Best Low Cost OBD2 Scanner: Six Picks Under $50 for Check Engine Lights

The CrysGuard V519 is an OBD2 and CAN code reader for vehicles from 1996 onward. It supports all 10 OBDII modes, including Mode 6 component monitoring and Mode 8 active tests. Listed functions include graph-based live data, freeze-frame capture, data playback, battery voltage monitoring, I/M readiness checks, and access to more than 40,000 diagnostic trouble codes.

• Display and controls: Backlit LCD with button controls and multilingual menus
• Emissions checks: I/M readiness monitoring across 11 emissions monitors, including CAT, EVAP, and EGR
• Updates: Lifetime free software updates via USB Type-C
• Power: Draws power from the vehicle's OBDII port; no batteries or app required
• Languages: Supports 10 languages
• Dimensions: 3.74 x 3.42 x 6.1 inches
• Weight: 0.5125 pounds

The OBDLink MX+ is a black, small Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for use with iPhone, Android, and Windows devices. It is recommended for FORScan, Torque, BimmerCode, Dashcommand, AlfaOBD, Carista, and other compatible applications.

The scanner provides enhanced OEM support for Ford, GM, Mazda, Nissan/Infiniti, Toyota/Lexus/Scion, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia vehicles. Listed functions include clearing check engine lights and viewing live parameters such as ABS, SRS, and TPMS data. Over-voltage and battery drain protection, along with firmware updates, are included. Check the troubleshooting guide to confirm vehicle compatibility and available features before purchase.

Dimensions: 2.0078740137 x 0.9055118101 x 1.8110236202 inches. Weight: 0.06172943336 pounds.

The OnRetul V520 is an OBD2 diagnostic scanner for compatible cars and trucks. Its functions include reading and clearing codes, turning off the engine light or MIL, viewing freeze-frame data, checking I/M readiness, retrieving the VIN, testing battery voltage, displaying live data with graphing, performing O2 sensor tests, enabling onboard monitoring mode, and conducting component testing.

• DTC database: 35,901 built-in diagnostic trouble codes
• Display: 2.8-inch color screen with dark and light modes and adjustable brightness
• Feedback: Audible beep notifications can be disabled; status indicators show red for faults, yellow for incompatibility or connection failure, and green for successful connection
• Compatibility: Most cars after 1996 in the US, 2002 in the EU, and 2008 in Asia with a 16-pin OBD2 port
• Exclusions: New energy vehicles, hybrid models, and vehicles that do not follow the OBD2 protocol
• Color: Red
• Dimensions: 3.4 x 3 x 6 inches

The ANCEL DS500BT is a full-system OBD2 diagnostic scanner for supported 12V passenger vehicles. It provides access to available systems such as Engine, Transmission, ABS, SRS, BCM, TPMS, Steering, and Suspension, with functions including code reading and clearing, live data, freeze-frame information, ECU details, and vehicle health scans.

The scanner supports more than 3,000 active tests and 28 or more service functions, including Oil Reset, EPB Reset, SAS Calibration, BMS Reset, ABS Bleeding, D-P-F Regeneration, Throttle Relearn, Injector Coding, Gearbox Relearn, and TPMS Reset. It includes a Bluetooth 5.0 VCI, CAN FD support for compatible newer models, AutoVIN, and lifetime free software updates. Service and diagnostic availability varies by vehicle, and compatibility should be confirmed using the vehicle year, make, model, VIN, and required function.

• Brand: ANCEL
• Model: DS500BT
• Color: Silver
• Dimensions: 11.04 x 7.68 x 4.72 inches
• Category: Code Readers & Scan Tools

The Thinkcar Thinkdiag2 is a Bluetooth OBD2 diagnostic scanner for iOS and Android devices. It supports full-system diagnostics, including ECM, ABS, SRS, TCM, EPB, TPMS, SAS, A/C, and BMS modules, along with code reading and clearing, live data, control-module information, freeze-frame data, I/M readiness, onboard monitor tests, O2 sensor tests, EVAP system tests, and vehicle-information retrieval.

The scanner supports CAN-FD protocol, bidirectional active tests, AutoVIN, health reports, data-stream recording, and more than 15 maintenance functions. Supported resets and relearn functions vary by vehicle. The product data lists coverage for more than 120 brands and 12V gasoline and diesel vehicles. FCA AutoAuth provides access to the login portal, but registration must be purchased separately through the AutoAuth website.

