Best Autel Scanners 2023 [Comparison Chart & Review]

Are you looking for an Autel scanner? Then you’ve landed on the right page.

Choosing the best OBD2 scan tool or advanced auto diagnostic tools can be challenging. But with our Autel scanner review and comparison, you can never make the wrong choice. We go into details of every product and recommend the best for every purpose and budget.

Autel has a wide range of products for different levels of auto owners and mechanics.

There are:

• Cheap Autel code readers [for beginners], 
• Autel professional scan tools [for experienced DIYers],
• Autel professional automotive diagnostic scanners [for pros].
• If you need to perform ECU coding or programming, there are Autel ECU programming tools for you to choose from.

In this article, I will talk about the capabilities of the above tool categories and recommend the best product for you. You need this information to make an informed buying decision. Keep reading!

First, let’s check out Autel scanner product lines and find which is your favorite level.

Autel Scanner Series: Which Level Should I Pick?

Type 1. Autel MaxiScan – Cheap car code readers

Autel scanners in this range are very affordable, often costing less than $100. They can help you diagnose and define vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and view freeze frame data, check I/M readiness as well as monitoring status. If you have American, Asian, and European vehicle brands and models 1996 or newer, then these code readers can help you.

In summary, you can use them to do the following:

• Detecting what causes Check Engine Light to come on and reset it back.
• Retrieving generic codes (P0, P2, P3, and U0), pending codes, and manufacturer-specific codes (P1, P3, and U1) and clearing them.
• Retrieving VIN, CALID, and CVN.
• Viewing freeze frame data and display DTCs and I/M emissions.

Who are the marketed users?

The typical products in this line include Autel MS300 and Autel MS309. These are mainly recommended to car owners for home garages. If you are just starting in auto diagnostics, then Autel MaxiScan tools are the best for you.

Read more: Autel MS309 Vs. Autel MS300 Vs. Launch Creader V+: Don’t go for it if you’re not a newbie

Type 2. Autel AutoLink – Affordable OBD2 scanners

Autel AutoLink product series consists of OBDII auto scanners that support 1996 and newer vehicles with OBD2 or CAN port. With them, you can do the following:

• Read I/M readiness and check readiness status
• Retrieves and clear generic codes (P0, P2, P3, and U0), pending codes, and manufacturer-specific (P1, P3, and U1) codes.
• Diagnose the cause of MIL, clear the code, and reset it.
• Check DTCs and view freeze frame data
• Reads live PCM data stream
• Retrieves VIN, CIN, and CVN
• Other products in this series, such as AutoLink AL619, can diagnoses ABS/SRS systems

Who are the marketed users?

The products in this series are available for below $100 but offer just enough functionalities that a car owner or beginner DIYer can find helpful. You can check AutoLink AL319, AutoLink AL519, or AutoLink AL619, depending on what you have on the budget.

Read more: Autel AL519: Full OBDll Scan Tool with Mode 6 Review

Type 3. Autel MaxiLink – Affordable OBD2 scanners

Autel MaxiLink is a series of OBD II/EOBD auto scanners that supports all the 10 OBD2 modes. They support 1996 or newer American, Asian, and European cars with OBD2 and CAN protocols, including the SAE-J1979 protocol. With them, you can do the following:

• Check State Emission readiness status and device cycle verification
• Determine the cause of MIL and reset it
• View freeze frame data
• Read live PCM data stream
• Graph data
• Read, store, and playback live sensor data
• Print data on Windows PCs
• MaxiLink ML629 can read and reset DTCs for ABS, SRS, Engine, and Transmission.

Who are the marketed users?

This series of products has very affordable and powerful auto scanners ideal for auto mechanics and car owners. We have Autel ML629, Autel ML619, Autel ML529 that you can consider.

