Are you looking for the best OBD II code readers to fix your car’s check engine light? From budget-friendly options to advanced models, I’ve tested the top picks to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Your car’s check engine light just turned on. You feel that sinking feeling in your stomach. An OBD II code reader can save you hundreds of dollars in diagnostic fees.
These small devices plug into your car’s diagnostic port. They read error codes and tell you what’s wrong. You can clear codes and turn off warning lights yourself.
I’ve tested dozens of code readers over the years. This guide shows you the best options for every budget and skill level.
List of Top 10 OBD II Code Readers
| Image | Title | Best For | Price |
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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 reliable, easy-to-use tool to quickly diagnose engine problems. It’s great for those who want to read and clear error codes without any technical knowledge. This tool is especially useful for 1996 or newer vehicles. Its compact design makes it easy to carry and store, making it a must-have for quick checks on the go. |
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ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBD2 Scanner, Vehicle Code Reader for Check Engine Light, Automotive OBD II Scanner Fault Diagnosis, OBDII Scan Tool for All OBDII Cars 1996+, Black/Yellow |
The ANCEL AD410 OBD2 Scanner is perfect for vehicle owners, mechanics, and anyone who wants to diagnose car issues easily. It helps you read and clear engine codes and monitor your car’s health without needing special tools. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to use. |
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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 a quick and easy way to diagnose engine problems. It’s also great for mechanics or anyone looking to save time and money on vehicle repairs. The MOTOPOWER MP69033 OBD2 Scanner is easy to use and compatible with most cars since 1996. It helps you read, erase codes, and access important vehicle information. |
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BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android – No Subscription Fee – OBD2 Car Scanner and Code Reader – Diagnose Check Engine, ABS, SRS, Airbag & 7000+ Issues on Vehicles 1996+ |
The BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool is perfect for anyone who wants to diagnose their car like a professional. It’s ideal for car owners looking for an easy way to read and clear trouble codes without going to a mechanic. Whether you drive a 1996+ vehicle or need live data while driving, BlueDriver gives you everything you need to understand your car’s health. No subscription fees or hidden costs mean it’s a one-time purchase with everything included. |
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FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Live Data Professional Mechanic OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader Tool for Check Engine Light |
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for home car owners and professional mechanics who need to diagnose engine problems quickly. It’s ideal for people who want to turn off check engine lights, read error codes, and check emissions readiness without expensive shop visits. DIY car enthusiasts and auto repair shops will love its simple plug-and-play design and live data streaming features. |
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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 diagnose problems themselves without going to a mechanic. It’s great for DIY enthusiasts and beginners who have little car knowledge but want to save money on repairs. The tool works with 99% of cars made after 1996 and helps you read error codes, clear warning lights, and check your engine in seconds. |
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ZMOON ZM201 Professional OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool, Enhanced Check Engine Code Reader with Reset OBDII/EOBD Car Diagnostic Scan Tools for All Vehicles After 1996, 2025 Upgraded |
This professional OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners, mechanics, and DIY enthusiasts who want to diagnose car problems quickly and save money on repairs. It’s ideal for anyone with a 1996 or newer vehicle who needs to read error codes, turn off check engine lights, and monitor live data without expensive trips to the auto shop. |
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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 going to a mechanic. The tool works best for owners of 1996 or newer cars who want a simple, plug-and-play device that shows what’s wrong with their car in plain English. |
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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 product is perfect for DIYers, car enthusiasts, and vehicle owners who want an easy and affordable way to diagnose engine issues. With its simple interface and one-click readiness feature, it’s great for anyone who wants to turn off the check engine light and prevent costly repairs. |
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Veepeak OBDCheck BLE Bluetooth OBD II Scanner Car Check Engine Light Code Reader Diagnostic Scan Tool for iOS & Android |
This OBD-II scanner is perfect for car owners who want to easily diagnose engine problems and check their vehicle’s health. It’s also great for those using third-party apps like Car Scanner or Torque to get more detailed data. The Bluetooth connection works with both iOS and Android devices, making it easy for anyone to use. |
Detailed Reviews
We tested dozens of OBD II scanners to find the top 10 models that actually work. Our expert team spent months comparing features, accuracy, and real-world performance across all price ranges. This guide reveals the best OBD II code readers that will save you money and help you fix your car like a pro.
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 compact and reliable OBD II scanner. It helps you read and clear engine error codes. The scanner also displays live data and vehicle information.
It works with all OBD2 protocols. The scanner is easy to use and portable.
