2018's Best Diagnostic Tools Buyer’s Guide (2018 Update)

Picking the most suitable diagnostic tools is a hard task. Manufacturers from all over the world release hundreds of new models every year. If you want to save some of your precious time, use our rating list of the best diagnostic tools! We picked top models with the best price/quality ratio to help you make the right choice.
Top 10 Best Diagnostic Tools of 2018
Rating | Image | Name and Features | Details |
Ease of use 5/5
Size 5/5
Durability 4/5
Value 5/5
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1. OBD2 Scanner Car code scanner for cars, works on all post-1996 vehicles (obd ii & can)-domestic and imported, 12v petrol vehicle, including passenger cars, suvs, light trucks and so on. |
Read reviews |
Ease of use 5/5
Size 5/5
Durability 5/5
Value 3/5
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2. Obd2 Obd Scanner Professional Diagnostic Car Scanner Tool This diagnostic car scanner comes with a user-friendly manual and a cable. |
Read reviews |
Ease of use 5/5
Size 5/5
Durability 4/5
Value 3/5
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3. 2018 Upgraded (Best for the Price) Fit for all obd-ii/eobd compliant vehicles since us1996 & 2000-european autos. |
Read reviews |
Ease of use 4/5
Size 5/5
Durability 5/5
Value 2/5
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4. OBD2 Scanner OBDII Code Reader Utilizing universal diagnostic trouble codes you can fix simple problems yourself. |
Read reviews |
Ease of use 2/5
Size 4/5
Durability 5/5
Value 5/5
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5. Jdiag Om123 Enhanced Obd2 Scanner Car Diagnostic Scan Tool (DIY Crafters’ Choice) Works on most 1996 us-based, 2000 eu-based and asian cars, and newer obdii & can domestic or import vehicles. |
Read reviews |
Ease of use 5/5
Size 5/5
Durability 3/5
Value 2/5
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6. NEXPEAK OBDII Car Diagnostic Scanner This functional obd2 auto code scanner easily determines the cause of the check engine light, stored emission related codes and pending codes, reset monitors, query freeze frame data, read dynamic data stream, read vehicle information, o2 sensor test, evap leak test, on-board monitor test, print data and lifetime free online update etc. |
Read reviews |
Ease of use 3/5
Size 4/5
Durability 5/5
Value 2/5
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7. Bluedriver Bluetooth Professional Obdii Scan Tool (Best Transitional Design) Officially licensed and certified for apple and android devices. |
Read reviews |
Ease of use 3/5
Size 5/5
Durability 2/5
Value 3/5
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8. Veepeak Obd2 Scanner Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tool Reads and clears generic and manufacturer specific diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs), turns off check engine light and review i/m readiness monitors for preparing emission test. |
Read reviews |
Ease of use 3/5
Size 2/5
Durability 2/5
Value 4/5
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9. Foxwell Nt301 Car Obd2 Code Scanner Universal Check Engine Light Diagnostic Tool Fast read and clear vehicle error codes for 1996 us-based, 2001 eu-based and asian cars, and newer obd ii/eobd & can domestic or import vehicles. |
Read reviews |
Ease of use 4/5
Size 2/5
Durability 3/5
Value 2/5
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10. BAFX Products Bluetooth Diagnostic OBDII Reader Scanner (Budget Pick) 2 year warranty (yes, 2. |
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5/5
5/5
4/5
5/5
Overall | Brand | Model | Dimensions | Weight | Details |
4.8
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KONNWEI | – | – | 1.65 pounds |
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Rugged patented design, anti-shock and slip designed obd2 code scanner for cars.15ft height drop-test passed, survive longer in complex environment. 2.8″ tft big size lcd color screen and more comfortable hand feeling. Exclusive 5-ft long diagnostic cable allows you to perform a professional diagnostics in or out of your vehicles. Smart unique keypad, vehicle engine code readers with 4 easy-to-use navigation button, i/m readiness hot key and unique diagnostic tips available after press the question mark button. Audio feedback and 3 led indicators tells you the trouble codes status and allows you to diagnose vehicles faster and more convenient to operate. Car code scanner for cars, works on all post-1996 vehicles (obd ii & can)-domestic and imported.12v petrol vehicle, including passenger cars, suvs, light trucks and so on. Exclusive o2 sensor test, evap test of fuel tank system and on-board monitoring make you full control of vehicle running status. Fully supports record and review data stream, dtcs, freeze frame, and prints out the reports via usb. Full obdii functions, supports read and erase dtc(emission-related trouble codes); turn-off check engine light, reset monitors; i/m readiness monitoring; graphical and numeric live data stream; built-in over 3000 generic codes definition look up library, etc. This obd2 scanner allows you accurately determine causes of engine trouble. Support eight languages: english, french, german, dutch, spanish, russian, portuguese, italian.
