In today’s tech-driven world, understanding your car’s health is easier than ever, thanks to On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) apps. As mobile app technology advances, numerous companies are developing tools that allow you to tap into your vehicle’s diagnostic system directly from your smartphone. Forget guesswork and potential roadside emergencies; OBD2 apps provide a direct line of communication with your car, offering insights that can save you time, money, and stress.
These apps essentially give you a virtual window into your engine’s performance, displaying real-time data on crucial parameters such as speed, engine rotation, pressure levels, and temperature readings. However, with a vast array of OBD2 apps flooding the market for both Android and iOS, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Sorting through countless options to find a reliable and effective tool can be time-consuming and frustrating. You don’t want to waste money and effort on subpar apps that don’t deliver on their promises.
Unfortunately, many drivers have experienced the disappointment of purchasing OBD2 apps only to find them lacking in features or performance. To prevent this from happening to you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the top paid OBD2 apps currently available. This curated list features apps that have proven their value and reliability, ensuring you get the best tools for your car’s diagnostic needs.
Let’s dive into our selection of the best paid OBD2 apps that are worth your investment.
Top Paid OBD2 Apps For Android/IOS
1. Torque Pro (OBD2 & Car)
Torque Pro stands out as a highly acclaimed OBD2 Bluetooth app, particularly favored by Android users. With over 1,000,000 downloads on the Play Store, it’s consistently ranked among the best OBD2 apps for Android. While it comes with a price tag of around $5, user reviews and expert opinions suggest that the investment is well justified.
Torque Pro delivers a real-time view of your car’s operations, presented on a customizable and user-friendly dashboard displayed directly on your mobile device. This app also offers the valuable feature of exporting compiled data to Torque Pro servers or via email, allowing for data analysis and record-keeping at your convenience.
Pros:
- Offers diverse themes for dashboard personalization.
- Enables screenshot sharing on social media and through email.
- Features an integrated GPS-based compass.
- Provides data graphing and car dock support.
- Includes CO2 emission readings.
- Equipped with a track recorder for video documentation of journeys.
- Sets alarms and warnings for suboptimal car performance, like high coolant temperature alerts (e.g., exceeding 120°C).
- Compatible with older Android versions, including 2.0.
Cons:
- Requires upfront payment for access.
- Known Bluetooth pairing issues, which are typically resolved with updates.
2. OBD Auto Doctor
OBD Auto Doctor functions similarly to many leading car diagnostic apps, offering robust features for vehicle monitoring. It’s designed to be compatible with ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters, allowing it to monitor critical vehicle sensors and parameters in real-time.
OBD Auto Doctor excels in its ability to monitor multiple control units, such as engine and transmission systems. It also supports data export via email in CSV format, making data analysis straightforward. Furthermore, its optimized fuel consumption monitoring feature can lead to significant savings on fuel costs over time.
Pros:
- Provides real-time data display for informed car maintenance decisions.
- Supports both numerical and graphical displays of sensor data.
- Compatible with all OBD2 compliant vehicles, ensuring broad usability.
- Includes GPS support for location-based features.
- Offers 24/7 customer service for user assistance.
- Features advanced customization options to tailor the app to user needs.
- Supports both imperial and metric units, enhancing user accessibility.
- Monitors over 18,000 trouble codes for comprehensive diagnostics.
- Tracks readiness status for emissions testing, indicating vehicle compliance.
Cons:
- Requires in-app purchases and a Premium upgrade for full feature access.
- Users have reported occasional connection problems and inaccurate readings.
3. InCarDoc Pro
InCarDoc Pro has consistently been recognized as a top OBD2 app for Android, earning accolades in car review circles for years. Its robust car scanning and diagnostic capabilities are presented through a clean and intuitive home screen.
Users can test adapter and car compatibility with a free version before committing to the paid app, priced under $5. InCarDoc Pro supports ELM327 USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi adapters, and is compatible with most modern Android devices.
Pros:
- Compatible with a wide range of OBD2 compliant vehicles as listed on their official site.
- Provides real-time engine and vehicle parameter readings.
- Offers an overlay feature to display economy data over other running apps.
- Includes fuel economy and acceleration widgets for performance tracking.
- Features GPS support for location-based data.
- Allows uploading of reporting data to cloud storage for accessibility and backup.
- Enables data sharing via email for professional assistance with car repairs.
Cons:
- Compatible with Android 4.0.3 and later versions.
- Some users have reported difficulties with Bluetooth connection stability.
4. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App empowers users to delve deep into their car’s performance data, accessing parameters read by the vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU). This free car diagnostic app allows you to proactively identify potential issues and, if you understand fault codes, address minor problems independently, saving on mechanic costs.
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is widely considered a top monitoring tool, praised for its broad device compatibility, with versions available for Android, iOS, Windows PC, and mobile platforms. With over 2 million installs across these platforms, its popularity speaks to its effectiveness. Notably, it boasts a high user rating of 4.7, the highest among apps on this list.
Pros:
- Compatible with all OBD2 standard vehicles, ensuring wide applicability.
- Works with most Wi-Fi or Bluetooth OBD2 ELM327 adapters.
- Offers a customizable dashboard to monitor preferred parameters.
- Provides fuel consumption statistics for efficiency tracking.
- Features settings backup and restore for user convenience.
- Supports multiple languages, including English, Russian, and Polish.
Cons:
- Requires Android 4.3 or later.
- Optimal performance may require in-app purchases.
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 offers a comprehensive suite of essential gauges and parameters necessary for making informed decisions about your car’s maintenance.
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 numerous other vital metrics on its dashboard. It has achieved over 1 million installations on the Google Play Store, highlighting its widespread adoption.
Pros:
- Displays real-time vehicle sensor data.
- Includes a database of over 11,000 fault codes and definitions.
- Allows users to clear fault codes and resolve engine light issues.
- Supports storage of trip records on an SD card for review on EOBD-Facile PC/Mac software.
- Features route planning, beneficial for long journeys.
Cons:
- Best suited for users with some prior OBD2 app experience to fully utilize its features.
- Does not support USB adapters.
6. HobDrive
HobDrive is recognized as a premium OBD2 app for Android, offering advanced car tracking features. While it is one of the more expensive options on the Google Play Store, priced around $10, its extensive capabilities justify the cost for users seeking in-depth diagnostics.
A key advantage of HobDrive is its compatibility with all OBD2 compliant vehicles, as well as certain non-OBD2 vehicles such as Delphi mr240 (Chevrolet) and Bosch systems. It also offers seamless access across various platforms, including CarPCs (Windows/Linux), car audio systems (Windows CE), Windows Phone 8/10, and iOS.
Pros:
- Features a customizable dashboard to display key parameters from your car’s ECU.
- Supports GPS and ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters.
- Monitors for overheating and irregular fuel trims.
- Provides clear explanations of MIL codes for easier troubleshooting.
- Estimates car odometer readings.
- Calculates MPG for diesel vehicles without battery assistance.
- Pro version includes enhanced graphical gauges for detailed data visualization.
Cons:
- Some users have reported issues with in-app payment completion in certain locations.
- Compatible with Android version 3 and later.
7. OBDeleven
OBDeleven distinguishes itself in the OBD2 app market through its advanced Android app development, offering unique features beyond standard diagnostics. In addition to providing a clear view of ECU parameters, OBDeleven includes a “One Click App” feature, enabling users to control various car functions with a single tap.
To fully utilize the “One Click App” feature, a stable network connection is recommended. A Premium upgrade unlocks more advanced car tracking tools. Despite these considerations, OBDeleven is highly regarded among car enthusiasts and mechanics for its comprehensive car review capabilities.
Pros:
- Supports reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes from the ECU.
- Offers multi-language support for a global user base.
- Features an active social media community for user support and discussions.
- Includes a car battery analyzer, a feature not common in all OBD2 apps.
- Provides DIY car fix manuals for user guidance.
- Retrieves history for connected vehicles for tracking past issues.
- Supports control unit reset functions.
Cons:
- Requires a network connection for optimal performance of certain features.
- Contains advertisements in the free version, requiring a Premium upgrade for ad removal.
8. Dash – Drive Smart
Dash – Drive Smart is a car tracking app that integrates with OBDeleven software and offers a range of smart car analysis tools. It provides real-time data and claims compatibility with car models dating back to 1996.
Dash aims to enhance driving experience and vehicle maintenance by offering insights into driving performance and car health. It can even be used without a dedicated OBD2 device for some functionalities.
Pros:
- Features an optimized and customizable parameter dashboard that operates in the background.
- Provides a Driver score and leaderboard to compare driving performance with others.
- Supports multiple vehicles with automatic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoding.
- Includes a GPS-tracking tool to locate parked vehicles.
- Offers nearby gas price comparison to save on fuel costs.
