ScanTool

Name

ScanTool

Legal name

ScanTool.net, LLC

Website

https://scantool.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Phoenix

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Scan Tool Sales: Sale of physical OBD-II scan tool devices including OBDLink MX+, OBDLink CX, OBDLink EX, OBDLink LX Bluetooth, and discontinued OBDLink SX. One-time hardware purchase model with prices ranging from $69.95 to $139.95 per unit.
2. Diagnostic Software Licenses: OBDwiz diagnostic software is included free with hardware purchases. Premium software add-ons such as Enhanced GM Diagnostics and Ford Enhanced Diagnostics are available for purchase separately.
3. FORScan Software Compatibility: OBDLink EX is specifically designed for use with FORScan software, a third-party diagnostic application for Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Mazda vehicles.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

ScanTool.net designs, manufactures, and sells OBD-II scan tool hardware under the OBDLink brand that turn PCs, tablets, and smartphones into vehicle diagnostic scan tools, trip computers, and real-time performance monitors. The product line includes the OBDLink MX+, CX BLE, EX USB, and LX Bluetooth adapters, paired with proprietary OBDwiz Windows software, the OBDLink Android app, and broad compatibility with third-party apps such as Torque, DashCommand, FORScan, and BimmerCode.

Product overview

ScanTool.net offers a portfolio of OBD-II scan tool hardware products under the OBDLink brand, designed to turn smartphones, tablets, and PCs into diagnostic scan tools, trip computers, and real-time performance monitors. The product line includes the premium OBDLink MX+ (wireless for iOS/Android/Windows), OBDLink CX BLE (optimized for BimmerCode BMW coding), OBDLink EX USB (custom-designed for FORScan Ford/Mazda diagnostics), and OBDLink LX Bluetooth (budget-priced with maximum third-party app compatibility). The OBDLink SX USB was an entry-level option now discontinued and superseded by EX. Supporting software includes the proprietary OBDwiz Windows diagnostic application and OBDLink Android app (both free with hardware), while the hardware is also compatible with numerous third-party diagnostic applications including Torque, DashCommand, FORScan, BimmerCode, and OBD Auto Doctor. The adapters support all legislated OBD-II protocols including CAN, ISO 9141, ISO 14230, and J1850 variants.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• OBDLink: OBD-II scan tool brand including MX+, CX, EX, LX, and SX models

