A basic code reader can tell you that a fault exists. It cannot switch on a fuel pump, command a cooling fan, cycle a window, or confirm that an ABS component responds. That is the gap a bidirectional scanner is meant to fill, but the differences between tools are substantial.
Our Best bidirectional OBD2 scanner picks range from phone-powered adapters to large touchscreen units with full-system scans, active tests, live data, and service resets. Vehicle coverage still varies by make, model, year, and system, so check compatibility before relying on any one function.
Innova 5610 is our top pick for its combination of bidirectional controls, enhanced data, repair guidance, and support. The rest of the list covers wireless scanners, large-screen tools, focused four-system units, and simpler code readers.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Systems | Resets | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Innova 5610 | Best overall | Engine, ABS, SRS, transmission | Special reset functions | DIY owners who want guided diagnostics |
| 2 | THINKCAR THINKSCAN 662 | Best touchscreen scanner | Engine, ABS, SRS, transmission | 12 | Home garages and small repair shops |
| 3 | KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite | Best wireless option | All equipped systems | 15+ | Phone-based diagnostics |
| 4 | TOPDON TopScan Lite | Best compact adapter | Full-system diagnostics | 8+ | Drivers who want a pocket tool |
| 5 | TOPDON AD900 Lite | Best large screen | All available modules | 8 | Workshops and large-vehicle workflows |
| 6 | ANCEL FX6000 | Best four-system tool | Engine, ABS, SRS, transmission | 7+ | Focused home repair |
| 7 | XTOOL A30D | Best reset coverage | All major modules | 19 | Routine maintenance and relearns |
| 8 | Innova 5210 | Best code reader | Engine, ABS coverage varies | Oil reset | Basic diagnostics and battery checks |
| 9 | FOXWELL NT726 | Best actuation coverage | More than 22 systems | 12 | Mechanics needing broad active tests |
1. Innova 5610: Best Overall
Pros
- Bidirectional commands for supported components
- Enhanced live data for engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission
- Repair guidance through the RepairSolutions2 app
- Free updates with no subscription fees
- ASE-certified support in English and Spanish
Cons
- Coverage varies by vehicle make, model, and year
- Not a wireless handheld scanner by itself
- Some functions are not universal
Best for: DIY owners who want a serious wired scanner with useful repair guidance.
The Innova 5610 is the tool we would hand to a capable car owner who wants to move beyond clearing a check-engine light. Its useful distinction is that it combines active testing with a more approachable repair workflow. You can command supported components such as a fuel pump or electronic parking brake, then use the resulting behavior to narrow down the fault instead of replacing parts on suspicion.
Its Enhanced Data Stream reaches engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission systems, giving the scanner a better view than a basic engine-only reader. Live data matters when a code is only a symptom. RPM, sensor readings, and module data can help show whether a repair changed the underlying condition. The scanner also provides OEM live data where supported, though the exact information depends on the vehicle.
Innova covers most OBD2 vehicles from 1996 through 2023 according to the supplied listing, with 2024 coverage described as coming soon. That should not be treated as universal coverage. Innova specifically recommends checking its coverage tool, and the same warning applies to bidirectional commands and special relearn procedures. The free updates and RepairSolutions2 app make this easier to live with, especially when a code needs more explanation than its letter and number provide.
The THINKCAR THINKSCAN 662 has a larger 6.2-inch display and more explicitly listed reset functions, while the Innova 5610 has the stronger support story and a less intimidating path from code to repair. The weakness is its wired, handheld format and the fact that “bidirectional” does not mean every vehicle exposes every active test. Skip it if you want phone-based wireless operation or a scan tool designed around a very large screen.
This is the Best bidirectional OBD2 scanner for owners who want one dependable device for diagnosis, live data, active tests, and supported reset procedures. It is especially well suited to someone who wants technical help available after the initial scan.
2. THINKCAR THINKSCAN 662: Best Touchscreen Scanner
Pros
- 6.2-inch HD touchscreen with physical buttons
- 12 listed reset functions
- Active tests for injectors, fans, pumps, throttle, and more
- CAN FD and FCA SGW support
- Automatic VIN and report sharing
Cons
- FCA AutoAuth account access is separate
- Large software feature set may take time to learn
- Coverage varies across vehicles
Best for: home garages and small repair operations that prefer a dedicated screen.
