Best Bidirectional OBD2 Scan Tools Ranked

A bidirectional scan tool does more than read and clear codes. It sends commands to the car’s modules, so you can switch on a cooling fan, cycle an ABS pump or retract an electronic parking brake, and it runs the resets and relearns that follow a brake, battery or steering job. These rankings compare what the makers publish on the same terms: what it costs, how many service functions it runs, whether it codes modules and talks to newer cars, how long its software updates are free and how long it’s covered.

Form is the first choice. A tablet or handheld has its own screen and works on any car without your phone. A phone dongle plugs into the OBD2 port and runs its tests through an app on your phone, which costs much less but ties the tool to that app and often to a subscription.

Updates are the second. Most tablets include one or two years of free software updates, after which coverage for new model years stops unless you pay to renew; a few tools update free for life. The tool keeps working without updates, but only on the cars it already knew.

Newer cars are the third. Many 2020 and later GM models use CAN FD, and BMW, Volvo, Jaguar Land Rover and others use DoIP, so a tool without them may not reach every module on a recent car. ECU coding, for replacement modules and retrofits, matters mostly on European cars.

Top Picks

Best overall

XTOOL D7S

#1 in Tablet4.2Full review

The value pick for a home mechanic with newer cars: modern protocols, coding and cheap updates for under $400.

Amazon $399

$399

Best value

Innova 5610 CarScan Pro

#9 in Tablet3.5Full review

A handheld bidirectional scan tool with free lifetime updates, for US and Canadian home mechanics who want resets and active tests without renewal fees. Owners of newer GM models need a tool with CAN FD.

Amazon $268.97

$268.97

Most capable

XTOOL D8S

#3 in Tablet4.1Full review

For a home mechanic or small shop that wants topology, coding and modern protocols on an 8 in screen without paying for wireless.

Amazon $649

$649

Shop by Form

Narrow It Down

Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.

Best Bidirectional Scan Tool Tablets

ProductPriceResetsScreenFree updatesCompare

1. 
   XTOOL D7S

   #1 of 244.2Full review

   The value pick for a home mechanic with newer cars: modern protocols, coding and cheap updates for under $400.

   Amazon $399
   $399
   397 in3 years
   Compare XTOOL D7S
2. 
   XTOOL InPlus IP819

   #2 of 244.1Full review

   A capable 7 in tool for DIYers with newer cars, best bought direct from XTOOL where it undercuts Amazon.

   Amazon $449
   $449
   397 in3 years
   Compare XTOOL InPlus IP819
3. 
   XTOOL D8S

   #3 of 244.1Full review

   For a home mechanic or small shop that wants topology, coding and modern protocols on an 8 in screen without paying for wireless.

   Amazon $649
   $649
   428 in3 years
   Compare XTOOL D8S
4. 
   XTOOL D9S

   #4 of 243.9Full review

   For a serious DIYer or small shop that wants near pro features, wireless freedom and modern protocols for under $900.

   Amazon $849.30
   $849.30
   459.7 in3 years
   Compare XTOOL D9S
5. 
   Thinkcar ThinkScan 689BT

   #5 of 243.7Full review

   For a DIYer who wants coding and modern protocols with no update bills, from a brand that sells it direct on Amazon.

   Amazon $499.95
   $499.95
   35-Lifetime
   Compare Thinkcar ThinkScan 689BT

See all 24 best bidirectional scan tool tablets

Best Bidirectional OBD2 Dongles

ProductPriceResetsScreenFree updatesCompare

1. 
   XTOOL Anyscan A30M

   #1 of 43.4Full review

   The best bet for a driver who wants bidirectional control from a phone without a yearly fee.

   Amazon $135.12
   $135.12
   26-Lifetime
   Compare XTOOL Anyscan A30M
2. 
   Mucar BT200 Max

   #2 of 43.1Full review

   For a driver who wants a cheap phone based bidirectional scanner that never asks for a renewal.

   Amazon $123.49
   $123.49
   15-Lifetime
   Compare Mucar BT200 Max
3. 
   Topdon TopScan Pro

   #3 of 42.5Full review

   For a driver who wants a cheap, pocketable bidirectional tool and will either renew yearly or use it heavily in the first year.

   Amazon $110.99
   $110.99
   13-1 year
   Compare Topdon TopScan Pro
4. 
   Thinkcar Thinkdiag 2

   #4 of 42.4Full review

   For a driver who wants cheap bidirectional control and CAN FD on a phone and accepts a yearly fee to keep it.

   Amazon $129.99
   $129.99
   15-1 year
   Compare Thinkcar Thinkdiag 2

How We Rank

Each scan tool is ranked against others of the same form, and scored on its price, its service functions, its ECU coding, CAN FD and DoIP support and topology map, its free update period and its warranty.

How we rank explains each factor in full.