In today’s tech-driven world, understanding your vehicle’s health is easier than ever, thanks to On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) apps. The rise of mobile app development has brought us powerful tools right on our smartphones, allowing us to tap into our car’s diagnostics. For Android users, a plethora of options exist, but navigating this market to find the best Car Diagnostic Scanner For Android can be overwhelming. Why rely on guesswork or expensive mechanic visits when you can listen directly to what your car is telling you, potentially saving yourself from breakdowns and costly repairs?
OBD2 apps essentially grant you real-time access to your vehicle’s engine data, providing insights into crucial parameters like speed, rotation angles, pressure levels, and temperature readings. However, with countless apps available, choosing the right car diagnostic scanner for android from the Google Play Store can feel like a daunting task. You want an app that’s reliable, user-friendly, and truly beneficial, not just another piece of software cluttering your phone.
Unfortunately, many drivers have experienced the frustration of purchasing OBD2 apps that don’t deliver on their promises, leaving them with wasted money and unmet needs. We aim to prevent this from happening to you.
This article will guide you through 17 of the best OBD2 apps specifically designed for Android devices. Each of these apps has been selected for its features, user reviews, and ability to function as a reliable car diagnostic scanner for android. Let’s dive in and find the perfect app to empower you with knowledge about your vehicle!
Best OBD2 Apps for Android
1. Torque Pro (OBD2 & Car)
Torque Pro is widely recognized as a top-tier car diagnostic scanner for android, boasting over 1,000,000 downloads and high ratings in the Google Play Store. While it comes with a modest price tag of around $5, user reviews consistently highlight its value, making it a worthwhile investment for serious car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Alt text: Torque Pro app dashboard displaying real-time car diagnostic data on an Android phone, showcasing its customizable interface.
With Torque Pro, you gain a live view of your car’s performance through a highly customizable dashboard displayed directly on your Android screen. The app also offers robust data logging capabilities, allowing you to export compiled data to Torque Pro servers or via email for later analysis and record-keeping.
Pros:
- Offers numerous themes to personalize your dashboard’s appearance.
- Enables easy screenshot sharing to social media and email.
- Features an integrated GPS-based compass for navigation.
- Supports data graphing and car dock integration for convenient viewing.
- Provides CO2 emission readings to monitor environmental impact.
- Includes a track recorder for video documentation of your journeys.
- Sets alarms and warnings for suboptimal car performance, like high coolant temperatures.
- Compatible with older Android versions, including 2.0.
Cons:
- Requires upfront payment to purchase.
- Occasionally experiences Bluetooth pairing issues, which are generally resolved with updates.
2. OBD Auto Doctor
OBD Auto Doctor functions similarly to many leading car diagnostic scanner for android apps. It’s compatible with both ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters, enabling real-time tracking of essential vehicle sensors and parameters.
Alt text: OBD Auto Doctor app interface on an Android device, illustrating real-time monitoring of vehicle parameters and sensor data for car diagnostics.
OBD Auto Doctor allows you to monitor multiple control units, including 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 contribute to significant savings on fuel costs over time.
Pros:
- Delivers real-time data on your screen, aiding in informed decisions about your car’s maintenance.
- Supports both numerical and graphical displays of sensor data for comprehensive understanding.
- Works with all OBD2 compliant vehicles, ensuring broad compatibility.
- Features GPS support for location-based vehicle diagnostics.
- Offers helpful customer service available around the clock.
- Provides advanced customization options to tailor the app to your needs.
- Supports both imperial and metric units, catering to diverse user preferences.
- Monitors over 18,000 trouble codes, offering extensive diagnostic coverage.
- Tracks readiness status for emissions testing, helping you prepare for vehicle inspections.
Cons:
- Requires in-app purchases and a Premium upgrade to unlock all features.
- May encounter occasional connection issues or provide inaccurate readings.
