A bi-directional scan tool not only interprets the information in your car’s OBD system. Good bidirectional scanners communicate with your car so it can offer the best solutions to solving your car’s issues.
These tools can turn systems in your car on and off, so you determine what that light from your OBD system is referring to.
Here’s a breakdown of nine best bi-directional scan tools on the market today.
Best Affordable Bidirectional Scan Tools Comparison Chart
| Editor's Picks | Products | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | LAUNCH X431 V PRO | 9.7/10 |
| Runner Up | Autel MS906 PRO-TS | 9.5/10 |
| Best Value | LAUNCH X431 PROS V+ | 9.0/10 |
| Best Budget Buy | FOXWELL NT630 Plus | 8.5/10 |
| Also Great | Autel MaxiDAS DS808K | 8.8/10 |
Table of Contents
Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools Review
1. LAUNCH X431 V PRO
The LAUNCH X431 V Pro comes in the form of an 8-inch tablet with a clear screen. This bidirectional OBDII scanner reads and graphs data for ALL systems in your car. That includes wiper, seat, navigation, multimedia, cruise control, air conditioning, and other systems regular scanners don’t test.
The X431 V Pro can also reset multiple systems. These include Gear, SAS, TPMS, IMM, BS, ETS, Oil, ABS, and brakes among others.
The X431 V Pro also runs actuator tests that allow you to check individual parts to see what is working properly. And if there is a problem, the X431 Pro offers how-to-videos and assistance from professional experts to help you fix the problem.
Other features include Auto VIN Identification, Key programming, a 5-year warranty, and 2 years of free software updates.
This bi-directional OBDII scanner works with 94 car brands and up to 10,000 car models.
The X431 V Pro can also reset multiple systems.
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Pros
- Fast and easy to use for experts
- Works better than more expensive scanners
- Performs actuator tests
- Reads and clears codes for all systems
- Long Battery life
- Free Wi-Fi printer included with some purchases
Cons
- Takes a long time to charge
- Often doesn’t include the owner’s manual.
- Some users report trouble with the activation and update codes
Who’s it For?
The LAUNCH X431 V Pro is best for expert mechanics and professionals because of its actuator testing. Professionals will also appreciate the number of car brands and models compatible with the X431 V Pro.
Check Price at Amazon2. Autel MaxiDAS DS808K
The Autel MaxiDAS DS808 works with a 7-inch android display screen. Specialized functions include cloud-based MaxiFix, which stores your car’s diagnostic history over the cloud.
This Autel bidirectional scan tool serves all the most common functions. These include Oil Reset, EPB, DPF Regeneration, ABS/SRS, and SAS calibration among others.
The bidirectional control ability in the DS808 performs active testing of most major functions in your car. These tests allow you to better diagnose complex problems in your vehicle.
The battery can last for up to 4.5 hours of constant use. And this Autel bidirectional scan tool comes with a 1-year warranty and free lifetime updates.
The Autel MaxiDAS DS808 supports over 80 car brands from 1996 to the present.
The Autel MaxiDAS DS808 works with a 7-inch android display screen.
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Pros
- Very light and easy to move around
- Touch screen is very easy to use
- Manages data on the cloud
- Free lifetime software updates
- Comes with AutoVIN technology
Cons
- Battery is not always reliable
- Tutorial section doesn’t connect to all servers
Who’s it For?
The Autel MaxiDAS DS808 is best for mechanics and professionals who need a tool that is portable and easy to handle.
Check Price at AmazonBonus: You can find more Autel scanners HERE
3. LAUNCH X431 PROS V+
The LAUNCH X431 PROS V+ works like a mini tablet. DIYers will love the X431 PROS V+’s compact, portable structure.
The PROS V+ clears codes and activates components to help you determine what’s behind the issues in your car. Resets include Oil, TPMS, parking brake, and electronic throttle.
This bi-directional scan tool also performs DPF regeneration, steering angle calibration, battery maintenance, and more.
Any special?
