- Top 5 Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners
- Table of contents
- 1. Editor’s Pick: BAFX Products Bluetooth Diagnostic OBD2 Scanner
- Promoted Product: Carly Scanner
- 2. BlueDriver Professional OBD2 Scan Tool
- 3. Foseal WiFi OBD2 Scan Tool
- 10 Best OBD2 Scanners of 2023
- Top 10 Best OBD2 Scanners
- 1. BlueDriver Bluetooth – Best OBD2 Scanner Overall
- Pros
- Cons
Top 5 Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners
Everyone knows how imperative it is to service their vehicles to make sure they’re running smoothly and efficiently. But even if someone is following the manufacturer-suggested service intervals and keeping their car in good shape, the check engine light might show up and ruin the good feels that come with proper maintenance. But there’s no need to panic and take another costly trip to your mechanic. Running diagnostics on your own car is easy.
Your car has a computer system that monitors various other subsystems that make your car work. On-board diagnostics (OBD) tools allow you to check the status of your car’s subsystems without having to go to a mechanic. From diagnosing a check engine light to figuring out your fuel economy, there’s a lot an OBD scanner can do for you.
With Bluetooth devices, it gets even easier as you can now use your tablets or smartphones as dependable diagnostic scanning tools. Using apps that talk to a Bluetooth scanner plugged into your car’s computer, the interface of the diagnostic tool would be one you’re already used to.
While there are many types of OBD2 scanning tools, Bluetooth wireless scanners are much more convenient than traditional ones. To help you pick an OBD2 scanner for your vehicle, we have compiled a list of the top 5 best Bluetooth OBD2 scanners.
For more information on Bluetooth OBD2 scanners, refer to our table of contents.
Table of contents
1. Editor’s Pick: BAFX Products Bluetooth Diagnostic OBD2 Scanner
The BAFX Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner can read and clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) on both Windows and Android platforms. The device provides users with an easy setup so that even beginners can diagnose and check their vehicles on their own, and can even be made to work more smoothly using third-party applications like the Torque Pro.
The BAFX OBD2 scan tool is compatible with all American-based vehicles manufactured in the year 1996 and later. Unlike other cheaper models in the same price range, this scanner does not have any issues with J1850 and CAN systems, so you know you can rely on its compatibility and performance. The scanner offers real-time sensor information and can send it to your phone via Bluetooth so that you can be remotely informed about crucial data.
You can get a demo version of the software when buying the scanner to use with your PC. BAFX Products offers users a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, and also boasts amazing customer service that can deal with any issues your scanner faces even after the warranty expires.
That said, since the scanner has been designed to work for vehicles in the United States, any international clients outside the U.S. may have compatibility issues. Check with the manufacturer before purchasing if you’re planning to use it on a vehicle outside the U.S. Even though the device doesn’t cater to iOS users, it still holds positive reviews in the Android and Windows communities, making it an ideal choice for a basic OBD2 scanner.
Great performance, provides readable OBD2 check engine light codes, gives graph sensor readings, reset option for call, good warranty and customer service, easy to use
Promoted Product: Carly Scanner
The Carly Scanner is more than just an OBD2 scanner. Paired with Carly’s dedicated mobile app — available for iOS and Android in both a free version and a paid annual license option — Carly users get instant access to some seriously advanced features. We’re talking in-depth manufacturer-grade diagnostics, the ability to check used vehicles for odometer fraud, tracking live parameters and stats, and easily resetting service intervals. It even offers coding tools to unlock hidden features of your car (though you’ll need to upgrade to the paid license version of the app in order to access this and other features). Even if you buy the paid license, it will still be cheaper and easier than taking your car to a mechanic every time you want something coded, or an error code cleared.
The Carly Scanner works with all car models with an OBD2 port, using Bluetooth to establish a fast, secure connection, though it’s worth noting that the range of available features will depend on the make, model, and year of your car. That said, Carly is always working on developing new functions for more car brands; visit the company’s website to see the exact list of features Carly currently offers for your brand.
Simply put, Carly is the most advanced OBD2 device on the market, especially with their new feature, Smart Mechanic, which gives you detailed fault descriptions created by expert mechanics so you can see what you can repair yourself. And best of all? The Carly Scanner comes with a lifetime warranty and premium customer support for added peace of mind.
Unlocks manufacturer-grade diagnostics and advanced features like coding, supports all car brands with an OBD2 port, compatible with both iOS and Android, comes with a lifetime warranty
While all car brands are supported, some advanced features are only available on specific makes/models
2. BlueDriver Professional OBD2 Scan Tool
The BlueDriver is a master of diagnosis and repair, so it isn’t focused on things like fuel efficiency and other driving data. It does provide you with accurate and detailed data readings on your car’s systems and the appropriate fixes for any issues it discovers.
Not only do you get to avoid any waste of time connecting and disconnecting your devices, but you can benefit from remote online downloads and upgrades without having to worry about connecting wires to your device. The wireless feature also makes the BlueDriver very easy to set up and use even for beginners. All you have to do is plug it in and read the data on your smartphone or tablet.
Another helpful feature is that the software is free of charge for downloading on Android and Apple platforms, making it convenient to connect with your mobile devices and gadgets with a quick download and pairing of an app. The bottom line is that the BlueDriver saves you money and time, making it a smart choice for any buyer.
