8 Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools 2023 [Review & Comparison]

Surrounded by numerous bidirectional scanners in the market, I know it is hard to choose the best one. That’s why you need to read this post. 

I have tested many bidirectional scan tools on different vehicles, and I’m here to let you know that there’s nothing called “a perfect one”. Each has its pros and cons.

So, if the pros satisfy your needs, and if you can stand the cons, that’s what matters.

Here, I’ll give a handy overview table with the 8 best bidirectional scanners for car owners. You can see my quick suggestions below the table.

8 Best Bi-directional Scan Tools Comparison Chart

[Mobile users: Swipe left for full table]

Product	Active tests	Price Range	Recommended for
[Editor’s Pick] Launch X431 V Elite	9.8	$500 – $1000	Professionals	Check Price
Autel MK808BT	9.8	$500 – $1000	DIYers/ Professionals	Check Price
TOPDON Phoenix Lite 2	9.8	$500 – $1000	Professionals	Check Price
[Best Value] ANCEL X7 5% OFF Code: OBDADVISOR	9.5	$300 – $500	DIYers/ Home mechanics	Check Price
XTOOL D8BT	9.5	$500 – $1000	DIYers	Check Price
[Best cheap] Thinkdiag2	9.3	Under $300	DIYers/ Home mechanics	Check Price
INNOVA 5610	9.3	$300 – $500	DIYers/ Home mechanics	Check Price
XTOOL A30M	8.8	Under $300	Home mechanics	Check Price

Click HERE to see full comparison chart (PDF, Free Download)

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Here’s my quick recommendations:

• Looking for the best budget bidirectional OBD2 scanner? Check out the Thinkdiag2.
• ANCEL X7 is the cheapest yet reliable DIYers’ Choice.
• Need a tool that fit both DIY and professional use? Autel MK808BT is ideal.
• And I recommend Launch X431 V Pro for professionals or shop owners.

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Table of contents:

8 Best Bi-directional Scan Tools: Reviews

• Best Professional Bi-directional Scan Tools
  • Launch X431 V Pro
  • TOPDON PHOENIX Lite 2
• Best Affordable Bi-directional Scan Tools
  • Autel MK808BT Pro
  • ANCEL X7
  • XTOOL D8BT
• Best Cheap Bidirectional OBD2 Scanners
  • Thinkdiag2
  • XTOOL Anyscan A30M
  • INNOVA 5610

8 Best Bi-directional Scan Tools: Full Comparison Chart

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Best Professional Bi-directional Scan Tools

[Note for mobile users: Swipe left for full table]

#1. Launch X431 V Pro: All-in-one solution in the garage.

Launch X431 V Pro is my top choice for working in the garage recently. 

Talking about the main point – the bidirectional control first:

• Launch X431 V Pro has full bidirectional control (active tests on all systems). That’s a big thing because I definitely don’t want to let anything go unchecked and damage the vehicles in the future. 
• Launch X431 V Pro can work on 95% of vehicles in my garage. I really hate switching between scanners to fit one vehicle, so I always look for something that can perform active tests on most vehicles. 

About other tasks, this Launch X431 V Pro has everything I need for advanced repairs and maintenance, it has about 37+ professional reset service functions. Some standouts are

• DPF Regen
• Key Programming
• ABS Bleeding
• Relearn functions

And did I mention that Launch X431 V Pro has the ability to do ECU Coding? You can match and re-code the replaced ECU. You can even program the ECU to personalize your drive, such as disabling some annoying features.

Thus, I am impressed by Launch X431 V Pro the most because it’s super fast (among the fastest bidirectional scanners I have ever used), and it helps me get more work done in less time. This scanner has a long battery life, too, which lasts me the entire day of work.

I must say, though. It comes with a high annual subscription fee ($399/year after 2 years of free updates). But for a professional-level scanner like this, it’s totally worth it in my opinion.

Today’s best Launch X431 V Pro price:

Read more: Never Buy LAUNCH X431 V PRO Before Reading This Review [Updated 2023]

#2. TOPDON PHOENIX Lite 2: Best-budget professional bidirectional scan tool.

