If you own a vehicle then you’d already know that it’s imperative to make sure it’s running effectively and smoothly. But even if you regularly service your car and follow all the recommendations by the manufacturer, the check engine light might still turn on. But there’s nothing to worry about because you can run diagnostics on your vehicle easily without opting for another expensive trip to the mechanic.
| Product | Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| OBDLink MX+ | Overvoltage protection Top-tier security protocol |  Check Here |
| VeePeak OBDCheck BLE | Reads and resets engine trouble codes Supports all five OBD2 protocol standar | Check Here |
| BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro | Mobile OBD2 Bluetooth adapter Supports real-time car data | Check Here |
| BAFX Products Bluetooth OBDII Reader | Supports real-time car data Supports all the OBD2 protocols | Check Here |
| Vgate iCar Pro BLE 4.0 | Reds and resets engine trouble codes Battery-saving auto-sleep technology | Check Here |
All modern cars come with a computer system that monitors the overall functionality of the vehicle. You can use OBD (Onboard Diagnostic) tools to find out whether the subsystems of your car are running as they should or not without going to a mechanic. From identifying the fuel economy of the car to diagnosing the check engine light, you can perform many functions using ODB tools.
What Is an OBD2 Adapter?
An OBD2 adapter is a small device that connects to your car. It works as a bridge between the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the car and the special application running on an external device like a computer or mobile phone.
Now the Bluetooth technology has made it even easier as an OBD Bluetooth Adapter allows you to use your smartphone or tablet as a scanning tool. Moreover, the interface of the applications running on your personal devices will also be the same that will collect data from the OBD Bluetooth Adapter connected to your car.
There are multiple types of OBD2 adapters but the ones equipped with Bluetooth technology are much more convenient as compared to the traditional ones. When it comes to OBD2 Bluetooth adapters, there are basically two different types as listed below.
OBD2 Bluetooth adapter with App
Most OBD2 Bluetooth adapters can work with numerous third-party apps built for both Android and iOS. However, some OBD2 Bluetooth adapters can only work with specific apps developed by their respective manufacturers. They might still work with a third-party app but in order to get the best and most reliable results, you’ll need to use a purpose-built app for these OBD2 Bluetooth adapters.
Multi-OS Adapters
Some OBD2 Bluetooth adapters can pair and work with multiple types of operating systems. Not only do they offer the same results across all the platforms but they also improve flexibility. Most people now own smartphones running on either iOS or Android and the OBD2 Bluetooth adapters with multi-OS support really come in handy. However, such Bluetooth OBD2 adapters are usually expensive.
The Best ODB2 Adapters
Now that you understand what an OBD2 adapter is and how it can help you to keep your car in optimal condition, it’s time to discuss the best OBD2 Bluetooth adapters that you can buy.
1. OBDLink MX+: Best for Professional Use
OBDLink MX+ is one of those OBD2 adapters that does everything well and that’s why we have placed it in the top position on our list. Not only can it reset engine error codes by reading the real-time car data, but it also allows you to perform extensive diagnostics.
It also comes with a user-friendly and highly intuitive scan tool that supports TPMS, SRS, ABS, and other types of vehicle readings. One of the best features of this OBD2 adapter is that it’s compatible with Windows, iOS, Android, and even Kindle Fire.
Better yet, it also works perfectly well with a majority of scan tool apps including Carista, BimmerCode, DashCommand, and more. You also don’t need to plug it in and out repeatedly because it can stay in all the time, thanks to overvoltage protection and intelligent sleep mode. It runs on 12v DC power input for convenience.
OBDLink MX+ is also extremely secure because it flaunts a top-tier wireless security protocol that keeps it from hackers. It allows you to run advanced diagnostics against Ford and GM vehicles. You can also use it against a large number of OBD2 Bluetooth scanners from multiple companies such as AlfaOBD, FORScan, and Torque.
Features
- Reads and resets engine error codes
- Mobile OBD2 adapter with Bluetooth
- Supports real-time car data
- Overvoltage protection and intelligent sleep mode
- Comes with extensive diagnostic support that includes TPMS, SRS, ABS, and more
- Top-tier security protocol
Pros
- Compatible with Windows, iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire
- Supports third-party apps
- Advanced diagnostics for Ford and GM vehicles
- Hacker resistant
- Can be left plugged in
- Features a professional design
- Can be used with a large number of OBD2 Bluetooth scanners
Cons
- High price tag
2. VeePeak OBDCheck BLE: Best for Proprietary App
VeePeak OBDCheck BLE Bluetooth adapter offers great value for your money. It comes with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity for fast operation and can read and reset the engine trouble codes. It supports the real-time car data in all the OBD2 signal protocol standards with both ISO and SAE.
