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Are you looking for a great Volkswagen code reader for your vehicle to get an indication of its performance? Then you're in the right place. The Volkswagen code reader has a diagnostic system installed that helps detect certain faults in the vehicle.
In this article, we have summarized our top-picked products to help you understand their specifications. Read on to find the details of these models and choose the one that fulfills your needs easily.
Let's get started!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Volkswagen Code Readers
- OUR TOP PICK: ANCEL VD500
- AUTOPHIX V007
- Autel Maxidas DS808
- XTOOL VAG401-13005
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: VS450 OBDII EOBD
Comparison Chart of the Best Volkswagen Code Readers
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
What is a Code Reader and How Does it Work?
A code reader is the simplest diagnostic tool to provide valuable information about the condition of your vehicle. It is a DIY tool that offers a solution to your problem. Incorporation of computer controls was started in 1995 and most of the companies around the world began to use universal OBD-II standards. There are many uses associated with using an efficient code reader, including:
Read and Clear Codes
Using a good code reader will help you detect the faulty code and clear it. This way, you're saved from hassles and wasting time.
View Basic Parameters
Some cheap code readers can be quite useful in just displaying error codes. Then, it is completely up to the owner to decode it. However, some advanced code readers can easily display the errors in plain language. Plus, they are also capable of reading and resetting ABS brake codes or the SRS airbag light.
The working of a code reader is quite simple. Whenever your automotive sensor is broken, there is a noticeable change in its outputs. A Volkswagen code reader is designed to receive several signals from the sensor. If it does not receive any signal within normal ranges, it illuminates in order to get your attention. This device is normally located under the steering column. Any indicator of a fault will help you make a quick visit to the auto-parts store for the appropriate solution to get your vehicle fixed.
How to Choose a Code Reader
When it comes to code readers, there are a number of options available in the market. Choosing one of them can be really tiresome. Therefore, you should look for a few features in any product. This will not only ease your decision-making, but will also result in the best product for you.
Brand
The quality of a scanner is quite an important feature, therefore, you should go for a product offered by a reputed brand. You can't go wrong with such a code reader, as these brands have a proven track record of top-notch products.
Screen Information
The information displayed on the screen by a code reader is the direct determinant of its quality. Equipment that gives you clear on-screen information with the definition is the most efficient product.
Live Feed
In many cases, the live feed can be quite useful to solve certain problems. That's why it's better to opt for a model that offers live feed information that is easy to understand, as well.
Data Storage
In case you need to scan multiple cars per day, then you should look for a model that has a data storage feature as well. This helps you keep the whole data in an organized format.
Quick Take - Best Volkswagen Code Readers
In a hurry? Here's a snapshot of the best volkswagen code readers:
Review of the Best Volkswagen Code Reader
Now that we are done with the major features that make for a great product, let's move forward to the review of our top-listed products. It can be helpful in getting the most useful product for you.
Let's jump in!
Best Overall:
ANCEL VD500
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product is quite popular among its users for a number of reasons. First of all, it is highly admired for having an efficient diagnostic system that lets you understand any problem within no time. Moreover, it has easy functionality that is useful to many customers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
In case you are looking for a great Volkswagen code reader, you should definitely get your hands on the ANCEL VD500. It's equipped with several features that help in clearing the difficult codes and making them easy to understand. In addition to the electronic stability program, there is a battery monitoring system to use in Audi and VW models.
Who Will Use This Most
It is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to have an efficient and easy-to-use model for Audi or other VW vehicles. It helps to decode the faults and thus, easily understand any problem related to your vehicle. Therefore, any beginner can also use this device to find faults in the vehicle like a pro.
Bottom Line
An extraordinary product with exceptional features, the ANCEL VD500 is a great standalone device. It offers the best performance in diagnosing certain faults related to the performance of your vehicle in less time. This is the reason it makes its way to the top on our list of favorite products.
Runner-up:
AUTOPHIX V007
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Similar to our best model, this product has also received many positive reviews from its customers. The much-admired thing about this model is its compatibility with a number of vehicles. Moreover, being a reliable machine, it offers the exact information in the easiest manner.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Equipped with a great set of features, the AUTOPHIX V007 is not to be missed. This design is compatible with all VW vehicles and offers an excellent source of getting to know the model in a better way. Moreover, it provides a free oil service reset, and you can easily get the exact readings for transmission and over 120 other systems in your vehicle.
