What are the Best OBD2 Apps?

Introduction

The best OBD2 diagnostic tool is only as good as the OBD2 app connected to it. So, for this article, we’ll explore the different apps currently available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store and give you an insight into what these apps are all about. 

Please remember that most of these apps are going to provide you with a basic scan tool. However, there are some out there that only suit a certain car brand and will basically give you a dealer-style full system scan tool. 

Also, we did not rank the list since some apps can only work with a certain brand of vehicle or are exclusive to Apple or Android. What we did is provide the general features of the app, compatible car brands, prices (converted to AUD at exchange rate during publishing), and a brief description of the app. We added the link to the app’s website for your further research. 

Without further ado, here are some of the best OBD2 Apps in the market today: 

(Note that all these apps work with this OBD2 Bluetooth Scan Tool here)

Best OBD2 App today

1. Torque

• Suits Phones: Android
• Best for Car Brands: All car brands that are OBD2 or EOBD compatible
• Link: https://torque-bhp.com/
• Cost: 
  • Free for the Lite version 
  • AUS$6.40 one-off payment for Pro version
• Description: 

One of the most recognizable OBD2 app is Torque. This app is a vehicle diagnostic app that allows you to do a real-time system scan, get and clear faults codes, and customise vehicle functions. To do so, it uses an OBD2 Bluetooth adapter to connect to your car’s OBD2 port. 

• Top Features:
  • Customise your own dashboard with all the widgets or gauges you need and with its own theme support.
  • Utilises GPS to: 
    • provide a more accurate speed reading
    • show precise location
    • send GPS-tagged tweets
    • provide tracker logs with real-time web upload (can also send this info via email)
  • Tracks HP, torque, transmission temperature, CO2 emissions
  • Head-up display mode for nighttime driving
  • Using the Track Recorder plugin, save a video of your journey
  • Links users to a massive fault codes database from different car manufacturers.
  • Alarms and warnings with voice/speech overlay

2. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 

• Suits Phones: iOS and Android
• Best for Car Brands: All car brands that are OBD2 or EOBD compatible
• Link: https://www.carscanner.info/
• Cost: 
  • Car Scanner Pro: AUS$9.00 to AUS$10.99
  • 6-month Plan Car Scanner Pro: AUS$5.15 to AUS$5.99
  • 1- year Plan Car Scanner Pro: AUS$6.45 to AUS$7.99
• Description: 

If you’re looking for a professional car diagnostic tool and scanner, look no further than the Car Scanner ELM OBD2 app. With this app, easily monitor your car’s metres and gauges through your phone, tablet, or laptop. 

Just plug in an OBD2 Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 4.0 adapter to your OBD2 port, and you app connect to your car’s ECU in an instant.  

• Top Features:
  • Create your own dashboard showing the gauges and metres you need to want to monitor
  • Allows you to read free-frames.
  • Checks your car’s readiness for emission tests
  • View all the car’s sensors all at the same time.
  • Shows and resets diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)
  • Add custom Parameter IDs (PIDs) and get vehicle information previously hidden by factory settings
  • ECU self-monitoring tests
  • Head-up display mode
  • Allows free-frame reading
  • Accurate acceleration and fuel consumption data
  • Allows for coding on certain vehicles
  • Exclusive functions:
    • Video in motion (VIM)
    • Mirror link in motion (MIM)
    • Traffic Jam Assist activation
    • Drive mode profiles editor
    • Ambient lights configuration
  • Provides the widest variety of features for FREE across Google Play and App Store
  • Works with Windows OS as well

3. FORscan

• Suits Phones: iOS and Android
• Best for Car Brands: Ford, Mazda, Lincoln, Mercury
• Link: https://forscan.org/home.html
• Cost: AUS$7.70 to AUS$9.99
• Description: 

A powerful diagnostic scanner app exclusively designed for Ford, Mazda, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles, this is what FORscan is. All you need to do is connect a compatible ELM327, OBD2 adapter with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB interface, or exclusive FORscan adapters to your car’s OBD2 port and watch as the app displays DTCs and PIDs not made available by ordinary OBD2 scanners.

• Top Features
  • Detects and analyses an on-board network configuration of the connected vehicle.
  • Read and reset diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) for all modules.
  • Read sensors and other data (PIDs) from all modules.
  • Running manufacturer-specific functions, including tests and service functions.

