Maintaining your car’s health and diagnosing issues has become significantly easier with OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) scanners. These handy devices plug into your car’s OBD2 port and communicate with the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to reveal valuable information about your vehicle’s performance and potential problems. If that pesky engine management light (EML) illuminates on your dashboard, an OBD2 scanner can pinpoint the cause. Even issues that haven’t triggered the EML can be logged in the ECU, and these scanners can also monitor servicing needs and the functionality of various components. Among the different types available, Bluetooth OBD2 scanners offer convenience and portability by connecting wirelessly to your smartphone or laptop. But with so many options on the market, which OBD2 Bluetooth scanner is best for your needs?
This article dives into a comprehensive review of top Bluetooth OBD2 scanners, putting them to the test to help you make an informed decision. We’ve evaluated seven popular Bluetooth-connected scanners, assessing their diagnostic capabilities, ease of use, and overall value to determine the best options available for car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics alike.
Understanding OBD2 Scanners
Before we delve into the reviews, let’s clarify what an OBD2 scanner is and why it’s a useful tool. An OBD2 scanner, also known as a fault code reader, is a device that connects to your car’s ECU via a standardized OBDII port. This port, typically located under the driver’s side dashboard or in the center console, has been a standard feature in vehicles for decades. In the United States, OBD2 became standard around 1996, while in Europe, it became mandatory for gasoline cars in 2001 and diesel cars in 2004.
The OBDII port allows scanners to access a wealth of data from your car’s computer system, enabling you to read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), monitor live engine data, and perform various diagnostic tests. Bluetooth OBD2 scanners take this functionality a step further by offering wireless connectivity to your mobile devices, making diagnostics more accessible and user-friendly.
How We Tested the Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners
The Bluetooth OBD2 scanners in this test share a similar design: a compact dongle that plugs into the OBD2 port and communicates wirelessly via Bluetooth to a smartphone or laptop. These devices are generally more affordable than dedicated scanners with built-in screens, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
Our testing process involved evaluating seven different Bluetooth OBD2 scanners, focusing on ease of setup, connectivity, diagnostic capabilities, and user experience. The setup procedure for each scanner was generally consistent: downloading a compatible app (either dedicated or third-party) to a phone or laptop, plugging the Bluetooth device into the car’s OBD2 port, and establishing a Bluetooth connection. Connecting each device to both phone and laptop proved to be straightforward in every case.
With extensive experience in car diagnostics, the aim was to determine if these more affordable Bluetooth OBD2 scanners could deliver reliable and effective performance. The following reviews detail the findings, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each scanner to help you decide Which Obd2 Bluetooth Is Best for your specific needs.
Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners: In-Depth Reviews
Here’s a closer look at each of the top Bluetooth OBD2 scanners tested, outlining their key features, pros, and cons:
vLinker MC+
Award: Best Overall & Best Value
Pros: Clear indicator lights for connection status, compatible with numerous third-party apps.
Cons: Wide selection of third-party apps can be overwhelming for some users.
RRP: From $59.99 / £59.95
The vLinker MC+, manufactured by Chinese electronics company vGate, stands out for its user-friendliness and comprehensive features. A notable feature is its clear display panel with labeled lights, which provide immediate visual feedback on connection status and power supply. A dedicated connect button further simplifies the pairing process with your chosen app. The vLinker MC+ offers broad compatibility with a variety of third-party apps across smartphone platforms (Android and iOS) and Windows PCs or laptops.
During testing with the “Car Scanner” app, the vLinker MC+ demonstrated impressive diagnostic depth. It accurately identified a parking sensor fault on an Audi A3, performed a thorough system scan, and displayed live engine data for monitoring key parameters like fuel consumption and acceleration. This scanner offers a robust and versatile diagnostic experience, making it our best overall and best value pick.
For a more detailed analysis, read the full review of the vLinker MC+ scanner.
OBDeleven
Award: Editor’s Choice
Pros: Straightforward fault code scanning, user-friendly interface.
Cons: Optimized for VAG, BMW, and limited other vehicle brands.
