Ancel AD410 vs. Foxwell NT301: Which is a Better Bet?

If you’re looking at the Ancel AD410 and somehow, also closely eyeing the Foxwell NT301, undecided which to settle for finally, this Ancel AD410 vs. Foxwell NT301 comparison is for you.

There was a time when I also wondered which of the units was better or which of them would handle a given task better.

Fortunately, I now own both and have used them extensively over the months, which makes me qualified to offer you the unbiased counsel and honest opinion I’m sharing today.

Cross your legs and sip your favorite drink: by the end of this comparison, you’ll have made up your mind on the code reader to opt for, without question.

First things first, let’s meet the code readers: Here’s the direct link to the Ancel AD410 on Amazon, and here’s the direct link to the Foxwell NT301, also on Amazon.

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Article Outline

Overview of the Ancel AD410

The Ancel AD 410 is one the best code readers to come from the stables of Ancel. A nice little unit, the 410 has been in my glove box for over five years running now and it remains my glove box code reader of choice.

Rugged and ultra-reliable, the AD410 has just what I need, when I need it (especially) on the road when all that is needed is to figure out why I have a check engine light in the first place.

Small and ultra-portable, the 410 is a vehicle owner’s dream on the go: it’s small, fits in my palm easily, is super rugged, and importantly, can interpret codes and pull out live data – which is ‘gold’ when I’m interesting in digging deeper via trims.

Here’s what the AD410 looks like, in the flesh.

Overview of the Foxwell NT301

I’ve owned the Foxwell NT301 for under a year – but have thoroughly used and enjoyed it.

Generally, when doing some digging at home, it’s the NT301 I call upon, allowing the Ancel AD410 some rest.

Like the 410, however, the NT301 can read codes, interpret the same via a DTC library, and also offers live data on demand. However, that’s where it gets very interesting.

The NT301 does not only read codes and interpret them, it goes a step further by offering DIY steps on what could be wrong, a reality even the professional mechanic appreciates and which is gold to the DIY mechanic and vehicle owner.

Live data, like the 410, comes standard (though not with the option of graph forms). Live data here simply offers itself in the form of numbers and does its thing from that stand.

From my time with this code reader, what I love most about it remains its extra coated body and the fact that the keys have a way of bouncing back ever softly after each press.

Gold.

Here’s what the Foxwell NT301 looks like, in the flesh.

Similarities Between The AD410 & NT301

The Ancel AD410 and the Foxwell NT301 share many things in common. Here’s what binds them in ‘family unity’:

Both are powered by color displays about the same size; the quality of the color display is also about the same.
Both are basic code readers, focused mainly on reading basic engine codes and not other vehicle modules.
Both are small code readers that are meant to be stored around the vehicle, especially the glove box.
Both offer the ability to display live data – which is priceless if one needs to dig deeper.
Finally, both are budget-friendly units that are designed to last as long as possible, even with a little less-than-ideal care.

Differences Between The AD410 & NT301

The Ancel AD410 and the Foxwell NT301 are identical in some respects. However, that’s as far as things go: there are many differences these units possess amongst themselves which clearly distinguish them from one another.

The most important are:

The Foxwell NT301 has a rubber cover around its body, giving it extra protection in case of a drop or when using the same in ultra-hostile environments. The Ancel AD410, though tough in its own regard, doesn’t have this extra protection.
The NT301 and the AD410 both have live data capabilities. However, what distinguishes them in this regard is that while live data on the AD410 can be switched between graphs and figures, only figures are available, live data-wise, on the NT301.
Both scan tools have an elaborate DTC library that explains what a code means; however, the Foxwell NT301 takes things a notch higher by giving DIY steps that could likely be the culprit and how to resolve the challenge. This greatly fast-tracks the repair process, especially for DIYers who don’t play with cars every day.
Again, both scan tools are easy to use and punch. However, the keys on the NT301 have a special feel to them when punched. They also easily return back in the ‘softest’ manner possible.

So, in what instances will one of the units serve better and in which case is it preferred to use the other?

Instances Where the Ancel AD410 Will Serve Better

If you’re looking to carry your code reader at all times in your glove box, the Ancel AD410 is a better bet. It’s smaller and occupies very little space. It will also fit into the glove box of the smallest vehicles available today.
For users who appreciate graphical displays, the ability of the 410 to render real-time live data in graphical form makes it superior to the NT301.
The 410 boots faster than the 301, making it a perfect road companion.

Instances Where the Foxwell NT301 Will Serve Better

If you’re not very comfortable with DTC codes and what they mean, the NT301 is a better choice; it does not only indicate the DTC, but it also tells you what is wrong with the vehicle and the steps you need to take to put things back in order. The DTC guide is top-notch.
For those who are likely to have the scanner fall out of their hands during use, the NT301’s added case provides rest of mind.
For the luxury inclined, the overall feel of the Foxwell NT301 when using it, especially when punching its keys, definitely feels premium. The soft bounce of the keys isn’t something you come across on every code reader.
The 301 has more dedicated keys when compared to the 410. There’s a dedicated button for erasing codes, another for going back, and yet, another for figuring out if your vehicle is inspection-ready. The 410 doesn’t have such luxury: you’ll need to dig in to achieve all of this.
The Foxwell NT301 is designed with ‘status’ lights that tell you what state your vehicle is in, summarily, immediately you plug and run the code reader on your port. This is a nice little feature I look forward to, every time I use the code reader. It may also interest you.