In today’s tech-driven world, understanding your vehicle’s health is easier than ever, thanks to onboard diagnostics II (OBD2) apps. With the rise of mobile app development, numerous companies have created applications that allow users to access their car’s diagnostics right from their smartphones. These apps offer a fantastic way to understand what your car is “saying,” potentially saving you from breakdowns and costly repairs.
Most OBD2 apps provide access to real-time data about your engine and vehicle performance, including parameters like speed, rotation angles, pressure, and temperature. However, with countless options available on the app market, finding the Best Car Scanner App For Android can be overwhelming. You don’t want to waste time on subpar apps, so this guide will help you navigate the options and choose the ideal car scanner for your Android device.
Many drivers and car enthusiasts have experienced the frustration of investing in OBD2 apps that don’t deliver on their promises. We want to prevent that from happening to you.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a review of 17 top OBD2 apps, focusing on those best suited for Android users. Any of these apps would be a valuable tool for your vehicle.
Let’s dive in and explore the best car scanner apps for Android!
Top Car Scanner Apps for Android
1. Torque Pro (OBD2 & Car)
Torque Pro is a highly acclaimed OBD2 Bluetooth app, frequently praised as the best car scanner app for Android, boasting over 1,000,000 downloads. Available on the Play Store for a small fee (around $5), user reviews confirm it’s a worthwhile investment.
With Torque Pro, you can monitor your car’s performance in real-time through a customizable dashboard displayed on your Android screen. It also allows data export to Torque Pro servers or via email for later analysis.
Pros:
- Customizable dashboard themes
- Screenshot sharing to social media and email
- Built-in GPS compass
- Data graphing and car dock support
- CO2 emission readings
- Track recorder for journey videos
- Customizable alarms and warnings for performance issues (e.g., high coolant temperature)
- Compatibility with older Android versions (including 2.0!)
Cons:
- Paid app (initial purchase required)
- Occasional Bluetooth pairing issues (usually fixable with updates)
2. OBD Auto Doctor
OBD Auto Doctor functions similarly to many car diagnostic apps. It’s compatible with ELM327 Bluetooth and WiFi adapters and monitors critical vehicle sensors and parameters in real-time.
This app enables monitoring of multiple control units, including engine and transmission, and supports data export via email in CSV format. The optimized fuel consumption monitoring feature can also help you save money on fuel costs.
Pros:
- Real-time data display for informed car maintenance decisions
- Numerical and graphical sensor data display options
- Compatibility with all OBD2 compliant vehicles
- GPS support
- 24/7 customer service availability
- Advanced customization features
- Support for imperial and metric units
- Monitoring of over 18,000 trouble codes
- Readiness status tracking for emission testing
Cons:
- In-app purchases and Premium upgrade for full feature access
- Potential connection problems or inaccurate readings
3. InCarDoc Pro
InCarDoc Pro, a previous leader in car scanner app reviews, remains a strong contender. It offers advanced car scanning and diagnostics presented on a user-friendly home screen.
A free version is available to check adapter and car compatibility before purchasing the full app for a low price. InCarDoc Pro supports ELM327 USB, Bluetooth, and WiFi adapters and is compatible with most modern Android devices.
Pros:
- Compatibility with OBD2 compliant vehicles (check their website for specific models)
- Real-time engine and vehicle parameter readings
- Overlay mode to display economy data over other apps
- Fuel economy and acceleration widgets
- GPS support
- Data upload to cloud storage
- Data sharing via email for professional repair assistance
Cons:
- Requires Android 4.0.3 and up
- Possible Bluetooth connection errors
4. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App
The Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App allows you to access and understand a wide range of parameters read by your car’s ECU. This free car scanner app helps you identify potential issues early and, if you understand fault codes, potentially fix minor problems yourself, saving on mechanic costs.
With over 2 million installs across multiple platforms, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is a popular and highly-rated (4.7 rating) monitoring tool, known for its broad compatibility.
Pros:
- Compatible with all OBD2 standard vehicles
- Compatible with most WiFi or Bluetooth OBD2 ELM327 adapters
- Customizable dashboard
- Fuel consumption statistics
- Settings backup and restore
- Multiple language support (including English and Russian)
Cons:
- Requires Android 4.3 and above
- In-app purchases for optimal performance
5. EOBD Facile
EOBD Facile is an OBD2 car diagnostic app for both Android and iOS, compatible with ELM327 WiFi and Bluetooth adapters. This app allows you to monitor essential gauges and parameters for informed car maintenance.
Depending on your car’s ECU, EOBD Facile can display vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine temperature, ignition timing, engine torque, air intake, and more on its dashboard. It has over 1 million installs on the Google Play Store.
Pros:
- Real-time vehicle sensor display
- Database of over 11,000 fault codes and definitions
- Fault code clearing and engine light issue resolution
- Trip record storage on SD card (for review on PC/Mac software)
- Route planning feature for long trips
Cons:
- May require some prior OBD2 app experience for optimal use
- No USB adapter support
6. HobDrive
HobDrive is a feature-rich OBD2 app for Android, albeit one of the pricier options on the Google Play Store. Its advanced premium car tracking features justify the cost for serious users.
