Maintaining your vehicle’s health is crucial, and understanding what’s happening under the hood is the first step. The Engine Management Light (EML) on your dashboard can be a source of anxiety, but it’s your car’s way of communicating potential issues. Even when the EML isn’t illuminated, your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) might be logging problems or signaling the need for maintenance. Bluetooth OBD2 scanners offer a user-friendly and affordable way to tap into this wealth of information. But with so many options available, knowing what Bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy can be overwhelming.
This guide dives into the world of Bluetooth OBD2 scanners, evaluating top contenders to help you make an informed decision. We’ve rigorously tested a range of devices to bring you expert recommendations for your car diagnostic needs.
Understanding OBD2 Scanners
To understand what Bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy, it’s important to first grasp what an OBD2 scanner is and what it does. OBD2 stands for On-Board Diagnostics, second generation. It’s a standardized system that allows you to access your car’s ECU through a communication port, typically located under the driver’s side dashboard or in the center console.
This standardization began in the United States around 1996, becoming mandatory for gasoline cars in Europe by 2001 and for diesels by 2004. The OBD2 port is your gateway to understanding your car’s health, allowing you to read fault codes, monitor engine performance, and much more.
How We Evaluated the Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners
Our testing process involved a hands-on approach with seven different Bluetooth OBD2 scanners. Each scanner in our test is a compact dongle that wirelessly connects to your smartphone or laptop via Bluetooth. This wireless functionality is a key advantage, offering greater flexibility compared to traditional, bulkier scanners with built-in screens. Bluetooth OBD2 scanners are also generally more budget-friendly, making car diagnostics accessible to a wider audience.
The setup for each scanner followed a similar pattern. We started by downloading the necessary app – some scanners use dedicated apps provided by the manufacturer, while others are compatible with a variety of third-party OBD2 applications. Next, we plugged each Bluetooth device into the OBD2 port of our test vehicles, turned on the ignition, and launched the app. Connecting the scanner to a smartphone or laptop proved to be a simple and quick process across all devices tested.
With years of experience in automotive diagnostics, we were keen to assess the capabilities of these consumer-grade Bluetooth OBD2 scanners. Our goal was to determine if these affordable devices could provide accurate and useful diagnostic information, and to help you decide what Bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy for your specific needs. Read on for our in-depth reviews and recommendations.
Top Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners: In-Depth Reviews
vLinker MC+
Award: Best Overall & Best Value
Pros: Clear connection status display, versatile app compatibility.
Cons: Extensive third-party app selection may require some initial research to find the best fit.
RRP: From $59.99 Buy now / £59.95 Buy now
vGate, a well-known electronics manufacturer, offers the vLinker MC+ as a user-friendly OBD2 scanner. Its standout feature is the clear LED display on the front, which provides instant feedback on connection status and power supply, simplifying the pairing process. A dedicated connect button further streamlines setup with your chosen app. The vLinker MC+ supports a broad spectrum of third-party apps on Android, iOS, and Windows platforms, offering flexibility in how you access and interpret your car’s data.
During testing, the vLinker MC+, paired with the “Car Scanner” app, proved to be a powerful diagnostic tool. It accurately identified a parking sensor issue on an Audi A3 and performed a thorough system scan. The ability to display live data, including engine parameters, fuel consumption, and acceleration metrics, makes the vLinker MC+ a versatile option for both basic fault code reading and advanced vehicle monitoring. If you are considering what bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy that balances features and price, the vLinker MC+ is a strong contender.
For a deeper dive, read our full review of the vLinker MC+ scanner.
OBDeleven
Award: Editor’s Choice
Pros: Straightforward fault code scanning, ease of use.
Cons: Optimized for VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group), BMW, and limited other makes; smaller size can make it slightly harder to remove from the OBD2 port.
RRP: From $88.34 Buy now /£69.95 Buy now
The OBDeleven stands out for its compact size, although this can make it a bit fiddly to unplug from the OBD2 port. A keyring attachment is included to aid removal, and an optional universal extension cable can further alleviate this.
This scanner utilizes a dedicated app tailored for specific vehicle brands, primarily VAG, BMW, and Rolls-Royce. While it sometimes automatically identified test vehicles, manual VIN entry was occasionally required. The free, entry-level app provides essential fault code scanning and, in some cases, deeper scans of systems like audio, parking sensors, and airbags. Faults are clearly presented with codes and supplementary information.
