Car head-up displays (HUDs) might seem like a futuristic luxury, but they quickly become indispensable once you experience the convenience and safety they offer. Imagine glancing at your speed, engine vitals, or navigation directions without ever taking your eyes off the road. This is the reality with a good HUD, and particularly with Hud Obd2 Displays, which tap into your car’s computer to provide a wealth of real-time data. For anyone looking to enhance their driving safety and access valuable vehicle information, exploring the world of HUD OBD2 displays is a smart move. This guide will delve into some of the best options available and what makes them worth considering.
1. Hudway Drive
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
Reasons to buy
- Includes self-contained projection screen
- Integrates OBD2 and phone data seamlessly
- Offers an easy to read and comprehensive display
Reasons to avoid
- Considered a larger unit compared to others
- Higher price point than some alternatives
The Hudway Drive stands out as a comprehensive HUD OBD2 display, expertly blending data from your vehicle’s OBD2 port, GPS, and smartphone. While it doesn’t offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay integration, its ability to consolidate various data streams is remarkable. For drivers seeking a rich information display, the Hudway Drive projects a wealth of data, from speed and RPMs to turn-by-turn navigation, directly in your line of sight.
Priced at $279, it’s positioned at the higher end of the HUD market. However, the extensive information it delivers arguably justifies the investment. Keep in mind its larger size and fold-down screen, which might slightly obstruct your view for some drivers depending on dashboard configuration.
Read our full Hudway Drive review
2. Pyle PHUD180BD
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
Reasons to buy
- Features a self-contained screen for clear visuals
- Provides an excellent array of vehicle read-outs via OBD2
- Offers a bright and easily visible display
Reasons to avoid
- Projection screen can potentially obstruct view for some users
- Lacks direct smartphone integration
The Pyle PHUD180BD impressively packs a wealth of information onto its 5.5-inch screen, especially considering its affordable price of around $67. This HUD OBD2 display provides exceptional value, combining both OBD2 and GPS data to give drivers a comprehensive overview of their vehicle’s performance and driving metrics.
With a bright and sizable display, the Pyle PHUD180BD can showcase over two dozen parameters of automotive information, making it a top contender for those seeking feature-rich HUD functionality without breaking the bank. While the projection screen might pose a minor obstruction in some setups, and phone integration is absent, its performance relative to its price is hard to overlook.
Read our full Pyle PHUD180OBD review
3. Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS
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
Reasons to buy
- Includes a self-contained projection screen for focused viewing
- Utilizes both OBD2 and GPS data for comprehensive information
- Features a convenient fold-down screen for when HUD is not needed
Reasons to avoid
- Does not offer phone integration for added features
- Lacks built-in navigation capabilities
The Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS HUD is another strong contender that effectively merges GPS and OBD2 data to present a visually appealing and informative display. Designed for drivers who crave more data than their standard dashboard offers, this HUD OBD2 display caters especially to car enthusiasts. It delivers advanced metrics like air-to-fuel ratios and turbocharger pressure readings, offering a deeper dive into your vehicle’s operational status.
For around $56, the Wiiyii C1 provides a self-contained projection screen, OBD2 fault code scanning and alerts, and a wide range of vehicle data. While lacking phone integration and navigation, its robust feature set and affordability make it a compelling option, particularly for those interested in detailed vehicle performance data.
Read our full Wiiyii C1 OBD + GPS review
4. Akabane A500
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
Reasons to buy
- Integrates both OBD2 and GPS data for versatile information
- Offers a direct view display, enhancing clarity
- Shows a very large number of vehicle parameters
Reasons to avoid
- Features a bulkier and less streamlined design
- Can potentially obstruct the driver’s field of view
- Interface can be perceived as complex or overwhelming
The Akabane A500 HUD OBD2 display distinguishes itself by pairing OBD2 connectivity with GPS capabilities, offering a broad spectrum of functionalities. Beyond displaying a plethora of vehicle data, it uniquely includes performance testing features like braking and acceleration timers. For those interested in verifying their vehicle’s performance metrics, the Akabane A500 can provide insightful data, though such testing should always be conducted responsibly and legally.
Despite a potentially confusing menu system and a 3.5-inch screen that isn’t the largest, the Akabane A500 compensates with its ability to present a wealth of driving information and OBD2-driven fault detection at an attractive price point.
Read our full Akabane A500 review
5. Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter
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
Reasons to buy
- Primarily uses GPS data for reliable measurements
- Integrated sensors accurately show tilt and roll angles, ideal for off-roading
- Direct view display offers straightforward readability
- Accessory adapter includes two USB power ports for device charging
Reasons to avoid
- Does not access OBD2 data, limiting vehicle-specific information
- Taller design might obstruct view in some vehicles
- Lacks phone integration for connected features
The Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter caters to a niche audience: off-road driving enthusiasts. While not an OBD2 HUD in the traditional sense, it uses GPS and internal sensors to deliver specialized data crucial for off-road conditions. It displays standard information alongside tilt and roll angles, vital for assessing vehicle stability on uneven terrain.
