Car diagnostic scanners – which one is right for you?

Small plugs for the OBD2 port, such as Vgate vLinker/iCar or ELM327-type adapters. They work together with an app on your phone.

The cheapest way to read and clear engine fault codes and see live data.

Handheld devices with their own screen – no phone needed. They read and clear engine (OBD2) codes and often show readiness/emissions status.

Ideal for beginners who want to know quickly why the check-engine light is on.

Scanners that, besides the engine, also read ABS (brakes), SRS (airbag) and often the transmission.

For DIYers who want to understand and clear warning lights beyond the engine.

These tools don't just read: they can command components (fans, pumps, injectors) and run service functions – depending on the model, for example oil reset, electronic parking brake service, battery registration or DPF regeneration.

For keen DIY enthusiasts and workshops.

Beyond reading and clearing faults, these scanners change module settings: activate hidden features, adapt a new part to the car, code replaced injectors or modules.

You need this when you replace a module, injector or key on a modern car – without coding the new part often won’t work at all.

Tools to program new or spare keys and remotes to the car’s immobiliser, for example after losing a key.

A new key from the dealer can be expensive; with a programmer, locksmiths and workshops can do the job for much less.

Activate, read and program tyre pressure sensors and run the relearn after changing tyres or sensors.

Gets rid of the tyre-pressure warning light after a tyre change and lets you use cheaper universal sensors.

Show the electrical signal of sensors, coils, injectors and CAN networks as a waveform on the screen.

When a scanner only says "sensor faulty", a scope shows whether it is the sensor, the wiring or the power supply. It is the tool for advanced diagnostics.

Scanners for 12 V/24 V heavy vehicles using the J1939/J1708 protocols found in trucks, buses and machinery.

A normal car scanner can’t talk to a truck. These read engine, transmission, brakes and after-treatment (AdBlue/DPF) on heavy vehicles.

Fault readers and scanners for motorbikes, with the adapters each brand needs (many bikes don’t use the standard OBD2 plug).

See why the engine light came on, clear faults and do service resets without going to the dealer.

Measure the battery’s state of health (SOH), charge and cold cranking amps (CCA), and test the starting and charging system.

Shows in seconds whether the battery is still good or the alternator is the problem – so you don’t replace good parts.

Well-known Chinese maker of workshop diagnostic tablets and Bluetooth dongles in the X431 series. Wide vehicle coverage, many models with bidirectional tests.

For demanding DIYers and multi-brand workshops.

Maker of the MaxiCOM, MaxiSys and MaxiCheck scanners and tablets used by many independent workshops.

For DIYers and pros looking for an established system.

Maker of app-based dongles (ThinkDiag) and diagnostic tablets. Some functions or brand software may be paid add-ons.

For anyone who wants flexible diagnostics with a smartphone.

Maker of diagnostic scanners, battery testers and jump starters. The ArtiDiag and Phoenix scanner lines target both DIYers and pros.

For anyone who wants diagnostics and battery gear from one brand.

Maker of handheld scanners in the NT series, including several brand-specific models, for example for European brands.

For owners of a particular brand who want deeper diagnostics without an expensive pro tablet.