Complete compatibility, online software downloads and upgrades, perfect for Apple iOS and Google Android phones and devices, repair report saves time and money, durable, compatible with phones or tablets, lightweight and compact, portable, affordable, fast and efficient, user-friendly
WiFi or Bluetooth connections can occasionally drop or be slow, not compatible with Windows
3. Foseal WiFi OBD2 Scan Tool
The Foseal OBD2 WiFi Scanner is not just a scanning tool. The scanner comes with a built-in WiFi connection for mobile devices so that you can read, diagnose, and clear any and all OBD2 error codes in your vehicle’s computer systems. It is great for all vehicles that are OBD2-compliant and comes with data link connectors having 16 pins.
The Foseal OBD2 WiFi Scanner can show sensor data in real-time after getting each diagnostic, which is especially useful when you are checking the results of modifying your engine replacing any of your vehicle’s parts. You can collect information on the horsepower, fluid temperature, and fuel status using the display as well. Another great feature is the scanner allows you to see the load value, time advances, air flow rate, pressure intake, and oxygen sensor voltages among other things.
All this data can be viewed on your mobile devices with the Foseal OBD2 WiFi Scanner when it’s connected to the OBD2 vehicle system using a stable WiFi connection. The software is amazingly easy to download and install over WiFi onto your Windows, Android, and Apple devices so your car diagnosis becomes easier.
After getting the software, all you have to do is run it to check your vehicle. The scanner is ready to function and checks your car the instant you use the app to connect your phone to the OBD2 system, no fancy procedures necessary. It will offer various options where you can pick what areas to analyze and diagnose. Along with that, the scanner can also work while your vehicle is in motion so long as it remains close to the dashboard. This way, a driver can simply see when the car has an issue and take the appropriate safety measures to avoid any further damage.
Affordable, quick and easy connection, fast data transfer, supports Windows, Android, and iOS, reads and clears error codes, works for vehicles manufactured between 1996 to the present, one-year money back guarantee
No confirmed list of car models that are compatible with it, no battery saving mode, heavy, large in size, does not support SW-CAN (GM) and MS-CAN (FORD)
10 Best OBD2 Scanners of 2023
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Best Overall
BlueDriver Bluetooth
Wireless scanner that is compatible with iPhone and Android. Compatible with most car models.
Best Performance
Autel MaxiCom 808
Great OBD scanner for professionals and repair shops. Advanced diagnostic functions.
Best Budget
Kasmotion Scanner
Budget-friendly scanner to read generic trouble codes from most vehicles on the market.
When your vehicle needs repairs, no tool is more useful to help you figure out what’s going on than an OBD2 scanner. Because while a check engine light tells you there’s a problem, an OBD2 scanner often tells you exactly what that problem is. But, what’s the best OBD2 scanner to choose?
While the right tool can point you in the right direction and help you fix your vehicle in no time, the wrong one can have you running in circles trying to figure things out. That’s why we took the time to track down the best OBD2 scanner out there.
Whether you’re looking for a simple code reader for your garage or a comprehensive OBD2 scanner that can do it all, we’ve got you covered.
Top 10 Best OBD2 Scanners
- BlueDriver Bluetooth – Best OBD2 Scanner Overall
- Autel MaxiCom MK808 – Best Premium Scanner
- Kasmotion – Best Budget Scanner
- Actron CP9690
- MOTOPOWER MP69033
- Autel MaxiSys MS906BT
- Autel MaxiCOM MK908
- LAUNCH
- INNOVA Car Scan Advisor
- Autel ML629
1. BlueDriver Bluetooth – Best OBD2 Scanner Overall
Key Features:
- iPhone and Android compatible
- Live data streams
- Customizable displays
- Unlimited vehicle-specific repair reports
If you are looking for the best OBD2 scanner with a great balance of price and affordability, the BlueDriver scan tool is a great choice. In the modern world, there’s no reason for a bulky scan tool that takes up a ton of space in your toolbox. With the BlueDriver Bluetooth Scanner, you get a compact scan tool that works with your mobile device to give you up to the second results.
The entire system is completely wireless, user-friendly, and customizable. Since you’re using your phone, you can easily record and screenshot data which is useful for showing customers to explain the problem or to technicians for some additional advice.
Not only that, but you also get access to tons of vehicle repair reports, and there’s no limit to how many reports you can pull. You don’t’ have to worry about spending more money on updates or support, which is a big deal compared to some of the more expensive options out there.
If you’re an at-home mechanic or an overall novice, these features can be everything you need to prod you in the right direction. Not only do they offer likely solutions, but they also offer links to the parts you’ll need to fix your vehicle.
While this scan tool doesn’t eliminate the need for mechanical know-how, it does an excellent job for novices and those willing to learn while they get their hands dirty.
However, while the entire setup is user-friendly, there isn’t a physical screen. You must pair it up with a mobile device, so if you’re not tech-savvy or don’t have a connected device, this isn’t the OBD2 scan tool for you.
But since most people have a compatible mobile device, this is everything you could ask for and more.
Pros
- Good mix of price and features
- iPhone/Android compatible
- Unlimited vehicle repair reports
- Completely wireless
- User friendly