[Tested] Best INNOVA Scan Tools for 2024

Brandon Lutz

Innova is a well-known scanner manufacturer in the US. They’ve got a bunch of scanners to choose from, catering to different skill levels and needs.

We know finding the perfect scan tool can be as tricky as trying to find a missing bolt in a messy toolbox. That’s why we tested many products from this brand to come up with a list of the best INNOVA scan tools.

TesterOBD Advisor’s Testers
Testing dateNov 5th – Nov 11st, 2023
Number of tested products10
Number of tested cars5

Table of contents:


5 Best INNOVA Scan Tools Comparison Chart

[Mobile users: Swipe left for full table]
Product
Score
Levels/ Type
Editor's Pick
INNOVA 5610
INNOVA 5610
9.5
• Home mechanics/professionals
• Bi-directional scanner
Check Price
Best Cheap
INNOVA 5210
INNOVA 5210
9.0
• Beginners
• Full OBD2 scanner
Check Price
INNOVA 5510
INNOVA 5510
9.0
• Home mechanics
• Full-system diagnostics
Check Price
INNOVA 6100P
INNOVA 6100P
8.5
• Home mechanics
• Code reader
Check Price
INNOVA 3020RS
8.0
• Home mechanics
• Engine/ ABS code reader
Check Price

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


5 Best INNOVA Scan Tools: Reviews

#1. INNOVA 3020RS: Cheapest INNOVA code reader with ABS scanning

Innova 3020RS

Innova 3020RS

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.3/5

Price: Under $100

Pros

  • Read engine, transmission & ABS codes
  • Cheap

Cons

  • Super small screen
  • No user manual
  • Short cable

If you’re on a budget and still want a scanner that can read ABS codes, check INNOVA 3020RS.

First off, we were pleasantly surprised at how accurate the codes were when we tested the scanner on some cars. Also, it took only 15 seconds to pull the codes. But it only shows the code’s name, no description.

No worries, though; just use Innova’s app, RepairSolutions2. It provides not only detailed code descriptions but also suggests possible causes and even tells you which part needs replacing (and an estimated price tag to go with it).

Being a code reader, it does well what it has to do. But it has some downsides you need to know. First, the screen itself is so small, just 2 inches. It’s got that old-school vibe, and it’s not a backlit display. That’s why this scanner doesn’t support live data. 

We prefer reading codes on the app instead of the scanner.

On the bright side, its small size makes it lightweight and easy to carry around or keep in the toolbox. 

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable ABS scanner, INNOVA 3020RS is worth checking out.

Today’s best INNOVA 3020RS price:

#2. INNOVA 5210: Upgraded version of INNOVA 3020RS with live data on a larger screen

INNOVA 5210

INNOVA 5210

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5/5

Price: Under $100

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Fast
  • Accurate codes

Cons

  • Short cable
  • Only basic functions available

If you need a similar scanner with Innova 5110 that offers live data, we have Innova 5210 for you.

Basically, Innova 5210 is nearly similar to Innova 5110. But INNOVA 5210 is also better than the 3020RS in every way: from design to functions.

The 5210 has a larger color screen that’s easy on the eyes while I’m working on cars. Therefore, the codes’ description pops up right there on the screen, along with the severity level.

Besides, INNOVA 5210 has more buttons that the 3020RS doesn’t have (up & down button or back button), making it easier to navigate through the functions. 

But Innova 5210 and 5110 have the same downside. Both come with a rather short cable (just 3 feet).

Regarding functions, INNOVA 5210 supports live data in numbers and in graphs to diagnose your car more easily. However, according to us, the live data capability is basic and limited. Our feeling is the numeric live data is decent, the graph one is not big enough. Overall, we prefer using the former.

So, INNOVA 5210 is the best INNOVA scanner if you want to own a scanner with ABS diagnostics and live data accompanied by a larger screen.

Today’s best INNOVA 5210 price:


#3. INNOVA 6100P: Best budget INNOVA scanner with four-system diagnostics

INNOVA 6100P

INNOVA  6100P

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5/5

Price: Under $150

Pros

  • Four-system diagnostics
  • Battery/alternator test
  • 1 service function

Cons

  • Short cable
  • No printed manual included

If you’re looking for a scanner that can handle engine, transmission, ABS, and airbag systems with ease, then INNOVA 6100P is what you need.

We believe it’s an excellent choice for home mechanics, and here’s why. This scanner comes equipped with two valuable features that set it apart from the two scanners above.

Firstly, it doesn’t just stop at the engine, transmission, and ABS – it also covers the airbag system. During our testing, INNOVA 6100P delivers accurate and fast results.

Secondly, it supports oil light reset, making it a handy tool for those who prefer not to make a trip to the shop for a simple oil light reset.

In terms of looks, it has a large and colorful screen, plus more buttons for your scanning pleasure.

Now, time for the drawbacks; the cord is quite short compared to many scan tools we’ve used. This three-foot-long cable makes us hunch forward to read the screen when plugging it in.

Also, you have to download the manual online. For this price, we’d expect them to provide a fully printed manual in the box.

But overall, INNOVA 6100P is worth it for all you DIYers who want to tackle ABS, SRS, and transmission codes.

