Scan Tool reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 158 Reddit reviews across 50 subreddits and 76 posts to rank the best Scan Tool brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/MechanicAdvice, r/AskMechanics, r/mechanics, r/DieselTechs, r/LS430. Top-rated brands include Autel (4.2/5), BlueDriver (4.1/5), Launch (4.1/5).
Stats
Reviews158
Subreddits50
Posts76
Brands75
Products41
158 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Autel
4.2
(32)
"Autel scanners are excellent."
"Overall best for the money is my Autel MaxiCom MK808."
"As a fellow mechanic to a fellow mechanic, Autel is great."
"Autel is probably your best bang for your buck."
"Autel is generally considered to be the best option for scan tools."
"Autel mx808 is what I use on my Maseratis."
"The Autel MX808 ($385) is a 7" tablet based scan tool that will read all modules and has about a dozen service functions."
"Autel and launch products are good. I've got an autel ms908 but the 906 is a bit cheaper."
"Autel MX808 has about a dozen service functions and can access all modules."
"If I had to pick just one I would probably go with autel or possibly the latest one from harbor freight."
#2
BlueDriver
4.1
(10)
"[Amazon BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android $69 (usually $99) 12-8-2022 only free shipping]"
"BlueDriver is pretty handy but if you want something a little better look for a used Icon t8 or get the t10."
"I personally like my bluedriver."
"I’ve had good luck with the BlueDriver Bluetooth obd2 scanner."
"I recently bought a BlueDriver. It uses a phone app."
"My go to for basic stuff and intermediate is bluedriver OBD2 scanner."
"I, too, had a cheap OBD2 scanner. But now I use the BlueDriver OBD2 scanner."
"Bluedriver. At least read about it."
"BlueDriver. Read the reviews, Don't trust us."
"Everyone is saying bluedriver and I would have to agree."
#3
Launch
4.1
(7)
"Launch ftw. Way more features for way less money."
"Launch, TopDon, ThinkTool, and Autel are good they have some budget ones."
"I’d recommend a knock-off Launch if it’s just your own personal use."
"Go and check LAUNCH Creader Elite X431."
"Can get a lower model Launch and be good."
"I have the following brands Launch, a premium, and autel."
"I went with the LAUNCH X431 CRP919EBT Elite."
#4
Foxwell
4.1
(7)
"I like the Foxwell NT510 Elite."
"I got a foxwell for $100. It is so simple, quick, and effective."
"A BMW-specific scanner (like the Schwabben Foxwell) for carrying in the car."
"I have the Foxwell NT510 elite for $150 USD and it does everything you need."
"The Foxwell nt710 is very similar to the Schwaben but less expensive."
"Https://www.foxwelldiag.com/products/foxwell-nt809ts"
"It is ok-ish, although I have not found how to do 'Comfort Close Windows' on Keyfob for US models yet."
#5
Topdon
4.4
(5)
"Was recommended a todon scanner by a mechanic friend of mine."
"TopDon Topscan has been fantastic for me."
"I have top don scanner 900."
"I have a Topdon Artidiag 900 BT and have been happy with it."
"I like the TopDon AD600S that I have. It works great on my LBZ and does everything my dad’s Ethos Edge will."
#6
VCDS
4.2
(5)
"VCDS is best if you really want to get in to everything with a great forum for support."
"VCDS"
"For VW and Audi I use VCDS by Rosstech."
"I use our VCDS ironically on 2 VWs."
"ObdEleven or VCDS. I prefer VCDS."
#7
Otofix
4.8
(4)
"Otofix D1, does bi directional and runs autel software."
"I have an otofix D1, it has bi direction controls."
"The Otofix D1 Pro I just ordered was $550 on eBay and it was a steal."
"I was looking at otofix."
#8
iCarsoft
4.3
(4)
"Icarsoft MB3 has been recommended many times on this sub reddit."
"ICarSoft has been great for me so far"
"Personally I use icarsoft for most functions."
"I personally use iCarsoft CR Max, because it was slightly cheaper."
#9
JScan
4.7
(3)
"JScan is the gold standard…"
"Only tool I would recommend for Jeeps is JScan."
"Have you checked into JScan? Just get a Bluetooth OBD reader and download the app."
#10
BMW
4.7
(3)
"Honestly, a laptop with INPA, NCS Expert, and PA Soft is the best tool money can buy."