One year of software updates is included. Renewal is required afterward for continued access to updated software, with the published data listing renewal options of $85 per year through the seller or up to $99.95 per year through the app. Vehicle compatibility should be checked by VIN before purchase.

The LJPXHHU Bluetooth OBD2 scanner is a code reader for iOS, Android and Windows devices. The product is listed for most OBDII-compliant vehicles from 1996 and newer, including gas and diesel vehicles, with compatibility examples including BMW, Audi, VW, GM, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan.

Compatible functions include reading and erasing generic and manufacturer-specific trouble codes, displaying code meanings, showing live sensor data, reading battery voltage, viewing freeze-frame information, checking emissions readiness and turning off the malfunction indicator light. Listed live data includes engine RPM, calculated load value, coolant temperature, vehicle speed, fuel trim, intake manifold pressure, airflow rate, intake air temperature and absolute throttle position.

The scanner lists support for J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW, ISO9141-2, ISO14230-4 KWP and ISO15765-4 CAN-BUS protocols. Compatible apps named in the source data include Torque, DashCommand, Car Scanner, Mini OBD II, OBD Auto Doctor, inCarDoc and OBD Fusion. App compatibility and available functions may vary by vehicle model, ECU and diagnostic app.

It is listed as black and orange and measures 2.9 x 1.65 x 0.75 inches. Motorcycles, 24V diesel vehicles, new-energy vehicles, hybrid vehicles and vehicles that do not meet the OBDII agreement are excluded from the stated compatibility.

The Hirificing OBD1 to OBD2 GM adapter is a male-to-female extension cable for connecting an existing OBD2 16-pin scan tool to a GM vehicle with an OBD1 12-pin socket. The listing identifies the product as a cable only, not a scanner or diagnostic tool.

• Connector configuration: OBD1 12-pin to OBD2 16-pin
• Materials: Metal and PVC
• Installation: Plug and play; no driver required
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 16.9 x 1.84 x 0.64 inches

The THINKCAR THINKOBD100 is a standalone OBD2/EOBD code reader with full listed OBD2 functions, including code reading and clearing, MIL fault indicator support, live data, EVAP system testing, on-board monitor testing, freeze-frame viewing, O2 sensor testing, vehicle information, I/M readiness, and DTC code lookup.

It is described as compatible with most 1996 and newer US-based OBDII-compliant 12-volt vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, light-duty trucks, minivans, and hybrids. Supported protocols are KWP2000, ISO9141, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM, and CAN. The device has a 128 x 160 pixel TFT display, a long cable, and support for English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, and Polish.

The scanner is designed for plug-and-play use and does not require a mobile app, software installation, battery, or charger. Clearing a fault code does not repair the underlying vehicle problem, so a code may return if the fault remains.

The LAUNCH AIOBD is a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner that operates through a dedicated smartphone app. It provides reports for all 10 OBD-II modes, including engine fault codes, freeze frame data, I/M readiness, live sensor readings, smog check, and OBFCM. The device also supports full-system diagnostics, bi-directional controls, and more than 40 maintenance functions, including ABS bleeding, injector coding, airbag reset, throttle adaptation, oil reset, SAS reset, TPMS reset, ECU coding, and gearbox relearn.

AI repair guidance can provide fault analysis, parts recommendations, labor estimates, cost breakdowns, and repair-shop recommendations through in-app professional software plans. Vehicle-specific software and advanced service modules may require additional access. Compatibility includes Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, GM, Chrysler, and more than 200 other brands for vehicles from 1996 to present, but coverage varies by model and year. The current model lacks CAN FD support. Android 9.0 or newer is required for stable Bluetooth connectivity; iOS requirements are not provided. First-time vehicle-specific software downloads should use Wi-Fi.

The Fkewp ELM327 OBD2 Bluetooth code reader is designed to read and clear engine fault codes from compatible vehicles. The published information lists compatibility with most OBDII-equipped cars, SUVs, vans, and light trucks, but excludes hybrid and electric vehicles.

Setup involves downloading the Torque application, inserting the scanner into an OBD2 port, starting the engine, and pairing the device with a phone via Bluetooth. The scanner measures 1.85 inches long, 0.94 inches wide, and 1.18 inches high. It is made from ABS and is described as heat resistant. Android and Windows support are listed; iOS requirements are not provided.