Key takeaways
- Best overall: BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool ($100 – $120).
- Best value: FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner ($50 – $70).
- Check compatibility with your car's make and model.
In this article
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Not sure which OBD2 scanners to buy in the US? This list keeps it short: our top pick, the best-value option, the premium choice and the models we would avoid, all with typical prices.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool ($100 – $120)
- Best value: FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner ($50 – $70)
- Premium pick: Autel MaxiCOM MK808S ($350 – $450)
OBD2 scanners compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool | Buy | 8.8/10 | $100 – $120 |
| Autel MaxiCOM MK808S | Buy | 8.6/10 | $350 – $450 |
| FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner | Buy | 8.2/10 | $50 – $70 |
| ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner | Consider | 7.5/10 | $20 – $30 |
| FIXD Sensor | Skip | 6.3/10 | $20 – $40 |
Our picks in detail
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool
DIYers who want pro-style data · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $100 – $120
Why we like it: Phone-based scanner with repair reports and no subscription.
Pros: No subscription · Repair reports with likely fixes · Enhanced codes like ABS and airbag on many vehicles · iPhone and Android app
Cons: Needs your phone · Enhanced coverage varies by make
Buy it if you want to read and clear codes, see live data and get likely fixes on your phone without a subscription.
Skip it if you want a standalone handheld with its own screen.
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $350 – $450
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S is one of the OBD2 scanners we would buy in the US. It scores 8.6/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $350 – $450.
FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner
A reliable handheld · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.2/10 · Typical price: $50 – $70
Why we like it: Standalone scanner with live data and emissions readiness.
Pros: No phone or app needed · Live data and emissions readiness · Color screen
Cons: Engine codes only · Interface feels dated
Buy it if you want a simple handheld that reads engine codes, live data and smog readiness without a phone.
Skip it if you need ABS, airbag or transmission codes.
ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner
Glove-box basics · Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.5/10 · Typical price: $20 – $30
Why we like it: Very cheap code reader.
Pros: Very cheap · Simple to use · No batteries or phone needed
Cons: Basic screen · Engine codes only
Buy it if you just want to read and clear check-engine codes for very little money.
Skip it if you want live data graphs, ABS or airbag codes, or repair guidance.
What to check before you buy
- Check compatibility with your car's make and model.
- Bluetooth scanners show live data on your phone.
- Code explanations help non-mechanics.
What to skip
Common mistake: Clearing warning codes without fixing the cause.
We would also skip these at their usual prices:
- FIXD Sensor ($20 – $40) – Skip it if you want real diagnostics; much of the useful detail sits behind a paid FIXD Premium plan.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. Basic code readers are cheap and useful.
Compare more options
Search OBD2 scanners on Amazon See top-rated OBD2 scanners on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best OBD2 scanners in the US?
Our top pick is BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool (typically $100 – $120). For the best value, choose FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner (typically $50 – $70).
What should I check before buying OBD2 scanners?
Check compatibility with your car's make and model. Bluetooth scanners show live data on your phone.
When is the best time to buy OBD2 scanners in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying OBD2 scanners?
Clearing warning codes without fixing the cause.