Autel scanners are some of the best models on the OBD2 scanner market today.
The company produces a wide variety of scan tools with a large range of prices and functions for all car owners and mechanics.
So which Autel scanner is the best for you?
Well, first, let’s break down the two key categories of Autel scanners we’ll be looking at.
Table of Contents
| Editor's Picks | Products | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Autel MaxiCOM MK908P | 9.5/10 |
| Runner Up | Autel MaxiLink MK808 | 9.5/10 |
| Best Budget Buy | Autel AutoLink AL519 | 8.5/10 |
| Best Value | Autel AutoLink Al329 | 8.5/10 |
| Also Great | Autel Autolink AL619 | 7.5/10 |
Best Autel Scanners For Beginners
1. Autel AutoLink AL319
Look!
The Autel AutoLink AL319 works as a “plug and play” device with multiple advanced features.
Along with checking the status of and turning off your check engine light, the AL319 also resets monitors, views emissions status, and displays monitor data. This Autel OBD2 scanner also performs ignition tests and reads live PCM data streams. I/M monitoring determines your emissions readiness using a speaker and color-coded identifiers on the device’s keypad.
Use your VIN, CIN, or CVN numbers to look up previous information about your car. And the bright color screen displays DTC definitions. The AL319 reads both generic and manufacturer specific codes.
Compatible with all major OBD2 protocols, the AL319 works with any car built after 1996.
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Pros
- Translates to multiple languages
- Emissions readiness testing
- Free online updates
- Easy to operate
- Clear screen is easy to read
Cons
- Only reads codes, doesn’t tell you specifics for what’s wrong
- Poor customer service
- Update requires TF card reader not included with the original purchase
Who’s it For?
The Autel Autolink 319 is perfect for someone who needs an affordable scan tool that will help them save money on future diagnostic tests and repairs from mechanics.
Check Price at Amazon2. Autel AutoLink AL519
Determine the cause for your engine light with the Autel AutoLink AL519 code reader.
Read generic and manufacturer codes for your car with this Autel scan tool. And along with reading the codes, the AL519 provides thousands of professional tips for how to diagnose and troubleshoot the issues with your vehicle.
What’s more?
In addition to diagnosing your check engine light, the AL519 checks your emissions status with I/M readiness testing, runs O2 sensor tests, displays live data, stores that data, and presents the data to you in graphing form.
For the emissions testing, the AL519 comes with the one-click readiness key that ignites the color-coded system to tell you if your emission system is good to go.
Along with the thousands of code definitions, owners can retrieve car info using VIN, CIN, or CVN numbers.
The AL519 is compatible with most cars built since 1996 and is compatible with most OBD2, EOBD, and CAN protocols.
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Pros
- Free online updates
- One-year warranty
- Works quickly
- Clear screen
- Zippered nylon case provides great protection
Cons
- Doesn’t read systems outside of the engine
- Stopped updating after 2017, won’t let you register
Who’s It For?
The AL519 is for car owners who want to know what’s wrong with the car and might do the occasional DIY fix.
Check Price at Amazon3. Autel AutoLink Al329
For those who simply want to turn off MIL’s and check the emissions status of a car, the AL329 is a perfect, affordable option.
The AL329 comes with an easy to use a screen with four menu options, only two of which are of importance to novice car owners.
Any special?
An OBDII/EOBD check diagnoses and clears your check engine light. The AL329 reads manufacturer, generic, and pending codes. You can also retrieve vehicle information with VIN, Calid, and CVN numbers.
The other key button is the Ready Test. One click of this button runs an I/M readiness test to determine if your car would pass emissions. This button can also perform Mode 6 diagnostic testing.
The AL329 is compatible with most cars built since 1996 and is compatible with most major OBD2 protocols.
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Pros
- Clear color display
- Easy to use
- -Affordable
- Freeze Frame data
- Advanced emissions testing functions
Cons
- Must be in update mode before it will update
- English measurements are incorrect
- No return home button (unplug and plug back in to return to the home screen)
Who’s It For?
