Communicating with your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) is essential for troubleshooting issues and maintaining your vehicle’s health. When that dreaded engine management light (EML) illuminates on your dashboard, an OBD2 scanner is your first step to understanding why. But it’s not just about warning lights; your ECU logs problems that might not even trigger the EML and provides insights into servicing needs and component functionality. For Android users seeking a convenient and powerful diagnostic tool, Bluetooth OBD2 scanners offer an excellent solution. This guide dives into the Best Android Obd2 Bluetooth Scanners available, helping you choose the right one to keep your car running smoothly.
Understanding OBD2 Scanners and Bluetooth Connectivity
So, how do you access this wealth of information from your ECU? The answer lies in OBD2 scanners, also known as fault code readers. These devices plug into a standardized communication port in your car, the OBDII port. OBD, short for On-Board Diagnostics, and the “II” signifies the second generation of this standard. Typically, you’ll find this port located beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side, though it can sometimes be in the center console area.
The OBD2 standard became mandatory in the US around 1996. Europe followed suit, mandating it for gasoline cars from 2001 and diesel cars from 2004. Bluetooth OBD2 scanners take this a step further by wirelessly connecting to your smartphone or tablet, making diagnostics more accessible and user-friendly, especially for Android device owners. This eliminates the need for bulky, standalone scanners and leverages the processing power and display of your Android device.
Android Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner Mega-Test: How We Evaluated Performance
This review puts seven leading Bluetooth-connected scanners to the test, all designed to plug into your car’s OBD2 socket and communicate seamlessly with your Android device. We’ve rigorously evaluated these scanners to determine the top performers in diagnostics and user experience. These Bluetooth scanners generally offer a more affordable alternative to dedicated scanners with integrated screens.
Our testing process involved a consistent setup for each scanner. The first step was downloading the necessary app to an Android smartphone. Some scanners utilize their own proprietary apps, while others are compatible with a range of third-party applications available on the Google Play Store.
Next, we connected each Bluetooth device to the OBD2 port of various test vehicles. With the ignition switched on, we launched the respective apps on the Android phone. We assessed the ease of establishing a Bluetooth connection between the scanner and the Android device, finding the process generally straightforward across all models.
With extensive experience in car diagnostics, we aimed to determine if these budget-friendly Bluetooth scanners could deliver reliable performance. The following reviews detail our findings, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each scanner to help you choose the best Android OBD2 Bluetooth scanner for your needs.
Best Android OBD2 Bluetooth Scanners: Top Picks at a Glance
vLinker MC+: Best Overall Android OBD2 Scanner & Best Value
Award: Best Overall & Best Value
Pros: Clear connection status display, versatile with numerous Android apps, excellent value for money.
Cons: Wide app selection can be overwhelming initially.
RRP: From $59.99 (Buy now / £59.95 Buy now)
vGate, a reputable Chinese electronics manufacturer, offers a comprehensive range of scanners, and the vLinker MC+ stands out for its user-friendliness, especially for Android users. Its front panel features clearly labeled indicator lights, providing instant feedback on connection status and power supply, simplifying the pairing process with your Android phone. A dedicated connect button further streamlines Bluetooth pairing. The vLinker MC+ boasts compatibility with a vast selection of third-party apps on Android smartphones, as well as iOS devices and Windows PCs or laptops, offering flexibility in your diagnostic approach.
The depth of information accessible with the vLinker MC+ is impressive, depending on your chosen Android app. In our tests using the “Car Scanner” app on an Android phone, the vLinker MC+ accurately diagnosed a parking sensor fault on an Audi A3. It performed comprehensive system scans and displayed live data, allowing us to monitor engine parameters, calculate fuel efficiency, and even track acceleration performance. For Android users seeking a feature-rich and reliable Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, the vLinker MC+ is an exceptional choice.
For a deeper dive into its capabilities, read our full review of the vLinker MC+ scanner.
OBDeleven: Editor’s Choice for Android and VAG Vehicles
Award: Editor’s Choice
Pros: Straightforward fault code scanning, user-friendly Android app, particularly strong for VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group) vehicles.
Cons: Optimized for VAG, BMW, and limited other makes; smaller size can make it slightly difficult to remove.
RRP: From $88.34 (Buy now /£69.95 Buy now)
The OBDeleven stands out as one of the most compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanners in this test, which, while convenient, occasionally made it challenging to unplug from the OBD2 socket in certain vehicles. However, a keyring attachment provides better grip, and a universal extension cable offers a simple solution if needed. Its dedicated Android app is tailored for specific vehicle brands, notably VAG (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT), BMW, and Rolls-Royce, making it a powerful tool for owners of these makes.
