5 Best Autel Scanners 2023 [Comparison Chart & Review]

Are you confused by so many options of Autel scanners available and unsure which one best suits your needs? 

Fear not, as this review is here to help solve your problem. 

If you want to know each Autel scanner’s:

• pros and cons,
• prominent features
• and my final evaluation.

Then keep scrolling to find out which Autel scanner is worth your investment!

In a rush? Check out my 3 best recommendations below:

Read more: Best OBD2 Scanners 2023 Review

#1. Autel AL319 – Cheapest Code Reader for Beginners

What Makes Me Like Autel AL319?

1. Save money by clearing trouble codes yourself

Autel AL319 allows you to read and clear engine and transmission codes only. Although it is unable to scan ABS and SRS systems, it’s worth the price of $40.

After checking on my customers’ cars, I realized that it was quick at scanning and giving the description of the codes. You can search for it online and fix the car yourself.

What’s more?

I quickly identified whether the trouble code was serious thanks to Autel AL319‘s color LED indicating light. No more fear and uncertainty of not knowing what was wrong with your car.

2. Identify the exact cause of the trouble code with live data 

Autel AL319 can read a lot of live data, which is amazing. It’s very useful when combined with your own research to identify and fix problems quickly. 

For example, I could check the voltage of a particular O2 sensor in real-time using the live data feature. 

This helped me figure out if the output from the catalytic converter is stable (which is good) or if it’s changing (which is bad).

3. Help you pass the smog check 

It’s really frustrating to go for a smog check and find out that the car’s DTCs are not ready for the test. This unit can tell you when they are ready, which is helpful.

No more wasting hundreds of dollars just to know this at a repair shop!

What I Dislike?

1. Short cable

The cord is too short (~2.5ft) to be put on the car console. As a result, it becomes challenging to use the scanner comfortably while performing readiness tests.

2. Cover vehicles up to 2017 only

The fact that the device is only for 2017 models and below is a major disadvantage. 

This limitation makes it difficult to use the scanner on your latest cars. But if you mainly work on older cars, Autel AL319 is your best bet.

Vehicle coverage

Make sure to visit Autel’s vehicle coverage page or contact their support team at support@autel.com before purchasing Autel AL319. 

Key Takeaway

If you’re a car owner looking to identify basic issues with your vehicle, Autel AL319 is an excellent tool I highly recommend. 

It’s easy to use, thanks to its compact size and clear display, making it a great choice for beginners.

Today’s best Autel AL319 prices:

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#2. Autel AP200 – Best Bluetooth Scanner for Home Mechanics

What Makes Me Like Autel AP200?

1. Scan your car with full-system diagnostics

With Autel AP200, I can look at every single module and pull up fault codes from all car systems like engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, TPMS, SAS, etc. 

The result was beyond my expectations! 

On many cars I tested, Autel AP200 can pull codes from

• 2017 Honda Civic 
• 2016 Toyota Tundra 
• 2010 BMW F10 n63Tu, etc.

It also supports reading SRS codes on my customer’s Suzuki, which is not covered by other Bluetooth adapters. 

2. No need to visit dealers using 19 reset functions

Autel AP200 supports up to 19 advanced service functions, helping you perform any needed tasks to erase different codes.

Some of the functions I tried on my customer’s cars are TPMS, EPB reset, throttle adaption, ABS bleeding, SAS calibration, etc.  

Thanks to ABS bleeding, I removed the air stuck in the ABS unit of the brake system on a 2016 Dodge Charger & Honda Civic, and a BMW 428i. 

Additionally, I performed battery registration on cars like a 2013 Mini Countryman and a 2008 BMW 335i.

3. Analyze your car’s problems with responsive live data

Autel AP200 lets me read a lot of data that a similar OBD2 scanner wouldn’t.

Combining live data with the fault codes, you’ll discover the real culprit causing the dashboard lights to pop up. For instance, I identified the faulty wheel speed sensor to clear a 2007 Ford Edge’s ABS light.

Note that the refresh rate will be low if you want to see many parameters at the same time. 

