6 Best Subaru Scanners 2024 [Review & Comparison]

After a two-week testing period, we’ve conducted a thorough evaluation of 11 Subaru car scanners. Today, we’re excited to present the top 6 scanners that have left a lasting impression on us.

Just determine your specific needs and then choose the best option for your Subaru vehicle in my list!

Tester	OBD Advisor’s Testers
Testing date	Sep 2nd – Sep 16th, 2023
Number of tested products	11
Number of tested cars	5

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6 Best Subaru Scan Tools Comparison Chart

[Mobile users: Swipe left for full table]

Product	Overall score	Recommended for
ANCEL JP700 (for Subaru)	9.5	Beginners/ Home mechanics	Check Price
Bluedriver	9.5	Beginners/ Home mechanics	Check Price
Autel MK808s	9.3	Home mechanics/ Professionals	Check Price
Thinkdiag2	9.0	Home mechanics	Check Price
XTOOL IP508S	9.0	Home mechanics	Check Price
FOXWELL NT301	8.8	Beginners	Check Price

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

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6 Best Subaru Code Reader/ Diagnostic Tools Detailed Reviews:

#1. ANCEL JP700

ANCEL JP700 is the best scanner for Subaru for beginners that we’ve tested. We like its strong and durable case, which gives the scanner a sturdy feel. The cable is of high quality and long enough for comfortable use from the driver’s seat.

The ANCEL JP700 proves to be highly compatible, working seamlessly with all Subaru vehicles we tested. This scanner will take around 30 seconds to pull all the engine codes. Erasing codes is also a breeze, taking less than 20 seconds. 

We were also impressed by how quickly the scanner can pull engine live data, typically within 4-5 seconds. It provides numerous data PIDs, around 50 PIDs, which is impressive. However, the live data function can be a bit complex, as there are many components that you may need to search to understand their meanings.

We also find that the I/M Readiness function of the ANCEL JP700 works perfectly on every vehicle we’ve tested. It provides quick and accurate results, exactly what we are looking for.

Today’s best Ancel JP700 price:

#2. Bluedriver

We have found that Bluedriver is a good choice for Subaru owners in the USA, as it supports all Subaru models in the country.

Bluedriver stands out as the most informative scanner we have tested. It efficiently scans the entire vehicle in approximately 30 seconds. What sets it apart is that it not only displays error codes but also provides clear code definitions, code frequency, and even offers guidance on how to fix the problems and which parts to purchase.

One popular feature of Bluedriver is the ability to view live data in three different ways. You can select several parameters to graph and get an overall picture of various systems. However, we recommend selecting only two to three parameters at once to avoid any performance issues. 

There can be occasional connectivity problems with Bluedriver. While it sometimes connects right away, there were instances where it took around 10 minutes or had bugs during our tests, especially after continuous use for 1-2 hours.

Today’s best Bluedriver price:

Read more: Never Buy BlueDriver Before Reading This Review [Updated 2023]

#3. Autel MK808s

Autel MK808S is ideal for home mechanics with technical knowledge who want to perform advanced diagnostics and maintenance tasks, including key programming, at home.

The Autel MK808S may not be as easy to use as some other options, but with practice, it becomes more user-friendly. The Autel MK808S scanner has the most powerful hardware compared to other scanners, allowing it to handle tasks quickly and smoothly. We experienced no lag or bugs during our testing.

One standout feature of the Autel MK808S is its ability to perform active tests on different Subaru modules. We successfully conduct tests on numerous modules like the body control module, transmission, air conditioner, etc. However, its most impressive capability on Subaru vehicles is key programming. In less than 10 minutes, we register new keys for most Subaru vehicles, and all the programmed keys work perfectly.

We also explore other functions of the Autel MK808S, such as reset and relearn, these functions meet our expectations and deliver the desired results.

Today’s best Autel MK808s price:

#4. Thinkdiag2

We have found that Thinkdiag2 is a more affordable alternative to the Autel MK808s, making it a suitable choice for home mechanics with fewer repair tasks. While it may be less versatile due to its lower price, it still covers some popular tasks like active tests and key programming.