During testing on various vehicles, the OBDeleven app sometimes automatically identified the car, but occasionally required manual VIN entry. The entry-level free Android app is focused and effective, quickly scanning for fault codes and, in some cases, performing in-depth scans of systems like audio, parking sensors, and airbags. Identified faults are presented with relevant fault codes and helpful supplementary information.
Beyond fault code reading, the free Android app offers limited features, although live data is available for compatible makes. For advanced functionalities, such as one-click apps for vehicle customization and system testing, users can upgrade to Pro packages (annual subscription from $53.29) or purchase credits from $2.19. For Android users primarily working with VAG vehicles, the OBDeleven offers a focused and efficient diagnostic experience.
Explore Rob’s comprehensive review of the OBDeleven here.
TopDon TopScan: Approved Android Scanner with Professional-Grade Software
Award: Approved
Pros: Exceptional dedicated Android software for fault diagnosis, developed by a trusted brand in professional diagnostics.
Cons: Incompatibility with 32-bit Android phones, subscription required after the first year for full app functionality.
RRP: $69.99 (Buy now / £59.49 Buy now)
TopDon, a long-established manufacturer of professional-grade car diagnostic tools, brings its expertise to the DIY market with the TopScan Bluetooth scanner. This scanner requires downloading a dedicated Android app, and during testing, we encountered an incompatibility issue with 32-bit Android phones (requiring 64-bit). This issue was unique to TopDon among the tested scanners. For iPhones running iOS 10 or later, the “TopGuru” app is necessary, a detail not immediately apparent until contacting their responsive support centers in the US and China.
Aside from the Android compatibility note, the app installation and connection process with the TopDon scanner are quick and seamless. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) scan effectively identified a parking sensor issue, a fault also detected by the OBDeleven and vLinker MC+. Vehicle identification was unsuccessful in our tests, necessitating manual vehicle selection, starting with the manufacturer. The “Hot Functions” menu, including oil service and battery reset, is a valuable addition. However, the app lacks live data streaming, freeze-frame, or a dashboard display for real-time engine data monitoring. Crucially for Android users, the app’s full functionality is free for only one year, after which a subscription ($49-$99 annually) is required. Despite the subscription model, the TopDon TopScan provides powerful diagnostic capabilities, especially for Android users who value robust fault-finding software.
For more in-depth information, check out Rob’s full review of the TopDon scanner here.
OBDLink CX: User-Friendly and Compact Android Bluetooth Scanner
Pros: Free dedicated Android app, compatible with third-party apps like BimmerCode, compact size for portability.
Cons: Very small size can make it fiddly to unplug from the OBDII port.
RRP: From $79.99 (Buy now or £78 Buy now)
The OBDLink CX is the entry-level Bluetooth scanner from OBDLink, a US-based company. Its remarkably small size allows for discreet storage in a glovebox or center console, ideal for keeping it readily available in your vehicle. However, its diminutive size made it somewhat difficult to grip and unplug from the OBDII port. A 20cm (8in) extension cable, available from UK supplier Gendan, addresses this minor inconvenience.
A concise user guide with a QR code simplifies downloading the free Android app. Once installed on your Android phone, connecting is a straightforward process: start the engine, plug in the device, launch the app, and wait. While connection took a couple of attempts in our testing, it was generally quick. The Android app features a clean and intuitive menu system.
The diagnostic function is responsive, but it missed an existing parking sensor fault during our test. The dashboard feature is a highlight, providing useful real-time readings for engine RPM, speed, MAF pressure, battery voltage, and fuel consumption. This data can be combined with freeze-frame information when a fault is logged. The app also offers trip logging, fuel consumption calculations, and live data graphing. For Android users seeking a basic yet capable Bluetooth OBD2 scanner with a user-friendly app, the OBDLink CX is a solid entry point.
OBDLink CX full review available here.
OBDLink MX+: Premium Android OBD2 Scanner with Enhanced Diagnostics
Pros: Free Android app with advanced diagnostics, feature-rich, high-performance.
Cons: Marginally better than the significantly cheaper CX model, premium price point.