Cons:
- Some users report significant battery drain on mobile devices.
- Compass feature may be unreliable, though updates aim to improve this.
- Network connection issues have been reported by some users.
9. Engine Link (IOS)
Engine Link is a car diagnostic app similar to Torque Pro but exclusively for iOS devices. It connects seamlessly with compatible ELM327 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. However, recent user feedback indicates potential issues with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Despite lower recent ratings due to connectivity concerns, Engine Link remains a strong car tracking option on iOS. Priced at around $6 on iTunes, it offers comprehensive car monitoring capabilities to keep users informed and in control.
Pros:
- Offers a customizable dashboard for focused parameter tracking.
- Monitors emission rates and fuel consumption.
- Reads and clears thousands of OBD2 fault codes.
- Includes a heads-up dashboard display option for driving convenience.
- No in-app purchases or subscription fees, offering full functionality upon purchase.
- Supports over 20 languages, catering to a diverse user base.
- Latest updates include Torque Custom PID File support for advanced customization.
Cons:
- Some users report app connection without ECU data reading.
- Requires iOS 8.0 or later to operate.
10. ScanMaster
ScanMaster is a reliable car monitoring tool for ELM327 OBD2 adapters. While less widely known than some competitors, this Android app maintains a solid 4.0 rating with over 1 million installs.
ScanMaster provides a clear, real-time overview of car performance and accurate fault code readings, helping users avoid overpaying at repair shops. The app offers a free Lite version with basic parameters like VIN, CVN, fault codes, and MIL status. The paid Pro version unlocks full features, including an extensive fault code database with detailed descriptions.
Pros:
- Offers a range of tracking parameters even in the free Lite version.
- Supports both German and English languages.
- User-friendly and easy to navigate.
- Compatible with most ELM327 adapters.
- Supports data recording for later analysis.
- Provides clear graphical data representation.
Cons:
- Customer support is reported to be less responsive.
- Device compatibility issues reported by some users.
- Compatible only with Android 4.0 and later.
11. DashCommand (IOS)
DashCommand positions itself as a premium tool that transforms your mobile device into an advanced engine data display, earning the SEMA Show’s Best Mobile Electronic Product award in 2014.
DashCommand is one of the more expensive iOS OBD2 scanner apps, priced at $14.99 on iTunes, but it delivers top-tier performance gauges, fuel economy tracking, engine diagnostics, and emission testing for up to five trips. User reviews generally confirm that it provides excellent value for the investment.
Pros:
- Easy to use interface.
- Allows customization of performance gauges to track preferred data sets.
- Includes an inclinometer to display vehicle roll and pitch angles for off-roading.
- Supports data logging, recording, and playback for detailed analysis.
- Features a sophisticated trip computer tracking stats for up to five trips.
- Offers graphical representation of collected data for easy interpretation.
Cons:
- Not compatible with iPhone X.
- Compatibility issues reported with Haltech Elite 2599 systems.
- Contains in-app purchases for specific car models, potentially increasing overall cost.
12. BlueDriver
BlueDriver OBD2 scanner app is available on both iOS and Android, recognized as a top free car diagnostic tool, reflected in its 4.6 rating on iTunes and 2 million downloads.
BlueDriver allows users to monitor critical ECU parameters, scan and clear trouble codes, freeze frame data, and share data via email, all without subscription fees for the app itself (the OBD2 sensor is a one-time purchase). Its features rival those of paid apps, making it popular among professional mechanics and car enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Wireless connection to your car via Bluetooth OBD2 sensor (sold separately).
- Supports smog readiness checks for emissions compliance.
- Reduces vehicle maintenance costs by enabling proactive diagnostics.
- Provides free and regular updates, enhancing functionality and compatibility.
- Displays on-board monitoring test results for comprehensive analysis.
- Offers enhanced diagnostics for ABS, Airbag, Transmission, and other systems.
- Allows generation and sharing of detailed repair reports.
Cons:
- Requires iOS 8 and above for Apple devices.
- Minor issues reported with iPhone XR, generally resolved with updates.
13. GoFAR
GoFAR is designed for drivers seeking a high-performance car diagnostic device focused on comprehensive vehicle health monitoring and mileage tracking, compatible with most OBD2 compliant car adapters.
A significant benefit of GoFAR is its IRS compliance, potentially offering tax savings for mileage tracking. It also emphasizes fuel efficiency, aiming to reduce fuel costs by 10-30%. The Android and iOS apps maintain a strong 4.7 rating, reflecting positive user experiences globally.
