In today’s automotive landscape, understanding your vehicle’s health in real-time is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. On-board diagnostics II (OBD2) apps have emerged as powerful tools, bridging the gap between complex car mechanics and everyday drivers. As a car repair expert at techcarusa.com, I’ve witnessed firsthand how these apps are revolutionizing vehicle maintenance and diagnostics. With the surge in mobile app technology, numerous companies have developed OBD2 applications for smartphones, providing users with unprecedented access to their car’s inner workings. Forget deciphering cryptic dashboard lights; these apps translate your car’s language into actionable insights, potentially saving you from costly repairs and roadside emergencies.
OBD2 apps essentially provide a virtual window into your engine’s performance, offering a stream of real-time data encompassing crucial parameters like speed, engine rotation, pressure levels, and temperature readings. However, navigating the crowded app market to find the best OBD2 app for your Android device in 2019 can be overwhelming. The Google Play Store is teeming with options, and not all apps live up to their promises. Sorting through the noise to find reliable, effective tools is crucial. You don’t want to waste time and money on subpar apps when your car’s health is at stake.
Unfortunately, many drivers, even seasoned car enthusiasts, have fallen prey to misleading OBD2 apps, investing in solutions that fail to deliver on their advertised capabilities. To prevent this from happening to you, I’ve compiled a comprehensive review of 17 of the top OBD2 apps available in 2019. Focusing specifically on Android compatibility and real-time diagnostics, this list aims to guide you towards the best choices for monitoring your vehicle’s performance. Any of the apps featured here would be a valuable addition to your car maintenance toolkit.
Let’s dive into the detailed reviews and explore the best OBD2 apps for your Android device in 2019!
Top OBD2 Apps for Real-Time Diagnostics on Android (2019)
1. Torque Pro (OBD2 & Car)
Torque Pro consistently ranks as a top choice among vehicle owners, and for good reason. This OBD2 Bluetooth app is widely recognized as a leading diagnostic tool for Android, boasting over 1,000,000 downloads on the Play Store. While it requires a one-time purchase of around $5, user reviews and expert opinions confirm that Torque Pro delivers exceptional value. Its robust feature set and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about monitoring their car’s health.
Torque Pro provides a customizable and visually appealing dashboard on your Android device, displaying real-time data from your car’s sensors. This allows you to monitor your vehicle’s performance as you drive, identifying potential issues before they escalate. Furthermore, Torque Pro offers data logging capabilities, allowing you to export compiled data to its servers or via email for later analysis and record-keeping.
Pros:
- Customizable Dashboard: Offers multiple themes for personalizing the dashboard’s appearance to your preference.
- Data Sharing: Supports screenshot sharing directly to social media and email, facilitating easy communication with mechanics or other enthusiasts.
- Integrated GPS Compass: Includes a built-in GPS-based compass for navigation and data logging.
- Data Visualization: Provides graph data and car dock support for enhanced data analysis and display.
- Emissions Monitoring: Offers CO2 emission readouts, allowing you to track your vehicle’s environmental impact.
- Trip Recording: Features a track recorder to capture video footage of your journeys, useful for documenting driving conditions or incidents.
- Performance Alerts: Sets alarms and warnings for subpar car performance, such as exceeding coolant temperature thresholds, proactively alerting you to potential problems.
- Wide Compatibility: Supports older Android versions, including 2.0, ensuring accessibility for users with various devices.
Cons:
- Paid App: Requires upfront purchase, which might deter some users seeking free options.
- Bluetooth Pairing Issues: Some users have reported Bluetooth pairing bugs, although these are often resolved with app updates or troubleshooting.
2. OBD Auto Doctor
OBD Auto Doctor functions similarly to many other car diagnostic apps, providing comprehensive real-time vehicle monitoring. It is compatible with ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters, making it versatile and adaptable to different OBD2 adapter types. The app excels at tracking essential vehicle sensors and parameters in real-time, giving you immediate insights into your car’s condition.
OBD Auto Doctor allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple control units, including engine and transmission systems, providing a holistic view of your vehicle’s performance. Its data export feature, supporting CSV format via email, simplifies data sharing and analysis. The app’s optimized fuel consumption monitoring parameter is particularly noteworthy, potentially leading to significant fuel savings over time.