For car owners on a budget who want to read check engine lights and determine emissions readiness.
Check Price at AmazonBest Autel Scanners for Home Mechanics
1. Autel MaxiLink ML619
Car owners looking for an affordable code scanner that also performs basic OBD2 functions would probably like the Autel MaxiLink ML619.
This Autel scan tool runs a diagnostic test to define issues and clear codes for all the major systems in your car, including the engine, ABS, and SRS. The ML619 can run a full OBD2 scan for eight of the major OBDII modes.
You can stream live data of what’s going on inside most any car. Freeze frame data works to help diagnose specific issues inside the engine. The ML619 will also record and playback a PCM data stream and sensor data, present data in graph form, and print reports from your PC.
The device fits nicely in your hand. You can check any OBD2 compliant vehicle built since 1996 with the ML619, and it supports most major OBD-II protocols.
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Pros
- Lifetime updates
- Up-to-date right when you purchase it
- Easy to operate
- Clear screen is easy to read
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t read transmission codes
- Poor online customer service
- Does not perform advanced ABS system functions
Who’s It For?
DIYers or professionals who want basic diagnostic data for their car’s systems so they can fix minor and some major issues.
Check Price at Amazon2. Autel Autolink AL619
The Autel AL619 checks in as a top of the line Autel code reader.
Generic codes, manufacturer specific codes, and pending codes all present themselves in this affordable model. And the AL619 explains the meaning of those codes; saving you time having to research the issue.
The AL619 clears most all MIL’s, including ABS and SRS lights. Clearing and reading codes works regularly for most models, with resets available for all of your car’s major systems.
The AL619 performs a number of OBD2 functions, allowing you to check faults with your car’s airbag and SRS system. Other tests this cheap scan tool can run include I/M readiness testing, O2 sensor testing, and EVAP testing.
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Mode 08 tests are also compatible with the AL619. Freeze frame data posts live on the screen and is analyzed through easy to read graphs. The AL619 then stores the data for future access. Data and graphs easily print from your personal computer as well.
Most car brands built past 1996 support the AL619. But only about 50 of those brands support the clearing of ABS and SRS codes. The AL619 is also compatible with all major OBDII protocols.
(Of Note: a micro SD card is required to perform updates)
Pros
- Affordable
- The key pad is really easy to use.
- Basic functions work great with most cars.
- Free updates for a lifetime and 1 year warranty.
- Quickly diagnoses the issues in your car.
- Reads and supports several car identifiers, including VIN, CVN, and CIN.
Cons
- Settings need to be changed from “general area” to the area you live in when you first purchase the AL619.
- ABS and SRS not compatible with all car models.
- Users have complained about customer service in the past.
Who’s It For?
Beginners and home mechanics will love the AL619 with a clear listing of code definitions, free lifetime updates, and affordable pricing.
Check Price at Amazon3. Autel MaxiCheck Pro
The Autel MaxiCheck is for those who want to check all of their car’s major systems.
This Autel scanner reads and clears lights for your engine, ABS, and SRS systems. You can also run a DPF review, check your SAS system, examine the EPB, manage your battery, and reset your oil light.
The MaxiCheck is bidirectional, allowing it to perform brake bleeding to both your standard and ABS brakes. Other features include reading live data, particulating filter regeneration, and resetting your steering angle sensors.
You can also run O2 Monitor testing, On-board monitor testing, I/M readiness testing, and look up the DTC the MaxiCheck detects.
The Maxicheck is compatible with any car made after 1996. About 50 car makes are compatible with the ABS and SRS systems. But be warned, not all functions work for all cars. So check to see what is compatible with your particular car brand. All OBD2 protocols should be compliant with this Autel scanner.
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Pros
- 1 Year Warranty
- Free lifetime updates
- Quick working tech support
- Price is reasonable considering all it can do
- Portable!