Pros:
- Easy installation and user-friendly operation.
- Includes a one-year warranty on initial device purchase.
- Sends alerts in plain English when vehicle system errors occur.
- Offers a platform to connect with nearby mechanics for repairs.
- Contains a database of over 3000 fault codes and descriptions.
- Features a global leaderboard for drivers to compare fuel savings.
- Sends alerts for tire pressure checks, insurance, and registration renewals.
- No ongoing subscription or usage fees after initial purchase.
Cons:
- Requires an upfront purchase of the GoFAR device, priced around $99.
14. FIXD – Vehicle Health Monitor
FIXD aims for simplicity and ease of use in car diagnostics without sacrificing functionality. Fault codes are translated into easily understandable terms, enabling users to quickly grasp and address vehicle issues.
FIXD offers its own OBD2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters for optimal app performance and gauge monitoring. The Android app on Google Play Store has a solid 4.5 rating from users.
Pros:
- Quick and easy setup, ready to use in minutes.
- Suitable for users new to OBD2 apps due to its simplicity.
- Allows scheduling of maintenance reminders to keep up with vehicle care.
- Alerts users to worn-out car parts needing repair or replacement.
- Streamlined onboarding process for new users.
- Enables direct purchase of car parts through the app.
- Offers helpful customer support for user inquiries.
Cons:
- Older app versions have been reported to have bugs.
- Works exclusively with FIXD adapters, limiting adapter choice.
- Contains in-app purchases for additional features.
15. Carly For BMW
Carly For BMW is specifically designed for BMW owners, compatible with Carly-provided adapters. It caters to both new and experienced BMW drivers, offering real-time access to vital car gauges and parameters.
The Android app also supports standard OBD features, but compatibility should be tested with the Lite version before purchasing.
Pros:
- Provides thorough health checks of BMW vehicle electronic components.
- Offers used car checks to assess vehicle condition before purchase.
- Features one-click control for the electric parking brake.
- Carly adapters include premium customer support and a lifetime warranty.
- Supports DIY battery registration for BMW vehicles.
- Excellent customer service team dedicated to BMW users.
Cons:
- Carly adapters are more expensive than generic OBD2 adapters.
- Limited fault code coverage for BMW 2 series F45/F46 models.
16. Carista OBD2 App
Carista OBD2 App is another notable option, utilizing a Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 plug and accompanying app. Carista offers strong support for brands like Toyota, BMW, Subaru, Mini, Audi, VW, and Lexus.
A standout feature of Carista is its “Customize” option, allowing users to access and modify numerous ECU settings typically only accessible at dealerships.
Pros:
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless operation.
- Compact and portable OBD2 adapter.
- Customizable vehicle settings through the app.
- Integration of phone and OBD2 scanner technology.
- Offers a 1-month free trial to test features.
- Supports both iOS and Android platforms.
- Provides detailed vehicle diagnostics.
Cons:
- Requires in-app purchases for full functionality.
17) OBD Fusion
Developed by OCTech, OBD Fusion, when paired with a compatible OBD2 vehicle scanner, provides comprehensive vehicle diagnostic reports. It’s known for its user-friendliness, appealing to both beginners and experienced users.
Customizable dashboards are a key feature, allowing users to focus on desired information and closely monitor specific engine functions.
Pros:
- Customizable dashboards for personalized data views.
- Compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.
- Includes GPS navigation features for location-based data.
- Offers emission monitoring for regulatory compliance.
- Features extensive data logging capabilities for detailed analysis.
Cons:
- Some features are locked behind expansion packs, requiring additional purchases.
- Lacks diagnostic data sharing features, limiting collaborative diagnostics.
Conclusion
With this detailed list of the best paid OBD2 apps for iOS and Android, you’re now better equipped to choose an app that meets your car diagnostic needs.
However, before making a purchase, it’s crucial to confirm the compatibility of your chosen OBD2 app with your specific vehicle. Functional testing is essential to ensure seamless operation. Many OBD2 app developers offer free “lite” versions for compatibility checks, while others may require purchasing the paid version upfront. Take the time to verify compatibility to ensure you select the best app for your car.
To help narrow down your choices, here are our top recommendations:
Best Android OBD2 App:
Torque Pro – A paid app offering excellent features and broad vehicle compatibility.
Best iOS OBD2 App:
OBD Fusion – A paid app known for its ease of use and comprehensive tracking of vital vehicle parameters.