Data live streams over the easy to use touchscreen interface with HD display. The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features on the bi-directional scan tool allow you to diagnose while working under the head. And information loads to your screen with incredible speed and accuracy.
The LAUNCH X431 PROS V+ works with over 80 car brands. Included with the PROS mini is 14 connectors compatible with other automotive standards.
Pros
- Performs Key Configuration
- Offers 2 years of free updates
- Easy to use screen interface
- Compatible with a lot of cars
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Cons
- Works better for foreign cars than it does American cars
- Can take a long time to register
- Updates are expensive after the 2 free years.
Who’s It For?
The LAUNCH X431 PROS V+ works best for mechanics and car enthusiasts who need or like to experiment with different features.
Check Price at Amazon4. Autel Maxisys MS906 PRO-TS
The Autel Maxisys MS906 PRO-TS supports long-distance work. Bluetooth transmission through the HDMI and USB ports of the MS906 PRO-TS allow you to communicate with your car from anywhere in your garage. And the Exynos 5260 6-core processor inside the MS906 PRO-TS ensures ultra-fast speed from any distance.
This automotive bidirectional scan tool also comes with an 8-megapixel camera for capturing pictures and video of your car.
Resets and professional diagnostics include oil reset, TPMS, EPB, actuation testing, SAS calibration, SRS, APB, and DPF. ECU coding is available, but only for Mercedes and BMW.
The Maxisys MS906 PRO-TS works for over 80 car brands and manufacturers.
Pros
- Data logging capability ensures problem is solved correctly.
- Durable
- Strongly recommended for DIYers
- Works really fast and from long distances
- Updates easily
- Comes with significant memory for storing a ton of data
- Reads AutoVIN technology
Cons
- One of the more expensive models
- ECU functions only work for a few brands
- Initial battery may fail early on
Who’s It For?
The Autel Maxisys MS906 PRO-TS works well for both professional mechanics and DIYers. Many reviews credit the MS906BT with really diversifying the work they could do in their garage.
(Of Note: The MS906 PRO-TS is an updated version of the MS906. Remember, these are two different models. And while the MS906 has many of the same functions, the MS906 PRO-TS is a significant upgrade in speed and features).
Check Price at Amazon5. FOXWELL NT630 Plus
Few models sell themselves as affordably as the FOXWELL NT630 Elite does. Chiming in at $140 (expect to pay over $100 more for most similar models), this cheap bidirectional scan tool works just as fast and effectively as other, more expensive models.
The NT630 reads and clears codes for most of the systems in your car. And it works especially well for your safety systems and brake systems.
The NT630 Elite turns off lights for your ABS/SRS/SAS systems. Once the lights are off, this affordable bidirectional code reader than allows you to control and activate those systems as your work through their issues.
And for the brakes, the NT630 Elite supports ABS Bleeding. You can use your NT630 to bleed the braking systems of any air they’ve acquired while receiving work.
Other tests supported include I/M readiness testing, O2 sensor testing, actuator testing, and motor testing. The NT630 also performs gear tension relief testing and retrieves ECU information using your VIN number.
Over 50 models cars work well with the NT630 Elite. That includes American models Chrysler, GM, and Ford after 1996; most Asian models after 2001; and most European models after 2003.
The product comes with lifetime updates that are easy to install. A 42-month warranty with technical assistance ensures the life of the product.
The NT630 Plus turns off lights for your ABS/SRS/SAS systems.
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Pros
- One of the most affordable models on the market
- Bleeds the ABS system
- Compact size makes it easy to carry around
- Data is fast and accurate
- Software updates are quick and easy
- Lifetime software updates and 3 and a half year warranty
Cons
- Not the easiest model to learn
- Does not read or clear transmission codes
- Tech support doesn’t work very fast
- Might not work for your model car
Who’s It For?
The FOXWELL NT630 Plus OBD2 Scanner is great for a car owner on a budget. But be prepared to take time to learn to use it. And do your research to determine if it works with your car.
Many owners have complained their car was not supported, even though FOXWELL advertised that their car was.
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