The THINKCAR THINKSCAN 662 feels like a conventional shop scanner rather than a dongle that borrows a phone's display. Its 6.2-inch HD touchscreen gives menus and live data room to breathe, while physical buttons remain useful when the screen is hard to operate with dirty hands. That combination is more practical in a garage than a touch-only interface.
The 662 supports active tests involving fuel injectors, throttle control, coolant and radiator fans, pumps, EVAP functions, and other supported components. It can scan common modules such as ECM, TCM, ABS, and SRS, then show live information as text or a four-in-one waveform chart. Automatic VIN recognition reduces setup work, and the tool can save, share, print, or email inspection reports.
Its 12 reset functions include airbag, ABS bleeding, battery, brake, DPF, throttle, injector coding, oil, steering angle, gearbox, and TPMS procedures. That is a broad routine-maintenance selection, but the list should not be confused with guaranteed access on every car. The scanner supports CAN FD and includes FCA SGW integration for newer vehicles, but FCA AutoAuth registration and payment are still required for vehicles that need it.
Compared with the Innova 5610, the THINKSCAN 662 has a larger, more dedicated diagnostic interface and a longer named reset list. The Innova is easier to recommend to someone who wants more guided support. The 662 is the better fit when report handling, screen space, and shop-style controls matter more than a simpler learning curve.
The Best bidirectional OBD2 scanner choice for screen-first users is this one. It is a strong match for a garage that regularly checks multiple systems and wants active tests without keeping a phone or tablet connected.
3. KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite: Best Wireless Option
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.2 connection up to 33 feet
- Works with iOS and Android devices
- Full-system diagnostics and live data charts
- 15+ listed maintenance resets
- CAN FD and FCA AutoAuth support
Cons
- Requires the EDIAG app and activation
- Function coverage varies by model and year
- Phone-dependent operation is not for everyone
Best for: drivers who want a pocket-sized scanner controlled from a smartphone.
The KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite is the smallest, least cluttered way into full-system diagnostics here. The adapter measures 3.04 by 1.9 by 0.8 inches, so it can stay in a tool bag or glove compartment without taking over the space. Bluetooth 5.2 allows operation up to 33 feet away, which is useful when one person watches the phone while another observes a component.
The EDIAG app provides AutoVIN recognition and presents live information as graphs, numeric readings, meters, and four-in-one charts. It can log data and create reports for later playback. The scanner reaches equipped vehicle systems rather than stopping at the engine, with examples including transmission data, brake fluid pressure, and gear information. That is a meaningful step up from a conventional code reader.
Active tests can command supported air-conditioning clutches, windows, doors, sunroofs, and other components. The tool also lists more than 15 maintenance functions, including oil, headlight matching, bleeding, TPMS, battery, gearbox, EGR, throttle, injector, and steering-angle procedures. CAN FD and FCA AutoAuth support broaden its reach, though the listing stresses that coverage changes with the car's model and year.
The TOPDON TopScan Lite is even smaller and offers a repair database with AI assistance, but its advanced functions require a subscription after the first year. The KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite is more appealing for someone who wants lifetime update access and a longer reset list, provided they are comfortable with app activation. Its biggest limitation is also its defining feature: there is no built-in display.
Choose the Best bidirectional OBD2 scanner in this format if your phone is already your preferred diagnostic screen. It suits mobile mechanics, driveway repairs, and owners who want to walk around the vehicle while watching live data.
4. TOPDON TopScan Lite: Best Compact Adapter
Pros
- Extremely compact phone-powered design
- Full-system scans and active tests
- Eight listed hot resets
- CAN FD and gateway unlock support
- TopFix repair assistant and fault database
Cons
- Advanced functions require a subscription after the first year
- Depends on a compatible phone
- Coverage and gateway access vary
Best for: owners who want a small adapter with a broad app feature set.
The TOPDON TopScan Lite is barely larger than a small wireless accessory, measuring 3.31 by 1.98 by 1.07 inches and weighing about 0.06 pounds. It turns a phone into the interface, so it is easy to carry between vehicles and less awkward than a full handheld scanner when the diagnostic port is in a cramped location.
