A good glove box-friendly code reader is a compulsory, non-negotiable addition to the things you need as a vehicle owner. However, the sheer number of options begging for your attention can be overwhelming. This is where debates like the Foxwell NT201 vs Ancel AD410: which is the superior option you should opt for, come in.
This, on face value, is simple and looks to be no problem – except that, in the real world, it is and given the apparent similarities of the units, is hugely challenging.
That said, I’ve owned and used both units extensively through the months and years. In this vantage position, I can authoritatively and reliably compare both and, importantly, suggest which one will better serve you better (through your vehicle ownership journey).
First things first: meet the Foxwell NT201 code reader and the Ancel AD410.
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Article Outline
Brief Overview of the Foxwell NT201
The Foxwell NT201 is a small, basic code reader and one of the several options offered by Foxwell on the lower end.
Flushed with keys that align with its overall design language, the NT201 is sleek both in sight and when held in the hand.
Besides the flushed nature of the keypad, the NT201, like all Foxwell code readers, is designed with status indicators that tell you what you’re looking out for, even before the code reader finishes scanning the engine module/emission systems (and reporting the same via the display).
As a lower-end model from Foxwell, it’s priced accordingly and offered in a manner that justifies this price point.
For more on the Foxwell NT201, here’s a detailed review I published sometime back. Fun fact: I dubbed it the code reader ladies love (for obvious reasons) in that review!
Brief Overview of the Ancel AD410
The Ancel AD410 is also a basic code reader, focusing on the engine and emission state of a vehicle. The code reader pulls out codes effortlessly and displays what it retrieves, quickly for onward processing (by the user).
However, unlike the Foxwell NT201, the Ancel AD410 doesn’t have a flush-in keypad that aligns with all else. Instead, the keys are distinct and have a nice bounce to them when they’re punched. They also return nicely after any one punch.
The Ancel AD410 doesn’t have status lights but instead displays all it has via the standard display, which is a nice, small, and exceedingly colorful one.
Being a lower-end basic code reading option from the stables of Ancel, it’s priced accordingly to reflect this fact.
If you’d love more details, here’s a comprehensive review of the Ancel AD410 I published some years ago.
Similarities Between the Foxwell NT201 & the Ancel AD410
The NT201 from the stables of Foxwell and the AD410 from Ancel share many things in common; this is the primary reason for the close comparison, in the first place.
However, outlined below are the most pronounced and important.
1. Basic Code Reading
Both the NT201 and AD410 are basic code readers and offer little else, beyond this simple reality. They are meant to draw stored DTCs from the ECU relating to the engine, and while at it, also offer information related to emissions and emissions compliance (or failure to).
However, that isn’t all that these little, cute code readers are capable of: they also offer live data, a function that makes it easy to pinpoint what may be wrong with your vehicle if and when a code isn’t expressly set.
2. Color Display
Most code readers are designed like the legendary Nokia 3310: they display in the most traditional black and white manner and offer nothing to be excited about on their screens, besides basic information, offering no user excitement.
This isn’t the case with both code readers: they are powered by small (but colored) displays that make the code reading process excellent – and a joy to behold, even in extremes like during the midday sun in the tropics or using the code reader at the pitch of night.
3. Price Point Similarity
As I’ve already stated elsewhere in this article that the Foxwell NT201 and the Ancel AD410 are both options that are lower down the line for both brands, and as a result, they are priced to reflect this position.
But, it’s not just about the pricing to reflect what they have to offer; these OBD code readers are also priced similarly, with any difference in price being largely insignificant.
If you can afford one, without question, you can also easily afford the other.
Differences Between the Ancel AD410 & the Foxwell NT201
As much as the Ancel AD410 and the Foxwell NT201 share many things in common, there are also many more things, though subtle, that distinguish them, effectively setting them apart.