Pros:
- Real-Time Data Display: Presents real-time data clearly on the screen, enabling informed decisions about your car’s maintenance and health.
- Data Presentation Options: Supports both numerical and graphical displays of sensor data, catering to different user preferences for data visualization.
- Broad Vehicle Compatibility: Compatible with all OBD2 compliant vehicles, ensuring wide applicability.
- GPS Integration: Includes GPS support for location-based data logging and tracking.
- Responsive Customer Support: Offers a helpful customer service team available 24/7, providing assistance whenever needed.
- Customization Options: Provides advanced customization options, allowing users to tailor the app to their specific needs and preferences.
- Unit Flexibility: Supports both imperial and metric units tracking, catering to a global user base.
- Extensive Trouble Code Database: Monitors over 18,000 trouble codes, providing comprehensive diagnostic coverage.
- Emission Readiness Monitoring: Tracks readiness status, indicating when a vehicle is prepared for emission testing, saving time and potential re-testing fees.
Cons:
- In-App Purchases and Premium Upgrade: Additional features are locked behind in-app purchases or a premium upgrade, potentially increasing the overall cost.
- Connectivity and Accuracy Concerns: Some users have reported occasional connection issues or inaccurate readings, requiring troubleshooting or app restarts.
3. InCarDoc Pro
InCarDoc Pro has consistently been recognized as a leading OBD2 app for Android, earning accolades in car review circles for several years, including 2017, 2018 and continuing its strong performance into 2019. The app prioritizes high-level car scanning and diagnostics, presenting information through a clean and intuitive home screen interface.
A free version of InCarDoc Pro is available, allowing users to verify adapter and car compatibility before committing to the paid version, priced under $5 on the Google Play Store. InCarDoc Pro supports various ELM327 adapter connection types, including USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, and is compatible with most modern Android devices.
Pros:
- Extensive Vehicle Compatibility: Compatible with all OBD2 compliant vehicles listed on their website, ensuring broad applicability.
- Real-Time Parameter Monitoring: Reads real-time engine and vehicle parameters, providing immediate insights into vehicle performance.
- Overlay Functionality: Offers an overlay feature to display economy data in the background or over other running applications, enabling multitasking and continuous monitoring.
- Fuel Economy and Acceleration Widgets: Includes dedicated widgets for fuel economy and acceleration data, providing quick access to key performance metrics.
- GPS Support: Features GPS support for location tracking and data logging.
- Cloud Data Backup: Allows uploading reporting data to cloud storage, ensuring data security and accessibility across devices.
- Data Sharing for Professional Assistance: Enables data sharing via email, facilitating remote diagnostics and professional assistance with car repairs.
Cons:
- Android Version Requirement: Requires Android 4.0.3 and up, potentially excluding users with older devices.
- Bluetooth Connection Errors: Some users have reported experiencing errors during Bluetooth connection setup.
4. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App empowers users to gain a comprehensive understanding of their vehicle’s operation, accessing virtually every parameter monitored by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU). This free car diagnostic app allows you to proactively identify potential issues and, with knowledge of fault codes, potentially address minor problems independently, saving on mechanic visits.
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is arguably a leading monitoring tool due to its wide device compatibility, with versions available for Android, iOS, Windows PC, and mobile platforms. Its impressive user base, exceeding 2 million installs across supported platforms, speaks to its popularity and effectiveness. Furthermore, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 boasts a high user rating (4.7) among OBD2 apps, indicating strong user satisfaction.
Pros:
- Universal OBD2 Compatibility: Compatible with all OBD2 standard vehicles, ensuring broad applicability.
- Adapter Versatility: Compatible with most Wi-Fi or Bluetooth OBD2 ELM327 adapters, offering flexibility in hardware choices.
- Customizable Dashboard: Provides a customizable dashboard for tracking preferred parameters, allowing users to focus on relevant data.
- Fuel Consumption Statistics: Offers fuel consumption statistics, aiding in fuel efficiency monitoring and cost savings.
- Settings Backup and Restore: Includes settings backup and restore functionality, simplifying app setup and data management.
- Multilingual Support: Supports multiple languages, including English, Russian, and Polish, catering to a diverse user base.
