13 best auto scanners

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

How to choose an autoscanner

Autoscanners, like other electronic diagnostic devices for systems, have a set of key parameters that must be used when choosing. Often not only the adaptability of the autoscanner to one or another type of work depends on them, but also the notorious popularity of the device on the market. In this regard, the Internet magazine recommends that you pay attention to the following aspects:

1. Software. A key parameter that directly determines the functionality of the autoscanner and its suitability to perform a wide range of tasks. In general, it should be remembered that the more software the selected device supports (or has), the wider range of tasks can be solved with its help.
2. Management interface. Another important aspect that consumers pay undeservedly little attention to. Often, it is the intuitiveness and ease of operation that affects the high popularity of the autoscanner among users, but not all manufacturers pay due attention to the interface (at least at first). When choosing an autoscanner, we recommend that you pay special attention to testing the device for the 'lightness' of the interface, while checking the amount of the built-in software package.
3. Connection. On the Internet, you can find the opinion that this parameter is secondary and should not be paid any attention to. Nevertheless, the presence or absence of this or that connection method affects the ergonomics and durability of using the autoscanner. So, in the absence of the possibility of a wireless connection (via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.), the device will significantly lose in ergonomics and mobility, since it will require the constant presence of a laptop or tablet 'next to it'. In addition, the conditional failure of the USB and LAN ports, without the availability of backup connection methods, will put an end to the further use of the device without urgent repair.
4. The degree of versatility. All auto scanners on the market are divided into two types: multi-brand and multi-brand. The former provide the ability to work out of the box with a large number of car brands and are intended for use in public service centers. The latter, on the contrary, are more sharpened for use with a specific car brand, used mainly by dealers. Owning a service station, or servicing opposite brands of vehicles, it makes no sense to purchase mono-brand autoscanners. And vice versa: when repairing only conditional cars Mercedes, it would be unwise to invest in the purchase of multi-brand devices.

Rating of the best auto scanners

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best inexpensive auto scanners	1	Launch CReader V	RUB 3,690
	2	Delphi DS150E	RUB 4,990
	3	ELM 327 Orion Wi-Fi Micro	3 220 rub.
Best professional multibrand diagnostic scanners	1	Carman Scan VG +	RUB 189,000
	2	Bosch KTS 570	RUB 124,200
	3	ScanTronic R-Box	RUB 45 600
	4	Autel MaxiDas DS708	RUB 66,820
	5	Launch X431 Pro	RUB 107,762
	6	Scanmatic 2	RUB 21 600
	7	Autocom CDP Pro	RUB 11,990
Best professional mono-brand auto scanners	1	Mercedes SD Connect Wi-Fi	RUB 41,500
	2	BMW ICOM A2 + B + C	RUB 31,488
	3	Hyundai and Kia GDS VCI	RUB 36,500

Best inexpensive auto scanners

Launch CReader V

Rating: 4.8

An autonomous professional-level scanning device, all information from which is sent to a structurally provided LCD display. The peculiarity of Launch CReader V is that it can only work with OBD-II protocols. In other words, the autoscanner can communicate with the engine control units of the car, and the execution of a group of basic diagnostic procedures that are included in this standard:

1. debugging and control of the fuel injection system;
2. recognition of actual and stored errors;
3. information about diagnostic parameters in real time.

As users note, the convenience of this device lies in the methods of displaying the received data. Launch CReader V can represent them in the form of text, as well as build graphs, according to which, for example, it is very easy to monitor the air flow parameters when increasing / decreasing the speed, determine the state of lambda probes, etc.

Advantages

• completely autonomous system with its own display for information output;
• low cost;
• clear interface;
• high diagnostic accuracy.

disadvantages

• the ability to work exclusively with the OBD-II protocol.

Delphi DS150E

Rating: 4.7

Delphi DS150E is an inexpensive and reliable autoscanner that has, without exaggeration, a huge database of diagnosed vehicles. Its software is a storehouse of standards for hundreds of different cars and trucks with OBD-II connectors. The overwhelming majority of professional diagnosticians love this device for the simplicity and clarity of the information provided, displayed on a computer monitor or other digital image receiver. According to consumers, Delphi DS150E is an excellent budget analogue of professional car diagnostics systems, the functionality of which is more than enough for use in low and medium-level car services. It is also pleasant to have a complete Russian translation of the entire control interface, which greatly facilitates the use of the autoscanner for people without special knowledge of foreign languages.