Read more: Autel MaxiLink ML619: ABS & SRS scan tool (upgraded AL619) review

Type 4. Autel MaxiAP – Affordable wireless OBD2 auto scan tools

This series consists of a wireless vehicle scanner. These products have either an Android or iOS operating system and come with Bluetooth (BT) OBDII connector and a MaxiAP200 app. These scanners can help you scan and quickly diagnose problems with almost all American, European, and Asian car brands and models. Their functions include:

• Full OBD2 functions
• 19 specific functions, including Oil Reset, EPB, BMS, ABS, SAS, DPF, TPMS, IMMO, among others
• Auto VIN automatic identification
• Sharing and printing vehicle diagnostic and repair reports
• Keep records of all vehicles previously tested

Who are the marketed users?

I strongly recommend Autel AP200, Autel AP200C, and Autel AP200M to car owners and DIY auto mechanics.

Read more: Autel AP200C vs. Autel AP200: Never buy it before reading this detailed comparison and review

Type 5. Autel MaxiCheck – Affordable auto service tools

Autel MaxiCheck is a series of auto scan and diagnostic tools used for OBD2 and specialized systems scan and diagnostics. The devices are equipped with a crystal clear TFT color screen to display the data read from vehicle systems. With them, you can be confident to do the following:

• Full OBD2/EOBD functions
• Open and close EBCs
• Read and reset codes for EPB/SBC
• Turn off ECU, Bake, and Oil Service lights
• Monitor the performance of EPB/SBC Caliper
• Rese SAS and service intervals
• Monitor ABS and Diesel Particulate Filter
• Read, record, and playback OBD2 live data
• Register and reset the battery
• Specialized system functions such as EPB, Oil Service, ABS, SRS, BMS, DPF.
• Diagnoses EPB/SBC Caliper, handle IMMO

Who are the marketed users?

Products in this series are marketed for auto technicians and experienced car owners who handle specialized system diagnoses. The recommended products we have here are the Autel MX808TS, Autel MX808, and Autel MaxiCheck Pro.

Read more: Autel MX808: All System and Service Car Diagnostic Tool Review

Type 6. Autel MaxiDiag – Affordable auto diagnostic tools

Autel MaxiDiag is a series of auto-scan and diagnostic tools designed to take your experience to a new level. They include Autel MD808 Pro, Autel MD806, and Autel MD806 Pro. With them, you can perform all the OBD2 functions and the following specialized system functions:

• Oil service reset
• Battery registration and reset
• Parking brake pad relearn after replacement
• Steering angle sensor relearn
• Turning off ECU brake light
• Diesel particulate filter regeneration functions
• Control and test Transmission, ABS, SRS, EPB, and DPF systems
• Monitor O2 and I/M readiness
• 10 OBD2 functions

Read more: Autel MD806 Vs. MD808 Pro Vs. MD802: Which a home mechanic shouldn’t buy?

Who are the marketed users?

Autel MaxiDiag diagnostic tools are ideal for home mechanics and experienced DIYers.

Type 7. Autel MaxiPRO – Excellent auto diagnostic reset tools

Autel MaxiPRO product series are Android-based auto scan and diagnostic tools designed by Autel Tech to help car owners and auto technicians effectively diagnose systems. Typical products in this list include the following:

Autel MaxiPRO product series have the following capabilities:

• OE-level system coverage for all electronic systems
• Complete tool for live data viewing, active testing, ECU information retrieval, etc.
• Automatic VIN identification
• TPMS diagnostics with DTC description
• TPMS health check
• Activate TPMS sensors
• OBD relearn coverage

Who are the marketed users?

The superior special functions of these tools make them ideal for professional auto mechanics and advanced DIYers.

