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While there are a lot of OBD2 scan tools with live data on the market, finding the best one for you can be a real chore.
Every user is bound to use their scanner differently, and every obd2 live data scan tool has its own unique list of features and functions.
To save you some time, we’re going to share our list of the overall best scan tools with live data on the market. Here, we’ll be discussing our favorite scanners, and we’ll be going over what they offer as well as what they lack. Without further ado, let’s jump into this top five list.
Best OBD2 Live Data Scanners
| Editor's Picks | Products | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | FOXWELL NT301 | 9.5/10 |
| Runner Up | ANCEL FX2000 | 9.5/10 |
| Best Budget Buy | AUTOPHIX 3210 | 8.5/10 |
| Best Value | Bluedriver | 8.5/10 |
| Also Great | OBDeleven Pro | 8.5/10 |
1. FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scan Tool
This live data scanner has a lot to offer. Generally speaking, it’s going to be one of the best live data scanners for most people thanks to its wide range of supported protocols and features.
Plus, unlike our last live data scanner, it has an onboard display. You don’t even have to worry about whether or not it supports your phone’s operating system.
It supports J1859-41.6, J1850-10.4, ISO9141, KWP2000, and CAN protocols. That covers the vast majority of cars and SUVs made after 1996 in America and most other cars and SUVs worldwide.
The Foxwell NT301, like most live data scanners, will read and clear fault codes as well as turn off your check engine light, but it does a lot more than just that.
It features on-screen definitions, an emissions readiness test, printable data, data logging, and live data in both text and graph forms. Plus, with this live data scanner, you get 1-year money back guarantee and a lifetime of free software updates.
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Pros
- Inexpensive for its feature list
- 1-year money back guarantee
- Free software updates for life
- A wide array of features
- Extensive vehicle compatibility
Cons
- Does not feature bi-directional control tests
- Does not feature steering angle sensor calibration
- Does not include battery test feature
Who is it for?
The few “cons” listed above are pretty much the only drawbacks to this live data scanner. It doesn’t feature bi-directional control testing, steering angle sensor calibration, or battery testing. Truthfully, for the low price of $70, the Foxwell NT301 doesn’t lack much.
If you don’t need those three features and have a vehicle with compatible protocols, this live data scanner is a steal.
Check Price at Amazon2. ANCEL FX2000 OBD2 Scanner
This live data scanner is top of the line, but it comes with a pretty high price tag. That being said, if you need all of the features that it offers, it’s well worth the price. In fact, it’s probably the best scan tool with live data on the market.
It has a very attractive design, and it’s absolutely loaded with features and functions that professionals and hardcore enthusiasts will appreciate.
This live data scanner’s biggest stand-out feature is its ability to provide data regarding your transmission. Furthermore, it can provide data regarding your transmission, airbags, brakes, and engine all at once on the same graph.
Any special?
It’s a pretty intuitive software design that makes viewing all of your vehicle’s live information easy.
Additionally, this live data scanner can print your results, capture freeze frame data, test your I/M readiness, look up code definitions, and provide advanced onboard monitor tests.
Plus, it supports both OBD2, CAN, and EOBD protocols, so it should work well with vehicles across the world.
Vehicle compatibility is, however, somewhat limited.
This is especially the case in America, where you’ll only be able to use this live data scanner if you’re driving a Ford, GM, or Chrysler vehicle. In Europe and Asia, there’s a greater variety of supported vehicles, but the coverage still isn’t great.
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Pros
- Reads transmission data
- Shows data from four systems at once on one graph
- Full OBD2 functionality (all 10 OBD2 modes)
- Printer compatible
- Code definition look-up
- High-quality, attractive design
Cons
- Very limited vehicle coverage
- On the expensive side
Who is it for?
This is a fantastic live data scanner, but due to its limited vehicle coverage, it simply won’t work for most people. The makers boast coverage of “46 vehicle manufacturers,” which is technically true, but they make you read between the lines.
Those 46 manufacturers are all over the world. If you live in America, this live data scanner will only support three vehicle manufacturers. In other countries, however, your chances of owning a compatible vehicle are much higher.
Check Price at Amazon—-
3. BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool for iOS and Android devices
This live data scanner is a lot like our last entry in terms of features, but unlike our last entry, this live data scanner doesn’t have an onboard display. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and utilizes its display. This makes it a lot more compact and, therefore, much more portable.
This live data scanner has a plethora of features.