The free app’s functionality is focused on fault identification, with live data availability limited to certain makes. For advanced features like one-click coding apps to modify vehicle settings or perform system tests, users can upgrade to Pro packages (annual subscription starting from $53.29) or purchase credits (from $2.19). If you own a VAG or BMW vehicle and are searching for what bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy for focused diagnostics on these brands, the OBDeleven is a compelling choice, offering a balance of simplicity and brand-specific features.
Explore the complete OBDeleven review here.
TopDon TopScan
Award: Approved
Pros: Excellent dedicated app for fault diagnostics.
Cons: App incompatibility with 32-bit Android phones.
RRP: $69.99 Buy now / £59.49 Buy now
TopDon, a company with a history in professional-grade diagnostic tools, presents the TopScan Bluetooth scanner aimed at the DIY user. It requires a dedicated app download, but we encountered an incompatibility issue with 32-bit Android phones (64-bit required), a problem not seen with other scanners tested. For iOS users (iOS 10 or later), the “TopGuru” app is necessary, a detail initially discovered through their responsive support centers in the US and China.
Once the app is installed and running on compatible devices, connecting to the TopDon scanner is quick. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) scanning effectively identified a parking sensor fault, matching the performance of only two other scanners in our test (OBDeleven and vLinker MC+). While automatic vehicle identification was unsuccessful in our tests, manual vehicle selection, starting with the manufacturer, was straightforward. The “Hot Functions” menu, offering service resets like oil service and battery replacement, is a valuable addition. However, the lack of live data streaming, freeze-frame data, or a dashboard view limits real-time engine monitoring. Furthermore, the app is only free for the first year, with subsequent annual subscriptions costing $49-$99. For users prioritizing a robust dedicated app for fault finding and service resets, and wondering what bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy in this category, the TopDon TopScan is a strong contender, provided you have a compatible smartphone.
For more information, see Rob’s full review of the TopDon scanner.
OBDLink CX
Pros: Free dedicated app, compatible with third-party apps like BimmerCode.
Cons: Very small size can make it difficult to unplug from the OBDII port.
RRP: From $79.99 Buy now or £78 Buy now
The OBDLink CX is the entry-level Bluetooth scanner from OBDLink, a US-based manufacturer. Its exceptionally small size is convenient for storage in a glovebox or center console, making it readily available in your vehicle. However, this compact design can also make it challenging to grip and remove from the OBDII port. A 20cm extension cable, available from UK supplier Gendan, addresses this issue.
The included user guide is clear and includes a QR code for easy app download. Connecting to the app after plugging in the device and starting the car’s engine was generally quick, although it occasionally required a couple of attempts. The app itself is user-friendly with a simple menu structure.
While the diagnostic response is rapid, the OBDLink CX did not detect a pre-existing parking sensor fault during our test. The dashboard feature is a useful addition, displaying real-time readings for engine RPM, speed, MAF pressure, battery voltage, and fuel level. It also supports freeze-frame data capture upon fault logging and trip logging with fuel consumption and mileage calculations. Live data can be visualized as graphs for in-depth analysis. While OBDLink offers more feature-rich and expensive scanners, the CX serves as a capable and affordable entry point. If you are starting your search for what bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy, the OBDLink CX is a good starting point.
Read the full OBDLink CX review here.
OBDLink MX+
Pros: Free app with advanced diagnostic capabilities.
Cons: Provides only marginal improvements over the significantly cheaper CX model.
RRP: From $139.95 Buy now / £129.95 Buy now
OBDLink’s premium Bluetooth scanner, the MX+, boasts a comprehensive feature set and comes with numerous free functionalities. It is the most expensive scanner in our test group. The dedicated app, compatible with smartphones and Kindle Fire devices, installs quickly, and connecting the scanner is straightforward via the OBDII port. A button on the scanner aids connection if needed, and a concise user guide simplifies setup.
The OBDLink app is intuitive and easy to navigate, featuring a streamlined seven-option menu. The MX+ excels in diagnostic depth, particularly with its enhanced diagnostics, successfully identifying a parking sensor fault that did not trigger the EML.
