Communicating with your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) is now easier than ever, and it’s a vital step in maintaining your vehicle’s health. If that dreaded engine management light (EML) pops up on your dashboard, a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner can be your first step in understanding and resolving the issue. Even problems that don’t trigger the EML can be logged in the ECU, and these scanners can also provide insights into servicing needs and the performance of various components.
But with so many options available in the UK market, choosing the right Bluetooth OBD2 scanner can feel overwhelming. This guide will delve into the best Bluetooth OBD2 scanners available in the UK, helping you make an informed decision and keep your car running smoothly.
What Exactly is an OBD2 Scanner?
To tap into the wealth of information stored within your car’s ECU, you need a scanner or fault code reader. This device plugs into a standardized communication port in your car, known as the OBDII port. OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics, and the “II” signifies the second generation of this technology. In most vehicles, you’ll find this port located beneath the driver’s side dashboard, although it can sometimes be situated in the centre console area.
The OBD2 standard became mandatory in the United States around 1996. In Europe, it was adopted for petrol cars from 2001 and for diesel cars from 2004, making it a common feature in most cars on UK roads today.
Why Choose a Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner?
Bluetooth OBD2 scanners offer a convenient and cost-effective way to access your car’s diagnostic data. Unlike dedicated scanners with built-in screens, Bluetooth versions connect wirelessly to your smartphone or laptop, leveraging devices you already own. This typically translates to a more affordable entry point into car diagnostics.
The scanners we’ve tested are compact dongles that communicate via Bluetooth. The setup process is generally straightforward across the board. You’ll typically start by downloading a compatible app to your phone or laptop. Some scanners have their own dedicated apps, while others offer compatibility with a range of third-party options, giving you flexibility and choice.
Connecting is usually a breeze. Simply plug the Bluetooth device into your car’s OBD2 port, switch on the ignition, and launch the app on your device. Establishing a Bluetooth connection is generally a quick and painless process.
Having worked with car diagnostics for years, I wanted to assess if these budget-friendly Bluetooth scanners could genuinely deliver useful insights. Let’s explore the top contenders.
Top Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners in the UK: Hands-on Reviews
Here’s a rundown of the best Bluetooth OBD2 scanners we’ve tested, perfect for car owners in the UK looking for reliable and user-friendly diagnostic tools.
vLinker MC+
Award: Best Overall & Best Value
Pros: Clear connection status display, versatile app compatibility, excellent value for money.
Cons: Wide app choice can be initially overwhelming.
RRP: £59.95 Buy now
vGate, a well-known Chinese electronics manufacturer, offers the vLinker MC+ as a user-friendly option. Its standout feature is the clear LED display on the front, showing connection status and power supply, simplifying the pairing process. The “connect” button is a helpful addition for easy pairing with your chosen app. It works seamlessly with smartphones (Android & iOS) and Windows laptops/PCs, offering broad compatibility.
The vLinker MC+ truly shines in its versatility. Paired with the right app, like the “Car Scanner” app we tested, it provides in-depth diagnostic capabilities. We successfully diagnosed a parking sensor fault on an Audi A3, performed comprehensive system checks, and monitored live engine data, including fuel consumption and acceleration. The level of detail available is impressive for a scanner in this price range.
For a deeper dive, check out our full vLinker MC+ review.
OBDeleven
Award: Editor’s Choice
Pros: Simple, effective fault code scanning, user-friendly app.
Cons: Optimized for VAG, BMW, and limited other makes, can be physically small to handle.
RRP: £69.95 Buy now
The OBDeleven stands out for its compact size, though this can make it a bit fiddly to unplug from the OBD2 port. A keyring attachment is thoughtfully included, and a universal extension cable is also a good solution if you find it difficult to access your OBD2 port.
This scanner uses a dedicated app, specifically tailored for VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group), BMW, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. While it sometimes auto-identified our test vehicles, manual VIN entry was occasionally needed.
The free, entry-level app is focused and effective. It quickly scans for fault codes and performs system-level scans (e.g., audio, parking sensors, airbags). Fault codes are clearly presented with descriptions and additional helpful information.
Beyond fault code reading, the free app is basic, though live data is available for supported makes. For advanced features like one-click app functions for car settings adjustments and system tests, you’ll need to upgrade. Pro packages are available via annual subscription (from $53.29), or you can purchase credits for individual features (from $2.19).
With a two-year warranty and a straightforward, functional free app, the OBDeleven is a solid choice, particularly if you own a VAG or BMW vehicle.
Read Rob’s comprehensive OBDeleven review here.
TopDon TopScan
Award: Approved
Pros: Excellent dedicated fault-finding software, robust features.
Cons: Android app incompatibility with 32-bit phones, subscription required after the first year for full features.
RRP: £59.49 Buy now
TopDon, a brand known for professional-grade diagnostic tools, offers the TopScan Bluetooth scanner for the DIY enthusiast. It utilizes a dedicated mobile app, but we encountered an incompatibility issue with 32-bit Android phones (64-bit required). iPhone users with iOS 10 or later need the “TopGuru” app – information that wasn’t immediately obvious and required contacting support (who were commendably responsive).
App installation and connection to the TopDon scanner were otherwise quick and seamless. A DTC scan identified a parking sensor issue, mirroring the findings of the OBDeleven and vLinker MC+. Vehicle identification didn’t work in our tests, requiring manual vehicle selection. The “Hot Functions” menu, offering service resets like oil service and battery replacement, is a useful addition. However, live data streaming, freeze-frame data, and a dashboard display are absent, limiting live engine monitoring. The app is free for the first year, with subscriptions from $49-$99 annually thereafter.
