Waking up to a one-star review claiming your app isn’t working is never a pleasant experience. As the creator of Dr. Prius app, I’ve learned that a staggering 90% of such issues stem from users employing subpar OBD2 clone adapters. These cheap imitations flood the market, tempting users with incredibly low prices, but they often lead to frustration, especially when used with specialized apps like Dr. Prius or Hybrid Assistant.
It’s a common misconception that any OBD2 adapter that works with generic apps like Torque will seamlessly function with Dr. Prius. However, accessing battery-specific data requires the OBD2 adapter to possess a crucial capability: “set message header” to a different ECU address. Generic apps typically only target the main ECU for basic vehicle information such as speed, RPM, and coolant temperature. To shed light on this issue, I embarked on a mission to test a wide array of budget-friendly clone adapters. Join me as I reveal my findings and guide you towards selecting the best OBD2 adapter for Dr. Prius.
Note: Please be aware that most of the adapters tested are primarily for Android devices. iOS users, please scroll down to the sections specifically addressing iOS compatibility.
Testing Methodology and Tools
To rigorously evaluate each OBD2 adapter, I utilized a suite of tools and applications:
- ELM327 Identifier: To verify the authenticity and version of the ELM327 chip.
- Elm327 OBD Terminal: For direct communication and command testing with the adapter.
- Dr. Prius App: The primary application to assess compatibility and functionality for hybrid battery diagnostics.
- Hybrid Assistant App: Another specialized app for hybrid vehicles, used for cross-compatibility testing.
- Torque App: A popular generic OBD2 app, used as a baseline for basic OBD2 functionality.
Top Recommended OBD2 Adapters for Dr. Prius
After extensive testing, here are the OBD2 adapters that have proven reliable and are recommended for use with Dr. Prius app:
Panlong OBD2 Adapter – Reliable and Robust
The Panlong OBD2 adapter has become my trusted workhorse for development and testing over the past two years. Initially purchased from Amazon with the intention of easy returns if needed, this adapter has consistently exceeded expectations. Its internal build quality is noticeably superior compared to many mini clones, as you can see when opening the case. It’s a dependable choice for Dr. Prius users. However, it’s important to note that their newer red-colored adapter has been found to be defective and incompatible with Dr. Prius and Hybrid Assistant.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon US (Android Only Version, 10% promo code LP6ACKZD): https://amzn.to/3kSmvY8
- Amazon US (Android and iOS Version): https://amzn.to/3rkAV9G
Alt text: Panlong OBD2 adapter internal components showing robust build quality, recommended best OBD2 for Dr Prius.
Viecar/Carista OBD2 Adapter – Popular and Identical Clones
Interestingly, Viecar and Carista are marketing the same rebranded OBD2 adapter. This popular option has been confirmed to work well with Dr. Prius. If you are looking for a widely available and functional adapter, this is a solid choice.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon US (Viecar OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter for iOS and Android): https://amzn.to/3HpCE2N
- AliExpress (Same OBD2 adapter): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmCDiUh
Alt text: Viecar OBD2 Bluetooth adapter, a popular and functional option for Dr Prius app users.
Popular Bluetooth OBD2 Adapters Approved by Dr. Prius Users (Android)
The following adapters have garnered positive feedback and approval from numerous Dr. Prius app users, particularly on Android platforms:
NEXAS Bluetooth 5.0 OBD2 Scanner (iOS and Android)
The NEXAS NexLink Bluetooth 5.0 OBD2 Scanner stands out for its modern Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and compatibility with both iOS and Android. Users have reported reliable performance with Dr. Prius, making it a versatile choice.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon US (NEXAS NexLink Bluetooth 5.0 OBD2 Scanner for iPhone & Android): https://amzn.to/3tN3cB5
Alt text: NEXAS NexLink Bluetooth 5.0 OBD2 Scanner, a user-approved and compatible OBD2 adapter for Dr Prius.
BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter (Android Only)
The BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth adapter is a long-standing favorite among Android users of Dr. Prius. It’s a reliable and budget-friendly option specifically for Android devices.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon US (BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS/
Alt text: BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter, a reliable and budget-friendly Android compatible scanner for Dr Prius.
