7 Best GM OBD2 Scanners 2023 [Comparison & Review]

Tim Miller

Are you having trouble finding the right GM diagnostic tool among the many options available? 

Don’t worry. I’ve compared and selected the best tools for GM vehicles based on their price range and diagnostic capabilities.

Look nowhere but the table below to take an overview of my top 7 GM scan tool.

7 Best GM/ Chevy Scan Tools Comparison Chart

[Note: Swipe left for full table]
Product
Score
Quick review
Editor’s Pick
Launch X431 (for GM)
9.5
[Fit all levels]
• Full diagnosis + Active tests
• 31+ service functions
• Best for relearn functions
Check Price
Best Cheap
Autel AP200
9.5
[Fit home mechanics/ DIYers]
• Full diagnosis
• 19+ service functions
Check Price
FOXWELL NT530 (for GM)
9.0
[Fit home mechanics/ DIYers]
• Full diagnosis
• 15+ service functions
• Relearn functions covered
Check Price
Icarsoft i900
9.0
[Fit home mechanics]
• Full diagnosis
• Full OBD2 functions
Check Price
Autel MS309
8.5
[Fit home mechanics]
• Basic diagnosis
Check Price
Bluedriver
8.5
[Fit home mechanics]
• Full diagnosis
• 3 service functions
• Extra technical information
Check Price
LAUNCH X431 CRP919E
8.5
[Fit all levels]
• Full diagnosis + Active tests
• Most professional
• Best for 2020+ GM models
Check Price

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

Do you have an older GM vehicle? Check out my “Best OBD1 scanners” post to find the perfect GM OBD1 scanner for you.

Table of contents:


Best Scanners Specifically Designed for GM Vehicles (with relearn capabilities):

AUTEL MK808S
Launch X431
Check Price
FOXWELL NT530
Foxwell NT530
Check Price
Sufficient Active Tests
Full-system diagnosis
ECU coding
Key programming
31+
Reset functions
10+
Read review
Read review

#1. Launch X431 GM: Best scan tool for GM vehicles.

Launch X431 (for GM)

Launch X431 (for GM)

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.2/5

Price: Under $200

Pros

  • Fast & accurate
  • Numerous advanced functions
  • ECU Coding

Cons

  • May charge some

Launch X431 GM is literally everything you need for your GM vehicles. And it is suitable for all GM series cars like Chevy, Cadillac, GMC, etc.

I’m pretty impressed with the range of tasks it can handle, and it can even do some of the same stuff as those advanced, expensive tools I use in the garage.

First and foremost, it’s great for diagnostics. The Launch X431 GM can access all the systems in your vehicle to give you a full picture of what’s going on.

And if that’s not enough, it also offers bi-directional control, meaning you can send commands to test things out even further. 

Launch X431 GM has a straightforward menu layout.
Launch X431 GM has a straightforward menu layout.

Here’s the cool part. This gadget offers 31+ special functions. Not many scanners in this price range can offer that range of functions. Here are a few of my favorite ones

  • Key programming
  • ABS Bleeding
  • Crankshaft relearn
  • Throttle relearn
  • TAP (Transmission Adaptive Pressure) reset

And, for those who love to dive into the hidden of vehicles, Launch X431 GM can meet your needs. This scanner has the ECU Coding function on some vehicles, which helps unlock hidden functions such as auto-folding windows.

One downside is that it’s only free for a year, and then you have to pay for some features. Other than that, it’s a must-have gadget for any GM owner and mechanic.

Today’s best Launch X431 GM price:

#2. FOXWELL NT530 GM: Wallet-friendly GM/ Chevy scan tool with relearn capabilities

FOXWELL NT530 (for GM)

FOXWELL NT530 (for GM)

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.3/5

Price: Under $200

Pros

  • Accurate
  • Numerous advanced functions

Cons

  • Quite slow
  • Not user-friendly

Many people love Foxwell scanners because they are trustworthy and made specifically for certain types of cars. And, if you have a GM vehicle, you might really like the FOXWELL NT530 GM one!

Let’s talk about how thoroughly this scanner can diagnose your vehicle:

  • Read and clear trouble codes of all systems
  • Run active tests with full control over vehicle ECU, TCM, etc. 

Now, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The data loading speed can be a bit slow, and the menus can be tricky to navigate. But in my opinion, those aren’t huge issues compared to everything else this scanner can do.

FOXWELL NT530 GM full package.
FOXWELL NT530 GM full package.

Anyways, the best thing about this scanner is that it’s made specifically for GM cars, so it has some features that work really well for those models. For example, it can do

  • ABS Auto-bleed
  • DPF Regen
  • Fuel Injector Coding
  • Camshaft/ Crankshaft Relearn
  • Idle Relearn
  • Etc.

