Should you buy Foxwell NT301 Plus instead of NT301?
Both Foxwell NT301 Plus and NT301 scanners boast incredible features for easy car diagnosis, and they have many similar features and use cases. This often makes it quite a headache to choose which of the OBDII readers to buy.
Not to worry – we’ve compared their features, functions, price, and vehicle compatibility, and key differences in detail. We hope this guide will help you decide which OBDII reader is right for you.
Contents
Foxwell NT301 and NT301 Plus: Comparison Table
 Foxwell NT301 |  Foxwell NT301 Plus |
|
|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating |  | |
| Price |  | |
| Weight | 1.06 pounds | 1.73 pounds |
| Dimensions | 8.66 x 3.15 x 6.69 inches | 8.7 x 6.54 x 3.35 inches. |
| Vehicle compatibility | All OBDII-compliant cars, SUVs, minivans, light-duty trucks, and hybrid cars 12V light trucks and cars (non-electric) from 1996 and newer 16-pin OBD2 vehicles. | All OBDII-compliant cars, SUVs, minivans, light-duty trucks, and hybrid cars |
| OBDII Functions | Read & Clear Error Codes, I/M Readiness, Data Stream, Freeze Frame Data, O2 Sensor Test, Vehicle Information | Read & Clear Error Codes, I/M Readiness, Data Stream, Freeze Frame Data, O2 Sensor Test, Vehicle Information |
| System Diagnosis | Engine | Engine |
| Special Functions | - | Battery Testing |
| Marketed Users | Users who want a standard OBD-II reader to read and clear error codes and check engine system. | Users who want a standard OBD II reader with battery testing capability. |
| Pros | - An easy-to-use OBDII scanner and 12V battery tester. - Has all the features you’ll need in a typical OBDII scanner - Intuitive and straightforward, cutting out the need to consult the manual every time. | - An easy-to-use OBDII scanner and 12V battery tester. - It saves you money on a battery tester. |
| Cons | - It lacks battery testing functionality. | - Expensive more than NT301. - Error codes are confusing - Appear bulky, although that’s insignificant in the long run. |
About Foxwell NT301 and Foxwell NT301 Plus
Foxwell NT301
The Foxwell NT301 is a powerful OBDII scanner that can read and clear your car error codes. It connects to the car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU), allowing it to detect problems when the “Check Engine Light” comes on. The scanner’s function covers several parts of your car’s engine system, including the ignition coils, thermostat, gas cap, air-fuel ratio sensor, spark plug, and oxygen sensor.
After you fix the problem, the NT301 scanner will clear the error codes and switch off the Check Engine Light alert. It presents live data and can record the information for later use. If you like, you can connect the device to a computer and print the diagnostic data.
Foxwell NT301 Plus
Foxwell NT301 Plus is an OBDII Scanner and EOBD Code Reader. It is similar to its predecessor, NT301, in almost every way. The main difference between both OBD11 readers is that the NT301 Plus also serves as a 12V Battery Tester, making it a 2-in-1 diagnostic tool. That means you can check for OBD errors and carry out battery checks with the NT301 Plus.
It can test several types of 12 V batteries, including AGM flat plate, regular flooded, AGM spiral, and gel. Results from the battery test could be any of the following: Good Battery, Charge & Reset, Replace Battery, and Bad Cell-Replace.
Essentially, Foxwell NT301 Plus combines the BT100 Battery Tester and NT301 OBDII Reader – both from Foxwell. So, instead of going about with the NT301 and a separate battery tester, you only need NT301 Plus. The scanner supports all OBDII and EOBD-compliant cars, minivans, SUVs, and even hybrid cars.
Foxwell NT301 vs. Foxwell NT301 Plus: Key Things in Common
While the NT301 and NT301 Plus are two different products, they have some similarities as they both OBDII readers manufactured by the same company. Here are some of the ways that both products are similar.
Read and Clear Codes
We like to see the NT301 and NT301 Plus as brothers, not only because they’re from the same manufactures, but because of their similar functions. Both scanners allow you to view a detailed description of error codes and reset the Check Engine Light when you’ve fixed the problem.
With both scanners, you can view a live stream of your vehicle, check freeze frame data, and read vehicle information.