3. InCarDoc Pro
InCarDoc Pro has consistently ranked among the best car diagnostic scanner for android apps, recognized for its robust car scanning and diagnostic capabilities presented through a clean and user-friendly interface.
Alt text: InCarDoc Pro application displaying a clear dashboard on an Android phone, showcasing its advanced car scanning and diagnostic features.
A free version is available for download, allowing you to verify adapter and vehicle compatibility before committing to the paid version, which is typically priced under $5. InCarDoc Pro supports ELM327 USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi adapters and is compatible with most modern Android devices.
Pros:
- Compatible with all OBD2 compliant vehicles listed on their official website, ensuring wide vehicle support.
- Reads real-time engine and vehicle parameters for immediate insights.
- Offers an overlay feature to display economy data in the background or over other running apps.
- Includes fuel economy and acceleration widgets for performance monitoring.
- Provides GPS support for location-aware diagnostics and tracking.
- Allows uploading reporting data to cloud storage for data backup and accessibility.
- Enables data sharing via email for professional assistance with car repairs.
Cons:
- Requires Android 4.0.3 and newer.
- May experience intermittent errors during Bluetooth connection attempts.
4. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App
For those looking to deeply understand their vehicle’s performance, the Car Scanner ELM OBD2 App is a powerful and free car diagnostic scanner for android. It allows you to tap into the wealth of data provided by your car’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
Alt text: Car Scanner ELM OBD2 app interface on an Android mobile, highlighting its comprehensive vehicle monitoring and diagnostic capabilities.
This app empowers you to identify potential issues proactively. If you’re familiar with fault codes and their meanings, you can address minor problems yourself and make informed decisions about when professional mechanic intervention is necessary. With over 2 million installs across various platforms and a high user rating of 4.7, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is a highly regarded and effective diagnostic tool.
Pros:
- Compatible with all OBD2 standard vehicles, ensuring broad applicability.
- Works with most Wi-Fi or Bluetooth OBD2 ELM327 adapters for flexible connectivity.
- Features a customizable dashboard to monitor your preferred vehicle parameters.
- Provides fuel consumption statistics for efficiency tracking.
- Includes settings backup and restore functionality for user convenience.
- Supports multiple languages, including English, Russian, and Polish.
Cons:
- Requires Android 4.3 and later versions.
- Offers in-app purchases for accessing premium features and optimal performance.
5. EOBD Facile
EOBD Facile is a versatile OBD2 car diagnostic app available for both Android and iOS, supporting ELM327 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. This app positions itself as a user-friendly car diagnostic scanner for android, providing access to essential vehicle gauges and parameters necessary for informed car maintenance decisions.
Alt text: EOBD Facile app dashboard displayed on an Android smartphone, demonstrating its real-time vehicle sensor monitoring and user-friendly interface.
Depending on your car’s ECU capabilities, EOBD Facile displays crucial data such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine temperature, ignition timing, engine torque, and air intake, all presented clearly on the app’s dashboard. With over 1 million downloads on the Google Play Store, EOBD Facile has established itself as a popular choice for vehicle diagnostics.
Pros:
- Displays vehicle sensor data in real-time for immediate monitoring.
- Includes a database of over 11,000 fault codes and their definitions for comprehensive diagnostics.
- Allows users to delete fault codes and resolve engine light issues directly.
- Supports storage of trip records on an SD card for later review using EOBD-Facile PC/Mac software.
- Offers route planning functionality, beneficial for long journeys and efficient driving.
Cons:
- May require some prior experience with OBD2 apps to fully utilize its features.
- Does not support USB adapters, limiting connectivity options.
6. HobDrive
HobDrive stands out as a premium car diagnostic scanner for android, offering advanced vehicle tracking features. While it’s one of the more expensive OBD2 apps available on the Google Play Store, its robust capabilities justify the investment for users seeking in-depth vehicle diagnostics and monitoring.
Alt text: HobDrive app interface on an Android device, illustrating its customizable dashboard with advanced vehicle parameter displays for comprehensive car diagnostics.
