Which OBD Scan Tool Is Right for You? Our Top 5 Recommended Tools Compared

Date Posted:27 March 2026 

Which OBD Scan Tool Is Right for You? Our Top 5 Recommended Tools Compared

Not sure which scan tool is right for your vehicle? Whether you drive a modern OBD2 car or something older that uses a non-standard protocol — such as OBD1, ALDL or MUT2 (common on many pre-2007/2008 vehicles in our region) — you're in the right place.

In this guide, we compare five of our most recommended scan tools, covering everything from budget-friendly single-make options through to workshop-grade tablet scanners. All five support both OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles, so whatever you're driving, there's an option on this list to suit your needs and budget.

OBD1 & OBD2 — What's the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics 2) is the global standard used on the vast majority of vehicles sold from the mid to late 2000s onward in our region. It uses a standardised communication protocol, meaning any compatible scan tool can connect and read data regardless of vehicle make or model. Most modern vehicles — including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and EV — are OBD2 compliant.

OBD1 refers to the earlier generation of on-board diagnostics used on vehicles manufactured before OBD2 became the standard. Unlike OBD2, there was no universal protocol — OBD1 is not a single standard but rather a mix of manufacturer-specific pre-OBD2 diagnostic systems. Each manufacturer developed their own approach, meaning a tool that works on one OBD1 vehicle may not work on another.

Some of the most well-known OBD1 protocols include:

  • ALDL (Assembly Line Diagnostic Link) — GM's / Holden's diagnostic protocol, used on a range of vehicles from this era including many Australian models like the Holden Commodore
  • MUT-II (Multi-Use Tester) — Mitsubishi's proprietary OBD1 protocol, used across their passenger and commercial vehicle range
  • Nissan Consult — Nissan's manufacturer-specific diagnostic system, used on their pre-OBD2 vehicles

The good news: all five tools in this guide support OBD2 as well as a wide range of OBD1 protocols — so whether your vehicle is a late-model daily driver or an older car with a non-standard protocol, you're covered.

Our Top 5 Recommended Scan Tools

1. Vident iLink400MAX – Best Value Single-Make Option

Vident iLink400MAX scan tool
  • Full system diagnostics and live data — including engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, and more
  • Service functions including oil reset, EPB, DPF, and more
  • Live data, freeze frame, fault code reading & clearing
  • Includes one free car-make software — additional makes available for a fee

→ The iLink400MAX is our most affordable entry point for full system diagnostics. It's a focused, reliable tool — ideal for owners who primarily work on one vehicle make and want deep, accurate diagnostic capability without paying for coverage they'll never use.

Best for: DIY owners, single-make households, budget-conscious buyers.

2. Vident iSmart600MAX – Multi-Brand Android Tablet Scanner

Vident iSmart600MAX scan tool
  • Everything the iLink400MAX offers — but with software for all major vehicle brands preloaded as standard
  • Runs on an Android tablet with Bluetooth VCI for wireless connectivity
  • Full system diagnostics and live data — including engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, and more
  • Service functions including oil reset, EPB, DPF, and more
  • Modern touchscreen interface with wireless vehicle connection

→ The iSmart600MAX steps things up with a modern Android tablet experience and preloaded multi-brand software straight out of the box. If you work on more than one vehicle make — or simply want a more capable, future-proof scanner — this is the natural upgrade from the iLink400MAX.

Best for: DIY owners with multiple vehicles, those wanting a modern touchscreen experience, light workshop use.

3. Autel MaxiCheck MX808S – Best All-Round Option

Autel MaxiCheck MX808S scan tool
  • Broad vehicle coverage from the late 1990s through to latest model releases
  • Full system diagnostics and live data — including engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, and more
  • Service functions including oil reset, EPB, DPF, and more
  • Auto VIN identification — automatically detects make, model, and year
  • 7-inch touchscreen with built-in Wi-Fi
  • 2 years of free software updates included

→ The MX808S is our most popular all-round scanner and a firm favourite with mobile mechanics and fleet managers across Australia. It balances broad vehicle coverage, comprehensive service functions, and ease of use at a competitive price — making it the smart long-term investment for most buyers.

