Discover the Best OBD Scanner: Unlocking Your Vehicle’s Secrets
Theresa Bennett
VSC Specialist
August 6, 2025
5 min read
Overview
Discover the best OBD scanner to unlock your vehicle’s secrets. Learn about top-rated models, features, and tips for effective diagnostics.
Discover the best OBD scanner to unlock your vehicle’s secrets. Learn about top-rated models, features, and tips for effective diagnostics.
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The Latest in Technology. Discover What an OBD Does
Modern vehicles have come a long way. Technology plays a key role in diagnosing and reporting issues. These could include emission control system issues or Powertrain and other challenges. Your OBD can tell you problems your vehicle is experiencing. It will unlock the secrets of your vehicle.
What is an OBD Scanner?
In today’s modern world, your vehicle will alert you to issues using the Check Engine Light (CEL).
Find out what problem your car is experiencing using an OBD reader. This is a technologically advanced handheld computer. The computer’s function is to read and diagnose faults by communicating with your car’s “brain”.
OBD scanners are either inexpensive, or they could cost hundreds of dollars. Depending on the model you opt for. The more advanced scanners offer many features.
Scanners should have the most basic requirements that will enable users to:
Read and clear faulty codes.
Communicate with the automobile.
We help you discover more if you are in the market for an OBD-ll scanner.
Why Investing in an OBD Scanner Is Important
An OBD scanner is one of the most essential items in today’s modern home toolbox.
An OBD scanner can read engine faults and diagnose problems.
OBD scanners are the quickest way to diagnose an issue.
Car owners need to visit a repair shop or call a mechanic when they experience issues if they don’t have a diagnostic tool.
Vehicle owners would have to fork out money to find out what the problem is. This is before any repair work can take place.
It’s Become Easy to Diagnose Mechanical Issues Using Guides
The first thing your mechanic will do when you take your car for a diagnosis is to plug in the OBD reader.
Skip the hassle and expense.
If you have an OBD2 diagnostic tool, you can find out right away what’s wrong.
Your vehicle’s OBD socket looks like an old-fashioned television SCART socket.
Gas passenger automobiles sold 1 Jan 2001 and diesel vehicles sold since 2004 have OBD ports.
We refer to these 16-pin sockets as OBD2 outside Europe.
In Europe we refer to these 16-pin sockets as EOBD.
Because the sockets provide power, there is no need for scanners to have their own power source (batteries or power leads).
Apply These 5 Easy Steps for The Best Outcome:
Step 1:
For easy access to your automobile’s computer, connect your OBD diagnostic tool to your OBD port. You will find the OBD-ll port under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
Step 2:
Turn the key in the ignition. Do this without starting the engine. Turn the ignition until all the lights on the dashboard light up. Or use the start button without pressing the brake.
Step 3:
Depending on your reader, a 5-digit Diagnostic Trouble Code will show up on the screen of your scanner.
Step 4:
The type of scanner you have may show a brief explanation of the DTC, or Diagnostic Trouble Code. These descriptions are often too brief to provide clarity about the issue.
Step 5:
A Diagnostic Trouble Code is there to help you troubleshoot the issue. What we see is a small part of a much bigger problem. The actual issue will need addressing.
Useful Information: Where to Look for Your OBD Port
Most OBD ports are on the driver’s side of a car, below the steering column. Or it could be a little to the side.
A panel sometimes covers it.
Sometimes, the OBD port is under the center console. It may also be in front of the gears or low in the passenger's footwell.
Your vehicle’s handbook will probably not tell you where to find your vehicle’s port. The reason is dealerships prefer motorists to use their dealer networks for diagnostics.
How to Shop for an OBD-ll Scanner. Which One's Best?
OBD-ll scanners can cost under $100, or they can cost in the thousands. For the budget conscious, the best OBD reader could save in repairs or diagnostics.
There are two kinds of OBD scanners to choose from. These are diagnostic or display models.
Diagnostic scanners or Display scanners - which is the best OBD scanner for money for you. It is all a matter of preference.
Is a Display OBD-ll Scanner the Best For You?
Your display OBD-ll scanner will give you error codes from your vehicle computer.
These codes generate limited information.
They are, however, a good point of reference.
After code generation, you will need to decide on the next steps.
Although very basic, a Display OBD-ll scanner is affordable and does the task.
Is a Diagnostic OBD-ll Scanner the Best Car OBD Scanner for You?
