Today, we’ll review the most popular, compact, and budget-friendly scanners available on the market－FOXWELL NT301, ANCEL AD410, and AUTEL AL319.
Thanks to technological advancements, we now have automobile diagnostic scanners that make life easier for car owners and professional mechanics－Professionals can get to the root of the problem without spending hours on needless troubleshooting. On the other hand, they also save car owners a lot of money on diagnosis costs.
That said, scanners come in all sizes with different features. Continue reading to find out which one of the three is ideal for professionals and DIYers alike.
Table of Contents
FOXWELL NT301 vs. ANCEL AD410 vs. AUTEL AL319: Complete Comparison Chart
 Foxwell NT301 |  ANCEL AD410 |  AUTEL AL319 |
|
| Customer Rating |  | |  |
| Price |  | | |
| OBD2 Functions | 10/10* | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| System Diagnostics | Engine System | Engine System | Engine System |
| Advanced Service Functions | -- | -- | -- |
| Internet Updateable | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Display | 2.8-inches Color Display | 2.4-inches True Color Display | 2-inches TFT Color Display |
| Battery Capacity | Plug-and-play (Doesn’t require battery or charging. It’s powered by the vehicle’s engine upon connection). | Plug-and-play | Plug-and-play |
| Specialities | Separate Read/Erase, DTC Help, and I/M Readiness hotkeys. LED indicators and in-built speaker. | Dedicated I/M Readiness button. | Separate I/M Readiness hotkey, in-built speaker, and LED indicators. |
| Supported Protocols | J1859-14.6, J1850-10.4, ISO 9141, ISO 14230 (KWP 2000), and Control Area Network (CAN) 180.11898). | J1850 VPM, J1850 PWM, ISO 9140, ISO 1941-2, ISO 1430-4, KWP 2000, and CAN. | J1850 VPW, CAN J1850 PWM, KWP 2000, ISO 9141, and CAN. |
| Vehicle Coverage | Supports all OBD2 engines: US post-1996, EU post-2002, and other worldwide makes. | Supports all OBD2 engines except the 2004 Nissan Elgrand E51, the 2008 Hyundai Accent, and some BMW models. | Supports all OBD2 engines except HD trucks with a 1/2 ton rating. |
*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2
FOXWELL NT301 vs. ANCEL AD410 vs. AUTEL AL319: The Similarities
OBD2 Functions
Despite their relatively small size and pocket-friendly price tags, all three scanners support full OBD2 modes. If these are all you look for in a scanner, I recommend the Autel AL319 as it is the most affordable out of the three.
System Diagnosis
Since all three scanners identify themselves as Check Engine Light (CEL) scanners, they only support Engine diagnostics. Therefore, they can’t read, report, or erase codes from other modules like ABS, transmission, airbag systems, etc.
Advanced Service Functions
Unfortunately, all three scanners lack advanced service functions, bi-directional control, and programming capabilities. That is expected considering their price tags and lack of resources to perform such complex operations. It’s the main reason why they can’t work as primary diagnostics tools for professionals. At the very best, these are secondary scanners for quick checkups.
Software Updates
They all come with free lifetime updates. To update the scanners, plug them into your computer and follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s official website. Unfortunately, they only allow software updates via Windows PCs (you can’t update the scanners using a MAC computer).
FOXWELL NT301 vs. ANCEL AD410 vs. AUTEL AL319: The Differences
Design and Display
They all have rugged hand-held designs that will survive the test of time in a mechanic’s workshop. The Autel AL319 even comes with a removable plastic cover that can resist the elements.
Nonetheless, their displays differ. The FOXWELL NT301 rocks a 2.8-inch color display. The AUTEL AL319 has the smallest color display, measuring at 2 inches.
If a nice and clear reading is important to you, then the ANCEL AD410 is an excellent pick since it has a 2.4-inch TFT True Color LED display.
Special Features
The FOXWELL NT301 has the most special features. It has dedicated I/M Readiness and Read/Erase hotkeys. Additionally, it also has LED indicators and an in-built speaker for easier smog test diagnosis.
Next, we have the AUTEL AL319 with a separate I/M Readiness button, LED indicators, and an in-built speaker.
Finally, the ANCEL AD410 has only one dedicated I/M Readiness hotkey.
Vehicle Coverage
The three scanners claim to support post-1996 US, post-2002 EU-based, Asian, and all newer OBD2 vehicles.
Of the three, the FOXWELL NT301 has the most comprehensive vehicle coverage. It works with all OBD2 vehicles, including cars, SUVs, light trucks, and 12V diesel engines.
Even though the ANCEL AD410 supports most OBD2 engines worldwide, some users have reported that it doesn’t work with the 2004 Nissan Elgrand E51, the 2008 Hyundai Accent, and some BMW models.
Finally, we have the AUTEL AL319. It supports all OBD2 vehicles except HD trucks with a 1/2 ton rating.
Pros and Cons
FOXWELL NT301
Pros
- Offers full OBD2 functions.
- Can perform smog test.
- Can erase Check Engine Light codes.
- Has the largest color display－2.8 inches.
- Has a dedicated I/M Readiness button, a Read/Erase button, and a DTC Help button. Also, it has LED indicators for easier smog test diagnosis.
Cons
- Among the three, it’s the best CEL diagnostics scanner. However, it still can’t diagnose other vehicle systems.
Foxwell NT301
Bonus: FOXWELL NT301: Universal Full-OBD2 Scanner Honest Review
ANCEL AD410
Pros
- Supports Engine system diagnostics.
- Offers full OBD2 functions.
- Covers most OBD2 engines.
- Has smog test functionality.
- Can check and erase Check Engine Light codes.
Cons
- Doesn’t cover some OBD2 vehicles like the 2004 Nissan Elgrand E51, the 2008 Hyundai Accent, and some BMW models.
- Lacks LED indicators and other hotkeys that help with smog test diagnosis.
ANCEL AD410
Read more: ANCEL AD410: OBD2 I/M Readiness MIL Scan Tool Review
AUTEL AL319
Pros
- Offers Engine System diagnosis.
- Capable of all OBD2 functions.
- Can perform smog test.
- Can erase CEL warning lights.
- Has a dedicated I/M Readiness button, LED indicators, and an in-built speaker.
Cons
- Doesn’t support all OBD2 vehicles (won’t work with HD trucks with more than a 1/2 ton rating).
- Has the smallest display－2 inches.
AUTEL AL319
Bonus: Autel AutoLink AL319: OBD2 & CAN Car Code Reader Review
Recommendation
Since they are all specialized Check Engine Light (CEL) scanners, we don’t recommend them to professionals. Auto mechanics need diagnostics tools that offer more system functions and advanced capabilities. However, because of their simplicity and lightweight factor, they are perfect for enthusiastic car owners and DIYers.
Read more: OxGord MS309 Vs. Ysding JD101 Vs. Autel AL319: Why DIY newbies are hunting for Autel AL319
