In today’s world, understanding your vehicle’s health is more accessible than ever, thanks to onboard diagnostics II (OBD2) apps. The rise of mobile app development has led to a plethora of applications designed to display your car’s diagnostic data directly on your smartphone. For proactive car owners, these apps are invaluable for preempting potential issues and avoiding costly breakdowns on the road.
OBD2 apps essentially provide a digital window into your vehicle’s engine, delivering real-time data encompassing crucial parameters such as speed, rotation angles, pressure levels, and temperature readings.
However, navigating the app market to pinpoint the best OBD2 app, especially for Android devices utilizing Bluetooth connectivity, can be overwhelming. The sheer volume of available tools makes selection challenging. To streamline your search and prevent time wasted on subpar options, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of top-tier OBD2 apps compatible with Android, focusing on Bluetooth functionality for seamless connection.
Unfortunately, stories abound of users investing in OBD2 apps only to find them lacking, failing to deliver on their promises. Our aim is to prevent this from happening to you.
Therefore, we present a detailed review of 17 exceptional OBD2 apps, each a strong contender for enhancing your vehicle diagnostics experience. Let’s dive in and explore these options!
Top OBD2 Bluetooth Android Software Options
1. Torque Pro (OBD2 & Car)
Torque Pro stands out as a highly acclaimed OBD2 Bluetooth app, frequently cited by vehicle owners as the best OBD2 Bluetooth Android software. Boasting over 1,000,000 downloads on the Play Store, this app comes at a modest price of around $5. User reviews consistently affirm its value, making it a worthwhile investment for serious car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Torque Pro delivers real-time insights into your car’s operations, presented on a customizable and visually appealing dashboard displayed on your Android device. Furthermore, it offers the capability to export compiled data to Torque Pro servers or via email for later analysis or record-keeping.
Pros
- Offers a variety of themes to personalize your dashboard’s appearance.
- Enables screenshot sharing to social media platforms and email.
- Features an integrated GPS-based compass.
- Supports data graphing and car dock integration.
- Provides CO2 emission readings.
- Includes a track recorder for video documentation of your journeys.
- Offers customizable alarms and warnings for suboptimal car performance, such as alerts when coolant temperature exceeds safe limits.
- Compatible with older Android versions, including 2.0.
Cons
- Requires upfront payment for app purchase.
- Occasional Bluetooth pairing issues, potentially resolvable with updates.
2. OBD Auto Doctor
OBD Auto Doctor functions similarly to many leading car diagnostic apps, providing robust vehicle health monitoring. It’s engineered for compatibility with ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters, efficiently monitoring critical vehicle sensors and parameters in real-time, making it a strong contender for best OBD2 Bluetooth Android software.
OBD Auto Doctor extends its monitoring capabilities to encompass multiple control units, including engine and transmission systems. It also facilitates data export via email in CSV format for detailed analysis. The app’s optimized fuel consumption monitoring feature can contribute to significant savings on fuel expenses.
Pros
- Provides real-time data display, empowering informed decisions regarding vehicle maintenance.
- Supports both numerical and graphical representations of sensor data.
- Universally compatible with OBD2 compliant vehicles.
- Integrated GPS functionality.
- Offers readily accessible 24/7 customer support.
- Features advanced customization options to tailor the app to user preferences.
- Supports both imperial and metric unit systems.
- Monitors over 18,000 diagnostic trouble codes.
- Tracks vehicle readiness status for emission testing.
Cons
- Requires in-app purchases and a Premium upgrade to unlock full feature sets.
- Potential for occasional connection problems or inaccurate readings.
3. InCarDoc Pro
InCarDoc Pro has consistently ranked among the top OBD2 Android apps in previous years and remains a leading choice for vehicle diagnostics. The app excels in advanced car scanning and diagnostics, presenting information through a clean and intuitive user interface, reinforcing its position as a best OBD2 Bluetooth Android software option.
A free version of InCarDoc Pro is available for users to verify adapter and vehicle compatibility before committing to the paid version, priced under $5 on the app store. InCarDoc Pro supports ELM327 USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi adapters and is compatible with most modern Android devices.
Pros
- Compatible with all OBD2 compliant vehicles listed on their official website.
- Displays real-time engine and vehicle parameters for immediate insights.
- Offers an overlay mode to display fuel economy data in the background or over other running apps.
- Includes fuel economy and acceleration widgets for quick performance metrics.
- GPS support for location-based data logging.
- Cloud storage upload for reporting data, facilitating data accessibility.
- Data sharing via email for professional assistance with vehicle repairs.
Cons
- Requires Android 4.0.3 or later.
- Occasional Bluetooth connection errors reported by some users.
4. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App
Gaining comprehensive knowledge about your vehicle and monitoring every parameter read by its electronic control unit (ECU) is achievable with the Car Scanner ELM OBD2 app. This free car diagnostic tool empowers users to proactively manage their vehicle’s health. Its broad compatibility and high user ratings solidify its place as a Best Obd2 Bluetooth Android Software choice.
Early detection of potential issues is a key benefit, and for users familiar with fault codes, the app facilitates DIY fixes for minor problems and informs decisions about when professional mechanic intervention is necessary.
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 stands out as a highly versatile monitoring tool, supporting a wide array of devices across Android, iOS, Windows PC, and mobile platforms. With over 2 million installations across these platforms and an impressive 4.7-star rating, this app is demonstrably popular and effective.
Pros
- Broad compatibility with all OBD2 standard vehicles.
- Compatible with most Wi-Fi or Bluetooth OBD2 ELM327 adapters.
- Customizable dashboard for personalized parameter tracking.
- Fuel consumption statistics for efficiency monitoring.
- Settings backup and restore capabilities for data preservation.
- 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, compatible with ELM327 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. This app equips your mobile device to monitor essential vehicle gauges and parameters, enabling informed decisions about car maintenance, making it a strong contender for best OBD2 Bluetooth Android software.
Depending on your car’s ECU capabilities, EOBD Facile can display a wealth of data, including vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine temperature, ignition timing, engine torque, air intake volume, and numerous other gauges directly on the app dashboard.
EOBD Facile has achieved over 1 million downloads on the Google Play Store, indicating widespread user adoption and satisfaction.
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 directly through the app.
- Trip record storage on SD card for later review using EOBD-Facile PC/Mac software.
- Integrated route planning functionality, beneficial for long journeys.
Cons
- May require prior OBD2 app experience to fully leverage its features.
- No support for USB adapters, limiting connectivity options.
6. HobDrive
HobDrive is recognized as a premium OBD2 app for Android, offering advanced car tracking features. It is positioned at a higher price point on the Google Play Store, reflecting its comprehensive functionality and making it a high-end choice for best OBD2 Bluetooth Android software.
A key advantage of HobDrive is its broad compatibility, supporting not only all OBD2 compliant vehicles but also certain Non-OBD2 vehicles like Delphi mr240 (Chevrolet) and Bosch systems.
HobDrive also extends its accessibility beyond mobile, functioning seamlessly with CarPCs (Windows/Linux), car audio systems (Windows CE), Windows Phone 8/10, and iOS devices.
Pros
- Customizable dashboard to display preferred parameters from your car’s ECU.
- Supports GPS and ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters for flexible connectivity.
- Monitors for critical issues like overheating and unusual fuel trims.
- Provides clear explanations of MIL codes for easier troubleshooting.
- Estimates car odometer readings.
- Calculates MPG for diesel vehicles without battery reliance.
- Pro version includes enhanced graphical gauges for detailed data visualization.
Cons
- Some users report difficulties with in-app payment completion in certain regions.
- Requires Android version 3 and above, potentially excluding older devices.
7. OBDeleven
When evaluating the android app development of OBD2 apps, OBDeleven distinguishes itself with innovative features. Beyond standard ECU parameter display, OBDeleven incorporates “One Click Apps” for convenient control of various car functions, setting it apart as a feature-rich best OBD2 Bluetooth Android software option.
A stable network connection is recommended to fully utilize the “One Click App” functionality. A Premium upgrade unlocks a wider array of advanced car tracking tools. Despite these considerations, OBDeleven is a valuable tool for car diagnostics, favored by both enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Pros
- Reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes from the ECU for comprehensive issue resolution.
- Supports multiple languages for international user accessibility.
- Active social media community for user support and knowledge sharing.
- Offers car battery analyzer functionality, a unique feature compared to some competitors.
- Provides DIY car fix manuals for user guidance.
- Retrieves history for connected vehicles for tracking past diagnostics.
- Supports control unit reset for advanced system management.
Cons
- Requires a network connection for optimal performance, especially for One Click Apps.
- Contains advertisements in the free version, which can be removed with a Premium upgrade.
8. Dash – Drive Smart
Dash Drive Smart is a car tracking app that integrates with OBDeleven software and offers a suite of intelligent car analysis tools. It delivers real-time data and boasts compatibility with cars dating back to 1996 models, making it a versatile best OBD2 Bluetooth Android software choice for older vehicles.
Dash aims to provide comprehensive insights to enhance driving experience, optimize car performance, and facilitate informed decisions for long-term vehicle maintenance. Notably, the app can function independently without requiring constant device connection.
Pros
- Optimized and customizable parameter dashboard operating in background mode for continuous monitoring.
- Driver score and leaderboard feature to benchmark driving performance against other users.
- Supports multiple vehicles with automatic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoding for easy setup.
- GPS tracking tool to assist in locating parked vehicles.
- Nearby gas price comparison feature to optimize fuel costs.
