Best OBD2 Apps of 2019: Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide for Car Diagnostics

In today’s automotive landscape, understanding your vehicle’s health is no longer confined to mechanics’ garages. Thanks to advancements in mobile technology, a plethora of On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) apps have emerged, empowering drivers with real-time insights into their car’s inner workings. These innovative tools leverage mobile app development to deliver diagnostic data directly to your smartphone, bridging the gap between complex automotive systems and user-friendly interfaces. Forget deciphering cryptic dashboard lights; the best OBD2 app can translate your car’s signals into actionable information, potentially saving you from costly repairs and roadside hassles.

OBD2 apps essentially act as interpreters for your car’s engine control unit (ECU), providing a window into parameters like speed, engine temperature, pressure levels, and rotation angles. However, the sheer volume of OBD2 apps available for both Android and iOS platforms can be overwhelming. Navigating this crowded market to find the best OBD2 app for your needs can be a challenge. Many users have unfortunately experienced disappointment, investing in apps that fail to deliver on their promises.

To prevent you from wasting time and money on subpar options, we’ve compiled an expert-driven review of the top 17 OBD2 apps available in 2019. This guide will help you make an informed decision and select the ideal app to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Let’s dive into the best OBD2 apps of 2019 and explore their features, pros, and cons.

Top OBD2 Apps for Android and iOS in 2019: Detailed Reviews

1. Torque Pro (OBD2 & Car)

Torque Pro stands out as a highly acclaimed OBD2 Bluetooth app, consistently praised by car owners and frequently cited as the best OBD2 app for Android. Boasting over 1,000,000 downloads on the Play Store, this paid app (around $5) has earned its reputation for reliability and comprehensive features.

Alt text: Torque Pro app interface showcasing a customizable dashboard with real-time vehicle data.

Torque Pro transforms your smartphone into a real-time dashboard, displaying your car’s performance data in an intuitive and customizable layout. Beyond live monitoring, the app allows you to export collected data to Torque Pro servers or via email for later analysis or sharing.

Pros:

• Customizable Dashboards: Offers multiple themes to personalize the app’s appearance.
• Data Sharing: Enables screenshot sharing on social media and email for easy collaboration.
• Integrated GPS Compass: Includes a built-in GPS-based compass for navigation and data logging.
• Data Graphing and Car Dock Support: Provides graphical data representations and car dock compatibility for enhanced usability.
• CO2 Emission Readouts: Monitors and displays carbon dioxide emission levels.
• Track Recorder: Features a video track recorder to capture driving sessions.
• Performance Alerts: Sends alarms and warnings for suboptimal car performance, such as high coolant temperatures.
• Wide Android Compatibility: Supports older Android versions, including 2.0.

Cons:

• Paid App: Requires upfront purchase.
• Bluetooth Pairing Issues: Some users have reported Bluetooth pairing bugs, potentially requiring updates to resolve.

2. OBD Auto Doctor

OBD Auto Doctor operates on similar principles to many leading car diagnostic apps, offering comprehensive vehicle monitoring capabilities. It seamlessly integrates with ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters, providing real-time tracking of crucial vehicle sensors and parameters.

Alt text: OBD Auto Doctor app displaying real-time sensor data in numerical and graphical formats.

This app allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple control units, including engine and transmission systems. Data export via email in CSV format is supported for detailed analysis. Furthermore, OBD Auto Doctor includes an optimized fuel consumption monitor, potentially leading to significant fuel savings.

Pros:

• Real-time Data Display: Presents live vehicle data on the screen for informed decision-making regarding car maintenance.
• Numerical and Graphical Data: Supports both numerical and graphical displays of sensor readings.
• Broad Vehicle Compatibility: Compatible with all OBD2 compliant vehicles.
• GPS Support: Integrates GPS functionality for location-based data logging.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Offers around-the-clock customer service assistance.
• Advanced Customization: Provides extensive customization options to tailor the app to user preferences.
• Imperial and Metric Units: Supports both imperial and metric units for data display.
• Extensive Trouble Code Database: Monitors over 18,000 diagnostic trouble codes.
• Emission Readiness Status: Tracks readiness status for emission testing, indicating vehicle preparedness.

