Communicating with your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) is essential for diagnosing issues and maintaining your vehicle’s health. When the check engine light illuminates, the ECU holds the key to understanding why. Even without a warning light, your ECU logs potential problems and tracks vital information like service needs and equipment performance.
What is a Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner?
Accessing this wealth of information is straightforward with an OBD2 scanner. These devices plug into your car’s standardized OBDII port, usually located beneath the driver’s side dashboard or in the center console. OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) has been the standard in the US since 1996, becoming mandatory in Europe for gasoline cars in 2001 and diesel cars in 2004.
Bluetooth OBD2 scanners take this a step further by wirelessly connecting to your smartphone or laptop, offering convenience and portability.
How We Tested the Top Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners
This test focused on Bluetooth-enabled scanners, consisting of a compact dongle that connects wirelessly to your mobile device or computer. These are generally more affordable than dedicated scanners with built-in screens.
The setup process for all seven tested Bluetooth scanners was similar. It begins with downloading a compatible app on your phone or laptop. Some scanners offer proprietary apps, while others are compatible with various third-party options.
Next, you plug the Bluetooth device into your vehicle’s OBD2 port, turn on the ignition, and launch the app. Connecting the device to a phone or laptop proved to be a quick and easy process in all cases.
With years of experience in car diagnostics, the aim of this test was to evaluate the effectiveness of these budget-friendly Bluetooth OBD2 scanners. Continue reading to see how they performed.
Top Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners: Quick Overview
Alt Text: vLinker MC+ Bluetooth OBD2 scanner with indicator lights displaying connection status.
vLinker MC+
Award: Best Overall & Best Value
Pros: Informative display for connection status, wide compatibility with third-party apps.
Cons: Extensive app choices may require time to find the ideal one.
Price: From $59.99 / £59.95
vGate, a Chinese electronics manufacturer, offers a broad range of scanners. The vLinker MC+ emphasizes user-friendliness, and it delivers. Its front panel features clear indicator lights that show connection status and power issues. A dedicated connect button simplifies app pairing. It’s compatible with numerous third-party apps for smartphones (Android and iOS) and Windows PCs or laptops.
The vLinker MC+, depending on the chosen app, can provide very detailed information. Using the “Car Scanner” app, it accurately diagnosed a parking sensor problem on an Audi A3. It performed a comprehensive system check and displayed live engine data, fuel consumption calculations, and even acceleration timing.
For a deeper dive into the vLinker MC+ scanner, read the full review.
Alt Text: Compact OBDeleven Bluetooth OBD2 scanner plugged into a vehicle’s OBD2 port.
OBDeleven
Award: Editor’s Choice
Pros: Straightforward and user-friendly fault code scanner.
Cons: Best suited for VAG, BMW, and select other car brands.
Price: From $88.34 / £69.95
The OBDeleven, one of the smallest Bluetooth OBD2 scanners tested, proved to be a bit challenging to remove from the OBD2 port in some vehicles. Fortunately, a keyring attachment provides leverage, and a universal extension cable offers a more permanent solution.
This device uses a dedicated app tailored for specific brands like VAG, BMW, and Rolls-Royce. During testing on multiple vehicles, it sometimes automatically identified the car, but other times required manual VIN input.
The free, basic app is functional for fault scanning and, in some cases, performs detailed scans of systems like audio, parking sensors, and airbags. Identified faults are presented with fault codes and helpful supplementary information.
Beyond fault code identification (and live data on supported makes), the free app is limited. Advanced features like one-click apps for car setting adjustments or system tests require upgrading to a Pro package (annual subscription from $53.29) or purchasing credits (from $2.19).
With a two-year warranty and an easy-to-use free scanning app, the OBDeleven is a reliable, no-frills tool for OBD2 diagnostics, especially for supported vehicle brands.
Explore Rob’s complete review of the OBDeleven here.
Alt Text: TopDon TopScan Bluetooth OBD2 scanner displayed with its dedicated mobile application interface.
TopDon TopScan
Award: Approved
Pros: Excellent dedicated software for fault detection.
Cons: Incompatible with 32-bit Android phones.
Price: $69.99 / £59.49
TopDon, a long-established manufacturer of professional mechanic diagnostic tools, presents the TopScan Bluetooth scanner for the DIY user. It requires downloading a dedicated mobile app, which unfortunately showed incompatibility issues with 32-bit Android phones (64-bit required). This issue was unique among the tested scanners. For iPhones (iOS 10 or later), the “TopGuru” app is needed, information that only surfaced after contacting customer support. Fortunately, both US and China-based support centers provided prompt responses.
Aside from this app compatibility issue, installation and connection with the TopDon scanner are quick. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) scan successfully identified a parking sensor fault, a finding matched by only two other scanners (OBDeleven and vLinker MC+). Vehicle identification failed during testing, necessitating manual vehicle selection by manufacturer. The “Hot Functions” menu, including oil service and battery reset, was a notable feature. However, the absence of live data streaming, freeze-frame data, or a dashboard view means real-time engine data monitoring is not possible. The app is free for the first year, followed by a subscription cost of $49-$99 per year.
For more in-depth information on the TopDon scanner, see Rob’s full review.
Alt Text: Compact OBDLink CX Bluetooth OBD2 scanner next to a car key for size comparison.
OBDLink CX
Pros: Free dedicated app, compatible with third-party apps like BimmerCode.
Cons: Very small size makes it difficult to unplug from the OBDII port.