Today’s best INNOVA 6100P price:

#4. Innova 5510

INNOVA 5510

INNOVA 5510

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.1/5

Price: Under $300

Pros

  • Full-system diagnostics
  • 5 service functions
  • Battery/alternator tests
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • No carrying case
  • No printed manual

Innova 5510 is a scanner that stands out with full-system diagnostics and a variety of service functions, making it a strong recommendation from us.

You might be wondering about the differences between the 5310 and 5510, especially when there’s more than a $100 gap between them, and both are targeted at home mechanics. After putting it to the test, we found that the 5510 offers a range of advanced functions that set it apart.

Not only does it support full-system diagnostics, but it also offers 5 essential service functions, making it a necessary tool for home mechanics.

Speed is another plus – whether scanning for codes or performing service functions, it gets the job done quickly, typically taking just 20-30 seconds to retrieve full codes.

In terms of design, it maintains the Innova scanner look. While the screen is sufficient for viewing live data, we believe that, at this price point, a larger screen would be more appropriate.

The OBD2 cable, stretching 6 feet, is an improvement over other scanners. This makes the Innova 5510 a strong recommendation for home mechanics.

Today’s best Innova 5510 deal:

#5. INNOVA 5610: Best INNOVA scan tool with bi-directional control

INNOVA 5610

INNOVA 5610

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.2/5

Price: Under $500

Pros

  • Active tests for PCM
  • Full-system diagnostics
  • 6 service functions
  • Battery/alternator tests

Cons

  • No carrying case
  • No printed manual

If you are a home mechanic/DIYer with a generous budget, don’t hesitate to buy the INNOVA 5610. This is a scanner with bi-directional control for under $350 that I think is worth buying.

We tested Innova 5610’s active tests on several cars and found that this function is for the powertrain control module only, so bi-directional control options are limited. 

But at this price, we’re quite satisfied with what it does.

Check out my video review of the INNOVA 5610 for more detailed information about the product.

For those who want to perform service functions, INNOVA 5610 also has 6 necessary functions.

One aspect that truly impressed us was the scanner’s processing speed. It stands out as the fastest scanner we’ve come across.

Regarding downsides, we found some. For a device priced over $300, it would be reasonable to expect a carrying case and a user manual to be included, but unfortunately, they are not part of the package.

However, there are some positive improvements, such as an extended cable length (around 5-6 feet) and a larger screen compared to other Innova scanners.

Since this scanner supports active tests, we still find this drawback acceptable. For those on a budget but need bi-directional control, INNOVA 5610 is a standout option that should not be ignored.

Today’s best INNOVA 5610 price:

Read more: INNOVA 5610 Scanner: Cheapest Bi-directional Scanner with Free Lifetime Updates


5 Best INNOVA Scan Tools: Full Comparison Chart

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

INNOVA 5610
INNOVA 5510
INNOVA 6100P
INNOVA 5210
INNOVA 3020RS
FUNCTIONS
RepairSolutions2
Battery test
-
Full OBD2 modes
-
-
Active tests
-
-
-
-
Diagnostics
Full system
Full system
Engine, transmission, ABS & SRS
Engine, transmission, ABS
Engine, transmission, ABS
Service functions (*)
6
5
1
-
-
VEHICLE COVERAGE
Car & light trucks
Car & light trucks
Car & light trucks
Car & light trucks
Car & light trucks
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Connection type
Wired
Wired
Wired
Wired
Wired
Cable length
6 ft
6 ft
5 ft
3 ft
2 ft
Screen size
3.5"
2.8"
2.8"
2.8"
2"
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
Waranty
1 year
1 year
1 year
1 year
1 year
Customer service
8.5/10
8.5/10
8.5/10
8.5/10
8.5/10
Check Price
Check Price
Check Price
Check Price
Check Price

(*): Vary by vehicle models.


INNOVA Popular Products Comparison Chart

INNOVA Professional/ DIY Scanners

INNOVA 5610
5610
Check Price
INNOVA 5610
5160RS
Check Price
INNOVA 5510
5510
Check Price
INNOVA 5410
5410
Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
System supported
Full systems
Full systems
Full systems
Full systems
Suggested fixes
Live data
OEM Live data
Active tests
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Full OBD2
Battery test
Oil reset
Battery initialization
EPB reset
ABS bleeding
DPF regen
Key programming
VEHICLE COVERAGE
OBD2 car/light truck
OBD1 car/light truck (+ adapters)
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Screen size
3.5”
3.5”
2.8”
2.8”
Check Price
Check Price
Check price
Check Price

INNOVA Code Readers/ OBD2 Scanners

INNOVA 5110
5110
Check Price
INNOVA 5210
5210
Check Price
INNOVA 5310
5310
Check Price
INNOVA 3020RS
3020RS
Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
System supported
Engine/ ABS
Engine/ ABS
Engine/ ABS/ SRS
Engine/ ABS
Suggested fixes
Live data
Full OBD2
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Smog test
Battery test
Oil reset
Battery initialization
VEHICLE COVERAGE
OBD2 car/light truck
OBD1 car/light truck (+ adapters)
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Screen size
2.8”
2.8”
2.8”
2.8”
Check Price
Check Price
Check Price
Check Price

Conclusion

If you’ve read this far, I hope you’ve found your favorite and suitable scanner.

However, I would like to know:

  • Which product did you choose?
  • Is there any product you want to be reviewed but doesn’t appear here?

Don’t hesitate to share it with me in the comment section below.

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