Car head-up displays (HUDs) might not be the first car accessory on your shopping list, but trust us, once you experience driving with crucial information projected right in your line of sight, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. While they might seem like a luxury, HUDs are incredibly practical, primarily because they help you keep your eyes on the road.
Navigating the market for car head-up displays can be overwhelming, with numerous options available. Sorting through the noise to find genuinely worthwhile HUDs can be challenging. Luckily, we’ve rigorously tested a variety of head-up displays to pinpoint exactly what makes a great one. We’ve sifted through the subpar options to bring you the best Hud Head Up Obd2 displays that are actually worth your investment.
Whether you’re looking for a device that seamlessly connects to your smartphone, your car’s onboard computer, or both, we’ve curated a list of top-tier car head-up displays currently available. For those particularly interested in vehicle diagnostics and performance data, HUD head up OBD2 compatibility is a key feature. Let’s dive into the best options and what to consider.
Top HUD Head Up OBD2 Displays on the Market
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Image: The Hudway Drive head-up display unit mounted on a car dashboard, projecting information for the driver’s view.
1. Hudway Drive: The Premium OBD2 HUD with Comprehensive Data Integration
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Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.3 x 4.0 inches
- Weight: 9.0 ounces
- Power Source: 12-volt accessory outlet
- Display Size: 1.8 inches
- Display Type: Color
- Parameters Displayed: 11
- Alert System: Yes
Reasons to Choose Hudway Drive:
- Integrated Projection Screen: Features a standalone projection screen for optimal visibility.
- OBD2 and Smartphone Integration: Seamlessly combines data from your car’s OBD2 port, GPS, and smartphone.
- Clear and Readable Display: Presents information in an easy-to-understand format.
Considerations:
- Size: A larger unit compared to some competitors.
- Price: Positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum for HUDs.
The Hudway Drive stands out as a comprehensive HUD head up OBD2 solution, packing in virtually every feature you could desire. It skillfully merges data streams from your vehicle’s OBD2 port, GPS satellites, and your smartphone to deliver a wealth of information directly into your field of vision. While it doesn’t offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay integration, its extensive feature set more than compensates.
Priced at $279, the Hudway Drive is among the pricier HUDs available. However, the sheer volume of data it can project – from speed and RPMs to turn-by-turn navigation – justifies the investment for many drivers. Keep in mind its larger size, and the potential for the fold-down screen to slightly obstruct your view. For drivers seeking a feature-rich OBD2 HUD, the Hudway Drive is a top contender.
For an in-depth analysis, read our comprehensive Hudway Drive review.
Image: The Pyle PHUD180BD, an OBD2 head-up display, shown mounted and operational on a car’s dashboard.
2. Pyle PHUD180BD: High-Value OBD2 HUD with Extensive Data Readouts
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Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 5.3 x 3.0 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 4.4 ounces
- Power Source: OBD2 port
- Display Size: 5.5 inches
- Display Type: Color
- Parameters Displayed: 14
- Alert System: Yes
Reasons to Choose Pyle PHUD180BD:
- Standalone Screen: Comes with its own projection screen for clear visuals.
- Comprehensive Data Display: Offers an impressive range of vehicle data readouts via OBD2.
- Bright and Vivid Display: Ensures excellent visibility in various lighting conditions.
Considerations:
- Screen Obstruction: The projection screen might, in some setups, slightly impede the driver’s view.
- No Smartphone Integration: Lacks connectivity with smartphones.
The Pyle PHUD180BD impressively packs a wealth of information onto its 5.5-inch screen, especially considering its budget-friendly price of around $67. While not the absolute cheapest HUD head up OBD2 option, it provides exceptional value, particularly as it integrates both OBD2 and GPS data.
Featuring a bright and large display, the Pyle PHUD180BD can showcase over two dozen types of vehicle information, making it a standout OBD2 HUD for the price. While the projection screen’s positioning might be a minor concern for some, and smartphone integration is absent, its rich feature set and affordability make it a compelling choice.
Delve deeper into its performance in our full Pyle PHUD180OBD review.
