Waking up to a one-star review complaining about app malfunction is never a good start to the day for a developer. For apps like Dr. Prius and Hybrid Assistant, a significant portion of reported issues, around 90%, stem from users employing substandard, cloned OBD2 adapters. These cheap clones, tempting as they are with their low prices, often lead to frustration and app incompatibility. While a generic OBD2 adapter might suffice for basic apps like Torque, which primarily access standard vehicle data such as speed and engine temperature, apps like Dr. Prius require a more sophisticated adapter. To properly diagnose hybrid battery systems, the OBD2 adapter needs the capability to “set message header” to access specific ECU addresses beyond the standard engine control unit. To shed light on this issue and guide users towards reliable options, we embarked on a testing journey, purchasing and evaluating numerous budget-friendly clone adapters. Consider this your guide to navigating the treacherous waters of OBD2 adapters, ensuring you choose a Blue Tooth Adapter Obd2 Doctor approved option for optimal performance with your car diagnostic apps.
Tools and Apps Used for Testing
To rigorously assess each adapter’s performance, we utilized a suite of diagnostic tools and applications:
- ELM327 Identifier
- Elm327 OBD Terminal
- Dr. Prius App
- Hybrid Assistant App
- Torque App
A collection of various OBD2 adapters tested for compatibility with Dr. Prius app.
Top Recommended Bluetooth OBD2 Adapters
Panlong Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter (Android & iOS)
The Panlong OBD2 adapter has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. Acquired through Amazon with the option for easy returns, this adapter quickly became the primary tool for development and testing over the past two years. Its robust internal build quality, noticeably more substantial than many mini clones, inspires confidence. However, it’s crucial to note that their newer red-colored adapter variant has been identified as defective and is incompatible with Dr. Prius App and Hybrid Assistant App. Stick with the original version for dependable performance.
Purchase Links:
- Amazon US (10% promo code LP6ACKZD): Android only version: https://amzn.to/3kSmvY8
- For both Android and iOS: https://amzn.to/3rkAV9G
The dependable Panlong OBD2 adapter, a workhorse for testing and development.
Viecar / Carista Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter (iOS & Android)
Interestingly, both Viecar and Carista market the same re-branded OBD2 adapter, a popular clone option. While these may function for basic OBD2 tasks, ensure compatibility with Dr. Prius app before purchasing, especially if you require advanced diagnostic features.
Purchase Links:
- Amazon US: Viecar OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter for iOS and Android
- AliExpress: Same OBD2 adapter from AliExpress
The Viecar OBD2 adapter, also sold under the Carista brand, a popular clone option in the market.
Popular Bluetooth OBD2 Adapters Approved by Dr. Prius Users (Android)
The following OBD2 adapters have gained approval from the Dr. Prius user community for their reliable performance, particularly with Android devices.
NEXAS Bluetooth 5.0 OBD2 Scanner (iOS & Android)
The NEXAS NexLink Bluetooth 5.0 OBD2 Scanner offers broad compatibility, supporting both iOS and Android platforms. Its Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity ensures a stable and fast connection for diagnostic tasks.
Purchase Link:
The NEXAS Bluetooth 5.0 OBD2 adapter, known for its reliable connection and compatibility with both iOS and Android.
BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter (Android Only)
The BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth adapter is a specifically Android-compatible option that has garnered positive feedback for its performance and reliability with OBD2 applications.
Purchase Link:
The BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth OBD2 adapter, a reliable choice specifically for Android users.
INFOCAR Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter (iOS & Android)
The INFOCAR OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter is another user-suggested option available on Amazon, reported to function well with both iOS and Android devices for OBD2 diagnostics.
Purchase Link:
The INFOCAR OBD2 Bluetooth adapter, a user-recommended option for both iOS and Android platforms.
OBD2 Adapters to Approach with Caution or Avoid
OBDLink LX and MX: Expensive but Not Always Ideal
While OBDLink adapters are known for their speed, the OBDLink LX and MX models present a mixed bag of user experiences. Despite their premium price, feedback is divided, with roughly 50% praise and 50% complaints. Although advertised as compatible with both Android and iOS, iOS support is limited to classic Bluetooth, not Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Since most iOS apps, including Dr. Prius, rely on BLE, compatibility is severely restricted. Furthermore, Android pairing can be cumbersome, requiring precise timing or button press duration to establish a connection. Despite its speed, the OBDLink LX/MX is not recommended for Dr. Prius app users due to iOS limitations and Android connectivity issues.
Purchase Link:
The OBDLink MX adapter, a fast but potentially problematic choice due to iOS limitations and Android pairing difficulties.
“Bait and Switch” Clone Adapters: Proceed with Extreme Caution
These generic-looking OBD2 adapters are widely available online, but quality control is inconsistent. While some sellers may offer functional units, particularly those showing a double-layer PCB in product images, the market is rife with unreliable clones.
Update 07/11/2018: Even double-layer PCBs are no guarantee of quality, as bad clones with this construction have emerged. Approving any adapter in this form factor is no longer recommended due to the unpredictable nature of these clones. It appears manufacturers are adapting to detection methods, making consistent quality elusive.
Update 06/09/2018: A previously identified “good clone” from AliExpress (blue or white adapter, NOT black “MINI” version) is now also unreliable. The seller has reportedly switched to a non-functional black adapter. Avoid these form factor adapters entirely due to the high risk of receiving a non-working unit. Purchase at your own risk.