Advantages

• availability of databases on standardized controlled parameters of hundreds of different cars;
• complete russification of software;
• optimal cost level.

disadvantages

• the ability to work only with the OBD-II protocol.

ELM 327 Orion Wi-Fi Micro

Rating: 4.6

In its original form, ELM 327 is one of the most functional and inexpensive devices for scanning the condition of a car. However, in modern realities, a US-made product has suffered the fate of insolent Chinese plagiarism, in connection with which the official name began to be used immediately for a large group of diagnostic devices.

However, we have before us the very case when the Chinese copy quite briskly bypassed the American original on the market. After a little reflection on the hardware implementation, the Chinese offered the public two options for ELM 327 connectors: USB port, Wi-fi or module Bluetooth. In this regard, the diagnostic device has gained flexibility regarding the ability to transfer information to devices, 'being able' to connect to both PCs and smartphones.

An important role in popularization was played by the ability to work with a large number of various plugins, both free and hacked (Torque, OpenDiag). This approach to the craft opened up a large number of possibilities for the autoscanner: from the ability to control secondary parameters to large-scale system diagnostics.

Advantages

• very low price;
• an abundance of software for various interfaced platforms;
• as a rule, great compactness of devices in all their variety.

disadvantages

• it is suitable mainly for detecting defects of various blocks, unable to adapt and recode blocks to the required parameters.

Best professional multibrand diagnostic scanners

Carman Scan VG +

Rating: 4.9

According to the creators and experts, the Carman Scan VG + autoscanner is a powerful multi-brand diagnostic complex from all those on the current market. Having the opportunity to work with cars of the segments of America, Europe and Asia, it combines the following hardware systems:

1. oscilloscope with four communication channels, which allows the analysis of signals arriving on the CAN bus and maintains a time base of 20 microseconds.
2. multimeter, the input voltage of which can reach 500 V, with the ability to measure voltage, current, resistance and network frequency.
3. a high-voltage type oscilloscope that diagnoses the state of the ignition circuits of a car.
4. signal generator of various kinds, used to test resistive, frequency sensors and voltage sources.

An important advantage of the Carman Scan VG + autoscanner is the shock-resistant case and the presence of a built-in touchscreen display with an intuitive control interface. At its core, this autoscanner is an assembly consisting of a scanner, an engine tester and a signal simulator for checking sensors, and therefore it is recommended for use for professional and most complete diagnostics of cars in service centers and in independent business.

Advantages

• rich functionality for the most extensive car diagnostics;
• ease of use and availability of an explanatory guide;
• high-quality exterior finish.

disadvantages

• high price.

Bosch KTS 570

Rating: 4.8

One of the few autoscanners that has an official recommendation for use in vehicles with diesel engines. It is a full-fledged dealer tool that provides access to the functions of transcoding and changing the parameters of control blocks, adapting them to one or another input, as well as to full-fledged system tests.

The official configuration of the Bosch KTS 570 autoscanner, in addition to the diagnostic interface itself, includes a multimeter designed for instrumental diagnostics of the power circuit, and an oscilloscope with two communication channels. The software, in turn, includes the ESItronic reference base, with which you can thoroughly study the interface and capabilities of the device, as well as look at the adjustment and control data on faults. The only caveat when buying is the high cost, which is often unbearable for service centers in the early stages of development.

Advantages

• device that supports 52 brands of cars of various size classes at the dealer level;
• convenient implementation of navigation through the built-in directory;
• the presence in the set of devices for complex instrumental diagnostics

disadvantages

• high cost (including maintenance).

ScanTronic R-Box

Rating: 4.7

At the time of the release of the ScanTronic R-Box autoscanner, only the lazy did not notice that this gadget is a budget analogue with serious manners at the dealer level, designed to 'sit up' the Launch X-431 that had passed its positions. As expected, the model received restrained reviews from experts, however, with a detailed indication of a number of advantages.