Do not mistake its size for a narrow feature set. TopScan Lite can scan all available systems, read and clear codes, display live data, run performance tests, and create a vehicle health report. Its active testing includes injectors, cooling fans, headlights, air-conditioning clutches, windows, and wipers where supported. The app also includes TSB information, a fault-code database, DLC location help, and TopFix, which provides repair questions, translations, and repair logs.
The eight listed hot resets cover oil, throttle, EPB, steering angle, DPF, ABS, battery, and airbag functions. CAN FD support helps with newer vehicles, while FCA, Renault, and Nissan gateway unlock features can remove access restrictions when the required account is supplied. The tool supports Android and iOS through the app, but the listing makes an important distinction: core diagnostics are free for life, while active tests, service operations, live data, code clearing, and AI functions require a subscription after the first year.
That software arrangement makes the KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite a better choice for buyers who want lifetime access to a broad reset and active-test package. The TopScan Lite has the more appealing repair database and TopFix workflow. Readers comparing small scanning hardware with other diagnostic accessories may also want to consider how a portable scanner handles cramped work areas, though the products in that category serve different jobs.
This is the Best bidirectional OBD2 scanner for a phone-centered workflow and occasional repairs. Skip it if recurring access to advanced functions is unacceptable or if you want a dedicated screen that works without a mobile device.
5. TOPDON AD900 Lite: Best Large Screen
Pros
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Wireless diagnosis up to 33 feet
- 10, 000mAh battery rated for 12 hours of operation
- Full-system diagnostics and active tests
- Eight listed service resets
Cons
- Heavy 4.8-pound design
- DTC repair guide has limited listed vehicle coverage
- Software updates are free for two years
Best for: workshops that want a large display and wireless VCI.
The TOPDON AD900 Lite is built around visibility. Its 8-inch touchscreen is much larger than the displays on the THINKCAR and ANCEL units, making long data lists and module menus easier to read. The tradeoff is obvious when you pick it up: the supplied dimensions are 11.53 by 8.58 by 5.39 inches and the listed weight is 4.8 pounds, so this is equipment for a bench or rolling cart rather than a pocket.
The scanner uses Android 11 and a 10, 000mAh battery rated for up to 12 hours of continuous operation. Its Bluetooth 5.0 VCI supports wireless diagnosis up to 33 feet, and supplied VCI cables add a wired connection option. That flexibility helps when a vehicle is on a lift or when a cable would get in the way, though wireless diagnosis still depends on the car and the particular procedure.
The AD900 Lite scans available modules including engine, transmission, airbag, ABS, ESP, TPMS, gateway, steering, radio, and air conditioning. It reads ECU information, clears codes, shows live data, retrieves freeze-frame information, and performs active tests. Listed tests include injectors, coolant pumps, windows, wipers, headlights, and mirrors. Eight service functions cover oil, throttle, EPB, steering angle, DPF, ABS bleeding, battery, and airbag resets.
The FOXWELL NT726 is smaller and emphasizes a large number of actuation tests, while the AD900 Lite wins on screen size and battery capacity. Its weakness is portability, followed by the limited vehicle range stated for its DTC repair guide, which is specifically listed for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Fiat vehicles from 2010 to 2014. It also includes two years of free software updates rather than lifetime updates.
Choose this Best bidirectional OBD2 scanner when the scanner will live in a workshop and screen readability matters more than carrying convenience. It is not the sensible pick for a glovebox kit or roadside bag.
6. ANCEL FX6000: Best Four-System Tool
Pros
- Engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission access
- Active tests for pumps, fans, injectors, and valves
- 6.2-inch display with touch and physical controls
- Seven or more listed reset functions
- Lifetime Wi-Fi updates with no subscription fees
Cons
- Does not promise the same system breadth as full-system tools
- Compatibility varies by vehicle
- Bulky for a basic code check
Best for: home garages focused on the four systems most often involved in repairs.