Purchase Link (for reference, but NOT recommended):
- AliExpress OBD2 adapter for Android: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/V1-5-Super-MINI-Bluetooth-ELM-327-Version-1-5-OBD2-OBDII-ELM327-for-Android-Torque/32272347186.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.Hp5VyS
A previously considered “good clone” OBD2 adapter from AliExpress, now potentially unreliable.
Another view of the AliExpress OBD2 adapter, highlighting the form factor now associated with inconsistent quality.
An example of a bad OBD2 clone adapter, even with a dual-layer PCB, illustrating the unreliability of this form factor.
The black “MINI” OBD2 adapter, now confirmed as a consistently bad clone and not recommended.
AUTOPHIX Bluetooth OBD2: A Scam Adapter
The AUTOPHIX Bluetooth OBD2 adapter is identified as a non-functional scam. Avoid this adapter as it is unlikely to work with Dr. Prius or other OBD2 applications.
The AUTOPHIX OBD2 Bluetooth adapter, flagged as a scam and not recommended for purchase.
Zurich OBD2 (Harbor Freight): Protocol Incompatibility
The Zurich OBD2 adapter, available at Harbor Freight, does not utilize the ELM327 protocol. This fundamental incompatibility renders it unusable with most OBD2 apps, including Dr. Prius.
The Zurich OBD2 adapter from Harbor Freight, incompatible with ELM327-based applications due to protocol differences.
FIXD OBD2: Expensive and Unreliable
Despite its higher price point (around $60 on Amazon), the FIXD adapter is plagued by performance issues. It is slow and exhibits data skipping, leading to inaccurate readings. While it might technically connect to Dr. Prius, its unreliability and potential for skewed test results make it a poor choice.
The FIXD OBD2 adapter, expensive and unreliable due to slow performance and data skipping issues.
“Mini Junk” Bluetooth 4.0 OBD2: Misleading Claims
This compact and aesthetically pleasing adapter claims Bluetooth 4.0 support and compatibility with all OBD protocols. However, testing reveals it to be another non-functional “junk” adapter. It lacks the essential ECU switching capability required for Dr. Prius and similar apps. The only app it may function with, “Mini OBD II,” merely provides basic vehicle information.
The “Mini Junk” OBD2 adapter, despite its appealing design, is functionally inadequate and not recommended.
“No Name Junk” Transparent Blue OBD2: Deceptive Appearance
Sharing the same packaging as the “Mini Junk,” this transparent blue adapter deceptively “looks like” it could switch ECUs. However, it fails to retrieve battery-related data from both Prius Gen2 and Gen3 vehicles. Avoid any adapter with this packaging, as it likely originates from manufacturers producing untested or defective products.
The “No Name Junk” OBD2 adapter, visually similar to the Mini Junk and equally unreliable for advanced diagnostics.
“Mother of all Junks” – The Classic Cheap Clone
This ubiquitous, ultra-cheap clone has saturated the market for years and is notorious for its poor performance. While a genuine ELM327 version exists at a more realistic price, this clone is severely compromised. It fails to support even basic OBD commands from v1.2 to v2.3 and is unsuitable for Dr. Prius and most OBD2 apps beyond the most rudimentary.
The “Mother of all Junks” OBD2 adapter, a classic cheap clone known for its widespread availability and poor performance.
OBD2 Mini with ON/OFF Switch: Intermittent Connection Issues
This adapter with an on/off switch exhibits erratic behavior. It is prone to losing connection and produces incomplete data responses, missing information in each data payload. While technically made to work with Dr. Prius, its instability makes it unreliable and not recommended.
The OBD2 adapter with an on/off switch, plagued by connection instability and incomplete data transmission.
GNTOP OBD2: Almost Functional, but Flawed
The GNTOP adapter stands out with its professional packaging and acrylic case. It initially shows promise and functions for many OBD2 tasks. However, a persistent bug prevents consistent data retrieval, specifically DTC error codes. This critical flaw, leading to user complaints and negative reviews, makes it unsuitable for reliable diagnostic work with Dr. Prius.
The GNTOP OBD2 adapter, nearly functional but ultimately flawed due to inconsistent data retrieval and missing DTC error codes.
BlueDriver: Expensive but App-Locked
Despite user inquiries, the BlueDriver adapter is confirmed incompatible with Dr. Prius and other ELM327-based apps. This $100 adapter is designed to function exclusively with its proprietary app, using non-ELM327 protocols. While BlueDriver itself is a quality product, its closed system nature prevents interoperability with third-party software. Technical support confirms its incompatibility with ELM327 software.
The BlueDriver OBD2 adapter, a high-quality but proprietary system, incompatible with Dr. Prius and other ELM327 apps.
Further Resources: Hybrid Assistant OBD Adapter Guide
For additional insights and recommendations on OBD2 adapters, consult the helpful resources provided by our partners at Hybrid Assistant:
The Hybrid Assistant logo, linking to valuable resources on OBD2 adapter compatibility.
- http://hybridassistant.blogspot.fr/p/obd.html
- http://hybridassistant.blogspot.fr/2016/08/quality-of-obd-adapters.html
Conclusion
The OBD2 adapter market is saturated with clones, many of which are unreliable and incompatible with specialized apps like Dr. Prius. Choosing the right blue tooth adapter obd2 doctor recommended is crucial for accurate diagnostics and a positive user experience. While this review covers a significant number of adapters, the market is constantly evolving. We encourage users to share their experiences and adapter recommendations. Contact us at [email protected] with your adapter models for testing and potential inclusion in future updates to this guide.
With gratitude,
Jack C.
PriusApp.com
