As a DIY mechanic myself, I know you would love to have an OBD-II scanner that comes with professional features without having to pay for an every-year license. In the past few months, I tested around 15 scanners without subscriptions, and here are my recommended picks:
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Quick Recommendations
xTool A30
Semi-professional scanner for smartphone/tablet. Full-system scan, live data, service resets, and bi-directional testing.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
Thinkcar Thinkscan 689
This is a semi-professional/professional scan tool with full-system access, full diagnostic features, 34 reset functions, and OEM ECU coding.
($99 OFF coupon on official website)
Kingbolen Ediag
Newest Bi-Directional smartphone scanner on the market and one of few in this scanner type that comes without any subscriptions.
Ancel ECHO
The biggest advantage of this scanner is that it lets you connect to all ELM327 apps, so even though I had some problems with an older car, I still could use an adapter paired with 3rd party app.
xTool D5S
Absolutely loved this scanner as it comes with easy Wi-Fi updates instead of me having to deal with complicated SD-card updates.
(15% OFF coupon “IAMCARHACKER” on official website)
Mucar V06
Full-system scanner with 100+ brands supported is good for all vehicles with OBD2 including the newest models.
(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.
1. xTool A30
xTool A30 is one of the best choices for DIY mechanics as you are getting scan tool functionality for cheap price.
There are 3 versions of the xTool A30 adapter (A30, A30D, and A30M) but the only difference is the number of service procedures (8, 14, 21), otherwise, everything is the same.
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.
The best deal is on xTool website, use coupon “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF
Find the best price for xTool A30
The adapter is of great built quality and even survived a few falls I did not intend 😀 without a scratch.
It even shows the voltage of the battery directly on the adapter once you connect it.
I have tested it on a few different cars and I also made a video review which you can check in a separate xTool A30 Review Post.
2. 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.
Bluetooth vs wired?
Bluetooth version is easier to operate, especially when doing live data logs while driving. There is also built magnetic space to hold your connection adapter on the back of the thinkscan tablet.
On the other hand, the wired thinkscan689 version will require less charging since it can steal battery power from a connected car when you use it.
Also, there is less risk of failure in the long-term if you plan on keeping it for several yea
One of the best scan tools I have tried, for more information + $99 OFF discount code visit the official website.
3. Ancel ECHO
When I saw ECHO for the first time on Amazon, I ordered it straight away because it comes with a very unique concept.
Not only do you have a bi-directional scanner, but it can also connect to hundreds of ELM327 apps you can find in the app store for free.
If ECHO couldn’t connect to ELM apps I would not recommend it. Yes, you have bi-directionality and some other PRO features but it doesnt have vehicle coverage as big as other scanners on this list.
For example I tried connecting it with my Renault Kangoo, but it does not support Renault at all.
However once I switched to one of the ELM apps (car scanner OBD2), I was able to connect and use a scanner to get faults and data from the engine.
If you intend to use a lot of ELM apps, ECHO makes sense. But if you want just one reliable tool to scan all cars I would rather go with xToolA30 or Thinkscan 689.
I also made a full blog post and shot a video review of this scanner, check it out in a separate Ancel ECHO review post.
Find the best price
4. Xtool D5s
Here I am testing it out on Skoda Rapid 2016 which I don’t consider that old but it has around 9-10 control modules.
However, this type of scanner (4-system) works only with Engine, Transmission, Airbag, and ABS control modules.
And since this is a manual transmission, there is no module for it. So I can work only with 3 control modules out of 9 a car has.
But the scanner is flawless, it is fast, easy to upload and everything it can do it does without any complications.
That is why I am recommending it mostly for old cars as these cars don’t come with many modules anyways.
Usually, you have only engine, transmission, airbag, and ABS modules for cars from 1996-2006.
It is more advanced than a traditional code reader and I also made a video review of it in a separate post.
Check out the xTool D5s Review here.
Find the best price
Conclusion & Total Winners
xTool A30
Semi-professional scanner for smartphone/tablet. Full-system scan, live data, service resets, and bi-directional testing.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
Thinkcar Thinkscan 689
This is a semi-professional/professional scan tool with full-system access, full diagnostic features, 34 reset functions, and OEM ECU coding.
($99 OFF coupon on official website)
Mucar V06
Full-system scanner with 100+ brands supported is good for all vehicles with OBD2 including the newest models.
(10% OFF with “CARHACKER” on official website)
Kingbolen Ediag
Newest Bi-Directional smartphone scanner on the market and one of few in this scanner type that comes without any subscriptions.
IF you are still unsure or don’t understand scanner features, I suggest you download my FREE PDF guide. It explains all scanner functionality, and different scanner types so you will now which one you need for your needs. (IT also has some discount codes, download below)
Free PDF: How to choose OBD2 scanner
I’ve made you a free PDF to choose the OBD2 scanner in 5 minutes.
✅ Which OBD2 scanner is best?
✅ Which type should you get (DIY, Pro, Hobby)
✅ What is the best scanner for the exact brand/feature (e.g best for BMW)
✅ How to get a Bi-Directional tool for as cheap as $40
✅ Discount coupons for scanners
PDF is 100% free and it is designed to help you pick a scanner in less than a few minutes! Not a boring 50-page guide.
Just tell me where to send it.
Hi, I am Juraj “Yuri” Lukacko. I got frustrated by unhelpful and scammy mechanics, so I decided to learn everything about car diagnostics myself. I test dozens of new car diagnostic tools every month along with learning new strategies to fix and customize cars. About Juraj Lukacko (Yuri)