Read more: Autel MP808TS: All-system diagnostic tool with TPMS service functions review

Type 8. Autel MaxiDas – Perfect automotive diagnostic scanner

Autel MaxiDas consists of auto scan and diagnostic tools powered by the Android Operating system that offers maximum convenience and high efficiency when diagnosing vehicles. They are equipped with 7-inch LCD screens for displaying live data and graphing information. These tools perform advanced system diagnostics and reset services, including the following:

• Automatic VIN identification
• OE-level system diagnostics for all electronic systems
• View live data, get ECU information, perform an active test, among other functions
• Free access to cloud-based vehicle diagnostic and repair tips
• Manage all operations, including keeping data files, customer information, and serviced vehicle records.

Who are the marketed users?

Autel MaxiDas are designed for auto technicians and advanced DIYers. DS808K is one of such tools you can add to your toolbox.

Read more: Autel MaxiDas DS808K: Professional automotive diagnostic scanner review

Type 9. Autel MaxiCOM – Auto service tools for pros

Autel MaxiCOM features auto scanners and vehicle diagnostic tools designed to help you perform a range of functions. With this product series, you can perform all OBD2 functions and the following advanced functions:

• Complete capabilities for actuation tests, adaptations, codes, live data, and ECU coding
• Live data display as graphs, texts, analogue, and digital for easy viewing and analysis
• Capable of recording and playing back data results with one touch.
• Cloud-based data management system for customers, vehicles, scanner data, and technician notes.
• Wi-Fi technology for printing recorded data

Who are the marketed users?

Autel MaxiCOM consists of products such as Autel MK908P, Autel MK906BT, and Autel MK808. These tools are recommended to professional auto technicians and experienced car owners for home garages.

Read more: Autel MaxiCOM MK808: Full-System OBD2 Scan Tool Review

Type 10. Autel MaxiSys – The high-end art of automotive diagnostics

Autel MaxiSys is a series of wireless auto diagnostic tools powered by Android. Their tablet design, widescreen, and advanced functions help maximize the technician’s intelligence.

This product line includes the following.

If you want to revolutionize auto diagnostics, you can do so with any product in this line. Some of the functions are listed below.

• Exceptional OE-Level functionality
• Advanced ECU coding and programming
• Live data viewing and graphing
• Active testing
• ECU information, adaptation, matching, etc.
• Comprehensive OBDII diagnostics
• Interactive data logging sessions with Autel tech support
• Step-by-step repair guidance
• Management of data files, customer information, and vehicle records.

Who are the marketed users?

These products are recommended for auto technicians who want advanced support when diagnosing vehicle systems. Autel MaxiSys Ultra has step-by-step repair guidance that helps solve the identified problem.

Read more: Launch X431 Torque Vs. X431 V PRO Vs. AUTEL MS906BT: Which are professional mechanics using?

Type 11. Autel MaxiIM – professional diagnostic tools with IMMO key programming

Autel MaxilM contains easy-to-use IMMO auto tools. These tools are equipped with service functions for immobilizer systems and special functions. The recommended products in the market include Autel IM508 and Autel IM608.

These products have the following capabilities:

• All auto system diagnostics and advanced maintenance services
• Guided and automated key learning
• Advanced key learning
• Read PIN/CS for all lost keys and generate keys
• IMMO ECU read and write and refresh and write
• Read and write transponder
• Read and write EEPROM/MCU
• OE-level diagnostics for a wide range of cars
• Advanced maintenance services such as Oil reset, BMS, EPB, DPF, SAS, and TPMS

Who are the marketed users?

Autel MaxiIM is a perfect solution for car shops and professional technicians who need a reliable IMMO and auto service tool.

Read more: Autel IM508: Must-have key programmer & scan tool review

Now, let’s go to the main categories of Autel scan tools and pick the best one for you.

Choose the group of product you want and go with me!!

Best Cheap Autel Code Readers [for beginners]

Autel code readers in this category are basic universal scanners for beginners who just want to make their car scanning tasks easier. They are equipped with all the OBD2 functions, some system diagnostics.

Top 3 Cheap Autel Code Readers Comparison Chart

 *Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2

Vehicle coverage

These Autel code readers are compatible with 1996 or newer models of vehicles from America, Asia, and Europe. The table below has more information on the specific vehicle brands.

