What is a bidirectional scan tool?

A bidirectional scan tool is a device that communicates with a vehicle's control systems to diagnose and fix issues.

What does bidirectional mean in terms of scan tools?

Bidirectional means the tool can both receive data from and send commands to the vehicle's system.

Are all scan tools bidirectional?

No, not all scan tools are bidirectional; some only read fault codes without sending commands.

Is a bidirectional scan tool compatible with all vehicles?

Compatibility varies by product, so always check the tool's specifications for your vehicle's make and model.

Why would I need a bidirectional scan tool?

A bidirectional scan tool is used for advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting of vehicle systems.

February 21, 2026

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10 Best bidirectional scan tools of 2026

Save up to 35% off

1

XTOOL

XTOOL X100 PAD3 SE Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner, Full System Scan Tool with 38+ Resets, Car Scanner Diagnostic Tool with FCA AutoAuth, ECU C0ding, Crank Sensor Relearn, CAN FD & DOIP, 2 Years Update
9.7

Exceptional

Our Rating
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2

Autel
Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808S: 2026 Bidirectional Tool as MK808BT Pro MX808S M808Z, Work as MaxiCheck MX900 MK900BT, 28+ Service, Active Test, All System Diagnose, Injector C0ding, FCA Autoauth OS 11
Main highlights

Fast Diagnostics and Extensive Coverage
Experience 5X faster diagnostics and support for 150 car brands from 1996-2024.

Ideal for Professional and DIY Use
Perfect for mechanics and car enthusiasts with its comprehensive diagnostic capabilities and user-friendly interface.

Highly Praised Customer Support
Customers appreciate responsive support and effective problem resolution, enhancing user experience.
9.6

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.7
Interactive Display

9.3
User interface

9.1
Simple to use
3

TOPDON
TOPDON TopScan Lite OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth, Bi-Directional Scanner Wireless All System Diagnostic Tool for iOS & Android, 8+ Hot Reset, Repair Guides, Check Engine Car Code Reader, Performance Test

35% Off
Main highlights

Bi-Directional Control for Quick Diagnostics
The TopScan Lite enables bi-directional control, allowing users to send commands to the vehicle's ECU for efficient problem-solving.

Ideal for DIY Enthusiasts and Mechanics
Perfect for DIY car enthusiasts and mechanics, offering advanced diagnostic capabilities without the hefty price tag.

Highly Praised for Ease of Use
Customers appreciate its compact design, quick Bluetooth pairing, and user-friendly interface.
Key specs
- Live Data:Supported
- Reset Services:8+ Reset Functions
- Operating System:iOS & Android
- Special Features:Bi-directional Control
- Screen Size:N/A
9.5

Excellent

Our Rating
4

Autel
Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808S: 2026 Bidirectional Tool as MK808BT Pro MX808S M808Z, Work as MaxiCheck MX900 MK900BT, 28+ Service, Active Test, All System Diagnose, Injector C0ding, FCA Autoauth OS 11
Main highlights

Fast Diagnostics and Extensive Coverage
Experience 5X faster diagnostics and support for 150 car brands from 1996-2024.

Ideal for Professional and DIY Use
Perfect for mechanics and car enthusiasts with its comprehensive diagnostic capabilities and user-friendly interface.

Highly Praised Customer Support
Customers appreciate responsive support and effective problem resolution, enhancing user experience.
9.4

Excellent

Our Rating

9.7
Interactive Display

9.3
User interface

9.1
Simple to use
5

mucar

OBD2 Scanner, MUCAR 632 Elite AI-Assisted OBD2 Bidirectional Scan Tool, Oil/Throttle/SAS/TPMS/BMS/EPB Car Scanner Diagnostic Tool with 15+ Resets, CANFD Protocol, Autoauth for FCA SGW, Lifetime Update

22% Off
9.3

Excellent

Our Rating
See Today’s Deals & Prices
6

Innova
Innova 5610 OBD2 Bidirectional Scan Tool - Understand Your Vehicle, Pinpoint What's Wrong, and Complete Your Repairs with Less Headache, Updates Included, US-Based Technical Support

20% Off
Main highlights

Comprehensive Diagnostics and Real-Time Solutions
Offers bi-directional controls, OBD2 and OEM live data for thorough vehicle analysis.

Ideal for DIY Enthusiasts and Professionals
Perfect for diagnosing and repairing vehicles from 1996 onwards, including hybrids.

Highly Praised for OEM Code Reading
Customers appreciate its ability to read and clear OEM-specific codes.
9.2

Excellent

Our Rating

8.9
Simple to use

8.2
Precision

8.0
worth the money
7

TOPDON
TOPDON Bidirectional Scan Tool, 2026 New ArtiDiag900 Lite Automotive Diagnostic Tool for Full System, Scanner for Car with Active Test, 8 Reset, Wireless OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool for All Vehicles

31% Off
Main highlights

Enhanced_Diagnostic_Experience
The ArtiDiag900 Lite offers full system diagnostics, bi-directional control, and 8 reset services for comprehensive vehicle analysis.

Ideal_for_Garages_and_DIY
Perfect for workshops and DIY enthusiasts, it reduces diagnostic time and costs with advanced testing capabilities.

