In today’s connected world, understanding your vehicle’s health is easier than ever, thanks to On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) apps. The rise of sophisticated mobile app development has paved the way for a plethora of applications designed to tap into your car’s computer, providing real-time insights into its performance and potential issues. Imagine having the ability to understand your car’s “voice,” allowing you to preemptively address problems and avoid inconvenient breakdowns.
OBD2 apps essentially grant you access to a wealth of data directly from your vehicle’s engine. They translate complex technical information into user-friendly displays, covering vital parameters such as speed, engine rotation, pressure levels, and temperature readings. This level of insight empowers car owners to make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs.
However, navigating the crowded app market to find the best OBD2 app for Android can be overwhelming. With countless options available, distinguishing between high-quality tools and subpar applications can be time-consuming and frustrating. You want to avoid wasting time and money on ineffective apps.
Unfortunately, many drivers have experienced the disappointment of purchasing OBD2 apps that fail to deliver on their promises. To prevent this from happening to you, we’ve compiled an in-depth review of 17 of the top OBD2 apps currently available. Any of the apps on this list would be a valuable addition to your automotive toolkit, helping you stay informed about your car’s condition.
Let’s dive into the best OBD2 apps for Android and explore their features, pros, and cons.
Top OBD2 Apps for Android in Detail
1. Torque Pro (OBD2 & Car)
Torque Pro consistently ranks as a top choice among vehicle owners, widely regarded as the best OBD2 app for Android. Boasting over 1,000,000 downloads on the Play Store and numerous positive reviews, this paid app (around $5) is considered a worthwhile investment for serious car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics.
Torque Pro provides a real-time view of your vehicle’s performance data, presented on a customizable and visually appealing dashboard on your Android device. Users can tailor the display to prioritize the parameters most relevant to them. Furthermore, Torque Pro allows for data logging and export to its servers or via email, enabling later analysis and record-keeping.
Pros:
- Highly customizable dashboard with multiple themes for personalization.
- Seamless screenshot sharing to social media and email platforms.
- Integrated GPS-based compass for navigation and orientation.
- Robust data graphing and car dock support for enhanced usability.
- CO2 emission readouts for environmental awareness.
- Track recorder function to capture video footage of your journeys.
- Configurable alarms and warnings for critical performance thresholds, such as coolant temperature exceeding 120°C.
- Broad Android compatibility, supporting older versions including 2.0.
Cons:
- Requires upfront purchase.
- Occasional Bluetooth pairing issues, which are often resolvable with app updates.
2. OBD Auto Doctor
OBD Auto Doctor is a versatile car diagnostic app that functions similarly to many others in its category. It’s compatible with both ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters, allowing for broad connectivity. This app excels at monitoring crucial vehicle sensors and parameters in real-time, providing users with immediate feedback on their car’s condition.
OBD Auto Doctor stands out by supporting monitoring of multiple control units simultaneously, including engine and transmission. This comprehensive approach provides a more holistic view of vehicle health. Data export via email in CSV format is also supported, facilitating data analysis and sharing. A particularly useful feature is its optimized fuel consumption monitoring, which can help users save money on fuel costs over time.
Pros:
- Real-time data display empowers users to make timely decisions regarding car maintenance.
- Supports both numerical and graphical displays of sensor data for easy interpretation.
- Compatible with all OBD2 compliant vehicles, ensuring wide applicability.
- Integrated GPS support for location-based features and data logging.
- Responsive and helpful customer service team available around the clock.
- Extensive customization options to tailor the app to individual preferences.
- Supports both imperial and metric units for global usability.
- Monitors over 18,000 diagnostic trouble codes for comprehensive fault detection.
- Tracks readiness status for emissions testing, ensuring vehicle compliance.
Cons:
- In-app purchases and a Premium upgrade are needed to unlock the full range of features.
- Some users have reported occasional connection problems or inaccurate readings.
3. InCarDoc Pro
InCarDoc Pro has consistently been recognized as a leading OBD2 app for Android, earning accolades in car reviews as far back as 2017/2018 and continuing to be a strong contender. The app prioritizes high-level car scanning and diagnostics, presenting information through a clean and intuitive home screen.
A free version of InCarDoc Pro is available, allowing users to test adapter and vehicle compatibility before committing to the paid version (under $5) on the app store. In terms of connectivity, InCarDoc Pro supports ELM327 USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi adapters, and it’s designed to function reliably on most modern Android devices.
Pros:
- Compatibility with a wide range of OBD2 compliant vehicles, with a compatibility list available on their website.
- Real-time monitoring of engine and vehicle parameters.