One of the best aspects of Thinkdiag2 is its user-friendly interface. There is no complex navigation between functions, and the accompanying app provides clear instructions. Thinkdiag2 works swiftly, completing diagnostics and maintenance tasks in a matter of minutes. However, we did experience some glitches with the app, particularly after using it continuously for more than an hour.

We have tested the bidirectional control feature of Thinkdiag2 and were impressed to find that it covers the same range of actuation tests as the Autel MK808s. Although there may be a slight delay of 2-3 seconds in the vehicle’s response, it is still quite good. 

We also found that Thinkdiag2 successfully performed key programming functions on 85% of Subaru vehicles during our tests. The key programming process is user-friendly enough for home mechanics as well.

Today’s best Thinkdiag2 price:

#5. FOXWELL NT301

The FOXWELL NT301, while not specifically designed for Subaru or Japanese vehicles, still impressively supports all the Subaru vehicles we tested. FOXWELL NT301 is super fast at pulling engine codes, it only takes a few seconds to show all the engine codes.

The standout feature of the FOXWELL NT301 is its ability to graph live data. The live data updates quickly and is easy to understand. But it’s important to note that the graphed live data can only show one parameter at a time. 

We really like the “I/M Readiness” button on the FOXWELL NT301. Pressing this button provides the emission test result in under 10 seconds. It’s great how the emission test results are displayed on one screen using icons instead of text. However, beginners may need to search to understand the acronyms used for monitors and systems. 

Today’s best FOXWELL NT301 price:

Read more: FOXWELL NT301 Review: A Top-Rated Universal Full-OBD2 Scanner Today

#6. XTOOL IP508S

XTOOL IP508S is the best option when it comes to finding an OBD2 scanner that can perform a battery reset for your Subaru.

The XTOOL IP508S is capable of pulling codes from the four main systems of your Subaru (engine, SRS, ABS, and transmission) in under one minute.

With this scanner, you have two convenient ways to check the battery voltage of your vehicle. You can view it through the “Live data” function or by selecting the battery system under the diagnostic menu. Once you have replaced the battery, you can use the BMS reset function. We have personally tested the BMS reset and can confirm that it works flawlessly on 85% of Subaru vehicles, with the entire process taking less than five minutes.

One of the standout features of the XTOOL IP508S is the ability to choose the specific system you want to see live data for. This means you don’t have to scroll through numerous data PIDs, allowing you to control the vehicle systems one by one. Additionally, the IP508S can graph four data PIDs simultaneously, and its large screen makes it easier to view and interpret the graphs.

Today’s best XTOOL IP508S price:

6 Best Scan Tools for Subaru Vehicles: Full Comparison Chart

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

	ANCEL JP700 Check Price	Bluedriver Check Price	Autel MK808s Check Price	Thinkdiag2 Check Price	XTOOL IP508S Check Price	FOXWELL NT301 Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
Engine codes	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Transmission codes	–	✅	✅	✅	✅	–
ABS/ SRS codes	–	✅	✅	✅	✅	–
All-system codes	–	✅	✅	✅	–	–
Live data	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Smog tests	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Service functions	–	✅	✅	✅	✅	–
BMS Reset	–	–	✅	✅	✅	–
Key programming	–	–	✅	✅	–	–
Active tests	–	–	✅	✅	–	–
IMMO functions	–	–	✅	–	–	–
VEHICLE COVERAGE	Japanese vehicles	All car brands	All car brands	All car brands	All car brands	All car brands
HARDWARE/ DESIGN
Connection type	Wired	Bluetooth	Wired	Bluetooth	Wired	Wired
Screen size	3.5″	–	7″	–	5″	2.8″
Touch screen	–	✅	✅	✅	✅	–
AFTER- SALES SERVICE
Free update	Lifetime	Lifetime	1 year	1 year	Lifetime	Lifetime
Update fee	$0	$0	$125/year	$99.95/year	$0	$0
Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	2 years	1 year
Customer support	9.0/10	9.0/10	8.0/10	9.0/10	10/10	7.5/10
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

What’s Next?

That’s all for my review of the top 6 Subaru OBD2 scanners and key programmer! I hope you found it helpful in finding the best tool for your Subaru vehicle.

If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I’ll be sure to respond to all replies as soon as possible. Thanks for reading!