5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (2024)

Table of Contents

  • IMPORTANT
  • KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • PROMO CODE
  • QUICK SUMMARY
  • DETAILED COMPARISON CHART
  • OUR REVIEWS
    • #1. INNOVA 5610
    • #2. ANCEL X7
    • #3. LAUNCH X431 PRO3 V+
    • #4. XTOOL D8S
    • #5. AUTEL MK808BT PRO
  • WHAT’S NEXT?

This review was created by OBD Solaris Team led byHaakan Lightafter using and testing the scan tools on our cars and light trucks (but HD trucks, hybrids, or EVs).

IMPORTANT

We haven’t tested them on all OBD2 vehicles models and we don’t have any plan to do so because that’s a crazy idea.

We recommend you contact the seller and provide them with your vehicle information (brand, year, model, VIN) to make sure the scan tool works well on it.

Only buy one after the seller confirms that your car is covered.

Remember: “No scan tools can work well on all vehicles.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

INNOVA 5610: Great for DIYers and professionals needing advanced diagnostics at a reasonable price, with bi-directional control and full-system coverage.

ANCEL X7: Ideal for professionals needing specialized functions like DPF regeneration and ABS bleeding, with wide vehicle coverage and a large display.

LAUNCH X431 PRO3 V+: Premium choice for workshops, offering ECU coding, key programming, and a topology map, perfect for high-end vehicle diagnostics.

XTOOL D8S: A balanced tool for advanced DIYers and professionals, featuring bi-directional control and ECU coding in a wireless, user-friendly package.

Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT PRO: Affordable and versatile, suitable for advanced DIYers needing full-system diagnostics, but lacks advanced features like ECU coding.

PROMO CODE

INNOVA 5610:

Discount:15% Off

Promo code:15MXAFRR

Start date: 9/16 12:01 AM PDT

End date: 10/07 11:59 PM PDT

Link to buy:INNOVA 5610 at Amazon

Now,

Let’s start…

QUICK SUMMARY

INNOVA 5610LAUNCH X431 PRO3 V+ANCEL X7XTOOL D8SAutel MK808BT PRO
5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (1)
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BOTTOLINEINNOVA 5610 is an excellent choice for DIYers and professionals who need comprehensive diagnostics at a reasonable price. It covers critical systems like ABS, SRS, and transmission and offers bi-directional control for some systems, making it perfect for those who want to perform advanced diagnostics without spending a fortune.LAUNCH X431 PRO3 V+ is a premium tool that excels in professional workshops. It offers ECU coding, key programming, and a topology map, making it ideal for technicians who work on high-end vehicles and need in-depth diagnostics.ANCEL X7 stands out for its advanced features like DPF regeneration and ABS bleeding, making it suitable for professionals who work on a wide variety of vehicles, including trucks and SUVs. Its large screen and wireless connectivity offer ease of use, though its software updates may become expensive after the free period.XTOOL D8S offers a great balance of features for professionals and serious DIYers. With bi-directional control, ECU coding, and a user-friendly wireless design, it’s perfect for handling both basic and complex vehicle diagnostics.Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT PRO is a versatile, cost-effective scanner for DIYers and small shops looking for full-system diagnostics without the higher price tag of more advanced tools. While it lacks ECU coding, it provides enough functionality for general diagnostic needs.
PROS• Bi-directional control for systems like fuel pump and radiator fan.
• Covers ABS, SRS, transmission, and engine diagnostics.
• Access to the RepairSolutions2 app for troubleshooting and repair guidance.
• Bluetooth connectivity and user-friendly design.
• Bi-directional control, ECU coding, and key programming.
• Topology map for visualizing system relationships.
• Extensive vehicle coverage, including high-end models.
• Fast and easy updates via Wi-Fi.
• Full-system diagnostics and bi-directional control.
• Special functions like DPF regeneration and ABS bleeding.
• 10.1-inch touchscreen for easy navigation.
• Wide vehicle coverage, including cars, trucks, and SUVs.
• Bi-directional control and full-system diagnostics.
• Advanced functions such as ECU coding and key programming.
• Wireless operation with a user-friendly interface.
Wide vehicle coverage.
• Full-system diagnostics with wireless connectivity.
• Special functions like oil reset, EPB, and DPF regeneration.
• User-friendly interface and fast software updates.
• Cost-effective compared to other professional-grade tools.
CONS• No ECU coding or key programming capabilities.
• Limited vehicle coverage compared to more advanced models.
• High price point, which may be prohibitive for casual users.
• Overkill for users needing basic diagnostics.
• Higher cost compared to entry-level models.
• Software updates may be costly after the free period.
• Expensive for casual users.
• Some advanced features may require additional learning.
• Lacks advanced ECU coding and bi-directional control.
• Limited key programming capabilities.