You can connect it to both iOS and Android mobile devices. All you need to do is to plug this adapter in and your mobile device or tablet will read it instantly.
It’s undoubtedly one of the best OBD2 Bluetooth adapters that can work with a range of third-party scan tool apps. Additionally, you also get a replacement warranty in case of any faulty operation.
It can save you hundreds because of its perfect combination of affordability and quality. However, if you intend to use a Windows device then this product won’t be the right option for you. That’s because it, unfortunately, doesn’t support Windows devices.
VeePeak OBDCheck BLE comes with its own proprietary mobile application which is known as OBD fusion. We recommend you use this application because you won’t need to go into the hassle of connecting it manually by going through the Bluetooth pairing process. You can also use it with all OBD2 and EOBD cars.
Features
- Reads and resets engine trouble codes
- Mobile OBD2 Bluetooth adapter
- Supports all five OBD2 protocol standards
- Supports real-time car data readings
Pros
- Compatible with both iOS and Android
- Come with a one-year replacement warranty
- Works with a range of third-party applications
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- Doesn’t work with Windows
3. BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro: Best for Obtaining Live data
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro is one of the best OBD2 Bluetooth adapters that comes with a great set of useful features. It’s a mobile OBD2 Bluetooth adapter that is compatible with all iOS and Android devices.
Just like all the other high-quality OBD2 adapters, it offers real-time vehicle data along with trouble code reading and resets. However, it goes one step further and also provides you with the most comprehensive repair support and diagnostics.
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro can also read make-specific codes which are usually inaccessible to traditional OBD2 adapters. The benefit of this feature is that each error code is related to a specific type of repair that your car needs to fix the problem. You can access this information using the free BlueDriver scan tool.
Lastly, it’s a completely wireless Bluetooth OBD2 adapter and you won’t need any cords to use it.The only downsides of BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro are the incompatibility with Windows and a high price tag.
Features
- Mobile OBD2 Bluetooth adapter
- Supports real-time car data
- Reds and resets engine trouble codes
- Offers comprehensive diagnostics as well as repair support
Pros
- Compatible with both iOS and Android
- Comes with a free BlueDriver app
- Data sources are easy to configure
- The app features a wide range of error codes and also offers repair solutions
- Offers diagnostics for most common car manufacturers
Cons
- Expensive
- Not compatible with Windows devices
- Doesn’t work with third-party applications
4. BAFX Products Bluetooth OBDII Reader: Best for 3rd Party Apps
BAFX Products Bluetooth OBDII Reader is one of the affordable OBD2 Bluetooth adapters that provide a perfect combination of practicality and simplicity.
This OBD2 adapter was designed to support Android devices but now you can also connect it and use it with Windows as well. Not only does it read and reset the engine trouble codes that your check engine light shows but it also supports real-time car data.
You can pair it with any Android and Windows device and sync with any popular third-party application including Torque Pro, OBD Fusion, Piston, and Dash Command. it allows you to operate the adapter through an application that suits you the best.
BAFX Products Bluetooth OBDII Reader makes running full diagnostics of your car a breeze because it’s compatible with all the OBD2 protocol standards. One of the best things about this OBD2 Bluetooth adapter is that it comes with 2 years of warranty. On the downside, BAFX Products Bluetooth OBDII Reader is a little heavier as compared to many of its competitors. It’s not possible to use it with iOS devices and it also doesn’t support TPMS, SRS, ABS, and oil change lights.
Features
- Supports real-time car data
- Mobile OBD2 Bluetooth adapter
- Reds and resets engine trouble codes
- Supports all the OBD2 protocols standards including ISO CAN and SAE J1850
Pros
- Compatible with Windows and Android devices
- Comes with 2 years of warranty
- Works with a wide range of third-party scan tool apps
- Excellent vehicle compatibility
Cons
- Doesn’t work with iOS devices
- Doesn’t support
- Bulky housing TPMS, SRS, ABS, and oil change lights
5. Vgate iCar Pro BLE 4.0: Best For iOS Users
If you are looking for the OBD2 Bluetooth adapter that allows you to scan code only on one vehicle then Vgate iCar Pro BLE 4.0 can be your best choice. It allows you to unlock any OBD2 trouble code for enhanced automotive care.
