The Best auto code readers of 2022 – Reviews & Buying Guide

After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, we find out the Best auto code readers of 2022. Check our ranking below.

2,174 Reviews Scanned

SaleRank No. #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)

CEL Doctor: The ANCEL AD310 is one of the best-selling OBD II scanners on the market and is recommended by Scotty Kilmer, a YouTuber and auto mechanic. It can easily determine the cause of the check engine light coming on, quickly read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, read live data & hard memory data, view freeze frame, I/M monitor readiness and collect vehicle information. Instead of taking car to mechanic shop, you can use it to check the trouble code and show code definition by yourself.
Sturdy and Compact: Equipped with a 2.5 foot cable made of very thick, flexible insulation. It is important to have a sturdy scanner as it can easily fall to the ground when working in a car. The AD310 OBD2 scanner is a well-constructed mechanic tool with a sleek design. It weighs 12 ounces and measures 8.9 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches. Thanks to its compact design and light weight, transporting the device is not a problem. The buttons are clearly labelled and the screen is large and displays results clearly.
Accurate Fast and Easy to Use: The AD310 scanner can help you or your mechanic understand if your car is in good condition, provides exceptionally accurate and fast results, reads and clears engine trouble codes in seconds. If you want to find out the cause of the check engine light, this device will let you know immediately and fix the problem right away without any car knowledge. No need for batteries or a charger, get power directly from the OBDII Data Link Connector in your vehicle.
OBDII Protocols and Car Compatibility: Many cheap scan tools do not really support all OBD2 protocols. This is not the case with the AD310 scanner as it can support all OBDII protocols such as KWP2000, J1850 VPW, ISO9141, J1850 PWM and CAN. This device also has extensive vehicle compatibility with 1996 US-based, 2000 EU-based and Asian cars, light trucks, SUVs, as well as newer OBD2 and CAN vehicles both domestic and foreign. Check compatibility with your vehicle model before purchasing.
Home Necessity and Worthy to Own: This is an excellent code reader to travel or home with as it weighs less and it is compact in design. You can easily slide it in your backpack as you head to the garage, or put it on the dashboard, this will be a great fit for you. The AD310 is not only portable, but also accurate and fast in performance. Moreover, it covers various car brands and is suitable for people who just need a code reader to check their car.

Rank No. #2

OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool, Check Engine Code Reader OBD2 Scanner with Reset, Mode 6, Mode 8 & I/M Readiness, Auto Check Engine Light Car Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBDII Car Since 1996

Professional OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool with Powerful Functions:OBD2 scanner code reader feature built-in 35901 OBD2 DTCs lookup library, As professional car scanner, the obd2 scanner diagnostic tool will help you to determine the cause of the engine light,read I/M readiness, Read & clear codes, turn off engine light or MIL, view freeze frame, retrieve vehicle VIN, battery voltage test, live data stream, onboard monitoring mode, and perform component testing etc
OBD2 Scanner Built-in 35,901 DTC Lookup: The OBD2 scanner car code reader built-in 35,901 DTCs, the old model obd2 scanner diagnostic tool usually only have 3,000-10,000.the OBD2 Scanner of DTC library covers tens of thousands detailed fault code definitions that will quickly determine the fault cause and catch potential problems before they cost you a fortune. Besides, you don't need to google the meaning of each fault code.If you are looking to replace or upgrade an existing car code reader, this code reader is an excellent option.
OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner Tool Compatible with 98% Vehicles And Multiple Languages: The code reader OBD2 scanner for cars is designed to be compatible with most vehicles manufactured after 1996 US-Based, 2000 EU-Based and Asian cars. If your car has a 16-pin OBD2 port and was produced within the specified timeline, it should be compatible with the code reader and the obd2 scanner diagnostic tool support for 10 languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Dutch, which make it easy to use for people from different countries.
Car Scanner Diagnostic offers Convenient Data Printing：The code reader for car offers advanced features such as live data and DTC replay combined with printing function, Connect the OBD2 scanner to your computer to easily print fault data, empowering you to prevent random charges at car repair shops and save valuable time and money. Additionally, WEJOWE offer lifetime free upgrades for the device, ensuring you always have access to the latest features and improvements.
Super Compact & What You Will Get: The OBD2 scanner tool is easy to carrying and storage,With each package, you will receive a canvas storage bag for convenient storage and a Type-C cable to connect to your computer.And Car Scanner Diagnostic offers Convenient Data Printing：The code reader for car offers advanced features such as live data and DTC replay combined with printing function, Connect the OBD2 scanner to your computer to easily print fault data, empowering you to prevent random charges at car repair shops and save valuable time and money.

