Best OBD2 scanner: which one should I buy?

For most people, get the BlueDriver Pro ($94.94). Its maker says it reads ABS and airbag codes on 11 of the 12 car makes we checked, more than any other scanner, with no subscription. If you only need the check engine light, get the ANCEL AD310 ($29.99). For a handheld with no phone, get the TOPDON AD500 ($159.99).*1–4 The OBDLink MX+, LAUNCH CR529 and Innova 5610 are popular too. See how they compare.

By Pacific Parts Department editors · Published · 24 scanners' claims read on maker sites and Amazon

Our picks

For the check engine light

The lowest price we found, and the top seller

ANCEL AD310

Engine codes only · Handheld · 30,000+ bought last month

$29.99 on Amazon

Check price on Amazon

Best for most people

ABS and airbag codes on the most makes, no fees

BlueDriver Pro (Next-Gen)

Phone app + plug-in · 11 of 12 makes · No subscription

$94.94 on Amazon

Check price on Amazon

Best handheld

Reads engine, transmission, ABS and airbag without a phone

TOPDON ArtiDiag500 (AD500)

Handheld · Free lifetime updates, per TOPDON

$159.99 on Amazon

Check price on Amazon

Prices on Amazon, October 26, 2026. Claims are each maker's own.*4

Other scanners you'll see recommended

These three come up on many "best scanner" lists. Here is how each one compares with our picks.

ScannerPriceTypeOur take
OBDLink MX+
Close to the BlueDriver		$139.95Phone app + plug-inNo fees, and OBDLink includes apps for iPhone, Android and Windows. But OBDLink's own page lists ABS and airbag codes on 4 makes (Ford, Mazda, Toyota and Nissan), against 11 for the BlueDriver Pro. Get it if you drive one of those 4.*5
LAUNCH CR529
Cheap code reader		$44.99HandheldReads and clears engine codes, and its Amazon listing promises free lifetime updates. The ANCEL AD310 does the same job for $15.00 less, and Amazon shoppers bought 30,000+ of those last month, against 200+ of the CR529.*2, 4, 6
Innova 5610
For doing the repair yourself		$349.99HandheldA handheld that Innova says reads ABS, airbag and transmission codes, runs two-way tests and does resets such as oil, battery and DPF, with no subscription. It costs $255.05 more than the BlueDriver Pro, and Innova gives no make-by-make list. See is the Innova 5610 worth it?*7

An OBD2 scanner plugs into the port under your dashboard and tells you why a warning light is on. A basic one reads the check engine light. A better one also reads the ABS (brakes) and airbag lights.

We read the claims for 24 scanners from 11 brands on their makers' sites and Amazon listings. We checked what each maker says it reads, on which car makes, and what you pay after you buy. The 12 makes are Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai/Kia, Subaru, Mazda, VW/Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram. Every claim here is the maker's own, and we show where it comes from.

Which scanner fits what you need?

Each pick wins by the rule in its row. All prices are from Amazon today.

You wantOur pickRulePrice
Just the check engine lightANCEL AD310The top seller among handheld readers whose maker says they read engine codes$29.99
ABS and airbag codes, no feesBlueDriver Pro (Next-Gen)The scanner whose maker names ABS and airbag reading on the most makes (11 of 12), and says it has no subscription fees$94.94
A handheld that reads ABS, airbag and transmissionTOPDON ArtiDiag500 (AD500)The cheapest handheld whose maker says it reads all four systems and promises free lifetime updates$159.99
Diesel truck jobs, like DPF regenXTOOL Anyscan A30MThe cheapest with a DPF function on its maker's page and free lifetime updates$135.12
The lowest price with free updatesANCEL AD410The cheapest whose maker says updates are free for life$39.99

Source: maker sites and Amazon listings, read October 24, 2026*1–4, 8, 9

Want to check your own car first? See which scanners read ABS and airbag codes on each make.

What to look for in an OBD2 scanner

The lights you need to read. Every scanner we checked says it reads the check engine light. ABS and airbag codes need a scanner that reads more than the engine (makers call this "enhanced"), and most makers only promise them on some cars.*1

A make list, not a brand count. "Works with 67+ brands" doesn't tell you what it reads on your car. Only 2 of 11 brands, BlueDriver and OBDLink, publish a make-by-make ABS and airbag list.

What you pay after you buy. Some apps charge a yearly fee after a free trial. FIXD Premium is $99.99 a year, per FIXD's App Store page.*10 BlueDriver says it has no subscription fees, TOPDON promises free lifetime updates for the AD500, and ANCEL's AD310 page mentions no fees.*1–3

Phone or handheld. A phone scanner is a small plug-in that talks to an app. A handheld has its own screen and needs no phone.

A 2018 or newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram. These have a security gateway that blocks unregistered tools. Without registering, you can't clear codes or run active tests (sending commands to parts), XTOOL says.*11 Registration is with AutoAuth, from $5 a month, billed yearly.*12

Our pick for the check engine light

ANCEL AD310

ANCEL's photo of the AD310 with its box and cable.
ANCEL's photo of the AD310 with its box and cable. Image: ANCEL, via Amazon.

Who it's for. Anyone who just wants to know why the check engine light is on, without a phone or an app.

Why we picked it. ANCEL says it "reads and erases diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, for the check engine light." It also shows live data and freeze frame data, and it runs off the car's port, so there are no batteries.*2 At $29.99 it is the lowest price of any scanner we checked on Amazon, and the one Amazon shoppers buy most: 30,000+ last month.*4

Flaws but not dealbreakers. It reads the engine only. Its Amazon listing says it "only supports the diagnosis of emission-related issues." ANCEL's own page says it works on most 1996 US, 2000 European and 2005-and-newer Asian cars, and that some Japanese and Korean cars may not work. It doesn't support hybrids or electric cars.*2

What owners report.

  • Owners say it is cheap, easy to read and does the basic job: read the code and clear the light.*13–15
  • It reads engine codes only, so it won't help with ABS or airbag lights.*16
  • Some Amazon reviewers say it stopped working.*13
$29.99 on Amazon, October 26, 2026Check price on Amazon

Our pick for most people

BlueDriver Pro (Next-Gen)

BlueDriver's photo of its app on a phone.
BlueDriver's photo of its app on a phone. Image: BlueDriver, via Amazon.

Who it's for. Anyone with a phone who wants to read the ABS and airbag lights, not just the check engine light.

Why we picked it. BlueDriver lists "Advanced Diagnostics (ABS, Airbag, SRS, and TPMS)" for 11 of the 12 makes we checked, more than any other maker. Its page says "Zero Subscription Fees or Add-ons." The warranty is 1 year.*1

Flaws but not dealbreakers. Some makes start at a model year: Honda and Acura 2003, BMW and Mercedes 2005, Hyundai and Kia 2011. BlueDriver's App Store text says 2012 for Hyundai and Kia, so check your year. Its Chrysler line repeats its Ford text, an error on its own page, so we don't count Chrysler; check a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram in its vehicle checker. On 2018 and newer models of those brands, clearing codes needs a tool registered with AutoAuth, and BlueDriver's page doesn't mention it. It needs your phone. BlueDriver's pages describe diesel support three different ways; see our diesel truck guide.*1

What owners report.

  • Owners say it reads ABS, airbag and transmission codes that cheap readers miss, and that it has paid for itself.*17–19
  • Some report connection trouble or readings that don't match.*17
  • It doesn't read every system on every brand. A Mercedes owner says an Autel tool scans more of his car's systems.*20
$94.94 on Amazon, October 26, 2026Check price on Amazon

Our pick for a handheld

TOPDON ArtiDiag500 (AD500)

TOPDON's photo of the four systems the AD500 reads.
TOPDON's photo of the four systems the AD500 reads. Image: TOPDON, via Amazon.

Who it's for. People who want a scanner with its own screen that reads more than the engine, and who don't want an app.

