What is an OBD scanner?

An OBD scanner is a device used to diagnose vehicle issues by reading fault codes from a car's onboard diagnostic system.

How does an OBD scanner work?

OBD scanners work by plugging into your vehicle's OBD-II port and retrieving data about its performance and any detected issues.

Are OBD scanners compatible with all vehicles?

Most OBD scanners work with vehicles that have an OBD-II system, which is standard in cars manufactured in the US since 1996.

What kind of information can I get from an OBD scanner?

OBD scanners can provide data on engine performance, emissions, fuel efficiency, and can identify error codes indicating specific issues.

Do I need any special skills to use an OBD scanner?

While knowledge of car systems can be helpful, many OBD scanners are user-friendly and provide clear, easy-to-understand information.

February 21, 2026

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10 Best obd scanners of 2026

Save up to 50% off

1

Autel

Autel MaxiDiag MD806 PRO OBD2 Scanner: Full Systems Diagnostic Scan Tool w/Live Data Oil Reset BMS SAS Throttle A/F EPB D-P.F, AutoScan, Up of MD808 MD806 MD805 MD802, Free Update, Data Print
9.9

Exceptional

Our Rating
How do we rank?

Powerful technology We scan thousands of products and stores, analyzing reviews to find what matters most to users like you

Careful review Our team ensures quality, value, and fit based on real user feedback

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Thousands of users trust our site daily

Based on millions of stores and reviews

Shoppers influence our rankings
Analyzing top stores
2

thinkcar

OBD2 Scanner,THINKCAR 641 Fixd Car Diagnostic Scanner Scan Tool for ABS/SRS/Transmission/Engine,2026 Full Upgraded 10 Reset Fault Code Reader,CAN FD & FCA,VIA Bluetooth Interface,Lifetime Free Update
9.8

Exceptional

Our Rating
3

ANCEL
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)

17% Off
Main highlights

Comprehensive Diagnostic Capabilities
The ANCEL AD310 reads and clears engine codes, displays live data, and supports all OBDII protocols for extensive vehicle compatibility.

Ideal for DIY Mechanics
Perfect for car owners who want to diagnose engine issues themselves and save on mechanic fees.

User-Friendly and Portable
Praised for its ease of use, portability, and quick diagnostic results according to customer reviews.
9.7

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.7
Instruction

9.7
Simple to use

9.5
worth the money
4

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

41% Off
Main highlights

Comprehensive Diagnostic Tool
Features built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library to identify engine issues.

Ideal for DIY Car Maintenance
Best for personal use on most vehicles since 1996.

User-Friendly Interface
Praised for ease of use and intuitive design.
9.6

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.5
Simple to use

9.3
worth the money

9.3
Precision
5

VDIAGTOOL
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

20% Off
Main highlights

Easy Diagnostic Access
Simple plug & play design for quick car diagnostics.

Versatile Compatibility
Ideal for post-1996 vehicles, supporting all OBDII protocols.

User-Friendly Interface
Praised for clear display and ease of use by customers.
Key specs
- Power Source:OBD2 Data Link Connector
- Live Data:Yes
- Reset Services:Yes
- Special Features:Check Engine, DTC Lookup
- Screen Size:N/A
9.5

Excellent

Our Rating
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6

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

37% Off
Main highlights

Comprehensive Diagnostic Capabilities
Reads and clears DTCs, retrieves live data, and turns off CEL.

Ideal for DIY and Professional Use
Suitable for mechanics and car owners for quick diagnostics.

Praised User Interface
Intuitive and easy navigation praised by customers.
Key specs
- Power Source:Vehicle DLC
- Live Data:Supported
- Reset Services:Check engine light reset
- Special Features:Live data, OBDII monitors
- Screen Size:2.8 inches
9.4

Excellent

Our Rating

9.1
worth the money

9.1
Precision

9.1
Simple to use
7

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

22% Off
Main highlights

Comprehensive Diagnostic Capabilities
Reads and clears DTCs, retrieves live data, and turns off CEL.