INFOCAR OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter (iOS and Android)
The INFOCAR OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter is another user-suggested option that has gained popularity on Amazon. It’s reported to function correctly with Dr. Prius on both iOS and Android platforms.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon US (INFOCAR OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter for iOS and Android): https://amzn.to/3P2awE2
Alt text: INFOCAR OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter, an Amazon popular and user-recommended OBD2 for Dr Prius on iOS and Android.
OBD2 Adapters to Avoid: Buyer Beware
Unfortunately, not all OBD2 adapters are created equal. Many fall short when it comes to the specific demands of apps like Dr. Prius. Here are some adapters that I strongly advise against using:
OBDLink LX and MX – Fast but Flawed for Dr. Prius
Despite their premium price and claims of supporting both Android and iOS, OBDLink LX and MX adapters have received mixed reviews from Dr. Prius users. While they are undeniably fast, their iOS compatibility is limited to classic Bluetooth, not BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). Since Dr. Prius and 99% of iOS apps rely on BLE, they are effectively incompatible with iOS for our purposes. Furthermore, pairing with Android devices can be finicky, requiring precise timing to be discoverable. Overall, despite their speed, I cannot recommend OBDLink adapters for Dr. Prius users.
Where to Buy (Not Recommended):
- Amazon US (OBDLink LX): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H9S71LW/
Alt text: OBDLink MX OBD2 adapter, a fast but ultimately not recommended adapter for Dr Prius due to iOS incompatibility and pairing issues.
Bait and Switch “Junk” Adapters – Proceed with Extreme Caution
These generic-looking OBD2 adapters are ubiquitous online, often advertised at incredibly low prices. While a few sellers might offer versions with a double-layer PCB that used to work, the market is now flooded with unreliable clones. Even dual-layer PCBs are no guarantee of functionality anymore. Manufacturers seem to be adapting their strategies to counter reviews, making it a cat-and-mouse game. As of now, I cannot recommend any OBD2 adapter in this form factor. Purchase at your own risk!
Update 07/11/2018: Even dual-layer PCBs are unreliable clones.
Update 06/09/2018: A previously “good clone” on AliExpress (BLUE or WHITE adapter, not black “MINI” version) is now being replaced with bad clones.
Where to Buy (NOT Recommended):
- AliExpress (Previously “good clone” – now unreliable): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/V1-5-Super-MINI-Bluetooth-ELM-327-Version-1-5-OBD2-OBDII-ELM327-for-Android-Torque/32272347186.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.Hp5VyS
Alt text: AliExpress generic OBD2 adapter, a bait and switch “junk” adapter to avoid for Dr Prius app.
Alt text: Another AliExpress generic OBD2 adapter, part of the unreliable bait and switch “junk” category.
Alt text: Bad OBD2 clone adapter with dual layers, highlighting the unreliability even with seemingly better components.
Alt text: Black “MINI” OBD2 adapter, a known bad clone and example of OBD2 junk to avoid for Dr Prius.
AUTOPHIX OBD2 Bluetooth – A Scam
The AUTOPHIX OBD2 Bluetooth adapter is simply a scam. It does not function correctly with Dr. Prius or other standard OBD2 apps. Avoid this adapter entirely.
Alt text: AUTOPHIX OBD2 Bluetooth adapter, labeled as an OBD2 scammer and not compatible with Dr Prius.
Zurich OBD2 (Harbor Freight) – Not ELM327 Compatible
The Zurich OBD2 adapter from Harbor Freight, while readily available, unfortunately does not utilize the ELM327 protocol. This makes it incompatible with Dr. Prius and most OBD2 apps on the market.
Alt text: Zurich OBD2 adapter from Harbor Freight, identified as not ELM327 compatible and unsuitable for Dr Prius.
FIXD OBD2 Adapter – Expensive and Slow
Despite its higher price tag (around $60 on Amazon), the FIXD adapter is plagued with issues. It’s incredibly slow and prone to skipping data records. While I managed to get it to sort of work with Dr. Prius, the inaccurate data due to skipped records makes it completely unreliable for diagnostic purposes. Avoid this expensive disappointment.
Alt text: FIXD OBD2 adapter, an expensive and slow adapter that is not recommended for accurate Dr Prius diagnostics.
