Best Scan Tool in 2018 Under $500?

[agradetools.com]

Any recommendations for best scan tool in 2018 for under $500?

Trying to flush out my article about scan tools, and there are just so many ******** options it gets super complicated.

Any help is appreciated

here is what I have so far--

Autel MaxiCOM MK808 (roughly $500 or a little more)

BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool (around $100)


FOXWELL NT301 Obd2 Scanner (Roughly 60-70)

Anyone like or not like my choices? Have ones to add?

Here is link to article. I also trying to find the best oscilloscope for beginner mechanics as well.

 

[Tallpilot]

https://cdn.vehicleservicepros.com/.../2018/06/PTEN_SpecGuide2018.5b15834f10d1d.pdf

That Autel is stupid expensive for the capability it offers. The small phone sized Launch has the most capability around $500. Otherwise do best under $250 for battery, brake, oil and steering angle sensor resetters.

 

[Showkey]

Week old prior discussion that started at a high level scanner but much of the info carries over.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=398259

 

[agradetools.com]

Week old prior discussion that started at a high level scanner but much of the info carries over.



It seems to me like there is no consensus haha. and really if you want a truly bi-directional scanner you need to spend big bucks, or buy the specific one for your car only.

so a DIYer or mobile mechanic is basically SOL if they're looking to be a fully capable equal in terms of technology they can have at there fingertips.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Week old prior discussion that started at a high level scanner but much of the info carries over.



It seems to me like there is no consensus haha. and really if you want a truly bi-directional scanner you need to spend big bucks, or buy the specific one for your car only.

so a DIYer or mobile mechanic is basically SOL if they're looking to be a fully capable equal in terms of technology they can have at there fingertips.

They aren't SOL, but they will need to spend more than $500.

 

[Bartleby]

They aren't SOL, but they will need to spend more than $500.

And buy used.

 

[Mr_B]

You can have pretty good scanner for 500 to 1000 .
autel and launch good place start for lower cost, pick the right machine for cars you likely deal with most and it will be amazingly capable .
No scanner does it all, good operator makes big difference as if you can't make most of the data even best tool for the job not going be much use .
I own autel and snapon and the autel gets used the most .
If only dealing with few specific cars then more specific manufacturer/model software and cable is way forward for low buck ability .

 

[ssevanmike]

This is kinda belated reply, but I still want to share if anyone's still looking for scanners under $500.
I found this useful article: https://www.obdadvisor.com/professional-automotive-scanners/ . There are many choices for you here, with reviews and also pros and cons for each one. May help you make the decision easier.

 

[anndel]

I have a Launch Diagun which I got off Amazon for about $550. It was on sale from $700 then a Black Friday coupon brought it down. I also have the BlueDriver and for $100 you can't beat it. A beginner oscilloscope? Rigol 2 channel for <$400.