Praised_Wireless_Connectivity
Customers love the Bluetooth 5.0 feature, allowing free movement while diagnosing vehicles with stable wireless connections.
Key specs
- Live Data:View live data stream
- Reset Services:8 HOT Reset Services
- Operating System:Android 11.0
- Special Features:Bidirectional Scan Tool
- Screen Size:8-inch touchscreen
9.1

Excellent

Our Rating
8

XTOOL
OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool XTOOL Anyscan A30M V2.0, 2026 Wireless Bidirectional Scan Tool with Free Updates, 26 Resets, All System for Android & iPhone, Crank Sensor Relearn, EPB, Throttle Relearn

24% Off
Main highlights

Lifetime Free Updates
XTOOL Anyscan A30M offers lifetime free updates, ensuring cost-effective long-term use.

Ideal for DIYers and Homeowners
Perfect for home car owners needing comprehensive diagnostics and maintenance.

Praised Feature: Bi-Directional Control
Customers love its bi-directional control for efficient vehicle diagnostics.
Key specs
- Live Data:Up to 8 streams
- Reset Services:21 Service Options
- Operating System:iOS and Android
- Special Features:Bi-Directional Control, Wireless BT
- Screen Size:N/A
9.0

Excellent

Our Rating

9.3
worth the money

9.3
Simple to use

9.1
Precision
9

KINGBOLEN
KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth, Bidirectional Test Scanner All System Diagnostic Tool for iOS & Android, 15+ Hot Reset, CANFD Protocol, FCA AutoAuth, No Subscriptions Lifetime Update

22% Off
Main highlights

Lifetime Updates and Comprehensive Diagnostics
Ediag Elite offers lifetime updates with a one-time payment, providing access to 15+ reset services and bi-directional control for comprehensive vehicle diagnostics.

Ideal for DIYers and Private Car Owners
Perfect for DIY enthusiasts and car owners seeking cost-effective, detailed diagnostics without subscription fees, using a smartphone for easy access.

Praised for Real-Time Data and User-Friendly Interface
Customers appreciate the real-time data visualization and intuitive EDIAG app, making vehicle maintenance straightforward and accessible.
Key specs
- Live Data:Real-time access to all system data
- Reset Services:15+ reset services
- Operating System:Android, iOS
- Special Features:15+ Maintenance Resets
- Screen Size:Based on your cell phone
8.8

Very Good

Our Rating
10

ANCEL

ANCEL FX6000 Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner, Engine ABS SRS Transmission Diagnostic Tool, 7+ Resets incl. ABS Bleeding EPB Oil SAS BMS, FCA AutoAuth & CAN FD, Auto Vin & Auto Scan, Free Update

19% Off
8.7

Very Good

Our Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bidirectional scan tool?
A bidirectional scan tool is a device that communicates with a vehicle's control systems to diagnose and fix issues.

What does bidirectional mean in terms of scan tools?
Bidirectional means the tool can both receive data from and send commands to the vehicle's system.

Are all scan tools bidirectional?
No, not all scan tools are bidirectional; some only read fault codes without sending commands.

Is a bidirectional scan tool compatible with all vehicles?
Compatibility varies by product, so always check the tool's specifications for your vehicle's make and model.

Why would I need a bidirectional scan tool?
A bidirectional scan tool is used for advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting of vehicle systems.

10 Best bidirectional scan tools of 2026

1

XTOOL X100 PAD3 SE Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner, Full System Scan Tool with 38+ Resets, Car Scanner Diagnostic Tool with FCA AutoAuth, ECU C0ding, Crank Sensor Relearn, CAN FD & DOIP, 2 Years Update

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808S: 2026 Bidirectional Tool as MK808BT Pro MX808S M808Z, Work as MaxiCheck MX900 MK900BT, 28+ Service, Active Test, All System Diagnose, Injector C0ding, FCA Autoauth OS 11

9.7

9.3

9.1

3

TOPDON TopScan Lite OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth, Bi-Directional Scanner Wireless All System Diagnostic Tool for iOS & Android, 8+ Hot Reset, Repair Guides, Check Engine Car Code Reader, Performance Test

4

Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808S: 2026 Bidirectional Tool as MK808BT Pro MX808S M808Z, Work as MaxiCheck MX900 MK900BT, 28+ Service, Active Test, All System Diagnose, Injector C0ding, FCA Autoauth OS 11

9.7

9.3

9.1

5

OBD2 Scanner, MUCAR 632 Elite AI-Assisted OBD2 Bidirectional Scan Tool, Oil/Throttle/SAS/TPMS/BMS/EPB Car Scanner Diagnostic Tool with 15+ Resets, CANFD Protocol, Autoauth for FCA SGW, Lifetime Update

6

Innova 5610 OBD2 Bidirectional Scan Tool - Understand Your Vehicle, Pinpoint What's Wrong, and Complete Your Repairs with Less Headache, Updates Included, US-Based Technical Support

8.9

8.2

8.0

7

TOPDON Bidirectional Scan Tool, 2026 New ArtiDiag900 Lite Automotive Diagnostic Tool for Full System, Scanner for Car with Active Test, 8 Reset, Wireless OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool for All Vehicles

8

OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool XTOOL Anyscan A30M V2.0, 2026 Wireless Bidirectional Scan Tool with Free Updates, 26 Resets, All System for Android & iPhone, Crank Sensor Relearn, EPB, Throttle Relearn

9.3

9.3

9.1

9

KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth, Bidirectional Test Scanner All System Diagnostic Tool for iOS & Android, 15+ Hot Reset, CANFD Protocol, FCA AutoAuth, No Subscriptions Lifetime Update

10

ANCEL FX6000 Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner, Engine ABS SRS Transmission Diagnostic Tool, 7+ Resets incl. ABS Bleeding EPB Oil SAS BMS, FCA AutoAuth & CAN FD, Auto Vin & Auto Scan, Free Update

Frequently Asked Questions

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