The automotive diagnostic landscape is crowded, making the search for reliable professional OBD software for your PC, laptop, or even mobile device a time-consuming task. The market is saturated with competing scan tools, many prioritizing profit over genuine features. This situation makes it challenging to discern quality diagnostic solutions from mere imitations.
Therefore, we felt it necessary to highlight established leaders in automotive diagnostics. The companies we’ll discuss have a long and proven history of OBD2 expertise.
For the average car owner, the subtle yet crucial distinctions between different OBD reader kits can be easily overlooked. Both may appear convincing at first glance. However, our extensive experience in vehicle workshops allows us to quickly differentiate a generic “me-too” check-engine-light reader from OBD-2 software approved by seasoned automotive technicians. This article will concentrate on the latter.
We will specifically focus on laptop software and not delve into mobile apps. Frankly, we have reservations about Android/iOS apps for a couple of key reasons: (1) many are abandoned due to the constant influx of new on-board-diagnostics apps, and (2) most are not developed by car manufacturers but rather by independent developers.
Consider this: PC-based OBD-II software has been available since the early 1990s, whereas OBD mobile apps are a relatively recent development.
What many consumers are unaware of is that most popular smartphone OBD2 applications offer reduced functionality. They often compensate for this with visually appealing user interfaces (GUIs). This is a primary reason why we lean towards PC-based solutions for serious diagnostics.
Having utilized and rigorously tested numerous car software packages for over a decade, we present our selection of 7 noteworthy OBD2 diagnostic software packages…
Ultimately, the final decision rests on your informed judgment. We strongly recommend you visit their websites, develop a sense of their credibility, and select the software that best addresses your specific vehicle diagnostic needs.
To respect your time, we’ve summarized each review in bullet points for quick comprehension.
General Principle: All OBD2 software essentially performs the SAME fundamental task: diagnosing and reporting vehicle faults to the user. The primary difference lies in the quantity of fault codes detected. Some are more comprehensive than others in identifying a wider range of errors.
While OBD-2 do-it-yourself diagnostics empowers car owners with capabilities similar to a mechanic, it’s crucial to remember that identified malfunctions or broken components still necessitate physical repair and should not be simply dismissed by clicking a “Clear fault” button within the software.
Common Features Shared by the Listed OBD Car Scanner Software:
- These are not free OBD software options. If you are seeking free OBD2 software (specifically for use with an ELM327 scan tool), we recommend downloading EasyOBD. It is arguably the best “free” option available.
- The automotive industry predominantly targets Windows operating systems. Fortunately, we’ve identified and reviewed two respectable OBD2 software options for macOS .
- All reviews are based on our collective technical and automotive mechanical expertise, totaling 60 years of combined experience. We have strived to evaluate, critique, and judge each software package in an objective manner.
- Each software package supports ELM327 OBD2 Bluetooth, WIFI, and USB interfaces. Instructions for ELM327 installation can be found here.
- None of the software listed provides bidirectional control capabilities. For bidirectional functionality, you would require high-end OEM scan tools (typically priced at $1000 and above). For more detailed information on high-end workshop-grade OBD2 scanners or code readers, please search our blog for “obd2 scanner“.
A Brief Introduction to Scanners / Code Readers / General Diagnostic Tools:
Automotive technology has progressed significantly since Karl Benz invented the first gasoline-powered automobile in 1885. What began as a simple means of transportation has evolved into a sophisticated and rapid method of moving people from one location to another.
In the pre-technology era, cars were straightforward machines, relatively easy to repair. However, with advancements across all sectors, modern vehicles are now equipped with an array of technological features, ranging from air conditioning and navigation systems to even autopilot functionalities.
With this technological evolution, cars are becoming increasingly intelligent. Today’s vehicles can gather data to determine optimal routes, adjust internal fluids to match driving conditions, and, importantly, detect engine malfunctions.
Most vehicles on the road today are equipped with an on-board diagnostics (OBD2) port. This port grants access to all data from the engine control unit (ECU). By accessing this data, a technician can diagnose vehicle issues and determine if maintenance is necessary.
Step 1: Connect the ELM327 interface to your car’s OBD port. Step 2: Install the necessary ELM327 drivers on your PC. Step 3: Launch your chosen OBD2 software and click “Connect.” The process is remarkably simple!