"The both cheapest and best solution is software on a laptop."
"EBay windows 8 laptop, INPA cable, download bmw software."
#11
Torque
4.3
(3)
"I'd recommend Torque, it's like 6$ for a lifetime app and with a Bluetooth OB2 reader, you can read all fault codes on a car."
"Torque App."
"Any bluetooth OBD2 adapter on amazon should work paired with an app like torque."
#12
OBDLink
4.0
(3)
"You might consider one of the app ones for a tablet or laptop. OBDLink looks interesting."
"You might consider one of the app ones for a tablet or laptop. OBDLink looks interesting and pretty inexpensive."
"I use OBDLink product (MX+) for my Ford."
#13
Xtool
4.0
(3)
"I picked up an Xtool Anyscan on Amazon, so far it does everything the shop Autel can do."
"Xtool isn't a bad option. Got the D8W for $600."
"Xtool x7 is what I have it has tons of features."
#14
Torque Pro
4.0
(2)
"Torque pro in the app store is 5 bucks and a Bluetooth obd2 dongle is around 25 bucks."
"I've used a bluetooth adapter and Torque Pro."
#15
INNOVA
4.0
(2)
"I like the INNOVA brand."
"Innova and autel come to mind."
#16
Carista
4.0
(2)
"Take a look at Carista. $40 for the unit with 30 days of full functionality."
"If you want to dive deeper and get bidirectional capability, look at Carista."
#17
Mongoose
4.0
(2)
"Get a Mongoose cable, cheaper than the DICE clones and works just as well."
"I would suggest looking at the GM version of a Mongoose device or something like that."
#18
Foxwell NT510
4.0
(2)
"Foxwell NT510 for Mercedes is around $150."
"By buddy's foxwell 510 did it with the ford package installed, $200 scanner, $70 dollar code pack."
#19
Icon
4.0
(2)
"T8 is much more capable as the other posters are saying"
"The T8 is pretty good."
#20
Snap-On
3.5
(2)
"Probably one of the expensive Snap-On ones that can do everything."
"Pretty sure they're gonna tell you the snap-on isn't worth the money."
#21
Innova
5.0
(1)
"Innova 5610"
#22
Snap-on Verus
5.0
(1)
"He typically uses a Snap-on Verus, but that's a $5000 scanner."
#23
Autel Ultra
5.0
(1)
"Autel Ultra will do what you need."
#24
Autel AL619
5.0
(1)
"I usually recommend for the engine controls the $100 buck on amazon Autel AL619.. that is my favorite."
#25
Autel Maxisys
5.0
(1)
"I have the autel maxisys and have used the remote expert at least 30 times in the last 6 months with 0 complications."
#26
Autel Elite Pro 2
5.0
(1)
"I went to Autel website directly and purchased the Autel Elite Pro 2 for 2100 with 2 years of free updates."
#27
OBDeleven
5.0
(1)
"OBDELEVEN is prob the best bag for you buck VAG specific scan tool."
#28
Xtool D8
5.0
(1)
"I have the Xtool D8 and loving it....best fathers day gift I ever got."
#29
Snap-on
5.0
(1)
"Snap on p1000 is a great scan tool."
#30
MX
5.0
(1)
"The MX 808 has lots of vehicle coverage. I own one of these and have used it on various vehicles from 2006 through 2018 without any issues."
#31
IIDTool
5.0
(1)
"IIDTool from GAP Diagnotsic. It's pricey but it is tailor made for Land Rovers."
#32
TorquePro
5.0
(1)
"TorquePro app, and this OBD2 adapter."
#33
Schwaben
5.0
(1)
"I have a bunch of high mileage cars and use the heck out of mine."
#34
Nexiq
4.0
(1)
"Nexiq 3 with e technician."
#35
Techstream
4.0
(1)
"If you have a laptop. You can use techstream tool."
#36
Ross-Tech
4.0
(1)
"VCDS from ross-tech."
#37
Bafx Products
4.0
(1)
"The Bafx Products ELM327 dongle will get you there for $25."
#38
Harbor Freight
4.0
(1)
"I just get the $30 one at harbor freight. the blue one"
#39
Bosch
4.0
(1)
"Bosch 625x scan tool / das 3000"
#40
Thinkdiag
4.0
(1)
"Thinkdiag 2"
#41
FCar
4.0
(1)
"FCar makes good scan tools."
