Foxwell NT301 Plus vs. NT301: Never buy it if you still don’t know what makes it different from its brother

Is the addition of an extra feature, i.e., the ability to perform a battery test, make the Foxwell NT301 Plus better than the Foxwell NT301? Let’s find out.

Foxwell upgraded the NT301 scan tool to the NT301 Plus by the addition of a few features, notably the ability to perform a battery test. Apart from this, the two models share everything else with similar screens, interfaces, OBD2 protocols, and print functions.

Considering the price difference of $23, should you pick up the NT301 or the NT301 plus. We will dive into their similarities, differences, and core features to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Foxwell NT301 Plus vs. NT301: Comparison table

	Editor's Pick FOXWELL NT301 Plus Check Price	FOXWELL NT301 Check Price
Customer Rating
Price	$85-$95	$65-$75
Weight	1.73 pounds	1.06 pounds
Dimensions	8.7 x 6.54 x 3.35 inches	8.66 x 3.15 x 6.69 inches
Color screen	2.8’ TFT color screen	2.8’ TFT color screen
Software updates, Life-long updates (free)	✔	✔
Vehicle compatibility	Performs on all OBD2 or EOBD compliant cars, minivans, light-duty trucks, SUVs, and hybrids.	Performs on all OBD2 or EOBD compliant cars, minivans, light-duty trucks, SUVs, and hybrids. Works on some 1994-1995 OBD1 vehicles when an adapter is used.
OBD1 and OBD2 software/adapter compatibility	OBD2, CAN, and EOBD. Works with OBD1 compatible vehicles using an adapter.	OBD2, CAN, and EOBD. Works with OBD1 compatible vehicles using an adapter.
Read and clear codes	Add service functions	Add vehicle makes
I/M Readiness	ABS, SRS	Full system
Datastream	✔	✔
Freeze frame data	OBD2 alone	OBD2 alone
O2 Sensor test	✔	✔
Emissions test	✔	✔
EVAP system test	✔	✔
Vehicle information	✔	✔
Retrieve generic codes, manufacturer specific codes, pending codes	✔	✔
Turn off check engine light	✔	✔
Read live PCM DataStream	✔	✔
Support CAN (Controller Area Network)	✔	✔
Supported OBD2 protocols	J1859-41.6, J1850-10.4, ISO9141, KWP2000 (ISO 14230), Control Area Network ISO 11898.	J1859-41.6, J1850-10.4, ISO9141, KWP2000 (ISO 14230), Control Area Network ISO 11898.
Multilingual support	Yes (English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Russian, Dutch, Japanese, and Italian)	Yes, three multilingual packages; 1. English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian. 2. English, Portuguese, Hungarian, Dutch, and Svenska. 3. English and Russian
Battery test (12V battery)	✔	--
Supported Vehicles	OBD2 cars, SUVs, 12V trucks	OBD2 cars, SUVs, 12V trucks
	Check Price	Check Price

Foxwell NT301 Plus vs. NT301: Key differences explained

The battery testing feature

FOXWELL NT301 Plus OBD2 Scanner

The Foxwell NT301 Plus comes as a two-in-one device featuring the OBD2/EOBD code reader plus a 12 V battery tester.

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The NT301 Plus comes as a two-in-one device featuring the OBD2/EOBD code reader plus a 12 V battery tester. The battery tester can only test 12 V batteries and none other and as much as it can run a battery test, it definitely can’t run a load test or deep cycle. Moreover, it is recommended to not even try to connect the tester to a battery above the 18V-mark lest you damage the tester.

The battery testing section can perform the following functions:

1. Testing 100CCA – 1100CCA batteries.
2. Detecting defecting or bad cells.
3. The battery test can be done in approximately three seconds.
4. The test can be done while the battery is still hooked up to the vehicle.
5. The test can be done on various vehicles – cars, light-duty trucks, vans, SUVs.
6. It has multiple rating systems for the battery tests, i.e., CCA, JIS, DIN, IEC, EN, SAE, and MCA

Key things in common of Foxwell NT301 Plus, Foxwell NT301

The physical design and interface

The Foxwell company has opted for the same design in these two models; the colors are similar, so are the button placement and user interface. They are so similar that you can’t differentiate one from the other by mere looks. Their interface is similar except for an added battery test program on the interface of the Foxwell NT301 Plus.

The used display is a 2.8” TFT color screen that gives you better viewing angles that bring out the colors and icons. They are both lightweight with the NT301 plus coming in at 1.73 pounds and the NT301 at 1.06 pounds.

As you can see from the images, they both have Red-Yellow-Green LEDs and a keyboard layout with the noticeable one-click I/M readiness key. Another feature is the built-in speaker which is coupled up with the LEDs to give you audial and visual feedback.

Vehicle coverage

They are also rated to only service engine vehicles, thereby excluding all-electric cars from its list of coverage. Speaking of the list of vehicles they can service, the NT301 Plus and NT301 can be used on all OBD2 or EOBD compliant cars, minivans, light-duty trucks, SUVs, and hybrids.

They both support American cars from 1996, French from 2006, European cars from 2004, Chinese from 2011, and Asian cars from 2006. Apart from the exclusion of electric cars, these Foxwell scan tools cannot function with Renault vehicles from 2012 to 2018. Remember to take a note of the supported models in case you want to purchase it.

Software updates

They have a USB port that is used with the bundled USB to micro-USB cable for software updates and data transfer. Moreover, the company provides a free life-long updates guarantee to all of these models.

You can update the devices by visiting the Foxwell website and under the product page of your device, select the download section and download the updated app. The updated app is called NTWonder, install the app on your PC and connect the scan tool to it using a USB cable. From there, just click on either ‘Update Now’ or ‘Update Offline’ to start the update.