To access the data within the ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a computer and specialized software are needed to interface with the OBD port. Recognizing this trend, a growing number of automotive companies are developing OBD software for laptops and mobile devices, aiming to empower end-users with the ability to access their vehicle’s ECU data.
Typically, these products come as a package: a hardware component (the interface cable/device) and the car OBD-2 software itself (for data access via the OBD port). The hardware/cable establishes the connection between the ECU and the computer.
The OBD software (for PC/laptop/Android/Mac/iOS) then interprets and analyzes the data for the user. The primary objective of this technology is to facilitate vehicle maintenance and extend the vehicle’s lifespan.
Below, we have compiled a list of seven distinct diagnostic software packages from seven different companies. We believe these represent the best software options currently available for your Windows/Mac laptop/PC computer.
(Important Note: None of the links provided are affiliate links.) Total Car Diagnostics has no financial incentive in recommending these products. This is an unbiased and sincere write-up of our recommended scanner list, compiled with the aim of helping you meet your diagnostic reading and testing requirements.
TOAD PRO
TOAD® (Total OBD & ECU Auto Diagnostics) is a comprehensive and powerful OBD software suite, boasting “car-manufacturer-approved” applications. It conducts thorough vehicle health checks and can diagnose over 15,000 common issues. Uniquely, it also incorporates ECU remapping software, allowing for car performance “hacking” and fuel consumption optimization (appealing to tech-savvy users).
This software is typically reserved for established car repair shops, manufacturers, service technicians, and mechanics. TOAD makes this advanced capability accessible to the public.
Its key strength, beyond broad vehicle compatibility, is its real-time data monitoring with customizable visual graphs. This feature allows users to observe live engine parameters in an easily understandable format.
TOAD is suitable for both home car owners seeking to save on repair costs by diagnosing and resolving issues themselves, and professional mechanics/service shops requiring cutting-edge diagnostic and analysis software to ensure vehicle safety.
TOAD is utilized across approximately 80 countries by law enforcement agencies, franchise dealerships, serious car enthusiasts, everyday car owners, and car manufacturing companies.
Key Advantages of TOAD PRO:
- Check Engine Light Diagnostics: Provides clear descriptions of detected problems, enabling owners to undertake appropriate repairs.
- Enhanced Fault Code Detection: Capable of extracting “Extra” OBD Fault Codes that are often missed by other scanners and software (verified through extensive testing).
- Cost Savings on Car Repairs: Pinpoints faulty components, allowing for cost-effective parts procurement (e.g., from eBay) or informed negotiation with mechanics.
- Vehicle Performance Optimization / Tuning: Offers ECU remapping capabilities for performance enhancement and fuel efficiency improvements.
- Touch-Optimized Interface: Software is designed for touch input, making it ideal for devices like Microsoft Surface Pro.
- Fuel Cost Reduction: Potential for optimizing fuel consumption through ECU adjustments.
- Extended Engine Lifespan: Proactive diagnostics and maintenance can contribute to longer engine life.
- Real-time Vehicle Monitoring: Provides insight into your car’s operational parameters in real-time.
- Facilitates DIY Car Repair and Reduces Repair Expenses: Empowers users to address issues and minimize reliance on costly professional repairs.
- Peace of Mind: Driving with confidence knowing your vehicle’s condition is regularly monitored.
- Real-Time Data Display: Presents live data in various formats, including tables and graphical plots.
Learn more at the TOAD website…
AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool
AutoEnginuity distinguishes itself by offering brand-specific diagnostic options for a wide range of manufacturers (BMW, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Land Rover, Jaguar, Honda, Porsche, and many more!). ScanTool is compatible with both Windows and iOS platforms.
The software enables users to quickly scan for trouble shooting codes, vehicle sensors, and IM240 readiness status to determine necessary services. A key differentiator of ScanTool is its exceptional depth of coverage.
The system can access a broad spectrum of vehicle controllers, including ABS, airbag, instrument cluster, transmission, and numerous others. This depth extends to online data, bi-directional controls, adaptive resets and learning procedures, and comprehensive system tests.
The primary drawback is the higher price point. It is clearly targeted towards professional car mechanic workshops that perform high-volume vehicle scans monthly and require OEM-level bi-directional functionalities.
Key Benefits of AutoEnginuity Scan Tool:
- Data Logging Flexibility: Data can be logged in XML format for browser compatibility and CSV format for spreadsheet applications.
- Customizable Sensor Data Display: Users can tailor data presentation by adjusting sensor sampling rates, ranges, units, and scaling values.
- User-Friendly Data Interpretation: Presents data in a concise and readily understandable format, rather than raw data outputs.
Learn more at the AutoEnginuity website…
PCMScan
PCMScan is a feature-rich, generic OBD-II automotive diagnostic software package that supports a diverse array of OBD hardware interfaces. It incorporates visual charting, real-time data logging, viewing, and playback capabilities. It also facilitates the viewing of Vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Freeze Frame data, and other essential vehicle information. This universal scanner software is compatible with all US, Asian, and European vehicles manufactured after 1996.
However, a significant disadvantage of this otherwise excellent Windows OBD2 software is that it has not been updated in over 7 years. This means it lacks at least 500+ new PIDs (sensor data parameters) that have been incorporated into other contemporary applications. This suggests either abandonment of software development or a shift in development focus.
Benefits of PCMScan:
- Customizable Dashboard: Users can personalize the dashboard display to their preferences.
- Integrated Dyno and Drag Features: Includes performance measurement tools.
- Data Logging Capabilities: Allows for recording diagnostic data for later analysis.
- Diagnostic Trouble Code Management: Reads stored and pending Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
- Check Engine Light Reset: Clears the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon indicator light.
- Freeze Frame Data Access: Reads and clears stored Freeze Frame data.
- Extensive Trouble Code Database: Supports thousands of vehicle trouble code definitions.
Worthy Features Tested:
- Comprehensive Printing Support: Full printing and print preview functionality for all views, including virtual dashboards.
- OBD-II Terminal for Advanced Users: For users with OBD-II protocol knowledge, PCMScan provides a terminal to send custom commands to the vehicle’s ECU.
- Javascripting Support for Custom Calculations: For power users, built-in Javascripting support allows for creating custom calculations based on OBD-II parameters and data.
- Configurable Alert System: Users can set alerts to monitor specific parameters. When predefined conditions are met, the software can trigger an audible warning (useful while driving) or insert a bookmark into the recorded data log.
- Unit System Flexibility: Supports both English and Metric (SI) unit systems.
- Customizable Data Export: Log file data can be exported to .CSV format for easy viewing in spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel.
- Real-time Stamps for Data Correlation: Exports data with real-time stamps for seamless correlation with external data logs.
- PID Priority Assignment: Allows users to prioritize PIDs to optimize data capture rates.
- Interface Compatibility: Supports a wide range of interfaces including Autotap AT1, AT2, AT3, AT123 (v2.x), VIA LDV100, LDV200, LDV300, LDV123, Multiplex Engineering T16, ELM320, ELM322, ELM323 (v2.x), ELM327 (all versions), and any SAE-J2534 compliant OBD-II interface.
Learn more at the PCMScan website…
ProScan
Total Car Diagnostics acquired ProScan in 2015. This OBD2 software has been significantly enhanced for 2018 and beyond, including improved capabilities to read the latest sensor data, accommodating the ever-increasing complexity of vehicle technology and sensors. ProScan is now integrated into the TOAD LITE package.
ProScan is recognized as one of the most user-friendly Windows OBD2 software options on the market. With a history dating back to 2003, its core strengths are consistent stability and ongoing development rooted in deep expertise in automotive protocols, sensors, and PIDs. It maintains compatibility with any standard ELM327 hardware interface.
A standout feature of ProScan, somewhat lacking in competitors, is its highly accurate 0-60mph (100km/h) timing performance measurement. This allows for precise live measurements of speed and torque gains after ECU parameter adjustments or for testing performance improvements after modifications or aftermarket equipment additions.
Benefits of ProScan:
- Fuel Economy Optimization: Offers potential to adjust fuel economy based on driving habits.
- Vehicle Connection Manager: Provides a streamlined interface for program launch and vehicle connection.
- Freeze Frame Data Analysis: Reads and displays freeze frame data, enabling monitoring of data from past events.
- Oxygen Sensor Testing: Displays results of oxygen sensor tests, identifying malfunctioning individual sensors.
- One-Button Diagnostic Report Generator: Simplifies the process of generating comprehensive vehicle diagnostic reports.
- Emissions Readiness Monitoring: Shows the status of vehicle readiness monitors, indicating emissions compliance.
- Oxygen Sensor Location and Count: Displays the number and location of oxygen sensors on the vehicle.