In particular, the strong point of the ScanTronic R-Box autoscanner is the extensive database of supported car brands from Russia, Asia (mainly Korea and Japan), America and Europe. The user also gets access to information on diagnostics of any supported model, which greatly facilitates the process of identifying deviations and allows for the most complete range of work to eliminate them. The latter, by the way, succeeds largely due to constant software updates, as well as due to a convenient control interface.

Advantages

• attractive price, lifting for any services and maintenance points;
• convenient management interface;
• constant software updates aimed at expanding databases and updating some types of checks.

disadvantages

• still incomplete adaptation of the interface to Russian.

Autel MaxiDas DS708

Rating: 4.7

The auto scanner Autel MaxiDas DS708 has about 50 supported car brands, which was the reason for including it in the rating of the best. Its feature is the presence of its own touchscreen display with a diagonal of 7 inches, which makes it possible to speak of a high degree of autonomy. The functionality does not fail either: as users note, with some European car brands, the device is capable of working at the dealer level, in particular, reprogramming the immobilizer chips, as well as changing and setting the control unit settings.

It is noteworthy that for communication with the Internet and the local network of the Autel MaxiDas DS708 service, it offers not only a Wi-Fi module, but also a full-fledged LAN port, which allows you not to worry about the possibilities of connecting with peripheral equipment. From the rest, it is worth noting a good adaptation of the interface, not the highest price in the class and the presence of a shock-resistant case that keeps the 'insides' of the device intact.

Advantages

• the presence of functions inherent in dealer-level devices;
• availability of a LAN port and Wi-Fi module for various options for connecting to the Internet;
• full autonomy;
• acceptable price.

disadvantages

• small display, inconvenient for viewing detailed graphs.

Launch X431 Pro

Rating: 4.6

Launch X431 Pro is an affordable autoscanner, extremely common in small car services, and until recently was very popular among consumers. In fact, it is a tablet in a shock-resistant case with a small compartment for a wireless diagnostic module based on the Andriod platform. Necessarily has in its composition a number of adapters required for connection to cars with specific connectors.

Each individual advantage of the Launch X431 Pro autoscanner is associated with an accompanying nuance, which is the main feature of this model. So, having high mobility, the tablet remains dependent on the power adapter, since when using diagnostic programs, a frankly bad battery literally sits down before our eyes. The abundance of software allows you to work with almost any car brand, but in fact it quickly fills up a rather limited amount of memory. But what causes bewilderment among absolutely all users of the device is the presence of an antenna for receiving a radio signal – why this is provided in the diagnostic module is not entirely clear, however, the Chinese considered this opportunity more necessary than connecting programs to a single control interface.

Advantages

• low price compared to competitors – the most affordable multibrand autoscanner;
• support for wireless communication with the diagnostic module;
• abundance of software.

disadvantages

• there is no single standard interface: all programs have different functionality and design;
• from time to time there are problems with the correct diagnosis of parameters, which most often manifests itself on Chinese cars.

Scanmatic 2

Rating: 4.6

A universal Russian-made autoscanner designed to work with cars of the domestic auto industry and the most popular models of foreign brands (Mitsubishi, Chevrolet, Renault, Toyota etc.). Despite its modest cost, Scanmatic 2 has a very wide functionality, which includes the ability to build graphs in real time, carry out CO-correction when the lambda probe is turned off (only for VAZ firmware), as well as generate reports on diagnostics performed when the need to send them to print. The latter is made thanks to the built-in USB port or Bluetooth – a module carefully provided by the manufacturers for greater reliability.

Ensuring the most correct operation with all supported vehicle brands, the Scanmatic 2 autoscanner is able to interface with devices based on Android and Windows Mobile, which gives it not only mobility, but also somewhat expands the existing functional. Such a device is inexpensive, but at the same time it is often used in professional car services.

Advantages

• low cost;
• high quality workmanship;
• manufacturer support for the device (periodic updates of the functional shell, updating of reference data, etc.);
• correct work with the entire set of supported car brands.

disadvantages

• inability to work with platforms iOS and Windows Mobile.

Autocom CDP Pro

Rating: 4.5

The most inexpensive multibrand scanner in the ranking is the quintessence of two separate products of the Swedish manufacturer Autocom – Pro Cars and Pro Trucks, suitable for testing systems of cars and trucks, respectively. Naturally, the Chinese decided to have a hand in this creation, “broke” the distributions of both programs and equipped the resulting device with two sets of adapters.