#42
VAG-COM
4.0
(1)
"VAG-COM for VW group cars."
#43
Forscan
4.0
(1)
"Forscan prolly."
#44
Amazon Techstream Cable
4.0
(1)
"It has been a godsend for programming new keys."
#45
Tech-2
4.0
(1)
"I bought a Chinese knock-off Tech-2 and it's pretty dope."
#46
Snap-on Modis Edge
4.0
(1)
"Buy a used snap on modis edge. Should set you back about $800-900."
#47
Autel AP 200
4.0
(1)
"Autell AP 200 maxi app can do that."
#48
Topdon Phoenix Max
4.0
(1)
"I’ve used Topdon professionally (phoenix max) and privately, and I like them."
#49
Autel DS808
4.0
(1)
"My $1k Autel DS808 was able to do everything I needed."
#50
ANCEL VD700
4.0
(1)
"I find myself using ANCEL VD700 more often."
#51
GM PIDs
4.0
(1)
"I used Torque Pro with a bluetooth obd2 and bought the GM PIDs."
#52
Mongoose Plus
4.0
(1)
"I was using Opus IVS Mongoose-Plus J2534 then upgraded but that should be sufficient for you."
#53
Techstream Cable
4.0
(1)
"I bought the Amazon techstrwan cable and it has been a godsend for programming new keys."
#54
G-scan 2
4.0
(1)
"The mitsi foreman here in my town likes the G-scan2 for all his diag."
#55
Innova 5610
4.0
(1)
"I’d probably get an Innova 5610 Scan Tool. Scotty recommends it, seems quality built."
#56
Harbor Freight Scan Tool
4.0
(1)
"People laugh but harbor freights new scan tool is pretty metal."
#57
Topdon Artdiag 900 Lite
4.0
(1)
"I now have a Topdon Artdiag900 Lite. I like it a lot so far."
#58
Bafx Bluetooth Scanner
4.0
(1)
"Bafx Bluetooth scanner with 'car scanner' app."
#59
Launch Scan Tools
4.0
(1)
"I’m a fan of the Launch stuff, they have lower end scantools that will do abs/srs/OBD/pcm."
#60
iCarsoft MB-II
4.0
(1)
"I use the iCarsoft MB-II scanner. It reads manufacturer specific diagnostic codes."
#61
Cando International
4.0
(1)
"This one is a good starter for like $500."
#62
Veepeak
4.0
(1)
"Veepeak Bluetooth obd2 dongle and Torque app paid version on your phone."
#63
ThinDiag+
4.0
(1)
"I use ThinDiag+. Not super expensive and has helped me scan and reset components."
#64
Prolink Ultra
4.0
(1)
"I personally have a prolink ultra and like it a lot."
#65
Jaltest
4.0
(1)
"I use Jaltest to cover a wide range of vehicles."
#66
ThinkDiag2
4.0
(1)
"ThinkDiag2 is a great scanner for >$200."
#67
Bafx ELM327
4.0
(1)
"Bafx ELM327 is what I've been using for years."
#68
XTool
3.0
(1)
"I've had an XTool D8 for close to a year."
#69
ODBeleven
3.0
(1)
"The Android version of ODBeleven has more functions than the iOS version."
#70
Amazon
3.0
(1)
"Just buy a cheap one from Amazon and make sure it's OBD2."
#71
Xtool D9S
3.0
(1)
"I've got an Xtool D9S in my amazon shopping cart."
#72
Icarsoft CR V3
3.0
(1)
"Icarsoft CR v3."
#73
Icarsoft Volvo/Saab 2.0
3.0
(1)
"Icarsoft volvo/Saab 2.0 (or above)."
#74
Autologic Bluebox
3.0
(1)
"The autologic is supposed to be the best "dealer level" scan tool."
#75
ALDLdroid
3.0
(1)
"This is what I use now (if you're an iPhone user there might be other options - this is Android specific) https://www.aldldroid.com/."
Discover your audience
GummySearch is an audience research toolkit for 130,000 unique communities on Reddit.
If you are looking for startup problems to solve, want to validate your idea or find your customers online, GummySearch is for you.
Sign up for free, get community insights in minutes.
Tell me more
Get started
