Communicating with your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) is crucial for identifying and resolving issues, ensuring your vehicle remains in optimal condition. When that dreaded engine management light (EML) illuminates on your dashboard, a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner can be your first step in understanding why. Often, problems are logged by the ECU even before the EML appears, and these scanners can also provide insights into servicing needs and the performance of various vehicle systems. For UK drivers looking for a convenient and effective way to diagnose car troubles, Bluetooth OBD2 scanners offer a compelling solution.
What is an OBD2 Scanner?
So, how do you tap into your car’s ECU and access this wealth of information? The answer lies in using an OBD2 scanner, also known as a fault code reader. These devices connect to a standardized communication port in your vehicle. This port is the OBDII port, with OBD standing for On-Board Diagnostics, and ‘II’ indicating the second generation of this technology. In most cars, you’ll find this port located beneath the driver’s side dashboard, although it can sometimes be situated in the center console area.
The OBD2 standard became mandatory in the US around 1996. For vehicles in the UK and Europe, it became a standard feature on petrol cars from 2001 and diesel cars from 2004. This standardization ensures compatibility across a wide range of vehicles, making OBD2 scanners a versatile tool for car owners throughout the UK.
How We Tested the Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners for the UK Market
The Bluetooth OBD2 scanners we tested for this UK guide all share a similar design: a compact plug or dongle that establishes a wireless Bluetooth connection with your smartphone or laptop. These Bluetooth scanners generally present a more budget-friendly alternative to dedicated scanners that come equipped with their own screens. For UK car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics, they offer an accessible entry point into vehicle diagnostics.
Our testing process involved seven leading Bluetooth scanners, and the setup for each was remarkably similar. The initial step requires downloading a compatible app to your mobile phone or laptop. Some scanners are paired with their own proprietary apps, while others offer compatibility with a selection of third-party applications available in the UK market.
Next, we plugged each Bluetooth device into the OBD2 port of our test vehicles. With the ignition switched on, we launched the corresponding app on our phones or laptops. We found the Bluetooth connection process to be consistently straightforward across all devices, a key factor for ease of use in a UK context.
Having worked with car diagnostics for a considerable time, I was particularly interested to assess the capabilities of these more affordable Bluetooth scanners. Could they deliver reliable results and genuinely assist UK car owners in maintaining their vehicles? Read on to discover our findings.
Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners At A Glance:
vLinker MC+
Award: Best Overall & Best Value Pros: Clear connection status display, versatile app compatibility. Cons: Extensive third-party app choices can be overwhelming initially. RRP: From £59.95 Buy now / From $59.99 Buy now
vGate, a Chinese electronics manufacturer, offers a diverse range of scanners, and the vLinker MC+ stands out for its user-friendliness. Its front panel features clearly labeled indicator lights, providing immediate confirmation of connection status and power supply. A dedicated connect button further simplifies the pairing process with your chosen app. The vLinker MC+ supports numerous third-party apps compatible with smartphones (Android and iOS) and Windows PCs or laptops, offering flexibility for UK users.
The depth of information accessible with the vLinker MC+ is impressive, depending on the app you select. During testing with the “Car Scanner” app, it accurately diagnosed a parking sensor fault on an Audi A3. The scanner performed a comprehensive system check and displayed live data for monitoring engine parameters, calculating fuel consumption, and even measuring acceleration times. For UK drivers wanting a well-rounded and affordable Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, the vLinker MC+ is a top contender.
For a more in-depth look, check out our full review of the vLinker MC+ scanner.
OBDeleven
Award: Editor’s Choice. Pros: Straightforward fault code scanning, ease of use. Cons: Optimized for VAG, BMW and limited other makes. RRP: From £69.95 Buy now / From $88.34 Buy now
The OBDeleven is among the most compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanners in our UK test. Its small size, however, made it slightly challenging to disconnect from the OBD2 socket in certain vehicles. Fortunately, the included keyring attachment provides some leverage, and a universal extension cable, readily available in the UK, offers a simple solution to this minor issue.
This device utilizes a dedicated app tailored for specific manufacturers, notably VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group), BMW, and Rolls-Royce. In our UK testing across different vehicles, the app sometimes automatically identified the car, while other times it required manual VIN entry.
