Car head-up displays (HUDs) might not be the first car accessory on your shopping list, but once you experience the convenience of having vital driving information at eye-level, you’ll wonder how you ever drove without one. While they might seem like a luxury, they are incredibly practical, primarily because they allow you to monitor your speed and other crucial data without taking your eyes off the road. For drivers prioritizing safety and precise speed monitoring, especially those interested in an accurate OBD2 speedometer, a HUD can be a game-changer.
The market is flooded with car head-up displays, making it challenging to discern which ones are genuinely worth investing in. Fortunately, we’ve rigorously tested a variety of HUDs to identify the top performers, separating the reliable options from those that fall short. If you’re searching for the Best Obd2 Speedometer integrated into a head-up display, whether it connects to your smartphone, your car’s onboard computer via OBD2, or both, we’ve compiled a list of the best car head-up displays available right now. These devices not only offer speed readings but also a wealth of vehicle data, making them superior OBD2 speedometers.
Top Picks for the Best OBD2 Speedometer Head-Up Displays
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(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
1. Hudway Drive: The Premier OBD2 Speedometer HUD
Read our in-depth review of the Hudway Drive
Specifications:
- Size: 7.3 x 6.3 x 4.0 inches
- Weight: 9.0 ounces
- Power: 12-volt accessory outlet
- Display Size: 1.8-inches
- Color/Monochrome: Color
- Parameters Displayed: 11
- Alarms: Yes
Reasons to Choose Hudway Drive as Your OBD2 Speedometer:
- Integrated Projection Screen: Ensures clear visibility of your speed and other data, acting as a dedicated OBD2 speedometer display.
- OBD2 and Phone Data Integration: Combines data from your car’s OBD2 port for accurate speed readings and engine diagnostics with smartphone connectivity for navigation and calls.
- Easy-to-Read Display: Presents speed and information in a clear, concise format, making it an excellent OBD2 speedometer for quick glances.
Considerations:
- Size: Its larger size might be noticeable on some dashboards.
- Price: Positioned at a higher price point compared to other OBD2 speedometer HUDs.
The Hudway Drive stands out as a top-tier car head-up display, effectively functioning as a superior OBD2 speedometer. It seamlessly merges data from your car’s OBD2 port, GPS, and smartphone, offering a comprehensive view of your driving information. While it doesn’t offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, its primary function as an advanced OBD2 speedometer and data display is exceptional. For $279, it represents a significant investment, but the wealth of information it projects, including precise speed readings, engine RPMs, and navigation prompts, justifies the cost for those seeking the best OBD2 speedometer experience. Keep in mind its size; the unit and its projection screen might slightly obstruct your forward view in certain car models.
Explore our comprehensive Hudway Drive Review
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
2. Pyle PHUD180BD: High-Value OBD2 Speedometer Display
Read our expert analysis of the Pyle PHUD180BD
Specifications:
- Size: 5.3 x 3.0 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 4.4 ounces
- Power: OBD2 port
- Display Size: 5.5-inches
- Color/Monochrome: Color
- Parameters Displayed: 14
- Alarms: Yes
Reasons to Choose Pyle PHUD180BD as Your OBD2 Speedometer:
- Self-Contained Screen: Projects a clear and vibrant OBD2 speedometer reading and other vehicle data.
- Extensive Data Readouts: Offers a wide array of vehicle information beyond just speed, enhancing its functionality as an OBD2 display.
- Bright Display: Ensures excellent visibility of the OBD2 speedometer and data, even in bright sunlight.
Considerations:
- Projection Screen Obstruction: The screen, while beneficial, can potentially impede your line of sight.
- No Phone Integration: Lacks connectivity to smartphones for advanced features.
The Pyle PHUD180BD impressively packs a wealth of information onto its 5.5-inch screen, especially considering its affordable price of around $67. While not the absolute cheapest OBD2 speedometer HUD, it offers exceptional value, particularly because it integrates both OBD2 and GPS data. Its bright display showcases over two dozen parameters, making it a top contender for the best OBD2 speedometer for budget-conscious buyers. While the projection screen might occasionally be obstructive, and it lacks smartphone integration, the Pyle PHUD180BD represents a fantastic bargain for a feature-rich OBD2 speedometer and vehicle data display.