Read more: Autel AL619: ABS & SRS Car Diagnostic Tool Review

Best Autel Professional Scan Tools [for auto DIYers]

Professional Autel OBD2 scan tools are equipped with all OBD2 functions, system diagnostic capabilities, and advanced service functions. Some products in this list also have IMMO key coding and programming functions, allowing you to duplicate keys and deactivate or replace lost ones.

These scan tools can access all electronic systems such as ABS, SRS (Airbag), Engine, Transmission, Brake Systems, among others. You can use them to read and clear fault codes on all systems.

Top 3 Professional Autel Scanners Comparison Chart

*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2

Best cheap Autel code readers: AL319, AL519, or ML619?

Read and clear codes

The auto scanners in this category can read and clear codes related to MIL retrieve VIN, CVN, and CALID on 1996 or newer vehicle models. However, if you need to read ABS and SRS codes, I recommend opting for MaxiLink ML619. This is a simple OBD2 scanner but can also have the mentioned capabilities.

Reset MIL

If the primary reason for buying the scanner is to turn off Check Engine Light, all these products are potential candidates. However, I prefer Autel MS309 for this because of its affordability.

Other OBD2 functions

The scanners in this category can also retrieve generic, manufacturer-specific, and pending codes. You can choose any tool for this, but going for Autel MS309 will save you money.

Vehicle coverage

Professional Autel OBD2 diagnostic tools are compatible with 1996 and newer vehicle models from different parts of the world. View the comparison chart below for detailed information.

Read more: Autel MaxiCheck Pro: Scan Tool to Cycle The ABS Solenoids

[for pros] Best Autel Professional Automotive Diagnostic Scanner 

This category of diagnostic tools is for professionals and advanced DIYers. With the functionalities of these tools, you can perform as many diagnoses as possible. Additionally, these products are relatively affordable compared to other brands of the same capability in the market.

With Autel professional automotive diagnostic scanner, you can do the following:

• ECU coding in some vehicle brands
• OE-level system diagnostics
• Automatic VIN identification
• Wireless system diagnostics
• Bi-directional control for specific car systems such as reading the engine ECU data and monitoring actuators.
• Read and clear codes on PCM, ECM, EPS, PDM, BCM, TPM, SCCM, RADIO, and etc.
• IMMO keys/key fob programming
• View live data of any system
• Perform advanced service functions such as oil reset, EBM, TPMS, DPF, SAS, among others.

Professional Autel diagnostic tools are built for performance. If you are an auto mechanic handling advanced system functions and service functions, these tools will make your work very easy. They also help you keep and manage customer information, data files, and vehicle records.

Top 3 Professional Autel Automotive Diagnostic Scanner Comparison Chart

*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2

Which to Buy: MK808, MP808K, or MS906BT?

System diagnostics

The tools are all designed for complete system diagnostics. You can use them to perform vehicle checks on all systems you can think for. Whether you need to retrieve ECU information, read and erase DTCs, or any other functions, this is the line of tools to choose from. Autel MK808 offers the most affordable option for auto technicians and car hobbyists, but you can explore other automotive diagnostic tools if you have enough budget.

Advanced service functions

Performing maintenance of reset on different vehicle systems is easier with these professional diagnostic tools. We cannot exploit all their capabilities, but you can rely on them for the following:

• Reset oil
• Reset brake pad
• Reset battery after replacement
• Clear DPF filter
• Disable lost keys and create new ones
• Read injector-related issues and fix them
• Calibrate and reset SAS, among other reset functions.

These tools are intuitively designed for ease of use, speed, and functionality. With a 7-inch crystal clear screen and high-performing quad-core processors, you will have the best experience when diagnosing car brands. Choose Autel MK808 for affordability. Otherwise, the Autel MP808K is the best option.