The free, entry-level app is basic yet functional, efficiently scanning for fault codes. In some instances, it performed detailed scans across multiple systems like audio, parking sensors, and airbags. Identified faults are clearly presented with relevant fault codes and supplementary information to aid in diagnosis.
Beyond fault code identification (and live data on compatible makes), the free app offers limited features. For advanced functionalities like one-click apps to modify car settings or perform system tests, users need to upgrade to a Pro package (annual subscription from $53.29) or purchase credits starting from $2.19. Despite the limitations of the free version, the OBDeleven, backed by a two-year warranty and a user-friendly scanning app, is a reliable tool for focused diagnostics, particularly for owners of VAG and BMW vehicles in the UK.
Read Rob’s comprehensive review of the OBDeleven here.
TopDon TopScan
Award: Approved Pros: Exceptional dedicated software for fault detection. Cons: Incompatible with 32-bit Android phones. RRP: £59.49 Buy now / $69.99 Buy now
TopDon, a long-established manufacturer of professional-grade car diagnostic tools, presents the TopScan Bluetooth scanner, aimed at the DIY car enthusiast market in the UK. A dedicated app is required for smartphone use, but we encountered a compatibility issue with 32-bit Android phones (64-bit required), a problem unique to this scanner among those tested. For iPhones running iOS 10 or later, the “TopGuru” app is necessary, a detail that only emerged after contacting their support center. Notably, both US and China-based support teams responded promptly to our queries.
App installation and pairing with the TopDon scanner are generally quick and easy. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) scan successfully identified a parking sensor issue, a fault also detected by only two other scanners in our test (OBDeleven and vLinker MC+). Vehicle identification was unsuccessful during our testing, necessitating manual vehicle selection starting with the manufacturer. The “Hot Functions,” including oil service and battery reset, are a valuable addition. However, the absence of live data streaming, freeze-frame data, or a dashboard for real-time engine monitoring is a drawback. Furthermore, the app’s free access is limited to one year, with subsequent annual subscriptions costing between $49 and $99. For UK users prioritizing robust fault finding capabilities, the TopDon TopScan is a strong contender, but potential Android compatibility limitations and subscription costs should be considered.
For further details on the TopDon scanner, refer to Rob’s full review here.
OBDLink CX
Pros: Free dedicated app, compatible with third-party apps like BimmerCode. Cons: Very small size can make it difficult to unplug. RRP: £78 Buy now or $79.99 Buy now
The OBDLink CX represents the entry-level Bluetooth scanner from US-based OBDLink. Its exceptionally small size allows for discreet storage within a glovebox or center console, ideal for keeping it readily available in your vehicle. However, this diminutive size also made it challenging to grip and remove from the OBDII port. UK supplier Gendan offers a 20cm extension cable which resolves this handling issue.
A concise user guide, complete with a QR code for downloading the free OBDLink app, simplifies setup. Once the app is installed on your phone, simply start your car, plug in the device, launch the app, and wait for connection. Although connection took a couple of attempts in our testing, it was ultimately swift. The app itself is user-friendly with a straightforward menu system.
While the diagnostic function is responsive, it unfortunately missed an existing parking sensor fault in our test vehicle.
The dashboard feature is a highlight, providing useful real-time readings for engine RPM, speed, MAF pressure, battery voltage, and fuel level. This can be combined with freeze-frame data when a fault is logged. The app also offers trip logging, calculating fuel consumption and mileage, and the ability to display live data as graphs. The OBDLink CX provides a solid entry point into Bluetooth OBD2 scanning for UK users, with potential for more advanced features in OBDLink’s higher-end models.
OBDLink CX full review available here.
OBDLink MX+
Pros: Free app with enhanced diagnostic capabilities. Cons: Marginally better than the significantly cheaper CX model. RRP: £129.95 Buy now / $139.95 Buy now
OBDLink’s top-tier Bluetooth scanner, the MX+, delivers a powerful feature set with numerous free functionalities. It also commands the highest price in our UK test group. The accompanying app, compatible with smartphones and Kindle Fire devices, installs quickly, and device pairing is seamless. Simply plug the scanner into the car’s OBDII port and launch the app. A button on the scanner is available should connection issues arise. A brief user guide ensures ease of setup.
