Automotive / OBD2 scanners
Last updated: Written by: Rafael Rocha

The 5 Best OBD2 scanners under $40

Five OBD2 Scanners Under 40, including Autel and MOTOPOWER, compared for vehicle compatibility, code functions and readiness data.

Our top 5 obd2 scanners under $40

Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →

Five products compared by price, rating and best use.
ProductPriceRatingBest for
01Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 Universal Car Engine Fault Code Reader, Check Engine Light and Emission Monitor Status, OBDII CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool product image from AmazonAutel OBD2 ScannerDetails ↓$22.99
4.6/5Amazon
Best overall
02Autel AL319 Professional OBD2 Scanner, Enhanced Check Engine Code Reader | Reset Fault Code, Live Data, Freeze Frame, CAN Car Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBDII Vehicles After 1996, 2026 Upgraded product image from AmazonAutel AL319 Professional OBD2 ScannerDetails ↓$27.99
4.6/5Amazon
Best value
03MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow product image from AmazonMOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 ScannerDetails ↓$26.99
4.6/5Amazon
Best for a compact setup
04Autel OBD2 Scanner AL329, Vehicle Check Engine Code Reader | Upgraded AutoLink AL319, Auto VIN, MIL Reset, One-Click I/M Readiness, CAN Car Diagnostic Scan Tool, Fits OBD II Vehicles product image from AmazonAutel OBD2 Scanner AL329Details ↓$34.98
4.7/5Amazon
Best for extra features
05VDIAGTOOL VD10 OBD2 Scanner Check Engine Code Reader Car Diagnostic Tool | Turn Off Engine Light/CEL, Live Data, Freeze Frame, I/M Readiness for All OBDII Protocol Vehicles, 12V Cars & Trucks Scanner product image from AmazonVDIAGTOOL VD10Details ↓$24.69
4.6/5Amazon
Best alternative
Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 Universal Car Engine Fault Code Reader, Check Engine Light and Emission Monitor Status, OBDII CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool product image from Amazon

01 — Autel

Best overall

Autel OBD2 Scanner

4.6/5Amazon
$22.99In Stock

Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 Universal Car Engine Fault Code Reader lists emissions-readiness data and code-clearing function, plus check-engine code reading. Readiness status is useful before an inspection, but clearing codes can reset the monitors until the drive cycle completes. Verify the vehicle year and the exact supported diagnostic functions; a code reader does not guarantee manufacturer-level tests.

View on Amazon ↗

Reasons to buy

+Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 Universal Car Engine Fault Code Reader lists emissions-readiness data and code-clearing function, plus check-engine code reading.

Reasons to avoid

−Verify the vehicle year and the exact supported diagnostic functions; a code reader does not guarantee manufacturer-level tests.

Autel AL319 Professional OBD2 Scanner, Enhanced Check Engine Code Reader | Reset Fault Code, Live Data, Freeze Frame, CAN Car Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBDII Vehicles After 1996, 2026 Upgraded product image from Amazon

02 — Autel

Best value

Autel AL319 Professional OBD2 Scanner

4.6/5Amazon
$27.99In Stock

Autel AL319 Professional OBD2 Scanner lists emissions-readiness data and live sensor data, plus check-engine code reading. Readiness status is useful before an inspection, but clearing codes can reset the monitors until the drive cycle completes. Verify the vehicle year and the exact supported diagnostic functions; a code reader does not guarantee manufacturer-level tests.

View on Amazon ↗

Reasons to buy

+Autel AL319 Professional OBD2 Scanner lists emissions-readiness data and live sensor data, plus check-engine code reading.

Reasons to avoid

−Verify the vehicle year and the exact supported diagnostic functions; a code reader does not guarantee manufacturer-level tests.

MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow product image from Amazon

03 — MOTOPOWER

Best for a compact setup

MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner

4.6/5Amazon
$26.99In Stock

MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN lists code-clearing function and a built-in display, plus freeze-frame data. A stored trouble code narrows a diagnosis; it should not be treated as proof that one component needs replacement. Verify the vehicle year and the exact supported diagnostic functions; a code reader does not guarantee manufacturer-level tests.

View on Amazon ↗

Reasons to buy

+MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN lists code-clearing function and a built-in display, plus freeze-frame data.

Reasons to avoid

−Verify the vehicle year and the exact supported diagnostic functions; a code reader does not guarantee manufacturer-level tests.

