We read and analyze actual customer user reviews and pro evaluations from all over the Web — so that you don't have to — and show you the top-rated products.

Best OBD Scanner-ReaderWhy buy a OBD II scanner-reader ?

First, it can save you a ton of money — and time. You can scan your own vehicle problems and avoid a lengthy expensive trip to a mechanic to learn that your gas cap is loose or needs to be replaced.  Diagnose the problem and fix it yourself.

Certainly, an OBD II code reader will cost you a little money up front, but the more you use it, the more you save on mechanics and high parts costs, the more the reader pays for itself.

In fact, it can pay for itself the first time you use it, depending on what the problem turns out to be.

An OBD code scanner can also help eliminate worry and surprises. If your “engine check” light keeps coming on and you find the problem is a faulty oxygen sensor, you know you won’t damage your car if keep driving it for a couple of days until you can fix it.

Most OBD scanners are easy to use. Simply plug it into the socket under the dash on any car, and begin checking. It’ll tell you if it finds problems and will display the codes. Some scanners translate the codes and others do not. If not, you can look the codes up for your vehicle online.

We have looked at actual owner/user reviews of OBD diagnostic code readers and have selected the top makes and models.

To see the results, see below. If you don’t see our reviews below, visit Best ODB Scanners and Readers.

Overall Rating:
 

Total Customer Reviews: (249)
Seller: Amazon
The ScanGaugeII is a 3-in-1 automotive computer that combines a multifunction trip computer, diagnostic scan tool, and up to 37 digital gauges in one small package. It connects easily to your vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) port and communicates directly with the vehicle's computer. Not sure if your car uses OBDII or Controller Area Netw  [Read More]
Overall Rating:
 

Total Customer Reviews: (108)
Seller: Amazon
The Actron CP9180 OBD II AutoScanner Plus Diagnostic Code Scanner encompasses many professional features in an inexpensive scan tool. If you are new to diagnostic scanners, this handy tool connects to your vehicle, scans various parts of your car, truck or SUV, and retrieves a list of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and code definitions from yo  [Read More]
Overall Rating:
 

Total Customer Reviews: (78)
Seller: Amazon
Is your car's check engine light on? If it is, your car is trying to tell you something and the Actron CP9175 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner speaks its language. Use this scanner to unlock the information stored in your car's computer. Whenever your check engine light is on, the device can chrome://gcstoolbar/skin/feedbackimg2.gif chrome://g  [Read More]
Overall Rating:
 

Total Customer Reviews: (100)
Seller: Amazon
When your Check Engine light turns on, find out immediately if you should stop or keep driving with the Actron PocketScan Plus OBD-II Code Reader with Urgency Indicator. There are many reasons that can cause this indicator to appear -- from minor to critical -- but the PocketScan Plus is here to provide you with the code information you need as wel  [Read More]
Overall Rating:
 

Total Customer Reviews: (146)
Seller: Amazon
The Innova 3100 Innova CanOBD2 Diagnostic Tool is the DIY’s choice that also comes with many professional features. This easy-to-use tool connects to your 1996 and newer car, truck or SUV, and retrieves a list of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and code definitions from your vehicle's computer. You can also view freeze-frame data which shows the   [Read More]
Overall Rating:
 

Total Customer Reviews: (150)
Seller: Amazon
Designed to empower vehicle owners when it comes to maintenance, the Equus 3030 Innova Diagnostic Code Reader offers the perfect entry-level tool for quickly revealing Read trouble codes in a snap. See product details. the cause of "Check Engine" light warnings on any 1996 and newer car, light truck, or SUV--foreign and domestic. The tool fe  [Read More]

Best OBD Scanner - Code Reader

Overall Rating:
 

Total Customer Reviews: (169)
Seller: Amazon
The MaxiScan code reader supports all OBD2 protocols, including the newly released Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. Though it is small, it is able to retrieve same information as large expensive scanners. This code reader reviews the emission readiness status of OBD monitors and determines the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) status as well   [Read More]