Foxwell NT301 vs Foxwell NT630
Taking care of your car is not always as easy as it sounds, especially when dealing with some older models. Choosing the right scanner can help you identify any issues with your vehicle, but you need to look through established options such as the Foxwell NT630 vs the Foxwell NT301 to determine an appropriate choice.
I’m a huge fan of cars and love gaining knowledge on their ins and outs regarding how they function. This means that I like to take a more involved approach when dealing with issues affecting my car.
Staying on top of your vehicle’s operations requires an efficient diagnostic tool that can run a variety of checks without having to jump through unnecessary hoops.
After a thorough search I settled on Foxwell as a reliable brand for my needs, with two particular models catching my eye, namely the NT630 and the NT301.
Foxwell NT630 vs. NT301 – A basic comparison table
| Model | Foxwell NT630 | Foxwell NT301 |
| Weight | 3.2 pounds | 2.87 pounds |
| SAS calibration | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 17 x 9 x 3” | 9 x 3 x 6” |
| OBDII support | Yes | Yes |
| Check price | Check price |
Foxwell NT630 vs NT301 – A Quick look At Their Features
Design and Interface
The manner in which a scanner works can affect how easily you can use or even understand the system. They have designed both the Foxwell NT630 and NT301 to provide a simple user interface that features a straightforward menu to avoid complex requirements.
Though the NT630 is a tad bit heavier than its NT301 counterpart, they both represent a compact structure that is easy to hold thanks to the handgrip design implemented on their bottom halves.
The buttons on both models are also clearly labeled, large enough to access without a hassle, and positioned to provide you with easy reach when working in tight spaces.
The obd scanners are fitted within a rubber housing, which provides additional protection against any damage and impact.
Either scanner will comfortably sustain falls or drops of up to 15 feet without any problems. The NT630 features a better designed interface, with the button arrangement minimizing the hassle during use.
While the NT301 also features an interactive face, it does not implement the ergonomically compact arrangement of the NT630, which makes the latter stand out more.
It is significantly smaller, lighter and easier to use, which works to blend out this imbalance. The NT301 is easier to manage and offers variety without being too complex for anyone interested in diagnosing their vehicle.
SAS Calibration and Heavier Features
If you’re looking for a particular diagnostic service for your vehicles such as SAS calibration, then taking the time to choose an appropriate model is an advisable approach.
The steering angle sensor is a system designed to measure the rate of turn and positioning of your steering wheel angle.
This diagnostic service can be crucial in enhancing the potential safety enjoyed from your car. Unfortunately, this feature is not found in the NT301, but luckily it can be enjoyed with NT630 model.
That said, the NT301 still has enough to offer DIY enthusiasts. It can find and clear problems with your gas cap, mass airflow and air-fuel ratio sensors, EVAP, catalytic converters, ignition coils and spark plug services, your EGR valve and thermostats for a clear check engine light.
This does not compare very well with the NT630, which can also support these functions while providing SAS, ABS and other DTC functions.
The latter can even reset the ABS system after replacing your bags! While the NT301 is not the best for advanced diagnostics, it will support some unique features for specific vehicles, which could make it an ideal fit for your garage.
The model offers LED notifications, an intuitive data log and DTC guide help, as well as VIN retrieval for seamless vehicle registration.
It may not be ideal for heavily detailed diagnosis, but it will offer great value for convenient management and diagnosis of your vehicle.
Compatibility
One of the vital issues to consider for a device’s compatibility with a vehicle is the OBD system implemented.
OBD, or on-board diagnostics, refers to a self-analysis and reporting system that allows you access to the more technical areas of a vehicle.
With two major categories, OBDI and OBDII, cars could be specific to a system depending on their manufacturing.
Both the Foxwell NT630 and NT301 focus on OBDII technology. That said, the scanners do not work similarly on vehicles.
The newer scanner is more prominent for many vehicles, which makes it ideal for consistent long-term use on the latest releases.
The Foxwell NT301 can still be updated, but it does not compare well with the more versatile and compatible NT630.
You may need to update your scanner to meet your vehicle diagnostics, which can be problematic for some models and which may require the most modern updates.
You do not need to update your scanner for older models, and will find this unit working well for your vehicle.
You can run a quick ignition or research into your vehicle’s compatibility before making your buy.
Online Updates
One of the more attractive features about the Foxwell line is the ability to gain regular updates via the internet once you have registered your device.
This is a significant advantage as it means you don’t have to buy a new scanner every time a car manufacturer update their technological wares.
These updates are guaranteed for a lifetime and are available for free, further saving you from any extra costs in the future.
Simply log onto the Foxwell website, connect the scanner’s SD card to a PC and begin your update. The NT630 scanner offers the better software, even though this can be broken down by the free updates which are available through the brand.
The enhanced 2019 version will pair with most models already available on the market, making the new scanner better suited for car owners with more recent models.
That said, some of the latest NT301 scanners available on the market feature the newest update available, allowing them to incorporate the latest releases.
If your scanner is not up to date, you can meet these expectations by visiting the specific product page and setting up the NT Wonder downloader for a quick update without any registration.
Performance
Should you opt for the NT301 or NT630? Both scanners deliver excellent diagnostics, but the quality is just not the same even for models carrying the latest updated software.
