Best OBD 2 Code Scanner? Are All The Same? Let's Find Out!

Brands: Foxwell, Autophix, Autel, Ancel, Motopower, Launch Creader, LeeKooLuu. Code readers/scanners compared for overall capability, efficiency at retrieving codes, efficiency at progressing through menus, ability to locate and clear trouble codes, etc.

I purchased all of the trouble code scanners. So, thank you for supporting the channel!

➡ Thank you for supporting the channel through memberships:
➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):

Videography Equipment:

This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results.

[ProjectFarm]

Here's the list of products reviewed. More details in the video description. Thank you!

[sarsattacks]

Oh no. There's no greater anxiety than recently purchasing a tool and then Project Farm does a video on them...

[silicon]

One thing to keep in mind about all of these products is that they all work on what is known as Mode $06 (Mode 6) on the OBDII protocol. As such, they will only display OBDII mode 6 codes, which are generic codes that are not manufacturer specific. This is what is pulled during a vehicle emission inspection. The better ones will display most trans codes (actually they all should) as these are a part of the generic OBDII codes. There may be manufacturer specific codes which may not display in mode 6.

A full scan tool with manufacturer support will allow you not only to see the manufacturer specific codes, but also trouble codes in other modules throughout the car (radio, BCM, etc). There are these available on Amazon starting around $3-400. A good suggestion for a future video would be comparing features of these kinds of scan tools.

[LordFalconsword]

The fact that almost 90% of new cars and trucks have a screen and they can't display that data is a disgrace to the entire auto industry.

[abn_guard_bum]

Nothing is more satisfying than searching for "best obd2 reader" and seeing that Project Farm has made a video for the subject. Thank you sir for your content.

[captnhandy]

Add me to the list of people wanting to see another video of more expensive scanners and blue tooth scanners as well. Great content as usual and been waiting for this particular video for a while now.

[jamesgeorge]

As a 30+ year independent technician, this is a bee's knees video. It serves the "regular guy / gal" _perfectly_ . But also underscores how _quick_ they establish communication, and perform basic functions. I don't want to wait until the scan tool identifies the vehicle, searches for WiFi access, tries to connect to a server, 90% of the time. Just give me the info, now please. And that serves the DIY person better too.
Amazing shot down the middle, good sir, your content is among YouTube's best, and you remain humble.

[Brees]

A few years ago, based on a Scotty Kilmer video, I bought a Blue Driver Bluetooth scanner. Cost about $100. I’ve used it for at least five years and it has never let me down. It not only pulls CEL codes, but Pending codes as well. Best $100 I’ve ever spent.

[Raazel]

I don’t need 80% of the stuff you review but I watch every vid

[pedrofernandez]

One of the most helpful and entertaining things about the internet is You Tube and one of the most useful, helpful channels on YT is the one this gentleman has created.

[vitaliyryabinin]

Finally someone tested cheap scanners side-by-side. One request: check if "time since codes were last erased" feature is available. It is a good "smell check" when buying a used car.

[jameson]

Just got off a 13 and a half hour shift. Nothing has brought me as much joy today than seeing that project farm posted a new video.

[rayhallquist]

I bought the Foxwell NT301 using your link to Amazon. I appreciate your work. Thank you very much. I've bought other things as well. When shopping I see if you have covered the product. I choose things based on what I learn from you.

[Tom_Emody]

You deserve an award for reading and learning the instructions for all those devices. Nice work…..Tom

[arthurdobromir]

Project Farm another amazing video! I don't know if you'll ever read this, but thank you! You've helped people from around the world, as I live in Poland and I still find your content relatable even thousands of (kilometers) miles away! Never stop, you're a rare gem in this world full of misleading information and literal scammers. Thank you!

[aaronbritt]

I have a VERY expensive Snap-On scanner for when I have to do complicated diagnostics. However it takes so long to boot up and connect that I also have one of these small scanners for when I just need to pull a quick code (Pretty sure it's a Foxwell). These cheap scanners definitely have their place, even in a shop. Thanks for testing them. BTW, this is the ONLY channel I support financially. That's how awesome this channel is.

[OceanOsborn]

Wow I just got my first check engine light and you posted this 2 days ago! It feels like every time I'm in the market for something, you pop up to save the day.

[sublimeDom]

I would definitely like to see the next price tier up from these. As a DIY guy I wouldn't mind spending a little bit more if it helps avoid a trip to a mechanic for diagnostics.

Thanks for all you do, I am always thankful for your scientific approach in testing these and your videos have guided my purchases several times, on everything from strong trimmer line to cordless vacuum cleaners!

[chillagorilla]

This is one of the most beloved YT channels

[capsmith]

I just bought a bi-directional scanner in the $400 range. There are several popular brands, and each brand has many models with slightly different features. It was challenging to isolate which brand/model offered the best value and the specific features that I wanted. I eventually gave up and picked one that seemed to be a good value for the features offered (Foxwell NT809TS for $350). I would have greatly appreciated a review of scanners in this price range, and I am sure your viewers will thank you if you decide to go forward. thanks