An OBD2 scanner is a vehicle diagnostic tool: These universal scanners work on all U.S. vehicles produced since 1996 (they connect to a car or truck's SAE J1962 port).

OBD2 scanners are two-way devices that can read a vehicle's auto-diagnostic codes and send instructions back to the vehicle. For example, an OBD2 scanner can diagnose why a vehicle's "Check Engine" light is on. It can also reset the light (i.e. tell the car's computer to turn it off).

Some ODB2 scanners look like Gameboy-sized handheld computers; others use a Bluetooth dongle that pairs with an iPhone or Android phone (and displays data in an app). 

An OBD2 scanner is a powerful tool that can quickly pay for itself, however, auto repair codes aren’t self explanatory: It takes research to learn what a code means and what to do next.

How Much Does a Good OBD2 Scanner Cost?

A good OBD2 scanner (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $28, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same diagnostic tools cost around $22 while on sale: an average discount of 21%. The best OBD2 scanners support SRS/ABS trouble codes for diagnosing air bag systems and anti-lock brakes: Expect to pay $75 or more for these advanced models.

The Cheapest OBD2 Scanners Deserve Scrutiny

Most diagnostic scanners use an ELM327 interpreter to translate information that is received from a vehicle's OBD interface. ELM Electronics, the company that manufacturers these microcontrollers, sells ELM327 units for no less than $12.14. Therefore, any OBD2 scanner that retails for less than $13 is either being sold at a loss, or, the unit is not using a genuine ELM Electronics microcontroller.

Here are the best cheap OBD2 scanners for the money. Even though OBD2 scanners are universal, it’s worth using Amazon's "Shop by Vehicle" feature to make sure the unit will physically fit within a vehicle:

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1. Autel MaxiLink ML329 Code Reader and Scan Tool

Good Value: $38 | Great Deal: $33

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This inexpensive diagnostic scanner automatically identifies a vehicle's ID number (VIN), making it a plug-and-play solution to diagnose trouble codes, then clear them, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the instructions are printed in a small font; others wonder if this unit's plastic shell is durable.

2. Bafx Products Bluetooth Diagnostic OBDII Reader/Scanner for Android

Good Value: $23 | Great Deal: $14

Check Current Price on: Amazon | Newegg | Walmart

Bafx's OBD2 scanner is relatively easy to set up, according to several online customers. The recommended-app (Torque Pro) must be purchased separately before you can use the scanner. An iOS-compatible scanner is available for a few dollars more than the Android model.

3. Autel AutoLink (AL319) OBD2 Scanner

Good Value: $35 | Great Deal: $25

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Autel's OBD2 scanner is easy to read and understand, according to several online customers who appreciate how the scanner describes error codes. Some reviewers wish that the unit had a longer connection cable.

4. Ancel (AD410) Enhanced OBD II Vehicle Code Reader

Good Value: $44 | Great Deal: $36

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Ancel's OBD2 scanner has a big screen that's easy to read, according to several online customers. The instructions left some reviewers confused and searching for YouTube videos with more information.

5. Foxwell NT201 OBD2 Scanner

Good Value: $40 | Great Deal: $30

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Foxwell's OBD2 scanner is simple to use, it has an easy-to-read display and it is useful for checking emissions test readiness, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish this unit included a list of diagnostic codes and definitions; others warn that this scanner was unable to read vehicle-specific codes.

6. Veepeak Mini Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner (Supports Torque App)

Good Value: $12 | Great Deal: $10

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This mini OBD2 scanner takes some fussing with to get it to sync and needs to be unplugged/replugged sometimes. That said, many online customers were happy with these tradeoffs considering the price.

7. NEXAS NL101 OBD2 Scanner and Diagnostic Tool

Good Value: $46 | Great Deal: $35

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This Nexas OBD2 scanner has built-in batteries, an easy to read screen and a convenient carrying case, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish this unit didn't use a mini-USB cable.

8. OxGord OBD2 Scanner (MS309)

Good Value: $17 | Great Deal: $10

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This OBD2 scanner works well for the money, but several online customers complained that the unit's navigation arrow only goes down (not up-and-down like in the product photo).

9. Veepeak OBDCheck BLE OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner

Good Value: $32 | Great Deal: $22

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Veepeak's budget OBD2 Bluetooth scanner is ideal for BMW owners, according to several customers who say that this unit integrates well with BimmerCode and BimmerLink. Some reviewers complain that this model is slow to connect via Bluetooth; others warn that a third-party app purchase is required to use this scanner.

10. Kitbest Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner Adapter for Android

Good Value: $11 | Great Deal: $9

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Many online reviewers used this OBD2 scanner to diagnose a "check engine" light or discover a faulty gas cap. According to some customers, this unit only provides generic error codes, not car specific ones.

11. SEEKONE SK860 OBD2 Scanner

Good Value: $60 | Great Deal: $43

Check Current Price on: Amazon

SEEKONE's affordable OBD2 scanner has a logical interface, a long cord and it clears fault codes effectively, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that the plastic housing feels cheap; others complain that updating this unit's software requires patience (and software to unzip a RAR file).