Top 10 Car Diagnostic Systems
for June 2023

A car diagnostic system, or diagnostic tool, is a sensor or device that scans a vehicle's onboard computer, or ECU, for problems. These diagnostic systems are often attached to an OBDII port, which is located on the driver's side doorpost. Some diagnostic tools are portable, while others are permanently installed in the dashboard or underneath the car.

In the Different Guide , we test car diagnostic tools, including handheld and in-dash models, for accuracy, ease of use, and price. We evaluate performance, including scanning speed, diagnostic capability and ease of use, as well as ease of installation. We also look at price, including the price of both the device itself and the diagnostic service.

Our top picks for the best car diagnostic tools of 2022 are based on our decades of testing and consumer feedback. Here are our top picks for car diagnostic tools of 2022:

Different Guide editors select recommendations independently. Purchases made through our links may earn us commissions.

1
9.8
SCORE
FOXWELL NT624 Elite Automotive Obd2 Scanner Check ABS SRS Engine Transmission SAS EPS HVAC Headlamp Code Reader, All Systems Diagnostic Scanner for All Cars with Oil Light EPB Service Reset

FOXWELL NT624 Elite Automotive Obd2 Scanner Check ABS SRS Engine Transmission SAS EPS HVAC Headlamp Code Reader

by FOXWELL
What We like

This scanner is an all-in-one scanner that found all the codes we tested, read and clear codes, as well as reset the warning lights.

2
9.6
SCORE
Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808, 2021 Newest OBD2 Car Diagnostic Scanner, Equipped with 25+ Maintenance Functions, All System Diagnosis, IMMO/EPB/BMS/SAS/TPMS/AutoVIN/ABS Bleeding (Original)

Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808

by Autel
What We like

The diagnostic scan tool from Autel is inexpensive and provides a lot of diagnostic code reading options.

3
9.5
SCORE
Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808, 2021 Auto Scanner for All Cars with All System Diagnostic, 25+ Service Functions, IMMO, Oil Reset, EPB, SAS, ABS Bleed, Same as MX808, Updated from MaxiCheck Pro & MD802

Autel Scanner MaxiCOM MK808

by Autel
What We like

This Autel scanner is more advanced than comparable scanner in the price class, and the free year subscription for software updates is a big plus. But its display is smaller than most rivals, and there's some inconsistency in performance.

4
9.4
SCORE
FOXWELL NT624 Elite OBD2 Scanner Full Systems Diagnostic Scan Tools for All Cars with Oil Light & EPB Reset Service, Car Diagnostic Scanner Code Reader Check Engine ABS SRS Transmission EPS HVAC

FOXWELL NT624 Elite OBD2 Scanner Full Systems Diagnostic Scan Tools for All Cars with Oil Light & EPB Reset Service

by FOXWELL
What We like

Foxwell NT624 elite obd2 scanner is advanced version of the NT614 elite scanner, which meets expectation for beginners even professional. For most autmotive scanner equipped with both obdii and all systems diagnosis. Lifetime free update + Auto VIN+Plug in and Play.

5
8.5
SCORE
[2021 New] LAUNCH CRP909E Full System OBD2 Scanner 7” Android 7.0 Car Diagnostic Scan Tool,26 Reset Code Reader,Key Program,TPMS,SAS,DPF,IMMO,ABS Bleeding, WiFi Free Update,TPMS As Gift

[2021 New] LAUNCH CRP909E Full System OBD2 Scanner 7” Android 7.0 Car Diagnostic Scan Tool

by LAUNCH
What We like

The most powerful car scanner we tested, the LAUNCH CRP909E is the hardest to use. But the 26 service functions and quality are hard to find on cheaper scanners.

6
8.5
SCORE
iCarsoft CR Pro Professional Multi-System Multi-Brand Car Diagnostic Tool Scanner incl. Battery Tester, Read and Clear Engine, Transmission, Airbag, ABS Trouble Codes

iCarsoft CR Pro Professional Multi-System Multi-Brand Car Diagnostic Tool Scanner incl. Battery Tester

by iCarsoft
What We like

Perfect for the mechanic (or the do-it-yourself home mechanic), this multi-system scan tool reads and clears ABS/airbag, transmission, engine, and OBD codes.

7
7.8
SCORE
Autel 4 System Scanner MD806 Car Diagnostic Tool Diagnoses for ABS, Engine, Transmission, SRS Full OBD2 Functions Car Scanner for Both Mechanics and DIYers

Autel 4 System Scanner MD806 Car Diagnostic Tool Diagnoses for ABS

by Autel
What We like

Comprehensive OBD-II diagnostics with Autel 4 system. The scanner performs comprehensive diagnostics and shows data stream graphic.

8
7.8
SCORE
Autel MaxiCOM MK808 Scanner Car Diagnostic Scan Tool, 2021 Newest Same with MX808, All System Diagnosis and 25+ Service, ABS Bleed, Oil Reset, EPB, SAS, DPF, BMS, Throttle, Injector Coding

Autel MaxiCOM MK808 Scanner Car Diagnostic Scan Tool

by Autel
What We like

The Autel MaxiCOM MK808 scanner performs very well and is user friendly. One feature I really liked was that it performed several of the maintenance tests prior to diagnostic updates, after a few days of not using it, it needed to be updated to the newest version. When the old update was finished, I was notified and able to quickly update. The update was 2018 software, and afterward, it gave me the option to download older software. The update installation went smoothly. I have owned other scanners and they are all more expensive, and they seem to perform the same.

9
7.8
SCORE
DN606 Car Code Reader 4-System Diagnostic Tool for ABS SRS Transmission Engine Automotive OBD2 Scanner Check Engine Light Car Scanning Tool 4 Live Data Streams in Graph Free Update【New Version】

AUTOPHIX DN606 Car Code Reader 4-System Diagnostic Tool for ABS SRS Transmission Engine Automotive OBD2 Scanner Check Engine Light Car Scanning Tool 4 Live Data Streams in Graph Free Update【New Version】

by AUTOPHIX
What We like

The DN606 is the best car code reader we tested. It offers the most comprehensive features, including an easy-to-use interface, live data streams and deep scans, and it's updated.

10
7.6
SCORE
Autel Scanner MK808, 2021 Newest OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Scan Tool for All Cars with All System Diagnostic and 25+ Service Functions Including Oil Reset, EPB, BMS, SAS, DPF, TPMS Relearn Functions

Autel Scanner MK808

by Mk-808
What We like

Autel MK808 is the excellent diagnostic tool for all OBD2 vehicles, it support all system diagnostic for all cars with 14 years experiences.

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