The ANCEL FX6000 takes a deliberately focused approach. Instead of presenting itself as a universal all-module platform, it concentrates on engine, ABS, SRS or airbag, and transmission systems. Those are the areas many home mechanics need when diagnosing drivability, braking, restraint, and shifting problems, and the clear scope can be easier to understand than a sprawling menu.
It reads and clears codes, shows live data, provides freeze-frame and vehicle information, and includes I/M readiness checks and DTC lookup. AutoVIN and Auto Scan help reduce manual setup. The 6.2-inch screen is operated by touch and physical buttons, with the buttons being a practical touch for work gloves or greasy hands.
The active-test list includes fuel injectors, cooling fans, ABS pumps, EVAP valves, and throttle actuators on supported vehicles. Seven or more service functions include oil, battery, EPB, ABS bleeding, steering angle, throttle relearn, and gear learning. CAN FD support and FCA AutoAuth access extend its compatibility, but the manufacturer still asks buyers to confirm the exact year, make, model, engine, and system.
The THINKCAR THINKSCAN 662 reaches a broader named set of reset functions and offers report sharing, while the FX6000 makes sense for someone who mainly works on its four core systems. The XTOOL A30D is a better fit for a wide range of relearns. The FX6000's weakness is that it may leave other modules outside the scanner's intended scope.
This is the Best bidirectional OBD2 scanner for a home mechanic who can define the job before buying. It is a sensible focused tool, not a substitute for an all-system platform when body, climate, gateway, or multimedia modules are part of the diagnosis.
7. XTOOL A30D: Best Reset Coverage
Pros
- 19 listed reset and relearn functions
- Wireless operation up to 33 feet
- All-system diagnostics
- CAN FD and FCA AutoAuth support
- Live data with up to eight parameters displayed
Cons
- Requires Android or iOS device
- FCA AutoAuth account and active subscription are separate
- Vehicle support must be confirmed
Best for: DIY owners who need many maintenance relearns from a phone.
The XTOOL A30D is a wireless adapter built around maintenance work. It connects to Android 9 or later and iOS 10 or later devices over Bluetooth, with a stated range of up to 33 feet. That makes it easier to watch the phone from beside the vehicle, although the phone requirement means it is not as self-contained as the Innova, THINKCAR, or FOXWELL scanners.
Its strongest claim is the 19-function reset and relearn set. The list includes EPB, TPMS, ABS bleeding, oil, steering angle, battery, throttle, injector coding, gear learning, crankshaft and camshaft relearns, transmission matching, seat calibration, and airbag repair functions. These are useful capabilities after common maintenance, but they are not universal. The listing repeatedly says that functions depend on make and year.
The A30D scans all major modules, including engine, gearbox, ABS, SRS, and air conditioning, and displays live data through graphs, meters, and up to eight PIDs at once. Data logging supports later review. CAN FD helps with newer communication systems, and FCA AutoAuth support is available for supported Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Fiat vehicles. An FCA account and active subscription are not included.
Compared with the KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite, the XTOOL A30D has the longer named reset list and can display up to eight live parameters at once. The KINGBOLEN is more compact and emphasizes charts, reports, and a simple phone-based experience. The A30D's main weakness is that its impressive function count needs careful compatibility checking before purchase.
Choose this Best bidirectional OBD2 scanner if maintenance resets and relearns are the priority. It is particularly attractive for a household with several vehicles, but buyers should confirm the specific procedures they need rather than relying on the headline count.
8. Innova 5210: Best Code Reader
Pros
- Reads engine codes and supported ABS codes
- Built-in battery and alternator testing
- Live data for RPM, temperature, fuel trims, and oxygen sensors
- Oil reset and I/M readiness checks
- RepairSolutions2 app with verified fixes
Cons
- Not a full bidirectional scanner
- ABS coverage varies
- Fewer advanced functions than the other picks
Best for: owners who mainly need code reading, live data, and battery checks.
The Innova 5210 is the outlier in this roundup. It is a capable diagnostic reader, but the supplied information does not describe bidirectional active testing. That matters, so it should not be confused with the Innova 5610 above. The 5210 earns its place for owners whose needs stop at identifying faults, checking live engine information, and confirming emissions readiness.