A key advantage of HobDrive is its broad compatibility, supporting all OBD2 compliant vehicles as well as certain non-OBD2 vehicles like Delphi mr240 (Chevrolet) and Bosch systems. HobDrive is also accessible across multiple platforms, including CarPCs (Windows/Linux), car audio systems (Windows CE), Windows Phone 8/10, and iOS.
Pros:
- Features a customizable dashboard that displays a wide range of parameters provided by your car’s ECU.
- Supports GPS and ELM327 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters for versatile connectivity.
- Monitors for overheating and unusual fuel trim conditions, alerting users to potential issues.
- Provides clear explanations of MIL codes, aiding in understanding diagnostic information.
- Estimates car odometer readings for mileage tracking.
- Calculates MPG for diesel vehicles even without battery assistance, enhancing fuel efficiency monitoring.
- The Pro version includes extended graphical gauges for more detailed data visualization.
Cons:
- Some users report difficulties with in-app payments in certain regions.
- Requires Android version 3 and above, potentially excluding users with older devices.
7. OBDeleven
When considering the app development and feature set, OBDeleven sets itself apart as an exceptional car diagnostic scanner for android. Beyond providing detailed insights into your car’s ECU parameters, OBDeleven innovatively incorporates a “One-Click App” feature, enabling users to control various car functionalities with a simple tap.
Alt text: OBDeleven application interface on an Android phone, highlighting its unique “One-Click App” feature for simplified car control and diagnostics.
To fully leverage the “One-Click App” feature, a stable network connection is essential. Upgrading to the Premium version unlocks even more advanced car tracking tools. Despite these considerations, OBDeleven is a highly valuable tool for car diagnostics, favored by both automotive enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Pros:
- Supports reading and clearing all diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle’s ECU, offering comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
- Supports multiple languages, catering to a global user base.
- Maintains an active social media community for user support and interaction.
- Uniquely offers a car battery analyzer, a feature not commonly found in other apps.
- Provides DIY car fix manuals, empowering users to perform basic repairs.
- Retrieves history for connected cars, useful for tracking vehicle maintenance and issues.
- Supports control unit resets for advanced troubleshooting.
Cons:
- Requires a network connection for optimal performance of certain features.
- Contains advertisements in the free version, which can be removed by upgrading to Premium.
8. Dash – Drive Smart
Dash – Drive Smart is a comprehensive car tracking app that supports OBDeleven software and integrates numerous intelligent car analysis tools. It delivers real-time data and boasts compatibility with car models dating back to 1996, making it a versatile car diagnostic scanner for android for a wide range of vehicles.
Alt text: Dash – Drive Smart app interface on an Android device, demonstrating its real-time data display and smart car analysis tools for vehicle diagnostics.
With Dash, you can gain valuable insights to enhance your driving habits and vehicle performance while making informed decisions about your car’s long-term maintenance. Remarkably, the app can function effectively even without constant device connectivity.
Pros:
- Offers an optimized and customizable parameter dashboard that operates efficiently in the background.
- Provides a Driver Score and leaderboard to compare your driving performance with other users.
- Supports multiple vehicles with automatic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoding for easy setup.
- Includes a GPS-tracking tool to help locate your parked vehicle.
- Features nearby gas price comparison to help save money on fuel purchases.
Cons:
- Some users report that the app can drain the mobile device’s battery.
- The compass feature can be occasionally glitchy, though updates aim to resolve this.
- A few users have experienced network connection issues.
9. Engine Link (iOS)
Engine Link is a robust car diagnostic app similar in functionality to Torque Pro, but it is exclusively designed for iOS devices. This app acts as a powerful car diagnostic scanner for iOS, connecting seamlessly with compatible ELM327 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. While some recent user feedback mentions issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, it remains a highly regarded car tracking application on the iOS platform.