- Overlay feature to display fuel economy data in the background or over other running apps.
- Dedicated widgets for fuel economy and acceleration metrics.
- GPS support for tracking location and driving routes.
- Cloud storage integration for uploading and backing up reporting data.
- Data sharing via email to facilitate professional car repair assistance.
Cons:
- Compatibility limited to Android 4.0.3 and higher.
- Some users have reported occasional issues with Bluetooth connections.
4. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App
The Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App is designed to provide comprehensive insights into your vehicle’s operation, allowing you to access a wide array of parameters monitored by your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU). This free car diagnostic app empowers users to proactively identify potential issues before they escalate. If you are familiar with diagnostic fault codes, this app becomes even more powerful, enabling you to address minor problems yourself and determine when professional mechanic intervention is necessary.
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is arguably the best monitoring tool in terms of device compatibility. It offers versions for Android, iOS, Windows PC, and mobile platforms. With over 2 million installations across supported platforms and a high user rating (4.7 average), this app is a strong contender for your OBD2 needs.
Pros:
- Broad compatibility with all OBD2 standard vehicles.
- Compatible with most Wi-Fi or Bluetooth OBD2 ELM327 adapters, offering flexibility in hardware choices.
- Customizable dashboard, allowing users to prioritize and track their preferred parameters.
- Integrated fuel consumption statistics for monitoring and improving fuel efficiency.
- Settings backup and restore functionality for easy device switching or app reinstallation.
- Multilingual support, including English, Russian, and Polish.
Cons:
- Requires Android 4.3 or later.
- In-app purchases are necessary to unlock optimal performance and features.
5. EOBD Facile
EOBD Facile is a versatile OBD2 car diagnostic app available for both Android and iOS platforms. It supports ELM327 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of OBD2 hardware. With this app on your mobile, you can monitor virtually all essential vehicle gauges and parameters, providing the data needed to make informed decisions about your car’s maintenance and operation.
Depending on the data provided by your vehicle’s ECU, EOBD Facile can display parameters such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine temperature, ignition timing, engine torque, air intake volume, and numerous other gauges on its user-friendly dashboard. EOBD Facile has achieved over 1 million installations on the Google Play Store, indicating its popularity and user trust.
Pros:
- Real-time display of vehicle sensor data for immediate feedback.
- Extensive database of over 11,000 fault codes and definitions for comprehensive diagnostics.
- Ability to clear fault codes and resolve engine light issues, potentially saving on mechanic visits.
- Trip record storage on SD card for later review using EOBD-Facile PC/Mac software.
- Route planning feature, beneficial for long journeys.
Cons:
- May require some prior experience with OBD2 apps to fully utilize its features.
- No support for USB adapters, limiting connectivity options.
6. HobDrive
HobDrive stands out as a feature-rich OBD2 app for Android, although it is also one of the more expensive options on the Google Play Store (around $10). This price reflects its advanced car tracking capabilities and premium features, making it a worthwhile investment for users seeking comprehensive vehicle diagnostics.
A key advantage of HobDrive is its broad vehicle compatibility. It supports not only all OBD2 compliant vehicles but also certain Non-OBD2 vehicles, such as Delphi mr240 (Chevrolet) and Bosch systems. Furthermore, HobDrive offers cross-platform accessibility, working seamlessly with CarPCs (Windows/Linux), car audio systems (Windows CE), Windows Phone 8/10, and iOS devices.
Pros:
- Highly customizable dashboard to display key parameters provided by your car’s ECU.
- Supports GPS and ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters for flexible connectivity.
- Tracks potential issues such as overheating and suspicious fuel trims.
- Provides clear explanations of MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) codes for easy troubleshooting.
- Estimates car odometer readings.
- Calculates MPG (miles per gallon) for diesel vehicles without relying on battery input.
- Pro version includes extended graphical gauges for enhanced data visualization.
Cons:
- Some users have reported difficulties with in-app payments in certain locations.
- App compatibility starts with Android version 3 and above.
7. OBDeleven
When evaluating the android app development behind OBD2 apps, OBDeleven distinguishes itself with its innovative “One Click App” feature. Beyond providing a clear view of ECU parameters, OBDeleven allows users to control various car functions with a single button press.
The “One Click App” functionality requires a stable network connection. Access to more advanced car tracking tools also necessitates a Premium upgrade. Despite these considerations, OBDeleven is a highly regarded tool for car diagnostics and customization, popular among car enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Pros:
- Reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes from all vehicle ECUs.
- Multilingual support for international users.
- Active social media community for user support and knowledge sharing.
- Includes a car battery analyzer, a feature not found in all OBD2 apps.