More concerns for your car, supports over-voltage protection, real-time battery monitoring (check battery status before driving or diagnostics). Life time free update makes it compatible to more vehicles in future and store latest car model data in your diagnostic scan tool. 100% full refund & return guarantee and 3 years free warranty.

What should I do if I receive a wrong item instead of my diagnostic tools?
If you were unlucky enough to get a wrong or broken product, use electronic mail or international telephone to contact the customer support team. They will help you to return your money or get the right diagnostic tools.
5/5
5/5
5/5
3/5
Overall | Brand | Model | Dimensions | Weight | Details |
4.5
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KOBRA Products | OBD2 Scanner | – | 6.9 ounces |
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Minimize maintenance costs: forget about spending a small fortune at the dealer or mechanic shop. Reduce maintenance costs and tackle every automotive problem that might arise with this handy little scanner. Run a quick check of the car system and off you go. Travels along with you: compact and lightweight, this obd2 obd scanner and car code scan tool makes using and storing this scanning reader a breeze. Fits in the glove compartment, trunk or your tool box. Easily check the ignition system, the automatic transmission, the fuel injection, and all other engine systems. Accurate & fast car diagnosis: the kobra obd2 car diagnostic scanner reads and analyzes data in seconds. With easy plug-and-play displays you can diagnose your car accurately and pinpoint problems requiring your immediate attention, and with one click you can reset the check engine light.
Easy to operate: this diagnostic car scanner comes with a user-friendly manual and a cable. Plug the device in, receive any problem codes, and interpret them via the booklet. Now you don t have to be a mechanic to know what s wrong with your car.

Is there a way to get my money back for a diagnostic tools?
Shop has a customer-friendly return policy, which means that you will not have any difficulties returning your money. If there is something wrong with your diagnostic tools, you only need to contact the customer support and ask for a refund. However, you should carefully read the item’s description before buying a diagnostic tools.
5/5
5/5
4/5
3/5
Overall | Brand | Model | Dimensions | Weight | Details |
4.3
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Autmor | – | 4.3 x 0.7 x 2.6 inches | 3.2 ounces |
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Exact & quick diagnosis, read and clear dtc(diagnostic trouble code); determine the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) status; read and display i/m monitor status ; view freeze frame data(updated function). Minimize maintance fee: you would be the master of your vehicle’s health. Save maintenance costs and tackle every automotive problem that might arise with this handy little scanner. Start quick check of the car system, fix and over. Direct displaying: codes could be read easily with wider lcd screen. And universal dtcs meanings are showed clearly in built-in database. Support language: french german dutch spanish english.
Wide vehicle compatibility: fit for all obd-ii/eobd compliant vehicles since us1996 & 2000-european autos.

Is Amazone.com a good place to buy a diagnostic tools?
Nowadays, online shopping is completely safe. In fact, it might even be safer than regular shopping, since you do not have to leave your home to buy products you need. There is nothing dangerous in buying diagnostic tools. After all, you can always get a refund if you will not like the model you bought or you received it in a malfunctioning condition.
4/5
5/5
5/5
2/5
Overall | Brand | Model | Dimensions | Weight | Details |
4.0
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OxGord | CRST-MS300 | 10.1 x 1.5 x 6 inches | 9 ounces |
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Do it yourself: utilizing universal diagnostic trouble codes you can fix simple problems yourself. Lcd screen: displays the meaning of over 3000 generic error code definitions in the database. Everything included: no additional cables required. Read & clear: this device will both read and clear generic and manufact. It also turns off the mil check engine light. Troubleshoot: obd-ii code read & troubleshoot most vehicles located in the USA that have been manufact.
