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10 Best Car Code Readers 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
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)
The Ancel AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner is a solid choice for car owners looking to diagnose engine issues without heading to a mechanic. One of its main strengths is its compatibility with a wide range of vehicles, supporting all OBD II protocols and working with cars from 1996 and newer. Its ability to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes quickly makes it user-friendly, especially for those without extensive automotive knowledge. The scanner's compact design and sturdy build are beneficial for ease of transport and durability, allowing you to keep it handy in your vehicle or take it to the garage with ease.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!#2
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+
The BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool stands out in the car-code reader category, catering particularly well to DIY mechanics and vehicle owners who want an easy-to-use solution to diagnose and understand their car's issues. Its compatibility with all gas vehicles from 1996 onwards means it covers a broad range of makes and models, making it a versatile choice. Users can read and clear all types of codes, including advanced ones related to ABS, Airbag, and TPMS, which is a significant advantage over simpler scanners.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!#3
Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808S: 2025 Bidirectional Tool as MK808BT Pro MX808S M808Z, Function as MaxiCheck MX900, 28+ Service, Active Test, All System Diagnose, Injector Coding, FCA Autoauth Android 11
The Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808S is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile car-code reader. It boasts compatibility with over 150 car brands, making it quite expansive for users with multiple vehicles. One of its standout features is the bi-directional control, which allows for active testing of car subsystems, helping users identify issues more efficiently. The scanner supports a wide range of reset services—28 in total—which is beneficial for DIY mechanics and professionals alike. Its ability to perform all system diagnostics provides a comprehensive view of vehicle health, allowing users to read and clear fault codes easily.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Top 10 Best Car Code Readers 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.8 score
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)
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)
Compatibility: Supports all OBD II protocols, cars 1996+
Types of Codes Read: Diagnostic trouble codes
Live Data and Graphing: Live data, freeze frame, lacks graphing
Ease of Use: User-friendly, straightforward, no batteries
Additional Features: Compact, sturdy, affordable, mechanic-endorsed
Chosen by 1479 this week
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+
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+
Compatibility: Gas vehicles from 1996 onwards
Types of Codes Read: ABS, Airbag, TPMS, all codes
Live Data and Graphing: Live data monitoring
Ease of Use: User-friendly app
Update and Support: No subscription fees
Additional Features: Bluetooth, repair reports, videos
Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808S: 2025 Bidirectional Tool as MK808BT Pro MX808S M808Z, Function as MaxiCheck MX900, 28+ Service, Active Test, All System Diagnose, Injector Coding, FCA Autoauth Android 11
Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808S: 2025 Bidirectional Tool as MK808BT Pro MX808S M808Z, Function as MaxiCheck MX900, 28+ Service, Active Test, All System Diagnose, Injector Coding, FCA Autoauth Android 11
Compatibility: over 150 car brands
Types of Codes Read: all system diagnostics
Ease of Use: 7-inch touchscreen, user-friendly interface
Update and Support: 12-month free update
Additional Features: bi-directional control, 28 reset services
FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Live Data Professional Mechanic OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader Tool for Check Engine Light
FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Live Data Professional Mechanic OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader Tool for Check Engine Light
Compatibility: Most 1996 US, 2000 EU, Asian cars
Types of Codes Read: OBDII codes
Live Data and Graphing: Yes
Ease of Use: Plug-and-play, 2.8-inch screen, hotkeys
Update and Support: 1-year assurance, Windows updates
Additional Features: Check engine, live sensor test data
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
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
Compatibility: 1996 to 2023 models
Types of Codes Read: SRS/Airbag, Check Engine, ABS/Brake Codes
Live Data and Graphing: Live data and enhanced streams
Ease of Use: Multiple languages, intuitive interface
Update and Support: RepairSolutions2 app, US-based support
Additional Features: Bidirectional control, All System Scan, BMS
Related Products
MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow
MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow
Compatibility: Most 1996 and newer US, EU, Asian cars
Types of Codes Read: Various codes
Live Data and Graphing: Live data, freeze frame, real-time view
Ease of Use: Plug-and-play, no extra batteries needed