The dedicated OBDLink app boasts an intuitive interface with only seven main menu options.
The depth of diagnostic analysis, particularly with enhanced diagnostics, is impressive. It successfully identified a parking sensor fault that hadn’t triggered the EML.
Further features include versatile live data analysis. The Dashboard provides instrument-style readouts, the Graph function allows for plotted data comparisons, the Map function enables journey data logging for MPG calculations and parameter analysis, and a Performance function measures acceleration times. For UK users seeking advanced diagnostic capabilities, the MX+ offers a step up from the CX. However, for more basic needs, the CX presents a more economical alternative.
OBDLink MX+ full review available here.
UniCarScan UCSI-2100
Pros: Extensive selection of free dedicated and generic apps. Cons: App choice can be potentially confusing for some users. RRP: £54 Buy now / $79.99 Buy now
Manufactured by WGSoft in Germany, the UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is a compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanner compatible with a broad spectrum of apps. These apps are available for smartphones (iOS and Android) and Windows PCs or laptops. Some apps are manufacturer-specific, such as those for BMW and Opel, while others, including WGSoft’s own ScanMaster app, are generic. For UK users, this wide app compatibility provides considerable flexibility.
Once plugged into the car’s OBDII port, connection to a phone or laptop is rapid. The level of diagnostic detail depends on the chosen app. In ScanMaster, for example, nine menu options are available, though some features require in-app purchases. Trouble codes are quickly displayed, but in our tests, it failed to detect the parking sensor problem. Freeze-frame data is a valuable feature for capturing parameter values at the moment a fault occurs, and live data aids in detailed engine analysis for diagnosis. As a portable device suitable for storing in a glovebox for emergency use and routine fault checks during service intervals, the UniCarScan offers a practical and affordable diagnostic solution for UK car owners.
Rob’s full review of the UniCarScan scanner is available here.
vLinker FD+
Pros: Compatible with a wide range of third-party apps for Windows, Android, and iOS. Cons: Extensive app compatibility may require some trial and error to find the ideal app. RRP: £42 Buy now / $49.99 Buy now
The vLinker FD+, another offering from vGate of China, is globally accessible including in the UK. This compact Bluetooth scanner features a connection status display on its face, illuminating once plugged in. Due to its small size, removing it from the OBD2 socket can be slightly fiddly.
Selecting a compatible third-party app can be a complex task given the vast number of options, including dedicated apps. Pairing with smartphones or Windows laptops is straightforward and operation is smooth. Depending on the chosen app, users can access detailed fault information and interpretations, along with live data for in-depth problem analysis. The vLinker FD+ provides a good entry point into car diagnostics and live data retrieval for UK motorists.
vLinker FD+ full review here.
How to Buy the Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners in the UK
Choosing the right Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for your needs in the UK can seem daunting given the variety available. There’s no single ‘best’ answer; the ideal scanner depends on your specific requirements. Start by considering your primary use case. If you primarily need to diagnose an EML when it illuminates, all the scanners tested will suffice. However, some scanners offer enhanced diagnostics for specific car brands, which can be beneficial if your vehicle is supported. For instance, if you own a BMW, consider scanners compatible with the BimmerCode app.
Crucially, verify scanner compatibility with your car. Newer vehicles (post-2017) often utilize a CAN-Bus (Controller Area Network) system for ECU communication, a type of OBDII protocol supported by some, but not all, scanners. If your car is newer, confirm CAN-Bus compatibility with the manufacturer or UK supplier before purchase. We found all suppliers contacted to be very helpful in clarifying compatibility.
All tested scanners can reset an EML by clearing fault codes. If you require additional reset functions, such as oil service light resets, these may come at an extra cost or be included in a pro package or annual subscription.
Similarly, advanced features like live data, MPG calculation, and dashboard displays vary across models. Consider whether these are essential features or simply desirable extras for your needs. For UK buyers, considering local retailers and warranty support is also advisable.
For more information on car diagnostics, explore reputable UK automotive websites and forums.
