Scan tool brands are coming up with new and advanced automotive scanners every day, which makes selecting a quality obd2 scanner to be quite challenging. Innova and Actron is a well-known scanner brand. You will find the most popular Innova scanners list here and the Actron scanner list here.
But In this Innova VS Actron article, we will compare two different scanners from Innova and Actron and help you to determine which one suits your needs.
Related Comparison Article: Autel VS Innova Scan tool
Brand Comparison Chart: Innova VS Actron
Innova is one of the oldest scan tool brands, and it is trusted by many professional mechanics and technicians. Actron is also a nice brand with lots of quality and easy-to-use scan tools at affordable prices.
Features |
Actron |
Innova |
| Reputation: | Less known | Well-Known |
| Beginner Tools: | Yes | Yes |
| Professional Tools: | No | Yes |
| Product Variation: | Only Few | More than Actron |
| Pricing Idea: | Low to Medium | low to Medium to High |
| Product Quality: | Good | Better |
Innova and Actron Brand Two Top Selling Scanner Comparison
Are you torn between the Innova 3160g and the Actron CP9690 scan tools? Worry not, as this review will help to select a scan tool that meets your needs.
Features |
Innova 3160g |
Actron CP9690 |
| Works: | 1996 and newer OBD2 car | Most 1996-2013 |
| Obd1 & Obd2: | No | Support (1984-1995) |
| LED Lighted Connector: | Yes | No |
| Batteries: | 3 AA batteries are required. (included) | 2 AAA batteries are required. (included) |
| Bluetooth: | Yes | No |
| LED Light Indication: | Yes | No |
| Shows SRS Codes: | Yes | Yes |
| Oil Light Reset: | Yes | Yes |
| Software Update Option: | Free online update | Free update online lifetime |
| Weight: | 1.37 pounds | 4 pounds |
| Dimensions: | 10.2 x 8.2 x 1.5 inches | 4 x 11 x 4 inches |
| Warranty: | 1-year warranty | 12-month warranty |
| Price: |  Check Price |
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Innova 3160g scan tool with Bluetooth
The Innova 3160g is a professional-grade scan tool with user-friendly features. The unit has a large color screen for easy interpretation of results. It performs a wide range of functions such as reading and clearing ABS and SRS codes, streaming and recording live data, resetting oil light and resetting battery maintenance light, among other functions.
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The gadget is compactly designed for smooth operation and has a Bluetooth function that allows the user to connect the device to a tablet or smartphone for wireless operation. The Innova 3160g is also compatible with most 1996 and newer domestic and foreign vehicles. It has an LED-lighted connector for easy locating of the OBD2 port even in the dark. You can update the device for free, and it has a one-year warranty.
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Actron CP9690 Trilingual OBD1/OBD2 Scan tool
The Actron CP9690 trilingual scan tool can diagnose both OBD1 and OBD2 compatible vehicles. It is also well-built with an intuitive user interface. Hence, using this gadget is easy and fast, even for beginners. Thanks to the large colored LCD screen and clearly labeled hotkeys. You can use this diagnostic code reader to record, playback, and graph live engine data. In addition, it is also compatible with all 1996 and newer import and domestic OBD2 and CAN vehicles.
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The Actron CP9690 is also compatible with most 1994-1995 OBD2 compliant vehicles and 1984-1995 Ford, GM, Toyota, and Chrysler OBD1 vehicles. The gadget is compact in design and simple to handle or store. It can print data to PC and has a CodeConnect feature with more than 26 million experience-based fixes. You can update this device through the USB port, and it comes with a battery for off-car review analysis.
Comparison of the Innova 3160g Vs Actron CP9690 scanner
Vehicle coverage
If you deal with a wide range of vehicles, then you’re better off using the Actron CP9690 as it has extensive vehicle coverage. You can use it to diagnose both OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles. With the Innova scanner, you will only be able to diagnose OBD2 compliant vehicles.
Related Comparison: Foxwell VS Autel Scanner
LED lighted indicator
This feature can only be found on the Innova 3160g. It allows you to identify the OBD2 port in the dark.
LCD screen
Both of these diagnostic scan tools come with a large and intuitive display. This makes reading or interpreting results to be easy.
Bluetooth connectivity
The Innova 3160g diagnostic scan tool comes with Bluetooth connectivity, while the Actron CP9690 doesn’t have one. The Bluetooth function allows you to perform some functions, such as viewing live data from your phone.
Related Comparison: Autel VS Actron Scanner
Cost: When it comes to cost, the Innova 3160g is costlier than the Actron CP9690 scanner.
Summary
These two scan tools are similar in many ways. First of all, they all come with a large and intuitive user interface. The hotkeys are clear, and they perform similar functions as well. However, the Actron CP9690 doesn’t come with a Bluetooth function, while the Innova 3160g is not compatible with OBD1 vehicles. If you want a versatile scan tool, then you should get the Actron CP9690. But if you want a more professional diagnostic scan tool, then go for the Innova 3160g.