With modern technology, you can now access your car’s data wirelessly, thanks to the best Bluetooth OBD2 scanners.
You no longer have to physically plug it into the vehicle for it to work. Your tablets or smartphones can now be used as dependable diagnostic scanning tools.
We’ve tested various brands in the market in search of the best Bluetooth OBD2 scanner based on ease of use, performance, and value for money.
Here’s the 5 best Bluetooth ODB2 scanners for 2021.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK! |
1. TOAD
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
BUDGET PICK! |
2. BAFX Products Bluetooth
|
VIEW ON AMAZON |
 |
3. BlueDriver Bluetooth
|
VIEW ON AMAZON |
 |
4. ScanTool 427201 OBDLink LX
|
VIEW ON AMAZON |
 |
5. Foseal Scanner
|
VIEW ON AMAZON |
Our Recommendations for Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners
1. TOAD
When picking out the best OBD2 scanners, one of the most crucial features you can look for is compatibility. While you can search for a unit that’s specific to your car’s make and model, it’s usually better to get one that works on a variety of brands, just in case.
To that end, TOAD is the best scanner software you can find, hands down. Here’s what it has to offer.
All Makes and Models
No matter what type of car you drive, you can find the repair codes for it in this system.
This is by far the most comprehensive obd2 codes list and diagnostic tools anywhere, meaning that enthusiasts of all skill levels will appreciate how much they can do with this platform.
Forums and Repair Manuals
While resetting your check engine codes is the primary function of any OBD2 scanner, TOAD takes it a step further by enabling you to figure out how to repair it, either by yourself or when you take it to a mechanic.
By providing you with an extensive library of repair manuals and forums, you can learn more about your vehicle than you could taking a class.
Whether you want to fix your car as much as you can on your own or you just want to make sure that the mechanic isn’t ripping you off, this is the best way to understand your vehicle’s engine.
Engine and ECU Tuning
These days, modern cars rely on onboard computers to run many of the engine’s systems. Thus, if something is going on inside your vehicle, the computer is going to be able to tell you what it is.
With TOAD, you can monitor your car’s computer, and tune it based on your performance metrics. Thus, if you want to improve your overall driving experience, TOAD can help you get the most out of your engine.
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
Overall, we appreciate the extensiveness of this software. It’s a professional-grade system, so even if you have no experience with cars, you should be able to do a wide range of diagnostic and upgrading without any issues.
Video
2. BlueDriver Bluetooth
The primary benefit of using a Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool is that you can check your car remotely without having to pull into the garage and plug it in.
While some models force you to take the scanner out all the time, this unit from BlueDriver allows you to keep it in at all times, so monitoring your car has never been easier or more convenient.
Smartphone Syncing
Since we already have our phones on us at all times, it only makes sense that we would use them for practical things, like checking what’s going on underneath the hood.
What makes this app better than others is that it works for both iPhone and Android.
Interactive Live Data Stream
Sure, you can get a scan tool that will let you figure out what’s happening when there’s a problem, but preventative maintenance is going to make your vehicle last longer.
This system enables you to monitor your car’s performance in real time so that you can understand how well it’s doing at any given time. This way, you can stay on top of issues before they become problems.
Repair Reports
As with TOAD, you can not only diagnose what’s happening underneath the hood, but you can also find a way to repair it. With millions of repair reports from qualified mechanics, you should be able to figure out how to keep your vehicle running smoothly without waiting for something to break.
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
One of the most significant advantages of this system is being able to monitor your car at all times from your phone.
We appreciate that the scanner won’t drain your battery (as fast as others, anyway), meaning you can always check your performance, no matter where you are.
Video
3. ScanTool 427201 OBDLink LX
As we mentioned, one of the most useful things about having a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner is that you can access it at any time, without having to stop what you’re doing and plug the unit in.