Ideal for DIY and Professional Use
Suitable for mechanics and car owners for quick diagnostics.

Praised User Interface
Intuitive and easy navigation praised by customers.
Key specs
- Power Source:Vehicle DLC
- Live Data:Supported
- Reset Services:Check engine light reset
- Special Features:Live data, OBDII monitors
- Screen Size:2.8 inches
9.3

Excellent

Our Rating

9.1
worth the money

9.1
Precision

9.1
Simple to use
8

BlueDriver
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+

38% Off
Main highlights

Comprehensive Diagnostics
BlueDriver offers professional-level diagnostics, including ABS, SRS, TPMS, and more.

Ideal for DIY Mechanics
Perfect for those maintaining their own vehicles or inspecting used cars.

Praised Feature: Live Data
Customers love the real-time data monitoring and code reading.
9.1

Excellent

Our Rating

9.9
Easy installation

9.9
Giftable

9.7
Bluetooth connection
9

ANCEL
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

22% Off
Main highlights

Wide Compatibility with US Vehicles
Supports all OBDII protocols on vehicles from 1996 onwards, making it versatile for most US cars.

Ideal for DIY Vehicle Diagnostics
Perfect for car owners wanting to perform basic diagnostics and reset error codes themselves.

Highly Praised for Money-Saving
Customers appreciate its ability to reset codes, saving on mechanic visits.
Key specs
- Power Source:OBDII Data Link Connector
- Live Data:Yes
- Reset Services:Emissions codes, MIL light
- Special Features:OBDII diagnostics, multilingual
- Screen Size:2.4 inches
8.9

Very Good

Our Rating

9.7
clearly written

9.5
worth the money

9.1
Precision
10

CGSULIT

OBD2 Scanner, CGSULIT SC103 Car Code Reader Diagnose Check Engine Light Smog Check DTCs Scan Tool Live Data Stream Voltage Test for Vehicles Since 1996

50% Off
8.7

Very Good

Our Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an OBD scanner?
An OBD scanner is a device used to diagnose vehicle issues by reading fault codes from a car's onboard diagnostic system.

How does an OBD scanner work?
OBD scanners work by plugging into your vehicle's OBD-II port and retrieving data about its performance and any detected issues.

Are OBD scanners compatible with all vehicles?
Most OBD scanners work with vehicles that have an OBD-II system, which is standard in cars manufactured in the US since 1996.

What kind of information can I get from an OBD scanner?
OBD scanners can provide data on engine performance, emissions, fuel efficiency, and can identify error codes indicating specific issues.

Do I need any special skills to use an OBD scanner?
While knowledge of car systems can be helpful, many OBD scanners are user-friendly and provide clear, easy-to-understand information.

10 Best obd scanners of 2026

1

Autel MaxiDiag MD806 PRO OBD2 Scanner: Full Systems Diagnostic Scan Tool w/Live Data Oil Reset BMS SAS Throttle A/F EPB D-P.F, AutoScan, Up of MD808 MD806 MD805 MD802, Free Update, Data Print

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

OBD2 Scanner,THINKCAR 641 Fixd Car Diagnostic Scanner Scan Tool for ABS/SRS/Transmission/Engine,2026 Full Upgraded 10 Reset Fault Code Reader,CAN FD & FCA,VIA Bluetooth Interface,Lifetime Free Update

3

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)

9.7

9.7

9.5

4

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

9.5

9.3

9.3

5

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

6

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

9.1

9.1

9.1

7

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

9.1

9.1

9.1

8

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+

9.9

9.9

9.7

9

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

9.7

9.5

9.1

10

OBD2 Scanner, CGSULIT SC103 Car Code Reader Diagnose Check Engine Light Smog Check DTCs Scan Tool Live Data Stream Voltage Test for Vehicles Since 1996

Frequently Asked Questions

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