Autel OBD2 Scanner AL329, Vehicle Check Engine Code Reader | Upgraded AutoLink AL319, Auto VIN, MIL Reset, One-Click I/M Readiness, CAN Car Diagnostic Scan Tool, Fits OBD II Vehicles product image from Amazon

04 — Autel

Best for extra features

Autel OBD2 Scanner AL329

4.7/5Amazon
$34.98In Stock

Autel OBD2 Scanner AL329 lists emissions-readiness data and live sensor data, plus code-clearing function. Readiness status is useful before an inspection, but clearing codes can reset the monitors until the drive cycle completes. Verify the vehicle year and the exact supported diagnostic functions; a code reader does not guarantee manufacturer-level tests.

View on Amazon ↗

Reasons to buy

+Autel OBD2 Scanner AL329 lists emissions-readiness data and live sensor data, plus code-clearing function.

Reasons to avoid

−Verify the vehicle year and the exact supported diagnostic functions; a code reader does not guarantee manufacturer-level tests.

VDIAGTOOL VD10 OBD2 Scanner Check Engine Code Reader Car Diagnostic Tool | Turn Off Engine Light/CEL, Live Data, Freeze Frame, I/M Readiness for All OBDII Protocol Vehicles, 12V Cars & Trucks Scanner product image from Amazon

05 — VDIAGTOOL

Best alternative

VDIAGTOOL VD10

4.6/5Amazon
$24.69In Stock

VDIAGTOOL VD10 OBD2 Scanner Check Engine Code Reader Car Diagnostic Tool lists emissions-readiness data and live sensor data, plus code-clearing function. Readiness status is useful before an inspection, but clearing codes can reset the monitors until the drive cycle completes. Verify the vehicle year and the exact supported diagnostic functions; a code reader does not guarantee manufacturer-level tests.

View on Amazon ↗

Reasons to buy

+VDIAGTOOL VD10 OBD2 Scanner Check Engine Code Reader Car Diagnostic Tool lists emissions-readiness data and live sensor data, plus code-clearing function.

Reasons to avoid

−Verify the vehicle year and the exact supported diagnostic functions; a code reader does not guarantee manufacturer-level tests.

Price information

Amazon price and availability checked Oct 17, 2026, 10:19 PM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.

Our process

How we picked.

We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.

  • 01
    Relevance

    Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.

  • 02
    Specifications

    We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.

  • 03
    Use case and fit

    We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.

  • 04
    Strengths and limitations

    We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.

Read our full methodology →

Good questions

FAQ — OBD2 scanners under $40

01What is the best overall pick among these obd2 scanners under $40?+

The Autel OBD2 Scanner is our first pick for this guide. Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 Universal Car Engine Fault Code Reader lists emissions-readiness data and code-clearing function, plus check-engine code reading. It offers the strongest overall balance for this use case.

02Which of these obd2 scanners under $40 is the budget-friendly choice?+

The VDIAGTOOL VD10 is our budget-friendly choice for an emergency glove-box code check.. Check its stated limitations and exact configuration before buying.

03Which of these obd2 scanners under $40 is the premium choice?+

The Autel OBD2 Scanner is the premium option in this comparison. Consider it when its features and intended use match your priorities.

04How do the Autel OBD2 Scanner and Autel AL319 Professional OBD2 Scanner compare?+

The Autel OBD2 Scanner is our stronger overall fit for a relevant product with a fresh usd offer below $40. The Autel AL319 Professional OBD2 Scanner is another option for the use case covered by this guide.

05What should you look for when comparing obd2 scanners under $40?+

Start with a relevant product with a fresh usd offer below $40. We then compare , along with the limitations that could make a product unsuitable for your needs.

06Which option is best for the use case covered by this guide?+

The Autel AL319 Professional OBD2 Scanner is our shortlist choice for the use case covered by this guide. Autel AL319 Professional OBD2 Scanner lists emissions-readiness data and live sensor data, plus check-engine code reading.

07When should you avoid the Autel OBD2 Scanner?+

Compare its specifications and intended use with your needs. The other four recommendations cover different budgets, priorities and use cases.

08How should I choose among these obd2 scanners under $40?+

Start with the best-for and skip-if notes, then compare the specifications and trade-offs that matter for your use case.

09How did Few Better choose these obd2 scanners under $40?+

We evaluated five options against the exact search intent, a relevant product with a fresh usd offer below $40, relevant specifications, use cases and meaningful trade-offs. Affiliate commission does not determine inclusion or position.

10When was this buying guide last updated?+

This guide was last reviewed on 2026-10-17. Confirm the exact model, configuration and final details on Amazon before purchasing.

The short answer

Start with the Autel OBD2 Scanner.

It is our first pick for this guide’s exact scope. Choose another option when its stated use case or trade-off better matches yours.

View on Amazon ↗