Thus, FOXWELL NT530 is a low-cost and lasting investment. You only pay once and use it for free forever, without any extra charges for special features.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable way to diagnose your GM car and take care of some other functions too, the FOXWELL NT530 might be a great option for you.

Today’s best FOXWELL NT530 price:

Best Budget GM Code Reader/ Diagnostic Tool:

Autel MS309
Autel MS309
Check Price
Icarsoft i900
Icarsoft i900
Check Price
Engine codes
Smog tests
Full-system diagnosis
Full OBD2 modes
Read review
Read review

#1 Autel MS309: Best code reader for GM/ Chevy Silverado.

Autel MS309

Autel MS309

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6/5

Price: Under $50

Pros

  • Fast
  • Easy to use
  • Accurate

Cons

No major cons

Autel MS309 is the most basic GM car reader out there. 

In fact, the root feature of any scanner is that it can read and clear engine codes. And Autel MS309 can do this for you, very quickly and easily.

This is simply a plug-and-go scanner, with all features on the screen, and two straightforward buttons: Enter/ Exit and Scroll. 

Autel MS309 will show the code with a short description.
Autel MS309 will show the code with a short description.

Again, what are the main things this small gadget can do?

  • Find out why your engine light is on and clear the code once you’ve fixed the issue. 
  • Check your car’s emission modules to make sure it’s ready for state emission tests.

Overall, it’s a great tool to have in your garage and can save you both time and money in the long run. So if you’re in need of a simple and reliable GM reader, give the Autel MS309 a try!

Today’s best Autel MS309 price:

#2 Icarsoft i900: Best GM OBD2 scanner.

Icarsoft i900

Icarsoft i900

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.1/5

Price: Under $150

Pros

  • Full-system scan
  • Fast

Cons

  • No user manual
  • Not helpful tech support

Icarsoft is a reliable yet cheapest handheld scanner out there to read full systems codes for your GM vehicle. Not just the engine, not just the transmission, but every module of your vehicle. You can make sure that nothing is left behind that can cause trouble in the future.

One cool thing about the Icarsoft i900 is that it can display live data in graphs and generic, and its refresh rate is pretty fast. However, the 2.8-inch screen may not be the most ideal for reading data graphs, if you know what I mean.

Aside from full diagnostics and live data, the Icarsoft i900 also has all other basic functions:

  • I/M readiness
  • O2 sensor test
  • freeze frame data
  • etc.

I mean it’s everything you need to keep your vehicle in great shape form.

Icarsoft i900 full package.
Icarsoft i900 full package.

But, there are 2 things that can affect your experience using this scanner:

  • First, the scanner doesn’t come with a user manual.
  • Secondly, their tech support is not helpful.

Overall, the Icarsoft i900 is a good option if you’re looking for an affordable handheld scanner that can read full systems for your GM vehicle.

Today’s best Icarsoft i900 price:

Best Bluetooth Scanners for GM Vehicles:


Bluedriver
Bluedriver
Check Price
Autel MaxiAP AP200
Autel AP200
Check Price
Full-system diagnosis
Full OBD2
Key programming
ABS Bleed
Reset functions
19
Read review
Read review

#1. Bluedriver: Most user-friendly and informative GM Bluetooth scanner.

Bluedriver

Bluedriver

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6/5

Price: Under $100

Pros

  • Very user-friendly
  • Extra technical info
  • Live data in 3 ways
  • Convenient

Cons

  • Occasional bugs
  • May not read full-system

Bluedriver is a Bluetooth scanner that is currently very popular. 

Depending on what car you have, the Bluedriver can access a number of different systems. Generally, it can read the main 4 systems on all GM vehicles: engine, airbag, transmission, and ABS. And on some specific GM vehicles, it’ll diagnose every system.

One thing to keep in mind is that it only works with its own “Bluedriver” app on the Google Play and App Store. 

Beware that “Bluedriver” is not the official GM diagnostic software. However, it is still great for diagnosing problems in nearly all GM cars made after 1996.

But here’s the good news, the “Bluedriver” app is pretty cool: 

  • It’s free
  • The menu layout is super user-friendly
  • It shows live data in 3 ways (gauge, graph, and digital)
  • It gives you extra technical information like how common the codes are and suggested repairs or replacement parts.
bluedriver-repair-report
Bluedriver will show a lot of information related to the trouble codes.

However, the app connection can be a bit of a pain sometimes and the app might lag.

Overall though, the Bluedriver is a great GM scanner if you want convenience and extra technical information.

