Best OBD2 Scanners in 2027

BlueDriver LSB2 leads our ranking for this keyword. It reads engine, ABS, SRS and transmission codes, which is the coverage most buyers want from a scanner that goes past a basic code reader. A sensor plugs into the OBD2 port and talks to your phone or tablet over Bluetooth. There is no screen or cable to carry.

Live data, freeze frame and I/M readiness are all listed. Live data lets you watch sensors while you drive. Freeze frame shows what the engine was doing when a fault was logged. I/M readiness tells you whether the car is ready for a smog check. The listing also mentions Mode 6 test results and repair reports matched to your VIN.

At 0.13 lb, the sensor is easy to keep in a glovebox. Plug it in, pair it, and read codes. It works with gas vehicles from 1996 or newer sold in North America. The data does not list free updates or a warranty, so check those with the seller. The listing names gas-powered vehicles only.

The TOPDON AD800BT V2.0 ranks second. It scans full systems, with ABS, SRS and transmission support all listed. The listing says it covers 10000+ models. Its Bluetooth dongle works up to 33 feet (10m) from the car, so you can carry the scanner to the driver's seat or the engine bay. That wide reach helps if your household has more than one car. Live data shows in text or a merged graph.

This version adds bi-directional control. That means the scanner can send commands to parts, such as solenoids and actuators, instead of only reading data. The listing names resets like oil, EPB and AdBlue. Those go beyond code reading, so they matter more to a home mechanic doing maintenance than to someone who only wants to clear a check engine light.

Freeze frame and Auto VIN read are listed, and updates are free for life. It weighs 1.46 lb. Wireless pairing uses the included VCI dongle. The data does not list I/M readiness or a warranty. Auto VIN may not work on every car, so manual entry is available.

The TOPDON AD800BT 2 ranks third and shares most specs with the V2.0 model above it. Both list full-system coverage, ABS and SRS, transmission, live data, freeze frame and Auto VIN. Here the listing leans on free lifetime updates, which keeps new vehicle coverage coming without a separate software charge. That makes the choice between the two close.

The listing names 28 reset services, including oil, EPB, tire pressure and DPF regeneration. Menus vary by make, model and year, so confirm your car first. It adds bi-directional control for lights, door locks, windows and wipers. It also lists Autoauth for FCA gateway access. The listing suggests emailing your VIN to the maker to confirm fit.

It weighs 1.46 lb and carries 64G of ROM. The Bluetooth 4.0 dongle works up to 33 feet (10m) away. It works on OBDII cars built after 1996 and 96 vehicle brands. Auto VIN may not work on all cars. The data does not list I/M readiness or a warranty.

The THINKCAR 673BT ranks fourth. It covers engine, transmission, ABS and SRS, and the data lists live data, freeze frame and Auto VIN too. For a buyer who wants more than engine codes, that is the core set. Lifetime free updates come through Wi-Fi, on both 2.4G and 5G networks.

Newer cars are where CAN FD and DoIP support matter. These are newer communication protocols, and the listing says they speed up scans on recent models. The scanner also sends commands to injectors, fuel pumps, door locks and windows through bi-directional control. You can read ECU info, clear codes and turn off warning lights. It lists 28+ reset and maintenance services, though availability varies by make and model.

At 1.68 lb, it is heavier than the other four products in our top five. The Bluetooth 5.0 dongle reaches 10 meters (33 feet). It supports 28 languages. The listing says it covers 96+ brands and 10,000+ models. I/M readiness and a warranty are not listed. The data shows a Bluetooth connection and no wired option.

The TOPDON AD600S ranks fifth and works as a self-contained handheld. A 5-in touchscreen runs Android 11 with 32GB of storage. It reads and clears codes on engine, ABS, transmission and SRS, and it shows live data in text or a 4-in-1 merged graph. It also has a built-in DTC lookup. It is meant for DIYers and home mechanics.

It lists 9 service functions, including oil reset, brake/EPB reset, BMS reset, SAS reset and TPMS reset. Those cover common home jobs like brake service and battery replacement. The listing says all 10 OBD2 test modes are available, which helps with emissions-related faults. After 30 days, a free trial of 30 special services unlocks, then it returns to the original 9.

Weight is 1.39 lb. Updates are free for life over Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi is needed for first setup. Auto VIN is listed. Freeze frame, I/M readiness and warranty are not, and the connection type is not given. Charge it weekly to protect the battery. Function support varies by vehicle. Coverage spans 90+ brands from 1996 on.