SaleRank No. #3

MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow

Multi-Functions - Practical Multi-Functions OBD2 code reader features built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library, which help you to determine the cause of the engine light, read code, erase code, view freeze frame, I/M ready, vehicle information, data flow, real-time curve, get vehicle speed information, calculate load value, engine coolant temperature, get engine speed.
Wide Capability - Supports 9 protocols compatible with most 1996 US-Based, 2000 EU-Based and Asian cars, and newer OBD II & CAN domestic or import vehicles. Supports 6 languages - English,German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Italian.
2.8" LCD Display - Designed with a clear display 2.8" Large LCD screen - white backlight and contrast adjustment. No need any battery or charger, OBD reader gets the power directly from your vehicle through the OBDII Data Link Connector.
Compact Design - Car diagnostic scanner is equipped with a 2.5 feet long cable and made of a very thick flexible insulator.There are 6 buttons on OBD2 Scanner:scroll up/down,enter/exit and buttons that quick query VIN vehicle number& the DTC fault code.
ABS / Airbag codes NOT Supported - It is able to read and clear check engine information which is part of OBDII system, but it cannot work with non-OBDII systems, including ABS / Airbag / Oil Service Light, etc.

Rank No. #4

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

WIDE COMPATIBILITY – Trusted by YouTube Star Scotty Kilmer. The AD410 OBD2 Scanner supports all 16PIN vehicles that comply with the OBDII protocol, including KWP2000, ISO9141, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM, and CAN. This OBD2 code scanner compatible with 1996 US-based, 2000 EU-based and Asian cars, light trucks, SUVs, as well as newer OBD2 and CAN vehicles. Multilingual support (English, German, French, Spanish, etc.), this car code reader is ideal for international users. Check compatibility with your vehicle model before purchasing. !!! Powered directly from your vehicle's OBDII connector, this diagnostic tool doesn' t need a battery or charger.
CRITICAL FUNCTIONALITY – Quickly Read & Clear Fault Codes. The AD410 obd2 scanner diagnostic tool quickly reads and clears stored emissions-related codes, pending codes, and provides code definitions. With over 42,000 built-in DTC lookups, you can easily identify faults without the need for Google searches. Reset the MIL, check monitor readiness before smog tests, and understand your vehicle's health before costly repairs. !!! Note: Fault codes can be cleared after resolving the underlying issue, the code reader itself does not have a reset function.
ENHANCED OBDII DIAGNOSTICS – Comprehensive System Testing. This engine obd2 scanner diagnostic tool offers advanced diagnostics, including testing of O2 sensors and EVAP systems. Perform a leak test on your vehicle's EVAP system and monitor the fuel tank's integrity. The O2 sensor test helps fine-tune the air/fuel mixture, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions—saving you money at the pump and reducing your car's environmental impact. !!! Note: The AD410 is only an engine code reader, it DOESN'T support other systems such as ABS, SRS, Transmission and others.
QVGA DISPLAY & NEW UI – Easy-to-Use, User-Friendly Interface. The AD410 scanner for car boasts a 2.4 TFT true-color LCD display (262K) for clear, easy-to-read results. With an intuitive UI design, you can quickly access OBDII diagnostics, I/M readiness checks, DTC search, and setup options. No need to read a manual—this user-friendly auto diagnostic code scanner is perfect for beginners, mechanic and seasoned users alike.
DIAGNOSTIC REPORTS & FREE LIFETIME UPDATES. The AD410 car scanner reader allows you to review, save, or print detailed diagnostic trouble code reports. Plus, with lifetime free software updates, you’ll always have the latest features and bug fixes. Simply download the updates from the ANCEL website and follow the easy on-screen installation instructions. (Note: update is not necessary, the AD410 code reader can be directly inserted into the OBDII interface of the car to use, if it doesn't work, then consider updating the device.) The ANCEL website provides the latest product user manual, which can be downloaded and viewed at any time.

