In today’s automotive landscape, identifying the right OBD2 software is crucial for both car enthusiasts and professional mechanics. The market is flooded with options, many prioritizing profit over genuine diagnostic capabilities. This guide aims to spotlight established leaders in OBD2 diagnostics, companies with a proven track record in OBD2 expertise.
While many OBD2 scan tools appear similar at first glance, subtle yet significant differences exist. Our extensive experience in vehicle workshops allows us to distinguish between basic check-engine-light readers and sophisticated OBD-2 software trusted by seasoned automotive technicians. This article focuses on the latter, specifically on PC-based solutions, as we believe they offer superior functionality compared to many mobile apps.
Our preference for PC software stems from two key observations: (1) the mobile app market is often transient, with many apps being abandoned due to intense competition, and (2) most mobile OBD apps are developed by freelancers rather than established car companies with deep understanding of vehicle systems. PC-based OBD software, in contrast, has a longer history, dating back to the early 1990s, allowing for more mature and robust development.
Many popular smartphone OBD2 applications compromise functionality for visually appealing interfaces. We advocate for PC-based software for its power and reliability. Based on over a decade of testing and using various car software, we present 7 outstanding OBD2 diagnostic software packages.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs. We encourage you to visit their websites, assess their trustworthiness, and select the software that best fits your automotive requirements. To save you time, we’ve summarized each review in bullet points.
Important Note: While all OBD2 software shares the fundamental function of diagnosing and reporting vehicle faults, the primary difference lies in the quantity of fault codes detected and the depth of analysis provided. Remember, OBD-2 diagnostics empowers car owners, but physical repairs are still necessary to address underlying issues, not just clearing fault codes with software.
Key Features Shared by These OBD Car Scanner Software:
- Premium Solutions: These are not free OBD2 software options. For a reputable free OBD2 software choice compatible with ELM327 scan tools, consider EasyOBD.
- Windows Dominance, with Mac Exceptions: The automotive diagnostic industry primarily targets Windows. However, we’ve identified and reviewed two excellent OBD2 software options for macOS catering to Mac users. Check Engine Light OBD2 Scanner for MacOS
- Expert-Backed Reviews: Our reviews are grounded in extensive technical and car mechanical expertise, representing a combined 60 years of experience. We’ve strived for unbiased evaluations, focusing on objective assessment.
- ELM327 Compatibility: All software reviewed supports ELM327 OBD2 interfaces, including Bluetooth, WIFI, and USB connections. Installation instructions for ELM327 can be found here.
- Unidirectional Functionality: These software options are unidirectional. Bidirectional control requires high-end OEM scan tools, typically in the $1000+ range. For more information on workshop-grade OBD2 scanners, search our blog for “obd2 scanner”.
Understanding OBD2 Scanners and Diagnostic Tools:
The evolution of automotive engineering since Karl Benz’s first automobile in 1885 has been remarkable. Cars have transitioned from basic transportation to sophisticated machines equipped with advanced technology, including air conditioning, navigation, and even autopilot systems.
Alongside these advancements, cars have become increasingly intelligent. Modern vehicles can optimize routes, adjust fluids based on driving conditions, and, crucially, detect engine errors.
Most vehicles on the road today feature an on-board diagnostics (OBD2) port. This port provides access to data from the engine control unit (ECU), allowing technicians to diagnose problems and perform necessary maintenance.
Accessing ECU data requires a computer and specialized software. The growing demand for user-friendly diagnostics has spurred automotive companies to develop OBD software for laptops and mobile devices, empowering end-users to access their car’s ECU data.
Typically, OBD diagnostic solutions comprise two components: a hardware interface (cable or adapter) and OBD-2 software. The hardware connects the ECU to the computer, while the software interprets and analyzes the data. The primary purpose of this technology is to facilitate vehicle maintenance and extend vehicle lifespan.
Below are seven diagnostic software options from different companies that we consider the best currently available for your Windows/Mac laptop/PC.
(Disclaimer: These are purely recommendations based on our expert opinion. We have no affiliate partnerships with these companies and gain no commission from these recommendations.)
TOAD PRO
TOAD PRO OBD2 Diagnostic Software Package
TOAD (Total OBD Auto Diagnostics) PRO is a comprehensive and powerful OBD software suite, often used by car manufacturers and professional repair shops. It performs in-depth vehicle health checks, diagnosing over 15,000 common issues. For advanced users, it includes ECU remapping software for performance optimization and fuel efficiency improvements.
TOAD PRO offers features typically reserved for professional mechanics, making them accessible to the public. Its strength lies in broad vehicle compatibility and real-time data monitoring with customizable graphs.