Best for: Mobile mechanics, fleet managers, DIY owners wanting one tool that covers everything.

4. Launch X431 PROS Elite – Large Screen Workshop Tablet

Launch X431 PROS Elite scan tool
  • Extensive vehicle coverage across 200+ makes — old and new
  • Full system diagnostics and live data — including engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, and more
  • Service functions including oil reset, EPB, DPF, and more
  • Entry-level programming: relearns, adaptations, module linking (vehicle dependent)
  • 8 inch high-resolution touchscreen with Bluetooth VCI
  • Online repair resources, DTC help, and how-to videos included
  • 2 years of free software updates included

→ The X431 PROS Elite offers one of the largest screens in its class, exceptional multi-brand vehicle coverage, and basic-level programming capability — all at a price point that sits between the MX808S and MP808S. A seriously capable tool for workshops or advanced DIYers who need that extra reach.

Best for: Workshops, experienced DIYers, mobile mechanics needing broad coverage and basic programming capability.

5. Autel MaxiPRO MP808S – Advanced Coding & Bi-Directional Testing

Autel MaxiPRO MP808S scan tool
  • Broad vehicle coverage from the late 1990s through to current model year
  • Full system diagnostics and live data — including engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, and more
  • Service functions including oil reset, EPB, DPF, and more
  • Bi-directional control / active testing capability
  • ECU coding, adaptations, and programming on supported vehicles
  • Auto VIN identification, 7-inch touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi
  • 2 years of free software updates included

→ The MP808S is our top recommendation for professional workshops and technicians who need to go beyond diagnostics. Bi-directional testing lets you actively trigger components to verify they're working — and full ECU coding capability makes it the right tool when module programming and deep-level customisation are part of the job.

Best for: Professional workshops, technicians needing ECU coding, advanced diagnostic use.

Quick Decision Guide

  • Working on one vehicle make on a budget? → Vident iLink400MAX
  • Multiple vehicles and want a modern touchscreen experience? → Vident iSmart600MAX
  • Best all-round tool for most buyers? → Autel MX808S
  • Workshop use or need a large screen with basic programming? → Launch X431 PROS Elite
  • Need bi-directional testing and full ECU coding? → Autel MP808S

Final Thoughts

All five tools above are solid choices — the right one simply depends on your specific needs, the vehicles you're working on, and how deep you need to go. Whether you're a DIY owner wanting to stay on top of your own vehicle or a professional workshop handling dozens of jobs a week, there's an option on this list to suit.

All tools are stocked and supported by our Australian-based team, and we're happy to help confirm which option is the best fit for your situation before you buy.

*Please note: Feature and vehicle coverage can vary depending on the specific model, year, engine, and scan tool software version. We always recommend confirming compatibility before purchasing.

→ Browse our full scan tool range online or reach out to our team on 03 8658 8894 for a recommendation tailored to your vehicle and needs.

Scan Tool Comparison Table

Comparison Table: Vident iLink400MAX | Vident iSmart600MAX | Autel MaxiCheck MX808S | Launch X431 PROS Elite | Autel MaxiPRO MP808S

 

