Communicating with your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) is crucial for diagnosing issues and maintaining your vehicle’s health. If that dreaded engine management light (EML) illuminates on your dashboard, an OBD2 scanner can reveal the underlying problem by accessing the ECU. Even without the EML, your ECU logs potential issues and tracks vital data like service needs and component performance.
Understanding OBD2 Scanners
So, how do you tap into this wealth of information from your car’s ECU? The answer is straightforward: utilize an OBD2 scanner or fault code reader. These devices connect to a standardized communication port in your vehicle, known as the OBDII port. OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics, and “2” indicates the second generation of this technology. You’ll typically find this port located beneath the driver’s side dashboard, although it can sometimes be in the center console area.
The OBD2 standard became mandatory in the United States around 1996. Europe followed suit, mandating OBD2 for gasoline cars in 2001 and diesel cars in 2004.
Testing Methodology for Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners
The focus of this review is on Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 scanners. These scanners typically consist of a compact dongle that plugs into your car’s OBD2 port and communicates wirelessly with your smartphone or laptop via Bluetooth. They offer a cost-effective alternative to dedicated scanners with built-in screens.
The testing process for these seven Top Bluetooth Obd2 Scanners was consistent across all devices. The initial step involved downloading a compatible app to either a smartphone or laptop. Some scanners require their own proprietary apps, while others are compatible with various third-party applications.
Next, each Bluetooth device was plugged into the OBD2 port of the test vehicle. With the ignition switched on, the corresponding app was launched. Establishing a Bluetooth connection between the scanner and the phone or laptop proved to be a simple and user-friendly process in all cases.
Drawing upon years of experience in car diagnostics, the key objective was to assess the effectiveness of these budget-friendly Bluetooth scanners. The following reviews detail the performance and capabilities of each device.
Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners: In-Depth Reviews
vLinker MC+
Award: Best Overall & Best Value
Pros: Informative indicator lights for connection status, versatile app compatibility.
Cons: Extensive third-party app selection can be initially overwhelming.
RRP: From $59.99 (Buy now US) / £59.95 (Buy now UK)
vGate, a Chinese electronics manufacturer, offers a wide range of scanners, and the vLinker MC+ stands out for its user-friendliness. Its front panel features clearly labeled LED indicators that display connection status and power supply integrity. A dedicated connect button further simplifies the pairing process with your chosen app. The vLinker MC+ supports a wide array of third-party apps on Android, iOS smartphones, and Windows PCs or laptops.
The level of diagnostic depth achievable with the vLinker MC+ is impressive, contingent on the chosen app. Using the “Car Scanner” app during testing, the vLinker MC+ accurately diagnosed a parking sensor fault on an Audi A3. It performed comprehensive system scans and provided live data monitoring for engine parameters, fuel consumption calculations, and even acceleration timing.
For a more detailed analysis, refer to the 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 select other vehicle brands.
RRP: From $88.34 (Buy now US) /£69.95 (Buy now UK)
The OBDeleven is among the most compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanners tested, which, in some vehicles, made it slightly challenging to remove from the OBD2 port. However, a keyring attachment is included to aid removal, and a universal extension cable is also available as a solution.
This device utilizes a dedicated app tailored primarily for VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group), BMW, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. During testing on different vehicles, the app sometimes automatically identified the car, while other times required manual VIN entry.
The basic, free app version is focused and efficient, scanning for fault codes and, in certain cases, conducting in-depth scans of systems like audio, parking sensors, and airbags. Identified faults are presented with relevant fault codes and supplementary information.
Beyond fault code identification (and live data for supported makes), the free app’s functionality is limited. Advanced features, such as one-click apps for vehicle setting modifications or system testing, are available through paid upgrades. Users can opt for Pro packages (annual subscription starting from $53.29) or purchase credits from $2.19.
With a two-year warranty and a user-friendly free scanning app, the OBDeleven is a reliable and effective tool for basic diagnostics, particularly for owners of VAG, BMW, and similar vehicles.
Read Rob’s comprehensive review of the OBDeleven here.
TopDon TopScan
Award: Approved
Pros: Excellent dedicated software for diagnostic accuracy.
Cons: Incompatible with 32-bit Android phones.
RRP: $69.99 (Buy now US) / £59.49 (Buy now UK)
TopDon, a long-established manufacturer of professional-grade diagnostic tools, offers the TopScan Bluetooth scanner aimed at the DIY automotive enthusiast. It necessitates downloading a dedicated mobile app. However, compatibility issues were encountered with 32-bit Android phones (64-bit required), a problem not observed with other scanners in this test. For iPhones running iOS 10 or later, the “TopGuru” app is necessary, a detail that required contacting customer support to ascertain. Fortunately, both US and China-based support centers provided prompt assistance.
App installation and communication with the TopDon scanner are generally quick and seamless. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) scan identified a parking sensor fault, a finding corroborated by only two other scanners (OBDeleven and vLinker MC+). Automatic vehicle identification was unsuccessful during testing, requiring manual vehicle selection starting with the manufacturer. The “Hot Functions” menu, offering features like oil service and battery reset, is a notable positive. However, the absence of live data streaming, freeze-frame data, or a dashboard for real-time engine monitoring is a drawback. Furthermore, the app is free for the first year only, with subsequent annual subscriptions costing $49-$99.
For a more detailed evaluation, check out Rob’s full review of the TopDon scanner here.
