Actron scanners are some of the best out there, but finding the perfect scanner for you can be a daunting task. All of the jargon can be confusing for a lot of people. That’s why we’re here! Check out this list of the best OBD2 scanners to find the one with the features you need.
Contents
4 Best Actron Scanners Review
| Editor's Picks | Products | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Actron CP9125 C | 9.5/10 |
| Runner Up | Actron CP9660 | 9.5/10 |
| Best Budget Buy | Actron CP9670 | 8.5/10 |
| Best Value | Actron CP9690 | 8.5/10 |
1. Actron CP9125 C PocketScan Code Reader
For only $60, this is the least expensive Actron code reader on this list. It won’t be enough for most vehicle enthusiasts and mechanics, but casual users on a budget will love it. It reads and clears engine codes and works with almost all vehicles made after 1996.
This Actron scanner is extremely portable, and it’s very easy to use. Plus, it includes an emissions test function that most budget scanners lack. That’s pretty much the extent of what this Actron OBD2 auto scanner offers, but for such a low price, you can’t expect much more.
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Pros
- Inexpensive
- Reads/clears engine codes
- Includes an emissions test
- Highly-portable
- Near-universal compatibility
Cons
- Small, black and white display
- Not very many features
Who Is It For And Why?
This Actron scanner is very popular among casual vehicle owners on a budget, but it won’t provide the features that hardcore enthusiasts and mechanics want. If you just need to read and clear engine codes or run an emissions test, it’ll do just fine.
Check Price at Amazon2. Actron CP9660 OBD2 CAN Scan Tool with ABS/ Live Data/ O2 Sensor
This Actron OBD2 scanner lands firmly in the budget price range. The black and white screen cut costs big time, and the feature list includes only the bare essentials. It works with almost all vehicles made since 1996, and it even works with OBD2-compliant vehicles made in 1994 and 1995.
Sadly, it doesn’t do much. It can read and clear OBD2 codes. Additionally, it can display real-time data. If you just want to turn your check engine light off or view your vehicles real-time data, this Actron scanner will provide all of the features that you need.
You might be wondering why this Actron scanner is more expensive than the Actron CP9125 C. After all, the feature list is virtually identical. Well, there’s a simple answer to that question. The Actron CP9660 has a larger display and works with some vehicles made in 1994 and 1995.
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Pros
- Reads and clears OBD2 codes
- Easy to use
- Generally inexpensive
- Turns off check engine light
- Works with most vehicles
Cons
- Very short feature list
- Black and white screen
- Some similarly-priced scanners do a lot more
Who Is It For And Why?
The Actron CP9660 provides only the bare minimum. If that’s all you need, this Actron OBD2 auto scanner will do the trick. If you need your scanner to do more than display live data and read/clear OBD2 codes, you should look elsewhere.
If you really want to save money, you’ll probably prefer the Actron CP125 C. It does almost everything that this Actron OBD2 scanner does. The only difference is that it isn’t compatible with vehicles made in 1994 and 1995. Additionally, the Actron CP125 C’s screen is a lot smaller.
Check Price at Amazon3. Actron CP9670 AutoScan Trilingual OBD2 CAN Scanner
This Actron scanner is almost twice as expensive as the last entry. That being said, it provides a lot of extra functionality. In addition to everything the CP9660 offers, the Actron CP9670 can read manufacturer-specific DTC codes. Additionally, it displays live data and reads ABS codes.
If that wasn’t enough, it can also run an emissions test, displays code definitions, and includes a drive cycle mode. It can even display your data in graph form if you so choose. Plus, it has a crisp LCD display that puts the CP9660’s black and white display to shame.
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Pros
- Displays code definitions
- Shows live data
- Reads manufacturer-specific DTC codes
- Displays ABS codes
- Optional live data graphing
- Includes a drive cycle mode
Cons
- Doesn’t clear all manufacturer-specific DTC codes
- Doesn’t read airbag codes
- Doesn’t include an SAS feature
Who Is It For And Why?
This scanner is great for casual users that want a wide range of features to choose from. However, mechanics and hardcore vehicle fanatics might find that there’s a lot to be desired. If you want to read and clear airbag codes, you might want to upgrade to the Actron CP9690.
That just happens to be the Actron auto scanner that’s next on this list. It gives you the ability to read and clear SRS (airbag) codes, and it even features CodeConnect, a comprehensive list of over twenty-six million verified fault code fixes.
Check Price at Amazon—–
4. Actron CP9690 OBD1/OBD2 Elite AutoScanner Scan Tool
Look!
This is the most expensive Actron auto scanner on this list so far. That being said, it features near-universal compatibility, and it comes with a loaded feature list. You can display and even graph live data on its crisp, colorful display, and it’ll work with most vehicles made after 1984.
One of the Actron CP9690’s most attractive features has been dubbed “CodeConnect.” It’s a comprehensive database of twenty-six million verified error code solutions. Plus, it can read ABS and airbag codes. Keeping an eye on those systems is a great safety precaution to take.
Pros
- Reads ABS codes
- Displays airbag codes
- Graphs live data
- Includes CodeConnect database
- Near-universal vehicle compatibility (1984+)
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t include enough features for most mechanics
Who Is It For And Why?
This Actron code scanner will be perfect for hardcore vehicle enthusiasts, but it might not be enough for mechanics. Most mechanics will prefer a “long coding” feature that allows them to enter scan codes manually.
The Actron CP9690 doesn’t include this feature, but to be fair, most scanners with long coding are considerably more expensive. Outside of this feature, it has almost everything a consumer could want.
Check Price at AmazonRecommendation
Let’s briefly go over these Actron scanners and who they’re for.
If you’re looking for something cheap that provides the essential features, you’ll likely want either the Actron CP9125 C or the Actron CP9660. There are only a couple of real differences between the two. The Actron CP9660 just has a larger screen and works with more vehicles.
If you want something with a longer list of features, check out the Actron CP9670. You might also be interested in the Actron CP9690. Both have colored screens, display ABS codes, and can graph your live data.
The CP9690 is the more expensive option between the two. However, there’s a reason for this. It displays airbag codes (SRS) and includes CodeConnect. Sadly, neither of these beefier options include long coding, a feature that most mechanics will want.
The Bottom Line
This is our list of the best Actron scanners on the market. We’ve included a wide range of prices and features in order to accommodate almost everyone. Whatever features you need, you’ll likely find a great option here.
Finding the perfect Actron OBD2 scanner for your specific needs can be hard, especially if you don’t understand vehicle jargon. That’s why we’ve provided the simplified information here.
If you need to do so, learn which features you need for the task at hand. Then, check this list again and find the Actron scan tool that has all of the features you need.
Read more: 7 Best ABS/SRS Code Readers Review 2021
