiasts who like to fix their own vehicles. The AL319 is great for people who are not car experts but want to understand what’s wrong with their car when the check engine light comes on. |
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Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 Universal Car Engine Fault Code Reader, Check Engine Light and Emission Monitor Status, OBDII CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool |
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for DIY car owners who want to save money on car repairs. It’s great for people who need to turn off check engine lights, read error codes, and prepare for smog checks without paying high shop fees. |
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XTOOL D5S OBD2 Scanner – 2025 Code Reader for Cars & Trucks with 16 Resets, Crank Sensor Relearn, Throttle Relearn, EPB, FCA AutoAuth, CAN FD for GM, Engine ABS SRS Transmission Car Diagnostic Tool |
This XTOOL D5S scanner is perfect for car owners, DIY mechanics, and small repair shops who want to fix their own vehicles. It works great for people who need to reset warning lights, check engine codes, and diagnose problems in their cars and trucks without paying high shop fees. |
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XIAUODO OBD2 Scanner Car Code Reader Support Voltage Test Plug and Play Fixd Car CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool Read and Clear Engine Error Codes for All OBDII Protocol Vehicles Since 1996（Black） |
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to save money on repairs and understand their vehicle better. It works great for beginners learning about cars, DIY enthusiasts who fix their own vehicles, and professional mechanics who need a reliable diagnostic tool for their shop. |
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Performance Tool W2977 CAN OBD II Scanner Tool for Check Engine Light & Diagnostics, Direct Scan and Read Out |
This OBD II scanner is perfect for DIY car owners and professional mechanics who need to quickly diagnose engine problems. It’s ideal for anyone with a 1996 or newer vehicle who wants to read trouble codes, clear check engine lights, and check emissions readiness without expensive trips to the shop. |
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LZLRUN K+CAN K+DCAN Car Diagnostic Tool Cable OBD USB Interface with Switch for BMW with FT232RL NCS Coding Winkfp Tool32 Programing |
This diagnostic tool is perfect for BMW owners who want to perform DIY diagnostics. It’s easy to use, especially for those working with BMW models from 1998 to 2019. If you’re into car diagnostics and want to save money and time, this tool is for you. Ideal for those familiar with NCS Coding and Winkfp programming. |
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JDIAG JD001 OBD2 Scanner Professional Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for Cars Since 1996 Easy to Read and Clear False Code with DTC Lookup, I/M Readiness, Freeze Frame |
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to diagnose engine problems themselves. It’s ideal for people who drive cars made after 1996 and want to save money on repair shop visits. DIY mechanics and car enthusiasts will love how easy it is to read error codes and clear check engine lights. The tool works great for anyone who wants to understand their car better and catch problems early. |
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VDIAGTOOL VD10 OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Car Diagnostic Tool Engine Fault Code Reader for Turn Off CEL with Freeze Frame/I/M Readiness for All OBDII Protocol Cars, OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool |
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to fix their own vehicles and save money on mechanic visits. It’s ideal for DIY enthusiasts and beginners who need an easy-to-use tool to read engine codes, turn off check engine lights, and keep their cars running smoothly. |
Detailed Reviews
These 10 CAN diagnostic tools were picked after testing dozens of scanners and reading thousands of user reviews. Each tool can read engine codes, clear check engine lights, and help you fix car problems without expensive shop visits. Find the perfect scanner for your car and start saving money on repairs today.
1. ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool, Read and Clear Error Codes for 1996 or Newer OBD2 Protocol Vehicle (Black)
The ANCEL AD310 is a top-rated OBD II scanner that helps you find out why your check engine light is on. This diagnostic tool works with cars made in 1996 or newer and can read and clear error codes in seconds.
The scanner has a sturdy design with thick cables that won’t break easily. It weighs just 12 ounces and fits in your hand or backpack. The large screen shows results clearly with easy-to-read buttons.
This tool works with all car brands including domestic and foreign vehicles. It gets power directly from your car so no batteries needed. The fast and accurate results help you fix problems right away without needing car knowledge.
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Perfect For:
The ANCEL AD310 OBD II Scanner is perfect for car owners and mechanics who need a quick and easy way to diagnose engine problems. It’s great for those who want to clear error codes and check the health of their car without any technical knowledge. This scanner is also ideal for DIYers who want a compact and portable tool that works with many vehicle brands.
Ready to Purchase?
2. MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow
The MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner is a simple, easy-to-use tool for diagnosing engine issues. It reads and clears engine codes, displays vehicle data, and shows real-time information about your car’s performance.
