Actron is among the leading diagnostic scan tool brands on the market. They offer diagnostic scanners for all people, from newbies to enthusiasts and professionals. Their scanners also cover extensive functions and a broader range of vehicle models and make.
We did thorough research before coming up with these six best Actron scanners on the market. As a result, you don’t have to go running up and down looking for the right Actron scanner. Go through our Actron scanner review and select a scanner that best suits your needs.
So, whether you’re tired of making an impromptu visit to the mechanic or want an advanced automotive diagnostic scan tool for diagnosing your client’s vehicles, Actron has got you covered.
Best Actron Scanners Comparison Chart
| Images | Popular Actron Scanner | Feature Details |
|---|---|---|
2023 Editor's Pick Check Price | Actron CP9680 AutoScanner Plus Scan device with ABS and Airbag Features Read Review | |
| Best Budget Choice  Check Price | Actron CP9670 AutoScanner with color screen Read Review | |
Advanced Professional Choice Check Price | Actron CP9695 AutoScanner Pro OBD2 Code Reader Read Review |
Summary of Contents
Most Popular 6 Best Actron Scanner Reviews
These are as follows:
Actron CP9690 Elite AutoScanner Kit
The Actron CP9690 Elite Autoscanner kit is an advanced scanner with lots of basic, special, and advanced functions. The scan tool can be utilized to record and playback Live data, live graph data, reset the battery, erase codes, turns off the check engine light, display emission status, and much more. Also, you don’t have to struggle to find out your vehicle’s make, model, and year as it has an automatic identification function that does so.
Technical Specifications of the Actron CP9690 Elite AutoScanner:
| Features | Actron CP9690 Elite |
| Display: | Easy-to-read color LCD screen |
| Works: | ALL 1996 and later vehicles |
| Powertrain and ABS Vehicle coverage: | Yes |
| Views freeze frame data: | Yes |
| Check Engine Light: | Yes |
| Support: | OBD I, OBD II |
| Larger Screen: | Yes |
| Record, playback, and graph live engine data: | Yes |
| OBD I cables and coverage: | Yes |
| Code Connect: | Yes |
| Battery system monitor: | Yes |
| Oil light and battery reset: | Yes |
| Update option: | Yes (Via the Internet) |
| Warranty: | One year |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
The device is also easy to use, with a large 3.5-inch color screen and a multilingual menu. Also, the hotkeys are clear and well-labeled for a quick diagnosis of your vehicle(s). This scanner covers a lot of vehicles, with both OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles included. It covers OBD I vehicles manufactured between 1984 and 1995, which include Ford, GM, Toyota, and Chrysler. Also, it works with most 1996 and newer vehicles.
With such extensive coverage and a wider range of functions, this is the best Actron scanner for beginner or professional use.
Pros:
- Extensive vehicle coverage of both OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles
- Large 3.5-inch LCD color screen for ease of reading results
- Provides real-time live data
- Reads and erases error codes
- Intuitive user interface
- Displays emission status
- Multilingual menu and code definitions
- CodeConnect with more than 26 million fixes
- Internet updateable
Cons:
- It is quite heavy and not easy to move around with
- Slightly costly when compared to similar scan tools on the market
Actron CP9670 Auto Scanner Trilingual OBD2 Scanner
The Second Actron scanner on our list is the Actron CP9670 diagnostic code reader. If you find that the Actron CP9690 is costly or has more features than you desire, then this will be a better option. Actron CP9670 is sturdily made with a large color screen and a multilingual menu. You can change the language from English to either French or Spanish.
Technical Specifications of the Actron CP9670 Autoscanner:
| Features | Actron cp9670 |
| Works: | 1996 and newer vehicles |
| Check Engine Light: | Yes |
| Live data information: | Yes |
| Powertrain and ABS Vehicle coverage: | Yes |
| Battery System Monitor: | No |
| Views Freeze Frame Data: | Yes |
| Read & Erase DTCs: | Yes |
| Record and Playback of Live Data: | Yes |
| State OBD check(emissions): | Yes |
| Update Option: | Yes |
| Get transmission codes: | Yes |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
The scanner covers 1994 and 1996 OBD II-compliant vehicles. Besides, it worked with most vehicles manufactured between 1996 and 2013. It can be used to graph live data, check emissions status, reset MIL and turn off check engine light, record and playback data, and much more.
Related article: Check the Affordable Autel AL519 AutoLink Enhanced OBD ll Scan Tool Review
And when you acquire a new vehicle model, you can update the scanner over the internet. This is a perfect code reader for car enthusiasts and professional mechanics on a budget.