Products and services

• OBDLink MX+ Professional OBD2 Scanner Professional-grade Bluetooth OBD-II scan tool that pairs with iOS, Android, and Windows devices for diagnostic scanning, real-time parameter monitoring, and check engine light management. Includes free OBDLink app and OBDwiz software.
• OBDLink CX BLE Adapter Bluetooth 5.1 BLE OBD-II adapter optimized for the BimmerCode car coding app, providing 100% coverage of BMW and compatible vehicle features with rock-solid BLE connectivity and overvoltage protection.
• OBDLink EX USB Scan Tool USB OBD-II adapter custom-designed for FORScan software, featuring electronic switch for simultaneous access to all CAN buses and support for Ford Medium-Speed CAN (MS-CAN) proprietary network.
• OBDLink LX Bluetooth Scan Tool Budget-priced Bluetooth OBD-II adapter delivering up to 4x faster data samples per second than competitors, with BatterySaver sleep mode, hacker-proof 128-bit encryption, and broad third-party app compatibility across Android, Windows, Blackberry, and Garmin Virb XE.
• OBDLink SX USB OBD-II Scan Tool Entry-level USB OBD-II scan tool for do-it-yourself mechanics, originally priced at $49.95. Includes license key for OBDwiz diagnostic software. Superseded by OBDLink EX.
• OBDwiz Diagnostics Software Windows diagnostic software included free with OBDLink hardware, enabling diagnostic trouble code reading/clearing, freeze frame access, real-time parameter graphing and logging of 90+ parameters, and custom digital dashboards.
• OBDLink App (Android) Free Android mobile app exclusive to OBDLink hardware users for check engine light management, diagnostic trouble code reading/clearing, freeze frame access, real-time parameter display/graphing/logging, and custom dashboard creation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Scan tools work on all 1996 and newer cars and light trucks sold in the United States
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• FORScancoreTechnology or IntegrationOBDLink EX was specifically designed in partnership with the FORScan software team for optimal FORScan performance. FORScan recommends EX for its connection reliability, lightning-fast data transfer speed, and support of proprietary Ford CAN buses. FORScan is diagnostic software designed specifically for Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Mazda vehicles.
• BimmerCodecoreTechnology or IntegrationOBDLink CX was specifically optimized for use with the BimmerCode car coding app. Marketed as 'Made for BimmerCode' and recommended by the BimmerCode team. Provides 100% coverage of all vehicles, protocols, and advanced features supported by BimmerCode for BMW coding.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Autel Intelligent Technology: Autel is a leading global manufacturer of OBD-II and professional automotive diagnostic scan tools, offering Bluetooth adapters (AP200, AP250) and high-end professional scanners (MaxiSys series). It directly competes with ScanTool in both DIY and professional segments with significantly larger scale and broader product portfolio.
• Innova Electronics: Innova is a well-established US-based OBD-II scan tool brand offering Bluetooth and wired adapters (Innova 5210, 5310, 5610) targeting both DIY consumers and entry-level professionals. It competes head-to-head with OBDLink on price, compatibility, and DIY mobile app experience.
• BlueDriver: BlueDriver by Lemur Vehicle Monitors is a popular Bluetooth OBD-II adapter paired with a proprietary mobile app, focused on the DIY consumer market with code reading, repair reports, and a strong app experience. It competes directly with OBDLink LX and MX+ in the consumer Bluetooth segment.
• ANCEL: ANCEL manufactures a wide range of budget to mid-tier OBD-II scan tools (ANCEL AD310, ANCEL BD310, FX2000) targeting price-sensitive DIY and entry-level professional buyers. It competes with ScanTool primarily in the budget Bluetooth/USB adapter category.
• BAFX Products: BAFX sells budget Bluetooth and WiFi OBD-II adapters primarily through Amazon, targeting the price-sensitive DIY consumer segment. It competes with ScanTool's entry-level LX Bluetooth adapter on price, though with lower build quality and fewer advanced features.

Emerging players

• FIXD: FIXD offers a consumer-focused OBD-II sensor and mobile app aimed at simplifying vehicle health monitoring for non-technical car owners. While it overlaps with ScanTool's DIY segment, FIXD emphasizes ease-of-use and maintenance reminders over professional-grade diagnostics.
• Topdon: Topdon is a rapidly growing Chinese automotive diagnostics company offering OBD-II adapters (TopScan, ArtiDiag) and professional scan tools. It competes with ScanTool in the mid-tier consumer and prosumer segments with aggressive pricing and frequent product refreshes.

Broad incumbents

• Snap-on Incorporated: Snap-on is the dominant professional automotive diagnostic equipment brand (Modis, Solus, Ethos series) used by dealerships and professional mechanics worldwide. It competes with ScanTool at the high end of the professional segment where ScanTool's products reportedly cover ~90% of Snap-on functionality at a fraction of the price.
• Bosch Automotive Service Solutions: Bosch offers a comprehensive range of OBD-II scan tools and professional diagnostic equipment (OBD 1350, ADS series) for both consumers and professional workshops. As a broad automotive industry incumbent, it competes with ScanTool across multiple price tiers with significantly greater brand recognition and distribution.
• Launch Tech: Launch Tech is a major Chinese automotive diagnostic equipment manufacturer offering the X-431 series of professional scan tools and consumer-grade adapters. It competes with ScanTool across both consumer and professional tiers with strong global distribution.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/scantool

Compliance15 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ScanTool