Functions and features

The inside of these OBD2 scan tools is not that different either. They both use the same interface with similar icon packs and menus. They feature full OBD2 protocols support with all of the 10 OBD2 service modes.

These are the included functions:

1. Reading codes.
2. Erasing codes and reset.
3. Datastream.
4. I/M Readiness status.
5. Live data.
6. View Freeze frame data.
7. O2 sensor test.
8. On-board monitor test.
9. Read Vehicle information.
10. Component test.
11. Emissions test.
12. Limited bidirectional control of an onboard system.

Other functions include the ability to turn off the check engine light, clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), and reset the monitors. They also have the one-click I/M readiness key button that when pressed, performs a fast State Emissions Readiness test.

Multilingual language support

FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Professional Mechanic

The Foxwell NT301 comes with three different language packs.

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The interface is built to support multiple languages. The NT301 comes with three different language packs:

1. English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian.
2. English, Portuguese, Hungarian, Dutch, and Svenska.
3. English and Russian.

Foxwell NT301 Plus on the other hand has multilingual support for English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, Portuguese, Russian, Dutch, and Japanese.

Supported protocols

The NT301 Plus and NT301 can store records of test results. These records may include freeze frame data and live sensor data. They both support the same protocols, that is; J1859-41.6, J1850-10.4, ISO9141, KWP2000 (ISO 14230), Control Area Network ISO 11898.

DTC Lookup

Many scanners can tell you what code has been set and what it means, few can give you an explanation of the code on top of it. All of this can be done by just going to the DTC Lookup and find the code meanings.

VIN, CVN and Calibration IDs

They both can request a vehicle’s VIN, calibration verification numbers (CVN(S)), and calibration IDs. The calibration ID will help in identifying the software version in the control modules of the vehicle.

They also have an in-use performance tracking feature that can be used on newer OBD2 compliant vehicles. Specific monitored systems can be able to utilize the built-in enhanced OBD2 Mode six on-board monitoring test results.

Printing data feature

Looking at the user interface, you will notice a ‘Print Data’ icon. This function helps you print the stored data in the scan tools whether it be the DTCs, freeze frame, or live data. The downside to this is the fact that it can only work with Windows Operating System.

Supported OBD2 monitors

The list below shows the various OBD2 monitors that these two models support:

1. Misfire monitor.
2. Secondary air system monitor.
3. Air conditioning refrigerant monitor.
4. Oxygen sensor heater monitor.
5. Oxygen Sensor monitor.
6. Comprehensive components monitor.
7. Heated catalyst monitor.
8. Catalyst monitor.
9. Fuel system monitor.
10. Exhaust gas recirculation system monitor.

The mentioned read code feature allows you to read all the stored codes, pending codes, and permanent codes.

Warranty and the user manual

In the NT301 Plus purchase package, Foxwell includes the MT301 Plus scan tool, one pair of battery clips, one USB cable, a user manual, a warranty card, and one carrying bag. The Foxwell NT301 comes in the same package with the exclusion of the battery clip since it can’t perform battery tests.

The user manual is a bit hard for newbies to understand. The company would have done a much better job at explaining how they work. Regardless, they are both easy to use once you get acquainted with their functions. If it ever gets complicated, you can always go online and search the model’s user manual, Amazon is a good place to download one.

They also come with a one-year seller assurance warranty, making sure that the customers have an easy device to use that never compromises on functionality.

Foxwell NT301 Plus vs. NT301: Pros and cons

Pros and cons of the Foxwell NT301 Plus

Pros and cons of the of the Foxwell NT301

Which one is better?

FOXWELL NT301 Plus OBD2 Scanner

Foxwell NT310 Plus stands on top of its predecessor by adding a needed feature that a lot of customers will require at a largely acceptable price.

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The Foxwell NT301 Plus is better than the NT301 since it can perform all the functions of the NT301 and also top it up with a battery test. The price difference of $23, however small, makes you question if it is the better choice.

All in all, the NT310 Plus stands on top of its predecessor by adding a needed feature that a lot of customers will require at a largely acceptable price.

FAQs

1. Is the Foxwell NT301 Plus or NT301 a worthwhile investment?

Yes. The two models are cheaper than most trips to the mechanic. Having a scan tool will not only save you time in diagnosing your car, but also money that would have otherwise been wasted in a simple repair.

2. Can the NT301 or the NT301 Plus tell me how to fix the issue?

Yes, it can, they both can. Their interface shows a ‘?’ button right next to the DTC diagnosis used to link you to the on-board help library. The library contains step-by-step procedures for most repairs to help you fix the issue.

3. Does the NT301 Plus or the NT301 operate when connected to a dead car battery?

No. The Foxwell NT301 and NT301 Plus do not need a battery to operate hence they have none. They work by driving power from the battery being tested or the vehicle it is connected to by the OBD2 connector. The power has to be transferred from the battery to the scanner to make it perform the test. If it doesn’t light up then the battery is dead or has a low supply voltage than the rated volts.

4. Can either one of them read SRS or ABS codes?

No. For such functionalities, we recommend the Foxwell NT614 Elite which can read SRS, SAS, TPMS, EPB, and ABS trouble codes and other system fault codes.

5. Does the NT301 or NT301 Plus come with a case?

No. The devices only have rubber protections across the edges to prevent any damages. The rubber is long-lasting and won’t give way for a long period. In case you want a case, Foxwell does sell one separately at an affordable price of $16.

Foxwell provides other useful accessories such as this amazing OBD2 adapter for just $8.

Read more:

• OBDScar OS601 Vs. INNOVA 6100P Vs. FOXWELL NT301: Which should a newbie go for?
• MOTOPOWER MP69033 vs. Foxwell NT201 vs. NT301: Which is the best for car owners?