In 2018, the automotive tech world was buzzing with innovation, and one of the most practical advancements for car owners was the rise of user-friendly OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) apps. These apps, when paired with a compatible OBD2 adapter, transformed smartphones into powerful car diagnostic tools. If you were looking to understand your vehicle’s health, troubleshoot issues, or simply monitor performance back then, an OBD2 app for your Android device was an indispensable tool. Even though we’ve moved past 2018, many of these apps remain highly relevant and effective today, offering a glimpse into the best options available at that pivotal time in automotive app development. Let’s delve into some of the top OBD2 apps for Android that stood out in 2018, and why they might still be excellent choices for you.
Top OBD2 Apps for Android in 2018: A Detailed Look
Back in 2018, car owners were increasingly seeking ways to take control of their vehicle maintenance and understand what was happening under the hood. OBD2 apps for Android provided an accessible and affordable way to do just that. Here are some of the best options that were available, offering a range of features and benefits.
1. Torque Pro (OBD2 & Car): The Veteran Performer
Torque Pro was already a well-established name in the OBD2 app arena by 2018, and it consistently ranked as a top choice for Android users. Priced around $5 on the Google Play Store, it offered a robust set of features that justified the cost for serious car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics.
Alt text: Torque Pro OBD2 app customizable dashboard displaying real-time car diagnostics on an Android phone.
One of Torque Pro’s standout features was its highly customizable dashboard. Users could tailor the display to show the exact parameters they were most interested in, from engine temperature and RPM to speed and fuel consumption. The real-time data visualization made it easy to monitor your car’s performance at a glance. Beyond the dashboard, Torque Pro offered data logging capabilities, allowing users to export data for later analysis. The app also included features like a track recorder and alarms for performance issues, making it a comprehensive tool for monitoring vehicle health in 2018.
Pros in 2018:
- Highly customizable dashboard with multiple themes.
- Data export to servers or email for later analysis.
- Built-in GPS compass and graph data support.
- Real-time CO2 emission readouts.
- Track recorder for video logging of journeys.
- Configurable alarms for out-of-spec parameters.
- Broad Android version compatibility, including older devices.
Cons in 2018:
- Paid app requiring upfront purchase.
- Occasional Bluetooth pairing issues reported by some users.
2. OBD Auto Doctor: User-Friendly and Feature-Rich
OBD Auto Doctor was another strong contender in 2018, known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities. It worked seamlessly with ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters, providing real-time monitoring of crucial vehicle parameters.
Alt text: OBD Auto Doctor app interface showing real-time sensor data in numerical and graphical formats on an Android device.
A key strength of OBD Auto Doctor in 2018 was its ability to monitor multiple control units, including engine and transmission. This provided a more holistic view of vehicle health compared to apps that only focused on engine data. The app also excelled in fuel consumption monitoring, helping users optimize their driving habits for better economy. Data export via email in CSV format was another useful feature for those wanting to analyze their car’s data in detail. With support for over 18,000 trouble codes and readiness status monitoring for emissions testing, OBD Auto Doctor was a well-rounded diagnostic tool in 2018.
Pros in 2018:
- Real-time data display in numerical and graphical formats.
- Compatibility with all OBD2 compliant vehicles.
- Optimized fuel consumption monitoring.
- GPS support for tracking location data.
- 24/7 customer service availability.
- Advanced customization options for display and settings.
- Support for both imperial and metric units.
- Extensive database of over 18,000 trouble codes.
- Readiness status monitoring for emissions checks.
Cons in 2018:
- Premium features and full functionality require in-app purchases or upgrades.
- Some users reported occasional connection issues or inaccurate readings.
3. InCarDoc Pro: Advanced Diagnostics on Your Android
InCarDoc Pro was recognized as a leading OBD2 app in 2018, building on its reputation from previous years. Its focus on advanced car scanning and diagnostics, presented through a clean and intuitive interface, made it a favorite among users who wanted in-depth vehicle information.
Alt text: InCarDoc Pro Android app home screen displaying vehicle diagnostics information in a clean and uncluttered layout.