SaleRank No. #5

AMTIFO OBD2 Scanner with Battery Tester - Check Engine Light & Emissions Readiness, Plug & Play, Battery Health, Real-Time Date, Car Code Reader, Support All OBD II Vehicles

Comprehensive Vehicle Diagnostics - Car code reader supports nine OBDII/EOOBD protocols, providing complete diagnostics for all car types. Easily read and clear check engine light codes for accurate troubleshooting
Battery Health & Voltage Monitoring - Code reader for cars and truck sexclusive battery tester checks battery life, charge, and voltage, keeping you informed of your car's battery status at all times
Real-Time Data Streaming - Car scanner access live data with clear graphs, enabling you to monitor vehicle performance in real-time and ensure emissions readiness for smog checks
User-Friendly & Multilingual - Simple plug-and-play setup with a responsive color screen. Supports 13 languages, making diagnostics accessible to users worldwide.
Durable & Compact Design - Built to last with a rugged exterior for easy handling. Portable and convenient, ideal for DIY diagnostics at home or professional use in shops.

Rank No. #6

FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Live Data Professional Mechanic OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader Tool for Check Engine Light

[Vehicle CEL Doctor] The NT301 obd2 scanner enables you to read DTCs, access to I/M readiness status, figure out the root reason of check engine light or MIL turned on, monitor sensors test, read live data and retrieve VIN of your vehicle. The fault code only can be cleared after repair finished by NT301, as like all the obd2 code readers' working principle
[Accuracy & Streams] Live data graphing and logging. Accurately read error codes for most Worldwide cars, SUVs, light trucks and 12V diesels equipped with Obd2. Graphing live vehicle sensors data allows you to focus on any suspicious data and trend.
[Worthy to Own] Recommended by most professional mechanics on Youtube. Codes analysis and Printer compatible. Unique PATENTED design, 2.8" color screen and 1-year seller assurance with EXCLUSIVE tech and service team. Plug & Play, no need to update before using. Available to windows system. NOT support ios and Mac
[S-mog Check Helper] Read/Erase and I/M readiness hotkeys make it easy to use the car computer reader right out of the package. Red-Yellow-Green Leds and build-in speaker indicate the readiness status for confident e-missions test
[Home Necessity] Open to global customers. No battery required, NT301 obd scanner is charged directly from the 16pin DLC in your vehicle. It is recommended as a necessity in your toolbox and great choice for Home and Autoshop Mechanics. This scanner for car only supports to read the fault code of engine system, not support ABS or SRS

SaleRank No. #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

Full OBDII Modes Scanner for Car: As professional car scanner, ZM201 has all the OBD2 functions you need. Read & clear codes, turn off engine light or MIL, view freeze frame, read I/M readiness, retrieve vehicle VIN, battery voltage test, live data stream (with graphing display), built-in 35901 DTCs, O2 sensor test, onboard monitoring mode, and perform component testing etc.
Enhanced OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool: Live data and DTC replay combined with printing function, you can connect it to a computer for fault data printing, prevent auto repair shops from charging randomly, save money and time. ZM201 obd scanner also comes with free-lifetime software updates, ensuring you always have the latest features and improvements.
35,901 DTC Lookup: ZM201 car code reader built-in 35,901 DTCs, the old model obd2 usually only have 3,000-10,000. So the ZM201 car scanner has a huge advantage, which means that this obd2 scanner can better help diagnose and solve your vehicle faults. This is a great option if you want to replace or upgrade an existing car scanner.
Compatible with 98% Vehicles: ZM201 OBD2 scanner for car is compatible with most cars after 1996(USA)/2002(EU)/2008(Asia). If your car has an OBD2 port (16Pin), and the production time meets the above timeline, then your vehicle is compatible. But it is not compatible with new energy vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and models that do not comply with the OBD2 protocol.
Convenient Shortcut Functions: The addition of shortcut keys enhances the user experience. Pressing F1 enables you to quickly retrieve trouble codes, while F2 provides instant access to I/M readiness information. We've also introduced left and right navigation buttons (the previous model had only up and down buttons), making operation even more convenient.