Cons
- Not all functions work for all cars
- Difficult to navigate menu
- Needs immediate update once your purchase it
Who’s It For?
DIYers who can confirm all the advanced features are compatible with their car.
Check Price at AmazonBest Autel Scanners for Professionals
1. Autel MaxiCOM MK808
The best Autel scanner might be the MaxiCOM MK808.
Perform all the basic services for all the basic systems, including Engine, ABS, SRS, Transmission, Brakes, Emissions, Fuel, Wipers, and Lights. You can also perform basic services on EPB, SAS, DPF, BMS, and TPMS systems as well as performing oil resets.
Along with reading and clearing codes, the Autel MK808 features Auto VIN technology (a standard on most Autel automotive diagnostics scanners). Additional features include resetting service mileage, service intervals, and battery.
The MK808 comes with a bright, easy to use 7-inch touch screen. A strong core processor inside the MK808 delivers data quickly. And the scan tool comes with organizing features. Shop Manager manages your workshop info, while Data Manager stores data and makes it easy to print.
The MK808 features a 7-inch touch screen with quick processing and loads of memory. Most US cars made after 1996 and European cars after 2000 are compatible with the MK808. Compatible protocols include ISO14230-2, ISO9141-2, ISO15765, ISO11898 (Highspeed, Middlespeed and Lowspeed; Singlewire CAN and fault-tolerant CAN) K/L-Line, Flashing Code, SAE-J1850 VPW, SAE-J1850 PWM, SAE J2610, GM UART, Honda Diag-H Protocol, UART Echo Byte Protocol, TP2.0, and TP1.6.
Pros
- 1-year free software updates
- 1-year warranty
- Comes with built-in batteries
- Works and updates quickly and easily
- All 10 OBDII Modes
Cons
- Not all features work for all models
- Warranty requires sending products to China
Who’s It For?
For professional mechanics and car enthusiasts who need a device compatible with multiple car brands.
Check Price at Amazon2. Autel Maxicom MK908 Pro
The Autel Maxicom MK908 Pro has the best screen and highest price of all these devices. But there’s a reason why the MK908P is by far the most expensive of these scanners.
Buy the MK908P if you want advanced coding capabilities. Of course, the MK908 Pro reads and clears codes for all major systems in your car (for $2500, it better). View live data streams for each of these systems. And perform maintenance services on your vehicles such as oil service reset, EPB service, DPF service, TPMS service, BMS service, SAS service, and more.
But what justifies the costs is the advanced coding and bidirectional capabilities of this scan tool. Recalibrate or configure certain components and perform component adaptations after making repairs. Reprogram the ECU in your car and update its software as well with the MK908 Pro.
The 10.1-inch touchscreen is easy to use and easy to read. And the MK908 Pro works with a wide variety of vehicles and protocols, including a compliant PassThru for SAE J2534-1 and J2534-2.
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Pros
- Clear, easy to use touch screen
- Compatible with add-on cameras
- Lightweight
- Easy updates
- Programs keys
Cons
- Expensive
- Poor customer service
- Battery concerns
Who’s It For?
Professional mechanics who justify spending a lot of money because they need advanced coding capabilities.
Check Price at AmazonYou can learn more about Professional Scan Tool HERE
The Bottom Line
The best model overall is the Autel MaxiLink ML619. Though this model is technically a simple code reader, it performs many advanced functions. These include reading codes for multiple systems and streaming live data.
A solid, inexpensive choice for code reading is the Autel AL319. Clear the check engine light and read live data with this compact model.
For professionals, check out the Autel MaxiCOM MK808. This Autel professional scanner diagnoses most all major systems in your car and displays the data on a bright, easy to use touch screen.
In short, be sure you do your own research on each of these models as you consider which one fits your situation the best. Whether you’ve never diagnosed your car before or are a professional level mechanic, Autel has a scanner for your ability level.
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