2/5
4/5
5/5
5/5
Overall | Brand | Model | Dimensions | Weight | Details |
4.0
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JDiag | OM123 | 4.6 x 2.8 x 0.7 inches | 9.6 ounces |
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Works on most 1996 us-based.2000 eu-based and asian cars, and newer obdii & can domestic or import vehicles. This diagnostic scanner supports mulit-languages: english, german, french, spanish, italian. This obd ii code reader well built with a large lcd that has white backlight and contrast adjustment, indicates test results directly. With the obd cable, this can scan tool no need any batteries or charger, gets the power directly from the obdii data link connector in your vehicle. Orange color, classic design, fast scan and clear trouble codes, even a beginner can use this obd unit to read the error code, find out what the problem is and perhaps fix it.
4 buttons on this obd scanner: the up and down button for scrolling the menu, the enter and exit button allow for navigation back and entering menu. This automotive diagnostic scanner equipped with a 2.5 feet long cable and made of a very thick flexible insulator. With battery testing function, and easily determines the cause of the check engine light. I/m monitor readiness test, turn off the mil (check engine light) as well as view freeze frame data. Read hard (memory) / pending (intermittent) and historic codes and show definitions.
5/5
5/5
3/5
2/5
Overall | Brand | Model | Dimensions | Weight | Details |
3.8
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NEXPEAK | – | – | 1.59 pounds |
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Powerful compatibility for gas/diesel vehicles: the diagnostic scanner supports all obdii protocols cars with 16 pin interface, including kwp2000, iso9141, j1850 vpw, j1850 pwm and can, works on most gas/diesel vehicles since 1996 us-based including passenger cars, suv, light trucks etc. Note: nexpeak nx501 only supports 12v vehicles. Full obd2 function car disgnostic tool: this functional obd2 auto code scanner easily determines the cause of the check engine light, stored emission related codes and pending codes, reset monitors, query freeze frame data, read dynamic data stream, read vehicle information, o2 sensor test, evap leak test, on-board monitor test, print data and lifetime free online update etc. Keep your car always at health status: the features 3 led indicators and audio feedback, which help you fast to know vehicle’s emission related codes and engine healthy status, keep you easily through the car annual inspection. 3 years warranty non-risk purchasing. 2018 new designed universal obd2 scanner: scan the car directly with 2.8” color lcd display and extra-long 5ft diagnostic cable, no app/battery needed with plug and play function and get power from 12v vehicles. Soft silicone anti-shock and slip material and humanized handheld design, offer you a comfortable and enjoyable diagnostic experience.
Car scanner for turn-off check engine light: nexpeak nx501 can quickly read & erase the engine codes and show code definitions, turn-off malfunction indicator light (mil). It is an easy operation plug & play car scanner, even a beginner can perform professional car detecting. Perfect diagnostic scan tool for car owners to check vehicle s engine by yourself.
3/5
4/5
5/5
2/5
Overall | Brand | Model | Dimensions | Weight | Details |
3.5
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Lemur Vehicle Monitors | LSB2 | 2.2 x 1.9 x 1 inches | 2.08 ounces |
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Officially licensed and certified for apple and android devices. The bluedriver app and bluedriver sensor work exclusively with each other to ensure quality. The professional obd2 diagnostic scan tool trusted by mechanics and developed by professional engineers in north america. As easy to use as a code reader with all the capabilities of an expensive handheld scan tool, plus the benefits of your smartphone or tablet (free app updates, portability, saving data, interactive graphing of live data). Free vehicle-specific repair reports drawn from a database of over 6.6 million fixes verified by certified auto mechanics.