A 4.8 rating on Amazon is enough to say how much TOPDON PHOENIX Lite 2 satisfies its customers, right? And I’m right here to confirm that this scanner’s worth that fame.

First off, the bidirectional control, I can use this function in most of the vehicles I work on. Plus, there are a ton of actuator tests I can run on every system, too (just remember that the range of active tests will depend on each vehicle).

To be clearer, this TOPDON PHOENIX Lite 2 can perform active tests on fuel injectors, coolant fans, coolant pumps, windows, windshield wipers, EGR Valves, and many more. 

Though this scanner doesn’t have the Topology Map function for super detailed diagnostics. Thus, this tool has been great for 85% of my daily work. It offers 28+ advanced functions, most of which are popular and important ones (key programming, ABS Bleeding).

And if you love complex and advanced tasks, the TOPDON PHOENIX Lite 2 can even do ECU coding on some vehicles! That means it can unlock some hidden functions, like auto-folding windows.

This scanner has powerful performance as well. The Bluetooth connection is strong, I haven’t seen any noticeable lag during use, even after 3-4 hours of continuous use.

And what’s more? The menu is super simple and easy to navigate. Honestly, some of the other scanners I’ve used were really complex, but this one is super user-friendly.

All in all, TOPDON PHOENIX Lite 2 is perfect for professionals and hobbyists alike and will be a safe investment for your garage.

Today’s best TOPDON PHOENIX Lite 2 price:

Read more: TOPDON Phoenix Lite 2: Top-Rated Bi-Directional Scan Tool For Professionals

Best Affordable Bi-directional Scanners

[Note for mobile users: Swipe left for full table]

	Autel MK808BT Check Price	ANCEL X7 Check Price	XTOOL D8BT Check Price
Sufficient active tests	✔	✔	✔
Key programming	✔	✔	✔
ECU Coding	–	✔	✔
Topology Map	–	–	✔
Free update	2 years	2 years	3 years
Reset functions	28+	10+	38+
	Read review	Read review	Read review

#1. Autel MK808BT Pro: Best DIY bi-directional scan tool.

Beware that Autel MK808BT Pro is not a full bi-directional scanner on every vehicle. The range of active tests is different on different vehicles. For some vehicles, it covers full active tests, but for others, it is limited.

Personally, I adore that the Autel MK808BT has many top-notch special functions. Want to add new keys to your vehicles? Want to calibrate the throttle positioning sensor? Autel MK808BT can do all, and more. Seriously, this scanner allows you to handle minor or complex vehicle repairs without needing a mechanic – saving money on maintenance.

Thus, Autel MK808BT supports a wide range of vehicles, this scanner can work on most vehicles that I have tested, even diesel or sports ones. So if you are a family mechanic, and have a variety of vehicles to look after, Autel MK808S is the best option here. Don’t want to miss out on any cars, right?

That being said, the menu can be a bit challenging at first. I mean, sometimes you have to go through multiple clicks just to find one particular function. Need some learning and patience here. 

Don’t worry, you just need to spend time learning, not waiting for the scanner to respond. I mean, Autel MK808BT is really fast, and it’ll save you a lot of time and effort in diagnosing and fixing car issues. 

All in all, if you’re a DIY mechanic who works with a wide range of vehicles and does many repairs, the Autel MK808BT is a great investment. Just be prepared to invest your time and money. 

Today’s best Autel MK808BT price:

#2. ANCEL X7: Best DIY bidirectional scan tool for the money

First, just wanna let you know that it’s like any other bidirectional scanner in this price range – it doesn’t cover everything on every vehicle. The range of active tests it can perform varies depending on the car. Some vehicles have full coverage, but with others, it’s limited.

That being said, it’s still a pretty solid tool that covers the most important tests like door, cooling fan, fuel injector, EGR, and more on numerous cars.

The ANCEL X7 scanner has a limited number of advanced functions, with only 10 service functions available. However, these are the most essential and commonly used ones for non-shop-level uses, such as 

• Key programming
• ABS Bleeding 

And the best function? If you own a VW or Audi vehicle and enjoy reprogramming control modules in a vehicle’s engine control unit, you’re in luck! The scanner offers ECU coding specifically for VW/Audi vehicles.