TOAD PRO is suitable for both DIY car owners seeking to save on repair costs and professional mechanics requiring advanced diagnostic capabilities. It’s utilized by law enforcement, dealerships, car enthusiasts, and manufacturers in approximately 80 countries.
Key Benefits of TOAD PRO:
- Check Engine Light Diagnostics: Provides detailed descriptions of detected problems for effective repairs.
- Advanced Fault Code Detection: Identifies “extra” OBD fault codes often missed by standard scanners.
- Cost Savings on Repairs: Pinpoints faulty components, enabling cost-effective parts sourcing and mechanic negotiations.
- Performance Tuning: Includes ECU remapping for performance optimization and fuel efficiency.
- Touchscreen Optimized: Ideal for devices like Surface Pro.
- Fuel Efficiency Improvement: Helps optimize fuel consumption.
- Extended Engine Lifespan: Contributes to proactive maintenance and engine health.
- Real-time Vehicle Data Monitoring: Offers insights into vehicle operation.
- DIY Repair Assistance: Empowers users to diagnose and fix car issues, reducing repair expenses.
- Peace of Mind: Provides confidence in vehicle condition and reliability.
- Real-time Data Display: Presents data in tabular and graphical formats.
Learn more at the TOAD website…
AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool
AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool stands out with its brand-specific diagnostic options for manufacturers like BMW, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Land Rover, Jaguar, Honda, and Porsche, among others. It’s compatible with Windows and iOS.
ScanTool allows for rapid scanning of trouble codes, vehicle sensors, and IM240 data to determine necessary services. Its depth of coverage is a key differentiator, accessing systems like ABS, airbag, transmission, and instrument cluster controllers.
This software offers in-depth features including live data, bi-directional controls, adaptive resets, system tests, and more. The primary drawback is its higher price point, making it best suited for professional workshops handling high volumes of vehicle diagnostics and requiring OEM-level bidirectional functionalities.
Key Benefits of AutoEnginuity ScanTool:
- Data Logging: Logs data in XML (for browsers) and CSV (for spreadsheets).
- Customizable Sensor Data: Allows users to adjust sensor data display parameters like sampling rate, ranges, units, and scaling.
- User-Friendly Data Presentation: Displays data concisely and clearly, avoiding raw data complexity.
Learn more at the AutoEnginuity website…
PCMScan
PCMScan is a comprehensive generic OBD-II diagnostic software supporting a wide range of OBD hardware interfaces. It features real-time visual charting, data logging, and playback. It also displays Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), freeze frame data, and other vehicle information. This universal scanner software supports US, Asian, and European vehicles manufactured after 1996.
However, a significant downside of this Windows OBD2 software is its lack of updates for over 7 years. This means it misses at least 500+ new PIDs (sensor data) incorporated in newer applications. This suggests either discontinued development or a shift in development focus.
Key Benefits of PCMScan:
- Customizable Dashboard: Allows personalization for user preferences.
- Dyno and Drag Features: Includes performance measurement tools.
- Data Logging Capabilities: Records diagnostic data for analysis.
- DTC Reading and Clearing: Reads and clears stored and pending Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
- Check Engine Light Control: Clears the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon indicator light.
- Freeze Frame Data: Reads and clears stored freeze frame data.
- Extensive Trouble Code Definitions: Supports thousands of vehicle trouble code definitions.
Worthy Features Tested:
- Printing and Print Preview: Full support for printing and previewing all views, including dashboards.
- OBD-II Terminal: Provides a terminal for advanced users to send custom commands.
- Javascripting Support: Built-in Javascripting for custom data calculations.
- Configurable Alerts System: Allows setting alerts based on parameter conditions with sound warnings and data bookmarks.
- Unit Measurement Systems: Supports English and Metric (SI) units.
- CSV Data Export: Customizable log file export to .CSV for Excel and other programs.
- Real-time Stamps: Export with real-time stamps for data correlation.
- PID Prioritization: Allows assigning priorities to PIDs for faster data capture.
- Interface Compatibility: Supports various interfaces including Autotap, VIA LDV, Multiplex Engineering T16, ELM320, ELM322, ELM323, ELM327, and SAE-J2534 compliant interfaces.
Learn more at the PCMScan website…
ProScan
ProScan OBD2 Software Interface Screenshots
ProScan, acquired by Total Car Diagnostics in 2015, has been updated for 2024 and beyond. This OBD2 software now reads the latest sensor data to keep pace with vehicle technology advancements. It’s included in the TOAD LITE package.
ProScan is known for its user-friendliness among Windows OBD2 software. Established in 2003, its strengths are stability and continuous development based on in-depth knowledge of automotive protocols and PIDs. It’s compatible with standard ELM327 hardware.