Cons:

• In-App Purchases and Premium Upgrade: Requires in-app purchases and a premium upgrade to unlock full features.
• Connectivity Issues: Some users have reported occasional connection problems or inaccurate readings.

3. InCarDoc Pro

InCarDoc Pro, previously recognized as a leading OBD2 Android app in 2017 and 2018, remains a strong contender in 2019. This app provides advanced car scanning and diagnostics, presented through a clean and user-friendly home screen.

Alt text: InCarDoc Pro app interface with a focus on real-time engine parameters and vehicle health monitoring.

A free version is available to verify adapter and vehicle compatibility before committing to the paid app (under $5). InCarDoc Pro supports ELM327 USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi adapters and is compatible with most modern Android devices.

Pros:

• Wide OBD2 Vehicle Compatibility: Works with all OBD2 compliant vehicles listed on their website.
• Real-time Parameter Monitoring: Displays real-time engine and vehicle parameters.
• Overlay Mode: Offers an overlay feature to display fuel economy data in the background or over other running apps.
• Fuel Economy and Acceleration Widgets: Includes widgets for fuel economy and acceleration tracking.
• GPS Functionality: Supports GPS integration for location-based data.
• Cloud Data Upload: Enables uploading reporting data to cloud storage for backup and access across devices.
• Data Sharing via Email: Allows data sharing via email for professional assistance with car repairs.

Cons:

• Android Version Requirement: Requires Android 4.0.3 and up.
• Bluetooth Connection Errors: Some users have encountered potential errors during Bluetooth connection setup.

4. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App

Gaining comprehensive knowledge about your car’s operation and accessing every parameter read by its ECU becomes accessible with the free Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App.

Alt text: Car Scanner ELM OBD2 app interface with customizable gauges for monitoring various vehicle parameters.

This app empowers you to proactively identify potential issues and, if familiar with fault codes, address minor problems independently, saving on mechanic visits. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is considered a top monitoring tool due to its extensive device compatibility, spanning Android, iOS, Windows PC, and mobile platforms. With over 2 million installs across supported platforms and a high user rating (4.7), this app is a noteworthy option.

Pros:

• Universal OBD2 Compatibility: Compatible with all OBD2 standard vehicles.
• Wide Adapter Support: Works with most Wi-Fi or Bluetooth OBD2 ELM327 adapters.
• Customizable Dashboard: Allows users to personalize the dashboard to track preferred parameters.
• Fuel Consumption Statistics: Provides fuel consumption analysis and statistics.
• Settings Backup and Restore: Offers settings backup and restore functionality.
• Multilingual Support: Supports multiple languages, including English, Russian, and Polish.

Cons:

• Android Version Limitation: Only supports Android 4.3 and above.
• In-App Purchases: Requires in-app purchases for optimal performance and access to all features.

5. EOBD Facile

EOBD Facile is a versatile OBD2 car diagnostic app available on both Android and iOS. It supports ELM327 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters, allowing users to monitor essential gauges and parameters for informed car maintenance decisions.

Alt text: EOBD Facile app displaying a range of vehicle parameters, including speed, RPM, and engine temperature.

Depending on your car’s ECU capabilities, EOBD Facile can display vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine temperature, ignition timing, engine torque, air intake volume, and various other gauges on its dashboard. The app has achieved over 1 million installs on the Google Play Store, indicating its popularity and user base.

Pros:

• Real-time Sensor Display: Provides live readings from vehicle sensors.
• Extensive Fault Code Database: Includes over 11,000 fault codes and definitions.
• Fault Code Clearing: Enables users to clear fault codes and address engine light issues.
• Trip Record Storage: Supports storing trip records on an SD card for later review using EOBD-Facile PC/Mac software.
• Route Planning: Offers route planning functionality, beneficial for long journeys.

