If you like to work on cars, either as a hobby or your profession, chances are that you have heard of the new OBD2 apps that have been introduced.
These apps range in price, capabilities and adaptor requirements, which can make it a little difficult to figure out when you’re looking for the one that will suit your needs.
I decided to do a quick review of the top five OBD2 apps for Android to help you decide.
The only thing that’s universal among all of these apps is that generally, your vehicle must be a 1996 and up model. Read on to find out more about what each app offers.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK!  |
1. BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
|
VIEW ON AMAZON |
BUDGET PICK! |
2. Carista OBD2
|
VIEW ON GOOGLE PLAY |
 |
3. Torque Pro
|
VIEW ON GOOGLE PLAY |
 |
4. Dash
|
VIEW ON GOOGLE PLAY |
 |
5. HobDrive
|
VIEW ON GOOGLE PLAY |
Our Recommendations for Android
1. BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
The BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool is one of the OBD2 apps that’s compatible with Android systems. It not only scans your vehicle’s codes, it can help diagnose the problem and offers a suggested fix list.
This app works with a sensor system that’s sold separately through the website, and each has their own set-up for use.
We give the BlueDriver Bluetooth app a solid 5 star rating for many reasons, the least of which is the affordable sensor price and the fact that the app is free to download and use.
Comparable apps are the Carista OBD, Torque Pro, HobDrive OBD2 and Dash.
Image Credit : www.bluedriver.com
- What can You do with it
- Known Problems
- Is There an Additional Cost?
- Pros/cons overview
PROS
CONS
Video
2. Carista OBD2
Image credit : play.google.com
The Carista OBD2 requires the use of any of the following adapters, sold separately:
-> ELM327 v1.4 Bluetooth or
-> WiFi adapter
- What can You do with it
- Known Problems
- Is There an Additional Cost?
- Pros/cons overview
PROS
CONS
Video
3. Torque Pro
image credit : play.google.com
The Torque Pro offers a lot of different features that are geared more to actual diagnostics. While it doesn’t support the Garmin EcoRoute HD Adaptor, a range are compatible and can be found here.
- What can You do with it
- Known Problems
- Is There an Additional Cost?
- Pros/cons overview
PROS
CONS
Video
4. Dash
image credit : dash.by
Dash is the only OBD2 reader that has some function without a sensor, however, that function is very limited. Without a sensor, it will show you gas prices and allow you to look up the engine codes. For best diagnostic reading, you’ll need:
image credit : dash.by
- What can You do with it
- Known Problems
- Is There an Additional Cost?
- Pros/cons overview
PROS
CONS
Video
5. HobDrive
Image credit : hobdrive.com
The HobDrive is described as a trip analysis sensor. It requires the use of the ELM327 OBD-II adaptor.
- What can You do with it
- Known Problems
- Is There an Additional Cost?
- Pros/cons overview
PROS
CONS
Video
FINAL VERDICT
As you can see, the last two apps listed in this review are more for diagnostics during road trips rather than mechanic work.
Therefore, with the choice between the first three apps, the Bluedriver OBD2 is the clear winner of the best OBD2 app for Android.
While users can benefit from not having to pay for upgrades, updates and subscription terms, the database is frequently updated from the App owners.
The Blue Driver OBD2 app also has a vast database of dtc codes and their explanations, as well as a ‘suggested fix’ option to help you locate the proper part, down to local stores that have it in stock.
When you add this to the fact that it’s compatible with so many vehicles, the Blue Driver OBD2 stands out for its ease of use, available data and customer-friendly database.