Rank No. #8

OBD2 Scanner Ease Setup Plug-Play: Clear Reset Engine Error Code Professional Code Reader Diagnostic Scan Tools with Freeze Frame/I/M Readiness for All Cars Since 1996 & Newer - LK11

【Easy to Use】The obd2 scanner housing is made of ABS thermoplastic polymer with excellent heat and impact resistance, bringing you unmatched reliability. Equipped with a 1.8-foot cable with extra-thick flexible insulation for great convenience and durability, the plug-and-play makes for a more stable connection without having to worry about cable fraying.The car code reader is the ideal tool to be the go-to source for you and your mechanic to understand the health of your vehicle. Even if you are not familiar with vehicle maintenance, you can quickly operate this code reader and get the information you want in just a few seconds, which greatly saves valuable time.
【Keep Engine in Good Condition】The obd scanner makes it easy to keep track of your vehicle's health, and also quickly retrieves and clears generic fault codes, providing detailed DTC definitions to help you gain a deeper understanding of exactly what each fault means, saving you the time and effort of traveling to a repair store for troubleshooting. This obd2 scanner diagnostic tool is also designed specifically for engine problems, quickly reading and clearing engine fault codes in seconds, with clearly labeled buttons and a large screen that clearly displays the results, enabling you to quickly pinpoint the cause of the fault and get a full picture of your vehicle's health.
【First Choice Doctor for Vehicle Inspection】If you want to find out the root cause of the check engine light, this check engine code reader device will tell you and solve the problem instantly, no need any car knowledge and battery or charger, directly plug the scanner for car into the car's 16-pin OBD II port to get the power supply, and then after turning on it, it will prompt you to start the car, and then according to the requirements Press the button and you will immediately see the error codes and their definitions. This car diagnostic scanner can be the first tool to help you determine the cause and find the solution, so that your car is always in the best condition.
【Multi Functional】The obd ii scanner retrieves the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Calibration ID, Calibration Verification Number (CVN) and other information to ensure that the ECU matches your car.The car code reader and reset tool has a view freeze frame function that retrieves data recorded in the ECU at the time of the malfunction, and also allows you to quickly determine the cause of the illuminated Check Engine Light to shorten the test drive verification time. It can also read codes, clear codes, check the status of I/M functions for readiness, vehicle information, calculate load values, obtain vehicle speed information, engine coolant temperature, and obtain engine RPM.
【Broad Compatibility】Most car scanner diagnostic tool do not really support all OBD II protocols, while LK11 car scanner tools are different and conform to all OBD II protocols. And also has wide vehicle compatibility, Including passenger cars and light trucks in the United States after 1996, cars and SUVs in the European Union and Asia after 2000, and vehicles with relatively new OBD2 and CAN standards at home and abroad. Please check the compatibility with your vehicle model before buying. Code readers & scan tools support multiple languages, including English, German, Dutch, Spanish, French, etc.

Rank No. #9

FOXWELL Car Scanner NT604 Elite OBD2 Scanner ABS SRS Transmission, Check Engine Code Reader for Cars and Trucks, Diagnostic Scan Tool with SRS Airbag, Automotive Diagnostic Tool with Live Data

[Easy to Use--Work out of the box] + [FOXWELL 2025 New Version] FOXWELL NT604 Elite scan tool is the 2025 new version from FOXWELL, which is designed for those car owners who want to figure out the cause issue before fixing the car problem via scanning the most common systems like ABS SRS engine and transmission.The NT604 Elite obd2 scanner diagnostic tool comes with latest software, which can be used out of box. No need to waste time to download the software first.
[Affordable] + [Reliable Car Health Monitor] Will you be confused what happens when the warning light of ABS/SRS/transmission/check engine flashes? Instead of taking your cars to dealership, this FOXWELL scanner will help you do a thorough scanning and detection for your cars and pinpoint the root cause. It will t-urn off the car warning light after the problem is fixed.👉TIPS: Airbag crash/collision data can NOT be cleared even if you replace the new airbag.
[5 in 1 Car Diagnostic Scanner] Compared with obd scanners (50-100), NT604 Elite code scanner not only includes their OBDII diagnosis but also serves as ABS/SRS scanner, transmission and check engine code reader. When it’s an odb2 scanner, you can use it to check if your car is ready for annual test through I/M readiness menu. In addition, live data stream, built-in DTC library, data play back and print, all these features are a big plus for it. Note: doesn't support maintenance functions.
[Fantastic AUTOVIN] + [No extra software fee] Through the AUTOVIN menu, this NT604 Elite car scanner allows you to get your V-IN and vehicle info rapidly, no need to take time to find your V-IN and input one by one. What's more, the NT604 Elite ABS SRS scanner supports 60+ car makes from worldwide (America/Asia/Europe). You don’t need to pay extra software fee.
[Solid protective case KO plastic carrying bag] + [Lifetime update] Almost all same price-level car scanner diagnostic tool only offers plastic bag to hold the scanner.However, NT604 Elite automotive scanner is equipped with solid protective case, preventing your obd2 scanner from damage. Then you don’t need to pay extra money to buy a solid toolbox.