Live data analysis is highly versatile, offering various display options. The Dashboard presents instrument-style readouts, while the Graph function visualizes data trends. The Map function enables journey data logging for MPG calculations and parameter analysis, and a Performance feature calculates acceleration times. If you require advanced diagnostics and are wondering what bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy with top-tier features, the MX+ is worth considering. However, for many users, the value proposition compared to the much more affordable CX might be less compelling.
Explore the OBDLink MX+ full review.
UniCarScan UCSI-2100
Pros: Wide selection of dedicated and generic free apps.
Cons: App abundance can be overwhelming for some users.
RRP: From $79.99 Buy now / £54 Buy now
The UniCarScan UCSI-2100, manufactured by WGSoft in Germany, is a compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanner compatible with a vast array of apps for smartphones (iOS and Android) and Windows PCs or laptops. These apps range from brand-specific options for BMW and Opel to generic apps like WGSoft’s own ScanMaster.
Connection to devices is rapid after plugging into the OBDII port. The level of detail provided depends on the chosen app; ScanMaster, for example, offers nine menu options, although some features require in-app purchases. Fault codes are quickly retrieved, but the UniCarScan did not detect the parking sensor fault in our testing. Freeze-frame data and live data features are valuable for detailed fault analysis and engine monitoring. For users seeking a versatile and portable scanner to keep in the car for emergency use and routine checks, and asking what bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy for general purposes, the UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is a practical and cost-effective solution.
Read Rob’s comprehensive UniCarScan scanner review.
vLinker FD+
Pros: Compatible with a wide range of third-party apps across Windows, Android, and iOS.
Cons: Extensive app compatibility may require some trial and error to find the ideal app.
RRP: From $49.99 Buy now / £42 Buy now
The vLinker FD+, another offering from vGate, is a globally available compact Bluetooth scanner. It features a connection status display and pairs easily with smartphones and Windows laptops. Its smaller size can sometimes make removal from the OBD2 socket slightly awkward.
The sheer volume of compatible third-party apps, including dedicated and generic options, can be both a benefit and a challenge. Finding the perfect app may require some experimentation. However, once paired with a suitable app, the vLinker FD+ provides comprehensive fault information and live data for in-depth analysis. For those new to car diagnostics and live data retrieval, and wondering what bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy as an entry point, the vLinker FD+ offers an accessible and feature-rich introduction.
Explore the vLinker FD+ full review.
Choosing the Right Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner: A Buyer’s Guide
Deciding what Bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. There’s no single “best” scanner for everyone. Start by considering what you intend to use the scanner for.
If your primary goal is simply to diagnose the cause of an illuminated EML, then any of the scanners tested will suffice. They all effectively read and clear fault codes. However, some scanners offer deeper, make-specific diagnostics, which can be advantageous if your vehicle is supported. For instance, if you drive a BMW, scanners compatible with the BimmerCode app are worth considering for enhanced BMW-specific functionality.
Vehicle Compatibility is Key: It’s crucial to ensure the scanner is compatible with your car. Modern vehicles (from approximately 2017 onwards) often utilize CAN-Bus communication systems, a type of OBDII protocol. While most modern scanners support CAN-Bus, it’s always best to confirm compatibility with the manufacturer or supplier before purchasing, especially if you have a newer car. We found customer support to be readily available and helpful in addressing compatibility queries.
Consider Reset Functions: All tested scanners can reset the EML by clearing fault codes. However, you might require additional reset functions, such as resetting the oil service light after an oil change. Some scanners include these functions as standard, while others may require a paid upgrade, a Pro package, or an annual subscription.
Evaluate Extra Features: Features like live data streaming, MPG calculation, and dashboard displays can be useful, but consider if they are essential for your needs or simply “nice-to-haves.” Decide which features are truly valuable to you and factor them into your decision when considering what bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy.
In summary, when considering what Bluetooth OBD2 scanner to buy, think about:
- Your car make and model: Some scanners are better suited for specific brands.
- Your diagnostic needs: Basic fault code reading or advanced system analysis?
- Desired features: Live data, reset functions, etc.
- Budget: Prices vary significantly, from entry-level to premium options.
- App compatibility and user-friendliness: A good app is crucial for scanner usability.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can confidently choose the best Bluetooth OBD2 scanner to keep your car running smoothly.
For more in-depth information on car diagnostics, explore further resources online and consult automotive professionals.
Disclaimer: Pricing and availability of products may vary. Always check with retailers for the most up-to-date information.
