Communicating with your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) is vital for identifying problems and ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly. When the check engine light, or engine management light (EML), illuminates on your dashboard, an OBD2 scanner can reveal the underlying issue by accessing the ECU. Sometimes, problems may not trigger the EML but are still logged within the ECU. Furthermore, the ECU provides insights into when your engine requires servicing and the operational status of various vehicle systems.
Understanding OBD2 Scanners
So, how do you tap into your car’s ECU to access this wealth of information? The answer is simple: use an OBD2 scanner or fault code reader that plugs into your car’s communication port. This port has been standardized as the OBDII port. OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics, and the “II” signifies the second generation of this standard. You’ll typically find this port located beneath the driver’s side dashboard, though it can sometimes be in the center console area.
The OBD2 standard became mandatory in the US around 1996. In Europe, it became standard for gasoline (petrol) cars in 2001 and for diesel cars in 2004.
How We Tested the Top Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners for Android
This review focuses on Bluetooth-enabled scanners. These devices consist of a compact plug or dongle that wirelessly connects to your Android phone or tablet via Bluetooth. They generally offer a more affordable alternative to dedicated scanners equipped with their own screens. For Android users, the convenience of using your smartphone as the interface makes these scanners particularly appealing.
During our testing of seven leading Bluetooth OBD2 scanners, we observed a consistent setup process across all devices. The initial step involves downloading a compatible app onto your Android device. Some scanners come with their own proprietary apps, while others are compatible with a range of third-party applications. For Android users, the Google Play Store offers a wide selection of OBD2 apps.
Next, you simply plug the Bluetooth OBD2 device into your car’s OBD2 port. Turn on the ignition, launch the app on your Android phone, and establish a Bluetooth connection. We found the connection process to be generally straightforward and user-friendly across all tested scanners.
With extensive experience in car diagnostics, we aimed to determine if these budget-friendly Bluetooth OBD2 scanners deliver reliable performance. Continue reading to discover our in-depth findings and recommendations for the best Bluetooth Android OBD2 scanners.
Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners for Android at a Glance:
vLinker MC+: Best Overall Bluetooth Android OBD2 Scanner & Best Value
Award: Best Overall & Best Value
Pros: Clear connection status display, versatile with numerous third-party apps, excellent value for money.
Cons: Extensive app choices can be overwhelming initially.
RRP: From $59.99 Buy now / £59.95 Buy now
vGate, a reputable Chinese electronics manufacturer, offers a wide range of diagnostic scanners. The vLinker MC+ stands out for its user-friendliness, particularly for Android users. Its front panel features clear indicator lights that display connection status and power supply, simplifying the pairing process with an app. A dedicated connect button further aids in Bluetooth pairing. The vLinker MC+ is compatible with various third-party apps available on Android smartphones and tablets, as well as Windows PCs and laptops.
The vLinker MC+ offers impressive depth of information, depending on the chosen app. Using the “Car Scanner” app on an Android phone, we successfully diagnosed a parking sensor fault on an Audi A3. The scanner performed a comprehensive system check, displayed live engine data for monitoring performance parameters, calculated fuel consumption, and even measured acceleration times. For Android users seeking a feature-rich and reliable OBD2 scanner, the vLinker MC+ is an excellent choice.
For a deeper dive into the vLinker MC+ scanner, explore our full review.
OBDeleven: Editor’s Choice Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner for Android (VAG Focused)
Award: Editor’s Choice.
Pros: Straightforward fault code scanning, user-friendly Android app, compact design.
Cons: Optimized for VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group), BMW, and limited other makes; basic free app functionality.
RRP: From $88.34 Buy now /£69.95 Buy now
The OBDeleven is among the smallest Bluetooth OBD2 scanners in our test, which can make it slightly challenging to remove from the OBD2 socket in some vehicles. However, a keyring attachment is included to assist with removal, and a universal extension cable provides a convenient solution if needed.
The OBDeleven utilizes a dedicated Android app tailored for specific vehicle manufacturers, primarily VAG, BMW, and Rolls-Royce. During testing on different vehicles, it sometimes automatically identified the vehicle, but occasionally required manual VIN entry. For Android users with VAG vehicles, this scanner is particularly well-suited.
