We spent 26 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top choices for this wiki. With the addition of more and more complicated electronics, cars have become so sophisticated that it is no longer possible to just listen to an engine and diagnose all of its problems. Luckily, though, one of these handy Bluetooth OBD2 scanners allows anybody to check out their car’s woes by simply plugging it in and connecting it to an app on their smartphone, tablet, or computer. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work.
10. Ikkegol Mini
Despite the name, the Ikkegol Mini isn’t actually all that small when compared with some other models. It is, however, surprisingly affordable and quick to pair with most smartphones. It also features a 30-foot connection range.
- Thousands of codes in its database
- Lasts for a long time
- Included software is poor quality
| Brand | iKKEGOL |
|---|---|
| Model | 10087 |
| Weight | 0.3 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
9. Vgate iCar2
The Vgate iCar2 automatically enters sleep mode after thirty minutes of inactivity, so you can leave it permanently plugged into your car without the worry of it killing the battery. With real-time connectivity, it can display current sensor data whenever you need it.
- Available in orange or black
- Sturdy connector pins
- Requires manual startup
| Brand | Vgate |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
8. PLX Devices Kiwi 3
There is no doubt about it, the PLX Devices Kiwi 3 is pricey. If your willing to spend the cash, though, you’ll get a lot of great features, like on-unit status indicators, data logging, fuel efficiency reports, GPS mapping, and more.
- Works with all popular os
- Instaconnect technology
- Doesn’t include its own app
| Brand | PLX Devices |
|---|---|
| Model | kiwi3 |
| Weight | 2.1 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
7. LELink Low Energy
The LELink Low Energy is a professional-grade unit that, unlike many others, is compatible with iPhones. It offers a fast refresh rate, can display live vehicle data, and allows you to fully customize the apps gauge set to suit your needs.
- Requires almost no setup
- Preloaded with many car libraries
- Includes a 0 to 60 mph timer
| Brand | LELink |
|---|---|
| Model | FBA_QJRYMFC |
| Weight | 0.6 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
6. Panlong PL-B02
The Panlong PL-B02 is a budget-friendly choice that is compatible with a number of free applications, such as Torque and OBD Car Doctor. It pairs to most phones within a few seconds, and scans your car’s onboard diagnostics system nearly as quickly.
- Works with in-dash android units
- Well written instructions
- Interface seems complicated at first
| Brand | Panlong |
|---|---|
| Model | PL-B02 |
| Weight | 0.8 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
5. Carista BT24
With the Carista BT24 you can diagnose the majority of your vehicle’s problems using the same type of technology as dealerships. It gives both fault codes and their meaning so you won’t have to waste time looking them up online.
- Makes modifying car settings simple
- Comes with a storage case
- Requires a paid app subscription
| Brand | Carista |
|---|---|
| Model | COBD-BT24 |
| Weight | 1.6 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
4. ScanTool OBDLink LX
The ScanTool OBDLink LX can be left plugged in to your car at all times without draining the battery, so you won’t have to worry about misplacing it. In addition to the included software, it can send information to a variety of third-party apps.
- Designed to be hacker-proof
- Provides extremely detailed graphs
- Compatible with windows and android
| Brand | ScanTool |
|---|---|
| Model | 427201 |
| Weight | 2.4 ounces |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5.0 |
3. Fixd Active Car Health Monitor
The Fixd Active Car Health Monitor is unique in that you can link multiple units to one app, allowing you to monitor all of your family’s vehicles. Not only does it give you fault codes, it tells you the severity of the issue so you know how urgent the repair is.
- Displays problem consequences
- Scheduled maintenance alerts
- Barely larger than a key
| Brand | FIXD |
|---|---|
| Model | 2 |
| Weight | 1.6 ounces |
| Rating | 4.7 / 5.0 |
2. BAFX Products 3127
A simple and reliable option, the BAFX Products 3127 is designed to diagnose problems associated with the check engine light, and can be used to turn it off once you have finished the necessary repair. It is backed by a two-year warranty for peace of mind.
- Can pull emissions systems readings
- Provides real-time monitoring
- Us-backed customer support
| Brand | BAFX Products |
|---|---|
| Model | BAFX3127 |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5.0 |
1. Lemur Vehicle Monitors BlueDriver
The Lemur Vehicle Monitors BlueDriver works with both Android and iOS operating systems. Its associated application has a very user-friendly interface that, in addition to giving you a fault code, also provides a repair report.
- Uses the same database as pro shops
- Gives complete vehicle diagnostics
- Customizable display
| Brand | Lemur Vehicle Monitors |
|---|---|
| Model | LSB2 |
| Weight | 2.4 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |