What is a scan tool used for?

A scan tool is used to diagnose and troubleshoot problems in a vehicle's electronic systems.

Are scan tools universal?

Most scan tools are universal and can work with vehicles of various makes and models.

Do scan tools require a power source?

Scan tools typically get power from the vehicle's battery when plugged into the diagnostic port.

What is the difference between a code reader and a scan tool?

While both can read and clear error codes, scan tools provide more comprehensive diagnostics and data.

Can a scan tool clear check engine light?

Yes, scan tools can clear the check engine light once the issue causing it has been addressed.

February 21, 2026

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10 Best scan tools of 2026

Save up to 38% off

1

Autel

Autel MaxiSys MS919S2 Scanner, 2026 Top Intelligent & AI Diagnostic, ECU J2534 Pr0gram C0ding, Same as Ultra S2 Up of MSUltra MS909 S2, Topology 3.0, 6-in-1 VCMI2, Multi-Point DVI, 48+ Service
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

Trusted insights AI and human analysis guide your decisions, reflecting real user priorities
Real users impact

Thousands of users trust our site daily

Based on millions of stores and reviews

Shoppers influence our rankings
Analyzing top stores
2

Autel

Autel MaxiSys MS919 Scanner, 2026 Top Intelligent Scan Tool as Ultra, Motor TruSpeed Up of Ultra Lite MS909, Topology 2.0, Same OE Functions as Ultra S2, 40+ Service, 3K+ Test, [$2000] 5in1 VCMI
9.6

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.
9.5

Excellent

Our Rating

9.7
Instruction

9.7
Simple to use

9.5
worth the money
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

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.
9.3

Excellent

Our Rating

9.7
Interactive Display

9.3
User interface

9.1
Simple to use
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6

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
7

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.
9.0

Excellent

Our Rating

8.9
Simple to use

8.2
Precision

8.0
worth the money
8

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
- Screen Size:8-inch touchscreen
- Power Source:10000mAh battery
- Live Data:View live data stream
- Reset Services:8 HOT Reset Services
- Special Features:Bidirectional Scan Tool
8.9

Very Good

Our Rating
9

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
- Screen Size:2.8 inches
- Power Source:Vehicle DLC
- Live Data:Supported
- Reset Services:Check engine light reset
- Special Features:Live data, OBDII monitors
8.8

Very Good

Our Rating

9.1
worth the money

9.1
Precision

9.1
Simple to use
10

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
- Screen Size:2.8 inches
- Power Source:Vehicle DLC
- Live Data:Supported
- Reset Services:Check engine light reset
- Special Features:Live data, OBDII monitors
8.7

Very Good

Our Rating

9.1
worth the money

9.1
Precision

9.1
Simple to use

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a scan tool used for?
A scan tool is used to diagnose and troubleshoot problems in a vehicle's electronic systems.

Are scan tools universal?
Most scan tools are universal and can work with vehicles of various makes and models.

Do scan tools require a power source?
Scan tools typically get power from the vehicle's battery when plugged into the diagnostic port.

What is the difference between a code reader and a scan tool?
While both can read and clear error codes, scan tools provide more comprehensive diagnostics and data.

Can a scan tool clear check engine light?
Yes, scan tools can clear the check engine light once the issue causing it has been addressed.

10 Best scan tools of 2026

1

Autel MaxiSys MS919S2 Scanner, 2026 Top Intelligent & AI Diagnostic, ECU J2534 Pr0gram C0ding, Same as Ultra S2 Up of MSUltra MS909 S2, Topology 3.0, 6-in-1 VCMI2, Multi-Point DVI, 48+ Service

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

Autel MaxiSys MS919 Scanner, 2026 Top Intelligent Scan Tool as Ultra, Motor TruSpeed Up of Ultra Lite MS909, Topology 2.0, Same OE Functions as Ultra S2, 40+ Service, 3K+ Test, [$2000] 5in1 VCMI

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

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

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

9.1

9.1

9.1

10

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

9.1

9.1

9.1

Frequently Asked Questions

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