Pros:
- Shows both generic and manufacturer-specific codes
- Trilingual menu with code definitions
- Large LCD screen for ease of reading outcomes
- Read and erases ABS for most 1996 to 2013 vehicles
- Live data
- Displays both generic and manufacturer-specific DTCs and definitions
- Internet updateable
Cons:
- It has limited coverage as it doesn’t work with cars manufactured beyond 2013
- It is somehow heavy compared to the cheap Ancel AD310 Classic code reader
Actron CP9695 AutoScanner Pro OBD II Scan Tool
The Actron CP9695 automotive diagnostic scanner is the most advanced unit on this list. Unlike the scanners that we’ve discussed, this device can perform brake service resets, check fuel mileage, and show enhanced powertrain and ABS datastream for most vehicles.
Technical Specifications of the Actron CP9695 AutoScanner Pro Scan Tool:
| Features | Actron CP9695 |
| Works: | ALL 1996 & newer import/domestic vehicles |
| Display: | Color Screen |
| Read ABS and Airbag/SRS code: | Yes |
| Support: | OBD I and OBD II Scan Tool |
| O2 sensor test: | Yes |
| Enhanced Powertrain and ABS datastream: | Dom, Asian, Euro |
| ABS Enhanced Live Datastream: | For GM, Ford, and Toyota |
| Ford On-Demand Tests: | Yes |
| Transmission Enhanced Live Datastream: | For GM and Ford |
| AutoScanner Live Data: | Yes |
| ABS and Airbag Coverage: | Yes |
| Oil Light Resets: | Yes |
| Update Software: | Yes |
| CodeConnect: | 26 million fixes |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
The scanner is quite large and heavy, which might be a challenge for some people. But overall, this is a quality and advanced scanner that will help you to diagnose different vehicles manufactured from 1996 and newer, and some select 1994 to 1995 vehicles.
With its ability to perform complex functions and featuring extensive CodeConnect software, the scanner is more suited for professional use rather than newbies or DIY enthusiasts.
Pros:
- The CodeConnect software gives you a list of common problems that face your vehicle.
- Reads and clears DTCs
- Large color screen for ease of use
- Extensive vehicle coverage of most 1996 and newer vehicles
- Real-time live data
- Records and playbacks vehicle sensor
- Checks emissions readiness status
- Internet updateable
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners or DIY enthusiasts
- It is quite expensive
Best Actron Scanner CP9680 Plus OBD II Scan Tool
Featuring a large and intuitive user interface, the Actron CP9680 is a professional-grade scanner with lots of features and functions to offer. It allows you to use English, French, or Spanish to read and erase error codes. You can also utilize the scanner to check the emissions status, MIL status, freeze frame data, and monitor fuel mileage parameters.
Technical Specifications of the Actron CP9680 AutoScanner Plus OBD II Scan Tool:
| Features | Actron CP9680 |
| Works: | ALL 1996 & newer import/domestic vehicles |
| Oil light reset: | most 1996-2013 BMW & GM, limited Ford & Hyundai |
| GM DTC status: | Yes |
| Battery Reset: | late model BMW, Mini Cooper, and Ford F-Service trucks |
| Airbag codes and definitions: | Most 1996-2013 GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai vehicles |
| ABS codes and definitions: | Most 1996-2013 GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai vehicles |
| Record / Playback of live data: | Yes |
| LIVE real-time data: | Yes |
| Read and erase DTCs: | Yes |
| Read and display VIN, CVN, and Cal ID: | Yes |
| Display State OBD check: | Yes |
| Update Software: | Yes |
| Print to PC: | Yes |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
If you’re a professional mechanic who always deals with older and newer OBD2-compatible vehicles, then you will find this scanner perfect. It works on a few 1994 to 1995 vehicles and most 1996 or newer OBD II vehicles. Some of the vehicle models include Toyota, Chrysler, Hyundai, Ford, Nissan, GM, and Chrysler.
Pros:
- Wider compatibility
- Excellent design for ease of use
- Internet updateable
- A broader range of functions
- Trilingual menu
- CodConnect for ease of interpretation of fault codes
Cons:
- It is slightly expensive when compared to Foxwell scan tools
- Some users have complained about compatibility problems
Actron CP9660 Automotive Code Readers
Some people don’t need advanced scanners that cost a lot. If your aim of acquiring an OBD II scan tool is to save money and time wasted visiting the mechanic frequently, then this is an excellent scanner for you. The Actron CP9660 is a compact and sturdy device that will help you erase and read OBD2 error codes.
Technical Specifications of the Actron CP9660 Pocketscan Plus
| Features | Actron CP9660 |
| Works: | All 1996 and newer vehicles |
| Reads ABS and OBD II generic codes: | Yes |
| Reads and displays all available I/M monitors for emissions: | Yes |
| Freeze Frame Data: | Yes |
| Live data vehicle sensor: | Yes |
| Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): | Yes |
| Switch and Relay inputs in real-time: | Yes |
| Warranty: | One year (12 months) |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
However, it is only suited for diagnosing basic OBDII functions and not advanced ones. Also, it is affordable, but the screen is small and not colored. So, reading results might be slightly challenging. On a lighter note, this code reader checks emissions, shows live data, reads & erases fault codes, and shows onscreen codes and definitions.