Cons:
- Android Version Limitation: Only supports Android 4.3 and above, excluding older devices.
- In-App Purchases for Full Functionality: Optimal performance and access to all features may require in-app purchases, potentially increasing the overall cost.
5. EOBD Facile
EOBD Facile is a versatile OBD2 car diagnostic app for both Android and iOS platforms, compatible with ELM327 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. This app provides access to virtually all essential gauges and parameters needed for informed car maintenance and performance monitoring.
Depending on your car’s ECU capabilities, EOBD Facile displays a wide range of real-time parameters, including vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine temperature, ignition timing, engine torque, air intake volume, and more, all presented clearly on the app’s dashboard. EOBD Facile has garnered over 1 million installs on the Google Play Store, demonstrating its widespread adoption and user trust.
Pros:
- Real-Time Sensor Display: Provides real-time display of vehicle sensor readings, enabling immediate performance assessment.
- Extensive Fault Code Database: Includes over 11,000 fault codes and definitions, offering comprehensive diagnostic information.
- Fault Code Clearing: Allows users to delete fault codes and resolve engine light issues, potentially addressing minor problems independently.
- Trip Record Storage: Supports storing trip records on an SD card for later review using the EOBD-Facile PC/Mac software, facilitating in-depth trip analysis.
- Route Planning Feature: Includes route planning functionality, beneficial for long journeys and trip optimization.
Cons:
- Prior OBD2 App Experience Recommended: Optimal use may require prior experience with OBD2 apps to fully leverage its features.
- No USB Adapter Support: Does not support USB adapters, limiting connectivity options to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
6. HobDrive
HobDrive stands out as a feature-rich OBD2 app for Android, albeit at a higher price point compared to many competitors on the Google Play Store. Priced around $10, HobDrive justifies its cost with advanced premium car tracking features and broad vehicle compatibility. Its comprehensive capabilities make it a valuable tool for serious car enthusiasts and those seeking in-depth vehicle monitoring.
HobDrive’s key advantage lies in its compatibility with both OBD2 compliant vehicles and certain Non-OBD2 vehicles, such as Delphi mr240 (Chevrolet) and Bosch systems, expanding its applicability. Furthermore, HobDrive offers seamless accessibility across various platforms, including CarPCs (Windows/Linux), car audio systems (Windows CE), Windows Phone 8/10, and iOS.
Pros:
- Customizable Dashboard: Offers a highly customizable dashboard to display preferred parameters provided by the car’s ECU, tailoring the app to individual needs.
- Adapter and GPS Support: Supports both GPS and ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters, providing versatile connectivity options.
- Advanced Monitoring: Tracks overheating and suspicious fuel trims, offering insights into potential engine issues and fuel efficiency.
- Clear MIL Code Explanations: Provides clear explanations of MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) codes, aiding in understanding diagnostic information.
- Odometer Estimation: Estimates car odometer readings, potentially useful for tracking mileage and maintenance intervals.
- Diesel MPG Calculation: Calculates MPG (miles per gallon) for diesel vehicles without battery assistance, providing accurate fuel economy data.
- Pro Version with Enhanced Gauges: The Pro version includes extended graphical gauges for enhanced data visualization and analysis.
Cons:
- Payment Issues in Some Regions: Users in certain locations may experience difficulties completing in-app payments.
- Android Version Requirement: Requires Android version 3 and above, potentially excluding older devices.
7. OBDeleven
OBDeleven takes a unique approach to OBD2 app functionality, setting itself apart with innovative features and a focus on user convenience. Beyond providing real-time parameter monitoring from your car’s ECU, OBDeleven introduces “One-Click Apps” that allow users to control various car functions with a single tap, streamlining vehicle customization and adjustments.
To fully utilize OBDeleven’s “One-Click App” feature, a stable network connection is necessary. Access to more advanced car tracking tools requires a Premium upgrade. Despite these considerations, OBDeleven remains a valuable tool for car diagnostics and customization, popular among both enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Trouble Code Management: Supports reading and clearing of all diagnostic trouble codes from the ECU, providing complete diagnostic control.
- Multilingual Support: Offers support for multiple languages, catering to a global user base.
