Ancel AD310 vs Motopower MP69033: Which Is Better?

But I did that because I can. I also did it because I’m a DIY mechanic and have a special soft spot for code readers and OBD II computers, generally. Importantly, I did it so that you don’t go into the myriad of confusion and uncertainty I went through when I was trying to make up my mind.

Why waste precious time and gamble with your money when both are finite? This was my thought as I tested both units.

Fortunately, I came to a solid conclusion unexpectedly: there’s only one clear winner.

Besides mentioning a clear winner as I’ve done immediately above, if you’re not in a great hurry, I’ll also share why the winner won, in the first place, down the article. I’ll also share the strong points of both and explain the scenarios best suited for each unit.

First things first, though: take a look at the Ancel AD310 and Motopower MP69033 on Amazon if you’re not already familiar with these budget code readers.

An Important Note About Cheap Code Readers

In the world we live in, there are opportunity costs or foregone alternatives in almost everything we engage in. In other words, the classic economic principle of taking or choosing something at the expense of another holds sway in all that we do, don’t do, say, don’t say, buy, or don’t buy.

Trade off, it is, alternatively.

In the world of code readers, going down the rung (yes, both the Ancel and Motopower reviewed here are basically very low in the overall hierarchy of code readers generally and internally, as per their respective manufacturers) means you’ll need to sacrifice many things; things that would otherwise enhance your vehicle ownership or DIY experience.

For instance, both code readers can only read engine and emission codes, leaving every other code type unreadable. This will give the impression (in the best-case scenario) that all is well when, in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Worst-case scenarios will see you buying a bad used car with lots of active/pending codes that you simply couldn’t get the basic code reader to decipher.

Another challenge is the poor display that both units sport. And, frankly, this doesn’t make much sense except that they’re cheap. There’s no reason why monochrome displays should be a thing in 2025.

Yet still, there’s the issue of both code readers being completely incapable of reading manufacturer-specific codes that other advanced scanners decipher like a piece of cake. With no updates about these things, there’s no hope they’ll get better tomorrow, or even in the next 10 years.

Summary?

If you can, altogether avoid cheap code readers. They’re super basic and essentially, just scratch only the tip of vehicle scanning and code reading, much like only 1% (or thereabouts).

The alternatives?

Consider the TopDon TopScan instead (here’s my detailed review). This little dongle works with Bluetooth, pairs with your smartphone, and scans EVERY module on your vehicle: engine, emissions, transmission, ABS, etc. It even connects with newer vehicles requiring Auto Auth for deep, authorized access. The great part? It retails for a super sensible retail price. The not so good? It requires a yearly subscription to keep it working as it should.

What if you’re not keen on subscriptions and want something good without? Then, if you’re open to spending a little more than what the TopScan retails for (as of November 2025), the prosumer-inspired Innova 5610 (I also reviewed it on ThrottleHolic) is another viable option. Like the TopScan mentioned above, it also scans every module and has the added benefits of NEVER needing a subscription. ALL updates are FREE.

Both also read and interpret manufacturer-specific codes.

If you’re hell bent on keeping things maximally cheap, then continue below, and I’ll be glad to help you decide.

Brief Overview of the Ancel AD310

Without question, the Ancel AD310 is one of the most popular glovebox code readers money can buy today. On YouTube, across forums and blogs, it’s being mentioned as one of the sensible options if you’re interested in basic engine code reading and are tight on a budget.

Curiously, the Ancel AD310 is one of Ancel’s basic lower-end offerings, and its pricing reflects that reality. Accordingly, it’s a stripped-down, no-nonsense code reader that simply handles the basics and ignores all else.

The code reader itself fits nicely into the palm and is ergonomic enough. It’s also small enough to fit into the glovebox and center consoles of practically any vehicle commercially available for sale at the moment.

Code reading-wise, the Ancel AD310 easily reads engine and emission codes and allows their deletion. The vehicle also has a VIN retrieval feature (though this doesn’t work across many makes and models). The basic monochrome display is what it is, but for the price, it’s hard to complain.

Finally, the code reader has live data and features a series of ‘once-off’ readings that offer basic diagnostic features that, though it leaves much to be desired, again, is price-appropriate.

Here’s a detailed review of the Ancel AD310 I published some time ago.

Brief Overview of the Motopower MP69033

The Motopower MP690033 has been close on the heels of the Ancel AD310 for some time now (or should I say, the Ancel AD310 has been close on the heels of the Motopower MP69033)? Looked at from whatever angle, these two little code readers have been the ‘darling’ and, importantly, ‘go to’ option for vehicle owners looking to spend the minimum amount of money to purchase a code reader for their vehicles.

Like the Ancel, the MP69033 is not just a code reader down the rung, but it’s also one of the most affordable options Motopower currently has in stock for sale.

The MP69033 fits into the palm perfectly, though it’s slightly bigger than the Ancel AD310. However, its extra heft aside, it will also fit into the glove box and center console of most production vehicles currently available for sale.

The most distinguishing feature of the MP69033 remains the fact that the code reader has dedicated keys for both DTC and VIN, provided the vehicle being scanned supports such a function.

However, it’s important to note that the monochrome display of the MP69033 leaves a lot to be desired: the screen looks like a borrowed part from a heavily pixelated computer game from the early ’90s.

Here’s a detailed review of the Motopower MP69033 I published some time ago.