What I Dislike?

1. Cannot cover 2019 and later vehicles

The database only goes up to 2018, even though it is 2023 now.

This limitation is a major drawback for me since I work with the latest vehicle models. 

I hope Autel improves this by updating newer models soon.

2. Pay more if you work on the additional car brands

The fee to activate advanced features for another brand is $22/year.

However, Autel AP200 can be used as a generic OBD2 reader on most car brands.

Vehicle coverage

If Autel AP200 can’t work on your cars, it’s useless. So, make sure to visit Autel’s vehicle coverage page or send Autel an email at support@autel.com before buying.

Key Takeaway

Autel AP200 is perfect for DIYers and home mechanics if you use it for just one car make. 

Along with the full-system diagnostic, its 19 service functions will help you perform any needed task on your car.

Today’s best Autel AP200 prices:

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#3. Autel ML629 – Best 4-system Scanner for Home Mechanics

What Makes Me Like Autel ML629?

1. Perform 4-system diagnostics

Autel ML629 allows quick access to the engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS systems and the ability to read & clear these codes. Furthermore, it can pull enhanced codes in the Powertrain system for three specific brands: Ford, GM, and Chrysler. 

This scanner also provides an explanation of the fault codes, making it easier to identify system problems quickly.

Although it can’t work on 2017+ vehicles, I tested this scanner on some 2017 and prior cars and it worked perfectly.

• 2005 GMC Yukon XL
• 2006 Chevy SSR
• 2007 Mazda 3
• 2011 F150
• 2016 Hyundai Veloster, etc.

Besides, it even showed codes that were not triggering the CEL. 

2. Confirm the faulty parts using live data

With this scanner, I could use the live data to view the real-time data of multiple sensors and components in both modes:

• number 
• graph 

But please note that you can only graph two PIDs at once and can’t switch what you’re graphing while in graphing mode.

I also like that I could play back the recorded data or print it out via PC. It’s quite convenient if you want to share it with your mechanic. 

3. Retrieve your car’s VIN

This AutoVIN function lets me know cars’ VIN, which is useful when checking for manufacturer recalls or vehicle history reports. 

For example:

• its previous owners
• accidents
• repairs

What I Dislike?

1. Complex update process

The instructions provided in the manual were not helpful, and it took me a while to figure out how to update the tool. 

To update Autel ML629, you need an external SD card reader and follow many steps.

2. Cannot work on vehicles from 2017 and later

Like the Autel AL319, I tried ML629 on some newer cars, and this scanner didn’t cover vehicles from 2017 and later. This can be a problem if you are looking to diagnose newer cars. 

Vehicle Coverage

Please keep in mind that you need to check if Autel ML629 is compatible with your car before buying. Visit Autel’s vehicle coverage page or contact the support team at support@autel.com to confirm.

Key Takeaway

If you want to find out the reason behind the blinking dashboard lights like CEL, ABS, and SRS, Autel ML629 can help you! 

Although it doesn’t offer advanced functions, Autel ML629 can provide the necessary features to perform tasks on your cars.

So for a home mechanic, it’s overkill; for an ASE Mech, it’s underkill!

Today’s best Autel ML629 prices:

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#4. Autel MK808S – Best Bi-directional Scan Tool Under $500

What Makes Me Like Autel MK808S?

1. Pull generic and manufacturer-specific codes from any system

Autel MK808S allows me to scan any systems on cars as long as they are supported. 

Not only can it pull generic codes, but it also reads manufacturer-specific codes. Some codes I found on different cars with this scanner are P1420, P1101, P1516,  B1318, B1650, B1442, etc.

In general, it could read most of the systems on my customers’ cars.

2. Perform car maintenance with 28+ service functions and bi-directional control

Autel MK808S is great for daily car maintenance and repairs because it features 28+ advanced service functions. 

I could perform major reset functions like oil reset, SAS reset, EPB reset, etc., to turn off the dashboard lights. 

Besides, I can assure you that it is worth every penny as it also supports bi-directional control. You’ll pinpoint any defective parts or do maintenance services by commanding the components to operate as you want.

