Best OBD2 scanner for a DIY mechanic under $100?

For under $100, here's what I'd recommend depending on what you want: **Budget king — Bluetooth adapter + app ($15-30):** - OBDLink MX+ or Veepeak OBDCheck BLE — pairs with your phone - Use the free Torque app (Android) or Car Scanner (iOS) - Reads codes, live data, freeze frames - Won't do ABS/airbag on most cars **Best bang for buck — handheld ($50-80):** - TOPDON ArtiDiag500 or TOPDON AL600 — full OBD2 + ABS/SRS/transmission codes - Color screen, intuitive interface - Lifetime free updates - Does what 90% of DIY mechanics need **If you want to go all-in ($80-100):** - TOPDON ArtiDiag600 — adds oil reset, EPB, battery registration - Basically a budget version of what shops use I'd avoid the cheap Amazon no-name scanners. They work for basic codes but the data is often unreliable and they stop getting updates after 6 months. Honestly for DIY work, the TOPDON lineup hits the sweet spot. Check out [our diagnostic tools guide](/guides) for some comparison reviews.

I've been using a BlueDriver for 3 years and love it. $100 on Amazon. The app is excellent — gives you repair reports specific to your code/vehicle that are actually helpful. Does enhanced diagnostics on most common cars (ABS, SRS, transmission). Only downside is it's Bluetooth to your phone only, no standalone screen.

Whatever you get, make sure it supports CAN protocol (all cars 2008+). The older ELM327 clones work but they're slow on newer cars. The genuine OBDLink adapters are faster and more reliable.

+1 for TOPDON. I have the AD600 and it's paid for itself 10 times over. Read an ABS code on my truck that a parts store couldn't read, saved me a tow to the dealer just for the diagnosis.