Why we picked it. TOPDON says it reads four systems: "(Only PCM, TCM, ABS, SRS)," meaning engine, transmission, ABS and airbag. It also does service resets, such as oil, throttle, steering angle, tire pressure, battery and parking brake. TOPDON lists "Updates Included: Free Lifetime" and a 1-year warranty.*3

Flaws but not dealbreakers. TOPDON gives a brand count ("67+") but no make-by-make list, so check your car in TOPDON's coverage tool first. TOPDON puts it in its four-system range, not its models that can send commands to parts. Its Amazon listing says it handles the Chrysler security gateway, but TOPDON's own FAQ says "manufacturer credentials, AutoAuth, fees, or an active tool subscription may still be required."*3

What owners report.

  • Owners say it is easy to set up and handles jobs like retracting an electric parking brake for a pad change.*21–23
  • One owner says he chose it for its lifetime updates and no yearly fees.*23
  • Some Amazon reviewers say it didn't read airbag (SRS) codes on their car, didn't connect, or didn't work on a Volvo.*21
$159.99 on Amazon, October 26, 2026Check price on Amazon

What do OBD2 codes mean?

Every gas car and truck sold in the US since the 1996 model year has OBD-II, and diesels since 1997. When it finds a fault, it turns on a "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light and saves a code.*24

Each code has five characters, like P0420. The first letter tells you the system:*25

LetterSystem
PPowertrain
BBody
CChassis
UNetwork

The second character tells you the type. A generic code is used by every carmaker, with meanings set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). A manufacturer-specific code is set by the carmaker. Federal rules only require the generic codes; carmakers are free to add more.*25

That's why makes matter. A basic reader can read the generic engine codes on any OBD-II car. Reading ABS and airbag codes depends on the scanner maker supporting your make. And a code is a starting point: Innova says not to replace parts based only on the code.*25

Only 2 of 11 brands list which makes get ABS and airbag codes

Most makers say their scanner reads ABS and airbag codes on "some" cars, or give a brand count like "67+ brands," and send you to a lookup tool. The 4 scanners with a make-by-make list on their maker's own pages are BlueDriver's and three OBDLink adapters.

What the makers of 24 OBD2 scanners say about reading ABS and airbag codesMaker lists ABS and airbag make by make4Maker says "some cars," with no make list13Engine codes only5Doesn't say2What the makers of 24 OBD2 scanners say about reading ABS and airbag codesMaker lists ABS and airbag make by make4Maker says "some cars," with no make list13Engine codes only5Doesn't say2

Source: each maker's own pages, read October 24, 2026 · Free to reuse with credit to Pacific Parts Department

See every make, scanner by scanner: which scanner reads ABS and airbag codes on my car.

The competition: every scanner we checked

Why not the FIXD Sensor ($39.99)? It costs less up front, but its best features need FIXD Premium, $12.99 a month or $99.99 a year after the trial. FIXD's pages we could read don't say whether it reads ABS or airbag codes. BlueDriver vs FIXD vs ANCEL has the details.*10

Why not the OBDLink MX+ ($139.95)? It has no fees, but OBDLink's own page lists ABS and airbag reading on 4 makes: Ford, Mazda, Toyota and Nissan. Its Amazon listing adds GM, Honda, Hyundai and Kia, which OBDLink's page doesn't.*5

Why not the Autel AL319 ($29.99)? Autel's site says it has been discontinued, though Amazon still sells it.*26

Sorted by how many Amazon shoppers bought it last month. "Maker": the maker's own page says it. "Amazon listing": only the seller's listing says it.