Delve into our detailed Pyle PHUD180OBD Review
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
3. Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS: Feature-Rich and Affordable OBD2 Speedometer
Explore our comprehensive review of the Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS
Specifications:
- Size: 4.3 x 5.0 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 4.4 ounces
- Power: 12-volt accessory outlet
- Display Size: 1.8-inches
- Color/Monochrome: Color
- Parameters Displayed: 15
- Alarms: Yes
Reasons to Choose Wiiyii C1 as Your OBD2 Speedometer:
- Self-Contained Projection: Projects speed and vehicle data clearly, functioning effectively as an OBD2 speedometer.
- OBD2 and GPS Data: Combines OBD2 data for accurate speed and engine information with GPS for supplementary data.
- Fold-Down Screen: Allows for screen retraction when not needed, minimizing dashboard clutter.
Considerations:
- Lacks Phone Integration: Does not connect to smartphones for advanced features.
- No Navigation: Does not offer turn-by-turn navigation.
The Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS is another excellent option that blends GPS and OBD2 data, presenting a wealth of information in an appealing visual format. This HUD is designed for drivers who desire more data than their standard dashboard provides, particularly those interested in detailed engine metrics. For car enthusiasts who want to monitor parameters like air-to-fuel ratios or turbocharger pressure alongside their speed, the Wiiyii C1 is a strong contender for an advanced OBD2 speedometer. While it lacks phone integration and navigation, it compensates with a self-contained projection screen, OBD2 fault code scanning, and a comprehensive array of vehicle data, all at a budget-friendly price of around $56.
Read our full Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS Review
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
4. Akabane A500: Versatile OBD2 Speedometer with Performance Metrics
Explore our in-depth review of the Akabane A500 Car Heads-Up Display
Specifications:
- Size: 4.3- x 3.3- x 2.9-inches
- Weight: 5.1 ounces
- Power: OBD-II port
- Display Size: 3.5-inches
- Color/Monochrome: Color
- Parameters Displayed: 60
- Alarms: Yes
Reasons to Choose Akabane A500 as Your OBD2 Speedometer:
- OBD2 and GPS Data Fusion: Integrates OBD2 for accurate speed and vehicle diagnostics with GPS for enhanced data.
- Direct View Display: Offers a clear and direct view of the OBD2 speedometer and other information.
- Extensive Parameter Display: Shows a vast amount of vehicle data, going beyond basic speed readings.
Considerations:
- Bulky Design: Its design might appear somewhat large and less streamlined.
- Potential View Obstruction: Its size could potentially obstruct the driver’s view.
- Complex Interface: Menu navigation and settings might be initially confusing.
The Akabane A500 is another OBD2 speedometer head-up display that combines OBD2 port connectivity with GPS data, offering capabilities beyond many other HUDs. Beyond displaying a wide range of vehicle information, it also includes performance testing features like braking and acceleration timers, appealing to performance-oriented drivers. Want to verify your car’s 0-60 mph time? The Akabane A500 can assist (though safe, closed-course testing is advised). While the menu system can be a bit complex and the 3.5-inch screen isn’t the largest, it delivers a wealth of useful driving data, OBD2 fault detection, and performance metrics at an affordable price.
Read our full Akabane A500 Review
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
5. Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter: OBD2 Speedometer for Off-Roading
Read our expert review of the Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter
Specifications:
- Size: 3.3 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches
- Weight: 2.9 ounces
- Power: 12-volt accessory outlet
- Display Size: 2.1-inches
- Color/Monochrome: Color
- Parameters Displayed: 6
- Alarms: No
Reasons to Choose Autool X95 as Your OBD2 Speedometer (for Off-Roading):
- GPS Data Source: Reliant on GPS for speed and other data, suitable for areas where OBD2 data might be limited or for older vehicles.
- Tilt and Roll Sensors: Provides critical angle information for off-road driving scenarios.
- Direct View Display: Offers a straightforward display of speed and angle data.
- USB Power Ports: Accessory adapter includes dual USB ports for device charging.