Additional Features: DTC lookup, six languages, ARM microprocessor
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
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
Compatibility: over 60 car makes
Types of Codes Read: ABS, SRS, engine, transmission codes
Live Data and Graphing: live data, DTC library, data playback
Ease of Use: ease of use
Update and Support: lifetime free updates
Additional Features: AUTOVIN, protective case
INNOVA 5210 OBD2 Scanner - Read/Erase Engine Codes, OBD2 Live Data, Oil Reset, Battery/Alt Test for 1996-2023 Vehicles, Verified Fixes via iPhone & Android App
INNOVA 5210 OBD2 Scanner - Read/Erase Engine Codes, OBD2 Live Data, Oil Reset, Battery/Alt Test for 1996-2023 Vehicles, Verified Fixes via iPhone & Android App
Compatibility: 1996 to 2023 vehicles
Types of Codes Read: engine and ABS codes
Live Data and Graphing: live data
Ease of Use: ease of use
Update and Support: RepairSolutions2 app, ASE-Certified team
Additional Features: battery tests, oil reset, multiple languages
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
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
Compatibility: vehicles since 1996, US, EU, Asia
Types of Codes Read: diagnostic trouble codes, 35,901 DTCs
Live Data and Graphing: Live data streaming and graphing
Ease of Use: compact size, 2.8-inch screen, plug-and-play
Update and Support: lifetime free updates, computer access needed
Additional Features: data printing via computer
#10
7.3 score
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
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
Compatibility: 98% of cars made after 1996
Types of Codes Read: 35,901 DTCs
Live Data and Graphing: Supported
Ease of Use: 2.8-inch screen, intuitive navigation buttons
Update and Support: Free lifetime software updates
Additional Features: Print fault data via computer
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Buying Guide for the Best Car Code Readers
Choosing the right car code reader can be a game-changer for maintaining your vehicle's health and saving on repair costs. A car code reader, also known as an OBD2 scanner, helps you diagnose issues with your car by reading error codes from the vehicle's onboard computer. Understanding the key specifications and how they align with your needs will ensure you pick the best tool for your situation.CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the car code reader can work with your vehicle's make, model, and year. This is crucial because not all readers support all vehicles. Generally, most OBD2 scanners are compatible with cars made after 1996 in the US, but it's always best to check the specific compatibility list provided by the manufacturer. If you have a newer or less common vehicle, ensure the reader supports it to avoid any issues.
Types of Codes ReadCar code readers can read different types of codes, including generic codes (common to all vehicles) and manufacturer-specific codes (unique to a particular brand). This is important because a reader that only reads generic codes might miss some issues specific to your car. If you want a comprehensive diagnosis, look for a reader that can handle both types of codes. For basic needs, a reader that handles generic codes might suffice, but for more detailed diagnostics, opt for one that includes manufacturer-specific codes.
Live Data and GraphingLive data and graphing capabilities allow you to see real-time data from your vehicle's sensors and systems. This is important for diagnosing issues that might not trigger a code but still affect performance. Basic readers might only show error codes, while more advanced models provide live data and graphing. If you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional, having access to live data can be invaluable for pinpointing problems. For casual users, this feature might be less critical but still useful.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how user-friendly the car code reader is. This includes the interface, display, and overall design. A reader that's easy to use can save you time and frustration. Look for features like a clear display, intuitive menu navigation, and straightforward instructions. If you're not tech-savvy, a simpler model with basic functions might be best. For those comfortable with technology, more advanced models with additional features might be worth the extra complexity.
Update and SupportUpdate and support refer to the ability to update the reader's software and the availability of customer support. This is important because vehicle technology evolves, and having the latest software ensures your reader remains effective. Some readers offer lifetime updates, while others might require a subscription. Good customer support can also help you troubleshoot any issues. If you plan to use the reader for many years, consider one with regular updates and reliable support.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can include things like Bluetooth connectivity, the ability to reset codes, and access to a wider range of diagnostic functions. These features can enhance the functionality of the reader and provide more comprehensive diagnostics. For example, Bluetooth connectivity allows you to use your smartphone as a display, which can be more convenient. If you want more than just basic code reading, look for a reader with these extra features. However, if you only need to read and clear codes occasionally, a simpler model might be sufficient.