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Nowadays, people are very passionate about vehicles. They love to have the latest cars in their homes; however, they don’t come without their problems.
The good news is, technicians and manufacturers have made dealing with vehicle problems easier. Now you don’t need to visit the mechanic for such small defects. Instead, you can make use of OBD2 Live Data scanners. These will automatically detect the error and provide you an amazing solution for it.
To help you out, we have discussed the best OBD2 live scanners. This article will surely help you in understanding them in detail.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for OBD2 Live Data Scanners
Comparison of the Best OBD2 Live Data Scanners
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What is an OBD2 Live Data Scanner and What is it Used For?
OBD2 scanners use onboard car computers that can check the system and identify the problems that are present in the vehicle. These scanners are present in almost every car and truck all around the globe.
Bafx Products Wireless Bluetooth OBD2
A basic OBD2 scanner can diagnose the error code occurring in your car and notify you via LCD. The advanced versions of these scanners can scan the data to notify the problem. There are three types of OBD2 scanners, Bluetooth, hand-held, and PC-based scanners. Professionals and mechanics who have vehicle-related businesses can use these scanners. They can solve brakes, engine, and transmission system problems.
How to Choose an OBD2 Live Data Scanner
Buying an OBD2 scanner is not an easy task for people who don’t have any knowledge regarding these technologies. However, by keeping the following factors in mind, you can get the best device available.
Live Information
The most important factor to consider is the amount and speed at which the scanner provides live data. You need to see whether it is capable of giving real-time information and detect the problem easily.
Speed of Processor
The scanner must have a fast and dual-core processor at least so that it can analyze and sort out the problem quickly. Due to its fast speed, the processor can scan and display the error within a few minutes. This is very useful for professional mechanics who need to repair a lot of cars daily.
Data Storage Method
If you work in the showroom of vehicles and deal with these types of defects, then you need to have a scanner that has enough storage for data. Large memory is necessary if you scan a lot of cars every day.
Compatibility
Before buying any scanner, you need to check if it is compatible with your phone, tablet, or computer. If you have an Apple, Android, or Windows device, you must buy a device according to its specs.
Quick Take - Best OBD2 Live Data Scanners
In a hurry? Here's a snapshot of the best OBD2 live data scanners:
Review of the Best OBD2 Live Data Scanners
Are you worried about your live data scanner selection? We are here to help. The following are some of the best scanners available. Have a look and select one for yourself.
Best Overall:
Bafx Products Wireless Bluetooth OBD2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are really happy with this product. They have given it a five-star rating and recommended it to everyone. According to them, this tool must be present in everyone’s toolbox. They have mentioned that it works very nicely and can monitor the transmission temperature while towing easily. It is an affordable device with loads of features, truly making it the best overall.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This scanner stands out to us because it is the greatest diagnostic scanner for Android devices. It is compatible with third-party apps and clears the diagnostic codes along with reading them. The scanner can work with different cars and supports various OBD2 protocols. It has great features, which are worth praising.
Who Will Use This Most
Beginners and car owners present in the USA especially can use this scanner easily. People who have Android phones, tablets, and Windows computers can use this wireless tool without any difficulty. It can be used by mechanics as well. Plus, customers can use it to identify and report the engine data of their vehicles.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, the Bafx scanner offers professional and personal car diagnosis. It is not so expensive, and it is easy to use as well. It supports such protocols, which other scanners ignore. It can display more than 3000 errors. It also comes with demo software through which you can learn how to use it. So before buying any other scanner, you need to look at the features of this product.
Runner-up:
BlueDriver LSB2 Bluetooth Pro
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, this BlueDriver model can perform several tasks apart from code reading. They have given it a five-star rating and are very happy with its additional features that offer great solutions for vehicle diagnostics. Some reviews clearly say that this tool is useful for everyone.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This sensor has a licensed certificate for Android and Apple devices. We like the latest Bluetooth technology, which is included in this scanner. It can work with all of the OBD II protocols. The setup is simple and easy to install. The smog checking feature is quite impressive. We are very satisfied with the features and reviews of this scanner.
Who Will Use This Most
This particular scanner can be used by mechanics and beginners. DIYers can use this sensor to check their vehicles. You can also use it to share live data. In addition, beginners will have no problems with it since it is easy to use and makes codes easy to understand, as well.
Bottom Line
You don’t need to Google and then struggle with finding a solution for your vehicle’s problem. If you are facing any sort of issue, with this device and its app, all of your issues will be easily solved. It will find the answer from a database of over 30 million solutions, and you will never regret buying this tool.