- Active Social Media Community: Features an active social media community, fostering user interaction and knowledge sharing.
- Car Battery Analyzer: Includes a car battery analyzer, a feature not commonly found in other OBD2 apps.
- DIY Repair Manuals: Provides manuals containing DIY car fixes, empowering users to perform basic repairs themselves.
- Connected Car History Retrieval: Allows retrieval of history for connected cars, providing a record of past diagnostic data.
- Control Unit Reset: Supports control unit reset functionality, enabling advanced system adjustments.
Cons:
- Network Dependency for Full Performance: Requires a network connection for optimal performance, particularly for “One-Click Apps.”
- Advertisements in Free Version: The free version contains advertisements, which can be removed by upgrading to Premium.
8. Dash – Drive Smart
Dash – Drive Smart is a versatile car tracking app compatible with OBDeleven software and a wide range of smart car analysis tools. It provides real-time data and boasts compatibility with cars dating back to 1996 models, making it applicable to a broad spectrum of vehicles.
Dash aims to enhance driving experience and performance by providing insightful data for informed decision-making regarding car maintenance and long-term health. Notably, Dash offers functionality even without constant device connection, providing flexibility in usage.
Pros:
- Optimized Customizable Dashboard: Features an optimized and customizable parameter dashboard that operates in background mode, allowing continuous monitoring without active app usage.
- Driver Performance Scoring and Leaderboard: Provides a Driver Score and leaderboard, enabling users to compare their driving performance with others, promoting safe and efficient driving habits.
- Multiple Vehicle Support with VIN Decoding: Supports multiple vehicles with automatic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoding, simplifying vehicle management within the app.
- GPS Parking Locator: Includes a GPS-tracking tool to locate parked vehicles, a convenient feature in urban environments.
- Nearby Gas Price Comparison: Offers nearby gas comparison features, helping users save money on fuel purchases.
Cons:
- Battery Drain Concerns: Some users have reported concerns about the app draining the mobile device’s battery, particularly with continuous background operation.
- Compass Glitches: The compass feature has been reported as occasionally glitchy, although this may be addressed in updates.
- Network Connection Issues: Some users have experienced issues with network connectivity, potentially affecting real-time data updates.
9. Engine Link (IOS)
Engine Link is a robust car diagnostic app designed specifically for iOS devices, sharing similarities with Torque Pro in functionality but tailored for the Apple ecosystem. It seamlessly connects with compatible ELM327 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. While some recent user feedback indicates issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, Engine Link remains a highly regarded car tracking application on iOS.
Priced at approximately $6 on iTunes, Engine Link offers a comprehensive solution for car monitoring on iOS, empowering users with control over their vehicle’s diagnostics and performance data.
Pros:
- Customizable Parameter Dashboard: Provides a customizable dashboard, allowing users to select and track only the parameters they deem essential, streamlining data presentation.
- Emission and Fuel Consumption Monitoring: Monitors emission rates and fuel consumption, providing insights into environmental impact and fuel efficiency.
- Extensive Fault Code Database: Reads and clears thousands of OBD2 fault codes, offering comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
- Heads-Up Display Option: Includes a heads-up dashboard display option, projecting data onto the windshield for convenient real-time viewing while driving.
- No In-App Purchases or Subscriptions: Offers all features with the initial purchase, without recurring subscription fees or in-app purchase requirements.
- Multilingual Support: Supports over 20 languages, catering to a global user base.
- Torque Custom PID File Support: The latest update includes support for Torque Custom PID (Parameter ID) files, enhancing customization and data access.
Cons:
- ECU Data Reading Issues: Some users have reported instances where the app connects but fails to read ECU data, requiring troubleshooting or app restarts.
- iOS Version Requirement: Requires iOS 8.0 or later, potentially excluding users with older iOS devices.
10. ScanMaster
ScanMaster is a capable car monitoring tool designed for use with ELM327 OBD2 adapters. While not as widely recognized as some other scanners, this Android application maintains a solid 4.0 rating with over 1 million installs, indicating consistent user satisfaction and reliable performance.
