Best OBD2 scanners under $100
Updated November 5, 2026
If your check-engine light is on and you want to know why before you visit a mechanic, you don't need an expensive tool. A good code reader under $100 reads and clears engine codes, shows live sensor data and tells you whether the car is ready for an emissions test. Here's what to expect at this price and which in-stock scanners fit the budget right now.
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What you get under $100
Every OBD2 scanner reads and clears engine (powertrain) trouble codes, the codes behind a check-engine light. Most in this range also show freeze-frame data (what the engine was doing when the fault was stored), live data such as coolant temperature and fuel trims, and I/M readiness, which tells you whether the car would pass an emissions inspection.
Some budget scanners go further and read ABS (brakes) and SRS (airbag) codes, or include a battery voltage test. Check the product listing, because two scanners at the same price can cover very different systems.
What you usually don't get
Below $100, scanners generally don't offer bidirectional control (commanding parts like fans or the fuel pump to run), coding, or service resets beyond the basics. If you do your own brake jobs, battery replacements or module work, read our guide to bidirectional scan tools instead.
Budget tools also tend to cover fewer car brands for anything beyond engine codes, so if you want ABS or airbag codes, confirm your make and model on the retailer's compatibility list.
Handheld or Bluetooth?
Handheld readers have their own screen and cable, so they work without a phone and don't need an app account. Bluetooth dongles stay in the OBD2 port and show results in a phone app, which is handy for watching live data while driving, but some apps charge for extra features. Check what's included before you buy.
Before you buy
- Do you only need engine codes, or ABS and airbag codes too?
- Is your car's make, model and year on the compatibility list?
- Handheld screen or phone app?
- Are updates free, and is there a paid app tier?
In-stock options
Picked automatically from partner stores' live product feeds using the criteria above, cheapest first. Confirm price, vehicle coverage and update terms on the retailer's page before you buy.
In-stock OBD2 scanners under $100
LAUNCH CR319 OBD2 Code Reader & Emissions Readiness Tester$24.99at LAUNCH X431 Online 
LAUNCH CR529 OBD2 Code Reader with Live Data Stream$45at LAUNCH X431 Online 
Autel MaxiLink ML529$52at AUTELOnline 
AutoLink AL319$59at AUTELOnline 
MaxiAP AP2500E$60at AUTELOnline 
DiagLink$79at AUTELOnline 
MaxiLink ML619$84at AUTELOnline 
AutoLink AL539B$93at AUTELOnline Affiliate links. AUTELOnline prices updated Nov 14, 5:26 PM EST · LAUNCH X431 Online prices updated Nov 14, 4:18 PM EST.
Compare on eBay
These links open eBay search results with the price range already set, including new, open-box and used options. eBay sellers set the listings, prices and condition, so check the seller and the item details before you buy.
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Questions
Can a cheap OBD2 scanner damage my car?
Reading and clearing codes with a standard OBD2 scanner is a normal, low-risk task. Clearing a code doesn't fix the fault, though: if the problem is still there the light will come back.
Will a scanner under $100 read ABS and airbag codes?
Some do and many don't. Look for ABS and SRS in the product title or description, and check that your vehicle is covered for those systems.
Do I need a scanner if auto parts stores read codes for free?
Free code reads are a good start, but your own scanner lets you check live data, confirm a repair worked and check emissions readiness whenever you need to.
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