If you are interested in DIY management and light diagnostics, the NT301 is an ideal pick for your needs. The scanner is light, convenient and well suited for minor work.
The NT630 is better detailed for professionals and enthusiasts who are looking for very detailed output on multiple parts of their cars.
Going for the NT630 could be an overkill option if you will look to take your car to the professionals, which makes the lightweight and classic NT301 the better pick.
The NT630 scanner is better suited for people who are looking for a detailed diagnostic process, which includes severe outputs on other systems as well.
If you are interested in the ARB and SAS services, opting for an NT301 will limit your capacity. While the latter will also graph your data and play out any live data, it is just not suited for the complex diagnosis of certain processes.
This means that if you are chasing a lot more detail in your diagnosis, the NT630 will be a better pick for your needs.
Foxwell NT630 vs NT301 Product Review
Foxwell NT630
The Foxwell NT630 is a great solution for those looking for a scanner with SAS calibration services.
Made from sturdy material that is designed for rough working conditions, it also comes with a rubber casing that reduces any potential damage experienced upon impact. Its 4.3” screen is the ideal size for people with sight problems, allowing them to read any information produced with ease.
It’s compatible with cars from 52 different manufacturers, enhancing the chances of your vehicle being part of the list. The device has also been hailed for its accuracy and reliability in different conditions.
The NT630 is typically heavier than the NT301, because it offers a variety of services more. This scanner is well suited for complex diagnostics and the details.
It is larger, better built and supports a host of special features. Modern 2019 versions are ready to meet your expectations for most of the latest releases, with updates available to improve the quality of output.
The scanner will support minute detail extraction for different needs, which makes the NT630 a great choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
From your ARB to your SAS, this scanner will have the right solution for any diagnostic need you have.
Pros
- Large screen for easier reading of data.
- Offers SAS calibration services.
- Offers lifetime updates to keep up with new car releases
- Works well with most car options compatible with OBD2
- Great Airbag system service
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an inbuilt power source.
- Not as comfortably lightweight as the NT301
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Foxwell NT301
The Foxwell NT301 is an excellent solution when you’re looking to perform a basic diagnostic analysis on your vehicle before taking it for a professional checkup.
Its versatility allows it to support all OBDII functions making it compatible with cars that were manufactured in 1996 and after.
Its built-in speaker offers an easier option for you to access the information attained by the device, and its 8-inch screen is great for those with trouble seeing small texts.
The scanner also comes with a DTC look-up functionality that allows you to view the meaning of various codes when in doubt.
The NT301 is among the starter scanners made by Foxwell, and it is a great OBD2 diagnostics option for DIYers and enthusiasts.
It is lightweight, and can be used for a full scan on your vehicle. This model is compatible with a large selection of cars, with the tool working well on cars featuring standard OBD systems.
For ideal service, especially for newer vehicles, you will need to consider updating your device to meet your expectations.
The NT301 supports a variety of services, with up to 3 multilingual packs enhancing the compatibility with different users.
Alongside features we’ve already covered, you can also check your air system, oxygen sensor and heater, evaporative unit, exhaust gas system and your misfire monitor for a well functioning vehicle.
While it is not the latest high quality pick, the NT301 will meet your light to medium duty diagnostic needs!
Pros
- Comes with a DTC look-up function that provides you with the meaning of different codes.
- Offers emissions system testing.
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Protected against impact damage
- Full OBD2 service testing will ensure thorough diagnostics
Cons
- Doesn’t perform bi-directional control tests.
- Will be limited in compatibility compared to the NT630 without updates
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My Verdict
After studying the different features of both options, I finally settled on the Foxwell NT630 due to its decent size and wider range of functions.
Both Foxwell scanners stand out for their impressive quality of build, as well as thorough output quality. They each feature a lot of detail, which helps drivers who are looking to make sure their car is in tip-top shape.
If you are looking for an up-to-date scanner, this model will work well for your needs. It carries out the latest diagnostic effects that will help you find out what's wrong with your vehicle.
The NT630 is an efficient performer that lives up to the high billing expected of these devices by DIY enthusiasts and shop owners alike.
The NT301 remains an excellent option, however, for those looking to perform basic diagnostic tests on their engines.
While more dated, it offers great value for quick diagnosis, and can be a travel friendly unit for some drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions?
How do I register my scanner with Foxwell?
Registering your scanner doesn’t take long and can be completed in a matter of minutes. Simply visit the company’s website and input the information requested on the registration form provided and you’ll be good to go.
Does a larger scanner offer more functions?
No. Size doesn’t represent the number of services offered by a scanner. The NT630 is smaller than its NT301 counterpart, for example, but provides a larger variety of services in its roster.
Do I need to connect my scanner to a computer to get my results?
No. Foxwell scanners allow you to read the data acquired straight from the device’s screen, meaning it can work as a standalone device.
Can an OBDII scanner support my OBDI system?
No. If your car uses an OBDI system, then you will need to find a scanning alternative that incorporates both OBDI and II into its provisions.
How do I know if my car uses an OBDI or OBDII system?
Most cars that were manufactured before 1995 incorporate an OBDI system with their technological aspects, while those manufactured in 1996 and beyond mainly consist of an OBDII system.
