Advanced features (FIXD Mechanic Hotline, cost estimates, and more) are only available with a FIXD Premium subscription, which you can try for free with purchase of a sensor.Doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles that BlueDriver does.Can’t read all codes (such as ABS & airbag).Comes with detailed articles and YouTube videos to help you fix car problems yourself.Delivers “plain English” diagnostics in seconds directly to your phone.Maintenance alerts make it easy to stay up to date on oil changes and prevent breakdowns.Monitors up to 5 vehicles’ health simultaneously so you can take care of the whole family fleet.
The optional FIXD Premium upgrade gives you access to even more features, including the FIXD Mechanic Hotline, emissions readiness testing, and confirmed cost estimates for your specific repairs. If you don’t have a check engine light, there’s a diagnostic flowchart to help you diagnose your problem based on the symptoms. It’s also the only OBD2 scan tool I’ve found that alerts you when it’s time for your car’s next routine maintenance service.
I love that the app not only gives simplified code descriptions in plain English, but it also guides drivers to other resources, including YouTube videos, blog articles, and more. It is compatible with any vehicle that has an OBD2 port and connects wirelessly with Bluetooth to both iPhone and Android. The easy-to-use app is versatile enough for both beginners and avid DIYers.
On a mission to help drivers better understand and better care for their cars, they designed FIXD’s state-of-the-art software in the U.S. FIXD Sensor Professional Bluetooth OBD2 ScannerįIXD was developed by 3 Georgia Tech engineering students who were sick of seeing people get ripped off at the repair shop. Now that you know why you need a car scanner, here are the top 10 best OBD2 scan tools for 2021 under $100: Best OBD2 Scan Tools under $100 1. You can take this information and do it yourself to save money or walk into the mechanic with a clear picture of what’s going on so you don’t get scammed. In simple terms? An OBD2 car scanner can help you understand what’s wrong with your vehicle when the check engine light comes on, help you start to diagnose issues before going to the repair shop, and potentially save you thousands of dollars.Īfter all, these scan tools can show you not only what the check engine light means, but also potential ways to fix it. While this article isn’t all about OBD2, what you need to know is this: OBD2 scanners work with this system to retrieve information from your car’s ECU that can help analyze performance and repair needs. Since the introduction of OBD2, also referred to as onboard diagnostics or OBDII, virtually every gas-powered passenger vehicle built in 1996 or newer can be monitored and managed through this protocol. Only drawback is the bulky design and lack of a smartphone app. It gets the job done, but it will require you to download a third-party app.įor experienced DIYers and mechanics with a budget closer to $100, the Foxwell scanner offers advanced features perfect for a shop environment. Editor’s Picks Best Overallįor the best overall value with transparent pricing and an easy-to-use smartphone app, FIXD takes the win for everyday drivers and shade tree mechanics.įor around $15, the ELM327 is one of the cheapest code readers available. Here are my top 3 picks overall to give you a better idea of which OBD2 scanner to buy.
Remember, different check engine scanners have different functionality, so which one is best for you depends on your needs. But if you’re looking for a budget car scanner that can read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, then look no further than these 10 best OBD2 scanners under $100: There are hundreds of OBD2 scan tools available, ranging in price from $20-$2000+. Looking for the best OBD2 scanner for the money? Here are our top 10 recommendations for car scanners that can read and clear your check engine light.