WHICH IS THE BEST CAR DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS?
There are a lot of car diagnostic and automotive scan tools (as well as other possibilities) on the market to help you make your own car diagnostic test. Our team of experts shortlisted 25 devices to discover the best car diagnostic tools.
To know what is happening with our vehicles, we always go to an auto repair shop or to auto mechanics. And in the end, it gets expensive. So, it would be much more convenient and affordable to do a car diagnostic test by yourself.
Modern automobiles come with extensive electronic equipment. You can therefore read out and assess the data yourself if you have the proper auto diagnostic tool. To assist you in choosing the best car diagnostic tool for your needs, we have examined many of these gadgets.
3 different tools to diagnose your car
To check your car thoroughly, there are essentially three different options.
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Mobile app with your own OBD2 scanner
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Standalone diagnostic tool
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OBD software installed on your laptop/table
Each of these car diagnostics possibilities has its advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different target groups. Here is a short overview:
|
Diagnostic tool |
Best for |
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
|
OBD2 scanner and app |
Beginners and experts |
– Affordable – Portable – Up to date software |
– Not all vehicles supported |
|
Standalone diagnostic tool |
Car owner with some diagnostic data experience |
– Professional equipment – External device |
– Bulkier device – Need car knowledge to interpret data |
|
OBD2 software |
Advanced car experts and mechanics |
– Extensive features – Extreme in-depth data |
– Need car knowledge to interpret data – Not portable |
Anyone who sells used cars or that has their own auto repair shop needs a standalone professional diagnostic tool. These usually offer by far the greatest range of functions. In addition, they are compatible with practically every type of car.
Moreover, a standalone diagnostic tool is also particularly useful if you want to diagnose older vehicles since their interface can only be accessed with this tool.
On the other hand, modern vehicles (manufactured in 2001 or later) have an OBD2 interface. This interface can be accessed either with a mobile app, software, or a diagnostic tool.
In conclusion, having your own equipment to read out your car helps you save a lot of time and money. “When a warning light comes on, it is often just small things. Instead of having to go directly to the workshop, you can use a diagnostic scan tool to find out for yourself where exactly the error lies.” Sven Mischke, auto journalist.
The car diagnostic tool test
We have an expert jury made up of two professional mechanic members, a car journalist, a gas station operator, and a well-versed “normal” person. They took a closer look at a total of 25 best car diagnostic tools. All devices were tested on three different VW, BMW, and Toyota cars. All models are from the years 2017-2019.
A catalogue of criteria was drawn up in advance for testing each auto diagnostic tool. The following criteria were particularly important to the jury:
- Scope of the diagnosis
- Accuracy of the diagnosis
- Database of error codes
- Additional features
- General user-friendliness
- Quality and resolution of the screen
- The durability of the case and screen
- The updated policy of the manufacturer
- Scope of delivery
After all devices and performance tests had been carried out, we evaluated the test results. Here are the Top 10 best car diagnostic tools for you in reverse order.
#10NEXPEAK NK501
LAUNCH CRP 429
MaxiDiag MD806 Pro (Autel)
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Overview
MaxiDiag MD806 Pro (Autel)
A very solid device from Autel with all car brands supported. In addition to reading out errors, this device can do a lot more, such as calibrating the steering angle sensor, displaying live PID data from multiple sensors, or even unit tests to check the EVAP system.
Pros
Cons
-
Features
Supported features
- Reading and deleting OBD and manufacturer-level trouble codes
- Live data display
- I/M Readiness
- O2 Monitor test
- Vehicle information
Supported car brands
ACURA, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Abarth, Bentley, BMW, BUGATTI, Chrysler, Citroen, DACIA, Daewoo, Fiat, Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, SAAB, Skoda, Seat, Smart, Sprinter, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volvo, VW, GM, Honda, for Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes, Mini Scion, Maybach.
Launch X431 PRO mini
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Overview
Launch X431 PRO mini
In addition to the standard reading of errors, this diagnostic tool can monitor live data, perform a system calibration, or perform automatic scans. The high-quality colour monitor ensures clarity. Updates are included for 2 years. Approx. 80% of all vehicles are compatible and the connection is via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Pros
Cons
-
Features
Supported features
- Diagnosis
- Steering angle calibration
- Reset of the electronic parking brake
- Tire pressure monitoring system reset
- Fuel injector coding
- Vehicle information
Supported car brands
This device supports almost all car brands that have an OBD2 interface.
LESCARS Auto Diagnostics
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Overview
Small, but powerful. All errors are displayed in plain text on the small but detailed monitor and they can also be reset. With only 4 keys you can easily find your way through the menu. Works especially well with cars from Audi, VW, and Skoda. About 130 system components can be monitored.
Pros
Cons
-
Features
Supported features
- Read and clear error codes
- Gives detailed error code descriptions
- Reset service messages
Supported car brands
Volkswagen, Audi, and Skoda manufactured after 2001 (petrol) or 2004 (diesel).
VIDENT ilink 440
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Overview
Our selection for fifth best car diagnostic tool is an all-rounder that is compatible with all car models. It reads and erases OBD2 errors without any problems and disables the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) for the engine, transmission, airbags, and ABS. Real-time output of data is also possible. The 2.8” colour monitor is clearly legible, even if it is a little small.
Pros
Cons
-
Features
Supported features
- Read and clear error codes
- Live data
- Vehicle information
- View freeze frames
- O2 monitor test
- I/M readiness
Supported car brands
Chrysler, Ford, GM, Brazilian GM(For Brazilian Market Only), Au Ford (For Australian Market Only), Acura, Daewoo, Honda, Holden (For Australian Market Only), Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki, Ssangyong, Tata, Toyota, Abarth, Alfa-Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Citroen, Dacia, Fiat, EU Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lancia, Lamborghini, Maserati, Maybach, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Opel, Porsche, Peugeot, Renault，Rolls-Royce, Saab, Seat, Skoda, Smart, Sprinter, Vauxhall, Volvo, Volkswagen, BRILLIANCE, BYD, CHANGAN, CHANGHEAUTO, CHERY, CHERY_NE, EMGRAND, ENGLON, FOTON, GEELY, GLEAGLE, GREATWALL, JAC, KARRY, LIFAN, MAPLE, RELY, RIICH
#AUTEL MaxiCheck MX808
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Overview
Best car diagnostic tools
The Launch CRP MOT II has been specially designed for the European market and includes 11 different functionalities. All major brands are supported. The scope of delivery includes a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter and other connection cables. The exceptionally large 7” screen with the touch function allows excellent operation of the device.
Pros
Cons
Features
Supported features
- Read and clear OBD and manufacturer-level fault codes
- OBD and manufacturer/level data
- I/M Readiness status
- Freeze frame data
- O2 sensor test
- Vehicle information (VIN, CVN, CID)
Supported car brands
Mini, Seat, Skoda, Vauxhall, Volkswagen,
Renault, Saab, Smart, Volvo, Abarth, Alfa, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Lancia, LT3, Maybach, Benz, Sprinter, BMW, Fiat, Land Rover, Maserati
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