InCarDoc Pro supported ELM327 adapters via USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, offering flexibility in connectivity. A free version was available for users to test compatibility before purchasing the full app, which was priced affordably. Key features included real-time engine and vehicle parameter monitoring, fuel economy widgets, and the ability to overlay economy data over other running apps. Cloud storage for reporting data and email sharing for professional assistance further enhanced its utility in 2018.
Pros in 2018:
- Compatibility with a wide range of OBD2 compliant vehicles.
- Real-time monitoring of engine and vehicle parameters.
- Overlay feature for displaying economy data over other apps.
- Dedicated widgets for fuel economy and acceleration.
- GPS support for location-based features.
- Cloud storage for data reporting and backup.
- Data sharing via email for expert car repair assistance.
Cons in 2018:
- Compatibility limited to Android 4.0.3 and newer versions.
- Some users experienced Bluetooth connection errors.
4. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App: Free and Feature-Packed
For users seeking a free yet powerful OBD2 app in 2018, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 was an excellent choice. Its impressive 4.7 rating and over 2 million installs across various platforms spoke volumes about its popularity and effectiveness.
Alt text: Car Scanner ELM OBD2 app customizable dashboard displaying various vehicle parameters and gauges on an Android smartphone.
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 stood out for its broad compatibility, working with all OBD2 standard vehicles and most ELM327 Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adapters. Its customizable dashboard allowed users to focus on the parameters they wanted to track, and it offered fuel consumption statistics for economy-conscious drivers. Settings backup and restore were convenient features, and the app’s availability in multiple languages, including English and Russian, broadened its appeal in 2018.
Pros in 2018:
- Free to use with a wide range of features.
- Compatible with all OBD2 standard vehicles.
- Broad compatibility with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ELM327 adapters.
- Customizable dashboard for personalized data monitoring.
- Fuel consumption statistics tracking.
- Settings backup and restore functionality.
- Support for multiple languages, including English and Russian.
Cons in 2018:
- Requires Android 4.3 or newer.
- Optimal performance and access to all features may require in-app purchases.
5. EOBD Facile: Comprehensive Diagnostics and Trip Recording
EOBD Facile was another popular OBD2 app in 2018, known for its ease of use and comprehensive diagnostic features. With over 1 million installs on the Google Play Store, it had gained a strong user base.
Alt text: EOBD Facile Android app dashboard showing real-time vehicle parameters like speed, RPM, and engine temperature.
EOBD Facile supported ELM327 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters and provided real-time display of essential vehicle sensors. Its fault code database, containing over 11,000 entries, was a valuable resource for troubleshooting engine issues. The ability to clear fault codes and reset the check engine light was a major benefit for DIY car maintenance in 2018. Trip recording to an SD card and route planning features added further utility for users on the go.
Pros in 2018:
- Real-time display of vehicle sensor data.
- Extensive database of over 11,000 fault codes and definitions.
- Ability to delete fault codes and resolve engine light issues.
- Trip record storage on SD card for later review.
- Route planning functionality for trip management.
Cons in 2018:
- May require some prior OBD2 app experience to fully utilize its features.
- No support for USB adapters.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best OBD2 App for Your Needs in 2018 (and Beyond)
In 2018, Android users had a fantastic selection of OBD2 apps to choose from, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities. Whether you prioritized customization with Torque Pro, user-friendliness with OBD Auto Doctor, advanced diagnostics with InCarDoc Pro, cost-effectiveness with Car Scanner ELM OBD2, or comprehensive features with EOBD Facile, there was an app to suit your needs.
While this article focuses on the best OBD2 apps for Android in 2018, the core functionality and value proposition of these apps remain relevant today. Many of these apps have continued to be updated and improved, making them still excellent choices for vehicle diagnostics. Before committing to any app, especially a paid one, always check for compatibility with your vehicle and OBD2 adapter. Many developers offered lite or free versions for testing, which was a smart approach in 2018 and remains so now.
By exploring the options that were considered top-tier in 2018, you can gain a solid understanding of what to look for in an OBD2 app and make an informed decision for your car diagnostic needs, even in the current landscape.
