5 Best Bi-Directional OBD-II scan tools in 2025

Whether you are looking for a professional Bi-Directional scan tool to run a shop or you just want to get something on a DIY budget I got you covered. I tested a bunch of Bi-Directional scanners including smartphones, tablets, and computer tools.

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Quick recommendations

What I found testing different scan tools

The entry-level scan tool will give you access to more functionality + better speed. Even in the entry-level price range for scan tools, there are a few worth mentioning.

(By the way, this is only a tablet scan tool. You can have a scan tool way cheaper if you choose one of these J2534 adapters and use them with your smartphone). BUT, it will be with less functionality and with a mandatory yearly subscription for most of them.

1. Mucar 892BT

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2. Mucar 682

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3. XTool D8s

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Thinkscan 689BT has free lifetime updates!

Think car Thinkscan 689BT does it all. You have full-system scan/erase faults and data + all the service and coding features you might need as a DIY or semi-professional mechanic.

But with an amazing bonus. Free lifetime updates which is extremely rare in scan tools like this.

Get $99 OFF on the official website while it lasts.

Mucar VO7 – Entry level for Europe/Asia

Mucar VO7 is literally cheapest scan tool I ever bought. But using it for a few months now it definitely doesnt seem the cheapest.

I used it for multiple cars for full scan which as expected works fine but also advanced procedures like solving TPMS faults by reprogramming sensors, disabling lightbulb control lights with ECU coding for Skoda Rapid, and coding new features for Toyota Corolla.

Especially for VAG cars, this tool is amazing since it comes with a built-in long coding helper which you can use to perform advanced procedures on your Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and Seat same as aftermarket VAG tools like VCDS or OBDeleven.

XTool D7 is great budget pick

I like XTool products mostly because of their easy-to-use interfaces without any headaches and XTool D7 is not different.

Simple to use, packed with features and with a wired connection, you don’t even have to charge it often.

It will charge itself when connected to the car.

Use “CARHACKER” for an extra 10% OFF on xtool website.

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Topdon Artidiag 900 lite

This is Topdon artidiag 900 lite and even though I liked it, I feel like there are some better options as a DIY scan tool.

Topdon Artidiag 900 lite is a great entry-level scan tool suitable for every DIY mechanic who is looking to start using a professional diagnostic tool.

It just misses ECU coding and doesn’t have that many service procedures. The brand itself is very good, but I would rather go with their better model like Phoenix 2 Lite.

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Here are multiple stores where you can get Topdon Artidiag 900 lite. Check them out to get the best deal possible.

Otofix D1 lite for US

It uses Autel software which is popular for US vehicles. You might not get ECU coding like with Mucar V07 but it does support more service procedures + they also have cloud live data analysis to help you solve fault codes based on scanned data.

Ideal for home mechanics as you are getting a professional scan tool for an affordable price and updates are not mandatory.

This means after the 2-year free update period is over, you can continue using the tool with the same software, you just will not receive new updates.

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Additional picks: Still one of best scan tools

OK, I provided a lot of examples of Bi-Directional scanners for DIY budget which you can choose from. But if you rather spend more money for better featured tool, here are my TOP 3 Winners

Video: Best Bi-Directional scan tools