Introduction
As 2025 draws to a close, have you found a scanner that meets your needs? In 2025, various automotive scanning tool brands have seen many updates and upgrades, and bidirectional control functionality has become increasingly important in diagnostic tools, enabling active testing beyond simply reading and deleting fault codes.
With so many bidirectional scanners on the market, how do we choose the right one? This article will provide an annual summary and recommendations for the 5 most popular bidirectional OBD2 scanners in 2025, helping DIY users and professional technicians select the most suitable tool.
What is a Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner?
The biggest difference between a bidirectional OBD2 scanner and a regular OBD2 code reader is that the former can not only read fault codes but also send commands to the vehicle's electronic control module (ECU) to perform active tests or control vehicle components.
Regular OBD2 code readers can only passively read information, such as engine fault codes (DTCs), vehicle status, or basic sensor data, while a bidirectional control scanner can communicate directly with the ECU, enabling active control of various vehicle systems, which is where its value lies.
Examples of Common Bi-directional Control Functions
Actuator Testing: Allows for active control of components such as fuel injectors, fans, solenoid valves, or relays to check their response and quickly pinpoint faults.
ABS/EPB/Throttle/Fuel Pump Control: Enables active testing of critical systems such as the anti-lock braking system, electronic parking brake system, electronic throttle, and fuel pump to ensure proper operation of each key component.
Body Electronics Component Testing: Active testing of components such as windows, wipers, and door locks allows for simulated operation, facilitating quick troubleshooting of electrical or mechanical faults.
Which users truly need a bi-directional control scanner?
- DIY advanced users: Those with a deep understanding of vehicles who want to diagnose and repair vehicle faults themselves, or perform performance tuning and testing.
- Auto repair technicians / small repair shops: Those who need to quickly and accurately troubleshoot faults in their daily repair work to improve efficiency, especially when dealing with multi-module control or complex electronic control systems. A bi-directional control scanner is particularly important in these situations.
How to Get the the Best One?
Does it support true bidirectional control / active testing?
First, you need to determine whether the automotive diagnostic tool has bidirectional control capabilities. This function is generally not available on code readers, and even tablet-based scanners require further verification, as some scanners may not support this feature.
Diagnostic Functionality completeness
The completeness of its functions directly determines the practical value of a bidirectional control scanner. An excellent device should support full system diagnostics, covering the engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, body, and other control modules, while also providing common service functions such as maintenance reset, EPB, throttle matching, and battery matching.
Some advanced models also support ECU coding or module matching, which is particularly important when replacing parts or performing system initialization, significantly improving diagnostic depth and repair efficiency.
Most of Autel Scanners Support ECU Coding
Vehicle models and system coverage
The vehicle coverage of a bidirectional OBD2 scanner is a crucial factor to consider. If it's not compatible with your vehicle, it's essentially useless. Therefore, broad vehicle coverage is important; for example, Autel scanners support over a hundred brands from different regions including Asia, America, and Europe.
Firmware/Software Update Frequency
Update and subscription policies are also crucial factors to consider when choosing a bidirectional diagnostic scanner. Due to the continuous upgrades of vehicle electronic systems, scanners require regular software updates to support new models and features.
Some brands offer free updates for a limited time, after which a yearly subscription fee is required; other brands have less frequent updates, which may affect the long-term user experience. Therefore, before purchasing, you should consider the ease of updates, the reasonableness of subscription fees, and whether the manufacturer provides long-term and continuous software support.
Some Autel Scanners Support 2-years Free Software Update
Top 5 Recommended Bidirectional OBD2 Scanners for 2025
1. Xtool D7 Bi-Directional Scan Tool
Price: $349.00
The XTOOL D7 is a cutting-edge, bidirectional scan tool designed for automotive diagnostics across 10,000+ vehicle models, including U.S., Asian, and European makes. It offers OE-level full systems diagnostics, ECU coding, CAN FD, DOIP, FCA and over 36+ advanced maintenance services to cover all your professional and DIY vehicle repair needs.
