The guide to the best OBD Code readers you can buy.

Sept 21, 2022 Update: We have a new service to help you find the best OBD Code Reader. Just select the features and the best matching products appear. Check it out.

Finding a reliable OBD Code Reader that you know you can trust, AND fits your budget can be difficult.

But, if you want to conduct a quality, accurate diagnostic, then it’s something of a necessity.

However, if there’s millions of results and products out there that all say they’re the best, how do you know which one to go for?

Well, luckily for you, you’re already halfway there by coming to this page.

Here at Innova Electronics, we have 30+ years experience when it comes to producing high quality OBD Code readers.

And we’ve actually put together this guide on the BEST OBD Code Reader’s you can buy, with an option at each budget.

So, without any further ado, let’s breakdown these OBD Code Readers!

Innova CarScan 5610 $411.75

To kick off this guide to the best OBD Code Readers in style, let’s start with the Innova CarScan 5610.

We’re starting with this tool because it is the premium option in the range.

This is our most feature rich, comprehensive tool.

We direct this towards those looking for the very best OBD Code Reader, with the budget to back it up.

Let’s look at the key features this tool has!

One of the features on this OBD Code Reader is it’s Special Reset Functions.

With this, you can use dealership level re-learn procedures.

The 5610 also has an enhanced data stream, providing the user with the ability to view advanced systems data such as ABS, SRS, Transmission, or Engine.

The features on the 5610 don’t stop there, though!

Of course, this OBD Code Reader also has Bi-Directional control.

This is a particularly special feature, and definitely makes a sizable contribution to us crowning it the best OBD Code Reader on the market.

With Bi-Directional control, you can test key functionalities such as fuel pump on/off, or to retract an electronic parking brake.

Also, aside from having these special features, the 5610 also provides the following abilities:

– OBD1 Coverage

– Read Hybrid Battery Cell Voltage

– Live data streams

– Support for ALL 10 0BD2 modes

– Emissions/Smog Checks.

– All systems network scans.

– Oil Level & Oil Life monitoring.

– Battery/Charging System Testing.

– SRS Airbag Code reading.

– BMS Battery reset/initialization.

– Bi-Directional Active Tests.

– Oil Light reset.

– Top quality Bi-Directional OBD2 Software.

Want to learn more about this tool? Then just check out this video!

As well as showing you the key features of our OBD Code Reader’s, we also like to show what our customers who purchased this Code Reader thought of it.

After all, this is the greatest validation of our products!

So, let’s see what our customers thought of the 5610:

“Excellent Product! You Can’t Go Wrong.”

“Excellent mid- to high-level tool in its price class.”

“This tool fills a much needed gap in the market.”

“Quick and easy to use, great results.”

“Shop quality diagnostic at home.”

It’s clear that this high end, top quality OBD Code Reader delivers on both quality of features, and customer satisfaction.

This really is the best option for somebody who’s looking to bring in the top option as far as OBD Code Readers go.

And, if you’re looking to purchase this then all you have to do is click right here. It’s as easy as that!

Innova CarScan 5410 $212.00

Next up in this OBD Code Reader guide is the CarScan 5410.

This is a real favorite amongst DIY technicians, due to it being an excellent tool for just $212.00!

If you’re looking for the best mid range tool on the market, then this is the one for you.

We recommend this to someone looking for a high quality OBD Code Reader, for less than the 5610.

Let’s look at they key features!

Firstly, one of the key features that this brings to the table is it’s SRS related functions.

This OBD Code Reader is particularly skilled when it comes to carrying out SRS related diagnostics.

This means that you can ride in your vehicle with the peace of mind of knowing your security systems are functioning fine!

And if they’re not up to scratch then no worries! Because this tool will let you know right away and will tell you how to fix it.

The 5410 allows you to diagnose and clear the systems of a variety of vehicles, including most 1996 or newer European, Asian, or Domestic vehicles.

This OBD Code Reader also possesses qualities in diagnosing issues with your cars oil levels and life.

It can monitor the oil levels and oil life in your car, and can help you reset an oil maintenance light.

This device has a live data graph, and with this the user can compare multiple vehicle systems in real time, with easy to read data graphs, bringing you closer to the data that matters to diagnostics.

Not to mention that this is a Car Scanner with all system network scan abilities, meaning that you can clear all ECU modules and their trouble codes.

Looking to learn more about this tool? No worries! Here’s a video we produced on it:

This really is one of the more popular tools we have when it comes to DIY mechanics, and it’s down to it’s price point and the quality it provides.

But, let’s see what the customers thought of this OBD Code Reader:

“Good tool for a good price”

“A full-featured diagnostic tool”

“Great for DIY auto work”

“This saved my son a boat load of $$!”

“Better than expected”

Clearly this tool has delighted the people who purchased it, and we think this is the BEST OBD Code Reader that you can get for $220 or under.

It really is the ideal tool for someone on the hunt for a mid range OBD Code Reader.

And, if you’re looking to add this to your collection and provide a real kick to your DIY diagnostics, then it really is easy.