Cons:

• Prior OBD2 Experience Recommended: May require some prior experience with OBD2 apps to fully utilize its features.
• No USB Adapter Support: Does not support USB adapters.

6. HobDrive

HobDrive is a feature-rich OBD2 app for Android, offering advanced car tracking capabilities. While it is one of the pricier options on the Google Play Store (around $10), its comprehensive features justify the cost for many users.

Alt text: HobDrive app showcasing a detailed dashboard with gauges for various engine and vehicle parameters.

A key advantage of HobDrive is its broad vehicle compatibility, supporting not only OBD2 compliant vehicles but also some non-OBD2 vehicles like Delphi mr240 (Chevrolet) and Bosch systems. HobDrive also offers seamless accessibility across various platforms, including CarPCs (Windows/Linux), car audio systems (Windows CE), Windows Phone 8/10, and iOS.

Pros:

• Customizable Dashboard: Features a customizable dashboard displaying key parameters from the car’s ECU.
• Adapter Compatibility: Supports GPS and ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters.
• Advanced Monitoring: Tracks overheating and unusual fuel trim levels.
• Clear MIL Code Explanations: Provides clear explanations of malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) codes.
• Odometer Estimation: Estimates car odometer readings.
• MPG Calculation for Diesel Vehicles: Calculates MPG for diesel vehicles without battery assistance.
• Pro Version Features: The Pro version includes expanded graphical gauges for enhanced data visualization.

Cons:

• Payment Issues in Some Regions: Some users have reported difficulties with in-app payments in certain locations.
• Android Version Requirement: Requires Android version 3 and above.

7. OBDeleven

OBDeleven stands out with its advanced Android app development, going beyond basic OBD2 diagnostics. In addition to providing clear insights into ECU parameters, OBDeleven incorporates a unique “One Click App” feature, enabling users to control various car options with a single tap.

Alt text: OBDeleven app showing the “One-Click Apps” section, allowing users to perform various vehicle functions with a single click.

The “One Click App” functionality requires a stable network connection. A Premium upgrade unlocks access to more advanced car tracking tools. Despite these considerations, OBDeleven remains a valuable tool for car diagnostics, popular among enthusiasts and mechanics alike.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Diagnostic Trouble Code Support: Reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes from the ECU.
• Multilingual Interface: Supports multiple languages.
• Active User Community: Features an active social media community for user support and discussions.
• Car Battery Analyzer: Includes a car battery analyzer, a feature not found in all OBD2 apps.
• DIY Repair Manuals: Offers manuals with DIY car repair guidance.
• Connected Car History: Retrieves history for connected vehicles.
• Control Unit Reset: Supports control unit reset functionality.

Cons:

• Network Dependency: Requires a network connection for optimal performance, especially for “One Click Apps”.
• Advertisements in Free Version: Contains advertisements until users upgrade to the Premium version.

8. Dash – Drive Smart

Dash – Drive Smart is a car tracking app compatible with OBDeleven and other smart car analysis platforms. It provides real-time data and claims compatibility with car models dating back to 1996.

Alt text: Dash Drive Smart app interface displaying driver score, trip statistics, and vehicle location tracking.

Dash aims to enhance driving experience and performance while facilitating informed decisions for long-term car health. The app can even function independently without requiring a device to be constantly connected.

Pros:

• Customizable Dashboard with Background Mode: Offers a customizable parameter dashboard that operates in the background.
• Driver Score and Leaderboard: Provides a driver score and leaderboard to compare driving performance with others.
• Multiple Vehicle Support with VIN Decoding: Supports multiple vehicles with automatic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoding.
• GPS Tracking: Includes a GPS tracking tool for locating parked vehicles.
• Nearby Gas Price Comparison: Features nearby gas price comparison to help save on fuel costs.