Rank No. #10

FOXWELL NT201 OBD2 Scanner Code Reader for Cars and Trucks Check Engine Light, Read and Clear Fault Codes, Live Data Diagnostic Tool for All Cars After 1996

Read and Clear Fault Codes: FOXWELL NT201 code reader for cars and trucks could quickly detects the issue that triggers the check engine light, reads and clears engine fault codes, and turns off the check engine light (MIL) after repairs.
Live Data and DTC Reference: Access live data like ETC, MAP, and RPM to identify engine issues accurately. Equipped with built-in trouble code library to provide instant code definitions and clues for your reference to begin car troubleshooting in the right direction and fix car effectively.
One Key Emissions Test: Easily check your vehicle's emission readiness status with one-click I/M readiness hotkey. The car code reader provides visual(red/yellow/green lights) to guide you through the process, simplified emissions checks before state inspections.
Extensive OBDII Modes: Features advanced OBDII functions, including O2 Sensor Test Mode 5 for CAN protocol vehicles. This NT201 obd2 scanner helps diagnose engine performance by analyzing oxygen content in exhaust gases, which is important for addressing engine efficiency issues.
Broad Compatibility: Works with all OBDII/EOBD compliant cars, light duty trucks, suv, minivans, and hybrids sold worldwide. NT201 engine light code reader supports all cars after 1996. Contact us to confirm compatibility with your vehicle if unsure.

Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How Do You Buy The Best auto code readers?

Do you get stressed out thinking about shopping for a great auto code readers? Do doubts keep creeping into your mind? We understand, because we’ve already gone through the whole process of researching auto code readers, which is why we have assembled a comprehensive list of the greatest auto code readers available in the current market. We’ve also come up with a list of questions that you probably have yourself.

We’ve done the best we can with our thoughts and recommendations, but it’s still crucial that you do thorough research on your own for auto code readers that you consider buying. Your questions might include the following:

Is it worth buying an auto code readers?
What benefits are there with buying an auto code readers?
What factors deserve consideration when shopping for an effective auto code readers?
Why is it crucial to invest in any auto code readers, much less the best one?
Which auto code readers are good in the current market?
Where can you find information like this about auto code readers?

We’re convinced that you likely have far more questions than just these regarding auto code readers, and the only real way to satisfy your need for knowledge is to get information from as many reputable online sources as you possibly can.

Potential sources can include buying guides for auto code readers, rating websites, word-of-mouth testimonials, online forums, and product reviews. Thorough and mindful research is crucial to making sure you get your hands on the best-possible auto code readers. Make sure that you are only using trustworthy and credible websites and sources.

We provide an auto code readers buying guide, and the information is totally objective and authentic. We employ both AI and big data in proofreading the collected information. How did we create this buying guide? We did it using a custom-created selection of algorithms that lets us manifest a top-10 list of the best available auto code readers currently available on the market.

This technology we use to assemble our list depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the following:

Brand Value: Every brand of auto code readers has a value all its own. Most brands offer some sort of unique selling proposition that’s supposed to bring something different to the table than their competitors.
Features: What bells and whistles matter for an auto code readers?
Specifications: How powerful they are can be measured.
Product Value: This simply is how much bang for the buck you get from your auto code readers.
Customer Ratings: Number ratings grade auto code readers objectively.
Customer Reviews: Closely related to ratings, these paragraphs give you first-hand and detailed information from real-world users about their auto code readers.
Product Quality: You don’t always get what you pay for with an auto code readers, sometimes less, and sometimes more.
Product Reliability: How sturdy and durable an auto code readers is should be an indication of how long it will work out for you.

We always remember that maintaining auto code readers information to stay current is a top priority, which is why we are constantly updating our websites. Learn more about us using online sources.

If you think that anything we present here regarding auto code readers is irrelevant, incorrect, misleading, or erroneous, then please let us know promptly! We’re here for you all the time. Contact us here. Or You can read more about us to see our vision.

The Best auto code readers of 2022 – Reviews & Buying Guide

How Do You Buy The Best auto code readers?

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