DETAILED COMPARISON CHART

INNOVA 5610LAUNCH X431 PRO3 V+ANCEL X7XTOOL D8SAutel MK808BT PRO
5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (6)
5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (7)

5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (8)
5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (9)

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Overall Rating4.6/54.7/54.5/54.6/54.4/5
Vehicle Coverage1996+ OBD2 vehicles150+ brands, including high-end modelsWide vehicle range, including trucks & SUVsExtensive OBD2 coverageWide vehicle coverage (OBD2)
Diagnostic FunctionsFull-system (ABS, SRS, transmission)Full-system diagnostics (ABS, SRS, engine, etc.)Full-system diagnosticsFull-system diagnosticsFull-system diagnostics
Bi-Directional ControlYesYesYesYesYes
ECU CodingNoYesYesYesNo
Key ProgrammingNoYesYesYesLimited
Special FunctionsOil reset, TPMS, ABS, SRSKey programming, ABS bleeding, IMMO, etc.IMMO Keys, Oil Reset, EPB Reset, DPF Reset, ABS Bleeding, SAS Reset, BMS Register, TPMS ServiceOil Reset, EPB, SAS, BMS Reset, ABS bleed, Injector Coding, Transmission Adaptation, etc.Injector coding, ABS Autobleed, Oil Reset, SAS Calibration, BMS, Throttle Relearn
Wireless ConnectivityBluetoothYesYesYesYes
Screen Size3.5-inch10.1-inch10.1-inch8-inch7-inch
Software UpdatesLifetime free updates2 years free updatesFree updates for 2 years2 years free updates1 year free updates
Topology MapNoYesNoYesNo
Price RangeMid-rangeHigh-endHigher mid-rangeHigher mid-rangeMid-range
Best Suited ForDIYers and professionals looking for advanced, full-system diagnosticsProfessional mechanics needing advanced diagnostics and features like ECU coding and key programmingProfessionals requiring advanced diagnostics with full vehicle coverageAdvanced DIYers and professionals needing wireless, advanced diagnosticsDIYers and shops looking for affordable, wireless full-system diagnostics
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OUR REVIEWS

#1. INNOVA 5610

5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (11)

The INNOVA 5610 is a feature-rich OBD2 scanner that caters to both DIYers and professionals.

It offers full-system diagnostics for ABS, SRS, transmission, and engine systems, making it ideal for those looking to perform advanced diagnostics on their vehicle.

The device also supports bi-directional control for certain systems like Fuel injectors Fuel pump relay Ignition timing Cooling fan, allowing for active tests and system control.

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With Bluetooth connectivity, the INNOVA RepairSolutions2 app provides helpful repair information, troubleshooting tips, and parts listings, enhancing the user experience.

Although it lacks ECU coding or key programming capabilities, its user-friendly design and comprehensive diagnostic coverage make it a great mid-range tool for users seeking advanced functions at a reasonable price point.

SHOP NOW at Amazon.com

#2. ANCEL X7

5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (13)

The ANCEL X7 is designed for professionals and heavy-duty users, providing extensive diagnostic capabilities across a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs.

With its full-system diagnostics, bi-directional control, and special functions like ABS bleeding, DPF regeneration, and oil reset, this tool is suitable for more advanced tasks in the workshop.

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The large 10.1-inch touchscreen ensures smooth navigation, and its wireless functionality offers added convenience.

Although its software updates may become costly after the free period, the ANCEL X7 remains a solid investment for mechanics looking to handle more complex diagnostics efficiently.

Its robust hardware and broad vehicle coverage make it an excellent choice for those seeking high performance.

SHOP NOW at Amazon.com

#3. LAUNCH X431 PRO3 V+

5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (15)

The LAUNCH X431 PROS V+ is a premium diagnostic tool designed for professional technicians who require advanced features.

It includes bi-directional control, full-system diagnostics, and capabilities like ECU coding and key programming, making it an all-in-one solution for workshops.

With over 150 brands supported and a topology map to visualize system interactions, this tool excels in complex diagnostics.

5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (16)

The large 10.1-inch HD touchscreen and cloud-based diagnostics further enhance usability, allowing mechanics to identify and fix issues faster.

While it comes at a higher price point, the X431 PRO3 V+ is a worthy investment for professionals who demand a feature-packed, reliable tool for a variety of vehicles.

SHOP NOW at Amazon.com

#4. XTOOL D8S

5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (17)

The XTOOL D8S is built for professionals and advanced DIYers looking for a robust wireless diagnostic tool. It offers full-system diagnostics, bi-directional control, and advanced functions like ECU coding and key programming, making it versatile enough for both basic and complex repairs.

The 8-inch touchscreen ensures ease of use, while its wireless connectivity and wide vehicle compatibility make it a valuable tool in any workshop.

5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (18)

With 2 years of free updates and functions like DPF regeneration and ABS bleeding, the D8S is designed for those who want a professional-grade scanner without breaking the bank.

Its only downside is that its advanced features may require some learning, but overall, it’s an excellent investment for serious users.

SHOP NOW at Amazon.com

#5. AUTEL MK808BT PRO

5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (19)

The Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT PRO is a versatile, wireless OBD2 scanner ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and small repair shops.

Offering full-system diagnostics and various special functions such as oil reset, EPB, and DPF regeneration, it caters to those seeking reliable diagnostics without the high cost of more advanced tools.

5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (20)

While it lacks ECU coding and bi-directional control, its user-friendly interface and wireless connectivity provide convenience for everyday diagnostics.

Additionally, it covers a wide range of vehicles, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for a balance of affordability and advanced functionality.

SHOP NOW at Amazon.com

WHAT’S NEXT?

This prioritized guide should help you quickly determine which bi-directional scan tool best suits your specific needs and budget.

Any questions please let us know by leaving a comment or send a request to[emailprotected].

5 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2024 - OBD Solaris (2024)

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