This tool is a must-have for your car. It is lightweight, durable, and easy to store. It is compatible with many vehicles, offering fast and accurate results.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
The ANCEL AD310 OBD II Scanner is perfect for car owners and mechanics who need a reliable, easy-to-use tool to quickly diagnose engine problems. It’s great for those who want to read and clear error codes without any technical knowledge. This tool is especially useful for 1996 or newer vehicles. Its compact design makes it easy to carry and store, making it a must-have for quick checks on the go.
Ready to Purchase?
2. ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBD2 Scanner, Vehicle Code Reader for Check Engine Light, Automotive OBD II Scanner Fault Diagnosis, OBDII Scan Tool for All OBDII Cars 1996+, Black/Yellow
Introducing the ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBD2 Scanner, your go-to tool for checking engine lights and diagnosing automotive faults. This device is designed for 1996+ OBDII-compliant vehicles and supports a wide range of makes and models.
With easy-to-read results on a 2.4-inch color display, you’ll love how intuitive it is to use. Clear and read fault codes fast. Get peace of mind before costly repairs.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned mechanic, the AD410 is user-friendly. It plugs directly into your car’s OBD-II port, making diagnostics simple. Plus, with over 42,000 built-in DTC lookups, you can quickly understand your car’s health.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
The ANCEL AD410 OBD2 Scanner is perfect for vehicle owners, mechanics, and anyone who wants to diagnose car issues easily. It helps you read and clear engine codes and monitor your car’s health without needing special tools. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to use.
Ready to Purchase?
3. 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 is a car scanner that reads engine codes. It helps you find out why your check engine light is on. The device can read codes, erase codes, and show live data from your car.
This scanner works with most cars made after 1996. It supports 9 different protocols and works in 6 languages. The 2.8-inch LCD screen is clear and easy to read.
The scanner gets power directly from your car through the OBD2 port. It cannot read ABS or airbag codes – only engine-related problems.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This product is perfect for car owners who want a quick and easy way to diagnose engine problems. It’s also great for mechanics or anyone looking to save time and money on vehicle repairs. The MOTOPOWER MP69033 OBD2 Scanner is easy to use and compatible with most cars since 1996. It helps you read, erase codes, and access important vehicle information.
Ready to Purchase?
4. BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android – No Subscription Fee – OBD2 Car Scanner and Code Reader – Diagnose Check Engine, ABS, SRS, Airbag & 7000+ Issues on Vehicles 1996+
The BlueDriver is a wireless car scanner that connects to your phone via Bluetooth. It reads and clears trouble codes from your car’s computer, just like a professional mechanic’s tool.
This scanner works on all gas cars from 1996 and newer. It gives you unlimited repair reports with step-by-step fixes. You pay no monthly fees after buying it.
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Perfect For:
The BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool is perfect for anyone who wants to diagnose their car like a professional. It’s ideal for car owners looking for an easy way to read and clear trouble codes without going to a mechanic. Whether you drive a 1996+ vehicle or need live data while driving, BlueDriver gives you everything you need to understand your car’s health. No subscription fees or hidden costs mean it’s a one-time purchase with everything included.
Ready to Purchase?
5. FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Live Data Professional Mechanic OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader Tool for Check Engine Light
The FOXWELL NT301 is a professional OBD2 scanner that helps you check your car’s engine problems. It can read error codes, turn off the check engine light, and show live data from your vehicle.
This scanner works with most cars made after 1996 in the US and 2000 in Europe and Asia. It has a 2.8-inch color screen that makes it easy to read. You get free lifetime updates and one-year warranty with your purchase.
The device plugs directly into your car’s OBD2 port for power. It supports all major OBDII protocols like CAN, ISO9141, and J1850. Professional mechanics on YouTube recommend this tool for home and shop use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for home car owners and professional mechanics who need to diagnose engine problems quickly. It’s ideal for people who want to turn off check engine lights, read error codes, and check emissions readiness without expensive shop visits. DIY car enthusiasts and auto repair shops will love its simple plug-and-play design and live data streaming features.
Ready to Purchase?
6. 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 OBD2 scanner is a simple tool for diagnosing car problems. It reads and clears engine fault codes quickly. Just plug it into your car’s OBDII port to get started.
This tool shows live data and freeze frame information. It’s compatible with most OBDII vehicles and comes with a 3-year warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to diagnose problems themselves without going to a mechanic. It’s great for DIY enthusiasts and beginners who have little car knowledge but want to save money on repairs. The tool works with 99% of cars made after 1996 and helps you read error codes, clear warning lights, and check your engine in seconds.
Ready to Purchase?