OBDLink CX
Pros: Free, user-friendly app, compatible with third-party apps like BimmerCode.
Cons: Extremely small size makes it difficult to grip and remove.
RRP: From $79.99 (Buy now US) or £78 (Buy now UK)
The OBDLink CX is the entry-level Bluetooth OBD2 scanner from US-based OBDLink. Its exceptionally small footprint allows for convenient storage in a glovebox or center console. However, this diminutive size made it challenging to grip and unplug from the OBDII port. UK supplier Gendan offers a 20cm (8in) extension cable to address this issue.
A concise user guide, complete with a QR code for downloading the free OBDLink app, is included. Once installed, connecting is a straightforward process: start the car, plug in the device, launch the app, and wait. Although connection took a couple of attempts in testing, it was generally quick. The app itself is intuitive with a simple menu structure.
While diagnostics are responsive, the OBDLink CX failed to detect a pre-existing parking sensor fault.
Standout features include the dashboard display, providing real-time readings for engine RPM, speed, MAF pressure, battery voltage, and fuel level. This can be paired with freeze-frame data when a fault is logged. The app also offers trip logging with fuel consumption and mileage calculations, and live data can be visualized as graphs.
While OBDLink offers more feature-rich and expensive scanners, the CX provides a valuable entry point into vehicle diagnostics.
OBDLink CX full review available here.
OBDLink MX+
Pros: Free app with advanced diagnostics capabilities.
Cons: Marginal improvements over the significantly cheaper CX model.
RRP: From $139.95 (Buy now US) / £129.95 (Buy now UK)
OBDLink’s flagship Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, the MX+, is a powerful device packed with free features, albeit the priciest in this comparison. The app, compatible with smartphones and even Kindle Fire devices, installs quickly. Connecting the scanner is equally rapid and seamless – simply plug it into the OBDII port and launch the app. A button on the scanner itself aids connection if needed. A brief user guide simplifies the setup process.
The dedicated OBDLink app is exceptionally user-friendly, featuring only seven main menu options.
The depth of diagnostic analysis, especially with enhanced diagnostics, is impressive. It successfully identified the parking sensor fault missed by some other scanners, even without the EML being triggered.
Additional features are abundant: Live data can be analyzed in various formats, including a dashboard for instrument-style readouts, graphs for data comparison, a map function for logging journeys and calculating MPG, and a performance function for acceleration timing.
The MX+ justifies its higher price tag over the CX for users who require in-depth diagnostics. However, for basic diagnostics, the more affordable CX offers excellent value.
OBDLink MX+ full review available here.
UniCarScan UCSI-2100
Pros: Wide selection of compatible free dedicated and generic apps.
Cons: Abundance of app choices can be confusing for some users.
RRP: From $79.99 (Buy now US) / £54 (Buy now UK)
The UniCarScan UCSI-2100, manufactured by WGSoft in Germany, is a compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanner compatible with a broad spectrum of apps for 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 apps like WGSoft’s own ScanMaster.
Connection to a phone or laptop after plugging into the OBDII port is rapid. The level of detail provided varies depending on the app used. ScanMaster, for example, offers nine menu options, although some features require in-app purchases. Trouble codes are quickly retrieved, but the UniCarScan did not detect the parking sensor issue in testing. Freeze-frame data and live data functionalities are valuable for in-depth fault analysis and engine data monitoring.
The UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is a practical and affordable solution for emergency diagnostics and routine fault checks during service intervals, easily storable in a glovebox.
Here’s Rob’s full review of the UniCarScan scanner.
vLinker FD+
Pros: Compatible with a vast range of third-party apps across Windows, Android, and iOS.
Cons: Extensive app compatibility can necessitate trial-and-error to find the ideal app.
RRP: From $49.99 (Buy now US) / £42 (Buy now UK)
The vLinker FD+, another offering from vGate, is a globally available, compact Bluetooth scanner featuring indicator lights for connection status. Its small size can make removal from the OBD2 socket slightly cumbersome.
The sheer volume of compatible third-party apps, including specialized options, can be both a strength and a challenge. Pairing with smartphones or Windows laptops is straightforward and reliable. Depending on the chosen app, users can access comprehensive fault information and live data for detailed diagnostics.
The vLinker FD+ serves as a solid entry point into the world of vehicle diagnostics and live data analysis.
vLinker FD+ full review available here.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner
Selecting the best Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for your needs can seem daunting given the numerous options available. There’s no single “best” answer, as the ideal choice depends on your specific requirements.
Start by defining your primary use case. If you primarily need to diagnose the cause of an illuminated EML, any of the tested scanners will suffice. However, some scanners offer enhanced diagnostics for specific car brands, which can be advantageous if your vehicle is supported. For BMW owners, for example, scanners compatible with the BimmerCode app are highly recommended.
Crucially, verify scanner compatibility with your vehicle. Newer cars (from 2017 onwards) 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 you own a newer vehicle, confirm compatibility with the scanner manufacturer or supplier before purchasing. Customer support channels generally proved to be very helpful in this regard during testing.
All tested scanners can clear fault codes and reset the EML. If you require additional reset functions, such as resetting the oil service light, consider that some scanners offer these features as standard, while others may require a premium upgrade, pro package, or subscription.
Similarly, advanced features like live data display, MPG calculation, and dashboard interfaces are not universally included. Determine whether these features are essential for your needs or simply appealing extras.
For further information on vehicle diagnostics, explore reputable automotive resources and forums.