Here, I’ll share the most important and glaring:
1. Live Data Rendering
Standard OBD II scanners usually have a plethora of options when it comes to live data rendering: figures, graphs, and any other style a particular manufacturer falls in love with. This makes sense, especially when you’re trying to watch out for anomalies and you’re either number or graph-biased.
However, as important as rendering live data in various formats is, code readers typically don’t have options when it comes to rendering this data: it’s mostly raw, naked numbers and nothing else.
However, the Ancel AD410 has the option of both graphs and figures, while the Foxwell NT201 leaves you only with figures when pulling out data.
If you’re one to bother about data visualization, this is an important point to remember.
2. Cable Length
When I published my review of the Innova 5610, I mentioned, specifically, that I loved how it was possible to stand outside a car and still, by means of the very long cable the scanner comes with, be able to perform diagnostic functions.
Or, stand by the hood and observe things, firsthand, scanner (or code reader in hand).
The Ancel AD410 has a cable that is impressive in length and will certainly be able to support scanning while outside the car, and in some makes and models, be able to go all the way to the hood.
The reality is different with the Foxwell NT201, however: the cable is notably shorter, by comparison. You won’t be able to use the code reader while outside the car, and certainly, because of the cable length, you also won’t be able to reach the hood of any vehicle, irrespective of the make and model.
3. Display Difference
The display on both code readers is a 2.4′ display and color, but that’s where the similarities end.
On the Ancel AD410, the display presents itself in a fluid and distinctively clear manner, a manner that makes you want to keep using the small code reader forever. Ancel calls the display ‘TFT true-color LCD display’ and true to its words, it provides bright, vivid colors with the ability to show quick animations, complex graphics, and beautiful custom fonts that are simply pleasing to the eyes.
This isn’t the case with the Foxwell NT201: though it’s also a color display, the unit simply offers the ‘color’ and little else. The display isn’t ‘fluid’, nor is it particularly exciting. It also doesn’t ‘beckon’ to you to keep using the system, non-stop.
It’s painfully obvious if you have both units side by side and compare them; however, if you’re not actively looking for it, you’d likely miss the fact (which may or may not be a good thing).
4. Status Lights
There’s something the Foxwell NT201 (and most other Foxwell code readers I’ve come across) have that most other scanners and code readers don’t: status lights.
It works this way: right after you plug in your Foxwell code reader to the DLC of your vehicle, a red, yellow or green indicator pops up, indicating that there’s an active code (or codes), there’s a pending code (or codes) or there’s no present or pending code at all (respectively). These status lights pop up even before the codes (if any) register on the display.
This is a handy feature that quickly indicates the status of your vehicle, all while saving you time and appeasing your fun side.
The Ancel AD410 doesn’t have these status lights: you’ll need to wait for the codes to resolve in their traditional manner via the display.
5. Speed
Speed is an interesting feature, irrespective of where it’s sought or where it presents itself. In OBD II scanners, it saves time and hastens the vehicle diagnostics process.
The Ancel AD410 appears to understand the assignment in this regard and always ensures to boot up nicely, smoothly, and fast, giving you access to the codes and data you’re interested in. This happens in just a few seconds.
The Foxwell NT201, on the other hand, is relatively slower and boots reluctantly when compared to the Ancel AD410.
Make no mistakes, though: the Foxwell starts up in less than a minute but is remarkably slower than the Ancel, and it shows, clearly, when comparing them directly.
6. Ease of Use
When I rate OBD II code readers, I always take note of how easy it is to use the code reader in question. This is non-negotiable for beginners, as a complex unit adds to the existing challenge (of figuring out what the challenge could be, in the first instance).
In this regard, I found that the Foxwell NT201, while being easy to use generally, is still relatively more challenging to use and operate than the Ancel AD410.
If you’re interested in a unit that offers itself for easy use, especially as a beginner, the AD410 trumps the NT201, especially since its keys are easy and generally more intuitive to use than the NT201.