4. OBD Fusion

• Suits Phones: iOS and Android
• Best for Car Brands: All car brands that are OBD2 or EOBD compatible
• Link: https://www.obdsoftware.net/software/obdfusion
• Cost: AUS$6.45 to AUS$14.99
• Description: 

If you need an app that reads and displays OBD2 data to your Android Phone, Android Tablet, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or even your Apple Watch, then OBD Fusion is what you’re looking for. 

Just pair the app with a compatible OBD2 Bluetooth or Wi-fi adapter (find the list here) and easily reset check engine lights, clear DTCs, estimate fuel economy and much more. Drive smarter, improve your fuel economy, and keep your engine healthy!

• Top Features:
  • Read and clear emissions-related diagnostic trouble codes and your Check Engine Light (MIL).
  • Create a real-time dashboard display with fully customised gauges
  • Display real-time acceleration data, boost pressure, engine horsepower, torque, air-to-fuel ratio, fuel economy calculation, and battery voltage
  • Store and email full diagnostic reports produced by the app
  • Allows for multiple trip meters
  • Log and email data
  • Create custom enhanced PIDs
  • Read freeze-frame data
  • Over 150 supported PIDs
  • Displays vehicle information including VIN and calibration ID
  • Find out if your car will pass emissions inspection
  • More accurate GPS tracking 

5. OBD Jscan

• Suits Phones: iOS and Android
• Best for Car Brands: Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge
• Link: http://jscan.net/
• Cost:
  • Free download
  • In-app purchases range from AUS$1.28 to AUS$229.99)
• Description: 

Is your vehicle a Jeep, Chrysler, or Dodge? Then, owning the OBD JScan app becomes an essential tool to access your vehicle’s systems, see live data from sensors, perform diagnostics, and settings customisations. 

Plug in one of the recommended OBD adapters to your OBD2 port, and you’re good to go!

• Top Features:
  • Connect to your vehicle and VIN data already appears on the startup screen. Validate your vehicle information, if needed. 
  • Easily read Diagnostic Trouble Codes. Descriptions are already provided for convenience. 
  • Available modules per vehicle are available. Note the year of your vehicle as some modules does not appear for certain model-year.
  • Access live vehicle data, activate module tests, view vehicle info, and read about your car’s DTCs through the Module Screen
  • Select PIDs to view vehicle sensor’s live data
  • View readiness tests via Advanced Diagnostics

6. Dr. Prius/Dr. Hybrid

• Suits Phones: iOS and Android
• Best for Car Brands: Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles
• Link: http://priusapp.com/
• Cost:
  • Free Download
  • In-app items cost AUS$11.60 to AUS$46.99
• Description: 

Taking care of the high-voltage batteries of a Toyota or Lexus hybrid car requires a special and powerful diagnostic tool. However, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on this. The Dr. Prius/Dr. Hybrid mobile app is the trusted scan tool by both professional repair shops and DIY hybrid car owners. 

It performs tests and provides accurate car system information straight to your mobile device. Use a reliable ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 adapter to guarantee the accuracy and efficiency of the app’s performance.

• Top Features:
  • Real-time battery monitor with clever charts and numbers.
  • Life expectancy test with proprietary algorithm to find out battery remaining life.
  • Full battery test to run diagnostic on battery system.
  • Print or share test certificate with customer.
  • Read error codes, reset error codes in a breeze.
  • Disable or enable the reverse beep, seat belt beep, adjust battery fan speed and more.
  • Maintenance mode to help with car diagnostic and maintenance
  • Traction control on/off
  • Find a nearby reputable hybrid repair shop.

7. Leaf Spy

• Suits Phones: iOS and Android
• Best for Car Brands: Nissan Leaf electric vehicle
• Link: Nissan Leaf forum
• Cost: 
  • Leaf Spy Lite – Free
  • For 2011 to 2017 Nissan Leaf – AUS$12.90
  • Leaf Spy Pro (all model years) – AUS$19.35 to AUS$30.99

Note: LeafSpy Lite and LeafSpy are only available on Android

• Description: 

You can now do monitoring the battery and getting important vehicle system information on a Nissan Leaf via your mobile device. To do so, download the Leaf Spy app, plugin an ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 adapter, and connect your Android or Apple device to run a system diagnostic test on your vehicle.

Your device easily displays the results of tests and other information regarding your battery and vehicle. 