HobDrive stands out for supporting both OBD2 compliant vehicles and some Non-OBD2 vehicles, expanding its compatibility. It also works across various platforms, including CarPCs, car audio systems, and Windows Phone/iOS.
Pros:
- Customizable dashboard displaying key ECU parameters
- GPS and ELM327 Bluetooth and WiFi adapter support
- Overheating and suspicious fuel trim tracking
- Clear MIL code explanations
- Car odometer estimation
- MPG calculation for diesel vehicles (without battery assistance)
- Pro version with enhanced graphical gauges
Cons:
- Payment issues reported in some regions
- Requires Android version 3 and above
7. OBDeleven
OBDeleven differentiates itself with its “One Click App” feature, going beyond standard OBD2 app functionality. This feature allows users to control various car options with a single tap, in addition to providing clear access to ECU parameters.
A stable network connection is needed for the “One Click App” feature. A Premium upgrade unlocks more advanced car tracking tools. Despite these points, OBDeleven is a popular tool among car enthusiasts and mechanics.
Pros:
- Reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes from the ECU
- Multiple language support
- Active social media community
- Car battery analyzer
- DIY car fix manuals
- History retrieval for connected cars
- Control unit reset capability
Cons:
- Requires network connection for full functionality
- Ads in the free version (Premium upgrade removes ads)
8. Dash – Drive Smart
Dash Drive Smart is a car tracking app compatible with OBDeleven software and other smart car analysis tools. It delivers real-time data and claims compatibility with cars dating back to 1996 models.
Dash aims to improve driving experience and car maintenance decisions. It can even be used without a dedicated OBD2 device in some limited functionalities!
Pros:
- Optimized and customizable dashboard (background mode supported)
- Driver score and leaderboard for performance comparison
- Multi-vehicle support with automatic VIN decoding
- GPS tracking for parked car location
- Nearby gas price comparison feature
Cons:
- Battery drain complaints from some users
- Occasional glitchy compass feature
- Network connection issues reported by some users
9. ScanMaster
ScanMaster is another effective car monitoring tool for ELM327 OBD2 adapters. While not as widely known as some other apps, it maintains a solid 4.0 rating with over 1 million installs on Android.
ScanMaster provides a real-time overview of your car’s performance and accurate fault code readings. The free “Lite” version offers essential parameters like VIN, CVN, fault codes, and MIL status. The Pro version unlocks all features, including comprehensive fault code descriptions.
Pros:
- Free version with useful tracking parameters
- German and English language support
- User-friendly navigation
- Wide ELM327 adapter compatibility
- Data recording capability
- Clear graphical data representation
Cons:
- Customer support responsiveness could be improved
- Device compatibility issues reported by some users
- Requires Android 4.0 and above
14. FIXD – Vehicle Health Monitor
FIXD aims for simplicity without sacrificing quality. Fault codes are translated into easily understandable terms, enabling quick action when car problems arise.
FIXD offers its own OBD2 WiFi and Bluetooth adapters for optimal performance. The Android app has a 4.5 rating on the Google Play Store.
Pros:
- Quick and easy setup
- User-friendly for OBD2 app beginners
- Maintenance schedule reminders
- Alerts for worn car parts needing replacement
- Simple onboarding process
- In-app car part purchasing
- Helpful customer support
Cons:
- Bugs reported in older app versions
- Works best with FIXD adapters
- In-app purchases available
16. Carista OBD2 App
Carista is another notable OBD2 app, working with a Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 plug. It offers strong support for brands like Toyota, BMW, Subaru, Mini, Audi, VW, and Lexus.
Carista’s standout feature is its “Customize” option, allowing users to access and modify ECU settings typically only accessible by dealerships.
Pros:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Compact OBD2 adapter
- Customizable vehicle settings
- Phone-to-OBD2 scanner innovation
- 1-month free trial
- iOS and Android support
- Detailed diagnostics
Cons:
- In-app purchases
17) OBD Fusion
OBD Fusion, developed by OCTech, is a popular app known for providing comprehensive vehicle diagnostic reports when paired with a compatible OBD2 scanner.
Its user-friendliness makes it suitable for both beginners and professionals. Customizable dashboards allow users to focus on desired engine functions.
Pros:
- Customizable dashboards
- iOS and Android compatibility
- GPS navigation features
- Emission monitoring
- Extensive data logging
Cons:
- Features locked behind expansion packs
- No diagnostic data sharing features
Conclusion
This list provides a strong starting point for finding the best car scanner app for Android.
Before committing to any app, especially a paid one, confirm its compatibility with your specific car model. Many developers offer free “lite” versions for compatibility testing. Experiment to find the app that best suits your needs and vehicle.
Our Top Android OBD2 App Picks:
- Torque Pro: Paid, feature-rich, and widely compatible.
- OBD Fusion: Paid, user-friendly, and comprehensive parameter tracking.
Choose wisely and enjoy the power of vehicle diagnostics in your hands!