You can connect it with any iOS and Android tablet or smartphone to access insightful real-time data and error code readings and resets. However, it works the best with iOS devices.
It also supports many common third-party applications such as OBD Fusion, Jscan, OBD Auto Doctor, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 app, and more. If you have a car manufactured in the United States after 1996 then you can use it to run diagnostics.
Vgate iCar Pro BLE 4.0 is one of the best OBD2 Bluetooth adapters that supports all the OBD2 protocol standards and provides you with the exact information on why your check engine light is on. There are some other useful features such as battery-saving auto-sleep technology that make it truly versatile. While plugged in, it also doesn’t get in the way, thanks to its low-profile housing.
Vgate iCar Pro BLE 4.0 also comes with one year of warranty for your necessary peace of mind.
Features
- Mobile OBD2 Bluetooth adapter
- Reds and resets engine trouble codes
- Supports real-time car data
- Battery-saving auto-sleep technology
- Supports all the OBD2 protocol standards
Pros
- Low profile housing
- Works with a range of third-party apps
- One year warranty
- Compatible with both iOS and Android
- Can be left in the OBD socket of a car
Cons
- Not compatible with Windows devices
- Primarily made for US vehicles
6. Carista OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter: Best for Customization
If you’re looking for a highly customizable OBD2 Bluetooth adapter then there is no better option out there than Carista OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter. It comes with a multipurpose design that makes it an ideal option for more than only finding and fixing the problems with your car engine.
Moreover, if you have an imported car then Carista OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter has also got you covered as well. You can connect it with both iOS and Android devices. The best way to use this adapter is to download the official scan tool app by Carista which is highly intuitive and user-friendly.
The due of the official application and adapter offers advanced service levels against certain models of Scion, Lexus, Mini, Toyota, and Audi. The data that you receive depending upon your car’s model includes TRAC, VSC, and ABC inspection information, EPB retraction, and ECU data.
It’s also possible to make customization to the engine of your car to tweak performance using the official app for Carista OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter. You can download it from Apple’s Appstore and Google’s Play Store. The whole process of running diagnostic and reading the error codes consists of only three different steps. It means even the drivers using the app for the very first time will find it easy.
You can use Carista OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter with a range of third-party apps as well if you want. The downside of this OBD2 Bluetooth adapter is that it only works with some specific vehicles and makes. Moreover, you’ll also need to pay a certain amount of fee to use the official application after the first month.
Features
- Performs emission tests and CEL code reading
- Can work for launch control counter, module resetting, EPB, service reset, airbags, and ABS
- Mobile OBD2 Bluetooth adapter
Pros
- Highly customizable if you use the official scan tool app
- Compatible with both Android and iOS
- Support many common third-party apps
- Compact size that doesn’t take much space
- Easy to use
- Multipurpose diagnostic tool
Cons
- Compatibility with car types is limited
- The official app comes with a monthly subscription
7. Panlong OBDII Diagnostic Scanner for Android: Best for Android Users
If you are on a tight budget then Panlong OBDII Diagnostic Scanner for Android will suit you the best. All you need to do is to buy this Bluetooth OBD2 scanner and pair it with your Android. It’s specially designed for Android users and whether you have Samsung Galaxy A21 or any other new Android, it’ll connect seamlessly.
You can use a vast array of third-party scan tool apps to run it smoothly. The apps that the Panlong OBD2 scanner supports include OBD Auto Doctor, Car Scanner, Torque both Lite, and Pro, and much more. You can use it for any vehicle that’s manufactured after 1996 and it’ll provide you with real-time data reading and error codes that your check engine light indicates.
Additionally, it supports all the OBD2 protocol standards and you can also leave it plugged in because of its compact size.
Panlong OBDII Diagnostic Scanner for Android also comes with a one-year 100 percent money-back guarantee. Not only does this OBD2 scanner provide you with the error codes but it also offers information that allows you to understand what each trouble code actually means. It also displays possible fixes against each problem and it’s a great feature for all DIY enthusiasts.
