10 Best Autel Scanners Review and Comparison 2023

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.

Types of Autel Scanners

Autel Code Readers

Code readers are perfect for reading generic codes in your car.

A generic code is one that all cars produce with a standard OBD2 system. But not all codes are generic. Some codes are specific to the make of the car. These are known as manufacturer specific codes.

Generic codes stay the same regardless of the make or model of the car, while manufacturer specific codes change not just for different makes, but from model to model. So manufacturer specific codes need to be constantly updated.

Code readers will read (and often clear) generic codes. But they may not read the manufacturer specific codes. Or if they do, they may only read certain ones and be slow to update to newer models.

Autel Professional Scan Tool

Professional scan tools should update manufacturer specific codes much easier than code readers. They should also work for multiple brands of cars and perform significantly more functions.

That doesn’t mean code readers won’t perform advanced readings or testing. But professional scan tools are far more likely to be bidirectional and complete a far wider variety of OBD2 functions.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the top Autel scanners, both code readers and professional scan tools.

Best Autel Scanners

1. Autel MaxiLink ML619 CAN OBD2 Code Reader with ABS/SRS/ Check Engine Light

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.

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 Amazon

2. Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 CAN Scan Tool Automotive Engine Fault Code Reader

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.

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 Amazon

3. Autel AutoLink AL519 OBDII EOBD CAN Code Reader with Check Engine Light

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.

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 Amazon

4. Autel AutoLink Al329 Code Reader OBDII Scanner with Mode

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.

Who’s It For?

For car owners on a budget who want to read check engine lights and determine emissions readiness.

Check Price at Amazon

5. Autel Autolink AL619 OBD2 Code Reader with ABS/SRS

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.

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)

  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 Amazon

6. Autel MaxiCOM MK808 Full-System OBD2 Scanner

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.

Who’s It For?

For professional mechanics and car enthusiasts who need a device compatible with multiple car brands.

Check Price at Amazon

7. Autel MaxiCheck Pro Diagnostic Tool with ABS, SRS, DPF, EPB , SAS, Oil Light

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.

Who’s It For?

DIYers who can confirm all the advanced features are compatible with their car.

Check Price at Amazon

8. Autel MaxiDiag Advanced MD808 (MD808 Pro) Full-System OBD2 Scanner

For those looking for Autel scanners that genuinely can do it all, check out the Autel MaxiDiag MD808 Pro.

The MD808 doesn’t just read and clear codes for the basic systems (engine, ABS, SRS, transmission). Perform oil resets, battery reset registrations, parking brake pad relearn, steering angle sensor reset, and DPF regeneration with this scan tool.

The MD808 also performs I/M readiness testing to determine your car’s emissions status. This professional scan tool reads a ton of live data, including ELD, engine speed, multiple sensors, throttle, fuel level, vehicle speed, alternator, AC switch, A/C clutch, the starter switch, and more. Playback and graph the live data as well with the MD808. View freeze frame data as well with this Autel Scan Tool.

View thousands of code definitions on the MD808’s bright color screen. And use AutoVin to access manufacturer specific codes.

The MD808 works with most cars built since 1996 and is compliant with all major OBD2 protocols.

Who’s It For?

Professional mechanics and gearheads who know what they are doing and what they will need to make repairs.

Check Price at Amazon

9. Autel MD802 Maxidiag Elite Full-System Scanner

Another Autel scan tool that covers a wide variety of systems is the MD802 Maxidrag.

The MD802 reads and clears codes for all major systems in your car, including the engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission. Perform I/M readiness testing to determine whether your car will pass emissions. You can also view live data and access freeze frame data to diagnose issues in your car. Perform a variety of tests, including O2 monitor testing, on-board monitor testing, and component testing among others.

The MD802 has DTC lookup, oil reset service, and EPB service along with providing access to many systems deep within your vehicle.

Compatible with most vehicles made since 1996, the MD802 is also compliant with all major OBD2 protocols. But be warned, Autel only advertises all 10 OBD2 test modes for one protocol: J1979.

Who’s It For?

For professional mechanics and DIYers that know to do their research and are patient with the setup and learning process of the device.

Check Price at Amazon

10. Autel Maxicom MK908P Pro Automotive Diagnostic Scanner

The Autel Maxicom MK908P 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 MK908P 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 MK908P.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen is easy to use and easy to read. And the MK908P works with a wide variety of vehicles and protocols, including a compliant PassThru for SAE J2534-1 and J2534-2.

Who’s It For?

Professional mechanics who justify spending a lot of money because they need advanced coding capabilities.

Check Price at Amazon

You can learn more about Professional Scan Tool HERE

Autel Scanners Buying Guide

Consider the following factors when deciding what Autel scanner you want to buy:

1. Code Reader or Professional Tool?

If you just want basic code reading, look towards the cheaper models. This is especially true if you are someone who does little to no maintenance on your car. Move towards the professional level scanners if you do a fair amount of maintenance yourself.

2. What Models Does it Cover?

While a scanner might be compatible with your model, all functions might not be. So don’t just check to see if your car brand is compatible with the scanner. Check to see what functions are compatible with that scan tool.

3. How Many Accessories Do I Need to Purchase?

Many scanners require updates that cost money. Some have additional cables that extend it to more brands of cars. Some require purchasing apps for advanced features. Be sure you find out the complete cost of getting the scanner to do everything you need it to do by taking the whole cost of the Autel scan tool into account.

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 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.

Read more: 5 Best Toyota Scan Tool Review 2020