While it forgoes OBD2 data, which means it lacks access to engine diagnostics and detailed vehicle parameters, the Autool X95’s focus on GPS and terrain-specific data makes it invaluable for off-roaders. Its compact design and user-friendly interface further enhance its appeal for this specific driving scenario.
Read our full Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter review
What to Consider When Choosing an HUD OBD2 Display
When selecting the best HUD OBD2 display for your needs, several factors come into play. These devices, while offering similar core functionality, can vary significantly in features, display quality, and data presentation. Understanding these key aspects will help you make an informed decision.
The primary advantage of an aftermarket HUD, especially an OBD2 model, is its potential to offer more comprehensive data than factory-installed systems. They tap directly into your car’s onboard diagnostics system, providing a window into a wide range of operational parameters. However, they typically don’t integrate with in-car entertainment or navigation systems as deeply as built-in solutions.
Data Displayed: The core function of an HUD OBD2 display is to show vehicle data. Consider what information is most important to you. Speed is standard, but many display RPM, engine temperature, voltage, fuel consumption, and even more specialized data like turbo pressure. OBD2 connectivity is crucial here, as it unlocks access to this rich data stream directly from your car’s computer.
Screen Type and Visibility: HUDs use different display technologies. Some project data onto your windshield, while others use a self-contained transparent screen. Projection systems can create a larger image but may suffer from visibility issues in bright sunlight. Self-contained screens often offer better clarity and brightness but might be smaller. Fold-down screens offer the best of both worlds, providing a clear projection when needed and retracting to maintain unobstructed views.
Screen Size and Placement: Size matters, but so does obstruction. A larger screen can display more information clearly, but it shouldn’t block your view of the road. Consider your dashboard layout and viewing angle to ensure the HUD sits comfortably without compromising safety.
Color and Interface: Color displays are generally preferable as they can convey more information and make data easier to differentiate at a glance. A user-friendly interface is also essential for easy setup and customization. Look for intuitive menu navigation and straightforward controls.
Power and Connectivity: Most HUD OBD2 displays draw power and data through the OBD2 port. This simplifies installation and provides access to the vehicle’s data. Some also offer GPS for speed and location data, especially useful in older cars without comprehensive OBD2 data or for features like slope meters.
Installation: Modern HUD OBD2 displays are designed for easy installation. Typically, it’s a matter of plugging into the OBD2 port and placing the unit on your dashboard. Cable management is usually the most challenging part, but many units come with flat cables that are easier to hide.
Cost Considerations for HUD OBD2 Displays
The price range for HUD OBD2 displays varies significantly. Entry-level models can be found for under $30, but these often have limited features, monochrome displays, or only show basic information like speed.
Stepping up to the $30 to $70 range opens up a wider selection of HUD OBD2 displays with color screens, more data parameters, and better overall quality. These offer a good balance of features and affordability for most users.
High-end HUD OBD2 displays, costing over $250, are less common but offer premium features like smartphone integration, advanced display technologies, and more sophisticated data processing. These are for users seeking the most comprehensive and feature-rich experience.
How We Evaluate HUD OBD2 Displays
Our testing of HUD OBD2 displays involves a comprehensive evaluation process, both in a controlled garage setting and real-world driving scenarios. We prioritize ease of setup, ensuring the device is user-friendly and can be installed quickly. Wire concealment and overall placement are assessed to ensure the HUD is both functional and unobtrusive.
We rigorously test startup and shutdown times, measuring how quickly the HUD OBD2 display boots up and begins showing data, as well as how efficiently it powers down after the engine is turned off. Display clarity, sharpness, and interface design are critically examined, evaluating how easily data can be read and understood at a glance while driving. We navigate through menus and settings to assess ease of use and customization options.
Real-world driving tests are crucial. We evaluate display visibility under various lighting conditions, assess how well the HUD OBD2 display tracks and updates data during acceleration and deceleration, and note any distractions or usability issues that arise during normal driving. Special features, such as text message display, inclinometers, and navigation prompts, are tested for functionality and practicality in real-world use.
Through this rigorous testing process, we aim to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of each HUD OBD2 display’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you choose the best option to enhance your driving experience.
In conclusion, HUD OBD2 displays are more than just a novelty; they are practical tools that enhance driving safety and provide valuable vehicle information at a glance. By choosing the right HUD OBD2 display, you can enjoy a safer, more informed, and technologically enhanced driving experience.
