7 Best GM OBD2 Scanners 2023 [Comparison & Review]

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)

---

Table of contents:

• Best scanners specifically designed for GM vehicles (with relearn capabilities):
  1. Launch x431 GM
  2. FOXWELL NT530 GM
• Best GM code reader/ diagnostic tool:
  1. Autel MS309
  2. Icarsoft i900
• Best GM Bluetooth scanners:
  1. Bluedriver
  2. Autel MaxiAP AP200
• Best professional GM scanner: LAUNCH X431 CRP919E
• 7 Best Professional Scan Tools: Full Comparison Chart

---

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

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

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. 

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

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.

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:

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

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. 

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 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.

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:

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

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.

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).

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). 

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 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.

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 Check Price	FOXWELL NT530 Check Price	Autel MS309 Check Price	Icarsoft i900 Check Price	Bluedriver Check Price	Autel AP200 Check Price	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
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

*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.