It works with most cars made after 1996. The 2.8″ LCD screen is clear and easy to read. It connects directly to the OBD2 port for power.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This product is perfect for car owners who want to easily diagnose engine problems without visiting a mechanic. It is especially useful for those with OBD II compatible vehicles looking for a compact, easy-to-use tool for quick and reliable car diagnostics.
Ready to Purchase?
3. Autel Professional OBD2 Scanner AL319 Code Reader, Enhanced Check and Reset Engine Fault Code, Live Data, Freeze Frame, CAN Car Diagnostic Scan Tools for All OBDII Vehicles After 1996, 2025 Upgraded
The Autel AL319 is a professional OBD2 scanner that helps you find and fix car problems. This diagnostic tool reads error codes and turns off your check engine light quickly.
The scanner works with all cars made after 1996. It shows live data from your engine in real time. The device is plug and play with no setup needed.
You get a 12-month warranty and free lifetime updates with this scanner. The color display and long cable make it easy to use in any car.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to save money on repairs and DIY enthusiasts who like to fix their own vehicles. The AL319 is great for people who are not car experts but want to understand what’s wrong with their car when the check engine light comes on.
Ready to Purchase?
4. Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 Universal Car Engine Fault Code Reader, Check Engine Light and Emission Monitor Status, OBDII CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool
The Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 is your go-to tool for checking engine trouble codes and monitoring your vehicle’s health. It’s perfect for DIY car owners who want to save money and time on car repairs.
This scanner reads and clears Check Engine Light codes easily. It helps you get ready for smog checks. Plus, it offers lifetime technical support for your peace of mind.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for DIY car owners who want to save money on car repairs. It’s great for people who need to turn off check engine lights, read error codes, and prepare for smog checks without paying high shop fees.
Ready to Purchase?
5. XTOOL D5S OBD2 Scanner – 2025 Code Reader for Cars & Trucks with 16 Resets, Crank Sensor Relearn, Throttle Relearn, EPB, FCA AutoAuth, CAN FD for GM, Engine ABS SRS Transmission Car Diagnostic Tool
The XTOOL D5S is a powerful car scanner that reads codes from your engine, transmission, ABS, and airbag systems. It comes with 16 reset functions like brake bleeding, battery tests, and sensor relearns to fix common car problems.
This scanner works on over 90 car brands made after 1996. It has a large 5.45-inch touchscreen that’s easy to read. You get free updates for life with no monthly fees.
The D5S helps you save money on repair shop visits. It explains trouble codes in simple terms so you know what’s wrong. The scanner comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime tech support from XTOOL.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This XTOOL D5S scanner is perfect for car owners, DIY mechanics, and small repair shops who want to fix their own vehicles. It works great for people who need to reset warning lights, check engine codes, and diagnose problems in their cars and trucks without paying high shop fees.
Ready to Purchase?
6. XIAUODO OBD2 Scanner Car Code Reader Support Voltage Test Plug and Play Fixd Car CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool Read and Clear Engine Error Codes for All OBDII Protocol Vehicles Since 1996（Black）
The XIAUODO OBD2 Scanner is a powerful tool for car diagnostics. It reads and clears engine fault codes with ease. It supports real-time data streaming and voltage tests.
This tool is beginner-friendly and easy to use. It has a sturdy design and a clear color screen. It works with most 1996+ vehicles.
Get accurate diagnostics and easy repairs with this tool. It is compatible with US, EU, and Asian cars. Enjoy excellent customer support and a 90-day warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to save money on repairs and understand their vehicle better. It works great for beginners learning about cars, DIY enthusiasts who fix their own vehicles, and professional mechanics who need a reliable diagnostic tool for their shop.
Ready to Purchase?
7. Performance Tool W2977 CAN OBD II Scanner Tool for Check Engine Light & Diagnostics, Direct Scan and Read Out
The Performance Tool W2977 CAN OBD II Scanner is an essential diagnostic tool. It works with most vehicles made after 1996. It supports American, European, and Asian cars.
This scanner reads and erases Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) quickly. It helps you find and fix engine and emission issues easily.
The tool also checks the emission system readiness. This ensures your vehicle meets state and federal requirements. It works with all OBD2 protocols, including CAN.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This OBD II scanner is perfect for DIY car owners and professional mechanics who need to quickly diagnose engine problems. It’s ideal for anyone with a 1996 or newer vehicle who wants to read trouble codes, clear check engine lights, and check emissions readiness without expensive trips to the shop.
Ready to Purchase?