Alt text: Engine Link app dashboard displayed on an iPhone, showcasing its real-time parameter monitoring and diagnostic features for iOS car diagnostics.
Available for a one-time purchase on iTunes, Engine Link provides comprehensive car monitoring capabilities, putting you firmly in control of your vehicle’s diagnostics and maintenance.
Pros:
- Features a customizable dashboard, allowing users to focus on tracking only the parameters they need.
- Monitors emission rates and fuel consumption for efficiency and environmental awareness.
- Reads and clears thousands of OBD2 fault codes, aiding in vehicle maintenance.
- Offers a heads-up dashboard display option for convenient viewing while driving.
- Does not include in-app purchases or subscription fees, providing full functionality with initial purchase.
- Supports over 20 languages, catering to a global user base.
- The latest update includes support for Torque Custom PID files, enhancing customization.
Cons:
- Some users have reported instances where the app connects but fails to read ECU data.
- Requires iOS 8.0 or later to operate, potentially excluding users with older devices.
10. ScanMaster
ScanMaster is another excellent car monitoring tool designed for ELM327 OBD2 adapters. While it may not be as widely known as some other scanners, this Android application maintains a solid 4.0 rating with over 1 million installations. It serves as a reliable car diagnostic scanner for android, offering essential vehicle health insights.
Alt text: ScanMaster app interface on an Android mobile, illustrating its clear data presentation and real-time vehicle performance monitoring for car diagnostics.
With the ScanMaster app on your Android device, you gain a clear, real-time overview of your car’s performance and can accurately read fault codes. This feature helps ensure transparency when dealing with mechanics, preventing potential overcharges. The app developers offer a Lite (free) version that provides access to key parameters like VIN, CVN, fault codes, and MIL status. However, the Pro version is necessary to unlock all features, including an extensive fault code database and detailed error descriptions.
Pros:
- Offers a range of useful tracking parameters even in the free Lite version.
- Supports both German and English languages, catering to a diverse user base.
- Features an easy-to-navigate interface, enhancing user experience.
- Compatible with most ELM327 adapters, ensuring broad hardware support.
- Supports data recording for later analysis and review.
- Provides clear graphical representations of data for easier interpretation.
Cons:
- Customer support is reported to be less effective by some users.
- A few users have reported compatibility issues with certain devices.
- Compatible only with Android 4.0 and above, potentially excluding older devices.
11. DashCommand (iOS)
DashCommand prides itself on transforming your mobile device into an advanced display for engine data, and it lives up to this claim. This app has been recognized as an industry leader, winning the SEMA Show award for best mobile electronic product in 2014. As a premium car diagnostic scanner for iOS, DashCommand offers extensive features and robust performance.
Alt text: DashCommand app dashboard displayed on an iPhone, showcasing its advanced engine data display and customizable gauges for iOS car diagnostics.
DashCommand is one of the more expensive OBD2 scanner apps for iOS, available on iTunes, but it delivers exceptional performance gauges, fuel economy tracking, engine diagnostics, and emission testing for up to five trips. Customer reviews consistently affirm that DashCommand provides excellent value for its price.
Pros:
- User-friendly and easy to navigate.
- Allows extensive customization of performance gauges to track preferred data parameters.
- Includes an inclinometer to display roll and pitch angles, useful for off-road driving.
- Supports data logging, recording, and playback for detailed analysis.
- Features a sophisticated trip computer that tracks stats for up to five separate trips.
- Offers graphical representations of collected data for easy interpretation.
Cons:
- Not compatible with iPhone X.
- Compatibility issues have been reported with Haltech Elite 2500 systems.
- Contains in-app purchases for certain car models, potentially increasing overall cost.
12. BlueDriver
BlueDriver OBD2 scanner app is available on both iOS and Android platforms and stands out as a highly effective and user-friendly car diagnostic scanner for both Android and iOS. It’s recognized as one of the best free car diagnostic tools available, evidenced by its high 4.6 rating on iTunes and over 2 million downloads.