Once, I controlled the brake to perform ABS bleeding, which worked like a charm.

3. Vivid and fast live data

The live data, especially the graphed one, can be used to pinpoint trouble areas better. 

It’s easy to watch its graph fluctuate thanks to the clear display. 

Also, the refresh rate is quite incredible because of the upgraded hardware. And I didn’t see any glitches while using the live data.

In addition, there’s an option to print it out for later diagnosis.

What I Dislike?

1. Unfriendly menu for beginners

Autel MK808S’s menu and design are not optimized in the right category. Finding functions through the menu can be difficult if you didn’t use Autel scanners before.

Compared to the less capable scanners, several functions are not as intuitive.

2. No manual included

There was no manual attached to the scanner when I first unboxed it. 

I had to print the manual through a link after contacting Autel support.

From my perspective, after reading through the instructions, you will find it easy to operate the scanner. 

Vehicle Coverage

Before purchasing the Autel MK808S, always check if it is compatible with your car. You can do so by checking the vehicle coverage on the Autel website or contacting them via support@autel.com.

Key Takeaway

If you are looking for a bi-directional scan tool under $500, I highly recommend the Autel MK808S. 

With its fast and accurate diagnostics, you can quickly identify any car’s issues and get it back on the road in no time.

Today’s best Autel MK808S prices:

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#5. Autel Ultra – Best High-end Scan Tool for Professionals

What Makes Me Like Autel Ultra?

1. Advanced 5-IN-1 VCMI worth $2000

5-IN-1 VCMI is one of the main reasons I bought Autel Ultra. The VCMI is integrated with many functions like: 

• VCI connection (Wi-Fi/BT/USB): Fast and stable
• Oscilloscope: Analyze complex faults
• Waveform generator: Simulate signal modes
• Multimeter: Test electrical parts
• CAN BUS check: Check communication status

Each purpose I used from the VCMI is worth $2,000 paid!

2. Multitasking with split screen

Thanks to Ultra’s solid hardware, I could open two functions at once! 

It has a split-screen mode that lets me look at live data and use scope functions at the same time.

This helps me see the difference between the graphed data and the oscilloscope. Also, I could watch how the live data change when performing some active tests.

Dramatically improve the efficiency at my shop!

3. Identify the code easily with topology map

With topology map, I can take a quick look at the whole car’s system. 

The number of trouble codes is marked out to determine how many total codes I have. With just one click, you’ll know the trouble codes’ definition and possible causes.

In addition, Autel Ultra allows you to zoom in and out of the topology map when needed.

4. Longer battery life and a larger screen than Autel MS919

Autel Ultra has a battery life of up to 8-10 hours, making me not worry about charging the device frequently. 

It has a 12.9-inch touchscreen, which is larger than the Autel MS919, its predecessor.

What I Dislike?

1. Too expensive for personal use

Autel Ultra’s price is relatively high, making it unsuitable for personal use.  

If you don’t need Ultra’s fancy features or only work on a few cars, buying Ultra is not a good idea. 

2. Only 1-year free update

After one year of using the tool, if you want to keep some online functions, you have to pay $1,500. 

It’s kind of expensive and you need to consider it. 

Vehicle coverage

Before buying Autel Ultra, check vehicle compatibility on Autel’s website or email their support team at support@autel.com for assistance.

Key Takeaway

Autel MaxiSys Ultra is best suited for car mechanics or repair shop owners who need to perform advanced tasks and improve their operations.

If you don’t want a docking stand or a split screen, I suggest the Autel MS919, a cheaper version of Autel Ultra.

Today’s best Autel Ultra prices:

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Conclusion

Thank you for scrolling down to the end of my best Autel scanners review!

Out of the five Autel scanners above, here are my top 3:

• Best code reader for beginners: Autel AL319
• Best scanner for DIYers owning one car makes: Autel AP200
• Best bi-directional scan tool for professionals: Autel MK808S

So, tell me, which scanner is suitable for your needs?

Or, if you still need clarification, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.