ScannerTypeReads ABS and airbag?Who says so
ANCEL AD310Amazon · $29.99 · 30,000+ bought last monthHandheldNo. Engine codes only*2Amazon listing
FIXD SensorAmazon · $39.99 · 6,000+ bought last monthPhone app + plug-inNot on the FIXD pages we could read*10—
OBDLink EXAmazon · $69.95 · 6,000+ bought last monthPC adapterFord only, through FORScan on a Windows PC*27Maker
ANCEL AD410Amazon · $39.99 · 5,000+ bought last monthHandheldNo. Engine codes only; ANCEL sells another model for ABS and airbag*9—
Foxwell NT301Amazon · $55.99 · 5,000+ bought last monthHandheldNo. Engine codes only*28Amazon listing
OBDLink MX+Amazon · $139.95 · 5,000+ bought last monthPhone app + plug-inYes. The maker names 4 of our 12 makes*5Maker
Veepeak OBDCheck BLEAmazon · $31.98 · 5,000+ bought last monthPhone app + plug-inYes, on some cars. No make list*29Maker
BlueDriver Pro (Next-Gen)Amazon · $94.94 · 3,000+ bought last monthPhone app + plug-inYes. The maker names 11 of our 12 makes*1Maker
OBDLink CXAmazon · $79.95 · 3,000+ bought last monthPhone app + plug-inOnly with a paid add-on, on the 4 makes OBDLink lists*30Maker
Autel AL319Amazon · $29.99 · 2,000+ bought last monthHandheldNo. Engine codes only*26Maker
Foxwell NT604 EliteAmazon · $135.95 · 2,000+ bought last monthHandheldYes, on some cars. No make list*31Maker
Innova 5210Amazon · $89.99 · 2,000+ bought last monthHandheldABS yes. Airbag not listed*32Maker
Innova 5610Amazon · $349.99 · 2,000+ bought last monthHandheldYes, on some cars. No make list*7Maker
TOPDON ArtiDiag600 SAmazon · $195.99 · 1,000+ bought last monthHandheldYes, on some cars. No make list*33Maker
TOPDON ArtiDiag900 LiteAmazon · $329.00 · 1,000+ bought last monthTablet + plug-inYes, on some cars. No make list*34Maker
XTOOL Anyscan A30MAmazon · $135.12 · 1,000+ bought last monthPhone app + plug-inYes, on some cars. No make list*8Maker
ANCEL VD500Amazon stock not confirmedHandheldYes, on VW, Audi, Skoda and SEAT only*35Maker
Foxwell NT630 PlusAmazon stock not confirmedHandheldYes, on some cars. No make list*36Maker
TOPDON ArtiDiag500 (AD500)Amazon · $159.99 · 600+ bought last monthHandheldYes, on some cars. No make list*3Maker
Foxwell NT510 EliteAmazon stock not confirmedHandheldYes, on some cars. No make list*37Maker
Autel AL519Amazon · $59.99 · 300+ bought last monthHandheldNo. Engine codes only*38Amazon listing
LAUNCH CR529Amazon · $44.99 · 200+ bought last monthHandheldNot stated*6—
LAUNCH CRP123XAmazon · $177.64 · 200+ bought last monthHandheldYes, on some cars. No make list*39Maker
Autel AL619Amazon stock not confirmedHandheldYes, on some cars. No make list*40Maker

Source: maker sites, app stores and Amazon listings, read October 24, 2026*4 · Free to reuse with credit to Pacific Parts Department

How to check a scanner before you buy

  1. Find your make and year on the maker's own list for ABS and airbag codes, or in its lookup tool. A brand count isn't enough.
  2. Read what happens after the free trial. Look for a yearly fee, paid add-ons, or features that switch off.
  3. If you drive a 2018 or newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram, check that the maker's own page names AutoAuth or the security gateway, not just the Amazon listing.

Questions people ask

Is an OBD2 scanner worth it?
If your check engine light comes on, a $29.99 reader shows you the code before you go to a shop. Treat the code as a starting point. Innova, a scanner maker, says not to replace parts based only on the code.
Will any OBD2 scanner work on my car?
Any gas car or truck sold in the US since 1996, and any diesel since 1997, has OBD-II, so a basic reader can read its engine codes. ABS and airbag codes depend on the scanner supporting your make. One cheap reader, the ANCEL AD310, warns that some Japanese and Korean cars may not work.
What is the difference between an OBD2 scanner and a code reader?
People use both words for the same thing. What matters is what it reads: engine codes only, or ABS, airbag and transmission codes too. Check the maker's own list for your car.
What is the best OBD2 scanner without a subscription?
The BlueDriver Pro ($94.94). Its maker says "Zero Subscription Fees or Add-ons," and it lists ABS and airbag reading on 11 of the 12 makes we checked, more than any other. See OBD2 scanners with no subscription.
Do I need a handheld or a Bluetooth scanner?
Either works. A Bluetooth scanner like the BlueDriver uses your phone as the screen. A handheld like the TOPDON AD500 ($159.99) has its own screen and needs no phone or app.