• Top Features:
  • Information displayed by all Leaf Spy versions:
    • The voltage of each of the 96 cell pairs
    • Minimum, average, maximum cell pair voltages and histogram of cell pair voltages
    • Battery AHr rating
    • Display (with graphics) of battery temperature with min, avg, max temperatures
    • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 
    • Number of Quick Charge and L1/L2 Charge connections
    • EVSE Max available amps and voltage
    • The battery energy level in GIDs & kWh with the ability to reset your energy usage meter (Wh resolution)
    • Graphic display of SOC, GIDs, and DTE (Distance to Empty)
    • Remaining distance meter (miles/km) to Event (Low Battery Warning, Very Low Battery Warning or Reserve)
    • Tyre Pressure of each of the four tires (not yet supported on 2018 Leaf)
    • Ambient Temperature plus climate control settings and power used.
    • Trip and Charge Log and Odometer (miles or km)
    • Logging function that records most data and optional GPS location
    • Dropbox support to sync Log files

8. VAG DPF

• Suits Phones: Android
• Best for Car Brands: VAG (Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Škoda) diesel vehicles 
• Link: https://www.applagapp.com/forum/
• Cost: AUS$6.45 
• Description: 

Monitor the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) of your Volkswagen and Audi Group (VAG) vehicle right at the palm of your hands through the VAG DPF mobile app. This app gives you vital information on DPF regeneration (i.e. if the regeneration is ongoing, kilometres since last regeneration, etc.). 

Using a decent ELM327 adapter (e.g. OBDLink LX or Carista) or a reliable OBD2 Bluetooth adapter, you can reliably connect your vehicle system to the app. 

• Top Features:
  • Displays DPF data like Soot mass calculation, Regeneration duration, Distance and Time since last Regeneration, DPF input/output gas temperature straight to your mobile device.
  • Does not use standard OBD2 commands. It uses CAN commands specific to a vehicle. Thus, the need for a reliable ELM327 adapter.
  • Use the free app to check the compatibility of your engine, adapter, and device.

9. InCarDoc OBD2 ELM327 Scanner

• Suits Phones: iOS and Android
• Best for Car Brands: All car brands that are OBD2 or EOBD compatible
• Link: https://incardoc.com/en-us/
• Cost: 
  • Standard version: Free 
  • Pro version: AUS$3.80 to AUS$5.99 
• Description: 

As the name suggests, the InCarDoc OBD2 ELM327 Scanner is your car’s best handy doctor. With this app, you can now easily read and diagnose fault codes from your vehicle – much like how a doctor finds your ills and ailments. 

This app checks your engine, does diagnostics, and scans, monitors and logs real-time and stored diagnostic parameters in your car. To do so though, you need to use a reliable ELM327 or OBD2-compatible adapter to get data from your vehicle.

• Top Features:
  • Car diagnostics: inCarDoc OBD2 | ELM327 Scanner works as fault code scanner. Store and share diagnostics data when looking for professional service/repair help.
  • Real-time parameters: Reads real-time engine and vehicle OBD2 parameters from car sensors. Supported chart drawing and analog/digital widgets presentation. 
  • Economizer: Special mode for presenting and tracking the car’s fuel economy/consumption. Allows presenting both in-drive (instant and average MPG) as well as per trip, per day, and other statistics.
  • Use the free version to check engine, adapter, and device compatibility before purchasing the Pro version.
  • Other features:
    • logbook notes: fuelling, service records, car maintenance, diagnostics
    • GPS parameters: speed, altitude
    • register and upload data to web
    • console mode: for advanced users, direct OBD2 and ELM327 commands sending
    • use custom configurations for non-standard parameters and protocols
  • InCarDoc PRO features:
    • allows real-time parameters recording
    • read, display, read multiple parameters simultaneously
    • recording parameters in background mode (for Kiwi3, Vgate, Bluetooth low energy adapters)
    • view and send recorded parameters traces
    • GPS support
    • Upload recorded data to server www.incardoc.com (beta version)
    • fuel economy statistic screen

10. OBD Auto Doctor

• Suits Phones: iOS and Android
• Best for Car Brands: All car brands that are OBD2 or EOBD compatible
• Link: https://www.obdautodoctor.com/
• Cost: 
  • Free download
  • In-App purchases range from AUS$3.80 to AUS$41.99 
• Description: 

Whether you are a regular DIY car owner or a professional mechanic, communicate with your car’s systems and sensors easily via the OBD Auto Doctor app. Through this app, check and reset trouble codes, perform car diagnostics, and monitor vehicle data in real-time with just your mobile phone and an ELM327 Wi-Fi or Bluetooth OBD2 adapter. 

This is a must-have app for those serious in taking care of their vehicles and saving hundreds of dollars in repairs along the way!