However, such plagiarism turned out to be extremely functional and, moreover, working correctly, which should be attributed to the Chinese developers of CDP Pro and directly to the Swedish compilers of the program. The only caveat here is as follows: with all the functionality of the autoscanner, the updates required for further correct operation must be rolled manually, waiting for the next hacked package from the nominal assembly manufacturer. As noted by users, the rest of Autocom CDP Pro performs well. True, no one is safe from acquiring a knowingly defective model.

Advantages

• very low price;
• a huge set of diagnostic and service software packages from the official manufacturer of the device;
• the possibility of using on cars with various types of connectors (thanks to the provided adapters included in the kit).

disadvantages

• unstable product quality in the same model range;
• there are problems with updating the system utility.

Best professional mono-brand auto scanners

Mercedes SD Connect Wi-Fi

Rating: 4.9

Star Diagnosis Connect from a well-known German brand Mercedes is the next generation of mono-brand autoscanners, replacing the obsolete Star Diagnosis C3 multiplexer. Having carried out painstaking work to correct all existing shortcomings, the fresh complex has absorbed all the best features of old devices, thereby offering users many reasons for pleasant surprise.

The main advantage of the autoscanner Mercedes SD Connect is the most complete set of software utilities that allow you to:

1. simulate the action of most of the existing power units and blocks of a car by sending test pulses to them;
2. read and present information on the state of operating parameters in graphic and text formats;
3. fine-tune blocks for the owner's requests;
4. identify and correct errors in the memory of the on-board computer, etc.

Yes, according to the functionality, the price for an autoscanner looks very high. However, the quality of service is certainly worth it.

Advantages

• huge diagnostic capabilities, correction of existing errors and fine-tuning of operating parameters;
• high degree of reliability of the autoscanner;
• proprietary software with a whole range of useful utilities and additional applications;
• the presence of a Wi-Fi module and a connector for a LAN connection.

disadvantages

• very high cost.

BMW ICOM A2 + B + C

Rating: 4.8

An autoscanner with a somewhat authentic look from the company BMW is the most inexpensive and at the same time one of the most functional diagnostic devices in the mono-brand segment. This combination seems to be the most optimal both for dealerships and for concentrated service points of maintenance, in which cars are fine-tuned for consumer needs.

For full-fledged work with BMW ICOM A2 + B + C, a number of rather stringent requirements for the configuration of personal computers and laptops should be observed, since the efficiency and correctness of the work performed depends on this. So, the recommended parameters indicate the presence of a quad-core processor with a core frequency of at least 3.0 GHz, as well as a drive with at least 350 GB of free memory. Of course, the diagnostic potential for such requirements is colossal, which is the key advantage of the device over others.

Advantages

• attractive price;
• a wide range of components and comprehensive functionality of embedded software;
• the ability to diagnose other brands of cars and motorcycles (BMW Moto, Mini).

disadvantages

• serious requirements for the system parameters of a personal computer.

Hyundai and Kia GDS VCI

Rating: 4.7

Nominally mono-brand, this scanner module was produced to work with two brands of cars at once within the Korean market, which is clearly seen from the name itself. The main feature of the GDS VCI, thanks to which it got into the rating of the best, is the most complete service of automotive systems, which include the engine, gearbox, suspension control system, on-board computer, and other control units.

As users note, with a not very convenient menu (in which, in principle, you can understand), the autoscanner Hyundai and Kia GDS VCI can carry out the finest configuration of nodes according to the required parameters, as well as their testing (at specified values) and debugging when system errors occur. In general, the purchase of this module does not look too expensive for the budget, especially considering the whole range of possibilities and rich bundle with the possibility of free one year access to the diagnostic databases of companies Hyundai and Kia.

Advantages

• optimal price;
• six adapters for various module connection connectors included in the autoscanner kit;
• durable body, excluding damage to the 'filling' by impact and other mechanical influences;
• guarantee of operation and one year free access to data on diagnostic parameters from the company Hyundai and Kia.

disadvantages

• not the most convenient control menu.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.