Introduction to the 2024 Scan Tool Spec Guide

Welcome to the 2024 Scan Tool Spec Guide, brought to you by Professional Tool & Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines.

It’s been eight years since we started putting together this guide, and arguably as the years have passed, the need for shop owners and technicians to have the right scan tool/s has only increased. Though the basic format of this guide has stayed the same, each year we work hard to update every section to reflect the advancing technology of this industry. And with those advancements, that are only continuing to evolve, the scan tool remains one of the first tools a technician is reaching for to diagnose a customer’s vehicle. 

While OE scan tools have their place, this guide is dedicated to many of the aftermarket scan tool options available. According to our research in the 2024 Aftermarket Profile study — found in the April issues of PTEN and Professional Distributor — 78 percent of technicians are relying on aftermarket scan tools in the shop. That’s up six percent from last year’s study. 

So, if you or your shop is looking to add another scan tool to your collection, we’ve got you covered. We provide information from 25 aftermarket scan tool manufacturers all broken down into three categories: Global OBD-II, Professional Diagnostic, and Heavy Duty Diagnostic.

Over these next several pages, you’ll find the most up-to-date product information for aftermarket scan tools available on the market from many of your favorite manufacturers. 

Whether you’ve had a scan tool break, need to update your tool to a newer model, or your current scan tools just don’t do everything you need them to, let this guide be a reference for you as you narrow down what features you’re searching for. Purchasing a new scan tool is a big investment, so take your time flipping through these pages to help figure out exactly what scan tool fits all your requirements.