• Top Features:
  • Read readiness monitor status to make sure your car is ready for emissions testing
  • On-Board Diagnostic Monitors for advanced diagnostics
  • Read Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Freeze Frame, and clear the codes and MIL
  • Monitor fuel consumption while you drive and save money on gas/diesel
  • View OBD-II parameter and sensor data in real-time to detect abnormalities
  • Monitor OBD-II sensor data in numerical or graphical presentation
  • Support for multiple electronic control units such as engine, transmission, etc.
  • Send diagnostic data via email
  • Record and send sensor data via email in .csv format
  • Read Vehicle Identification Number, Calibration Identifications, and Calibration Verification Numbers of ECU
  • Build-in DTC database with over 18000 trouble codes including thousands of manufacturer specific codes
  • Support for both imperial (English) and metric units

11. EOBD Facile

• Suits Phones: iOS and Android
• Best for Car Brands: All car brands that are OBD2 or EOBD compatible
• Link: https://www.outilsobdfacile.fr/
• Cost: 
  • Free download
  • In-App purchases range from AUS$27.99 to AUS$55.99
• Description: 

If you want to be a real DIY mechanic and save hundreds of dollars on repairs and trips to the auto shop, then you can start by downloading the EOBD Facile mobile app. A French-developed software, it is an EASY-to-use tool to diagnose your car, clear that Check Engine light and view real-time vehicle system data.  

You will need an ELM327 or OBD2 compatible adapter connected to your vehicle’s OBD2 port for the application to function. 

• Top Features:
  • View engine and gearbox fault codes and display their meaning in English (over 11 000 definitions available)
  • Clear your malfunction indicator light
  • Display specific manufacturer error codes
  • Real-time display of vehicle sensors which you can save in a file.
  • Create recordings of your journeys on your device and read them back later using our PC/Mac software EOBD-Facile
  • Create recordings including GPS data in .kml format

12. OBD Eleven

• Suits Phones: iOS and Android
• Best for Car Brands: VAG (Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Škoda, Bentley, Lamborghini)
• Link: https://obdeleven.com/en/
• Cost:
  • Free to download
  • In-app purchases, including credits and Pro Upgrade ranges from US$1.90 to AUS$139.99
• Description: 

If you own a vehicle under the Volkswagen-Audi Group (VAG), then you’ll do your car a disservice if you have not downloaded the OBD Eleven app. Now, performing diagnostics, reading, clearing and sharing fault codes, monitoring car systems, and customising vehicle functions became easier with this app.

Just remember that you’ll also need to have the exclusive Bluetooth Low Energy OBD Eleven device. When you plug this in your car’s OBD2 port, you can now access your vehicle’s full system and connect it to your mobile device. 

But what sets the OBD Eleven apart from other apps are the One-Click apps that allows you to customise, activate, or deactivate car functions even without manual coding. Find out more about OBD Eleven and One-Click Apps here. 

• Top Features:
  • STANDARD FUNCTIONS:
    • Automatic vehicle identification from VIN
    • Read and clear diagnostic trouble codes 
    • Read information about the control unit
    • Diagnostic data log sharing via email 
    • Observe battery status
    • List of connected cars
    • Gauges
    • Engine, Equipment and Fault code lookups
  • ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS (ONE-CLICK-APPS): 
    • One-click coding applications for daily users
  • PRO FUNCTIONS:
    • Trouble code Freeze frame
    • Advanced control unit information
    • Live data / Charts
    • Coding / Coding II / Long coding
    • Sub control units Information and coding
    • Gateway installation list
    • Adaptation / Long adaptation
    • Output test 
    • Security access / Login finder
    • Control unit reset (UDS), backup, and programming history
    • Diagnostic service change
    • Car programming history and backup

13. Engine Link – OBD2 diagnosis

• Suits Phones: iOS
• Best for Car Brands: All car brands that are OBD2 or EOBD compatible
• Link: http://www.outdoor-apps.com/store1.html
• Cost: Free to AUS$9.99
• Description:

Turn your iPhone, iPod, or iPad into your own car diagnostic scanner with the Engine Link app. Remember to use an OBD2 Wi-Fi or a Low Energy Bluetooth adapter to connect the car’s system to the app via the vehicle’s OBD2 port.   

Once you’ve done that, you can now monitor your car’s system in real-time, read and clear OBD fault codes, display sensor data, and customise gauges via your mobile device. And did you know that this top-ranked app has no in-app purchases and subscription fees? 