Today’s best Bluedriver price:

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

#2. Autel MaxiAP AP200: Most affordable yet advanced (GM ABS Bleed Tool & Key Programmer).

Autel MaxiAP AP200

Autel MaxiAP AP200

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.2/5

Price: Under $50

Pros

  • 19 reset functions
  • Easy to use
  • Convenient
  • Good price

Cons

  • Occasional bugs

If you want to get more involved in car repairs, you should consider investing in the Autel MaxiAP AP200. This little guy uses Bluetooth to connect straight to your phone (whether it’s iOS or Android) using the MaxiAP200 app.

You need to register to use the app, the first model you register (i.e. GM) is free. And if you want to use this scanner for other models, you have to pay some ($21.99 per model)

What I love about this tool is that it goes way beyond just reading codes. It has 19 reset functions, so you can handle everything from the basics (like oil resets and BMS resets) to more advanced problems (like key programming and even bleeding brakes for GM vehicles). 

MaxiAP AP200 app service functions
The MaxiAP AP200 app has some common-used service functions.

And don’t worry; it’s still a full-system scanner with full OBD2 functions and live data so that you can handle thorough diagnostics too.

But something you should know is the app can be laggy sometimes. Last time it took me about 10 minutes for the app to reset. And, it is not fast at scanning, as well. (Weak connection is a common problem of Bluetooth scanners, though.)

All in all, Autel MaxiAP AP200 is a safe investment to help you easily tackle various issues and repair tasks.

Today’s best Autel MaxiAP AP200 price:

Read more: Autel AP200: Full-System OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter Review

Best Professional GM Scanner: LAUNCH X431 CRP919E

LAUNCH X431 CRP919E

LAUNCH X431 CRP919E

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5/5

Price: Under $500

Pros

  • Work on 202+ GM vehicles
  • Shop-level functions
  • Fast & accurate

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • VIN auto-read issue

Launch X431 CRP919E is the best bet if you’re looking for a top-notch diagnostic tool and working with GM newer vehicles. 

I mean, Launch X431 CRP919E supports CAN FD protocol directly, which allows you to work with newer model GM vehicles (2020+). No need to buy any CANFD extra adapter without knowing if it works or not. 

Moving to the functions, Launch X431 CRP919E has all the shop-level functions like the other X431 V products (X431 V is the professional product line of Launch).

Now, let’s see what Launch X431 CRP919E can do:

  • OE-level all system diagnostics to have full control of your vehicle maintenance
  • Full bidirectional control so no system is left behind.
  • 31+ special functions with some of the most commonly used ones like key programming, Crankshaft/Camshaft Relearn, etc.
Launch X431 CRP919E full package.
Launch X431 CRP919E full package.

There is one issue, though – sometimes, it can’t recognize VIN automatically. It’s a common problem for Launch products. If this happens, you can manually enter the VIN, very quickly and easily. Don’t worry about it.

Overall, I highly recommend the Launch X431 CRP919E for any advanced DIYers or professionals looking to step up their game when it comes to GM performance and maintenance.

Today’s best Launch X431 CRP919E price:


7 Best GM Scan Tools Full Comparison Chart

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

Launch X431
Launch X431
Check Price
FOXWELL NT530
FOXWELL NT530
Check Price
Autel MS309
Autel MS309
Check Price
Icarsoft i900
Icarsoft i900
Check Price

Bluedriver
Bluedriver
Check Price
Autel MaxiAP AP200
Autel AP200
Check Price
LAUNCH X431 CRP919E
LAUNCH CRP919E
Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
Engine codes
All-system codes
Live data
Smog tests
SERVICE FUNCTIONS
Number of functions
31
12+
3
19
31+
Reset functions
Battery Registration
ABS Bleeding
DPF Regen
Throttle relearn
Crank relearn
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
Active tests
Key programming
ECU coding
VEHICLE COVERAGE
GM models
GM models
All car brands
All car brands
All car brands
All car brands
All car brands
HARDWARE/ DESIGN
Connection type
Wired
Wired
Wired
Wired
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Wired
Screen size
4″
2.8″
1″
2.8″
Carrying case
Touch screen
AFTER- SALES SERVICE
Free update
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
2 years
Update fee
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$75
Warranty
5 years
1 year
1 year
1 year
1 year
1 year
5 years
Customer support
8.0/10
7.5/10
9.5/10
10/10
9.5/10
9.5/10
8.0/10

*Service functions, Advanced functions: Vary on different vehicles.

What’s next?

That’s all for my best GM scanner review. Hope you can find one reliable tool for your GM vehicles after reading this post.

And if you are in need of any information, just comment below. I’ll try my best to answer your question.

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