The best OBD diagnostic device – buying guide for drivers and professionals
Vehicle diagnostics are now an integral part of maintenance – not only in workshops, but also for many drivers and hobbyists. Modern cars are packed with electronics, control units, and sensors that continuously collect data and log errors. Anyone with a suitable OBD2 diagnostic tool can read error codes themselves, schedule maintenance work, and save on workshop costs.
But the selection is vast. The spectrum ranges from simple handheld scanners to compact Vident devices to professional systems based on Panasonic or Dell. Many customers therefore ask themselves: Which OBD device is the best? Is a Vident device worth it? Which OBD2 device is recommended – and which one suits my needs?
In this article, we give you a comprehensive overview and include the most popular diagnostic devices from our shop.
Which OBD diagnostic device offers the best overall package?
An OBD diagnostic tool is the interface between the driver and the vehicle. It connects via the OBD2 port, reads error codes, and displays live data. Some devices can also reset service functions, relearn control units, or even perform extensive coding and programming.
To assess which device offers the “best overall package,” one must distinguish between private users and professionals :
- For private customers and hobby mechanics, it's especially important that the device is easy to use, supports common vehicle brands, and provides clear information. Nobody wants to spend hours navigating complicated menus or being left alone with incomprehensible error codes.
- For workshops and semi-professionals, however, robustness, a wide range of functions, and broad manufacturer coverage are important. These require diagnostic tools that can do more than just simple error codes—for example, adapting control units, flashing software, or creating detailed system analyses.
One example from our shop is the Panasonic CF-D1 universal truck diagnostic device . It covers a wide range of commercial vehicles and, with its robust Panasonic notebook, is an ideal partner for harsh workshop environments. This device scores highly for its stability, universal coverage, and long service life.
Also popular is the Dell Latitude 14 professional diagnostic device , which is suitable for cars, trucks, and construction equipment (CNH). Its professional hardware makes it a complete package for workshops requiring a universal system.
The best OBD diagnostic tool isn't necessarily the most expensive, but rather the one that best meets your needs. For frequent users and professionals, laptop-based devices like the Panasonic CF-D1 or Dell Latitude are the first choice, while occasional users are well served by simpler scanners.
Which Vident diagnostic device is most convincing in practical tests?
The Vident brand has established itself as a reliable manufacturer of diagnostic tools that are particularly popular with private customers and hobby mechanics. The reason: They are attractively priced , easy to understand, and yet powerful enough to detect far more than just engine faults.
In the auto-diagnostik.de range, you'll find the Vident iLink400 and Vident iAuto701 models, for example. Both are ideal for users seeking a compromise between a simple OBD2 adapter and a professional diagnostic tool .
- The Vident iLink400 covers numerous car brands, offers access to several control units (not only engine, but also ABS, airbag, etc.) and scores with clear menu navigation.
- The Vident iAuto701 goes one step further: It supports additional service functions, can be activated for more brands, and is therefore an ideal solution for ambitious hobby mechanics or smaller workshops.
If you're looking for a reliable diagnostic tool without investing several thousand euros, Vident devices are a great solution. The iAuto701, in particular, impressed in practical tests with its wide range of functions and ease of use.
Which OBD2 diagnostic device is currently recommended?
Not every OBD2 device is the same. Many inexpensive scanners can only read engine and emissions errors, but modern vehicles consist of dozens of control units – from transmissions and ABS to comfort systems.
Currently, OBD2 devices can be roughly divided into three classes:
- Simple OBD2 adapters – ideal for basic functions, such as clearing the check engine light or monitoring live data. Sufficient for private users with modest requirements.
- Mid-range devices such as the Vident models , which address other systems in addition to the engine and offer service functions.
- Professional, complete systems that run on notebooks and are designed for multi-brand diagnostics, including programming and coding. These include the original VAS6154 ODIS 24 (Engineering 18) Panasonic CF-D1 or the original VAS6154B ODIS Service 24 CF-53 in our shop.
While simple adapters are sufficient for occasional users, we recommend a device from the second or third category for customers who want more in the long term. A Vident iAuto701 or a VAS6154 complete system offers future-proofing, a wide range of functions, and clear user guidance.
Our current recommendation for 2025 is a mid-range device such as the Vident iAuto701 for ambitious private customers or a VAS6154 ODIS complete system for workshops and professionals.
Which OBD2 diagnostic tool best suits my needs?
The most important question is not: Which device is the best on the market?
But rather: Which device suits me best?
To make the right decision, you should consider the following points:
1. Vehicle type:
- Do you only drive a car or do you also want to cover trucks and construction equipment?
- For trucks, for example, the Universal Panasonic CF-D1 is the right choice.
2. Area of application:
- If you just want to read and delete errors, a simple Vident device will suffice.
- If you want to program control units, perform service resets, or create comprehensive diagnostics, you need a professional system like the VAS6154A or VAS6154B .
3.Budget:
- Entry-level devices such as the Vident iLink400 are available for little money.
- Professional systems cost significantly more, but also offer the range of functions that a workshop needs.
Examples from our shop:
- Original VAS6154A Wifi ASE complete set → professional use for VAG vehicles.
- Original VAS6154B ODIS Service 24 CF-53 → Latest solution for VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat.
- Universal Panasonic CF-D1 → Wide truck and multi-brand coverage.
- Professional diagnostic device Dell Latitude 14 → combination for cars, trucks and construction machinery.
The best OBD2 device is always the one that meets your needs. For beginners, a Vident device is often sufficient, while professionals invest in robust laptop solutions with ODIS software.
the right OBD device for every user
The search for the "best OBD device" quickly leads to the realization: There is no universally valid answer. Rather, the choice depends on the application :
- Private customers are best advised to use a Vident iLink400 or iAuto701 .
- Semi-professionals and heavy users rely on robust solutions such as the Dell Latitude 14 professional diagnostic device or the Panasonic CF-D1 .
- Workshops and VAG specialists should rely on the VAS6154 systems – regardless of whether they are version A or B.
You can find all of the devices mentioned in the auto-diagnostik.de shop. This way, you can be sure that you're getting a genuine product that's right for your vehicle and your needs.