Vident iLink400MAX

Vident iSmart600MAX

Autel MaxiCheck MX808S

Launch X431 PROS Elite

Autel MaxiPRO MP808S
 

Vident iLink400MAX Full System Diagnostic Scanner Australia

Vident iSmart600MAX Android Diagnostic Scan Tool Australia

Autel MaxiCheck MX808S OBD Diagnostic Scanner Australia

Launch X431 PROS Elite Diagnostic Tool Australia

Autel MaxiPRO MP808S OBD1 OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner Australia
Coverage
OBD2 Support ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
OBD1 / ALDL Support ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Vehicle Coverage 1 Brand (expandable) 130+ brands 150+ brands 200+ brands 150+ brands
Diagnostics
Full System Diagnostics ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Live Data ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Bi-Directional Control ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
ECU Coding ✓ ✓ - Basic ✓
Service Functions
Total Service Functions 30+ 30+ 38+ 38+ 38+
Oil Service Reset ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
INJ (Injector Coding Service) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
BLD (ABS Bleed Service) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
SAS (Steering Angle Sensor Calibration) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
BMS (Battery Management Service) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Hardware
Display 5" touchscreen 5" touchscreen 7" touchscreen 8" touchscreen 7" touchscreen
Wireless / Bluetooth VCI ✓ ✓ - - -
Free Updates 3 Yrs Free 3 Yrs Free 2 Yrs Free 2 Yrs Free 2 Yrs Free
  LEARN MORE LEARN MORE LEARN MORE LEARN MORE LEARN MORE


Frequently Asked Questions

Both tools offer full system diagnostics, live data, and service functions, but they're designed for different users. The iLink400MAX is a compact handheld device that comes with one car-make software included — additional makes are available for a fee. It's the most affordable option and ideal for owners focused on one vehicle brand. The iSmart600MAX comes fully preloaded with software for a wide range of vehicle brands, making it a better choice if you need multi-brand coverage or prefer a modern wireless scanning experience.

The MX808S and MP808S share a similar form factor and both offer broad vehicle coverage, full system diagnostics, and a comprehensive range of service functions. The key difference is capability: the MP808S adds bi-directional control and ECU coding and programming features that the MX808S does not support. If you only need diagnostics and service resets, the MX808S is the better value option. If you need to perform module coding, the MP808S is the right choice.

Bi-directional control means the scan tool can send commands to vehicle systems to trigger a response, rather than just reading data passively. For example, you can command a fuel injector to activate, cycle an ABS pump, or engage a cooling fan to verify it's working correctly. This is a significant step up from standard diagnostics and is particularly useful for professional workshops diagnosing intermittent faults. 

ECU coding refers to writing data or configuration values to a vehicle's electronic control unit — typically required after replacing modules, programming new components, or performing adaptations. For most DIY owners and general vehicle maintenance, ECU coding is not required. It becomes relevant in workshop environments where tasks like module replacement, injector programming, or system adaptations are performed regularly. Of the tools in this guide, the Launch X431 PROS Elite supports basic-level coding and programming, while the Autel MP808S provides the most comprehensive coding capability.

They serve slightly different needs. The Autel MX808S is more compact and offers a great balance of vehicle coverage and service functions at a lower price point — making it the most popular choice for mobile mechanics and DIY owners. The Launch X431 PROS Elite has larger screen, supports over 200 vehicle makes, and adds entry-level programming capability. If screen size and programming matter to you, the X431 PROS Elite is worth the step up. If you want the most value for everyday diagnostics, the MX808S is hard to beat.

For most home DIY users, the Vident iLink400MAX or Autel MX808S are the most practical choices. The iLink400MAX is the most cost-effective option if you primarily work on one vehicle make. The MX808S is a step up in price but covers virtually any vehicle you're likely to own, includes a wider range of service functions, and will serve you well for many years across multiple vehicles. Both are straightforward to use and don't require specialist knowledge to operate effectively.

For workshop or mobile mechanic use, we recommend the Autel MX808S, Launch X431 PROS Elite, or Autel MP808S depending on your requirements. The MX808S is a reliable, fast, and cost-effective option for general workshop diagnostics. The X431 PROS Elite suits workshops handling a very wide variety of makes, particularly those needing a large screen and basic programming. The MP808S is the top pick for workshops performing advanced work including ECU coding, adaptations, and bi-directional testing.

The Vident tools include 3 year of free updates, while the Autel MX808S, Launch X431 PROS Elite, and Autel MP808S each include 2 years of free updates. After the free period, paid annual updates are available if you wish to continue using the tools.