The improved V2.0 Diagnostic Report feature allows auto repair shops to personalize reports with logos, customer details, and attachments, making this versatile tool essential for any workshop.
Cons: Limited functional compatibility. Although it supports bidirectional control and multi-system diagnostics, not all functions are available on all vehicle models.
For Whom: Advanced DIY car owners and small repair shops/independent mechanics.
2. THINKSCAN 689BT
Price: $499.94
The The Thinkscan 689BT is also a Bluetooth scanner, equipped with a wireless lower-level device for wireless Bluetooth connectivity. The Thinkscan features an 8-inch large screen, a quad-core processor chip, and the Android 10.0 operating system. It also supports advanced functions such as ECU coding and offers comprehensive full-system diagnostic and service functions.
Cons: The programming capabilities are not as advanced as high-end devices, the Bluetooth connection may be slightly unstable, and the supported languages are limited.
For Whom: It's suitable for DIY car owners with a lower budget who want powerful diagnostic capabilities. It offers full system scanning, active testing, bidirectional control, and 34+ service reset functions, making it a very cost-effective option for individual car owners.
3. Autel MaxiPRO MP808BT Pro
Price: $589.00
The Autel MaxiPRO MP808BT Pro iis an advanced wireless automotive diagnostic scanner providing specialized diagnostic service for customers.
Featuring the powerful Samsung 6-core processor, an 7.0 inch display, and 33ft (10m) wireless communication, based on Android OS 11.0, and combined with the best possible coverage of OE-level diagnostics, the MaxiPRO MP808BT PRO scanner performs comprehensive vehicle diagnostics and analysis efficiently.
Cons: Its price is relatively expensive.
For Whom: He is better suited for DIY enthusiasts with a generous budget and small auto repair shops.
$310 OFF
Autel MaxiPRO MP808BT Pro
$899.00
[2-Year Free Update] Wireless Diagnostic Scanner | 2025 New Advanced ECU Coding Bi-Directional Control OBD II Scanner | Upgrade Ver. of MP808/MP808BT
4. Topdon Artidiag Pro
Price: $399.99
The Topdon ArtiDiag Pro features a 7-inch touchscreen and 32GB of internal storage, along with a 6100mAh battery for extended use. In addition to these hardware specifications, it supports full system diagnostics, offers bidirectional control capabilities, and includes special ECU coding features.
Cons: Its main drawbacks are the short free update support period (a paid subscription may be required after two years) and limited support for advanced features on some vehicle models.
For Whom: Ideal for advanced DIY car owners and small repair shops/independent mechanics for routine maintenance and diagnostics.
5. Launch X431 CRP919X
Price: $465.00
The Launch X431 CRP919X is a professional-grade entry-level OBD II scanner. It boasts powerful hardware, supports bidirectional control, 31+ service functions, and ECU coding, making it more professional and affordable than other scanners under $500. It comes with a 2-year free upgrade service.
Cons: Feature availability varies by vehicle model. while 34+ services and most systems are supported, certain specific features may not be available on all models.
For Whom: Suitable for DIY users, small and medium-sized auto repair shops, and shops that may involve repairing complex problems.
Which One You Should Choose?
For DIY enthusiasts and home mechanics:
Tools like ThinkScan 689BT and TOPDON ArtiDiag Pro offer full-system diagnostics, active tests, and essential service functions at a reasonable price, making them ideal for hobbyists who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
For advanced DIYers and small workshops:
Devices such as xTool D7 and Launch X431 CRP919X provide broader vehicle coverage, tablet-style interfaces, and more advanced active testing features, perfect for users who frequently perform deeper diagnostics and maintenance.
For professional technicians seeking advanced features:
The Autel MP808BT PRO delivers powerful bidirectional control, extensive service functions, and ECU coding capabilities, making it suitable for pros who require professional-grade functionality in a mid-range scanner.
Summary
Whether you’re an advanced DIY enthusiast or a professional technician, each of these scanners delivers a strong balance of performance, vehicle coverage, and usability. Choosing the right one depends on your budget, required feature depth, and long-term update expectations—but all five represent solid, proven options for efficient vehicle diagnostics in 2025.
