Car head-up displays might not be the first car accessory on your shopping list, but trust us, once you experience the convenience of having driving information projected right in your line of sight, you’ll wonder how you ever drove without one. While they might seem like a luxury, Obd2 Heads Up Displays are incredibly practical, primarily because they help you keep your eyes on the road ahead.
With a plethora of car head-up displays available today, distinguishing the worthwhile ones from the gimmicks can be challenging. Fortunately, we’ve rigorously tested a variety of heads-up displays to pinpoint exactly what makes a great one. Our goal is to filter out the subpar options and guide you towards OBD2 heads up displays that are genuinely worth your investment.
Whether you’re seeking a display that syncs with your smartphone, taps into your car’s onboard computer via OBD2, or ideally, integrates both, we’ve curated a list of some of the best car head-up displays you can purchase right now.
Top OBD2 Heads Up Displays on the Market
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1. Hudway Drive
Expert Review Link
Specifications
- Size: 7.3 x 6.3 x 4.0 inches
- Weight: 9.0 ounces
- Power: 12-volt accessory outlet
- Display size: 1.8-inches
- Color/Monochrome: Color
- Number of parameters displayed: 11
- Alarms: Yes
Pros
- Integrated projection screen for optimal viewing
- Combines OBD2 and smartphone data for comprehensive info
- User-friendly and easily readable display
Cons
- Bulky design may take up dashboard space
- Higher price point compared to other OBD2 HUDs
The Hudway Drive stands out as a top-tier OBD2 heads up display, packing in almost every feature you could desire. It seamlessly merges data from your car’s OBD2 port, GPS satellites, and your smartphone, providing a rich stream of driving information. While it doesn’t offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay integration, its extensive feature set more than compensates.
Priced at $279, the Hudway Drive is among the more expensive OBD2 HUD options. However, the sheer volume of data it projects directly in your line of sight justifies the cost for many users. From real-time speed and engine RPMs to turn-by-turn navigation, this device delivers crucial information effectively. Keep in mind its larger size and the potential for the fold-down screen to occasionally obstruct your road view.
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2. Pyle PHUD180BD
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Specifications
- Size: 5.3 x 3.0 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 4.4 ounces
- Power: OBD2 port
- Display size: 5.5-inches
- Color/Monochrome: Color
- Number of parameters displayed: 14
- Alarms: Yes
Pros
- Self-contained display screen for clear visuals
- Wide array of vehicle data readouts via OBD2
- Bright and vibrant display
Cons
- Projection screen might intrude into field of vision
- Lacks smartphone integration features
The Pyle PHUD180BD manages to pack an impressive amount of data onto its 5.5-inch screen, especially considering its budget-friendly price of around $67. While not the absolute cheapest OBD2 car head-up display, it offers exceptional value, particularly because it integrates both OBD2 and GPS data sources.
Featuring a bright, large display and the ability to present over two dozen parameters of vehicle information, the Pyle PHUD180BD is a standout OBD2 heads up display for the money. While the projection screen’s positioning might require some adjustment and it doesn’t include phone integration, these are minor trade-offs given its affordability and feature set.
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3. Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS
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Specifications
- Size: 4.3 x 5.0 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 4.4 ounces
- Power: 12-volt accessory outlet
- Display size: 1.8-inches
- Color/Monochrome: Color
- Number of parameters displayed: 15
- Alarms: Yes
Pros
- Integrated projection screen for focused viewing
- Utilizes both OBD2 and GPS data for enhanced accuracy
- Fold-down screen for when HUD is not needed
Cons
- No smartphone connectivity
- Navigation features are absent
The Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS is another excellent OBD2 car head-up display that combines GPS and OBD2 data to present a wealth of information in a visually appealing format. This HUD is tailored for drivers who want more insight than their standard dashboard provides, particularly those interested in detailed vehicle performance metrics. If monitoring air-to-fuel ratios or turbocharger pressure while driving appeals to you, the Wiiyii C1 could be ideal.
While lacking phone integration and navigation capabilities, this OBD2 HUD offers a self-contained projection screen, OBD2 fault code scanning with alerts, and a comprehensive range of data displays. All this is available at a very accessible price point of around $56.
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4. Akabane A500
Expert Review Link
Specifications
- Size: 4.3- x 3.3- x 2.9-inches
- Weight: 5.1 ounces
- Power: OBD-II port
- Display size: 3.5-inches
- Color/Monochrome: Color
- Number of parameters displayed: 60
- Alarms: Yes
Pros
- Combines OBD2 and GPS data for versatility
- Direct view display for straightforward information access
- Displays a very large number of parameters
Cons
- Somewhat bulky and less streamlined design
- Can potentially obstruct driver’s line of sight
- Interface can be complex to navigate
The Akabane A500 OBD2 heads up display pairs OBD2 port connectivity with GPS satellite data, enabling it to perform functions beyond many other HUDs. Besides displaying a wide range of vehicle information, it also caters to performance driving enthusiasts with integrated braking and acceleration testing features. Want to verify if your Tesla truly achieves its advertised 0-60 mph time? The Akabane A500 can assist (though such tests should be conducted responsibly and legally).