8. LZLRUN K+CAN K+DCAN Car Diagnostic Tool Cable OBD USB Interface with Switch for BMW with FT232RL NCS Coding Winkfp Tool32 Programing
The LZLRUN K+CAN K+DCAN Car Diagnostic Tool Cable is a must-have for BMW owners. It connects easily to your car and computer for quick diagnostics.
It works with cars from 1998 to 2019. It supports full BMW diagnostics using Ediabas and K+DCAN. The cable has an FT232RL chip for fast connection.
The cable includes a switch for easy use. It works well with N54, N55, and other BMW engines. This tool can save you time and money on DIY diagnostics.
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Perfect For:
This diagnostic tool is perfect for BMW owners who want to perform DIY diagnostics. It’s easy to use, especially for those working with BMW models from 1998 to 2019. If you’re into car diagnostics and want to save money and time, this tool is for you. Ideal for those familiar with NCS Coding and Winkfp programming.
Ready to Purchase?
9. JDIAG JD001 OBD2 Scanner Professional Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for Cars Since 1996 Easy to Read and Clear False Code with DTC Lookup, I/M Readiness, Freeze Frame
The JDIAG JD001 OBD2 Scanner is a simple tool to diagnose engine problems. It helps you read and clear error codes quickly.
It works with most OBD2 protocols like CAN, ISO9141, and KWP2000. This scanner is compatible with US cars from 1996, European cars from 2000, and Asian cars from 2006. It also supports 8 languages such as English, Spanish, French, and Japanese.
You can easily check engine lights with this tool. It reads live data, tests components, and helps with emission monitoring. You don’t need a battery or charger; it gets power directly from your car.
The freeze frame function shows key engine data when errors happen. You can also retrieve your vehicle’s VIN number. The scanner gives clear and quick results for all your diagnostic needs.
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Perfect For:
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to diagnose engine problems themselves. It’s ideal for people who drive cars made after 1996 and want to save money on repair shop visits. DIY mechanics and car enthusiasts will love how easy it is to read error codes and clear check engine lights. The tool works great for anyone who wants to understand their car better and catch problems early.
Ready to Purchase?
10. VDIAGTOOL VD10 OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Car Diagnostic Tool Engine Fault Code Reader for Turn Off CEL with Freeze Frame/I/M Readiness for All OBDII Protocol Cars, OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool
The VDIAGTOOL VD10 is a simple car scanner that plugs into your vehicle. It reads engine codes and shows what’s wrong on a clear screen. You can clear fault codes and turn off the check engine light in seconds.
This tool works with 99% of cars made after 1996. It shows live data from your engine and helps you pass emissions tests.
The scanner needs no batteries and gets power from your car. It comes with a 3-year warranty and free updates for life.
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Perfect For:
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to fix their own vehicles and save money on mechanic visits. It’s ideal for DIY enthusiasts and beginners who need an easy-to-use tool to read engine codes, turn off check engine lights, and keep their cars running smoothly.
Ready to Purchase?
Buying Guide
CAN diagnostic tools help you find car problems fast. These smart devices plug into your car and show error codes in plain English. The right scanner saves you hundreds of dollars on repair bills.
I remember the first time my check engine light came on during a road trip. I was stuck at a gas station, worried about expensive tow trucks and mechanic fees. That’s when I bought my first OBD2 scanner and learned how simple car diagnostics could be. Now I never drive without one in my glove box.
Factors to Consider When Buying
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Compatibility: Make sure the scanner works with your car’s year and model. Most tools work with vehicles made after 1996, but some older cars need special adapters.
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Screen Quality: A clear display makes reading codes much easier. Look for scanners with large screens and bright colors that you can see in dark garages.
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Code Coverage: Basic scanners only read engine codes, while advanced ones check transmission, ABS, and airbag systems. Choose based on what parts of your car you want to diagnose.
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Ease of Use: The best scanners are plug and play with no setup needed. Look for tools with simple buttons and plain English explanations instead of confusing technical terms.
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Power Source: Most scanners get power from your car through the OBD2 port. This means no dead batteries or charging cables to worry about.
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Update Support: Car manufacturers add new codes every year. Choose scanners with free lifetime updates so your tool stays current with newer vehicles.
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Build Quality: Look for scanners with thick cables and sturdy cases. Cheap tools break easily and leave you stranded when you need them most.
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Warranty and Support: Good companies offer long warranties and helpful customer service. This protects your investment and gives you help when you’re stuck.
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Price Range: Basic code readers cost under $50, while professional scanners can cost $200 or more. Buy based on how often you’ll use the tool and what features you need.
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Brand Reputation: Stick with known brands like Autel, ANCEL, and XTOOL that have proven track records. These companies make reliable tools that last for years.