All you have to do is click right here, and you’ll be able to pick this up right away!

Alternatively, you could read on and see our budget OBD Code Reader option, which is just $117.64!

Innova CarScan 5210 $117.64

To bring this guide to OBD Code Reader’s to a close, we’ll be looking at the Innova CarScan 5210.

This is the cheapest tool on the list, with a price tag of just $117.64!

This is the PERFECT tool for somebody who’s looking to break into DIY mechanics either for the first time, or who just wants to save a dollar or two on their equipment.

This may be a cheap tool, but it does have some great features.

Let’s look at these features!

One of the nifty features on this very budget OBD Code Reader is it’s code severity levels feature.

This is particularly useful, due to the fact that it can tell you just how severe an issue with your car is.

The feature allows the tool to tell you whether the repair can wait, or if it needs to be addressed immediately.

This saves you two very important things; Time and money!

The 5210 also comes with a unique, patented, all in one color display with hotkeys, with the display accommodating over 20 pieces of information at one time.

So, instead of wasting your time scrolling through information, you can get to the data and information that MATTERS.

Meaning you can pinpoint the fault of your vehicle it and tackle it right away.

A feature our customers really like is the freeze frame feature.

With this the user can view the car’s state and data at the EXACT time that a trouble code was triggered.

This is hugely helpful because it allows you to pinpoint exactly what went wrong with your vehicle, so that you can deal with it.

If you’d like a deeper look at what is the BEST OBD Code Reader on the market, then take a look at this video.

Now for it’s price tag this tool has some nifty features.

HOWEVER.

We know that you may sceptical of it’s quality due to it’s tiny price tag…

So let us alleviate those concerns by sharing what our customers thought of this OBD Code Reader:

This is an excellent tool for the DIY mechanic or layman”

“Got the job done. Great product and great price.”

“Excellent is the Word”

“This is an awesome tool…great price as well!”

“We own this reader for about 3 years now and – like others said – it paid for itself the first time we used it.”

“it saved me hundreds of dollars”

” It has already saved me some money!”

“Does what it says it will do”

“Great unit for the price”

“Works Great!”

“Good Product at a Fair Price”

Clearly reviews are DELIGHTED with this product, and it definitely shows you don’t have to spend big to find yourself a top quality diagnostic tool.

Looking to pick this tool up? No problem! All you have to do is click right here and you can kickstart your diagnostic journey.

OBD Code Reader Comparison Table

We’ve just covered an awful lot of information on OBD Code Readers, so we put together this table to help illustrate the differences in each product.

This should streamline the process of comparing each one.

And underneath we have information on how to use your OBD Code Reader and how to get the most out of your tool with our exclusive RepairSolutions2.

5210

5410

5610

Check Engine Light

Emissions Check

ABS


US/A/EU

US/A/EU

US/A/EU

SRS

Battery System CheckLive Data

10 OBD2 Modes

Oil Level/Reset

Network Scan

Battery Reset

ABS Bleeding TPMS / Tire Pressure

Transmission Temp

Special Reset Functions

Enhanced Data Stream

Bi-Directional Active Test

5210

5410

5610

How to use your OBD Code Reader

To ensure you can get up and running with your OBD Code Reader, we decided to provide some information on how you use it.

Step 1 – Firstly, plug the OBD Code Reader into your vehicle and turn the vehicle on.

This will automatically connect your tool to the vehicle and will read the CEL.

Step 2 – To access ABS related information on your tool, navigate to system status, and then to the ABS section as seen in the image below.

Step 3 – Then you should be good! The tool will display some info regarding your vehicle and it’s ABS system.

If you have any issues with getting set up after this step-by-step guide, then don’t worry.

Just get in touch with us and we’ll resolve any issues you have with our 24/7 ASE certified customer service.

Getting repairs with OBD Code Reader

One of the perks of purchasing an OBD Code Reader from Innova is that you receive our exclusive companion app RepairSolutions 2 for completely free.

The app helps you get more out of your tool, by displaying the needed repairs and parts of your vehicle, as well as the cost of repair for your vehicle.

The application is available on the PlayStore and AppStore, and provides an added dimension to your tool that just isn’t rivalled by anything else on the market.

It can also be particularly useful for diagnosing and addressing ABS/SRS repairs in tandem with your OBD2 ABS tool.

Step 1 Download the app off whatever app market you operate in.

Step 2 – Then, simply pair it with your Tool by following the instructions in the app itself.

Step 3 – Thirdly, receive your report after your OBD2+SRS data uploads to the app.

What happens after these 3 steps is twofold depending on what occurs.

IF your SRS code has a known repair, it will tell you there’s a fix available. After this happens it will put together an SRS report element for you.

This means that the app will handily put together a report that shows what parts are needed and how much it would cost to repair.

If a fix ISN’T available then you don’t have to worry. Your ABS code information will be inside of the Needs Attention report element.

Following this, Innova techs will begin to look into your issue to produce a solution for you. After they begin investigating your issue a fix may be available for you within just 10 business days.