Best for the Money:
OBD2 Scanner CAN OBDII
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers have written that it is a great tool to have in your garage. It is small in size and less in weight, so you can use it easily. Buyers are very happy with its result; they don’t need to go to the mechanics again and again. It has truly helped them save a lot of money. They have recommended it to everyone.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We stand out for this scanner because of the outstanding features and its low price. It comes with a warranty of 3 years. It provides an extensive range of specs. We are very fond of its support for different languages. Due to its size, you can carry it easily. The LCD provides all the details. Thus it is worth buying.
Who Will Use This Most
People who don’t have time to visit the mechanic for small issues can use this scanner to recognize the issue and find a solution for it. It is a helpful tool for drivers who use their cars as cabs or those that are often presented with issues because of the long driving hours. Students who are learning to drive can also use it to diagnose some basic problems.
Bottom Line
Overall, this unit is truly a great investment. It provides a 3-year warranty which shows that the company is very sure about its excellent performance. You don’t need a battery or power supply for this scanner. Plus, it is highly versatile since it supports multiple languages.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People who have recently bought this scanner are glad that they have it in their toolbox. It has solved several issues for them. They love the performance of this device. Some of them have written that it is the perfect solution for monitoring engine data. The programming is easy to understand, and everyone can use it without any difficulty.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We assure you that this product is not a waste of money at all. You will love the features of this scanner. It gives the maximum coverage of your vehicle and is the world’s fastest Bluetooth adapter. The ‘check engine’ light feature is quite impressive. Free updates for your firmware and OEM data add-ons are big advantages for the user.
Who Will Use This Most
Using the OBDLink MX+ scanner, you can control your door lock, windows, and start your engine remotely. Mechanics can use this scanner to find out the issue quickly along with the solutions. In addition, beginners who are keen to learn driving and don’t know much about it can use this tool. It will help them a lot.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, if you are looking for a tool that can help you with driving-related issues, then get your hands on this OBD2 scanner. It will never disappoint you. You can use it to track your interfacing and engine. The installation is not complicated at all, as well, making it a great pick.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers who bought this gadget recently loved its highly responsive touchscreen along with the Android system and wireless internet features. It is a helpful diagnostic tool and fulfills the demands of every user. Buyers are hoping that the company will keep improving the updates feature of the tool; other than that, they were pretty satisfied with their purchase.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find this mechanical tool to be a great pick because of the additional features and advantages it provides to the customers. It is Wi-Fi compatible and user-friendly. The fast processor allows the scanner to operate smoothly. It gives an easy review of data by presenting the data in the form of graphics, text, and analog. For this reason, we recommend it to everyone.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are an owner of a repair shop for cars and handle a lot of vehicles daily, then investing in this scanner is a good choice. Professional electricians and mechanics can also use it for their work. You can also gift it to any of your relatives or friend who loves cars.
Bottom Line
You might be thinking that this scanner is expensive compared to the other ones, but every single penny is worth it. It is very simple to use, user-friendly and has a variety of functions. You can update the gadget using Wi-Fi. Owners of exotic cars can also use it to learn about the faults in their vehicles.
Pros and Cons of OBD2 Live Data Scanners
OBD2 live data scanners come in handy because they can help you stay updated with the condition of your car. At the same time, they have their own sets of limitations. Therefore, you should know both sides of the story to be able to make the right pick.
Pros
There are a lot of advantages to using these scanners. They will make your life easy. Some of the pros are:
Save Money
These scanners reduce your visits to garages and mechanics since they tell you the condition of your car, read the trouble codes, and, in some cases, provide efficient solutions too. This will save your money and time both.
Problems and Solutions
These scanners provide you with live data, which includes the condition of your engine, transmission system, and other parts. It displays all the errors and problems occurring in your vehicle. Instead, it will also scan these issues and tell you the best possible solution to sort them out. You can solve these issues by yourself.
Maintenance
Due to the features of this scanner, you can keep your vehicle in top condition. It will help you in maintaining your car and its performance.
Cons
Along with a lot of pros, these scanners have few cons too.
Expensive
These live data scanners can help you a lot in maintaining and sorting out the issues of your car easily. But they are not affordable for everyone. They are quite expensive. But once you buy it, you will be saved from many issues.
Understanding
Not everyone can understand how to use these scanners. It requires some skills and knowledge regarding driving and vehicles. In most cases, it is not so easy for beginners to comprehend the errors and solutions.
Conclusion
Concluding everything in a few words, you can use this gadget for various purposes. Most of them are compatible with most vehicles from 1996 onward. You just need to connect it with your Android or Apple device. They will save money and time, and if you love your car, then you must have one of these to keep it in the best condition.