With ScanMaster on your mobile device, you gain a clear real-time overview of your car’s performance and access accurate fault code readings, potentially preventing unnecessary mechanic charges by providing informed diagnostic information. The app developers offer a Lite (free) version with essential parameters like VIN, CVN, fault codes, and MIL status. However, the Pro version unlocks full features, including an extensive fault code database and detailed error descriptions.
Pros:
- Free Version with Essential Parameters: Offers a range of tracking parameters even in the free Lite version, providing basic diagnostic functionality without upfront cost.
- Multilingual Support: Supports German and English languages, catering to a diverse user base.
- User-Friendly Navigation: Features easy-to-navigate menus and interface, simplifying app usage.
- ELM327 Adapter Compatibility: Compatible with most ELM327 adapters, providing flexibility in hardware choices.
- Data Recording Capability: Supports data recording for later analysis and review, enabling in-depth performance tracking.
- Graphical Data Representation: Presents data graphically for easier analysis and interpretation of trends and patterns.
Cons:
- Ineffective Customer Support: Users have reported issues with customer support responsiveness and effectiveness.
- Device Compatibility Limitations: A few cases of device incompatibility have been reported, requiring users to verify compatibility beforehand.
- Android Version Requirement: Compatible with Android 4.0 and above, excluding older devices.
11. DashCommand (IOS)
DashCommand distinguishes itself as a premium OBD2 scanner app for iOS, aiming to transform your mobile device into an advanced engine data display. It has garnered industry recognition, winning the SEMA Show award for best mobile electronic product in 2014, highlighting its innovation and performance.
While DashCommand is among the more expensive iOS OBD2 apps at $14.99 on iTunes, user reviews suggest that its performance gauges, fuel economy tracking, engine parameter monitoring, and emission testing capabilities for up to five trips justify the investment.
Pros:
- Ease of Use: Features a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation, simplifying app operation.
- Customizable Performance Gauges: Allows extensive customization of performance gauges, enabling users to track data most relevant to their needs.
- Inclinometer Feature: Includes an inclinometer to display rolling angle and vehicle pitch, particularly useful for off-road driving and vehicle stability monitoring.
- Data Logging and Playback: Supports data-logging, recording, and playback, facilitating in-depth performance analysis and historical data review.
- Sophisticated Trip Computer: Features a sophisticated trip computer that maintains statistics for up to five trips, providing comprehensive trip data analysis.
- Graphical Data Representation: Presents collected data graphically for easier interpretation and trend identification.
Cons:
- iPhone X Incompatibility: Reportedly not compatible with iPhone X, potentially excluding users with this specific device model.
- Haltech Elite 2599 Compatibility Issues: Compatibility issues have been reported with Haltech elite 2599 systems, limiting applicability for users with this specific setup.
- In-App Purchases for Certain Car Models: In-app purchases may be required for full functionality with certain car models, potentially increasing the overall cost.
12. BlueDriver
BlueDriver stands out as a versatile OBD2 scanner app available on both iOS and Android platforms. It is recognized as a top-tier free car diagnostic tool, reflected in its high 4.6 rating on iTunes and over 2 million downloads. BlueDriver offers a compelling combination of free features and robust diagnostic capabilities, making it a popular choice among users.
BlueDriver enables users to monitor critical ECU parameters, scan and clear trouble codes, access freeze frame data, and share collected data via email, all within its free version. It even includes advanced features not always found in paid OBD2 apps, making it a preferred tool for professional mechanics and car enthusiasts alike.
Pros:
- Wireless Connection: Offers wireless connection to your car, simplifying setup and usage.
- Smog Readiness Check: Supports smog readiness checks, helping users prepare for emission testing.
- Reduced Travel Costs: Potentially reduces travel costs by enabling users to diagnose and address minor car issues independently.
- Free and Regular Updates: Provides free and regular updates, ensuring ongoing app improvement and feature enhancements.
- On-Board Monitoring Test Results: Displays on-board monitoring test results, providing detailed diagnostic information.
- Enhanced Diagnostics for ABS, Airbag, Transmission: Offers improved diagnostics for ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Airbag, Transmission, and other critical vehicle systems.
- Repair Report Generation and Sharing: Allows generation and sharing of repair reports, facilitating communication with mechanics and documentation of vehicle maintenance.