3/5
5/5
2/5
3/5
Overall | Brand | Model | Dimensions | Weight | Details |
3.3
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Veepeak | – | – | 8.8 ounces |
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Wide vehicle coverage – works with obd-ii/eobd compliant vehicles (year 1996 and newer in the us, no brand limitation); supports the five obd-ii protocols: can, kwp2000, iso9141-2, j1850 vpw and j1850 pwm. Cost-efficient solution – retrieves same information as expensive scanners; keep engine performance in good shape with regular inspections and prevents future costly repairs. Peace of mind – 30-day money back guarantee.12-month hassle-free replacement warranty and easy to reach, friendly customer support. Generic trouble code (p0xxx) definitions are included in the user manual. Not for other systems such as abs, airbag, tpms, etc.
Simple to use – stand-alone unit without the need for an additional laptop or cellphone to operate; no app/software to purchase; no batteries needed. Fix simple problems yourself before visiting the mechanic – reads and clears generic and manufacturer specific diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs), turns off check engine light and review i/m readiness monitors for preparing emission test.
3/5
2/5
2/5
4/5
Overall | Brand | Model | Dimensions | Weight | Details |
2.8
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FOXWELL | NT301 | 8.7 x 3.1 x 6.7 inches | 10.4 ounces |
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Nt301 car scan tool is a upgraded version from the basic car obdii diagnostic tool. No battery required, it power charge directly from the obdii car scanner interface in your vehicle make it convenient for diyers and personal diagnosis. Unique patented design, clearly arranged keypad.2.8″ wide tft color screen with life-time free software upgrade and one-year product warranty make it deserve to own. With internet access, you will always have the latest bug fixes and stay current with the latest technology and newly added parameters. Fast read and clear vehicle error codes for 1996 us-based.2001 eu-based and asian cars, and newer obd ii/eobd & can domestic or import vehicles. Besides, the car scanner also shows live vehicle sensors data in text and graph format and allows you to focus on any suspicious or symptom-specific data parameters. Reading / erasing dtc and i/m readiness hot keys make it easy to use this car scanner right out of the package. Red-yellow-green leds and build-in speaker indicate emission monitor status. The obdii scan tool also help catch intermittent problems and confirm repairs during a drive cycle. Help you quickly determine the health of the car.
The obd2 scanner can quickly read and erase dtc (engine fault codes). It provides access to emissions readiness status, on-screen dtc definitions and built-in dtc look up library allow you accurately determine causes of the check engine light and turn off the mil. Automatic vin acquisition and decoding makes it much easy to read manufacturer specific codes and enhanced mode 6 data.
4/5
2/5
3/5
2/5
Overall | Brand | Model | Dimensions | Weight | Details |
2.8
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BAFX Products | BAFX3127 | 2.8 x 1.5 x 1 inches | 3.2 ounces |
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Monitor & analyzer – the bafx products obd scanner is a must have tool for your car. With it you can read & clear your check engine light (cel) & check your vehicle monitors such as o2 sensors, fuel trim, air fuel ratio, dpf temp, coolant temp, oil temp, fuel pressure & so much more. Professional level diagnostics at a truly reasonable price. There are many apps available ranging in price from 0- 40 such as: torque, dash command, carista, scan master, piston & more. Chevy, ford, bmw, lexus, toyota, nissan, subaru, honda, mercedes, gm, dodge, chrysler, jeep & more, all covered. Also, this device will not read airbag, abs, tpms or oil change lights. Warranty – 2 year warranty (yes.2. ) – covers manufacturing defects from date of purchase. A simple & hassle-free warranty process with USA based support will leave your mind at ease so you can focus on your cars maintenance and health.
Many people buy cheap first but always end up buying ours, because ours works.
What factors did you consider while making the TOP list of the best diagnostic tools?
We compared over a hundred of diagnostic toolsfrom various manufacturers. To make our buying guide as honest as it is possible, we took into consideration all the important characteristics, such as price, weight, material, assembly quality, and many more. If you want to find the best diagnostic tools for the least amount of money, our TOP list will be very useful for you.
Are new diagnostic toolssupposed to be expensive?
The best diagnostic toolsare not always the most expensive. However, the bigger the price is — the better the quality of a product. This rule is also applies to diagnostic tools, so if you want to get a good model we recommend you to not be too stingy.
Contact me if you have any questions:
+1 212-683-9100
diana@nordfalcon.com
276 5th Ave Suite 704 New York, NY 10001
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