- Provides DIY car fix manuals for common issues.
- Retrieves history of connected vehicles for tracking maintenance and diagnostics.
- Supports control unit reset functionality.
Cons:
- Requires a network connection for optimal performance, particularly for the “One Click App” feature.
- Free version contains ads, which can be removed with a Premium upgrade.
8. Dash – Drive Smart
Dash Drive Smart is a car tracking app that supports OBDeleven software and a range of smart car analysis tools. It provides real-time data and claims compatibility with cars dating back to 1996 models, expanding its usability to older vehicles.
Dash aims to enhance driving experience and car maintenance by providing insights into driving habits and vehicle health. It can even function without requiring a device to be constantly plugged in, offering added convenience.
Pros:
- Optimized and customizable parameter dashboard that can operate in background mode.
- Driver score and leaderboard features to compare driving performance with others.
- Supports multiple vehicles with automatic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoding.
- GPS tracking tool for locating parked vehicles.
- Nearby gas price comparison feature to save money on fuel.
Cons:
- Some users report battery drain on mobile devices when using the app.
- Compass feature may be occasionally glitchy, though updates aim to address this.
- Network connection issues have been reported by some users.
9. Engine Link (IOS)
Engine Link is a car diagnostic app similar to Torque Pro but exclusively for iOS devices. It connects to compatible ELM327 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. While historically praised, recent user feedback indicates issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, contributing to lower app ratings despite its strong feature set.
Engine Link is available for a one-time purchase (around $6 on iTunes), offering a comprehensive car monitoring solution without subscription fees.
Pros:
- Customizable dashboard to focus on desired parameters.
- Monitors emission rates and fuel consumption.
- Reads and clears thousands of OBD2 fault codes.
- Heads-up display (HUD) option for projecting data onto the windshield.
- No in-app purchases or subscription fees.
- Supports over 20 languages.
- Recent updates include support for Torque Custom PID files.
Cons:
- Some users report connection issues where the app connects but fails to read ECU data.
- Requires iOS 8.0 or later.
10. ScanMaster
ScanMaster is another capable car monitoring tool for ELM327 OBD2 adapters. While less widely known than some other scanners, it maintains a respectable 4.0 rating with over 1 million installs on Android.
ScanMaster provides real-time vehicle performance data and accurate fault code readings, potentially preventing unnecessary mechanic costs. The app offers a free “Lite” version with basic parameters like VIN, CVN, fault codes, and MIL status. However, the paid “Pro” version is required to unlock full features, including an extensive fault code database and detailed error descriptions.
Pros:
- Free “Lite” version offers a useful set of tracking parameters.
- Supports both German and English languages.
- User-friendly and easy to navigate interface.
- Compatible with a wide range of ELM327 adapters.
- Data recording capabilities for later analysis.
- Clear graphical data representation.
Cons:
- Inconsistent customer support.
- Compatibility issues reported with certain devices.
- Requires Android 4.0 or later.
11. DashCommand (IOS)
DashCommand positions itself as a premium app designed to transform your mobile device into an advanced engine data display. It received the SEMA Show award for best mobile electronic product in 2014, highlighting its innovation and quality.
DashCommand is one of the pricier iOS OBD2 scanner apps (around $14.99 on iTunes), but it delivers with high-performance gauges, fuel economy tracking, engine monitoring, and emission testing for up to five trips. User reviews generally reflect satisfaction with its features and performance.
Pros:
- User-friendly and intuitive interface.
- Highly customizable performance gauges to track specific data points.
- Inclinometer feature for displaying roll angle and vehicle pitch during off-roading.
- Data logging, recording, and playback capabilities.
- Sophisticated trip computer with statistics for up to five trips.
- Graphical representation of collected data.
Cons:
- Not compatible with iPhone X.
- Compatibility issues reported with Haltech Elite 2599 systems.
- In-app purchases may be required for certain car models or advanced features.
12. BlueDriver
BlueDriver is a popular OBD2 scanner app available on both iOS and Android. It’s considered a top free car diagnostic tool, evidenced by its 4.6 rating on iTunes and over 2 million downloads.
BlueDriver allows users to monitor critical ECU parameters, scan and clear trouble codes, access freeze frame data, and share data via email. It includes features often found only in paid apps, making it a favorite among professional mechanics and car enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Wireless connection to your car for convenient use.
- Smog readiness check for emissions compliance.
- Potential to reduce travel costs through proactive maintenance.
- Free and regular updates enhance functionality and compatibility.
- Displays on-board monitoring test results.
- Improved diagnostics for ABS, Airbag, Transmission, and other systems.