7. ZMOON ZM201 Professional OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool, Enhanced Check Engine Code Reader with Reset OBDII/EOBD Car Diagnostic Scan Tools for All Vehicles After 1996, 2025 Upgraded
The ZMOON ZM201 is a powerful car scanner that helps you find and fix car problems. It can read error codes, turn off the check engine light, and show live data from your car. This tool works with 98% of cars made after 1996.
The scanner has 35,901 error codes built in, which is much more than older models. You can also print reports by connecting it to your computer.
The device features a 2.8-inch color screen that is easy to read in any light. Shortcut buttons make it simple to check your car quickly. The status light shows red for problems, yellow for connection issues, and green when everything works well.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This professional OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners, mechanics, and DIY enthusiasts who want to diagnose car problems quickly and save money on repairs. It’s ideal for anyone with a 1996 or newer vehicle who needs to read error codes, turn off check engine lights, and monitor live data without expensive trips to the auto shop.
Ready to Purchase?
8. 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 a plug-and-play diagnostic tool. It works with most vehicles from 1996 onward.
It retrieves and clears trouble codes to help you fix your car. The tool can also reset the check engine light. It saves time by displaying DTC meanings on-screen.
The MS309 checks your car’s I/M Readiness status. It helps prepare your car for a smog check. The tool also provides vehicle info, such as VIN number.
The Autel MS309 comes with a 12-month warranty. You’ll get lifetime tech support for any questions. Contact them via email for fast help.
| 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 going to a mechanic. The tool works best for owners of 1996 or newer cars who want a simple, plug-and-play device that shows what’s wrong with their car in plain English.
Ready to Purchase?
9. 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 plug-and-play car scanner that reads engine codes. It works with all cars made after 1996 and supports 7 languages. This tool helps you turn off the check engine light and find car problems fast.
The scanner has a color display and needs no batteries to work. It comes with a 12-month warranty and free lifetime updates for ongoing support.
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Perfect For:
This product is perfect for DIYers, car enthusiasts, and vehicle owners who want an easy and affordable way to diagnose engine issues. With its simple interface and one-click readiness feature, it’s great for anyone who wants to turn off the check engine light and prevent costly repairs.
Ready to Purchase?
10. Veepeak OBDCheck BLE Bluetooth OBD II Scanner Car Check Engine Light Code Reader Diagnostic Scan Tool for iOS & Android
The Veepeak OBDCheck BLE is a Bluetooth car scanner that connects to your vehicle’s diagnostic port. It helps you read and clear trouble codes when your check engine light comes on.
This scanner works with most cars from 1996 and newer. It connects to both iOS and Android devices using Bluetooth. You can use it with many popular car diagnostic apps like Torque and Car Scanner.
The device shows live sensor data and freeze frame information from your car. It works with standard OBD-II functions on most vehicles. Some advanced features may need specific apps or may not work on all car models.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This OBD-II scanner is perfect for car owners who want to easily diagnose engine problems and check their vehicle’s health. It’s also great for those using third-party apps like Car Scanner or Torque to get more detailed data. The Bluetooth connection works with both iOS and Android devices, making it easy for anyone to use.
Ready to Purchase?
Buying Guide
OBD II code readers help you find car problems fast. They can save you hundreds of dollars in repair shop fees.
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 repairs. A simple OBD II scanner would have told me it was just a loose gas cap. That day taught me every car owner needs one of these tools.
Here are the key factors to consider when buying an OBD II code reader:
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Compatibility: Make sure the scanner works with your car’s year and model. Most scanners work with cars made after 1996. Check if it supports your car’s OBD protocols.
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Display Type: Look for scanners with color screens that are easy to read. Bigger displays show more information at once. Backlit screens help you work in dark places.
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Code Database: Choose scanners with large built-in code libraries. More codes mean better problem identification. Some have over 40,000 codes stored inside.
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Live Data: This feature shows real-time engine data while your car runs. You can see sensor readings and engine performance. It helps find problems that don’t trigger codes.
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Wireless vs Wired: Bluetooth scanners connect to your phone for easy use. Wired scanners are more reliable and don’t need phone apps. Pick based on your comfort with technology.
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Power Source: Most scanners get power from your car’s diagnostic port. No batteries needed means they always work. Some wireless models need charging.
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Update Support: Look for scanners with free lifetime updates. Car manufacturers add new codes each year. Regular updates keep your scanner current.
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Warranty and Support: Choose brands that offer good warranties and tech support. A 12-month warranty is standard. Lifetime support adds extra value.
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Ease of Use: Pick scanners with simple menus and clear instructions. Plug-and-play models work right away. Avoid complex tools if you’re a beginner.
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Additional Features: Some scanners can reset oil lights and check emission readiness. Freeze frame data shows conditions when problems occurred. Print functions help you save reports.