Autel is a leading brand in the automotive diagnostic tool industry, offering a wide range of professional car diagnostic tools tailored to different needs. With so many models available, it’s important to understand what features you can get within a specific budget.
So, what kind of Autel scanners can you get for under $500? And which ones offer the best value for your money? In this guide, we’ll explore the best Autel scanners under 500, highlighting their key functions and helping you find the best Autel scanner for your garage or repair shop.
Most handheld Autel scanners are priced under $500, making them a great choice for budget-conscious DIYers and mechanics. These affordable tools all support engine diagnostics, and some models go even further—offering coverage for key systems like ABS, SRS, transmission, and more.
In fact, several handheld options in this price range even support full-system diagnostics, making them powerful and versatile professional car diagnostic tools at an entry-level price.Here are two of Autel’s newest handheld scanner models worth checking out.
The Autel MD906 Pro is an upgraded version of the MD808 Pro. While it continues to offer full-system diagnostics, it adds 11 commonly used service functions for enhanced capability.
Beyond functionality, the MD906 Pro also sees improvements in both design and connectivity—replacing physical buttons with a touchscreen interface and switching from a wired connection to Bluetooth. Here are some of its key features.
The Autel MD906PRO supports all-system diagnostics.
$299.00
Autel MaxiDiag MD906 Pro | 2025 Newest Professional Scan Tool | Enhanced Mode 6 Diagnostics | All System AutoScan | Support 11 service functions | Support OBDII protocols & all 10 OBDII test modes
Shop NowThe Autel MD909PRO is the newest handheld diagnostic tool from Autel. It builds on the MD906PRO with updated styling and added features, making it a strong choice for DIY and Pro Mechanics.Here are some of its key features:
While the Autel MD909PRO and MD906PRO share nearly identical hardware—aside from a difference in color—the MD909PRO offers upgraded diagnostic capabilities. One key advantage is its compatibility with the Autel BT506, allowing it to function as a complete in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle battery tester.
With advanced Adaptive Conductance technology, it delivers fast, accurate evaluations of battery health and charge status. Depending on your needs, you can choose between the MD906PRO and the more advanced MD909PRO.
$329.00
2025 Newest Professional Scan Tool | Enhanced Mode 6 Diagnostics | All System AutoScan | Support 11 service functions | Support OBDII protocols & all 10 OBDII test modes
Shop NowNote: The Autel MD909PRO is currently out of stock. If you're interested in purchasing, please contact us—we'll notify you as soon as it becomes available.
Compared to handheld models, Autel tablet scanners offer upgraded hardware, including larger screens and more powerful configurations. However, the biggest difference lies in diagnostic and service capabilities.
Tablet scanners support a wider range of maintenance functions—up to 48 in some models—and nearly all include bi-directional control, allowing users to perform active tests and component actuation with ease.
Starting February 1, 2025, the Autel MX808S received a major upgrade, transforming it from an entry-level tablet into a professional car diagnostic tool. With bi-directional control and enhanced features, it’s now one of the best Autel scanners for repair shops, mechanics, DIYers, and automotive students.
Key Features:
Offers deep diagnostics for all available modules—ECM, TCM, ABS, airbag, HVAC, lighting, etc.—allowing full access to read/clear codes, view live data, and reset systems.
Includes essential functions like Oil Reset, EPB, BMS, Injector Coding, Throttle Reset, ABS Bleeding, and more—making it a powerful all-in-one tool for everyday vehicle service.
The Autel MX808S provides you with 28+ most-practical maintenance services.
The MX808S allows users to send commands to the vehicle to test components like windows, fuel pumps, and sensors—unlike basic scanners that only read data. This helps technicians quickly pinpoint faults.
Automatically detects vehicle info via Auto VIN, generates cloud-based reports, and includes 1 year of free software updates—making it easy to keep the tool current and efficient for daily use.
Connects with the MV108S (sold separately) for video inspection inside engine bays, behind panels, or in hard-to-reach areas—ideal for visual troubleshooting and documentation.
$369.00
Autel MaxiCheck MX808S | Entry-Level OBD2 Scanner | OE-Level All System Diagnostics | Bi-Directional Control | FCA AutoAuth | 36+ Services | NO IP Limitation | Updated of MX808/MK808/MK808BT
Shop NowIn 2025, Autel introduced the MaxiCheck MX900 as the upgraded replacement for the MK808, MX808, MK808Z, and MK808BT. With improved hardware and broader vehicle and function coverage, the MX900 has quickly become the most cost-effective bi-directional scan tool in the Autel scanners lineup.
Key Features:
Equipped with Android 11, 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM, an 8" LCD screen, and a 7700mAh battery, the MX900 delivers faster, smoother diagnostics and improved multitasking—ideal for professional and workshop use.
MX900 allows users to send commands to vehicle systems (e.g., turning windows or lights on/off, testing actuators), making it easy to identify faults without disassembling parts—saving time and effort.
Supports over 40 service functions like Injector Coding, Oil Reset, DPF Regeneration, ABS Bleeding, Key Programming, and more—perfect for tackling a wide range of daily maintenance tasks.
Covers 80+ U.S., Asian, and European makes and supports the latest protocols like DoIP and CAN FD, ensuring compatibility with newer vehicles and advanced system communication.
$459.00
Autel MaxiCheck MX900 OBD2 All System Diagnostic Scanner, Bi-Directional Control, DoIP/CAN FD, Read/Clear Code, 40+ Service, Upgrade of MK808/MX808
Shop NowThe Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT PRO is an upgraded 2025 version of the MX808/MK808BT, featuring full bidirectional control, OE-level all-system diagnostics, and FCA AutoAuth. Powered by Android with a 7" touchscreen, it offers top value for comprehensive vehicle diagnostics.
Key Features:
Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity (up to 10m) and Android 11, it ensures fast, stable performance and a more convenient experience compared to wired tools.
It performs in-depth diagnostics on all available vehicle modules (ECM, TCM, ABS, SRS, BCM, etc.), reading/clearing codes and viewing live data to help identify and fix issues accurately.
This scan tool provides a wide range of special functions including oil reset, EPB, SAS, DPF, ABS bleeding, and more to meet daily service needs in auto repair shops.
The MK808BT PRO supports bi-directional communication with vehicle systems, allowing you to send commands to actuators like windows, sunroofs, and ABS to verify functionality.
$469.00
Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT Pro | Wireless OBD2 Diagnostic Tool | Full Bi-directional Contro | All System Diagnostics | 38+ Services | FCA Autoauth | Upgraded Ver. Of MK808BT/MK808/MX808
Shop NowThese five Autel scanners are among the best professional diagnostic tools under $500. However, keep in mind that none of them support ECU coding or programming. If you need those advanced features, consider increasing your budget. Review the key features above and choose the one that best fits your diagnostic needs!
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