Best OBD2 Scanner Reviews

OBD2 Software

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OBD2 Software for ELM327 is a free program that allows you to use your PC and a hardware interface to get the information from your car’s computer.The program is very user-friendly, and easy to learn.

Note:anti-virus software can flag up this obd software as having a virus. This is a false positive and is due to the obd software containing the application file like .exe. So Before setup the device software, please disable/uninstall anti-virus software or install a more reliable virus scanner!

OBD2 Software:

iOS Software

The iPhone, iPad , and iPod continue to be very popular ways of interfacing to the ELM327.

One word of caution though – the Bluetooth that Apple uses in iOS devices does not currently support the Serial Port Protocol (SPP). As such, iOS devices can not connect to ELM327 modules with Bluetooth – you must use WiFi with your device*

AutoProPlus

AutoProPlus is a free app for monitoring your vehicle with an iPhone. A little difficult to figure out as the Owner’s Manual and web site are both very minimal.

BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool

BlueDriver claims to be able to use the iPhone or iPad’s Bluetooth circuitry to connect to the scan tool. The catch is that we couldn’t get it to work with any Bluetooth modules that we tried. It seems that if you want to use this software, you will also have to buy their special OBDII interface module.

BT1

Another bit of software that works using Bluetooth, but only if you also purchase the GoPoint Technology BT1 interface module.

DashCommand

Palmer Performance are here with another app for ELM327s and compatibles. DashCommand is a reasonable price considering what you get. You can also purchase enhancements that allow more than just generic data for many vehicles.

Engine Link

This app continuously monitors several engine parameters, but it’s not clear how you can modify (or stop) them. It does allow you to define custom PIDs though, which might be handy (depending on just what you are using the scan tool for).

EOBD Facile

The basic version of this app is free, and works well. It provides some vehicle information, and will read trouble codes, but you can not clear them unless you buy the full package. Once you’ve got to that point, you will know how you like the software, and the decision should be easy. Well worth a try.

FORScan Lite

Lite version of the popular Windows software. Current version requires iOS 6, and a WiFi ELM327 (or compatible) device.

iOBD2

This software offers free support for their iOBD2 hardware, but you must pay in order to connect to an ELM327 device.

NovaScan – The OBD Total Solution

ubiqCOM offers this software for the iPad or iPhone. Unfortunately, the free demo version will not connect to a vehicle, so you can not really try it before you buy it.

OBD Car Doctor

A great little bit of free software. Provides all the basics, and works quite well.

* We are aware that older iOS devices have serial data available at the 30 pin connector, but do not know of any software that you could use to take advantage of it.

Android Software

There’s a large number of Android Apps for talking to the ELM327. We’ve had to pare it down to a few of the most popular:

DashCommand

Palmer Performance also support the ELM327 (and compatibles) on Android. This app only allows 30 minutes of (limited) use before you have to make your decision whether to buy.

EOBD Facile

The basic version of this app is free, and works well. It provides some vehicle information, and will read trouble codes, but you can not clear them unless you buy the full package. Once you’ve got to that point, you will know how you like the software, can decide whether to purchase the ‘Premium Access’ package. Well worth a try.

ELM327 Terminal

Designed to send pre-defined AT and OBD commands for you. It’s a free app that may be right for you.

Elm Basic

This is terminal program for sending commands to an ELM327 interface and receiving replies. Just what you may need if you want to stay in complete control.

Honda Database

Need Honda trouble code or ECU info, or engine or transmission specs? If so, this handy app is certainly worth a look.

Kwik OBD Terminal

Another terminal program for sending commands to an ELM327 interface and receiving replies. Just what you may need if you want to stay in complete control.

OBD Auto Doctor

This one is very similar to the iOS version, and it remains a free app too. A great little bit of software that provides all the basics and works well.

OBD Car Doctor

This one is very similar to the iOS version, and it remains a free app too. A great little bit of free software. Provides all the basics and works well.

OBD Trouble Codes Lite

Get trouble code descriptions on your phone or tablet. The free version of this app (ad sponsored) contains the generic trouble codes (from P0001 to P099F) in its database. The full (paid) version contains almost 20000 codes.

RaceChrono

A popular lap timer app that logs both gps information and OBD data. The free version is time-limited, so if you find it useful, you will want to upgrade to the pro version.

ScanMaster Lite

A great free app from WGSoft.de, makers of the other ScanMaster programs. Should be one of the first apps that you try.

ScanMyOpel Lite

This app is only for Opel/Vauxhall diagnostics, but that is exactly what many users are looking for. Try this Lite (limited) version before you decide whether to buy the full one.

Torque Lite

Free version of the popular app offers a lot for no cost.

Torque Pro

Is the full version of the app, which offers more features, supports more vehicles, and does not have ads.

TouchScan

This modestly priced app is getting fairly good reviews. If you’re looking for an app with a gauge type interface, this one is worth considering.

Note that most Android software requires that you already be paired with a Bluetooth device. We are often asked about pairing codes and while we can never know exactly what code would apply to your interface, we can say that most use either 0000 or 1234.