Communicating with your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) is crucial for identifying issues and maintaining optimal vehicle health. When that engine management light (EML) illuminates on your dashboard, a connection to the ECU is your first step to understanding why. Even problems that don’t trigger the EML can be logged within the ECU, and it also monitors service needs and the functionality of various vehicle systems. A Good Bluetooth Obd2 Scanner provides this vital link, putting diagnostic power directly in your hands.
What is an OBD2 Scanner?
So, how do you tap into your car’s ECU to access this wealth of information? The answer is simple: an OBD2 scanner, also known as a fault code reader. This device plugs into a standardized communication port in your car. This port is the OBDII (On-Board Diagnostics II) port. OBD signifies on-board diagnostics, and the “II” indicates the second generation of this system. You’ll typically find it beneath the driver’s side dashboard, though it can sometimes be located in the center console area.
The OBD2 standard became mandatory in the US around 1996. Europe followed suit, mandating it for gasoline cars from 2001 and diesel cars from 2004. This standardization ensures broad compatibility across vehicles, making a good Bluetooth OBD2 scanner a versatile tool for almost any car owner.
Why Choose a Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner?
Bluetooth OBD2 scanners offer a significant leap in convenience and accessibility compared to older, wired scanners. These compact dongles communicate wirelessly with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, leveraging devices you already own. This eliminates the need for bulky, standalone scanners with their own screens.
Furthermore, good Bluetooth OBD2 scanners are generally more affordable than dedicated, screen-equipped units. This makes car diagnostics accessible to a wider range of users, from DIY enthusiasts to everyday car owners who want to stay informed about their vehicle’s health. The ease of use and affordability make a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner an invaluable tool in modern car maintenance.
How We Tested the Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners
To determine the best options available, we rigorously tested seven Bluetooth OBD2 scanners, evaluating them on several key criteria. Each scanner, consisting of a small Bluetooth dongle, was assessed for its ease of setup, diagnostic capabilities, features, and overall value.
The testing process involved:
- Setup and Connectivity: Evaluating the simplicity of downloading and installing the required app (dedicated or third-party), plugging the device into the OBD2 port, and establishing a stable Bluetooth connection with a smartphone and laptop.
- Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Reading: Assessing the scanner’s ability to accurately and quickly read and interpret fault codes, including identifying both generic and manufacturer-specific codes. We tested on multiple vehicles with known issues, such as parking sensor faults, to gauge accuracy.
- Live Data Streaming: Examining the scanner’s capability to provide real-time data from the ECU, including parameters like engine RPM, speed, coolant temperature, and sensor readings. The clarity and responsiveness of data displays were also considered.
- Special Functions: Testing for advanced features such as service resets (oil, battery), actuation tests, and access to deeper vehicle systems beyond basic diagnostics, where applicable.
- App User-Friendliness: Evaluating the intuitiveness and ease of navigation of the accompanying app, considering menu structure, data presentation, and overall user experience.
- Value for Money: Balancing the scanner’s price against its features, performance, and diagnostic depth to determine its overall value proposition.
Our goal was to identify good Bluetooth OBD2 scanners that offer a blend of performance, user-friendliness, and value, suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Read on to discover our top picks.
Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners At A Glance:
vLinker MC+
Award: Best Overall & Best Value
Pros: Clear connection status display, versatile app compatibility.
Cons: Extensive third-party app selection can be initially overwhelming.
RRP: From $59.99 Buy now / £59.95 Buy now
vGate, a Chinese electronics manufacturer, offers a wide range of scanners, and the vLinker MC+ stands out for its user-friendliness. A notable feature is its clear LED display, which provides visual feedback on connection status and power supply, simplifying the pairing process with your chosen app. A dedicated connect button further aids in seamless pairing. The vLinker MC+ is compatible with numerous third-party apps on Android, iOS smartphones, and Windows PCs or laptops, offering flexibility in software choice.
The diagnostic depth achievable with the vLinker MC+ is impressive, depending on the chosen app. Using the “Car Scanner” app during testing, the vLinker MC+ accurately diagnosed a parking sensor fault on an Audi A3. It performed a comprehensive system scan and displayed live data, enabling monitoring of engine parameters, fuel consumption calculations, and even acceleration timing. For a good Bluetooth OBD2 scanner that balances features and ease of use, the vLinker MC+ is a top contender.
For a deeper dive, explore our full review of the vLinker MC+ scanner.
OBDeleven
Award: Editor’s Choice
Pros: Straightforward fault code scanning, ease of use.
Cons: Optimized for VAG, BMW, and limited other brands.
RRP: From $88.34 Buy now /£69.95 Buy now
The OBDeleven is among the most compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanners tested, which, while generally a benefit, occasionally made it slightly challenging to remove from the OBD2 port. However, a keyring attachment is included to aid removal, and a universal extension cable provides a further solution.
This scanner utilizes a dedicated app tailored for specific vehicle makes, primarily VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group), BMW, and Rolls-Royce. During testing on different vehicles, it sometimes automatically identified the car, while other times requiring manual VIN entry.
The free, entry-level app is focused and functional. It efficiently scans for fault codes and, in some cases, conducts in-depth scans of systems like audio, parking sensors, and airbags. Identified faults are clearly presented with relevant fault codes and supplementary information.
Beyond fault code reading, the free app’s features are limited (though live data is available for supported makes). Enhanced functionalities, such as one-click apps for vehicle customization and system testing, are available through Pro packages (annual subscription from $53.29) or credit purchases (from $2.19). Despite the focus on specific brands and feature limitations in the free version, the OBDeleven remains a good Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for its core functionality and user-friendly approach, especially for owners of VAG or BMW vehicles.
Read Rob’s comprehensive review of the OBDeleven here.
TopDon TopScan
Award: Approved
Pros: Excellent dedicated software for fault diagnosis.
Cons: Incompatible with 32-bit Android phones.
RRP: $69.99 Buy now / £59.49 Buy now
TopDon, a long-established manufacturer of professional-grade car diagnostic tools, brings its expertise to the DIY market with the TopScan Bluetooth scanner. It requires a dedicated app download, where we encountered an incompatibility issue with 32-bit Android phones (64-bit required), a problem not seen with other scanners tested. For iPhones (iOS 10+), the “TopGuru” app is necessary, information that required contacting their support center to clarify. Fortunately, both US and China-based support centers provided prompt responses.
Aside from the initial app compatibility hurdle, installation and scanner connection were smooth. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) scan successfully identified a parking sensor fault, a fault also detected by only two other scanners in the test (OBDeleven and vLinker MC+). Vehicle identification was unsuccessful in our testing, necessitating manual vehicle selection starting with the manufacturer. The “Hot Functions” menu, offering features like oil service and battery reset, was a notable positive. However, the TopScan lacks live data streaming, freeze-frame data, and a dashboard display for real-time engine monitoring. Additionally, the app is free for the first year, requiring a subscription ($49-$99 annually) thereafter. Despite some limitations, the TopDon TopScan is a good Bluetooth OBD2 scanner particularly strong in fault code diagnosis, backed by a reputable brand.
For a detailed analysis, refer to Rob’s full review of the TopDon scanner here.
OBDLink CX
Pros: Free dedicated app, compatible with third-party apps like BimmerCode.
Cons: Very small size can make it difficult to unplug.
RRP: From $79.99 Buy now or £78 Buy now
The OBDLink CX is the entry-level Bluetooth scanner from US-based OBDLink. Its extremely compact design allows for discreet storage in a glovebox or center console. However, this small size made it somewhat fiddly to grip and unplug from the OBDII port. A 20cm extension cable, available from UK supplier Gendan, effectively resolves this issue.
A concise user guide with a QR code simplifies the free app download. Once installed, connecting is straightforward: start the car, plug in the device, launch the app, and wait. While connection took a couple of attempts in our testing, it was generally quick. The app itself is user-friendly with a simple, intuitive menu.
The diagnostic speed is commendable, but the OBDLink CX missed an existing parking sensor fault during testing. The dashboard feature is a valuable addition, providing readings for engine RPM, speed, MAF pressure, battery voltage, and fuel. This can be combined with freeze-frame data when a fault is registered. The app also offers trip logging with fuel consumption and mileage calculations, and live data can be displayed graphically. While OBDLink offers more feature-rich scanners at higher price points, the CX provides a good Bluetooth OBD2 scanner as an accessible entry into car diagnostics.
Explore the OBDLink CX full review for more details.
OBDLink MX+
Pros: Free app with advanced diagnostics, feature-rich.
Cons: Marginally better than the significantly cheaper CX model.
RRP: From $139.95 Buy now / £129.95 Buy now
OBDLink’s flagship Bluetooth scanner, the MX+, packs a powerful diagnostic punch with a comprehensive suite of free features. It is the most expensive scanner in this test. The app, compatible with smartphones and even Kindle Fire, installs rapidly. Connecting the scanner is equally quick and seamless – plug it into the OBDII port, open the app, and a button on the scanner is available for troubleshooting if needed. A brief user guide further simplifies the process.
The dedicated OBDLink app is exceptionally user-friendly, featuring a streamlined seven-option menu. The diagnostic depth, particularly with enhanced diagnostics, is impressive. The MX+ successfully identified a parking sensor fault that did not trigger the EML. Live data analysis is versatile, offering Dashboard, Graph, and Map functions. The Dashboard provides instrument-style readouts, the Graph function plots data for comparative analysis, and the Map function logs journey data to calculate MPG and other parameters. A Performance function also calculates acceleration times. While the OBDLink MX+ offers superior diagnostic capabilities, especially for users needing enhanced diagnostics, the price premium over the CX may not be justified for all users. However, for those requiring advanced features, the MX+ is a good Bluetooth OBD2 scanner representing a top-tier option.
Read the OBDLink MX+ full review for a complete assessment.
UniCarScan UCSI-2100
Pros: Wide selection of dedicated and generic free apps.
Cons: App choice can be overwhelming.
RRP: From $79.99 Buy now / £54 Buy now
Manufactured by WGSoft in Germany, the UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is a compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanner notable for its broad compatibility with numerous apps. These apps are available for iOS and Android smartphones, as well as Windows PCs and laptops. The selection includes dedicated apps for specific car brands like BMW and Opel, and generic apps, including WGSoft’s own ScanMaster app.
Connection to smartphones or laptops after plugging into the OBDII port is rapid. The level of detail available depends on the chosen app; ScanMaster, for example, offers nine menu options, though some features require in-app purchases. Fault codes are retrieved quickly, but in our testing, it missed the parking sensor fault. Freeze-frame data is a valuable feature, capturing data values at the moment a fault occurs, and live data aids in in-depth engine analysis. As a portable and readily available tool for emergency diagnostics and routine fault checks, the UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is a useful and affordable option. Despite missing a specific fault in our test, its app versatility makes it a good Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for users who value software choice.
Here’s Rob’s full review of the UniCarScan scanner.
vLinker FD+
Pros: Supported by a wide range of third-party apps across platforms.
Cons: Extensive app compatibility may require some trial-and-error to find the ideal app.
RRP: From $49.99 Buy now / £42 Buy now
The vLinker FD+, another offering from vGate (China), is a globally available, compact Bluetooth scanner. Like the MC+, it features a display on its face to indicate connection status once plugged in. Its small size can, however, make removal from the OBD2 socket slightly awkward.
Choosing a compatible third-party app can be challenging due to the vast selection, including numerous dedicated apps. Pairing with smartphones or Windows laptops is straightforward and reliable. Depending on the chosen app, users can expect detailed fault information and live data for problem analysis. As an entry-level option, the vLinker FD+ provides a good Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for those new to car diagnostics and live data retrieval, offering a budget-friendly starting point.
Explore the vLinker FD+ full review for a more detailed perspective.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner
Selecting the best Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for your needs can seem daunting given the variety of options. There isn’t a single “best” choice, as the ideal scanner depends on your specific requirements. Start by considering your primary purpose. If you primarily need to diagnose and clear the engine management light (EML), all of the scanners tested will suffice. However, some scanners offer enhanced diagnostics for specific car brands, which can be beneficial if your vehicle is supported. For BMW owners, for example, a scanner compatible with the BimmerCode app is recommended.
It’s crucial to verify scanner compatibility with your car. Newer vehicles (from 2017 onwards) often utilize a CAN-Bus (Controller Area Network) system for ECU communication, a type of OBDII protocol supported by some, but not all, scanners. If your car is newer, confirm CAN-Bus compatibility with the manufacturer or supplier before purchasing. We found all suppliers contacted to be highly helpful in clarifying compatibility.
All tested scanners can reset the EML by clearing fault codes. If you require additional reset functions, such as oil service light resets, consider that some scanners offer these as standard, while others may require a pro package or subscription. The same applies to advanced features like live data, MPG calculation, and dashboard displays. Evaluate whether these features are genuinely useful for your needs or simply added extras. By carefully considering your car’s needs and your diagnostic requirements, you can choose a good Bluetooth OBD2 scanner that provides the right balance of features and value.
For more information on car diagnostics, explore reputable automotive resources and online forums dedicated to vehicle maintenance and repair.