Cons
- Some user reports indicate potential battery drain on mobile devices.
- Compass feature may exhibit occasional glitches, potentially addressed in updates.
- Network connectivity issues reported by some users.
9. Engine Link (IOS)
Engine Link mirrors Torque Pro in functionality but is exclusively designed for iOS devices. This car diagnostic app seamlessly connects with compatible ELM327 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. While historically praised, recent user feedback suggests potential issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, impacting its current rating, though it remains a capable car tracking application on iOS.
Priced at approximately $6 on iTunes, Engine Link aims to provide comprehensive car monitoring and empower users with vehicle control.
Pros
- Customizable dashboard to tailor parameter tracking to user needs.
- Monitors emission rates and fuel consumption for efficiency analysis.
- Reads and clears thousands of OBD2 fault codes for diagnostic resolution.
- Heads-up display option for dashboard data projection.
- No in-app purchases or subscription fees, offering a one-time purchase model.
- Supports over 20 languages for global accessibility.
- Recent updates include Torque Custom PID File support for advanced customization.
Cons
- Some users report app connection without successful ECU data retrieval.
- Requires iOS 8.0 or later, potentially limiting compatibility with older devices.
10. ScanMaster
ScanMaster is another reputable car monitoring tool compatible with ELM327 OBD2 adapters. While less widely known than some other scanners, this Android application maintains a solid 4.0 rating with over 1 million installs, indicating user satisfaction and reliability.
Using ScanMaster on your mobile device provides a clear overview of your car’s real-time performance and accurate fault code readings, potentially preventing overcharges from mechanics during repairs.
The app offers a Lite (free) version providing access to essential car parameters like VIN, CVN, fault codes, and MIL status. However, the Pro version is required to unlock full functionality, including an extensive fault code database and detailed error descriptions.
Pros
- Offers a selection of tracking parameters in the free Lite version.
- 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 historical analysis.
- Clear graphical data representation for simplified interpretation.
Cons
- Customer support responsiveness may be inconsistent.
- Device compatibility issues reported by some users.
- Requires Android 4.0 and above, potentially excluding older devices.
11. DashCommand (IOS)
DashCommand positions itself as a premium solution for transforming your mobile device into an advanced engine data display, an ambition validated by its 2014 SEMA Show award for best mobile electronic product. This iOS app is a high-performance option for vehicle diagnostics.
As one of the more expensive iOS OBD2 scanner apps at $14.99, DashCommand provides top-tier performance gauges, fuel economy tracking, engine monitoring, and emission testing for up to five trips, justifying its price with robust features and capabilities. Customer reviews generally reflect high satisfaction and value for money.
Pros
- User-friendly and intuitive operation.
- Customizable performance gauges to track specific data points of interest.
- Inclinometer feature displaying rolling angle and vehicle pitch, useful for off-road driving.
- Data logging, recording, and playback capabilities for detailed analysis.
- Sophisticated trip computer maintaining statistics for up to five trips.
- Graphical representation of collected data for visual analysis.
Cons
- Compatibility issues reported with iPhone X.
- Compatibility issues with Haltech elite 2599 systems.
- In-app purchases for certain car models may be required to unlock full functionality.
12. BlueDriver
BlueDriver OBD2 scanner app is available for both iOS and Android platforms. It is a highly regarded free car diagnostic tool, evidenced by its 4.6-star rating on iTunes and over 2 million downloads, highlighting its popularity and effectiveness.
BlueDriver, whether on Android or iOS, enables monitoring of critical ECU parameters, trouble code scanning and clearing, freeze frame data access, and data sharing via email. Its feature set rivals some paid car tracking apps, making it a favored choice for professional mechanics and car enthusiasts.
Pros
- Wireless connection to your vehicle, enhancing convenience.
- Smog readiness check functionality for emission compliance.
- Potential to significantly reduce car maintenance costs through proactive diagnostics.
- Free and regular updates maintaining app performance and features.
- Displays on-board monitoring test results for comprehensive diagnostics.
- Enhanced diagnostics for ABS, Airbag, Transmission, and other systems.
- Allows generation and sharing of repair reports for documentation and communication.
Cons
- Requires iOS 8 and above, potentially excluding older devices.
- Minor compatibility issues with iPhone XR reported, potentially resolved in updates.
13. GoFAR
GoFAR is positioned as a high-performance car diagnostic device designed for comprehensive vehicle monitoring and mileage tracking. It is compatible with most OBD2 compliant car adapters and aims to provide advanced vehicle insights.
A key feature of GoFAR is its IRS compliance, potentially offering tax benefits related to vehicle usage. It also emphasizes fuel efficiency, aiming to reduce fuel costs by 10-30%, making it a financially attractive option.
The GoFAR Android and iOS applications maintain a 4.7-star rating, indicating strong user satisfaction with its performance and features.