Cons:

• Battery Drain Concerns: Some users have reported the app draining mobile device batteries.
• Glitchy Compass Feature: The compass feature has been reported as occasionally unreliable, potentially addressed in updates.
• Network Connection Issues: Some users have experienced network connection problems.

9. Engine Link (iOS)

Engine Link is a car diagnostic app similar to Torque Pro, but exclusively for iOS devices. It connects with compatible ELM327 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters, although recent user feedback indicates potential issues with Wi-Fi connectivity.

Alt text: Engine Link app interface on iOS, displaying a customizable dashboard with engine parameters and gauges.

Despite lower recent ratings due to connectivity concerns, Engine Link remains a notable car tracking application on iOS. Priced at around $6 on iTunes, it aims to provide comprehensive car monitoring and control.

Pros:

• Customizable Dashboard: Offers a customizable dashboard to focus on desired parameters.
• Emission and Fuel Consumption Monitoring: Tracks emission rates and fuel consumption.
• OBD2 Fault Code Support: Reads and clears thousands of OBD2 fault codes.
• Heads-Up Display (HUD) Option: Includes a heads-up display option for projecting data onto the windshield.
• No In-App Purchases or Subscriptions: No additional costs beyond the initial purchase price.
• Extensive Language Support: Supports over 20 languages.
• Torque Custom PID File Support: The latest update supports Torque Custom PID Files for advanced customization.

Cons:

• ECU Data Reading Issues: Some users have reported app connection without successfully reading ECU data.
• iOS Version Requirement: 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, the Android app maintains a respectable 4.0 rating with over 1 million installs.

Alt text: ScanMaster app interface with a focus on real-time vehicle performance monitoring and fault code reading.

ScanMaster provides a clear overview of real-time car performance and accurate fault code readings, potentially preventing unnecessary mechanic costs. The free Lite version offers essential parameters like VIN, CVN, fault codes, and MIL status. However, the Pro version (paid) is required to unlock all features, including a comprehensive fault code database and detailed error descriptions.

Pros:

• Free Version Features: Offers several tracking parameters in the free Lite version.
• Multilingual Support: Supports German and English languages.
• User-Friendly Navigation: Easy to navigate and use.
• Wide Adapter Compatibility: Compatible with most ELM327 adapters.
• Data Recording: Supports data recording for later analysis.
• Graphical Data Representation: Presents data graphically for easier interpretation.

Cons:

• Ineffective Customer Support: Some users have reported issues with customer support.
• Device Compatibility Issues: A few users have encountered compatibility issues with certain devices.
• Android Version Requirement: Compatible with Android 4.0 and above.

11. DashCommand (iOS)

DashCommand positions itself as a premium iOS OBD2 scanner app, transforming your mobile device into an advanced engine data display. It received the SEMA Show award for best mobile electronic product in 2014.

Alt text: DashCommand app on iPad, displaying a highly customizable dashboard with performance gauges and vehicle data.

DashCommand is one of the more expensive iOS OBD2 apps (around $14.99) but delivers high-quality performance gauges, fuel economy tracking, engine monitoring, and emission testing for up to five trips. User reviews generally indicate strong satisfaction with its performance and features.

Pros:

• User-Friendly: Easy to use and set up.
• Customizable Performance Gauges: Allows customization of performance gauges to track desired data points.
• Inclinometer: Includes an inclinometer to display roll angle and vehicle pitch for off-road driving.
• Data Logging and Playback: Supports data logging, recording, and playback for detailed analysis.
• Trip Computer: Features a sophisticated trip computer maintaining statistics for up to five trips.
• Graphical Data Display: Presents collected data in graphical formats.

Cons:

• iPhone X Incompatibility: Not compatible with iPhone X models.
• Compatibility Issues with Specific ECUs: Reported compatibility issues with Haltech elite 2599 ECUs.
• In-App Purchases for Some Models: Contains in-app purchases for certain car models, potentially adding to the overall cost.