Image: A Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS Head Up Display, an example of a compact OBD2 HUD, mounted on a car dashboard.
3. Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS: Feature-Rich and Affordable OBD2 HUD
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Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 5.0 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 4.4 ounces
- Power Source: 12-volt accessory outlet
- Display Size: 1.8 inches
- Display Type: Color
- Parameters Displayed: 15
- Alert System: Yes
Reasons to Choose Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS:
- Integrated Projection Screen: Includes a self-contained screen for projection.
- Dual Data Source (OBD2 & GPS): Utilizes both OBD2 and GPS data for comprehensive information.
- Fold-Down Screen Design: Offers the option to fold down the screen when not needed.
Considerations:
- No Smartphone Integration: Does not offer connectivity to smartphones.
- Navigation Limitations: Lacks dedicated navigation features.
The Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS is another strong contender in the OBD2 HUD market, combining GPS and OBD2 data to present a wealth of vehicle information in a visually appealing format. This HUD head up OBD2 is particularly appealing to drivers who want more data than their standard dashboard provides, offering parameters that car enthusiasts will appreciate. If you’re interested in monitoring metrics like air-to-fuel ratio or turbo pressure, the Wiiyii C1 is worth considering.
While it doesn’t include smartphone integration or navigation, it compensates with a self-contained projection screen, OBD2 fault code scanning and alerts, and a wide array of displayed data. All this comes at an attractive price point of around $56.
Read our full Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS review for more details.
Image: A Dagood A8 head-up display, an OBD2 compatible device, mounted on the dashboard of a car.
4. Akabane A500: Performance-Focused OBD2 HUD with Advanced Features
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Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.3 x 2.9 inches
- Weight: 5.1 ounces
- Power Source: OBD-II port
- Display Size: 3.5 inches
- Display Type: Color
- Parameters Displayed: 60
- Alert System: Yes
Reasons to Choose Akabane A500:
- OBD2 and GPS Data: Integrates both OBD2 and GPS for enhanced functionality.
- Direct View Display: Offers a clear, direct view screen.
- Extensive Parameter Display: Shows a vast amount of vehicle parameters.
Considerations:
- Design: Can appear somewhat bulky and less streamlined.
- Potential View Obstruction: Its size might slightly obstruct the driver’s line of sight.
- Interface Complexity: Menu and interface navigation can be a bit confusing.
The Akabane A500 HUD head up OBD2 goes beyond basic display functions, pairing OBD2 connectivity with GPS capabilities to offer features not commonly found in other HUDs. Beyond displaying a wide range of vehicle data, it includes performance testing features like braking and acceleration measurement. If you’re curious about your car’s actual 0-60 mph time, the Akabane A500 can help, though we advise against performance testing on public roads.
While its menu system might be less intuitive, and the 3.5-inch screen isn’t the largest, it compensates with a wealth of useful driving information, OBD2 fault detection, and an attractive price tag.
For a detailed look, check out the full Akabane A500 review.
Image: The Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter, a GPS-based head-up display, mounted on a car dashboard showing angle data.
5. Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter: Specialized HUD for Off-Road Enthusiasts (GPS-Based, No OBD2)
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Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches
- Weight: 2.9 ounces
- Power Source: 12-volt accessory outlet
- Display Size: 2.1 inches
- Display Type: Color
- Parameters Displayed: 6
- Alert System: No
Reasons to Choose Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter:
- GPS Data Source: Relies on GPS for data, ideal for areas with limited OBD2 compatibility needs.
- Tilt and Roll Sensors: Includes sensors to display vehicle tilt and roll angles, crucial for off-roading.
- Direct View Display: Offers a straightforward, direct view of the displayed information.
- USB Power Ports: Accessory adapter includes dual USB power ports for charging devices.
Considerations:
- No OBD2 Data: Does not access OBD2 data, limiting vehicle-specific information.
- Design Height: Taller design might obstruct visibility for some drivers.
- No Smartphone Integration: Lacks smartphone connectivity.
For those venturing off the beaten path, the Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter is a specialized car head-up display to consider. Utilizing GPS and internal sensors, it presents standard driving data alongside unique off-road metrics like tilt and roll angles, alerting you to potentially hazardous vehicle angles.