“Mini Junk” OBD2 Adapter – Tiny and Terrible
This miniature adapter, often encased in a sleek space-grey semi-transparent case, promises Bluetooth 4.0 and broad OBD protocol support. However, in reality, it’s another “junk” adapter. It lacks the essential ECU switching capability required for Dr. Prius and fails to retrieve battery data on both iOS and Android. The only app it reliably works with is a basic “Mini OBD II” app, which provides only rudimentary vehicle information.
Alt text: Mini Junk OBD2 adapter in space-grey case, a tiny but terrible adapter that does not work with Dr Prius.
“No Name Junk” OBD2 Adapter – Blue and Defective
Sharing the same packaging as the “Mini Junk,” this no-name adapter with a transparent blue finish also fails to deliver. Despite appearing capable of ECU switching, it could not retrieve battery-related data from Prius Gen2 and Gen3 models during testing. Steer clear of this packaging style altogether, as they likely originate from manufacturers producing untested and defective products.
Alt text: No Name Junk OBD2 adapter in transparent blue case, another defective adapter to avoid for Dr Prius diagnostics.
“Mother of all Junks” – The Classic Bad Clone
This particularly cheap clone has been a market mainstay for years and is notorious for its poor performance. While a genuine ELM327 version exists at a higher price, this clone is fundamentally flawed. It doesn’t even support basic OBD commands from v1.2 to v2.3 and is completely unsuitable for Dr. Prius. It might function with very basic OBD apps, but for anything beyond that, it’s useless.
Alt text: Mother of all Junks OBD2 adapter, a classic bad clone known for poor performance and incompatibility with Dr Prius.
OBD2 Mini with ON/OFF Switch – Unreliable Connection
This adapter with an On/Off switch presents a different set of problems. It exhibits frequent connection losses and consistently omits data in its responses (missing byte count at the start of payloads). While I managed to get it working with Dr. Prius, its unreliable nature makes it a poor choice.
Alt text: OBD2 mini adapter with ON/OFF switch, an unreliable adapter with connection issues for Dr Prius application.
GNTOP OBD2 Adapter – Almost Functional, But Flawed
The GNTOP adapter stands out with its professional packaging and acrylic case. Initial impressions are positive, suggesting attention to branding and presentation. It works for most functions, but a persistent bug prevents consistent retrieval of certain data, specifically DTC error codes. This critical flaw leads to inaccurate readings and user dissatisfaction, resulting in negative reviews for Dr. Prius. While almost there, the missing DTC data makes it unsuitable for reliable diagnostics.
Alt text: GNTOP OBD2 adapter with acrylic case, an almost functional adapter but flawed due to missing DTC error codes for Dr Prius.
BlueDriver OBD2 Adapter – Expensive and Proprietary
Many users have inquired about BlueDriver compatibility. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Despite its $100 price tag and excellent build quality, BlueDriver is a closed system. It only works with its proprietary app using proprietary protocols and is not ELM327 compatible. While a great adapter in its own ecosystem, it’s completely useless with Dr. Prius and any other ELM327-based software. Technical support confirmed its closed-loop nature.
Alt text: BlueDriver OBD2 adapter, an expensive and proprietary adapter that is incompatible with Dr Prius and ELM327 software.
Additional Resources
For further information and alternative perspectives, I recommend visiting my friends at Hybrid Assistant:
Alt text: Hybrid Assistant helpful page, a recommended resource for OBD2 adapter information for hybrid vehicles and Dr Prius.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right OBD2 Adapter for Dr. Prius
Navigating the world of OBD2 adapters can be tricky, especially with the prevalence of clones and misleading marketing. Hopefully, this guide has provided clarity and direction in choosing the best OBD2 adapter for Dr. Prius. Sticking to the recommended adapters like Panlong, Viecar/Carista, NEXAS, BAFX, and INFOCAR will ensure a smooth and reliable experience with Dr. Prius app. Avoid the adapters listed in the “Buyer Beware” section to prevent frustration and inaccurate readings.
If you have an OBD2 adapter not listed here and would like to know if it’s compatible, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. I am always happy to test and share the results with the Dr. Prius community.
Thank you for reading, and happy diagnosing!
With gratitude,
Jack C.
Dr. Prius App Website