- Generates and shares repair reports.
Cons:
- Requires iOS 8 and above.
- Minor issues reported with iPhone XR, typically resolved with updates.
13. GoFAR
GoFAR offers a comprehensive car diagnostic solution that includes a dedicated device and app. It focuses on monitoring car health and tracking mileage, compatible with most OBD2 compliant car adapters.
A key selling point of GoFAR is its IRS compliance, potentially leading to tax savings for business use of vehicles. It also emphasizes fuel efficiency, claiming potential savings of 10-30% on fuel costs. The Android and iOS apps maintain a 4.7 rating, reflecting positive user experiences.
Pros:
- Easy installation and user-friendly operation.
- One-year warranty included with initial purchase.
- Sends alerts in plain English when vehicle errors occur.
- Platform for connecting with nearby mechanics.
- Database of over 3000 fault codes and descriptions.
- Global leaderboard for comparing fuel savings with other drivers.
- Alerts for tire pressure checks, insurance, and registration renewals.
- No subscription or ongoing fees.
Cons:
- Requires an upfront purchase of the GoFAR device (around $99).
14. FIXD – Vehicle Health Monitor
FIXD is designed for simplicity and ease of use without sacrificing diagnostic capabilities. Fault codes are translated into clear, understandable language within the FIXD app, making it accessible to users with varying levels of automotive knowledge.
FIXD offers its own OBD2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters for optimal performance. The app is available on Android via the Google Play Store and has a solid 4.5 user rating.
Pros:
- Quick and easy setup, ready to use in minutes.
- Suitable for users new to OBD2 apps.
- Maintenance schedule reminders.
- Alerts for worn car parts needing repair or replacement.
- Streamlined onboarding process.
- In-app car part purchasing functionality.
- Helpful customer support team.
Cons:
- Older app versions have had reported bugs.
- Works primarily with FIXD adapters.
- Offers in-app purchases for additional features.
15. Carly For BMW
Carly For BMW is a specialized OBD2 app tailored for BMW vehicles, compatible with adapters provided by Carly.
Whether you are a novice or experienced BMW driver, Carly provides real-time access to vital car gauges and parameters. The Android app also supports standard OBD features, but compatibility testing with the “Lite” version is recommended before purchasing.
Pros:
- Comprehensive health checks of BMW electronic components.
- Used car check feature for pre-purchase inspections.
- One-click control for electric parking brake.
- Carly adapters include premium customer support and lifetime warranty.
- DIY battery registration support.
- Excellent customer service.
Cons:
- Carly adapters are more expensive than general ELM327 adapters.
- Limited fault code coverage for BMW 2 series F45/F46 models.
16. Carista OBD2 App
Carista OBD2 App utilizes a Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 plug. The Carista scanner is well-supported by brands like Toyota, BMW, Subaru, Mini, Audi, VW, and Lexus.
A notable feature of Carista is its “Customize” option, allowing users to access and modify various ECU settings typically only accessible by dealerships.
Pros:
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Compact and portable OBD2 plug.
- Customizable settings.
- Phone-to-OBD2 scanner innovation.
- 1-month free trial period.
- iOS and Android support.
- Detailed diagnostics capabilities.
Cons:
- In-app purchases for full functionality.
17) OBD Fusion
Developed by OCTech, the OBD Fusion app, when paired with a compatible OBD2 vehicle scanner, delivers comprehensive vehicle diagnostic reports. It is considered a highly popular app for vehicle diagnostics due to its ease of use.
OBD Fusion’s user-friendliness makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Customizable dashboards are a key feature, allowing users to prioritize and closely monitor specific engine functions.
Pros:
- Highly customizable dashboards.
- Compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.
- GPS navigation features.
- Emission monitoring capabilities.
- Extensive data logging options.
Cons:
- Some features are locked behind expansion packs (in-app purchases).
- Lacks diagnostic data sharing features.
Conclusion
With this detailed list of the best OBD2 apps for Android and iOS, you’re now better equipped to choose an app that meets your car diagnostic needs.
Before making a purchase or committing to a specific app, it’s crucial to verify compatibility with your vehicle. Functional testing is essential in this regard. Many OBD2 app developers offer free “lite” versions for compatibility testing, while others may require purchasing the full version upfront. Take the time to determine which app works best with your car before investing.
To summarize, here are our top recommendations:
Best Android OBD2 App
Torque Pro: A paid app with a rich feature set and broad vehicle compatibility, making it a top choice for Android users.
Best iOS OBD2 App
OBD Fusion: A paid app known for its ease of use and comprehensive tracking of vital vehicle parameters, ideal for iOS users.
