7 Best Bi-Directional OBD2 scanners – 2025/2026 list
Bi-Directional feature means activating components just with scan tool, for example engine fan, door lock or headlight washers. That helps with diagnostics work, but Bi-Directional scanners also have more features than just testing components.
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Quick recommendations
Mucar 892BT
The Mucar 892BT packs everything you need as a DIY mechanic — free updates, ECU coding, access to a mechanic community, and even the newest AI mechanic features.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
XTool A30M
The XTool A30M is the best budget option to access all modules for codes, live data, bi-directional testing, and service procedures. Comes with free lifetime updates.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
Mucar 682
The Mucar 682 is one of the most affordable full-system scan tools. It provides diagnostics, live data, bi-directional controls, and 20 service resets — all with free lifetime updates.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
XTool D9S
The XTool D9S adds advanced ECU programming features, fast Wi-Fi connectivity, and professional-level functions at a lower price point.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
Mucar BT200 Max
The Mucar BT200 Max offers full-system diagnostics, bi-directional testing, service resets, and even an AI assistant. It also works as an ELM327 adapter for third-party apps and comes with free lifetime updates.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
Thinkscan 689BT
The Thinkcar Thinkscan 689BT does it all — full-system scans, fault erasing, live data, service resets, and ECU coding. Perfect for DIY and semi-professional mechanics, with free lifetime updates.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
Thinkdiag2
The Thinkdiag2 turns your smartphone into a powerful diagnostic tool with full-system scans, bi-directional testing, ECU coding, and service procedures. The only drawback is the paid subscription after the first free year.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
My insights after testing 100+ OBD2 tools
I’ve tested literally hundreds of OBD2 scanners, so let me tell you why I find these the best value for money.
7 Best Bi-directional OBD2 scanners
- Bi-Directional scanner scan all modules in car
- Bi-Directional scanner reads data from all modules
- Bi-Directional scanner can do service resets
- Bi-Directional scanner can do PDF car health reports
- Bi-Directional scanner can unlock hidden features (all in this list except XTool A30)
1. Mucar 892BT
Mucar 892BT
Mucar 892BT offers full DIY to semi-professional functionality, including scanning all systems, checking used cars, or even unlocking hidden features for more than 150+ brands covered.
Best part? Free lifetime updates, AI mechanic, and even access to the DIY mechanics community.
I listed multiple places to buy (depending on location), but the cheapest is usually on the Thinkcar official website.
Find the best price
2. XTool A30M
XTool A30M
XTool A30M is one of the best choices for DIY mechanics as you are getting scan tool functionality for cheap price.
I bought the cheapest of 3 different A30 versions on Aliexpress for around $96 and it comes with an extension cable, free lifetime updates, and all the functionality I might need as a home mechanic.
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3. Mucar 682
Mucar 682
Great alternative to Mucar 892BT or Thinkscan 682BT if you still want scan tool with free lifetime updates but you don’t need that advanced device.
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4. XTool D9s
XTool D9s
The XTool D9S is a professional-level scanner with ECU programming, ECU coding, bi-directional testing, and full-system diagnostics. It features fast Wi-Fi connectivity, advanced service functions, and regular updates, making it a strong choice for serious DIYers and workshops.
5. Mucar BT200 Max
Mucar 200BT Max
I love this tool haha. Not only it gives you access to professional software with full-system diagnostics, it will also let you work with ELM327 apps.
So just with Mucar 200BT Max you can use wide range of professional and 3rd party apps.
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6. Thinkscan 689BT
Thinkscan 689BT
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 10% OFF on the official website while it lasts.
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7. Thinkdiag2
Thinkdiag2
Thinkdiag2 s the fastest wireless OBD2 scanner I’ve tested. It covers everything a beginner or intermediate DIY mechanic needs, with wide vehicle coverage and advanced features rarely found in smartphone scanners.
You get bi-directional testing, ECU coding (enable/disable features), and access to every control module for scanning, live data, and detailed parameters.
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Popular OBD2 guides
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Best OBD2 scanners in 2025
I constantly test new OBD-II scanners to give you the best options possible. Here is a full list of the best tools in all categories currently.
Olá
Para um carro elétrico o que aconselha?
Obrigado
Fernando Miranda
Hi most of these will be fine for EVs as well – here is more info: https://iamcarhacker.com/ev-diagnostics-with-obd2-what-works-what-doesnt/