Price: From $79.99 / £78
The OBDLink CX is the entry-level Bluetooth scanner from US-based OBDLink. Its extremely small size allows for convenient storage in a glovebox or center console. However, this compactness made it challenging to grip and unplug from the OBDII port. A 20cm (8in) extension cable, available from UK supplier Gendan, resolves this issue.
A concise user guide with a QR code simplifies downloading the free OBDLink app. Once installed, connecting is straightforward: start the engine, plug in the device, launch the app, and wait. While connection took a couple of attempts, it was generally quick. The app features a simple, intuitive menu.
The diagnostic response is fast, but it missed an existing parking sensor fault during testing.
The dashboard feature is a strong point, providing real-time readings for engine RPM, speed, MAF pressure, battery voltage, and fuel level. It also supports freeze-frame data capture when a fault is logged. Trip logging with fuel consumption and mileage calculations is another useful feature, and live data can be displayed graphically.
While OBDLink offers more advanced scanners, the CX provides a valuable entry point into OBD2 diagnostics with a good balance of features and ease of use.
Read the OBDLink CX full review.
Alt Text: OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth OBD2 scanner showcasing its robust and slightly larger design.
OBDLink MX+
Pros: Feature-rich free app with enhanced diagnostics capabilities.
Cons: Marginally better than the significantly cheaper CX model.
Price: From $139.95 / £129.95
OBDLink’s top-tier Bluetooth scanner, the MX+, is packed with features and comes with a comprehensive free app. It’s also the most expensive scanner in this test group. The app, compatible with smartphones and even Kindle Fire, installs quickly. Connection is equally fast and seamless – plug the scanner into the OBDII port and open the app. A button on the scanner aids connection if needed. A brief user guide simplifies the process.
The dedicated OBDLink app is exceptionally user-friendly with a straightforward seven-option menu.
The depth of diagnostic analysis, particularly with enhanced diagnostics, is impressive. It successfully detected a parking sensor fault that didn’t trigger the check engine light.
Live data analysis features are extensive. The Dashboard provides virtual instrument displays. The Graph function visually represents data for comparisons. The Map function facilitates journey data logging for parameters and MPG calculation. The Performance function measures acceleration times.
The MX+ justifies its higher price over the CX if enhanced diagnostics are a priority. Otherwise, the more affordable CX offers excellent value.
Explore the OBDLink MX+ full review.
Alt Text: UniCarScan UCSI-2100 Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, highlighting its compact and durable build.
UniCarScan UCSI-2100
Pros: Wide selection of compatible free dedicated and generic apps.
Cons: Abundant app choices can be overwhelming for some users.
Price: From $79.99 / £54
Manufactured by WGSoft in Germany, the UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is a compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanner compatible with a vast array of apps. These apps are available for smartphones (iOS and Android) and Windows PCs or laptops. Some are brand-specific (e.g., BMW, Opel), while others are generic, including WGSoft’s own ScanMaster app.
Connection to a phone or laptop after plugging into the OBDII port is rapid. The level of detail available depends on the app used. ScanMaster, for example, offers nine menu options, though some features require in-app purchases. Trouble codes are quickly displayed, but the scanner did not detect the parking sensor fault in testing. Freeze-frame data is a valuable feature for capturing values at the moment a fault occurs, and live data aids in-depth engine analysis for diagnosis.
The UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is a useful and affordable solution for emergency diagnostics and routine fault checks during service intervals, easily stored in a glovebox.
Read Rob’s comprehensive review of the UniCarScan scanner.
Alt Text: vLinker FD+ Bluetooth OBD2 scanner showcasing its design and indicator lights.
vLinker FD+
Pros: Compatible with a broad range of third-party apps for Windows, Android, and iOS.
Cons: Extensive app compatibility may require some experimentation to find the best fit.
Price: From $49.99 / £42
The vLinker FD+, from Chinese manufacturer vGate, is globally available. This compact Bluetooth scanner includes indicator lights on its face to confirm connection status after plugging in. Its small size can make removal from the OBD2 socket a bit fiddly.
Alt Text: vLinker FD+ Bluetooth OBD2 scanner paired with a smartphone app interface displaying diagnostic data.
Choosing a compatible third-party app can be challenging due to the sheer number of options, including dedicated apps. Pairing with a smartphone or Windows laptop is straightforward and reliable. Depending on the chosen app, users can expect detailed fault information and live data for in-depth analysis.
The vLinker FD+ offers a good entry point into car diagnostics and live data retrieval at a budget-friendly price.
Explore the vLinker FD+ full review.
Choosing the Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner for Your Needs
Selecting the ideal Bluetooth OBD2 scanner can seem daunting. There’s no single “best” option; the right choice depends on your specific needs. Start by considering your primary purpose. If you mainly need to diagnose check engine lights, any of the tested scanners will suffice. However, some offer enhanced diagnostics for specific car brands, which is beneficial if your vehicle is supported. For BMW owners, for example, a scanner compatible with the BimmerCode app is recommended.
Be aware that scanner compatibility varies across car models. Newer vehicles (2017 onwards) often use a CAN-Bus (Controller Area Network) system for ECU communication, a type of OBDII protocol supported by some, but not all, scanners. If your car is newer, confirm compatibility with the manufacturer or supplier before purchase. Customer support was generally helpful in this regard during testing.
All tested scanners can reset the check engine light by clearing fault codes. If you require additional reset functions, such as oil service light resets, these may come at an extra cost, either as part of a pro package or subscription.
Similarly, advanced features like live data, MPG calculation, and dashboard displays vary in availability and cost. Consider whether these features are essential tools or simply appealing extras for your needs.
For more detailed information on car diagnostics, explore further resources online and consult with automotive professionals.
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