- Oxygen Sensor Functionality Testing: Allows for testing oxygen sensors to verify correct operation.
- Data Recording and Playback: Enables recording and playback of diagnostic data.
- Instantaneous Fuel Efficiency Calculation: Calculates and displays real-time fuel efficiency (mpg/liters per km) for MAF-based vehicles.
- Trip Cost Calculation: Calculates and displays the real-time cost of a trip based on distance and average fuel efficiency.
- Performance Statistics: Calculates performance metrics like 0-60 mph, 1/4 mile time and trap speed, 1/8 mile time, etc.
- Horsepower and Torque Estimation: Estimates horsepower and torque curves and generates dyno charts.
- Printable Diagnostic Reports: Generates printable diagnostic reports for vehicle documentation.
- Unit Conversion: Allows conversion between English and metric units.
Learn more at the ProScan website…
OBD Auto Doctor
OBD II Auto Doctor stands out as one of the most sophisticated and polished OBD2 car diagnostic tools currently available. We consider it the best OBD software option for the Mac OS X platform. The software allows users to check and reset diagnostic codes and communicate directly with the vehicle’s OBD2 system.
It might be considered “too advanced” for casual car owners. If you prefer a simpler yet equally reliable “repair-shop” grade solution, consider exploring the Movi software reviewed below.
Overall, OBD II Auto Doctor is exceptionally resourceful in terms of the volume of extracted data, making it an ideal tool for serious car enthusiasts who desire a deep understanding of their vehicles.
Key Advantages of OBD II Auto Doctor:
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Data: Supports DTCs, Freeze frame data, and MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) status.
- Fuel and Emissions Data: Provides insights into fuel emission and fuel consumption parameters.
- Real-time OBD2 Indicators: Displays real-time OBD2 data indicators.
- Data Visualization: Offers interchangeable numerical and graphical data views.
- Data Sharing: Allows data to be easily shared via email.
- Vehicle Identification: Can be used to read the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and ECU calibration ID.
- Extensive DTC Database: Includes an integrated DTC database with over 14,000 alarm codes.
Learn more at the OBD II Auto Doctor website…
Movi and Movi Pro
Movi/ Movi Pro excels at reading information from a vehicle’s engine control module (ECM) with a straightforward setup process on macOS. If you prioritize simplicity while still requiring dependable car fault detection and precise live PID parameter reporting, this is an excellent OBD application choice. We find it more intuitive and less overwhelming than OBD II Auto Doctor for some users.
The free version is sufficient for most general car owners; however, only the paid version enables clearing DTC fault codes.
The software can extract a vehicle’s complete history of recorded failures (DTCs). It can also clear the ‘check engine light’ after identifying and addressing problematic trouble codes.
Key Benefits of Movi and Movi Pro:
- Real-time Data for Engine Diagnostics: Allows viewing real-time data to aid in diagnosing engine issues.
- DTC Management: Reads and clears DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes).
- Freeze Frame Data Access: Views and clears freeze frame data.
- Fuel Consumption and Economy Monitoring: Tracks fuel consumption and fuel economy metrics.
- Virtual Horsepower and Torque Monitoring: Monitors virtual horsepower and torque figures.
- Simultaneous Graphing: Can graph up to 4 engine indicators concurrently.
Learn more at the Movi website…
EOBD Facile
EOBD Facile OBD software is remarkably simple to set up and connect a car to a computer via an ELM327 interface on macOS. It’s readily available in the App Store. We consider it a close tie with the Movi software reviewed above, with the primary distinction being user interface preference.
Once a connection is established, users can diagnose issues, view real-time results, access vehicle information, and monitor car sensor readings.
Key Benefits of EOBD Facile:
- Check Engine Light Reset: Clears the check engine light indicator.
- Engine Code Diagnostics: Provides insights into engine codes and their meanings.
- Manufacturer-Specific Error Code Monitoring: Monitors manufacturer-specific error codes.
- GPS Data Logging: Maintains a backlog of records with GPS data.
Learn more at the EOBD Facile website…
When searching for car diagnostic software, it’s crucial to assess your individual needs and priorities. Some users may desire advanced functions (like visual live monitoring of various engine data parameters), while others may only require basic functionalities (such as assessing engine health and ensuring safe driving condition).
There you have it – our curated list of the best OBD software based on our extensive experience using various car diagnostic tools.
7 Best OBD2 Software in 2024 and Beyond: Reviewed and Tested
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