The functionality of diagnostic autoscanners depends on the software supplied with the device. The gadgets offered in the automotive market are divided according to this criterion into three types: cheap “readers” that read errors in the computer memory and reset them, designed to work with most brands of cars, multi-brand scanners and mono-brand scanners, the functionality of which allows you to work with a specific brand of car and used most often in dealerships. The devices listed below are considered the best autoscanners for diagnostics according to reviews of car owners.
ELM327
The first place in the ranking of the best diagnostic devices is occupied by the Chinese autoscanner, which has both a USB connection and a wireless Bluetooth interface, depending on the specific hardware implementation.
Despite the fact that models equipped with a Wi-Fi module have been widely used recently, they are not very popular, since the functionality of most programs is designed for COM ports, which are implemented via Bluetooth or USB.
Owners of autoscanners in the reviews note that the main advantage of gadgets is not only affordable cost, but also a large number of cheap, free or hacked programs for various operating systems: Torque is installed on smartphones, OpenDiag is regularly updated for owners of domestic cars, which is almost the only one a program that can be used for really serious diagnostics.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- The most affordable price among all similar autoscanners.
- A wide variety of software for various platforms - iOS, Windows and Android.
- Most autoscanners are compact and feature wireless connectivity.
Disadvantages:
- The software used to communicate with the ELM327 scanner is, for the most part, of the amateur level, and work efficiency depends on it, as indicated in the reviews on the autoscanner.
- There is one more minus. The reviews on the Smart Scan EML327 autoscanner indicate that it recognizes the minimum number of systems and devices, the functionality does not allow adaptation or re-encoding of control units.
Launch CReader V
In second place is an autonomous diagnostic device, which does not require a computer interface to operate: the presence of a liquid crystal display allows you to display all the data on it. It supports the OBD2 autoscanner - the reviews indicate that, in this regard, it can only be used to communicate with the control unit and conduct basic diagnostic procedures: reading errors, diagnostic data, controlling the fuel injection system and its individual mechanisms.
Information is displayed on the display in graphical and textual form, which is especially convenient when diagnosing lambda probes, checking the dependence of air flow on the number of revolutions, and so on.
Advantages and disadvantages
Plus: a fully autonomous device that does not require a computer connection to work.
Disadvantages:
- In the reviews on the autoscanner, it is noted that the device only works with fuel injection systems that comply with the OBD2 standard.
- A meager feature set does not justify too high a cost.
Bosch KTS 570
The professional autoscanner recommended for carrying out diagnostic work with Bosch diesel fuel systems ranks third in the ranking of the best scanners. It can be used for work with freight and passenger vehicles. Provides access to all the functions of the dealer spectrum: configuration and coding of electronic components, adaptation to system tests.
The device, in addition to the standard diagnostic interface, is equipped with a digital multimeter and a two-channel oscilloscope, which allows you to diagnose the electrical circuits of the car.
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits:
- It supports 52 brands of trucks and cars with the ability to diagnose at the dealer level.
- In the reviews on the autoscanner for auto diagnostics, users note that the device can be used for instrumental diagnostics.
- Informative help system.
Among the disadvantages are high cost and expensive support.
Carman Scan VG +
A multifunctional and efficient autoscanner, one of the most powerful devices on the automotive market, for which it is awarded fourth place. Carman Scan VG + is equipped with a diagnostic interface that supports most European, American and Asian vehicles. Autoscanner also includes:
- Digital four-channel oscilloscope. Scanning with a resolution of 20 microseconds and the analysis function of the signals received from the CAN bus.
- Four-channel multimeter. The maximum input voltage is 500 V, several modes for measuring pressure, current, voltage, frequency and resistance are available.
- A high-voltage oscilloscope that allows you to work with ignition circuits, measure the contribution of cylinders and search for circuit defects.
- A signal generator that simulates the operation of various sensors: voltage sources, frequency and resistive.
The body of the autoscanner is shockproof, equipped with a touch screen, to which all data is output. Management is carried out by buttons duplicated on the sides of the case. The device, combining a simulator of sensors, a scanner and a motor tester, is a universal gadget that allows both instrumental and computer diagnostics, which is especially noted in reviews of the Carman Scan VG + autoscanner.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- Wide functionality sufficient for various types of diagnostics.
- Convenient help system with a large amount of information.
Disadvantages: too high a cost, which far from all car services can handle.
Autel MaxiDas DS708
Fifth place - a universal car scanner with support for about 50 brands of vehicles of Asian, American and European production. All information is displayed on a seven-inch touch screen. The operating system is Windows CE. The device is made in a shockproof case with rubber pads, thanks to which it conveniently lies in the hands.
The owners of the autoscanner in the reviews note that with some European brands the device works at the dealer level and allows you to program the immobilizer, change the configuration parameters of the control units. The device’s functionality allows you to simultaneously display several graphs with parameters and save them to the log for subsequent analysis and search for sporadic defects.
A full-fledged LAN port along with support for Wi-Fi networks allows you to connect the DS708 autoscanner to a local auto service network in order to send the diagnostic results to print, update software, or search for necessary information on the Internet. For owners, the first year of support and software updates is completely free.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- Wide functionality.
- Wireless connectivity and battery life.
- Dealer level features.
- Manufacturer support.
Disadvantages: it is difficult to work with charts due to the small display.
Launch X431 Pro
Closing the rating of autoscanners is the Launch brand product. Despite the fact that this device is very common in small car service centers, reviews about the Launch autoscanner are rather contradictory. In fact, it is a classic tablet on the Android operating system with a shockproof case, equipped with a wireless module for connecting to the car’s OBD connector. Adapters for different brands of vehicles are supplied.
Actually, all the main disadvantages of the autoscanner are connected with its base in the form of a tablet: the battery discharges during diagnostics, which reduces the main advantage of the X431 Pro - mobility - to nothing, due to the need to constantly connect to the charging adapter. Software updates are issued regularly by the manufacturer, but almost all of them affect expensive car brands - for example, Bugatti and Maserati, for the diagnosis of which this device is not used. The small internal memory of the tablet is quickly filled with updates that have to be removed manually, as well as standard Android applications. A very strange addition is the telescopic radio antenna, for which a groove has been made in the outer casing.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- The most affordable multi-brand car scanner.
- Mobility through wireless connection with the adapter.
Disadvantages:
- Most programs lack quality Russification.
- There is no standard interface: the software for different brands of cars looks different and has different functionality.
- Incorrect operation with some cars.