Best Bidirectional Scan Tools Under $400

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

A low cost, no subscription handheld for DIYers who want bidirectional tests and the common resets.

A good value tablet for DIYers on older cars who want resets and active tests without paying for a wireless VCI.

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.

For a home mechanic who wants a wireless tablet with modern protocols and plenty of resets but no coding.

For a DIYer who prefers a sturdy corded handheld and never wants to pay for updates.

A budget Launch tablet for DIYers who want active tests and the common resets on cars up to the late 2010s. Buyers with newer GM models need a tool with CAN FD.

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

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

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

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