Related article: Check the difference between Launch CRP123 and CRP129 scanners
Use it on most 1996 and newer vehicles from Asia, the USA, and Europe. Furthermore, it is also compatible with fewer 1994 to 1995 vehicle makes and models. With over 4000 preloaded generic DTC definitions, you will have an easy time interpreting what the error codes mean.
Pros:
- A compact and portable unit
- Reads and erases error codes
- Affordable tool
- Easy to use
- Checks emissions readiness status
- Shows live data and freeze frame
- Works on most OBD 2 and CAN vehicles
Cons:
- It cannot be updated
- Connecting the device is not as easy as other Bluetooth-enabled FIXD scanners
- The small screen is quite difficult to read
Actron CP9125 C PocketScan Code Reader
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a scan tool on standby, then the Actron CP9125 C pocket scan code reader is a perfect tool for you. This is the cheapest and best Actron scanner on our list, but it will also help you understand why your car check engine light is on.
The Actron CP9125 C Pocketscan diagnostic code reader can read and erase fault codes on most 1996 and newer OBD II-compliant vehicles. This includes domestic, European, and Asian vehicle makes and models.
Technical Specifications of the Actron Scanner CP9125C Code Reader:
| Features | Actron CP9125 C PocketScan |
| Works: | All 1996 and newer import and domestic OBD II and CAN vehicles |
| Display MIL status: | Yes |
| Displays emission status: | Yes |
| Special Features: | Includes OBDII 16-pin connector, Includes software with 5,000+ trouble codes, Works for most cars and light trucks since 1996 |
| Indicates the number of DTCs pulled: | Yes |
| Update Option: | Yes |
| Warranty: | One year (12 months) |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
Since it is compact and straightforward to use, the device is more suited for DIY enthusiasts and start-up mechanics. You don’t have to be experienced to use this scanner, as it’s straightforward. It only comes with two buttons – one for reading and the other for erasing fault codes. Just link the OBD2 port with the pin and diagnose your car.
Unlike the advanced scan tool models on this list, you won’t be able to update this device or even perform advanced functions like reset the oil light. But for the money, it is a great tool and ideal for personal drivers or home use.
Pros:
- Compact and sturdy design
- Straightforward to use
- Reads and erases error codes
- Extensive vehicle coverage of most 1996 and newer vehicles
- Excellent price
Cons:
- The small, black-and-white screen is challenging to read in poorly lit areas.
- It covers a few functions
Summary
After highlighting the best Actron scan tools on the market, you should now easily pick the best Actron scanner for your needs. Actron diagnostic scanners do a great job of reading and erasing fault codes. Simply choose the right OBD2 scanner, and you will end up saving a lot of cash. Their scanners are also simple to use, cover various functions, and offer extensive vehicle coverage.
FAQ
Question: What should I consider when picking a diagnostic code reader?
Answer: Not every scan is perfect for your needs. Therefore, you need to consider the features the unit has. First of all, you need to know the features that you desire in a scan tool. Secondly, you have to ensure that it is compatible with your car’s make and model. Also, a good scanner should be internet updateable so that you can have the latest software to diagnose the newest vehicle models.
Question: What does ECU mean?
Answer: ECU in full is an engine control unit. Some people refer to it as an engine control module. The ECU is a type of electronic control unit that controls several actuators on an internal combustion engine to make sure there is optimal engine performance. It reads values from various sensors within the engine bay, interprets the data using multidimensional performance maps, and adjusts the engine actuators as needed.
Question: What are the Common Terms?
TPS– Throttle Position Sensor
PCV– Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve
MAF– Mass Air Flow Sensor
MAP– Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
EGR– Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
ECM– Electronic Control Module
CTS– Coolant Temperature Sensor
Question: How to contact Actron Support?
Address: 28635 Mound Road, Warren, MI-48092, USA
Customer Service: 1-800-228-7667
Email: customerservice@actron.com
Code-Library: https://actron.com/code-lookup
Discontinued OBD2 Scanners List:
- CP9580 AutoScanner Plus
- CP9576 AutoScanner
- CP9410 PocketScan Plus
- CP9180 AutoScanner Plus
- CP9175 OBD II AutoScanner
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Kevin Nicholas is an automotive technician who is a genius at software and hardware-related issues. He manually tested more than a hundred OBD scanners and gave his honest opinion on whether the device was worth the money or not. His in-depth OBD review articles help people choose the right product, whether it is a European, American, or Asian vehicle. He completed his Automotive Specialized Training Course at Universal Technical Institute and has more than 15 years of experience in the field.