It reads and clears engine codes and supported ABS codes, then shows live data such as RPM, engine temperature, fuel trims, and oxygen-sensor readings. Those values can reveal whether an engine is operating normally and help confirm a repair. The drive-cycle readiness feature is useful before an emissions inspection, although clearing codes or disconnecting a battery resets readiness monitors until the car completes the required drive cycle.
The built-in battery tester checks battery and alternator health, adding a practical second function that many simple code readers lack. It also includes an oil-light reset and works with the RepairSolutions2 app, which provides repair guidance based on ASE-certified mechanic information. The tool supports most US, Asian, and European vehicles from 1996 onward, but Innova says coverage can vary and recommends using its coverage checker.
The Innova 5610 is the clear upgrade for active tests, enhanced ABS, SRS, and transmission data, while the 5210 is simpler and more focused. This scanner is not the Best bidirectional OBD2 scanner because it does not offer the same two-way control. It is the better answer for someone who wants a straightforward code reader and would not use advanced service functions.
Choose it when the real problem is a check-engine light, an upcoming inspection, or uncertainty about battery health. Skip it if your repair plan depends on commanding components or performing module-specific relearns.
9. FOXWELL NT726: Best Actuation Coverage
Pros
- All-system diagnostics for more than 22 vehicle systems
- Broad actuation-test coverage
- 12 maintenance resets
- 5.5-inch touchscreen designed for glove use
- PDF reports, Wi-Fi printing, and 32GB storage
Cons
- FCA vehicles may require a separate 12+8 adapter
- Coverage still varies by vehicle
- Less compact than a phone adapter
Best for: mechanics who need broad module access and active tests.
The FOXWELL NT726 is aimed at users who want a broad scan rather than a narrow engine check. It supports more than 22 vehicle systems and provides full OBD2 functions, live four-in-one data, built-in code lookup, quick scans, and one-click PDF reports. That makes it a more natural fit for a working garage than for a driver who only wants to read a warning light.
Its bidirectional side covers active tests involving ABS, windows, injectors, coolant systems, and other supported components. The listing claims coverage for a broad set of actuation tests, but the practical qualification is the same as with every scanner here: a test is available only when the vehicle exposes it and the software supports that application.
The 12 reset functions include ABS bleeding, oil, EPB, steering angle, DPF, TPMS, injector coding, throttle matching, window and door control, transmission adaptation, suspension, and battery registration. It supports more than 100 brands and 10, 000 models according to the listing, with FCA AutoAuth readiness for newer Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, and RAM vehicles. Those FCA applications may need a 12+8 adapter.
A 5.5-inch HD touchscreen is intended to work with gloves, while Wi-Fi printing, 32GB storage, PC export, and a supplied hard-shell case suit report-heavy work. The THINKCAR THINKSCAN 662 has a slightly larger screen and a more balanced touch and button interface. The FOXWELL NT726 counters with broader stated system and actuation coverage. Its weakness is that the expansive feature list demands more research before purchase.
This is the Best bidirectional OBD2 scanner for a mechanic who prioritizes module breadth and active testing over compact size. It is too much scanner for a basic warning-light check, but a strong option when a vehicle's fault may sit outside the engine computer.
How to choose best bidirectional obd2 scanner
The right scanner is defined less by its feature count than by the systems and procedures it can actually access on your vehicle.
Active tests
Bidirectional control lets the scanner send a command to a vehicle module and observe the response. That can mean switching a fuel pump, fan, injector, window, valve, or ABS pump on and off. A tool with more named tests is not automatically better because availability depends on the vehicle's software and hardware.
Look for the particular components you need to test. If you are chasing a cooling problem, fan and pump control matters more than a long list of unrelated resets.
A bidirectional scanner is useful only when it can command the component involved in your actual fault.
System coverage
Engine-only readers are limited when the warning light comes from ABS, SRS, transmission, body, or climate systems. Full-system tools such as the KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite, TOPDON AD900 Lite, XTOOL A30D, and FOXWELL NT726 can inspect more modules, while the ANCEL FX6000 deliberately focuses on four.
Check the vehicle-specific coverage before buying. A scanner may support a car's standard OBD2 functions while lacking a particular ABS, airbag, gateway, or transmission operation.