12. BlueDriver

BlueDriver is a versatile OBD2 scanner app available on both iOS and Android. It is also recognized as one of the best free car diagnostic tools, reflected in its high 4.6 rating on iTunes and 2 million downloads.

Alt text: BlueDriver app interface showing a diagnostic report with trouble codes, freeze frame data, and repair suggestions.

BlueDriver allows monitoring of critical ECU parameters, scanning and clearing trouble codes, accessing freeze frame data, and sharing collected data via email. Its feature set rivals some paid OBD2 apps, making it a popular choice among professional mechanics and car enthusiasts.

Pros:

• Wireless Connection: Connects wirelessly to your car.
• Smog Readiness Check: Supports smog readiness testing.
• Cost Savings: Helps reduce vehicle maintenance and repair costs.
• Free Regular Updates: Provides free and regular app updates.
• On-Board Monitoring Test Results: Displays on-board monitoring test results.
• Advanced Diagnostics: Offers enhanced diagnostics for ABS, Airbag, Transmission, and more.
• Repair Report Generation and Sharing: Allows generation and sharing of repair reports.

Cons:

• iOS Version Requirement: Requires iOS 8 and above.
• iPhone XR Issues: Some users have reported issues with iPhone XR compatibility, potentially resolvable with updates.

13. GoFAR

GoFAR offers a high-performance car diagnostic device and app combination designed for comprehensive vehicle monitoring and mileage tracking. It is compatible with most OBD2 compliant car adapters.

Alt text: GoFAR app interface highlighting fuel savings, driving efficiency scores, and vehicle maintenance alerts.

A notable feature of GoFAR is its IRS compliance, potentially offering tax savings benefits. It also emphasizes fuel efficiency, aiming to reduce fuel costs by 10-30%. The Android and iOS apps maintain a strong 4.7 rating, indicating positive user experiences.

Pros:

• Easy Installation and Use: Simple to set up and operate.
• Warranty Included: Offers a one-year warranty on initial purchase.
• Plain English Error Alerts: Sends error alerts in clear, understandable language.
• Mechanic Finder Platform: Provides a platform for finding nearby mechanics.
• Extensive Fault Code Database: Includes over 3000 fault codes and descriptions.
• Driver Leaderboard: Features a global driver leaderboard based on cost savings.
• Maintenance Reminders: Sends alerts for tire pressure checks, insurance renewals, and registration reminders.
• No Subscription Fees: No ongoing subscription or usage fees.

Cons:

• Upfront Purchase Required: Requires an initial purchase of the GoFAR device (around $99).

14. FIXD – Vehicle Health Monitor

FIXD prioritizes simplicity and user-friendliness in its car diagnostic app, without sacrificing essential features. Fault codes are translated into easily understandable terms, enabling users to quickly grasp and address car issues.

Alt text: FIXD app interface displaying a simplified vehicle health report with easy-to-understand descriptions of issues.

FIXD offers its own OBD2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters for optimized app performance and gauge monitoring. The Android app on Google Play Store has a solid 4.5 user rating.

Pros:

• Quick Setup: Installs and starts working within minutes.
• Beginner-Friendly: Suitable for users new to OBD2 apps.
• Maintenance Scheduling: Allows scheduling maintenance reminders.
• Worn Part Alerts: Sends alerts for worn car parts needing repair or replacement.
• Easy Onboarding: Streamlined user onboarding process.
• In-App Parts Purchase: Enables purchasing car parts directly within the app.
• Helpful Customer Support: Offers responsive customer support.

Cons:

• Older Version Bugs: Some older app versions may have contained bugs.
• FIXD Adapter Dependency: Primarily designed to work with FIXD adapters.
• In-App Purchases: Includes in-app purchases for certain features.