Like our last entry on this list, it can provide live data regarding your engine, transmission, airbags, and brakes in text, gauge, and graph forms. Additionally, it can provide important vehicle-specific information, capture freeze frame data, and perform a smog check.
It even features a wide array of vehicle coverage, including coverage for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Honda, VW, and Mazda vehicles. It’s pretty much the total package, and for only $99, the asking price is pretty reasonable.
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Pros
- A wide array of vehicle compatibility
- Displays live data in text, gauge, and graph forms
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Provides live data regarding your transmission, brakes, airbags, and engine
- Features smog check
Cons
- Does not feature bi-directional control tests
- Does not feature steering angle sensor calibration
- No onboard display
Who is it for?
This live data scanner is going to be a great choice for a lot of people. It doesn’t include all of the features that some of the more expensive scanners offer, but it includes the features that most people are likely to use.
Plus, it covers a very wide range of vehicles, and it’s compatible with the vast majority of smartphones.
Check Price at Amazon4. AUTOPHIX 3210 OBD2 Scanner for iOS and Android
This live data scanner is a more budget-friendly pick for those that want the best bang-for-your-buck live data scanner.
It’s another live data scanner that works with your smartphone via Bluetooth, and yes, it’s compatible with both Android and iOS. For only $43, it’s packing a surprising number of features, a lot of which more expensive scanners lack.
For instance, you can perform a battery health check with this budget-friendly live data scanner. Additionally, it offers an I/M readiness test, the ability to capture freeze frame data, an O2 sensor test, and Evap system test, an overall performance test, as well as diagnostic reports.
This live data scanner works with BMW, Benz, Audi, Cadillac, Buick, Chevy, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jaguar, Lexus, Landrover, Lamborghini, Mazda, Kia, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Toyota, Subaru, Suzuki, Opel, Porsche, Saab, Volvo, and VW.
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Pros
- Inexpensive
- Expansive vehicle coverage
- Includes battery health test
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Includes performance test
Cons
- No bi-directional control testing
- No steering angle sensor calibration
- No onboard display
Who is it for?
If you’re looking for a live data scanner that provides the bare essentials, this is going to be one of your best options.
This is because it’s priced similarly to live data scanners that provide the bare essentials, but it actually offers a few extra features that you won’t find with most others. It’s a real bang-for-your-buck live data scanner that shoppers on a budget will love.
Check Price at Amazon5. OBDeleven PRO OBD2 Scan Tool
Buy Cheaper at Obdeleven.com >
The OBDeleven Pro Edition is a live data scanner with a lot to offer in terms of features, but it’s somewhat lacking in terms of compatibility. Before we get into what’s missing, let’s talk about what this live data scanner does well.
You’ll notice that the OBDeleven Pro Edition doesn’t have an onboard display. That’s because it connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and it does so with ease.
What’s more?
Connecting this live data scanner to your smartphone is a breeze, and once you get it set up, you have a ton of features and functions right at your fingertips.
One of its biggest advantages is its support of long coding. A lot of live data scanners limit you to a list of onboard functions that you execute from the device.
However, with long coding, you can do pretty much anything. In other words, you’re not limited by this device at all. Your only limitation is your vehicle’s compatibility.
If your vehicle supports a code, you can execute that code manually from this live data scanner.
Additionally, this live data scanner comes with fault code look-up, logs programming history, and can read and clear codes from your engine, transmission, airbags, automatic brake system, and even your air conditioning.
This live data scanner so far works with a number of vehicles (Volkswagen, an Audi, a Seat, a Škoda, a Bentley or a Lamborghini) and is compatible with iOS and Android devices. Support for new models is coming soon!
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Pros
- Supports a wide range of systems
- Connects easily via Bluetooth
- Supports long coding
- Feature fault code look-up
- Logs programming history
Cons
- Doesn’t support iOS devices
- No onboard display
- Very limited vehicle compatibility
Who is it for?
In terms of features, this a professional grade live data scanner, but it suffers from a general lack of compatibility. If you’re an Android user with a supported vehicle, this is an easy live data scanner to recommend, but those two qualifiers automatically shut the vast majority of potential users out.
Buy Cheaper at Obdeleven.com >
Check Price at AmazonBottom Line
This is our list of the best live data scanners out there. Hopefully, you’ve found something that accommodates your specific needs. We’ve done our best to include a variety of live data scanners that will appeal to vehicle owners and enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Read more: Best OBD2 Bluetooth Adapters Review 2024