Features
- Reds and resets engine error codes
- Android OBD2 Bluetooth adapter
- Support many common third-party apps
- Supports real-time car data
- Supports SAE J1850 VPW, SAE J1850 PWM, ISO 9141-2, ISO 15765-4 CAN, and ISO 14230-4 KWP 2000 protocols
Pros
- Very affordable
- Compatible with almost all android devices
- Comes with low profile housing
- Supports a range of third-party scan tool apps
- One year money-back guarantee
Cons
- Doesn’t work with iOS devices
How to Choose an OBD2 Adapter?
There are tons of products available in the market that makes it very difficult to choose the best OBD2 Bluetooth adapter. That’s why we have compiled a list of the most important factors that you must consider while making your buying decision. This list will help you to buy a Bluetooth OBD2 that suits your needs the best.
OS Compatibility
Ideally, you should go for the OBD2 Bluetooth scanner that supports all the major operating systems such as macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. However, if you can find or are on a budget and can’t afford one, then choose the product that’s compatible with the operating system you use. For example, if you have an iPhone and intend to use the scan tool or application on your smartphone then consider buying a Bluetooth OBD2 that’s compatible with iOS. It’ll keep you from spending money and time on buying or downloading a special operating system to use your Bluetooth OBD scanner.
App Compatibility
As we have already mentioned, most Bluetooth OBD2 adapters are designed to work with almost all the common scan tool apps. However, there are devices available in the market that require you to use a specific scan tool developed by the manufacturer. We recommend you buy a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter that’s compatible with the app you intend to use.
Powerful OBD2 software with all the needed functionalities is yet another important factor that you need to consider in the scan tool app. You don’t want to use an app that offers limited or faulty operations. The scan tool must be dependable that you can easily download from the major app platforms such as Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
Affordability
It’s important to define your budget before you start looking for the best OBD2 Bluetooth scanner. It’ll allow you to limit your search while searching. Keep in mind a good tool that offers reliable results doesn’t have to be expensive.
Easy to Set Up
A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner that you choose should be easy to set up. You don’t want to go into the hassle of solving compatibility or other issues. Consider buying a product that’s compatible with an easy to install app with a user-friendly interface. Moreover, the Bluetooth pairing function should also be seamless. It’s important to consider these features before buying an OBD2 Bluetooth adapter.
Emission Inspection
A standard Bluetooth OBD2 adapter should also offer functionality to perform smog tests and emission inspections.
Online Reviews
It’s another aspect you should not ignore. Before purchasing the best OBD2 Bluetooth scanner, you should look online for consumer feedback on its performance. So, before
Affordability
It’s important to define your budget before you start looking for the best OBD2 Bluetooth scanner. It’ll allow you to limit your search while searching. Keep in mind a good tool that offers reliable results doesn’t have to be expensive.
Easy to Set Up
A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner that you choose should be easy to set up. You don’t want to go into the hassle of solving compatibility or other issues. Consider buying a product that’s compatible with an easy to install app with a user-friendly interface. Moreover, the Bluetooth pairing function should also be seamless. It’s important to consider these features before buying an OBD2 Bluetooth adapter.
Emission Inspection
A standard Bluetooth OBD2 adapter should also offer functionality to perform smog tests and emission inspections.
Online Reviews
It’s another aspect you should not ignore. Before purchasing the best OBD2 Bluetooth scanner, you should look online for consumer feedback on its performance. So, before
What is the OBD2 adapter?
The functionality of the OBD2 adapter is just the same as mentioned above. But it features the latest technology and can read more error codes from your car’s engine. The OBD2 adapters are compatible with the vehicles manufactured after 1996. However, you’ll need to look for car compatibility because it can vary from device to device.
What is the best OBD dongle?
The market is filled with OBD adapters and you’ll need to choose the one that suits your needs the best. If you’re an android user then Panlong OBDII Diagnostic Scanner for Android can be the best choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an OBD2 Bluetooth adapter for professional use then you can go with OBDLink MX. Bear in mind that it’s not something that works with the rule of “one-size-fits-all”.
Do OBD2 splitters work?
A splitter is an efficient way to transfer diagnostic data to more than one device simultaneously. These splitters can help you in multiple situations, but you should consider factors such as the capability and the compatibility of splitters with the OBD2 scanner that you intend to use.