For a detailed look, see Rob’s full TopDon TopScan review.
OBDLink CX
Pros: Free app included, compatible with third-party apps like BimmerCode, compact and discreet.
Cons: Very small size can make it difficult to grip and unplug.
RRP: £78 Buy now
The OBDLink CX is the entry-level Bluetooth scanner from US-based OBDLink. Its ultra-compact design allows for discreet storage in a glovebox or centre console. However, its small size made it challenging to unplug from the OBDII port in our testing. UK supplier Gendan offers a practical 20cm extension cable to solve this.
A user-friendly guide with a QR code for the free OBDLink app is included. App installation and connection were straightforward, though it required a couple of attempts initially. The app’s menu is simple and intuitive.
While diagnostics were responsive, the OBDLink CX missed an existing parking sensor fault in our tests.
The dashboard feature is a highlight, providing real-time readings for RPM, speed, MAF pressure, battery voltage, and fuel. Freeze-frame data is available when faults are logged. The app can also record trips, calculating fuel consumption and mileage, and display live data as graphs.
While OBDLink offers more advanced scanners, the CX is a good starting point for basic diagnostics and vehicle monitoring.
Read the OBDLink CX full review.
OBDLink MX+
Pros: Feature-rich free app, enhanced diagnostics capabilities.
Cons: Marginally better than the significantly cheaper CX model, higher price point.
RRP: £129.95 Buy now
OBDLink’s top-tier Bluetooth scanner, the MX+, packs a punch with numerous free features, though it’s also the priciest in this test. The app installation on smartphones or Kindle Fire devices is quick, and device pairing is seamless – simply plug it in and launch the app. A button on the scanner aids connection if needed, and a concise user guide simplifies setup.
The dedicated OBDLink app is user-friendly with a clear, seven-option menu.
The MX+ excels in diagnostic depth, particularly with enhanced diagnostics, successfully identifying a parking sensor fault missed by some other scanners and without triggering the EML.
Live data analysis is comprehensive, offering Dashboard instrument views, Graph plotted readings, a Map function for journey data logging and MPG calculation, and a Performance function for acceleration timing.
If you need advanced diagnostics, the MX+ justifies its higher price over the CX. However, for basic diagnostics, the CX offers excellent value and may suffice for many users.
Explore the OBDLink MX+ full review.
UniCarScan UCSI-2100
Pros: Wide selection of compatible free and generic apps, versatile platform support.
Cons: App choice can be overwhelming for beginners.
RRP: £54 Buy now
German manufacturer WGSoft’s UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is a compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanner compatible with a vast array of apps for smartphones (iOS & Android) and Windows PCs/laptops. These include dedicated apps for brands like BMW and Opel, as well as generic options like WGSoft’s ScanMaster app.
Connection to phones or laptops after plugging into the OBDII port is rapid. The level of detail depends on the chosen app. ScanMaster, for instance, offers nine menu options, though some features require in-app purchases. Fault codes are quickly retrieved, but it missed the parking sensor fault in our testing. Freeze-frame data and live data are valuable for in-depth diagnostics.
The UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is a practical, budget-friendly solution for emergency use and routine fault checks during car servicing.
Read Rob’s full UniCarScan scanner review.
vLinker FD+
Pros: Broad third-party app support across Windows, Android, and iOS.
Cons: Extensive app choice may require some trial and error to find the best fit.
RRP: £42 Buy now
Also from vGate, the vLinker FD+ is a compact Bluetooth scanner with a connection status display. Its small size can make it a little awkward to remove from the OBD2 port.
Choosing the right app from the vast selection of third-party and dedicated options can be a bit of a task. Pairing with smartphones or Windows laptops is straightforward and reliable. Depending on the app you select, you can access comprehensive fault information and live data for in-depth analysis.
The vLinker FD+ is a good entry point into car diagnostics and live data monitoring, offering a balance of features and affordability.
Explore the vLinker FD+ full review.
Choosing the Right Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner for You in the UK
Selecting the “best” Bluetooth OBD2 scanner ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. There’s no single perfect answer. Start by considering what you want to achieve with a scanner. For simply diagnosing an EML, any of the tested scanners will suffice. However, some offer deeper diagnostics for specific car brands, which is beneficial if you own a compatible vehicle – for BMW owners, scanners compatible with the BimmerCode app are worth considering.
Remember that not all scanners are universally compatible. Newer cars (from 2017 onwards) often use a CAN-Bus system for ECU communication, a type of OBDII protocol supported by some, but not all, scanners. If you have a newer vehicle, verify compatibility with the scanner manufacturer or supplier before purchasing. We found all manufacturers and suppliers contacted to be very helpful in clarifying compatibility.
All tested scanners can reset an EML by clearing fault codes. If you need additional reset functions, like oil service light resets, some scanners offer these as standard, while others require upgrades or subscriptions.
Similarly, extra features like live data, MPG calculation, and dashboard displays vary. Consider whether these are genuinely useful for your needs or simply added extras you may not utilize.
For further information on car diagnostics, explore reputable automotive websites and forums.
Disclaimer: This review is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional automotive advice. Always consult with a qualified mechanic for vehicle repairs and maintenance. Product prices and availability may vary.