Although its menu system can be a bit intricate and the 3.5-inch screen isn’t the largest, the Akabane A500 delivers a significant amount of useful driving data. Its OBD2 connectivity also provides the benefit of detecting vehicle faults. The affordable price tag further enhances its appeal.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
5. Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter
Expert Review Link
Specifications
- Size: 3.3 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches
- Weight: 2.9 ounces
- Power: 12-volt accessory outlet
- Display size: 2.1-inches
- Color/Monochrome: Color
- Number of parameters displayed: 6
- Alarms: No
Pros
- Utilizes GPS data for location-based information
- Built-in sensors for tilt and roll angle display, ideal for off-roading
- Direct view display for clear readings
- Accessory adapter includes dual USB power ports
Cons
- Lacks OBD2 data connectivity and related vehicle parameters
- Taller design may impede driver visibility
- No phone integration features
For those who venture off the beaten path, the Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter is an OBD2 heads up display alternative worth considering. Employing GPS and internal sensors, it presents standard driving data along with specialized information relevant to off-roading. Tilt and roll sensors provide warnings if your vehicle approaches critical angles.
While it doesn’t access OBD2 data, limiting its access to comprehensive vehicle diagnostics, its unique features cater to a specific user group. Its compact, lightweight design and straightforward interface make it a compelling choice for off-road enthusiasts, though less so for typical highway driving.
Key Features to Consider in an OBD2 Heads Up Display
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The best OBD2 heads up displays present crucial vehicle data in an easily digestible format, right in the driver’s line of sight. Aftermarket OBD2 HUDs often surpass built-in systems in terms of the range of data they can display. However, they typically don’t integrate with the car’s infotainment or navigation systems.
OBD2 car head-up displays vary significantly. The information displayed can range widely. Some merely mirror basic dashboard readings like speed, while others offer advanced data like tachometer readings and fuel economy, all accessed through the OBD2 port.
Many OBD2 HUDs go further, displaying parameters that, while not essential for safe driving, can be highly interesting. These can include turbo boost pressure and altitude. For off-road drivers, certain OBD2 HUDs can even provide roll and tilt warnings.
The most advanced options might connect to your smartphone, displaying navigation prompts, contact details, and even messages. At the high end, some OBD2 HUDs offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support, upgrading older vehicles lacking these features.
Regardless of design and features, an OBD2 heads up display’s primary function is to show desired data without distracting the driver. Screen size is a crucial factor. Larger screens enhance readability but can also obstruct vision. Smaller screens are less obtrusive but might be harder to read at a glance.
OBD2 HUDs employ different display technologies: direct displays and projection systems. Direct displays are generally larger, while projectors create a virtual image that can appear larger (up to 10 inches). Projected images can suffer from visibility issues in bright sunlight.
Projector-based OBD2 HUDs with fold-down screens offer improved clarity compared to windshield projection. The fold-down screen can also be tucked away when not needed.
Color displays are highly beneficial, allowing designers to present more information within a smaller area. Button layout is also critical. Simple, intuitive controls are essential for easy menu navigation and setting adjustments.
Finally, consider data and power sources. OBD2 ports provide access to a wealth of vehicle data, though perhaps not as comprehensively as a dedicated OBD-II scanner. GPS adds data like distance and altitude. GPS-only units require separate power, often from a car’s 12V outlet.
Installation of modern OBD2 HUDs is typically quick and easy, often taking only minutes. The most challenging aspect can be concealing the wiring, but flat cables can simplify this. Most units mount on the dashboard using adhesive pads or strips.
OBD2 Heads Up Display Pricing
Entry-level OBD2 heads up displays can be found for under $20, but quality is often compromised. These may have monochrome displays or limited data presentation, often just speed.
Stepping up to the $30-$70 range significantly expands options, offering a wide selection of functional OBD2 heads up displays. High-end OBD2 heads up displays can exceed $250, but these are less common.
The higher price reflects advanced features, stylish designs, and the ability to integrate data from multiple sources, including OBD2 and smartphones.
Our OBD2 Heads Up Display Testing Methodology
Our OBD2 heads up display testing involves both garage setup and extensive on-road evaluation. Initial setup and positioning are crucial, ensuring the display is both useful and doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view. Wire concealment is the next step, ensuring wires are long enough and securely routed.
We conduct startup and shutdown timing tests, measuring how quickly each OBD2 HUD boots up and displays data after engine start and how long it takes to shut down after engine off.
Display sharpness and interface design are assessed, along with the ease of use of controls and menu navigation. We systematically explore all settings and options.
On-road testing is critical to evaluate real-world usability. We assess display visibility in various lighting conditions and during different driving maneuvers to gauge data responsiveness.
Finally, we test specialized features, such as text display, inclinometers, and navigation, where available, to provide a complete picture of each OBD2 heads up display’s performance.