A standout feature of ProScan, often less refined in competitors, is its accurate 0-60mph (100km/h) timing. This allows for live, precise measurement of speed and torque gains after ECU adjustments or performance modifications.
Key Benefits of ProScan:
- Fuel Economy Adjustment: Can optimize fuel economy based on driving habits.
- Vehicle Connection Manager: Features an intuitive program launch interface.
- Freeze Frame Data Monitoring: Monitors data from past events.
- Oxygen Sensor Tests: Displays oxygen sensor test results, pinpointing malfunctioning sensors.
- One-Button Diagnostic Report Generator: Creates easy-to-generate vehicle diagnostic reports.
- Readiness Monitor Status: Shows vehicle emissions conformance status.
- Oxygen Sensor Location: Displays the number and location of oxygen sensors.
- Oxygen Sensor Functionality Testing: Verifies oxygen sensor operation.
- Data Recording and Playback: Records and replays diagnostic data.
- Fuel Efficiency Calculation: Calculates real-time fuel efficiency (mpg/liters per km) for MAF-based vehicles.
- Trip Cost Calculation: Calculates real-time trip cost based on distance and fuel efficiency.
- Performance Statistics: Calculates 0-60 mph, 1/4 mile time, trap speed, 1/8 mile, and more.
- Horsepower and Torque Estimation: Estimates horsepower and torque curves, generating dyno charts.
- Printable Diagnostic Reports: Generates printable reports for vehicle diagnostics.
- Unit Conversion: Converts between English and metric units.
Learn more at the ProScan website…
OBD Auto Doctor
OBD II Auto Doctor is a highly sophisticated and user-friendly OBD2 car diagnostic tool, considered the best OBD software for macOS. It allows users to check and reset codes and communicate directly with the car’s OBD2 system.
While powerful, it might be considered advanced for casual car owners. For a simpler yet reliable option, consider Movi software (reviewed below).
OBDII Auto Doctor excels in data extraction volume and is ideal for serious car enthusiasts seeking in-depth vehicle understanding.
Key Benefits of OBD II Auto Doctor:
- Comprehensive Diagnostics: Reads DTCs, Freeze Frame data, and MIL status.
- Fuel and Emission Monitoring: Tracks fuel emission and consumption data.
- Real-time OBD2 Indicators: Provides live data from OBD2 systems.
- Data Visualization: Offers numerical and graphical data views.
- Data Sharing: Allows data sharing via email.
- ECU Information Retrieval: Reads VIN and ECU calibration ID.
- Extensive DTC Database: Includes a built-in database of over 14,000 alarm codes.
Learn more at the OBD II Auto Doctor website…
Movi and Movi Pro
Movi/ Movi Pro is designed for ease of use on macOS, allowing users to read data from the vehicle’s engine control module (ECM) without complex setup. If you prioritize simplicity and reliability in retrieving fault codes and precise live PID reports, Movi is an excellent choice. It’s considered less complex and more approachable than OBD II Auto Doctor.
The free version is sufficient for basic diagnostics, but clearing DTC fault codes requires the paid version.
Movi can retrieve all historical vehicle failures (DTCs) and clear the ‘check engine light’ while providing detailed trouble code information.
Key Benefits of Movi and Movi Pro:
- Real-time Data Monitoring: Displays real-time data for engine fault diagnosis.
- DTC Management: Reads and clears DTCs.
- Freeze Frame Data: Views and clears freeze frame data.
- Fuel Consumption and Economy: Monitors fuel consumption and economy.
- Virtual Horsepower and Torque: Monitors virtual horsepower and torque.
- Multi-Parameter Graphing: Graphs up to 4 engine indicators simultaneously.
Learn more at the Movi website…
EOBD Facile
EOBD Facile OBD software is known for its simplicity and ease of setup on macOS using an ELM327 interface. Available in the App Store, it’s a close competitor to Movi in terms of user-friendliness. The choice between them often comes down to GUI preference.
Once connected, EOBD Facile allows users to diagnose issues, view real-time results, access vehicle information, and monitor sensor readings.
Key Benefits of EOBD Facile:
- Check Engine Light Reset: Clears the check engine light.
- Engine Code Diagnostics: Displays engine codes and their meanings.
- Manufacturer Error Codes: Monitors manufacturer-specific error codes.
- GPS Data Logging: Maintains a backlog of GPS data records.
Learn more at the EOBD Facile website…
When selecting car diagnostic software, consider your specific needs and desired functionality. Some users may prioritize advanced features like live data monitoring, while others may only require basic engine health checks for safe driving.
This concludes our review of the best OBD software based on years of experience with various car diagnostic tools.
7 Best OBD2 Software in 2024 and Beyond: Reviewed and Tested
User rating and vote count from original article would be placed here if available.