With this model from ScanTool, it works a little better than BlueDriver because it can go to sleep when inactive, meaning that it shouldn’t drain your battery, even if you leave it unattended for a while. It also comes with these features.
Wireless Security
Although Bluetooth connections are convenient, they aren’t always secure. With this model, however, it has built-in encryption so that you don’t have to worry about anyone hacking your system.
Full-Service App
Unlike some of the other scanners we’re going to see, this one comes with a proprietary app, enabling you to monitor multiple internal systems from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Also, this system is compatible with many other third-party apps, so if you find one that you like better (or that comes with more features), you should be able to connect it to this scanner and get up and running in no time.
Live Scanning
With the provided app (or similar software), you can monitor your car’s health by tracking its performance in real time.
This scanner will enable you to pay attention to everything happening beneath the hood so you can stay on top of preventative maintenance.
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
Although this scanner is not as comprehensive as BlueDriver, we like that you can pair it with better apps if you prefer. As far as basic scanning and live data streaming, however, it’s a reliable system that will work for many DIY mechanics.
Video
4. BAFX Products Bluetooth
When it comes to Bluetooth OBD2 scanners, there are devices that come with proprietary software and ones that don’t.
This model from BAFX is one of the latter, meaning that the tool is pretty much as good as the app you choose. That being said, let’s see the base features you can expect from it.
Works With Most Third Party Apps
There are some incredible OBD2 scanning apps out there, and as long as you have an Android device, you should be able to use this scanner to pair with them.
We suggest downloading trial versions of a few of them, however, to make sure that they’ll work properly.
Compatible With Most Makes and Models
This tool comes equipped with most diagnostic codes for all of the major brands (i.e., Ford, Toyota, etc.). Unless you have a niche model or a foreign brand, you shouldn’t have any trouble diagnosing your check engine light.
Can Check Other Internal Systems (With Corresponding App)
If you decide to get a high-quality app, then you can check all of your car’s internal systems, such as airbags, oil, and tire pressure.
As long as your vehicle is new enough to have an onboard computer, the scanner can tap into it.
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
Overall, if you want a simple device that will allow you to diagnose a variety of problems, this is a decent scanner.
Video
5. Foseal Scanner
Our final scanner is similar to the BAFX above. This is a scanning unit only, meaning that you have to find a compatible app to do anything with it. Nonetheless, if you’re a casual DIY mechanic, this tool can be helpful for you.
Compatible With Android and iOS
One benefit of this system is that you can use it regardless of the types of devices you have.
As we’ve seen, many scanning tools are only compatible with one or the other, so it’s nice that you have options, especially if you want to sync it to multiple devices.
Can Monitor All Internal Systems (With Corresponding App)
What’s nice about this scanner is that it can connect with your car’s onboard computer and read all of its internal systems, including things like brakes and airbags. Just be sure that you get a third-party app that comes with that setting and you should be good to go.
Works With Most Makes and Models
As with most Bluetooth scanners like this, it comes with a library of the major brands, both foreign and domestic. As long as you stick to something recognizable, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right codes.
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
Compared to other scanners on the market, this one from Foseal is pretty standard. However, we like its cross-compatibility, as well as the fact that you can scan multiple systems in your vehicle, not just the engine.
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should get an OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner?
Bluetooth scanners are easy to use and inexpensive to operate. A Bluetooth scanner is the perfect choice for any DIYer. OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner is a great way to save money on car repair by diagnosing issues yourself.
How do you connect your iPhone to the dongle?
By enabling your Bluetooth connection.
FINAL VERDICT
Having the best Bluetooth OBD2 scanner means that you can make sure your car runs as smoothly as possible, and it should empower you to know what’s happening under the hood, even when there isn’t a problem.
With that in mind, TOAD is by far the best system we’ve seen. Sure thing, the fact that it's only a software solution (meaning, you have to install it either on a computer in your shop or a laptop) may not suit some people, but for those the alternative is simple: Go for the Bluedriver.