Review log

  • Prices and stock checked on Amazon October 26, 2026.
  • : Published

Notes and sources

  • We read each maker's product pages, manuals, FAQs and app store pages, and each Amazon listing, on October 24, 2026, and saved the exact wording. Where the two disagree, we say so.
  • "Maker names N makes" counts the 12 makes in our table that the maker's own page lists for ABS and airbag reading. A blank means the maker doesn't say, not that the scanner can't.
  • FIXD's website blocked our reader, so FIXD facts come from its App Store page and Amazon listing.
  • Product photos come from Amazon. Next check: January 2027.
  1. BlueDriver Pro (Next-Gen): BlueDriver product page · BlueDriver page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  2. ANCEL AD310: ANCEL product page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  3. TOPDON ArtiDiag500 (AD500): TOPDON product page · TOPDON page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  4. Prices and sellers: Amazon, read October 26, 2026. Units: Amazon's "bought in past month" on each listing, October 24, 2026.
  5. OBDLink MX+: OBDLink product page · OBDLink page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  6. LAUNCH CR529: Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  7. Innova 5610: Innova product page · Innova page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  8. XTOOL Anyscan A30M: XTOOL product page · XTOOL blog · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  9. ANCEL AD410: ANCEL product page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  10. FIXD Sensor: FIXD page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  11. XTOOL (a scan tool maker), "Unlock FCA Secure Gateway-secured vehicles", read October 24, 2026.
  12. AutoAuth, plans and prices, read October 24, 2026.
  13. ANCEL AD310: Amazon listing, "Customers say" summary, which Amazon writes from its customer reviews (67,272 ratings), read October 25, 2026.
  14. Reddit r/altima, owner comment, posted June 20, 2025, read October 25, 2026.
  15. Reddit r/YouShouldKnow, owner comment, posted April 7, 2026, read October 25, 2026.
  16. Reddit r/MechanicAdvice, owner comment, posted September 29, 2020, read October 25, 2026.
  17. BlueDriver Pro (Next-Gen): Amazon listing, "Customers say" summary, which Amazon writes from its customer reviews (63,226 ratings), read October 25, 2026.
  18. Reddit r/MechanicAdvice, owner comment, posted August 7, 2020, read October 25, 2026.
  19. Reddit r/BroncoSport, owner comment, posted February 13, 2026, read October 25, 2026.
  20. Reddit r/mercedes_benz, owner comment, posted July 9, 2025, read October 25, 2026.
  21. TOPDON ArtiDiag500 (AD500): Amazon listing, "Customers say" summary, which Amazon writes from its customer reviews (1,973 ratings), read October 25, 2026.
  22. Reddit r/subaru, owner comment, posted May 14, 2026, read October 25, 2026.
  23. Reddit r/Nissan, owner comment, posted November 18, 2025, read October 25, 2026.
  24. California Air Resources Board, "On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) Systems Fact Sheet", read October 24, 2026.
  25. Innova (a scan tool maker), "Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)", read October 24, 2026.
  26. Autel AL319: Autel product page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  27. OBDLink EX: OBDLink product page · OBDLink page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  28. Foxwell NT301: Foxwell page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  29. Veepeak OBDCheck BLE: Veepeak product page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  30. OBDLink CX: OBDLink product page · OBDLink page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  31. Foxwell NT604 Elite: Foxwell product page · Foxwell user manual · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  32. Innova 5210: Innova product page · Innova blog · Innova page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  33. TOPDON ArtiDiag600 S: TOPDON product page · TOPDON page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  34. TOPDON ArtiDiag900 Lite: TOPDON product page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  35. ANCEL VD500: ANCEL product page · Amazon listing (no current price), read October 24, 2026.
  36. Foxwell NT630 Plus: Foxwell product page · Amazon listing (no current price), read October 24, 2026.
  37. Foxwell NT510 Elite: Foxwell page · Amazon listing (no current price), read October 24, 2026.
  38. Autel AL519: Autel product page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  39. LAUNCH CRP123X: LAUNCH product page · Amazon listing, read October 24, 2026.
  40. Autel AL619: Autel product page · Amazon listing (no current price), read October 24, 2026.