ANCEL X7’s standout features include reliable Bluetooth connectivity and impressive battery life, lasting a full workday on moderate use.

The product is not available on Amazon, which could be seen as a negative. However, I was able to purchase it for a great price of less than $400 on Ancel.com. So, even though Ancel.com may not be as familiar to you as Amazon, it’s worth considering to save money and get the best product.

Today’s best ANCEL X7 price:

#3. XTOOL D8BT: Wallet-friendly bidirectional scanner with 3-year free updates.

In fact, XTOOL D8BT has literally all the functions of a high-level scanner.

• XTOOL D8BT can go through all systems to do actuation tests, and I can make sure that nothing is left behind.
• XTOOL D8BT to change some systems to suit my and customers’ driving behaviors (ECU coding). Beware that this function only works on VW, AUDI and SKODA vehicles.

Here’s what you should know:

• There are also a few annoying quirks that I believe are specific to the Bluetooth model. I mean this scanner is still fast, it just has occasional bugs.

• XTOOL D8BT cannot beat other leading brands (Autel, Launch, etc.) when it comes to vehicle coverage. During use, there are some vehicles that D8BT cannot support. After using some XTOOL products, I feel like their products work better on newer cars. 

Considering customer support, XTOOL D8BT is king in this diagnostic world, their tech support is available 24/7 and they’re so helpful.

And, I said that I don’t care about the update fee, but you may care: XTOOL D8BT offers a 3-year free update, which stands for a $600 saving.

In short, XTOOL D8BT is the best money saver.

Today’s best XTOOL D8BT price:

Best Cheap Bidirectional OBD2 Scanners

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#1. Thinkdiag2: Best cheap bidirectional scan tool.

Thinkdiag2 is a Bluetooth adapter that comes with a free app (Thinkdiag+) and lets you work straight from your phone. And I must say that Thinkdiag2 is the cheapest bidirectional Bluetooth OBD2 scanner.

There are numerous active tests you can do with this little gadget. It may not offer the widest range of active tests, but it can still help you have control of some essential modules like the turbocharger, EGR system, etc. 

This cheap bidirectional scan tool also offers quite good service functions for its price (15+ functions). Plus, it can even do key programming and ECU coding for some BMW, VW, AUDI, and BENZ models.

What really surprised me is that ThinkDiag2 is the only tool in this price range that supports CAN FD protocol, like for GM vehicles after 2020. That means you can save money on buying extra adapters and enjoy stable communication.  

The only downside is that the app can be a bit glitchy at times (again and again, it is a common problem with Bluetooth adapters). But overall, Thinkdiag2 is a steal if you want to step up your vehicle maintenance and performance game without breaking the bank.

Today’s best Thinkdiag2 price:

#2. XTOOL Anyscan A30M: Low-budget OBD2 bidirectional scanner (with free updates).

When I first got the XTOOL Anyscan A30M, I didn’t expect much from this scanner. I thought it could only do a few tests on 2 or 3 modules. But I was wrong. 

This little gadget can actually run tests on a wide range of modules like fuel pumps, valves, wipers, windows, doors, sunroofs, and headlamps. Those tests are enough for home mechanics to keep up with vehicles’ maintenance and avoid hundreds of dollars coming from blind repairs.

Here’s something you will love, XTOOL A30M is wireless. No need to worry about fiddling with small screens and buttons because you can control everything straight from your phone using the Anyscan app (It’s free). 

However, that Bluetooth connection is not strong, which makes XTOOL A30M run slow. A full system scan usually takes 3 to 5 minutes, and other functions take a little while to load and respond. But for the price, it’s acceptable. 

Anyway, XTOOL knows how to comfort its customers with a free lifetime update – a huge saving of money.

• Looking at the Thinkdiag2 below a bit, $99.95 update fee/ year, around $300/ 3 years. 
• But with XTOOL A30M, you can update the software your whole life without any cost. Money talks loud, right?