While it forgoes OBD2 data, which might be a drawback for highway drivers wanting engine diagnostics, its compact and lightweight design, and user-friendly interface, make it a strong option for off-roaders. It’s important to note this unit is GPS-based and does not function as an OBD2 HUD.
Read more in our full Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter review.
Key Considerations When Choosing a HUD Head Up OBD2 Display
The best head-up displays present essential vehicle parameters in a clear, easily digestible format, right in the driver’s line of sight. Standalone HUDs often surpass built-in systems in data range, though they typically don’t integrate with car entertainment or navigation systems. When considering a HUD head up OBD2, several factors come into play.
Data Display and Integration: Not all HUDs are created equal. Some merely mirror basic dashboard info like speed, while OBD2 HUDs can access a wealth of engine and performance data, including RPM, coolant temperature, and fuel consumption. The best OBD2 HUDs offer a wide range of parameters, enhancing driver awareness and vehicle monitoring.
Screen Type and Visibility: HUDs employ different screen technologies – direct view or windshield projection. Projection types can create larger virtual images but may suffer in bright sunlight. Fold-down screens offer improved clarity, especially in projector-based HUDs, and can be stowed away when not in use. Color displays are highly beneficial, allowing for more information to be presented effectively.
Ease of Use and Interface: A user-friendly interface is critical. Simple button layouts are preferable, as complex, multi-layered menus can be distracting while driving. Consider how easily you can navigate settings and customize the displayed information.
Power and Connectivity: HUD head up OBD2 units primarily draw data and power from your car’s OBD2 port, providing access to extensive vehicle diagnostics. GPS-based HUDs, while offering location and speed data, may lack detailed vehicle information from the OBD2 system. Installation should be straightforward, typically involving plugging into the OBD2 port and securing the unit on the dashboard.
Cost vs. Features: While budget HUDs exist, investing slightly more can yield significant improvements in display quality, features, and data accuracy. Higher-priced OBD2 HUDs often offer broader data compatibility, better screen technology, and smartphone integration.
Understanding OBD2 and its Role in HUDs
OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) is a standardized system in most modern vehicles that provides access to vehicle performance and diagnostic data. A HUD head up OBD2 device plugs into your car’s OBD2 port, typically located under the dashboard, to retrieve real-time information from the car’s computer. This data can include:
- Speed (RPM): Engine revolutions per minute.
- Vehicle Speed: Current driving speed.
- Coolant Temperature: Engine coolant temperature.
- Battery Voltage: Vehicle’s battery charge level.
- Fuel Consumption: Real-time fuel economy.
- Turbo Pressure: (If applicable) Turbocharger boost pressure.
- Fault Codes: Diagnostic trouble codes indicating potential vehicle issues.
By displaying this OBD2 data, HUDs empower drivers with immediate insights into their vehicle’s operation, enhancing safety and providing valuable performance feedback.
How We Evaluate HUD Head Up OBD2 Displays
Our testing process for HUD head up OBD2 displays is comprehensive, combining bench testing with real-world driving evaluations.
Initial Setup and Installation: We assess the ease of installation and setup, focusing on how quickly and securely each HUD can be installed. Wire concealment and cable management are also evaluated for a clean and unobtrusive setup.
Startup and Shutdown Timing: We measure the boot-up and shut-down times of each HUD to gauge responsiveness and seamless operation with the vehicle’s ignition cycle.
Display Quality and Interface: We evaluate display sharpness, clarity, and interface design in various lighting conditions. Usability and intuitiveness of the interface controls are rigorously tested.
On-Road Performance: Extensive test drives are conducted to assess the HUD’s real-world usability. This includes evaluating data accuracy, display stability during acceleration and deceleration, and visibility in different lighting scenarios.
Special Features Testing: We test any unique features offered, such as performance measurement tools, navigation prompts, or smartphone integration, to verify their functionality and effectiveness.
By combining these rigorous testing phases, we aim to provide you with a clear and data-backed assessment of the best HUD head up OBD2 displays available, helping you choose the perfect upgrade for your driving experience.