Alt text: BlueDriver app interface on an iPhone, highlighting its user-friendly design and comprehensive diagnostic features for both iOS and Android car diagnostics.
Whether you’re using the Android or iOS version, BlueDriver enables you to monitor critical parameters from your car’s ECU, scan and clear trouble codes, freeze frame data, and share collected data via email. It even includes features not found in some paid apps, making it a favorite among professional mechanics and car enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Offers wireless connection to your vehicle, enhancing convenience.
- Supports smog readiness checks to help prepare for emissions testing.
- Significantly reduces potential travel costs by enabling at-home diagnostics.
- Provides free and regular updates, ensuring ongoing improvements and feature enhancements.
- Displays on-board monitoring test results for detailed diagnostics.
- Offers improved diagnostics for ABS, Airbag, Transmission, and more systems.
- Allows generation and sharing of repair reports for better communication with mechanics.
Cons:
- Requires iOS 8 and above, potentially excluding older iOS devices.
- Minor issues reported with iPhone XR, which are generally addressed in updates.
13. GoFAR
If you prioritize long-term vehicle health and efficient driving, GoFAR offers a high-performance car diagnostic scanner system that keeps you informed and in control. This system monitors car health and tracks mileage, maintaining compatibility with most OBD2 compliant car adapters.
Alt text: GoFAR device plugged into a car’s OBD2 port, alongside the GoFAR app interface on a mobile device, illustrating its integrated car health monitoring and mileage tracking system.
A standout feature of the GoFAR system is its IRS compliance, which can potentially lead to tax savings for users. It also places a strong emphasis on fuel efficiency, aiming to reduce fuel costs by 10-30%. The accompanying Android and iOS apps maintain a strong 4.7 rating, reflecting positive user experiences globally.
Pros:
- Easy to install and use, making it accessible for all users.
- Comes with a one-year warranty on initial purchase, ensuring product reliability.
- Sends alerts in plain English as soon as vehicle system errors occur, enhancing user understanding.
- Provides a platform for hiring nearby mechanics, streamlining repair processes.
- Includes a database of over 3000 fault codes and descriptions for comprehensive diagnostics.
- Allows users to compete on a global leaderboard based on fuel cost savings, gamifying efficiency.
- Sends alerts for tire pressure checks, insurance renewals, and registration, promoting proactive maintenance.
- No subscription or ongoing fees are required after the initial purchase.
Cons:
- Requires an initial purchase of the GoFAR device.
14. FIXD – Vehicle Health Monitor
FIXD offers a streamlined and simplified approach to car diagnostics without sacrificing functionality, making it an excellent car diagnostic scanner for android for users of all experience levels. Fault codes within the FIXD app are translated into clear, understandable language, enabling users to quickly grasp issues and take appropriate action.
Alt text: FIXD app interface on an Android phone, showcasing its user-friendly display of vehicle health information and simplified fault code explanations for easy car diagnostics.
FIXD offers its own OBD2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters designed for optimal app performance and gauge monitoring. The app is available on the Google Play Store for Android and has a solid 4.5 rating from users.
Pros:
- Installs in minutes and is immediately ready for use, simplifying setup.
- Suitable for users new to OBD2 apps due to its ease of use.
- Allows scheduling of maintenance reminders to keep up with car care.
- Sends alerts for worn-out car parts needing repair or replacement, promoting preventative maintenance.
- Features an easy onboarding process for new users.
- Enables direct purchase of car parts through the app, streamlining the repair process.
- Offers helpful customer support to assist users with any issues.
Cons:
- Some older app versions have experienced bugs.
- Works exclusively with FIXD adapters, limiting hardware choice.
- Offers in-app purchases for additional features and services.
15. Carly for BMW
Carly for BMW caters specifically to BMW owners, providing a tailored car diagnostic scanner for BMW vehicles. It is compatible with adapters provided by Carly, ensuring optimized performance and compatibility within the BMW ecosystem.