The free, entry-level Android app is basic yet effective for fault scanning. It identifies fault codes and, in some cases, performs in-depth scans of various systems like audio, parking sensors, and airbags. Faults are presented with relevant codes and helpful supplementary information. While the free app excels at fault code identification (especially on compatible makes), live data is limited to certain makes. Upgrading to a Pro package (annual subscription from $53.29) or purchasing credits (from $2.19) unlocks advanced features like one-click apps for customizing car settings and system testing within the Android app.
Backed by a two-year warranty and an easy-to-use scanning app, the OBDeleven is a reliable and focused tool for Android users, especially those with VAG vehicles, seeking no-frills diagnostics.
Read Rob’s comprehensive review of the OBDeleven here.
TopDon TopScan: Approved Bluetooth Android OBD2 Scanner with Professional-Grade App
Award: Approved
Pros: Excellent dedicated Android software for fault finding, robust features.
Cons: Incompatible with 32-bit Android phones, subscription required after the first year for full app functionality.
RRP: $69.99 Buy now / £59.49 Buy now
TopDon, a long-established manufacturer of professional-grade car diagnostic tools, offers the TopScan Bluetooth scanner, appealing to the DIY car enthusiast market. A dedicated Android app is required, but we encountered an incompatibility issue with 32-bit Android phones (64-bit required). This compatibility issue was unique to the TopDon app among the scanners tested. For iPhones (iOS 10 or later), the “TopGuru” app is necessary. Fortunately, TopDon’s support centers in both the US and China provided prompt and helpful assistance.
Aside from the 32-bit Android incompatibility, the app installation and connection to the TopDon scanner are quick and seamless. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) scan effectively identified a parking sensor issue, a fault also detected by only two other scanners (OBDeleven and vLinker MC+). Vehicle identification was unsuccessful during our test, necessitating manual vehicle selection starting with the manufacturer. The “Hot Functions” menu, offering features like oil service and battery reset, is a valuable addition. However, the app lacks live data streaming, freeze-frame data, or a dashboard display for real-time engine monitoring. Crucially, full app functionality is only free for the first year, requiring a subscription (ranging from $49-$99 annually) thereafter.
For a more detailed analysis of the TopDon scanner, refer to Rob’s full review here.
OBDLink CX: Compact and Versatile Bluetooth Android OBD2 Scanner
Pros: Free dedicated Android app, compatibility with third-party apps like BimmerCode, small and easily storable.
Cons: Small size can make it difficult to unplug from the OBDII port for some users.
RRP: From $79.99 Buy now or £78 Buy now
The OBDLink CX is the entry-level Bluetooth scanner from OBDLink, a US-based manufacturer. Its exceptionally small size allows for convenient storage in a glovebox or center console. However, its diminutive size made it somewhat challenging to grip and unplug from the OBDII port. A 20cm extension cable, available from UK supplier Gendan, resolves this issue.
A concise and user-friendly guide, including a QR code for downloading the free Android app, is included. Once installed on an Android phone, connecting is a simple process: start the car, plug in the device, launch the app, and wait. While initial connection took a couple of attempts, it was generally quick. The app boasts a straightforward interface with a simple menu system, ideal for Android users seeking ease of use.
The diagnostic functionality is responsive, although it missed an existing parking sensor fault in our test vehicle. The dashboard feature provides useful real-time readings for engine RPM, speed, MAF pressure, battery voltage, and fuel level. This data can be combined with freeze-frame information when a fault is logged. The app also offers trip logging with fuel consumption and mileage calculations, and live data can be displayed graphically. While OBDLink offers more advanced scanners, the CX provides a valuable and accessible entry point into car diagnostics for Android users.
OBDLink CX full review.
OBDLink MX+: Premium Bluetooth Android OBD2 Scanner with Enhanced Diagnostics
Pros: Feature-rich free Android app with enhanced diagnostics capabilities.
Cons: Marginally better than the significantly cheaper CX model in many aspects, higher price point.
RRP: From $139.95 Buy now / £129.95 Buy now
OBDLink’s top-tier Bluetooth scanner, the MX+, packs considerable diagnostic power and comes with a wealth of free features within its Android app. It is also the most expensive scanner in this test. The app installation on an Android phone or even a Kindle Fire is quick and easy. Connecting the scanner is equally effortless – simply plug it into the OBDII port and open the app. A button on the scanner is available for troubleshooting connection issues. A brief user guide simplifies the setup process.