RRP: From $88.34 / £69.95
The OBDeleven scanner is notable for its compact size, although this small form factor proved to be a slight drawback during testing, making it difficult to unplug from some OBD2 ports. A keyring attachment is included to aid removal, and a universal extension cable is also recommended for easier access.
This scanner utilizes a dedicated app tailored for specific vehicle brands, primarily VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group), BMW, and Rolls-Royce. While it sometimes automatically identified test vehicles, manual VIN input was occasionally required. The free, entry-level app provides essential fault code scanning and, in some cases, performs deeper scans of systems like audio, parking sensors, and airbags. Faults are presented with codes and helpful descriptions.
Beyond basic fault reading, the free app is limited. Advanced features like one-click apps for vehicle settings modifications and system tests are available through paid upgrades: either a Pro subscription (annual fee starting from $53.29) or credit purchases (from $2.19). Despite the limitations of the free version, the OBDeleven offers a reliable and focused fault scanning experience, earning our Editor’s Choice award, especially for users with compatible vehicle brands.
For a deeper dive, check out the complete OBDeleven OBD2 scanner review.
TopDon TopScan
Award: Approved
Pros: Excellent dedicated software for fault diagnosis.
Cons: Incompatible with 32-bit Android phones.
RRP: $69.99 / £59.49
TopDon, a company with a history in professional-grade diagnostic tools, offers the TopScan Bluetooth scanner targeted at the DIY user. It requires a dedicated mobile app, which, unfortunately, presented compatibility issues with 32-bit Android phones during testing (64-bit Android is required). iOS users (iOS 10 or later) need the TopGuru app, information that was only obtained after contacting support. Fortunately, both US and China-based support centers provided prompt assistance.
Aside from the initial app compatibility hurdle, the TopDon TopScan app is quick to install and connects seamlessly with the scanner. During DTC scanning, it successfully identified a parking sensor fault, a finding matched by only two other scanners in the test (OBDeleven and vLinker MC+). Vehicle identification was unsuccessful in testing, necessitating manual vehicle selection starting with the manufacturer. The “Hot Functions” menu, offering service resets like oil service and battery replacement, is a valuable addition. However, the TopScan lacks live data streaming, freeze-frame data, and a dashboard display for real-time engine monitoring. The app is free for the first year, with subsequent annual subscriptions ranging from $49 to $99.
Read Rob’s comprehensive TopDon TopScan scanner review for more details.
OBDLink CX
Pros: Free dedicated app, also compatible with third-party apps like BimmerCode.
Cons: Extremely small size makes it difficult to grip and unplug.
RRP: From $79.99 / £78
The OBDLink CX represents the entry-level Bluetooth scanner from US-based OBDLink. Its incredibly small size allows for discreet storage within the glovebox or center console. However, this diminutive size made it challenging to grip and remove from the OBDII port. A 20cm extension cable, available from UK supplier Gendan, resolves this usability issue.
A user-friendly quick start guide includes a QR code for downloading the free OBDLink app. App installation and scanner connection are relatively straightforward, although initial connection required a couple of attempts. The app features a simple and intuitive menu system.
While diagnostics are responsive, the OBDLink CX failed to detect a pre-existing parking sensor fault during testing. The app’s dashboard feature provides useful real-time readings for engine RPM, speed, MAF pressure, battery voltage, and fuel level. This data can be combined with freeze-frame information when faults are logged. Trip logging, fuel consumption calculations, and live data graphing are also included. While OBDLink offers more advanced scanners, the CX serves as a capable and affordable entry point into vehicle diagnostics.
Explore the OBDLink CX full review for a complete analysis.
OBDLink MX+
Pros: Free app with advanced diagnostic capabilities.
Cons: Offers limited improvement over the significantly cheaper CX model.
RRP: From $139.95 / £129.95
OBDLink’s top-tier Bluetooth scanner, the MX+, is packed with features and delivers robust performance, but it also comes with the highest price tag in this test. The app, compatible with smartphones and even Kindle Fire devices, installs quickly, and scanner connection is seamless. A button on the scanner itself assists with pairing if needed, and a concise user guide simplifies setup.