If you love DIY projects and can fix your own car, the OBD-ll diagnostic scanner is the best tool for you!
Diagnostic scanners deliver in-depth information about the inner workings of your automobile.
An excellent feature of a Diagnostic OBD-ll scanner is the TSB. This is the Technical Service Bulletin.
Other features include technical advice, graphing, and module testing.
A Diagnostic scanner is perfect for experienced DIY enthusiasts undertaking extensive repairs.
5 Of the Best in 2025. Which One’s for You?
We unpack 5 of the best rated OBD-ll scanners for you to choose from. All five scanners will prove efficient, and you will probably be happy with the results.
Two of the 5 are especially good. The Motorpower OBD2 has a nice sized screen, is well-priced, and has excellent features.
The iCAR Pro Scan comes in at an affordable price. The best part is you can leave it plugged into the EOBD socket while driving.
There are other scanners on the market. We unpack five popular options:
1. Laser Fault Code Reader (7728)
The Laser Fault Code Reader 7728 is easy to use,
It is robust and scans effectively.
The screen is small, but it does the job.
Some rival scanners in the same price bracket boast more features.
The scanner can turn off the engine malfunction light and it can perform a VIN check.
The iCAR Pro Scan is one of the cheapest readers on the market.
Get live vehicle performance data as you drive via your phone’s GPS system. While driving, you can leave the scanner plugged in.
The iCar Pro Scan is not the best OBD for Bluetooth. Users plug Bluetooth OBD scanners into the port via a dongle. The next step is to download an app to your smartphone, which communicates via Bluetooth 4.0. You then view the data on your phone.
The scanner has a memory function. Compare current results with previous scans.
When looking for the best OBD-ll Scanner, look for the right mix of weight, size, and the proficiency to read fault codes and live data.
Look for:
Accuracy - this is important because incorrect information is worse than no information at all.
Simple set up - when a scanner takes forever to set up, the problem could take a long time to detect, causing further issues.
Explanations - good scanners show faults and explain the problems. This helps you fix it yourself or get a mechanic to help.
Size and weight - bulky scanners are like bulky phones. If it is bulky and awkward to use, you probably won’t use your scanner.
Real-life data - pinpoint erratic problems with live data.
Visual representation - numbers are great, but graphs are even better. These help with before and after readings.
Warranties - does your scanner come with a watertight warranty? Top of the range scanners should last a lifetime.
I/M Readiness Check - good scanners run major engine and emissions tests.
Compatibility - the scanner must be compatible with your model. Make sure you know this before investing.
What form do you want - Bluetooth is something to consider. The best OBD scanner for Bluetooth is available via your tablet, phone, or single hand-held with a cord.
Updates - ensure the scanner’s manufacturer includes updates
Frequently Asked Questions About OBD Scanners:
Q. What exactly is an OBD-ll Scanner?
A. OBD-ll scanners are Onboard Diagnostic Tools. You can plug a scanning tool into the onboard port to diagnose and troubleshoot car problems.
Q. How can I determine if my car has an OBD-II system?
A. All motor vehicles manufactured after 1996 have OBD-ll systems. Older or classic vehicles have older systems or they don’t have any at all.
Q. Is my car OBD-ll compatible? How will I know?
A. Every vehicle and every model manufactured after 1996 is OBD-ll compatible. This is a legal requirement.
Q. What is the best OBD scanner?
A. Car Talk believes that the Innova and Autel brands are the best OBD-ll scanners on the market. But there are many other scanners that rank high on the best scanner list. It’s more about choosing the one that is right for your needs.
Q. Phones and tablets. Are these compatible with an OBD-ll scanner?
A. The answer is yes. Choose a product like BlueDriver’s Bluetooth Pro for compatibility.
Conclusion
Unlock the secrets of your car with the best OBD-ll scanners. Scanners play a major role in diagnosing car problems. Whether you are a novice or an experienced mechanic, figuring out car problems can save you a ton of time and money.
Some mechanical problems are easy to sort out at home. Others need specialized tools and experience to fix a problem.
Understanding error codes and other readings is straightforward. OBD-ll scanners often cost a lot less than taking your car to the mechanic.
This helpful tool is great for basic diagnostics. You can use it to clear a code or examine major issues. This is a brilliant addition for all DIY enthusiasts.
Are you ready to invest in a diagnostic tool today? Now is the time to take vehicle repairs and diagnostics to a higher level with the right OBD-ll scanner.