RRP: From $139.95 (Buy now / £129.95 Buy now)
OBDLink’s top-tier Bluetooth scanner, the MX+, delivers a powerful diagnostic experience with a wealth of free features. It’s the most expensive scanner in this test, reflecting its advanced capabilities. The Android app installation is rapid, and connecting the scanner to an Android phone is quick and seamless. Plugging the scanner into the OBDII port and launching the app is all it takes. A button on the scanner aids connection if needed, and a brief user guide simplifies setup.
The dedicated Android app from OBDLink maintains user-friendliness with a concise seven-option menu. The depth of diagnostic analysis, particularly using enhanced diagnostics, is impressive. It successfully identified a parking sensor fault that hadn’t triggered the EML.
Advanced features include versatile live data analysis. The Dashboard provides customizable instrument displays. The Graph function visualizes data for comparisons. The Map function logs journeys to analyze data parameters and calculate MPG. Performance features calculate acceleration times. For Android users wanting to delve deeper into diagnostics with enhanced capabilities, the MX+ is a worthwhile upgrade over the CX. However, for basic diagnostics, the CX offers significant value at a lower price.
Full OBDLink MX+ review available here.
UniCarScan UCSI-2100: Versatile Android Scanner with Extensive App Compatibility
Pros: Wide selection of free dedicated and generic Android apps, compact and reliable.
Cons: App choice can be overwhelming, parking sensor fault detection missed in testing.
RRP: From $79.99 (Buy now / £54 Buy now)
Manufactured by WGSoft in Germany, the UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is a compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanner compatible with a broad spectrum of Android apps, as well as iOS and Windows platforms. These apps range from brand-specific options for BMW and Opel to generic apps, including WGSoft’s ScanMaster. This extensive app compatibility makes it a versatile choice for Android users.
Connection to an Android phone after plugging into the OBDII port is rapid. The level of detail available depends on the chosen app. ScanMaster, for example, offers nine menu options, with some features requiring in-app purchases. Trouble codes are quickly accessible, but in our tests, it failed to detect a parking sensor fault. Freeze-frame data provides valuable context by displaying parameter values at the time of a fault. Live data aids in analyzing engine performance for further diagnosis. As a compact and affordable Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for Android, the UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is suitable for emergency use and routine fault checks.
Read Rob’s full review of the UniCarScan scanner.
vLinker FD+: Affordable Android OBD2 Scanner with Broad App Support
Pros: Supported by numerous third-party apps for Android, Windows, and iOS, affordable price point.
Cons: Extensive app choices can require some experimentation to find the ideal one, small size can be slightly awkward to handle.
RRP: From $49.99 (Buy now / £42 Buy now)
Also manufactured by vGate, the vLinker FD+ is a compact and budget-friendly Bluetooth scanner available globally. It features a display to indicate connection status upon plugging it in. Its small size, however, can make removal from the OBD2 socket slightly cumbersome.
Selecting a compatible third-party Android app can be challenging due to the vast number of options, including dedicated apps. Pairing with an Android phone or Windows laptop is straightforward and reliable. Depending on the chosen app, users can access detailed fault information and live data for in-depth analysis. The vLinker FD+ provides a good entry point into car diagnostics and live data retrieval for Android users on a budget.
vLinker FD+ full review available here.
Choosing the Best Android Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner for You
Selecting the ideal Android Bluetooth OBD2 scanner can seem daunting given the variety of options. There’s no single “best” answer; the optimal choice depends on your specific needs and priorities as an Android user. Consider what you want to achieve with the scanner. For simply diagnosing an EML, any of the tested scanners will suffice. However, some offer more in-depth diagnostics for particular car brands, which is beneficial if your vehicle is supported. If you own a BMW, for example, a scanner compatible with the BimmerCode app is a strong recommendation.
Remember to verify scanner compatibility with your car. Newer vehicles (from 2017 onwards) often use a CAN-Bus system for ECU communication, a type of OBDII protocol supported by some scanners but not all. If you have a newer car, confirm compatibility with the manufacturer or supplier before purchasing an Android Bluetooth scanner. We found all manufacturers and suppliers contacted to be very helpful in providing this information.
All tested scanners can reset an EML by clearing fault codes. If you require additional reset functions, such as oil service light resets, some scanners offer these features as part of a pro package or subscription, while others may require extra payment. Similarly, advanced features like live data, MPG calculation, and dashboard displays are available on some models, often at a higher price point or subscription tier. Assess whether these features are essential for your needs or simply added conveniences. For Android users, app compatibility, ease of use on the Android platform, and desired diagnostic depth should be primary considerations when choosing the best Android OBD2 Bluetooth scanner.
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