The dedicated OBDLink app maintains user-friendliness with a clear, seven-option menu. The MX+ excels in diagnostic depth, particularly with enhanced diagnostics, successfully identifying the parking sensor fault missed by some other scanners.
Live data analysis is comprehensive, offering dashboard instrument displays, plotted graphs for data comparison, a map function for journey data logging and MPG calculation, and performance testing features for acceleration timing. While the MX+ offers enhanced diagnostic capabilities, the value proposition compared to the much more affordable CX model is questionable. Unless advanced diagnostics are a priority, the CX offers a more cost-effective solution.
Read the OBDLink MX+ full review for a detailed comparison.
UniCarScan UCSI-2100
Pros: Wide range of compatible dedicated and generic apps, both free and paid.
Cons: Abundance of app choices can be confusing for users.
RRP: From $79.99 / £54
The UniCarScan UCSI-2100, manufactured by WGSoft in Germany, is a compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanner designed for broad app compatibility. It works with numerous apps across smartphones (iOS and Android) and Windows PCs or laptops. These include dedicated apps for specific car brands like BMW and Opel, as well as generic options, including WGSoft’s own ScanMaster app.
Connecting the UniCarScan to a phone or laptop is quick and easy once plugged into the OBDII port. The level of diagnostic detail depends on the chosen app. The ScanMaster app, for example, offers nine menu options, though some features require in-app purchases. Trouble code retrieval is fast, but the scanner did not detect the parking sensor fault during testing. Freeze-frame data and live data are available for in-depth analysis. The UniCarScan UCSI-2100 offers a versatile and affordable diagnostic solution, particularly appealing to users who value app choice and broad compatibility.
For a more in-depth look, see Rob’s full review of the UniCarScan scanner.
vLinker FD+
Pros: Compatible with a wide array of third-party apps for Windows, Android, and iOS.
Cons: Extensive app compatibility can require testing multiple apps to find the best fit.
RRP: From $49.99 / £42
The vLinker FD+, also from vGate, is a compact and globally available Bluetooth scanner featuring a display to indicate connection status. Like the OBDLink CX, its small size can make it slightly awkward to remove from the OBD2 port.
The sheer number of compatible third-party apps can be both a strength and a weakness. While offering flexibility, selecting the right app can be challenging. Pairing with smartphones or Windows laptops is straightforward, and performance is generally smooth. Depending on the app used, users can expect detailed fault information and live data analysis. The vLinker FD+ provides a good entry point into car diagnostics and live data monitoring, especially at its competitive price point.
Explore the vLinker FD+ full review for a more detailed assessment.
Choosing the Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner for You
Deciding which OBD2 Bluetooth scanner is best ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. There’s no single “best” answer, but considering the following factors will guide your decision.
If your primary goal is simply to diagnose the cause of an illuminated EML, any of the scanners tested will suffice. However, some scanners offer deeper diagnostics for specific vehicle brands, which can be beneficial if you own a compatible make, such as BMW (in which case, a scanner compatible with the BimmerCode app is recommended).
Vehicle Compatibility: It’s crucial to ensure the scanner is compatible with your car. Newer vehicles (from 2017 onwards) often utilize CAN-Bus communication systems, a type of OBDII protocol supported by some scanners. If you drive a newer car, verify compatibility with the scanner manufacturer or supplier before purchasing. Customer support is generally helpful in confirming compatibility.
Desired Features: Consider the features you need beyond basic fault code reading. Do you want service reset functions (e.g., oil service light reset)? Live data monitoring? MPG calculations? Dashboard displays? Some scanners offer these features as standard, while others require paid upgrades or subscriptions. Evaluate whether these extra features are genuinely useful for your needs or simply added gimmicks.
Budget: Bluetooth OBD2 scanners range in price. Determine your budget and weigh the features offered against the cost. The vLinker MC+ stands out as offering excellent value for its features and performance, while the OBDeleven is a strong choice for owners of VAG and BMW vehicles.
For further information on car diagnostics, explore resources from reputable automotive websites and forums.
Disclaimer: This review is based on testing performed in October 2023. Features and pricing may vary. Always verify compatibility with your specific vehicle before purchasing any OBD2 scanner.