• Top Features:
  • Show and reset a DTC / CEL / fault code (current, pending and history) like a scan tool
  • Graph data
  • MPG widget to plot real time fuel efficiency
  • Heads up display / HUD mode for nighttime driving
  • Can read Transmission Temperatures
  • Horsepower / HP & Torque / acceleration
  • Boost / vacuum gauge
  • Engine speed / Engine RPM / Engine Load / Coolant / Fuel Tank
  • Customisable dashboard
  • Full configurable GUI with user choice of the dial gauge, bar gauge, plot gauge, digital gauge, and on-off gauge as display elements
  • Full custom PID support
  • Formula support.
  • Multiple ECU support
  • Multi-frame data support
  • Background colour option
  • Email user log function
  • Multiple PID formula support
  • 0 to 60mph timer and quarter-mile timer

14. ScanMaster for ELM327 OBD-2 ScanTool

• Suits Phones: iOS and Android
• Best for Car Brands: All car brands that are OBD2 or EOBD compatible 
• Link: https://www.wgsoft.de/
• Cost:
  • Lite version is Free.
  • AUS$4.99 to AUS$7.99 for the Pro Version
• Description: 

Transform your mobile device into your own car diagnostic tool via the ScanMaster for ELM327 OBD2 ScanTool app. Experience how to diagnose, customise, and service your vehicle seamlessly by just connecting this app to your car’s ECU. 

To achieve optimal performance and results, use ELM327 and compatible OBD2 adapters to plug into your car’s OBD2 port. 

• Top Features:
  • Settings: easily change the adapter configurations, choose the units of measure you want, and make other settings changes directly on the app’s menu screen.
  • OBD Status: the app already summarised information from diagnostics and tests done. This includes a number of error codes, fuel system conditions, and emission test readiness of the vehicle.
  • Vehicle Information: provides various vehicle data such as VIN, FIN, CALIN, CVN (depends on car brand though)
  • Error Codes: read, store, and clear error codes
  • I/M Readiness: monitor vehicle components for repair or clearing of errors
  • Freeze Frame: app saves the current values of sensors when an error occurs
  • Table of Parameters: shows all available data from the vehicle
  • Parameter Graphics: view vehicle data in graphs
  • Lambda Sensors: shows test results of the vehicle’s lambda sensors
  • Test Results: provides access to the results of OBD-monitored tests of specific components and systems that are not continuously monitored
  • One of the most popular apps with over 1.5M downloads
  • Pro version gives the complete number of parameters and error codes.

15. DashCommand

• Suits Phones: iOS and Android
• Best for Car Brands: All car brands that are OBD2 or EOBD compatible 
• Link: https://www.palmerperformance.com/
• Cost: AUS$12.99 to AUS$14.99
• Description: 

Monitor and log engine data and vehicle performance, fuel economy, and instantly read and clear troublesome check engine lights, all with the easy-to-use DashCommand app. Save thousands of dollars on equipment and visits to your mechanics when you have your mobile device as your own personal car diagnostic tool!

Don’t forget that DashCommand requires a compatible third-party hardware interface, purchased separately, to communicate with the vehicle.

• Top Features:
  • Professional skid pad showing lateral and accel/braking Gs with min/max indicators
  • Race track that visually maps out your location, acceleration, and braking as you drive laps around the track 
  • Inclinometer that shows rolling angle and vehicle pitch for off-roading
  • ability to data log, record, and playback log files showing OBD-II and acceleration data
  • SEMA Show 1st runner-up for best mobile electronics product and four-time SEMA Global Media Award winner
  • Manufacturer-specific data is available for select vehicles, through In-App purchase

Our Final Word: Best OBD2 Apps 

As you can see from the list above, there is NO ONE best OBD app. The choice boils down to the features and functions you want to have on your device, your vehicle make, and even your budget. 

It pays to read on further using the links we attached to the app developers’ website to learn more about the app. Through there, you can see the compatible vehicles, the recommended equipment/tools (i.e. adapter, mobile device), the basic or upgraded functions of each vehicle. 

We can’t keep stressing these enough, though:

1. Keep your service and repair costs at a minimum when you can do your car’s servicing at your own garage! 
2. Invest on reliable ELM327 or OBD2 compatible Bluetooth or Wi-Fi adapters.
3. Purchase your supplemental equipment from a reputable car accessories store. 

Hope you learned a lot from this article. And, if you have more questions about OBD2 apps, car accessories, or anything about car care, contact us today. We’ll be glad to have that conversation.