The difference between a good and a bad OBD-II diagnostic app can be drastic. There are quite a lot of these apps out there and getting stuck with an ineffective one can be very frustrating. The best OBD-II app will integrate seamlessly with an OBD-II diagnostic tool, allowing the user to read common trouble codes and even monitor live data.
These tools eliminate the uncertainty and fear that the dreaded Check Engine Light may induce. Now you can check out what's ailing your car with a simple Bluetooth or Wi-Fi adapter and the application of your choice.
1. Car Scanner ELM OBD2
Car Scanner ELM is an easy-to-use app that allows you to view any DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) that your vehicle might have accumulated.
This app is one of the best OBD-II apps for Android as well as iOS. Car Scanner has the ability to access vehicle statistics as well as a digital dash that displays various important gauges and sensors. Some relevant gauges you can access in the digital dash section of the app are the coolant temperature sensor, vehicle RPM's, and mph.
The app is designed very well from a UI perspective, with a simplistic layout that won't overwhelm you. The app also features the option to enable dark mode, which is always a nice option to have.
The app has a paid version, but the free version should be more than enough for most users looking to diagnose what's wrong with their vehicle when the check engine light comes on.
Download: Car Scanner ELM OBD-II for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
2. OBDeleven
OBDeleven is one of the most feature-rich OBD diagnostic apps you will find. There are two versions of this app: one is aimed at vehicles from Volkswagen Group, while the other works for vehicles made under the BMW umbrella. The app does support other vehicle brands too, but only offers basic OBD-II functionality (scanning, reading, and removing fault codes).
For VW and BMW vehicles, OBDeleven not only allows you to access your vehicle's modules and clear trouble codes, but it can also show you live data and more advanced information like transmission oil temperature.
The app also allows you to quickly Google any of the fault codes via a convenient one-press feature. OBDeleven allows you to add multiple cars to your in-app garage, and even lets you reprogram some of your vehicle's basic features for a fee.
If you own a Volkswagen or BMW product, OBDeleven is an absolute must-have. The app can be downloaded free of charge, but you must purchase the proprietary OBDeleven device in order to connect to your vehicle.
Download: OBDeleven for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
3. Infocar
The Infocar app is loaded with useful features and is available for both iOS and Android. This app has everything you'd expect from an OBD2 diagnostic tool, but it also has a few neat surprises like a built-in parked car finder tool.
Another really convenient feature is the Blackbox, which acts like a dashcam but also allows you to save the data associated with the drive. The app also features a useful dashboard that even displays a battery voltage gauge.
All the live information from the vehicle is presented in easy-to-read charts with aesthetically pleasing graphics. The app also allows you to enter your vehicle's specific make and model, showing you a main menu customized for your vehicle once this information has been recorded.
Infocar also offers a dark mode, but it's not the typical color configuration, and it does end up looking a bit strange. Despite this small gripe, the app is definitely worth checking out.
The app can be used with a universal device, but Infocar recommends using its own branded device in order to get the most out of the app. If you're looking for a competent car scanner app, you can't go wrong with Infocar.
Download: Infocar for Android | iOS (Free)
4. EOBD Facile
EOBD Facile doesn't have a fancy user interface like the other apps on this list, and too many of the features are reserved for the premium version. Regardless, the app is easy to use, and if you're only looking to diagnose your car, this app will most definitely do the job as a standalone diagnosing tool.
If you want a feature-filled experience without signing up for the premium version, you might want to look elsewhere. It's also important to familiarize yourself with what exactly the OBD2 port on your car is and what it does.
Download: EOBD Facile for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. OBD Arny
Obd Arny is a straightforward OBD-II app that works with any ELM327 adapter and can get you up to speed on your vehicle's DTCs in no time.
The app is easy to use and clearly labeled, and it allows you to access live data from your vehicle as well as charts with diagnostic data. The menu to access and clear any trouble codes is very intuitive and easy to access.
All the trouble codes are neatly arranged in a list, and the button to clear the trouble codes is large and very easy to find. Some of the more specific trouble codes and their descriptions are only available via the paid version of the app.
The app gives you useful information like how long you've traveled with the MIL light on and the number of warm-ups since the codes were cleared. The free version should be enough for most people looking to diagnose their car in a preliminary manner before taking it to the shop.
Download: Obd Arny for Android (Free, premium version available)
6. OBD Auto Doctor
OBD Auto Doctor has a free version as well as two paid versions. The free-of-charge version allows you to verify DTCs and check readiness monitors.
The other versions of the app require you to buy them, and will ring in at $23.99/year for the Personal tier, and $37.99/year for the Professional version.
The professional version allows you to access the vehicle's oxygen sensor monitors and the on-board diagnostic monitors. Although the paid versions unlock many features, the free version is also adequate for the non-professional looking to dig deeper into what's ailing their vehicle.
Download: OBD Auto Doctor for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
The Best Vehicle Diagnostic Apps Can Help Save You From Unnecessary Trips to the Mechanic
All of these apps empower you to find out what's wrong with your car and give you the ability to decide for yourself if it warrants an emergency trip to the mechanic.
These apps also come in handy when you're ready to buy a used car because you can plug in to the vehicle's OBD2 port and immediately find out if the seller is being honest.
It wasn't long ago that diagnostic tools were mythical gadgets that only experienced mechanics possessed, but now anyone with a smartphone and an OBD2 adapter can easily find out what's wrong with their vehicle.