Considerations:
- Lacks OBD2 Data: Does not utilize OBD2 for vehicle information, limiting its diagnostic capabilities.
- Tall Design: Its height might obstruct vision in some vehicles.
- No Phone Integration: Does not offer smartphone connectivity.
For drivers who venture off the beaten path, the Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter is a specialized car head-up display worth considering as an alternative OBD2 speedometer. Using GPS and internal sensors, it provides standard driving data alongside unique off-road metrics like tilt and roll angles, alerting you to potentially dangerous vehicle inclinations. While it doesn’t access OBD2 data, lacking some of the information-richness of other HUDs, its compact design, user-friendly interface, and focus on off-road data make it a valuable tool for adventurous drivers.
Explore our detailed Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter Review
Key Features to Look for in an OBD2 Speedometer Head-Up Display
The best head-up displays function as superior OBD2 speedometers by presenting crucial car parameters in an easy-to-view format at eye level. Standalone HUDs often outperform built-in car HUDs in terms of data variety. However, they typically lack integration with car entertainment or navigation systems.
OBD2 speedometer HUDs vary significantly. The range of displayed information is a key differentiator. Some merely replicate dashboard readings like speed and time, while others, acting as advanced OBD2 speedometers, provide tachometer, fuel economy, and more. Many extend to display data not directly related to safe driving, such as turbo boost pressure or altitude. Off-road models can even warn of potential vehicle rollovers. The most advanced units integrate with smartphones, showing navigation, contacts, and texts. High-end HUDs may offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay for cars lacking compatible infotainment systems.
Display clarity is vital for an effective OBD2 speedometer. Screen size is a balancing act: larger screens improve readability but can obstruct view. Smaller screens are less intrusive but may be harder to read. Direct view and projection-based HUDs offer different advantages. Projections can create larger virtual images (up to 10 inches), but can be less visible in bright light. Projector HUDs with fold-down screens offer clearer images and can be stowed away when not in use, maximizing visibility.
Color displays enhance information density on an OBD2 speedometer, while intuitive button layouts are crucial for ease of use. A single-button interface can make menu navigation cumbersome. Data and power sources also vary. OBD2 ports provide access to extensive vehicle data, making them ideal for accurate speedometers and diagnostics. GPS offers data like distance and altitude. GPS-only units require alternative power sources like cigarette lighter outlets. Installation is generally straightforward, taking only minutes. Cable management, particularly flat cables, aids in discreet wiring. Units typically mount on the dashboard using pads or adhesives.
OBD2 Speedometer Head-Up Display Cost Considerations
Basic head-up displays start under $20, but these often compromise quality, with monochrome screens or limited data display (e.g., just speed). A budget of $30 to $70 unlocks a wide selection of functional HUDs. Premium OBD2 speedometer HUDs exceeding $250 are less common, but offer advanced features, stylish designs, and multi-source data integration (phone and OBD2). The price reflects the capabilities and quality of the OBD2 speedometer and overall HUD experience.
Our OBD2 Speedometer Head-Up Display Testing Methodology
Our OBD2 speedometer HUD testing involves both garage and on-road evaluations. Setup and placement are paramount, ensuring the display is both functional and non-obstructive. Wire concealment is also assessed for ease and neatness. We evaluate startup and shutdown times, display sharpness, and interface design. Usability testing includes navigating menus and settings. On-road testing assesses real-world performance, display visibility in varying lighting, and responsiveness to speed changes. Specialized features like text display, inclinometers, and navigation are also rigorously tested to ensure accurate OBD2 speedometer functionality and overall performance.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best OBD2 Speedometer Head-Up Display
Investing in a quality head-up display is a smart upgrade for any driver looking to enhance safety and convenience. For those specifically seeking the best OBD2 speedometer, the models highlighted above represent the top contenders in the market. Whether you prioritize advanced features like smartphone integration and extensive data displays, or value affordability and ease of use, there’s an OBD2 speedometer HUD on this list to meet your needs. By keeping your eyes on the road and your speed information clearly in sight, these devices contribute to a safer and more informed driving experience.