15. Carly For BMW

Carly For BMW caters specifically to BMW owners, requiring proprietary adapters provided by Carly.

Alt text: Carly For BMW app interface showcasing BMW-specific diagnostics, coding, and customization options.

This app provides real-time access to vital BMW gauges and parameters for both novice and experienced drivers. The Android app also supports standard OBD features, but compatibility should be verified with the Lite version before purchase.

Pros:

• Comprehensive BMW Health Checks: Performs thorough health checks of BMW electronic components.
• Used Car Check Feature: Includes a used car check feature for pre-purchase inspections.
• One-Click Parking Brake Control: Offers one-click control for the electric parking brake.
• Premium Adapter Support: Carly adapters come with premium customer support and a lifetime warranty.
• DIY Battery Registration: Supports DIY battery registration for BMW vehicles.
• Excellent Customer Service: Provides strong customer service support.

Cons:

• Expensive Adapters: Carly adapters are more expensive compared to generic OBD2 adapters.
• Limited Fault Codes for Specific Models: Limited fault code coverage for BMW 2 series F45/F46 models.

16. Carista OBD2 App

Carista OBD2 App utilizes a Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 plug and accompanying app. It offers strong support for brands like Toyota, BMW, Subaru, Mini, Audi, VW, and Lexus.

Alt text: Carista OBD2 App interface showcasing customization options for vehicle settings and advanced diagnostic features.

A key feature of Carista is its “Customize” option, allowing users to access and modify various ECU settings typically accessible only by dealerships.

Pros:

• Bluetooth Connectivity: Wireless Bluetooth connection.
• Compact Adapter: Compact and portable OBD2 adapter.
• Customizable Settings: Offers extensive vehicle customization options.
• Phone-Based Innovation: Integrates phone technology with OBD2 scanning.
• Free Trial: Includes a 1-month free trial period.
• Cross-Platform Support: Supports both iOS and Android devices.
• Detailed Diagnostics: Provides in-depth vehicle diagnostics.

Cons:

• In-App Purchases: Requires in-app purchases to unlock full functionality.

17. OBD Fusion

Developed by OCTech, OBD Fusion, when paired with a compatible OBD2 vehicle scanner, delivers comprehensive vehicle diagnostic reports. It’s considered a popular choice for vehicle diagnostics due to its user-friendliness.

Alt text: OBD Fusion app interface showing customizable dashboards with various gauges and data logging options.

OBD Fusion is designed for both beginners and professionals, prioritizing ease of use. Its highly customizable dashboards allow users to display preferred data points and closely monitor specific engine functions.

Pros:

• Customizable Dashboards: Highly customizable dashboard layouts.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.
• GPS Navigation Features: Includes GPS navigation capabilities.
• Emission Monitoring: Monitors vehicle emissions.
• Extensive Data Logging: Offers comprehensive data logging features.

Cons:

• Feature Expansion Packs: Some features are locked behind expansion packs, requiring additional purchases.
• No Diagnostic Data Sharing: Lacks built-in features for sharing diagnostic data.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best OBD2 App for 2019

This comprehensive list provides a strong starting point for selecting the best OBD2 app for your iOS or Android device in 2019. However, before making a purchase, it is crucial to confirm app compatibility with your specific vehicle through functional testing. Many developers offer free “lite” versions for this purpose, while others require purchasing the full app upfront. Experiment with different options to determine the best fit for your needs and budget.

To simplify your decision further, here are our top recommendations:

Best Android OBD2 App:

Torque Pro – A paid app with a wealth of features and broad vehicle compatibility, making it a top choice for Android users seeking in-depth diagnostics.

Best iOS OBD2 App:

OBD Fusion – A paid app that balances ease of use with comprehensive tracking of vital vehicle parameters, making it an excellent option for iOS users.

By leveraging the power of OBD2 apps, you can gain valuable insights into your car’s health, proactively address potential issues, and ultimately become a more informed and empowered car owner.