For car owners and automotive enthusiasts alike, understanding your vehicle’s health is paramount. OBD2 scanners have become indispensable tools, providing insights into a car’s performance and flagging potential issues before they escalate. The OBDeleven NextGen Bluetooth OBD2 scanner emerges as a compelling option in this market, promising a blend of compact design and robust functionality. Priced starting at an accessible point, this scanner aims to deliver more than just basic diagnostics, especially for owners of Volkswagen Auto Group vehicles. Let’s delve into a comprehensive review to see if the OBDeleven NextGen lives up to the hype as a top-tier OBD2 scanner.
Price and Availability
The OBDeleven NextGen OBD2 scanner positions itself competitively in terms of pricing. You can acquire the basic NextGen device for around $90 on major online marketplaces like Amazon, or even lower, from $65 on the official OBDeleven store. This entry-level purchase grants you access to core diagnostic features.
For users seeking an expanded feature set, the Ultimate NextGen package is available, priced at approximately $217. This bundle includes the Ultimate subscription, unlocking advanced functionalities like the creation of custom One-Click Apps, along with practical accessories such as a phone holder and a carrying bag for the scanner. Subscribing to the Pro and Ultimate plans separately costs $54 and $152 annually, respectively, offering a pathway to enhanced capabilities without the upfront cost of the full bundle.
Furthermore, OBDeleven utilizes a credit system for its One-Click Apps – pre-programmed shortcuts for various vehicle modifications and diagnostics. Many of these applications require 10 credits, equating to about $2.19 per use. While these microtransactions can accumulate, OBDeleven offers credit packages, such as 100 credits for $19.59, which do not expire, providing a cost-effective solution for frequent users of these specialized functions.
Design and Build Quality
Alt text: Compact OBDeleven NextGen Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for vehicle diagnostics showing its small size.
The OBDeleven NextGen excels in its design, particularly its remarkably small footprint. Measuring just 1.6 x 1.5 x 0.9 inches and weighing a mere 0.7 ounces, this Bluetooth OBD2 scanner is significantly smaller and lighter than many competitors, such as the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool. Its diminutive size allows it to remain discreetly connected under the dashboard, practically invisible. For added convenience, OBDeleven includes a keyring, ensuring the scanner is readily accessible whenever needed.
In terms of software compatibility, OBDeleven matches leading competitors by offering dedicated applications for both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices. Notably, it also extends its reach to Huawei users with a dedicated app in the Huawei AppGallery, broadening its accessibility. The app interface is intuitively designed, featuring clear icons representing common vehicle systems like the check engine light, ABS, airbag, and battery, simplifying navigation for users of all technical levels. While capable of performing fundamental OBD2 tasks such as reading and clearing fault codes and turning off the check engine light, the true strength of the OBDeleven system lies in its enhanced capabilities for specific vehicle brands.
The OBDeleven truly distinguishes itself with Volkswagen Auto Group models, including VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda, offering in-depth diagnostics and customization options beyond generic OBD2 scanners. It also provides specialized functionalities for certain Toyota and BMW models, making it a versatile tool for a range of car brands, though its focus on VAG vehicles is a key selling point.
Easy Setup and Connectivity
Alt text: OBDeleven app interface screenshots showing user-friendly design and connection process for car diagnostics.
Setting up and using the OBDeleven NextGen OBD2 scanner is designed to be straightforward. Physically, it’s easy to plug into and remove from a vehicle’s OBD port. For wireless communication, the NextGen utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 4.2 to connect to smartphones or tablets, ensuring efficient power usage. Upon connection, a visual LED ring on the device provides status updates: initially glowing red, it transitions to a bluish-white light once a stable Bluetooth connection is established and the device is operational. Interestingly, users have the option to customize these LED colors, adding a touch of personalization.
Pairing the OBDeleven NextGen involves a simple Bluetooth connection process, followed by creating an account within the OBDeleven app. In testing, the device demonstrated a reliable Bluetooth range of approximately 25 feet with a Samsung S20 phone, offering flexibility to move around the vehicle while performing diagnostics, whether inside the cabin or under the hood. While OBDeleven provides a two-year warranty for the NextGen device, the included 16-page manual is quite concise and may lack the depth of detail some users might prefer.
Performance and Features
Alt text: OBDeleven app displaying live vehicle parameters and diagnostic data in a tabular format during a scan.
For a broad spectrum of vehicles, the OBDeleven NextGen OBD2 scanner is capable of displaying a selection of essential real-time parameters. These typically include engine load, engine speed (RPM), coolant temperature, and mass air flow sensor readings, presented in a clear tabular format. However, it’s worth noting that the standard display lacks the option to visualize this data graphically over time, which could be beneficial for identifying trends and intermittent issues.
The performance and feature set of the OBDeleven NextGen significantly expand when used with Volkswagen Group vehicles. With a subscription or the use of credits, users gain access to an extensive array of parameters – virtually every sensor and data point imaginable within the vehicle’s systems becomes accessible. This deep level of access is where the OBDeleven truly shines, offering capabilities that often surpass generic OBD2 scanners.
Scan speed is commendable; a full vehicle scan was completed in approximately 20 seconds during testing. The NextGen scanner also offers a practical pre-inspection check feature, allowing users to assess vehicle readiness before official inspections. In a practical test simulating a fault – disconnecting the under-seat connection module on a Subaru Outback – the scanner accurately and promptly recorded a fault code related to the occupant position sensor. Upon reconnecting the module, clearing the code, and rescanning, the system correctly reported no faults, demonstrating its accuracy and responsiveness.
Verdict: Is OBDeleven NextGen the Right OBD2 Scanner for You?
Alt text: OBDeleven NextGen Bluetooth OBD2 scanner connected to a vehicle’s OBD port for comprehensive diagnostics and vehicle health monitoring.
The OBDeleven NextGen Bluetooth scanner is not just another generic OBD2 tool; it’s a device with a clear focus. While it functions adequately as a standard OBD2 scanner for most vehicles, its true potential is unlocked when paired with Volkswagen Group vehicles. For VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda owners, the OBDeleven NextGen offers an unparalleled level of diagnostic depth and customization, filling in the gaps left by more general-purpose scanners. The addition of a Huawei app further broadens its appeal.
In conclusion, if you primarily work with or own vehicles from the Volkswagen Group, the OBDeleven NextGen is highly recommended as a powerful and feature-rich OBD2 scanner. For owners of other car brands, it still provides solid basic OBD2 functionality in an ultra-compact and user-friendly package, making it a worthwhile addition to your automotive toolkit, especially if you anticipate needing advanced diagnostics in the future or appreciate its portability and ease of use.
