Autel launched many new automotive diagnostic tools in 2025, including handheld OBD2 readers such as the Autel MD909 Pro and flagship flatbed scanners such as the Autel MS919 S2. In addition, Autel upgraded some of its existing scanners in 2025, including the Autel MaxiCheck MX900.
Why is the Autel MX900 considered the best budget OBD2 scanner? What can you do with the Autel MX900? Let's take a look.
Autel MX900 Overview
The Autel MX900 is an Autel MaxiCheck scanner, a professional scanning tool and an upgrade from the MaxiCOM MK808, MX808, MK808Z, and MK808BT. The Autel MX900 not only features upgraded hardware but also expanded and enriched software functions and vehicle model coverage. The Autel MX900 is suitable not only for DIY mechanics but also for auto repair shops.
Autel MX900 Highlights Overview
- Enhanced Hardware: Quad-core processor, Android 11.0 operating system, 8-inch large screen
- OE-Level All Systems Diagnostic: Including various automotive systems such as engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Bi-Directional Control/Active Test: Support 3000+ active tests
- 40+ Service Functions: Provide 40+ services including Oil Reset, EPB, SAS Reset, D-P-F Regeneration, Throttle Reset and so on.
- Extensive Function: Support Pre & Post Scan, DoIP & CAN FD Protocol and Wifi Print
These functions are advanced enough for routine vehicle diagnostics to be usable by professional technicians.
$40 OFF
Autel MaxiCheck MX900
$559.00
OBD2 All System Diagnostic Scanner | Bi-Directional Control | DoIP/CAN FD | Read/Clear Code | 40+ Service | Upgrade of MK808/MX808
Professional Experience: MX900 Feature Analysis
Comprehensive System Diagnostics
The Autel MX900 supports original equipment manufacturer (OEM) level full system diagnostics. This includes systems such as engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, and EPB, and covers modules such as air conditioning, tires, and electrical systems. It meets various professional-level diagnostic needs.
Compared to ordinary OBD2 tools, the Autel MX900 has the following advantages:
- More accurate fault code reading
- Supports viewing real-time data streams and provides graphical representation
- Can access deep module levels (such as BCM, RCM, etc.)
Bi-Directional Control/Active Test
The Autel MX900 is a two-way control scanner. This function allows it to read data from the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) and send commands to the ECU to perform specific tests and functions, improving diagnostic efficiency and accuracy.
You can use the Autel MX900 Active Test function to perform the following operations:
- Activate the cooling fan to confirm the relay is working properly.
- Turn on the fuel injectors to test the fuel supply system.
- Perform an electronic parking brake switch test.
- Test actuators such as the fuel pump, lights, and horn.
In maintenance scenarios, this is more effective than simply reading data and can quickly pinpoint the location of the fault.
Autel MX900 Supports Bi-directional Control
Service Function Coverage and Depth
Building upon its predecessor, the Autel MX900 expands its service functions to over 40. It covers everything from common service reset functions to less frequently used features. For example:
- Injector Coding: Code new injector numbers to replace the previous one when fitting the new injectors or after the replacement is completed
- Oil Reset: Reset the oil life systems every time the oil and oil filter are changed
- ABS Bleeding: When the ABS contains air, the ABS bleeding function must be performed to bleed the brake system to restore ABS brake sensitivity
- Brake Reset: Deactivate and activate the brake control system, assist with brake fluid control, open and close brake pads, etc
- DPF Regen: Clear PM (Particulate Matter) from the DPF filter through continuous combustion oxidation mode to stabilize the filter performance
- Relearn Throttle: Initialize the throttle so that the “learned” values stored on ECU are returned to the default state;
- Key Coding: Help ECU to recognize the new keys when you need to add new keys, and delete the lost keys
For car owners, basic maintenance can be completed by themselves; for repair shops, most common service items can be handled.
Autel MX900 Supports 40+ Reset Services
Hardware and User Experience
The Autel MX900 boasts powerful hardware specifications, giving it an advantage over other automotive diagnostic tools in the same price range:
1.8 8-inch Large Touchscreen
The large screen can display multiple data streams simultaneously, allowing you to select and draw different data change comparison charts to make some data clearer and assist you in better diagnostic work.
2. High-Performance Quad-Core Processor
Quad-core processors have more processing cores, enabling them to handle more data simultaneously and significantly improving overall device performance, ensuring faster operation. Furthermore, they can handle multiple tasks concurrently without the lag or crashes common with single-core/dual-core devices, resulting in a more stable work experience.
3. Long Battery Life
The Autel MX900 has a 7700 mAh battery capacity, which can last up to 7 hours continuously, but this is limited by the complexity of the specific diagnostic task, making it suitable for mobile technicians.
The overall user experience is very close to that of high-end models.
Wide Vehicle Coverage
The Autel MX900 vehicle diagnostics system covers more than 80 automakers in the U.S., Asia, and Europe since 1996. In addition, it supports DOIP and CAN FD diagnostic protocols, covering a wider range of vehicles and capable of diagnosing modern vehicles. Among "budget-friendly" scanners, the MX900's coverage is among the best.
Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages
| Pros | Cons |
| Most comprehensive and stable diagnostic functions in its price range | Function depth is not as deep as flagship models (such as the Ultra series) |
| Good bi-directional control performance | Limited support for advanced functions |
| Wide vehicle coverage | Slightly larger than a small Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner |
| Easy to operate, even beginners can use it | Wired connection is not very convenient |
| Numerous and highly practical service functions | |
| Extremely high cost-performance ratio |
Summary
The Autel MX900 strikes a rare balance between price, functionality, and ease of use. It meets the in-depth diagnostic needs of professional technicians as well as car owners looking to enhance their repair skills.
If you are looking for a scanner that:
- is professional-grade
- is within your budget
- is feature-rich and stable
- is suitable for routine repairs and advanced diagnostics
Then the Autel MX900 is undoubtedly one of the best budget OBD2 scanners to buy in 2025.