Alt text: Carly for BMW app interface on a mobile device, demonstrating its BMW-specific diagnostic features and real-time parameter monitoring tailored for BMW vehicles.
Whether you are a novice or experienced BMW driver, Carly allows you to monitor vital car gauges and parameters in real-time. The Android app also supports standard OBD features, and users can test compatibility with the Lite version before purchasing the full app.
Pros:
- Provides a thorough health check of your BMW’s electronic components.
- Offers a used car check feature, valuable before purchasing a pre-owned BMW.
- Enables one-click control for the electric parking brake, enhancing convenience.
- Carly adapters come with premium customer support and a lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Supports DIY battery registration, useful for BMW maintenance.
- Offers excellent customer service dedicated to BMW diagnostics.
Cons:
- Carly adapters are more expensive compared to generic OBD2 adapters on the market.
- Limited fault code coverage for BMW 2 Series F45/F46 models.
16. Carista OBD2 App
Carista OBD2 App is another notable option, offering a Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 plug and accompanying app. This car diagnostic scanner is well-supported across brands like Toyota, BMW, Subaru, Mini, Audi, VW, and Lexus, making it versatile for owners of these vehicles.
Alt text: Carista OBD2 App interface displayed on a mobile device, highlighting its customization options and ECU setting adjustments for supported car brands.
A standout feature of Carista is its ‘Customize’ option within the app. Once plugged in, users can access and modify numerous ECU options that are typically only accessible by dealership technicians, providing advanced control and personalization.
Pros:
- Offers Bluetooth connectivity for wireless operation.
- Features a compact adapter design for easy portability.
- Provides customizable settings to tailor the app to user preferences.
- Integrates phone-to-OBD2 scanner innovation for seamless use.
- Offers a 1-month free trial to test features before purchase.
- Supports both iOS and Android platforms, increasing accessibility.
- Provides detailed diagnostics for supported vehicle brands.
Cons:
- Requires in-app purchases to unlock full functionality after the trial period.
17. OBD Fusion
Developed by OCTech, OBD Fusion, paired with a compatible OBD2 vehicle scanner, delivers comprehensive vehicle diagnostic reports. It is widely considered one of the more popular apps for vehicle diagnostics, valued as a reliable car diagnostic scanner option.
Alt text: OBD Fusion app dashboard on a mobile device, showcasing its customizable layouts and extensive data logging capabilities for detailed vehicle diagnostics.
OBD Fusion’s key selling point is its ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. The app’s dashboard is highly customizable, allowing users to select and display desired information, focusing on engine functions that are most relevant to them.
Pros:
- Features highly customizable dashboards to personalize data display.
- Compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, ensuring broad accessibility.
- Includes GPS navigation features, enhancing utility beyond diagnostics.
- Offers emission monitoring to track vehicle environmental performance.
- Provides extensive data logging capabilities for in-depth analysis.
Cons:
- Some features are locked behind expansion packs, requiring additional purchases.
- Lacks diagnostic data sharing features, limiting collaborative diagnostics.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive list of the best OBD2 apps for Android, you’re now better equipped to choose the right car diagnostic scanner for android to suit your vehicle and needs.
Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to confirm the compatibility of your chosen OBD2 app with your specific car model. Many app developers offer free “lite” versions for this purpose, allowing you to test functionality before committing financially. Take advantage of these trial versions to ensure seamless operation and optimal performance.
To help you finalize your decision, here are our top recommendations:
Best Android OBD2 App
Torque Pro: A paid service that offers a rich feature set and broad vehicle compatibility, making it a top choice for Android users seeking a powerful car diagnostic scanner for android.
Best iOS OBD2 App
OBD Fusion: A paid service known for its user-friendliness and comprehensive tracking of vital vehicle parameters, making it an excellent choice for iOS users needing a reliable car diagnostic scanner for iOS.