Pros
- Easy installation and user-friendly operation.
- One-year warranty included with initial purchase.
- Provides error alerts in plain English for clear communication of vehicle issues.
- Platform for connecting with nearby mechanics for repair services.
- Database of over 3000 fault codes and descriptions for comprehensive diagnostics.
- Global leaderboard for comparing fuel savings with other GoFAR users.
- Alerts for tire pressure checks, insurance renewals, and registration reminders.
- No subscription or ongoing fees after initial device purchase.
Cons
- Requires upfront purchase of the GoFAR device, priced at $99.
14. FIXD – Vehicle Health Monitor
FIXD distinguishes itself with simplicity without sacrificing diagnostic quality. Fault codes within the FIXD app are translated into easily understandable terms, facilitating prompt action when vehicle issues arise. It is designed for user-friendliness and clear communication.
FIXD offers its own OBD2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters for optimized app performance and gauge monitoring. The Android app, available on the Google Play Store, holds a 4.5-star rating from users, reflecting positive user experiences.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup, ready to use within minutes.
- Suitable for users new to OBD2 apps due to its simplicity.
- Allows scheduling of maintenance reminders for proactive vehicle care.
- Alerts for worn-out car parts requiring repair or replacement.
- Streamlined onboarding process for new users.
- Integrated platform for purchasing car parts directly through the app.
- Responsive and helpful customer support team.
Cons
- Older app versions may contain bugs.
- Functions exclusively with FIXD adapters, limiting adapter choice.
- Includes in-app purchases for additional features or services.
15. Carly For BMW
Carly For BMW is a specialized OBD2 app designed exclusively for BMW vehicles, compatible with proprietary adapters provided by Carly. It caters specifically to BMW owners, offering tailored diagnostics and features.
Whether you are a new or experienced BMW driver, Carly provides real-time viewing of vital car gauges and parameters. The Android app also supports standard OBD features, with a Lite version available for compatibility testing before purchasing the full app.
Pros
- Comprehensive health checks of BMW vehicle electronic components.
- Used car check feature for pre-purchase inspections.
- One-click control for electric parking brake functionality.
- Carly adapters include premium customer support and lifetime warranty.
- DIY battery registration support for BMW vehicles.
- Excellent customer service team for BMW-specific support.
Cons
- Carly adapters are more expensive compared to generic OBD2 adapters.
- Limited fault code coverage for BMW 2 series F45/F46 models.
16. Carista OBD2 App
Carista OBD2 App is another Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 plug-in solution accompanied by a dedicated app. Carista scanner boasts broad compatibility with brands like Toyota, BMW, Subaru, Mini, Audi, VW, and Lexus, making it a versatile option for various car owners.
A standout feature of Carista is its “Customize” option within the app. Once plugged in, users can access and modify numerous ECU settings typically accessible only through dealership services, offering advanced customization capabilities.
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless operation.
- Compact and portable adapter design.
- Customizable settings for personalized vehicle adjustments.
- Seamless phone-to-OBD2 scanner integration.
- 1-month free trial period to test app functionality.
- iOS and Android platform support for broad device compatibility.
- Detailed diagnostics for in-depth vehicle analysis.
Cons
- In-app purchases for unlocking premium features and functionalities.
17) OBD Fusion
Developed by OCTech, OBD Fusion, paired with a compatible OBD2 vehicle scanner, provides comprehensive vehicle diagnostic reporting. It is recognized as a popular and user-friendly app for vehicle diagnostics, appealing to a wide range of users.
OBD Fusion’s key selling point is its ease of use, catering to both novice and experienced users. Its customizable dashboard allows users to prioritize desired information and closely monitor various engine functions, enhancing the diagnostic experience.
Pros
- Highly customizable dashboards to personalize data display.
- Compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.
- Integrated GPS navigation features for location-based data.
- Emission monitoring capabilities for environmental compliance.
- Extensive data logging for detailed historical analysis.
Cons
- Advanced features are locked behind expansion packs, requiring additional purchases.
- Lacks diagnostic data sharing features, limiting collaborative diagnostics.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive list of best OBD2 Bluetooth Android software and iOS apps, you’re well-equipped to choose a tool that aligns with your vehicle and diagnostic needs.
However, before making a purchase, it’s crucial to verify app compatibility with your specific car model through functional testing. Many developers offer free “lite” versions for this purpose, while others require upfront purchase. Determine the best approach for your chosen app to ensure seamless compatibility.
To finalize your decision, consider our top recommendations:
Best Android OBD2 App
Torque Pro – A paid app offering a rich feature set and broad vehicle compatibility, consistently praised by Android users.
Best iOS OBD2 App
OBD Fusion – A paid, user-friendly option providing comprehensive tracking of vital vehicle parameters on iOS devices.
