Best OBD2 Scanner — UK Buyer's Guide
Stop paying £50-70 for garage diagnostics. A £20 scanner lets you read and clear fault codes yourself in under 30 seconds.
£40-70
Saved per garage diagnostic visit
30s
To read a fault code yourself
From £17
Entry-level scanner on Amazon UK
🔌 Our Top 4 OBD2 Scanners for the UK
Vgate iCar Pro
Bluetooth 4.0 + WiFi — iPhone & Android
✅ Pros
- +Works with iPhone (Bluetooth Low Energy)
- +Compatible with Torque Pro / Car Scanner app
- +Reads P, B, C, U codes
- +Regular firmware updates
❌ Cons
- −No bi-directional control
Best for: The vast majority of users
View on Amazon UK — £22 →ANCEL AD310
Wired — Plug & Play, no phone required
✅ Pros
- +Built-in display (no smartphone needed)
- +Compatible with 99% of OBD2 vehicles since 1996
- +Very simple to use
- +Reads and clears codes instantly
❌ Cons
- −No advanced live data
- −Wired (60cm cable)
Best for: Quickly read and clear fault codes
View on Amazon UK — £17 →Autel MaxiAP AP200
Bluetooth — All systems (ABS, SRS, gearbox...)
✅ Pros
- +Reads ALL systems (not just engine)
- +Service reset (oil, brakes, DPF...)
- +Full Autel app with live data
- +Automatic updates
❌ Cons
- −Some advanced functions require paid subscription
- −Higher price
Best for: Advanced users and serious DIYers
View on Amazon UK — £50 →Launch CRP123E
Multi-system + built-in colour screen
✅ Pros
- +Built-in colour screen (no phone)
- +ABS, SRS, auto gearbox, engine
- +2 years free updates
- +Live data in graph view
❌ Cons
- −Longer learning curve
- −Mid-range price
Best for: Enthusiasts and small garages
View on Amazon UK — £75 →🤔 Which scanner should I choose?
Budget under £20 → ANCEL AD310
Simple and reliable. Reads and clears codes, no phone needed.
Want to use your phone → Vgate iCar Pro
Best Bluetooth scanner for the price. Works perfectly with iPhone.
Need ABS/SRS/gearbox too → Autel MaxiAP AP200
Reads all vehicle systems, not just engine codes.
Want a standalone professional tool → Launch CRP123E
Built-in colour screen, no phone required, semi-pro level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do OBD2 scanners work on all cars?
Yes — all petrol cars sold in the UK after 2001 and all diesel cars after 2004 are legally required to have an OBD2 port. Any OBD2 scanner will work.
Is a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner safe?
Yes, if you leave the app closed when not in use. Some cheap Wi-Fi adapters have security flaws, but reputable Bluetooth models like the Vgate iCar Pro are safe.
Can an OBD2 scanner clear MOT failure codes?
Yes, you can clear the codes — but the underlying fault must be fixed first. The MOT tester checks OBD readiness monitors, so clearing codes without fixing the fault won't help.
What's the difference between a £15 and a £75 scanner?
Budget scanners read engine fault codes (P codes). More expensive models also read ABS, SRS, gearbox, and other systems, and can do service resets (oil light, brake pad counter). For most people, a basic £20 scanner is perfectly sufficient.
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