Cons:
- iOS Version Requirement: Requires iOS 8 and above, potentially excluding users with older iOS devices.
- iPhone XR Issues: Some issues have been reported with iPhone XR compatibility, although these are likely to be addressed in updates.
13. GoFAR
GoFAR offers a comprehensive car diagnostic solution centered around a high-performance tracking device that emphasizes car health monitoring and mileage tracking. It maintains compatibility with most OBD2 compliant car adapters, providing versatility in hardware options.
A key benefit of GoFAR is its IRS compliance, potentially enabling users to save on taxes related to vehicle usage. Furthermore, GoFAR prioritizes fuel savings, aiming to reduce travel costs by 10-30% through optimized driving and fuel efficiency monitoring. The Android and iOS applications boast a high 4.7 rating, reflecting positive user experiences with the GoFAR system.
Pros:
- Ease of Installation and Use: Designed for easy installation and intuitive operation, simplifying user onboarding.
- One-Year Warranty: Offers a one-year warranty on initial purchase, providing peace of mind and product support.
- Plain English Error Alerts: Sends error alerts in plain English, simplifying diagnostic information for non-technical users.
- Mechanic Finder Platform: Includes a platform for hiring nearby mechanics, facilitating convenient access to repair services.
- Extensive Fault Code Database: Contains over 3000 fault codes and descriptions, providing comprehensive diagnostic coverage.
- Driver Leaderboard for Cost Savings: Features a global leaderboard where drivers compete based on cost savings, incentivizing fuel-efficient driving.
- Maintenance and Alert System: Sends alerts for tire pressure checks, insurance renewals, and registration reminders, promoting proactive vehicle maintenance.
- No Subscription Fees: Requires a one-time purchase with no ongoing subscription or recurring fees.
Cons:
- Upfront Purchase Required: Requires an initial purchase of $99, potentially representing a higher upfront cost compared to app-only solutions.
14. FIXD – Vehicle Health Monitor
FIXD distinguishes itself with its simplicity and user-friendliness without sacrificing diagnostic quality. Fault codes within the FIXD app are translated into clear, understandable language, enabling users to readily grasp diagnostic information and take prompt action when issues arise.
FIXD offers its own OBD2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters for optimized app performance and gauge monitoring. The app is available on Android via the Google Play Store and maintains a solid 4.5 rating from user reviews.
Pros:
- Quick and Easy Setup: Installs in minutes and is immediately usable, simplifying the initial setup process.
- Beginner-Friendly: Particularly suitable for first-time OBD2 app users due to its simplicity and clear explanations.
- Maintenance Scheduling Reminders: Allows scheduling maintenance reminders, promoting proactive vehicle care.
- Worn Part Alerts: Alerts users to worn-out car parts requiring repair or replacement, preventing potential breakdowns.
- Easy Onboarding Process: Features a streamlined and user-friendly onboarding experience.
- In-App Parts Purchasing: Enables purchasing car parts directly through the app, simplifying the repair process.
- Helpful Customer Support Team: Offers a responsive and helpful customer support team for user assistance.
Cons:
- Bugs in Older App Versions: Older app versions may contain bugs, requiring users to ensure they are using the latest version.
- FIXD Adapter Dependency: Works optimally with FIXD adapters, potentially limiting hardware choices.
- In-App Purchases: Offers in-app purchases, potentially increasing the overall cost for accessing premium features.
15. Carly For BMW
Carly For BMW is a specialized OBD2 app designed specifically for BMW vehicles and compatible with adapters provided by Carly. This app caters to both novice and experienced BMW drivers, offering real-time monitoring of vital car gauges and parameters.
While primarily tailored for BMWs, the Android app also supports standard OBD features. Users can test compatibility with the Lite version before purchasing the full app, ensuring suitability for their specific BMW model.
Pros:
- Comprehensive BMW Health Checks: Conducts thorough health checks of BMW’s electronic components, providing in-depth diagnostics.
- Used Car Check Feature: Includes a used car check feature to assess vehicle condition before purchase, adding a layer of buyer protection.
- One-Click Electric Parking Brake Control: Offers one-click control for the electric parking brake, streamlining vehicle operation.