The dedicated OBDLink Android app is exceptionally user-friendly, featuring only seven menu options for intuitive navigation. The depth of diagnostic analysis, especially using enhanced diagnostics, is impressive, successfully identifying a parking sensor fault that hadn’t triggered the EML.
Additional features include versatile live data analysis. The Dashboard displays instrument-style readouts, while the Graph function plots data for comparative analysis. The Map function facilitates journey data logging to track parameters and calculate MPG, and the Performance function measures acceleration times. For Android users seeking in-depth diagnostics, the MX+ offers a premium experience. However, for many users, the CX model may offer sufficient functionality at a lower price.
OBDLink MX+ full review.
UniCarScan UCSI-2100: Versatile Bluetooth Android OBD2 Scanner with Extensive App Compatibility
Pros: Wide selection of free dedicated and generic Android apps, compact design.
Cons: App choice can be overwhelming for some users.
RRP: From $79.99 Buy now / £54 Buy now
Manufactured by WGSoft of Germany, the UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is a compact Bluetooth OBD2 scanner compatible with a vast array of Android apps. These apps range from manufacturer-specific apps for brands like BMW and Opel to generic OBD2 apps, including WGSoft’s own ScanMaster app. This extensive app compatibility makes it a highly adaptable choice for Android users.
Once plugged into the OBDII port, connection to an Android phone or tablet is rapid. The level of detail provided depends on the chosen app. In ScanMaster, for example, nine menu options are available, although some features require in-app purchases. Trouble codes are quickly retrieved, but the scanner did not detect the parking sensor issue in our testing. Freeze-frame data proves valuable for capturing parameter values at the time of a fault, and live data aids in analyzing engine performance to diagnose problems.
The UniCarScan UCSI-2100 is a practical and affordable solution, ideal for storing in a glovebox for emergency use and routine fault checks during service intervals.
Here’s Rob’s full review of the UniCarScan scanner.
vLinker FD+: Affordable Bluetooth Android OBD2 Scanner with Broad App Support
Pros: Supported by a wide range of third-party apps for Android, Windows, and iOS.
Cons: Extensive app selection may require some experimentation to find the optimal app.
RRP: From $49.99 Buy now / £42 Buy now
Manufactured by vGate, the vLinker FD+ is a compact Bluetooth scanner with global availability. It features a connection status display on its face, illuminating upon successful connection after plugging into the OBD2 port. Its small size can make removal from the OBD2 socket slightly awkward.
Choosing a compatible third-party Android app can be challenging due to the vast selection, including dedicated and generic options. Pairing with an Android phone or Windows laptop is straightforward and operates smoothly. Depending on the chosen app, users can access detailed fault information and live data for in-depth analysis.
The vLinker FD+ provides a valuable and budget-friendly entry point into the world of car diagnostics and live data retrieval for Android users.
vLinker FD+ full review.
Choosing the Best Bluetooth Android OBD2 Scanner for Your Needs
Selecting the ideal Bluetooth Android OBD2 scanner can seem daunting given the numerous options available. There’s no single “best” answer, as the optimal choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. Begin by considering your primary use case. If you primarily need to diagnose a check engine light, all the scanners tested will suffice. However, some scanners offer enhanced diagnostics for specific car brands, which is beneficial if your vehicle is among those supported. For instance, if you own a BMW, consider scanners compatible with the BimmerCode app.
Remember to verify scanner compatibility with your car, especially if you own a newer vehicle (2017 onwards). Modern cars 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 this applies to your car, confirm compatibility with the scanner manufacturer or supplier before purchasing. We found customer support to be universally helpful in addressing compatibility queries.
All tested scanners can reset the check engine light by clearing fault codes. If you require additional reset functions, such as resetting the oil service light, some scanners offer this as a standard feature, while others may require a paid upgrade, pro package, or annual subscription.
Similarly, advanced features like live data, MPG calculation, and dashboard displays vary across models. Consider whether these features are genuinely useful for your needs or simply appealing extras. Ultimately, the best Bluetooth Android OBD2 scanner is the one that best aligns with your diagnostic requirements, vehicle compatibility, and budget.
For more information on car diagnostics, explore further resources online and consult automotive expert reviews.