Bi-directional controls

Not all vehicle diagnostic tools in this category come with bi-directional control capabilities. Some allow you to perform active tests to determine the integrity of various parts and systems, including ABS, ECU data, door, window, etc. You can also monitor the operation of actuators. For this purpose, I recommend the Autel MP808K for its affordability.

Coding/programming

All vehicle diagnostic tools in this category can perform key coding, where you will be able to deactivate lost keys and create new ones. For ECU coding, I recommend Autel MP808K. But if you need to do both key and ECU programming and coding, I strongly advise you to buy Autel MS906BT, even if it will cost you more. It is better to buy a complete vehicle diagnostic tool once and for all!

Vehicle coverage

These tools are for 1996 or newer car models. They are compatible with different brands, including American, Asian, European, and Australian cars. The table below has more information.

[for technician only] Best Autel ECU programming tools

These products are the most advanced Autel ECU programming tools currently on the market. With them, you can perform online J2534 ECU programming, IMMO services, gearbox matching, suspension calibration, over 30 maintenance functions, and powerful add-on functions. They might be the most expensive products but are ideal if you want to take your business or automotive diagnosis and repair career to another level.

Top 3 Autel ECU Programming Tools Comparison Chart

*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2

Which to Buy: MK908P, Maxisys Elite, or Maxisys Ultra?

Advanced service functions

These tools can perform over 30 advanced service functions. The following is a partial list of what you can do with the Autel ECU coding and programming tool:

• Oil light reset
• Injector coding
• Steering angle reset
• IMMO service
• DPF regeneration
• ABS bleeding
• Throttle matching
• TPMS reset
• EPB reset
• Tire reset
• AFS headlamp reset
• Seat calibration
• Airbag reset, etc.

You can buy either Autel MK908P, Autel MaxiSys Elite, or Autel MaxiSys Ultra for all these functions. Please note that the prices greatly vary depending on the number of add-on functions included in these products.

Bi-directional controls

All the tools are equipped with bi-directional capabilities that allow you to perform active tests for easier tracking down of the problem. Depending on the budget, you can buy Autel MK908P because of its pocket-friendliness.

Coding/programming

Autel MK908P is capable of key, chassis, and ECU coding. It also supports online coding for some vehicle brands. It is also equipped with a J2534 ECU programming tool, which is SAE J2534-1 & -2 compliant pass thru reprogramming interface device, for advanced ECU programming on BMW and Benz.

Autel MaxiSys Elite and Autel MaxiSys Ultra can also do ECU programming on BMW and Benz, but I recommend Autel MK908P because you get an equally powerful device at a much lower price.

Supported protocols and Vehicle coverage

This category of products has a wide vehicle coverage, including US, Europe, and Asia brands. Via the VCMI with New CAN BUS Protocols (latest DOIP & CAN FD BUS) and OE-Diagnostic Protocol Standards (D-PDU/J2534/RP1210), you can use Autel MaxiSys Ultra with the original OE diagnosis scanner for programming. The different protocols supported by all other products in this category include the following:

·   ISO 9142-2, ISO 14230-2, ISO 15765-4, K/L-Line, Flashing Code, SAE-J1850 VPW,

·   SAE-J1850 PWM, CAN ISO 11898, Highspeed, Middle speed, Low speed and Singlewire CAN,

·   GM UART, UART Echo Byte Protocol, Honda Diag-H Protocol, TP 2.0, TP 1.6, SAE J1939,

·   SAE J1708, Fault-Tolerant CAN

These devices also allow ECU programming on BMW and Benz car brands, where you can replace the existing software or program new ECUs.

Read more: Autel Maxisys Elite: Why many technicians at big shops are using it?

Final thoughts

With the appropriate vehicle scan or diagnostic tool, your workload can be reduced. Autel Tech has a wide range of product lines for every car owner or auto technician and budget. These products have capabilities that match your experience in the industry, allowing you to perform what you intended to do with ease.

The following are the most recommended Autel products if you have a low budget but wants the best:

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