Supported Protocols
The NT301 and NT301 Plus support the same OBDII protocols, such as J1859-41.6, J1859-10.4, ISO9141, ISO14230, and CAN. They support several OBDII monitors like Fuel System Monitor, Catalyst Monitor, Comprehensive Components Monitor, Oxygen Sensor Monitor, and others.
Supported Vehicle Makes
When it comes to vehicle support, both OBDII readers share no differences. They both support all OBDII/EOBD-complaints vehicles. That list would include all cars, SUVs, light-duty trucks, minivans, and hybrid cars sold from 1996 to date. Some popular vehicle brands compatible with these scanners include Chevrolet, BMW, Cadillac, Toyota, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, LandRover, Ford, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Honda, Volvo, and Nissan.
Warranty
Foxwell offers a One-Year Limited Warranty for both the NT301 and NT301 Plus.
Language
This might not be a big issue for United States residents. But many people in non-English speaking countries would want to know if these OBDII scanners have multilingual support. Thankfully, both scanners support various languages, including English, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, and Russian.
Foxwell NT301 vs. Foxwell NT301 Plus: Key Differences Explained
If you’re going to make the right buying decision, it’s important you know the differences between both OBDII readers. That way, you put yourself in a better position to know what’s right for you. So, let’s take a look at the key differences between the NT301 and NT301 Plus.
The Adapter
The NT301 Plus weighs approximately 1.73 pounds, with a total dimension of 8.7 x 6.54 x 3.35 inches. In comparison, the NT301 Plus is larger and heavier than NT301, which weighs 1.06 pounds and has a total dimension of 8.66 x 3.15 x 6.69 inches. So if you’re looking for a more portable option, the NT301 is the answer. The weight difference isn’t much, so it might not be of great significance when making a purchase decision.
App and Updates
The NT301 and NT301 Plus can only be updated on computers with Windows OS. To update it, users will have to download the NTWonder app from Foxwell’s website.
Features and Functions
When it comes to functions, the critical difference between both scanners is that the NT301 Plus can test 12 V vehicle batteries, but the NT301 can not. If you need to quickly check your battery status and possibly go to the mechanic when necessary, the NT301 Plus is your best bet.
The NT301 Plus tests different battery rating systems, including BC1, MCA, CCA, DIN, JIS, CA, SAE, EN, and IEC. That eliminates the need to get a battery tester if you don’t already have one.
Both OBDII fault readers only work on the vehicle engine system, helping you read and clear error codes. So, except you need to test batteries often, both scanners can substitute each other.
User Manual Download
If you ever want to check out the user manual for the scanners, you can click on the following links to download them:
Click HERE to download Foxwell NT301 Plus
Foxwell NT301 user manual download in HERE
Which is Better?
When it comes to choosing between Foxwell NT301 and NT301 Plus, it comes down to whether you need a battery testing function. Both scanners work with virtually all OBDII-compliant vehicles. They allow you to diagnose faults in your car’s engine system.
Sometimes, we also need to check if our car battery is working properly. That’s where the NT301 Plus has the upper hand over the NT301. So, if you already own a battery tester, you may not need to spend some extra dollars on NT301 Plus. Its counterpart, NT301, will do just fine.
FAQs
- Does the NT301 Plus tell whether the car battery is bad?
The NT301 Plus can tell whether your car battery is bad. The test result could be Good Battery, Charge & Reset, Replace Battery, or Bad Cell-Replace.
- Does the NT301 Plus work on diesel cars?
You should have no problems using the NT301 on your diesel-powered vehicles. If you run into any issue while trying to run a diagnosis, you can contact the manufacturer for support.
- Will the NT301 read ABS codes?
Unfortunately, the NT301 is only able to work on OBDII system components, like the engine system. It doesn’t support non-OBDII systems like ABS.
- Will the NT301 reader store data for me to use later?
Yes, the NT301 OBDII reader will save data so you can access it later.
- Do I need to charge my NT301 Plus before using it?
You don’t need to charge this scanner before use. Connect it to the vehicle you want to scan, and you’re good to go.
Read more: 10 Best Bluetooth OBD2 Adapters for OS/Android smartphone 2021