- Premium Customer Support and Lifetime Warranty for Carly Adapters: Carly adapters come with premium customer support and a lifetime warranty, adding value to the hardware purchase.
- DIY Battery Registration Support: Supports DIY battery registration, empowering users to perform this maintenance task themselves.
- Excellent Customer Service Team: Provides a responsive and helpful customer service team for BMW-specific support.
Cons:
- Expensive Carly Adapters: Carly adapters are priced higher compared to generic OBD2 adapters, increasing the overall cost.
- Limited Fault Codes for Certain BMW Models: Limited fault code coverage may exist for specific BMW models, such as the BMW 2 series F45/F46.
16. Carista OBD2 App
Carista OBD2 App is another notable OBD2 solution that utilizes a Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 plug and a companion app. Carista boasts strong support for brands like Toyota, BMW, Subaru, Mini, Audi, VW, and Lexus, making it a versatile option for owners of these vehicles.
A standout feature of Carista is its “Customize” option within the app. Once plugged in, this feature allows users to access and modify numerous ECU options typically accessible only by dealerships, providing advanced vehicle customization capabilities.
Pros:
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Utilizes Bluetooth connectivity for wireless communication between the adapter and smartphone.
- Compact Adapter Design: Features a compact adapter design, minimizing obtrusiveness when plugged into the OBD2 port.
- Customizable Settings: Offers extensive customizable settings, allowing users to personalize vehicle functions and parameters.
- Phone-to-OBD2 Scanner Innovation: Represents a phone-centric OBD2 scanner innovation, leveraging smartphone capabilities for vehicle diagnostics.
- 1-Month Free Trial: Provides a 1-month free trial, allowing users to test the app and adapter before committing to a purchase.
- Cross-Platform Support: Supports both iOS and Android platforms, ensuring broad device compatibility.
- Detailed Diagnostics: Offers detailed diagnostic capabilities, providing in-depth vehicle health assessments.
Cons:
- In-App Purchases: In-app purchases are present, potentially limiting access to certain features without additional payment.
17. OBD Fusion
Developed by OCTech, the OBD Fusion app, when paired with a compatible OBD2 vehicle scanner, provides comprehensive vehicle diagnostic reporting. It is considered a highly popular app for vehicle diagnostics, favored by both novice and experienced users.
OBD Fusion’s primary strength lies in its ease of use, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. The app’s customizable dashboard is a significant advantage, enabling users to display preferred data points and closely monitor specific engine functions.
Pros:
- Customizable Dashboards: Offers highly customizable dashboards, allowing users to tailor data display to their needs.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, ensuring broad device applicability.
- GPS Navigation Features: Includes GPS navigation features, potentially integrating trip planning and location-based data.
- Emission Monitoring: Provides emission monitoring capabilities, aiding in tracking and managing vehicle emissions.
- Extensive Data Logging: Supports extensive data logging, enabling in-depth performance analysis and historical data review.
Cons:
- Features Locked Behind Expansion Packs: Some features are locked behind expansion packs, requiring additional purchases for full functionality.
- No Diagnostic Data Sharing Features: Lacks diagnostic data sharing features, potentially limiting collaboration with mechanics or remote diagnostics.
Conclusion
This comprehensive list of the best OBD2 apps for iOS and Android in 2019 offers a range of options to suit various needs and preferences. Before committing to an app, remember to verify its compatibility with your specific car model, as compatibility can vary.
While this review focuses on the top apps, it’s crucial to perform functional testing to confirm compatibility. Many OBD2 app developers offer free “lite” versions for this purpose, allowing you to test basic functionality before purchasing the full version. Take advantage of these trial versions to find the app that best suits your car and your diagnostic needs.
For Android users seeking a powerful and feature-rich option, Torque Pro stands out as the Best Android OBD2 App. Its paid service delivers excellent features and broad vehicle compatibility, making it a worthwhile investment.
For iOS users, OBD Fusion emerges as the Best iOS OBD2 App. This paid service is user-friendly, tracks vital parameters effectively, and offers a balance of features and ease of use.
Choosing the right OBD2 app is a crucial step in proactively managing your car’s health and performance. Explore these top contenders to find the perfect diagnostic companion for your vehicle in 2019 and beyond.