Instances Where the Foxwell NT201 Will Serve Better
I’ve relayed a lot by way of comparing the Foxwell NT201 and the Ancel AD410. The important part left at this point, I believe, is which will serve better and in what instance.
So, which instance will the Foxwell NT201 serve better?
First, if you’re a lady (or generally love bright colors like most ladies do), the default choice you should be looking at is the Foxwell NT201. The unit comes brightly colored and is offered in a manner that very few ladies can resist. This is a personal favorite of my wife and daughter.
Second, if you occasionally scan your vehicle to pick up performance issues and get to codes that haven’t yet manifested, then the Foxwell NT201 is a better bet (when compared to the Ancel AD410). This is because, though it isn’t faster than the Ancel, it has status lights that summarize things up early on, even before the display gets the chance to. If you’re short of time, you can, at that point, cut off the scan and pursue any other thing you’re interested in doing.
Third, if you live in a state (or country) where emissions tests are mandatory and love to check your vehicle before taking it in, you’ll appreciate the dedicated I/M button the Foxwell spots. With this code reader, you cut the chase and go straight to the point, if that’s what you’re looking at/for.
Finally, I hate flush-in keys on a code reader. Others, however, love it. If this is you, you’ll love and specifically appreciate the flushed key design of the Foxwell NT201 – something the Ancel doesn’t offer.
Take a look at the Foxwell NT201 on Amazon.
Instances Where the Ancel AD410 Will Serve Better
Foxwell has had its turn: let’s now turn the spotlight to Ancel and see how the Ancel AD410 stalks up against the Foxwell NT201 and importantly, understand when it will be a better option.
So, what are the instances when the Ancel AD410 is a better bet?
First, the Ancel AD410 is built better than the Foxwell NT201. If you’re looking for something you can depend on for years to come while not exactly babying it (especially if it’s going to be your glove box code reader), you should be looking at the Ancel AD410. I’ve been using the code reader for upwards of six (6) years now, and I couldn’t have wished for any other unit. It truly is one badassly built code reader.
Second, if you’re going to occasionally need to stay outside the cabin of the vehicle as you scan it or need to observe something on the hood, the Ancel AD410 is a better option. The longer cable is something you’ll be grateful the unit has.
Third, if you’re going to use the code reader under the elements, the superior display of the Ancel AD410 comes in handy and will make better sense, both in the short and long run. Under the sun (and other adverse conditions), I struggle with the display of the Foxwell NT201.
Fourth, if you’re a display person and appreciate your live data options to be offered in graphs, then the Foxwell isn’t an option – you have to opt for the Ancel AD410. The reason is simple and to the point: the AD410 offers live data both in graphs and literal display, which makes value comparison easier (and time-saving) at the same time.
Finally, if you’re going to be relying on the built-in DTC libraries of either unit, then it makes sense to quietly choose the Ancel AD410 and leave the Foxwell NT201 alone. The reason is this: the AD410 is easier to use and generally more comprehensive. On the other hand, the NT201 is one complex unit that will see you sweating just to input basic characters, especially if you’re new to it or are a beginner, generally.
Take a look at the Ancel AD410 on Amazon.
Foxwell NT201 vs Ancel AD410: Which is a Superior Option?
Without mincing words, the Ancel AD410 is a superior code reader when compared to the Foxwell NT201. It has a better display, has a longer cable, is more durable, and generally has more options than the Foxwell NT201 offers.
It also doubles as being faster.
This isn’t to say the Foxwell NT201 hasn’t got anything to offer: at least, it has color, a flush-in keypad design, and status lights going in its favor – if you love that sort of thing.
However, there’s a solid reason the Ancel AD410 has been my glove box code reader of choice all through the past six (6) years.
That isn’t to say there aren’t any worthy competitors…but that competition, certainly, isn’t the Foxwell NT201 – by a world!
Check out the Ancel AD410 on Amazon directly.
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Throttle Lan
DIY Mechanic and Freelance Auto Writer