Similarities Between the Ancel AD310 & the Motopower MP69033

If you’ve not already taken note of this, both the Ancel AD310 and the Motopower MP69033 are basic code readers that have a lot in common. Granted, there are a few distinguishing features that set them apart, but what binds them together in OBD II brotherhood is clearly more than what separates them at the manufacturer/company level.

So, here are the things they share:

1. A Basic, Boring, Monochrome Display

If you were taken aback when I said above that the Motopower has a poor display, don’t celebrate yet; the Ancel’s display is also equally poor, boring, and of the monochrome variant. It’s absolutely nothing to get excited about.

Granted, these displays do the job, but being small and without color, they evoke the ’90s video game vibes, and if you’re old enough to remember, you’ll either smile or frown, depending on your mood or specific experience.

The Ancel’s display is better, overall, though. However, it’s still a black and white affair and nothing to get anyone looking forward to using it.

2. Basic Code Readers

Both the AD310 and the MP69033 are also basic code readers that do nothing beyond reading and deleting engine (and emissions) codes.

If you’re having a challenge with the shifting of your tranny, for instance, these code readers are basically useless. If you have issues with your ABS, good luck. If you’re having challenges with the SRS, may the force be with you.

These units are only good for engine and emissions codes, nothing more. It’s good to remember this.

3. Glove Box, Road Ready

Although the Motopower MP69033 is relatively larger than the Ancel AD310, both code readers excellently fit into the palm and equally fit into the glove box and center console of most production vehicles today.

They’re also fast and in a few seconds, will tell you what’s wrong with your vehicle, by means of codes, assuming the issue is an engine or emissions challenge.

They are what we call in the world of vehicle DIY, road-ready.

Differences Between the Ancel AD310 & the Motopower MP69033

Granted, there are a lot of things that bind these two code readers together. However, there’s still a lot that actually separates them. After all, they’re two units from completely different, unconnected manufacturers.

1. Missing Dedicated Buttons (On the Ancel)

No one who values their time appreciates messing around with code readers aimlessly. It makes no sense, and the extra time is best spent doing something that is either fun or helps with the vehicle diagnosis itself (or at least, the repair proper).

This is where the Ancel falls short and the Motopower truly shines. Need DTCs straight? There’s a dedicated button that you simply press, and all is well right away. Interested in the VIN only (say to confirm what the sticker says)? Press a dedicated button and you have it, if supported.

With the Ancel AD310? Well, you’ll need to scroll through layers and menus to achieve the same thing. Why waste time if you can save it?

2. Superior Key Layout On the MP69033

The dedicated keys on the Motopower MP69033 isn’t all that make it superior to the Ancel AD310 as far as keys are concerned. That is simply just the tip of the iceberg.

For many right-handed folks, the ‘ok’ key naturally falls either to the right or the middle of ANY layout. This is the default layout that also doubles as intuitive, natural, and easy. This is what you have on the MP69033.

With the AD310? The ENTER button is to the left, while the EXIT/CANCEL button is to the right. This counterintuitive layout takes a lot of time getting used to, and while at that, many unintended key presses happen.

With the Motopower? You just grab it and get going, without as much as missing one key stroke (or canceling when you meant to okay).

Instances Where the Ancel AD310 Will Serve Better

• Because the Ancel AD310 is more compact and feels better built, my take (and personal opinion) is that it will handle rough handling better and overall, will last longer. If you’re rough (or will be using the code reader in truly rough use cases), the Ancel, in my opinion, is the code reader to get.
• If you’re super conscious of portability (or have an already full glove box), you should opt for the Ancel AD310. It’s quite small and fits well into virtually any space in the vehicle you can think of.
• Finally, if you’re sensitive when it comes to digital displays and appreciate the best devices can offer in this regard, the Ancel is what you should get. The display, though still monochrome, is superior to the Motopower MP69033.

Instances Where the Motopower MP69033 Will Serve Better

• The Motopower, traditionally, retails for less than the Ancel. While this can change at any time, for most of the time, it holds true. If you’re on a tight budget, then getting the MP69033 makes perfect sense, especially if the pricing dynamics consistently hold (as they have in the past).
• If you’re huge on saving time, you’ll fall in love with the MP69033’s dedicated keys, fast loading time, intuitive key layout, and basic menus. For the menu, there are just four items on it, so it’s basically a straight-to-the-point matter. The dedicated keys have always hooked me, time after time.
• While not exactly a strong point, it’s important to note that the shipping box of the MP69033 is sturdier and can be used as a storage box, too. If you’re a cheapie, this should be exciting. The shipping box of the Ancel isn’t sturdy (by comparison) and will likely deteriorate in a few weeks, should you attempt to use it as a storage box.

Ancel AD310 vs Motopower MP69033: Which Is a Better Overall Option & Why?

This is a tough call – but without mincing words, the Ancel AD310 is a better code reader, at least, when compared to the Motopower MP69033.

The reasons?

1. It’s better made in my experience and conclusion (and will likely last longer while also holding up nicely during challenging use).
2. It has a superior display that, though is still of the mono variant, doesn’t annoy you (or your eyes).
3. The Ancel AD310 has more options to play with (which is a good thing).

The above conclusion is based on my experience with both code readers. It’s also borne against my background as a DIY mechanic. However, if you value your time and the niceties of the Ancel don’t exactly appeal to you, you’re better off with the Motopower MP69033.

And, while you’re busy saving time, you might as well also be saving some bucks in the process (if you’re lucky – and have your timing right).

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