Another bonus for beginners when using XTOOL products is their great customer support. I know you may have trouble the first time using a scanner (especially a bi-directional one). Then, don’t be afraid to reach out if you need something, XTOOL will help you out with any questions or issues you might have. 

In short, if you are looking for sufficient active tests and numerous of service functions, XTOOL A30M is a safe choice for your pocket.

Today’s best XTOOL Anyscan A30M price:

#3. INNOVA 5610: Homechanics’ choice

If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t have many vehicles to take care of, I’ve got one more suitable scanner for you – the INNOVA 5610. 

Actually, INNOVA 5610 doesn’t offer a wide range of active tests, this scanner only supports active tests on the powertrain control module. But this is the most important module, right?

Two more cool things – this scanner is fast, and user-friendly! It responds right away and can scan your entire vehicle in less than 30 seconds. And the menu layout and instructions are easy to understand, too. No learning or waiting is required. 

But there’s one downside to this scanner. If you’re looking for numerous advanced repair or maintenance functions, you won’t find them here. The INNOVA 5610 only offers a few basic reset functions like battery reset and TPMS reset, which should be enough for most at-home repairs and maintenance.

So, my friend, if you’re new to the scanner game and need an affordable option that can still get the important jobs done, the INNOVA 5610 is the one for you. 

Today’s best INNOVA 5610 price:

Read more: INNOVA 5610 Scanner: Cheapest Bi-Directional Scanner With Free Lifetime Updates

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8 Best Bi-directional Scanners Full Comparison Chart

You can easily find specific functions or information that you are interested in (such as key programming, ECU coding, battery capacity, screen size, etc.), by using the search box.

[For mobile users: Rotate your phone and swipe left for full table]

	Thinkdiag2	XTOOL A30M	INNOVA 5610	ANCEL X7	XTOOL D8BT	AUTEL 808BT	TOPDON Lite2	Launch V Pro
ACTIVE TESTS	Limited	Limited	Limited	Full systems	Full systems	Full systems	Full systems	Full systems
DIAGNOSTICS
Full-system diagnosis	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Live data	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Diagnostics report	✅	✅	–	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Topology map	–	–	–	–	✅	–	–	–
SERVICE FUNCTIONS
Number of functions	15+	21+	10+	10+	38+	28+	28+	37+
ABS Bleeding	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
TPMS relearn	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Crank relearn	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Throttle relearn	–	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
ADAS calibration	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	✅
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
Key programming	✅	–	–	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
ECU coding	✅	–	–	✅	✅	–	✅	✅
ECU programming	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
VEHICLE COVERAGE	Car & light trucks	Car & light trucks	Car & light trucks	Car & light trucks	Car & light trucks	Car & light trucks	Car & light trucks	Car & light trucks
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Processor	N/A	N/A	N/A	4-Core	4-Core, 1.8 GHz	4-Core, 1.8 GHz	4-Core, 2.0 GHz	8-Core, 2.0 GHz
Memory	N/A	N/A	N/A	2GB	2GB + 64GB	4GB + 64GB	2G+64G	32GB + 128GB
Android OS	5.0 Android/ 9.0 iOS	5.0 Android/ 10.0 iOS	11.0	10.0	5.1.1	11.0	10.0	9.0
Screen size	–	–	3.5″	10.1″	8″	7″	8″	8″
Battery capacity	5000mAh	5000mAh	5000mAh	7000mAh	10000mAh	5000mAh	12600mAh	5000mAh
Wireless connection	✅	–	–	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update	1 year	Lifetime	Lifetime	2 years	3 years	1 year	2 years	2 years
Waranty	1 year	2 years	1 year	1 year	2 years	1 year	1 year	5 years
Update fee	$99.95/year	$0	$0	$99/year	$199/year	$150/year	$430/year	$399/year
Customer service	8/10	10/10	9/10	9.0/10	10/10	7.5/10	9.0/10	8.0/10
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Note: Active tests, service and advanced functions may vary on different vehicles.

N/A: Unknown

What’s Next

So this is the end of my review. Hope you can find a suitable bi-directional scanner through this post.

And I’d love to hear from you now:

• Is there any product on my list suitable for you?
• Is there anything I can improve in my review post?

Comment below.