Who Will Use This Most
This model is an ideal choice for any person who loves to keep his vehicle in the best condition possible. Moreover, due to its easy-to-understand functionality, it is a great choice for any beginner, as well.
Bottom Line
In case you are an enthusiast, you must get this device installed in your vehicle. It has an affordable price tag plus all the basic functions to make an effective diagnosis of any fault in the vehicle. Overall, it is a great product with exceptional qualities to mark perfection.
Best for the Money:
Autel MAxidas DS808
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product is loved by many users for various reasons. However, the most appreciated thing is that it comes at such an affordable price. Plus, you won't have to compromise on the features. A user gets all the desired features at a relatively low price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Available at the most reasonable price tag, the Autel MAxidas DS808 is surely one of the best diagnostic devices. This model has wide vehicle coverage of more than 50 domestic makes. It comes with the upgraded software that is quite helpful to technicians since it can easily recreate the functionality of the OEM tool.
Who Will Use This Most
Autel MAxidas DS808 is an ideal choice for anyone who is on a tight budget and wants to have a great product with exceptional features. Plus, since it is equipped with the latest automatic software, it can be used by professional technicians, as well.
Bottom Line
Not everyone can spend a lot of cash on a code reader. Therefore, the Autel MAxidas DS808 is a great option for such people out there. With this model, you get all the exceptional features that work for many vehicles and thus, will suit your demands best.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This amazing product is very popular among the users for its compact size and low weight. This makes it easy-to-handle as well. Although there are some concerns over lacking a built-in battery, overall, it is a piece of user-friendly equipment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With so many features, the XTOOL VAG401-13005 is a cheap and effective code reader for your VW and Audi. It is capable of easily reading and erasing diagnostic trouble codes plus works for many systems in your vehicle. Moreover, it lets you view live data of the performance, as well as history.
Who Will Use This Most
This easy-to-handle model is surely the best for enthusiasts, as well as mechanics. If you are an Audi owner, this equipment allows you to read through the coding and adaptions like a pro. Plus, being budget-friendly, it can be used by someone who doesn't have a bunch of money to spend.
Bottom Line
With the XTOOL VAG401-13005, you can easily detect the faults in your vehicle within seconds. This model is known to be perfect for professionals for its top-notch functionality and quick result generation. Overall, it is a must-have product.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This model has received mixed reviews from its users. Most love this product for a large backlit LCD screen that offers easy and clear readability of results. Though it's a bit more expensive than other models, it is hard to beat.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This compact code scanner, VS450 OBDII EOBD, makes its way to our list for a number of reasons. It is equipped with an OEM-level diagnostic tool that is highly compatible with VW vehicles, as well as other vehicles sold worldwide. Moreover, it works for over 18 systems in the vehicle, plus it easily reads and erases codes for you.
Who Will Use This Most
VS450 OBDII EOBD is truly a valued choice for many professional technicians, as well as beginners for its remarkable functionality. Moreover, if you are ready to spend a bit more cash on a code reader, this model will surely bring value to your money.
Bottom Line
Compatible with a number of vehicles and featuring so many qualities, the VS450 OBDII EOBD stands out from its rivals in the best ways possible. Therefore, if you want a nicely designed model with all the desired features, you should not miss this product.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Volkswagen Code Reader?
Purchasing the best Volkswagen code reader is not an easy task, especially among the many models currently available in the market. It is quite important to take some factors into consideration first, so you can have just the right product to meet your demands.
User-Friendly
Older code readers are difficult to use and understand. Plus, they have many wired connections. Therefore, it is quite important to go for a product that is easy to handle and can be used easily. This way, you can get the best use of the code reader.
Cost
Price is an important factor when it comes to purchasing a good code reader. Therefore, you must first decide your budget and then look for a model with all the desired features which is also within your budget.
App
Brands might offer a certain app that can be used along with the code reader. This can be helpful in monitoring more than one vehicle easily, plus you can quickly understand many definitions, as well.
Warranty
Many manufacturers give a warranty on their products. Therefore, you should go for a product that is backed by a good warranty to bring value to your money.
Conclusion
Car diagnostic tools have improved a lot in the past years. A good Volkswagen code reader will not only save your time, but will also bring value to your bucks. Hopefully, by now, you have enough knowledge about the best Volkswagen code readers currently available in the market. To make an informed decision, read our buying guide once more, before setting out to purchase a model.