Reset and relearn functions
Service functions are useful after maintenance. Oil resets, EPB procedures, ABS bleeding, battery registration, steering-angle calibration, throttle relearn, injector coding, and transmission adaptation each solve a different problem.
Count the procedures that match your work, not the total printed in the listing. The XTOOL A30D has 19 named functions, while the Innova 5210 has an oil reset and does not compete in this class of service coverage.
Live data and reports
Live data turns a stored code into a moving picture of what the car is doing. Useful displays include engine temperature, RPM, fuel trims, oxygen-sensor information, transmission data, brake pressure, and other readings supported by the vehicle.
Charts and multiple-parameter views make trends easier to spot. Report export is useful when a result needs to be shared with a technician. The THINKSCAN 662, KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite, and FOXWELL NT726 put particular emphasis on reports and visual data.
Screen and connection
A dedicated scanner is ready to use without a phone, while a Bluetooth adapter is smaller and easier to move around the vehicle. The KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite, TOPDON TopScan Lite, and XTOOL A30D rely on iOS or Android devices. The THINKCAR, ANCEL, TOPDON AD900 Lite, Innova, and FOXWELL units provide their own screens.
Wireless range can reduce cable clutter, but a large handheld screen is easier to read when you are not holding a phone. For people comparing different kinds of diagnostic equipment, the tradeoffs of carrying a scanner between vehicles are worth considering before choosing a permanent workshop unit.
Software and updates
A scanner's hardware is only half the product. Check how updates work, how long advanced functions remain available, and whether gateway services need separate accounts. The Innova 5610, KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite, XTOOL A30D, ANCEL FX6000, and FOXWELL NT726 list lifetime updates, while the TOPDON TopScan Lite requires a subscription for advanced functions after its first year and the TOPDON AD900 Lite lists two years of free software updates.
FCA AutoAuth access is another separate consideration. Several tools support compatible FCA vehicles, but account registration, an active account, or an adapter may still be required.
Frequently asked questions
What does bidirectional control do?
Bidirectional control sends commands from the scanner to a vehicle's electronic control unit. It can activate supported components such as pumps, fans, injectors, windows, valves, or an ABS system so you can observe their response. It does not guarantee control of every component on every vehicle.
Does every scanner here scan every car system?
No. The Innova 5210 is primarily an engine and supported ABS code reader, while the ANCEL FX6000 focuses on engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission. Full-system claims still depend on the car's make, model, year, and installed modules.
Do I need a phone for these scanners?
You need a phone or tablet for the KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite, TOPDON TopScan Lite, and XTOOL A30D. The other products in this list provide dedicated scanner hardware with their own displays.
Are service resets universal?
No. A scanner may list oil, EPB, battery, DPF, steering-angle, or throttle functions but still lack one of them for a particular vehicle. Confirm the exact procedure and vehicle coverage before starting the repair.
What is CAN FD support?
CAN FD is a newer vehicle communication protocol that can carry more data than traditional CAN in compatible applications. Support can help a scanner communicate with some newer vehicles, but it does not by itself guarantee every diagnostic or service function.
Do FCA vehicles need extra access?
Some FCA vehicles use a security gateway that restricts diagnostic commands. Tools in this roundup may provide FCA AutoAuth support, but an account, active access, or a separate adapter can still be required depending on the vehicle and scanner.
Can a scanner clear a permanent fault?
Clearing a code does not repair the cause of a fault. If the vehicle continues to detect the problem, the code may return or remain permanent until the underlying issue is fixed and the vehicle completes its required checks.
The bottom line
The Best bidirectional OBD2 scanner for most capable DIY owners is the Innova 5610. It balances active tests, enhanced data for major systems, supported reset procedures, repair guidance, free updates, and accessible support. The THINKCAR THINKSCAN 662 is the stronger alternative when a dedicated 6.2-inch screen, report handling, and a longer named reset list matter more.
Choose the KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite or XTOOL A30D for a phone-based setup, the TOPDON AD900 Lite or FOXWELL NT726 for workshop-scale scanning, and the Innova 5210 when you only need straightforward code reading and battery checks.
If you are undecided, verify the exact active test and reset procedure your vehicle needs, then choose the smallest scanner that supports it.
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