Wireless OBD2 Bluetooth adapters have become very popular since they are low cost and have a lot of functionality.
These small adapters can convert OBDII signals and transmit them to a smartphone or laptop via Bluetooth.
They are also low-cost units making them a good fit for anyone looking to troubleshoot a car or truck on a budget.
Just because they are cheap doesn’t make them less useful compared to more expensive hand-held scanners.
The software installed on a phone or computer is what makes a Bluetooth OBDII adapter so capable and able to do any of the things a hand-held scanner can do and in some cases more.
The list of apps for smartphones and laptops is very long. Some are paid while others are free.
OBD2 Apps for phones often offer a free basic version and a paid version with more features.
For example the Torque app which is popular for smartphones offers a free version which can read codes and clear them.
The paid version gives more features such as built in tracking and gas mileage usage which is helpful in many scenarios.
There is many available with those below some of our favorite options for best OBD2 Bluetooth Adapters.
As always be sure to read the reviews on Amazon or elsewhere to be sure a unit is a good fit for you.
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Our Picks for Best OBD2 Bluetooth Adapters 2019
As well as from free samples. There are 442 bluetooth obd ii gps suppliers, mainly located in Asia. The top supplying countries are China (Mainland), Taiwan, and Greece, which supply 98%, 1%, and 1% of bluetooth obd ii gps respectively. Bluetooth obd ii gps products are most popular in North America, Western Europe, and Oceania. OBD Auto Doctor is the leading car diagnostic software. With this easy-to-use OBD-II diagnostic software, you can communicate with your vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic system and turn your computer or mobile into a highly capable automotive scanner.
- BlueDriver
- ELM 327
- Vgate
- OBDLink LX
- BAFX
- OBDLink MX+
- Vgate iCar Pro
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android
The BlueDriver is a Bluetooth OBD2 Dongle that is compatible with Androids or iPhones.
The setup is straight forward by downloading the app and connecting it to your smartphone
After this the app is used to troubleshoot a car or truck such as reading and clearing codes.
During testing it worked well for such a budget unit.
Mestart OBDII OBD2 Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Scan Tool Auto OBD Scanner for Android Devices
Anyone looking for an OBD2 Bluetooth adapter will some across the ELM 327.
The ELM 327 does not belong to one Bluetooth device it is actuality a computer chip that was designed to decode OBDII signals.
It originally used the PIC18F2480 micro-controller and has been revised with versions 1.0, 1.3a, 1.4b and 2.1.
There are many devices with the ELM 327 as the main component of the adapter, even if it doesn’t say it is.
How a manufacture packages it and creates other components on the board varies.
One thing that’s certain is they are low cost with some less than 15$ dollars. This makes them ideal for those on a budget.
We tested this unit with both and android phone and laptop and had good results.
There are comments about it over heating and getting too hot which we did not run into.
The overheating some see may be due to a combination of a hot day and leaving it plugged in for long periods, Or possibly simply some faulty units.
We had good result from it and are still using it.
Vgate Bluetooth Scan Tool OBD2 OBDII Scanner for Torque APP Android
Vgate is another small unit with circuitry built around the ELM 327 chip.
This model is built for android devices and is compatible with the popular Torque app.
We tested this unit with the free version of Torque and where able to read and clear codes.
The Torque app is able to do much more than simply read and clear codes. Like many other OBD2 apps it has many more features available.
In our test the unit did at times disconnect and reconnect occasionally, which would effect someone watching the engine RPM, Oil pressure or other real-time functions.
Even though is disconnected a few times it did what it was built for which was reading and clearing codes and was low cost.
ScanTool OBDLink LX Bluetooth: Professional Grade OBD-II Automotive Scan Tool for Windows and Android – DIY Car and Truck Data and Diagnostics
The OBDLink LX is a top end unit for those looking for a unit that is well built.
It only works with android devices and Window computers.
The OBDLink app for android smartphones is included and OBDwiz PC Software for a laptop.
The OBDLink LX cost more than other Bluetooth dongles but is better built and comes with everything needed to decode a vehicle engine light or any code it may have.
BAFX Products Bluetooth Diagnostic OBDII Reader/Scanner for Android Devices
The BAFX is made for Android devices to troubleshoot vehicle error codes.
Like most all OBDII scan tools it can read and clear engine codes.
This small dongle is capable of much more than reading and clearing car computer codes.
Depending on the app it can show fuel mileage, RPMs, Vacuum, Oil pressure and much more.
OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner Turns Your iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire or Windows Device into a Professional-Grade Diagnostic Scan Tool, Trip Computer, and Real-time Performance Monitor.
The OBDLink MX+ is a good OBDII scan tool that is works with most any devices such as iPhone, Android, or Windows PCs.
The App that comes with the unit has a lot of advanced features such as Freeze Frame, SMOG readiness, Graphing and more.
It is a good unit with good support along with firmware updates and 3-year warranty.
Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE) OBD2 Fault Code Reader OBDII Code Scanner Car Check Engine Light iOS iPhone iPad/Android Compatible ELM327 Adapter
The Vgate iCar Pro has three versions Android Bluetooth, iPhone WiFi, and a version with both built-in.
This gives it very good compatibility with most any smartphone.
It also works with most any OBD2 app such as the popular Torque or many others.
The Vgate iCar Pro is a nice unit that has no problems reading and clearing engine codes and more.
Summary
Setting up and using a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter is easy to do with a smartphone or laptop.
There is some technicalities involved which will not be hard for most.
If you have ever installed an app and paired a Bluetooth device before than you will be reading and clearing codes quickly and easily.
The Bluetooth dongles shown here are mainly for the average home user or back-yard mechanic.
A busy mechanic shop will no doubt need more robust tools that can take a daily beating and rough environment.
The above scan tools will benefit mainly any home user who has an engine light on and want to know what the error is.
Since most cars and trucks only give a vague engine light for any problem, a user who has these tools can make them invaluable for saving money.
For example some codes are a simple fix such as a bad gas cap which can make a engine light come on.
Even if the problem is beyond the ability of the user to fix it will give them more information needed as to the problem and average repair cost.
For example if an error code is given for a bad oxygen sensor then reading through forums about the vehicle and what others paid will help keep a mechanic honest when they work on the car.
Torque is a cutting-edge vehicle diagnostic and performance scanner app for your Android smartphone. The Torque app is a must-have for Bluetooth enabled OBD2 adapters. It’s one of my favorite OBDII apps for Android phones!
Grab Torque Pro from the Google Playstore here! You can also try the free version of Torque to see if you even need the PRO version: Torque Lite
Torque Lite is the free version of Torque Pro. While Torque Lite is good enough for most users, Torque Pro is a better deal that comes with a complete set of features.
Torque OBD2 Engine Diagnostics Application: A Comprehensive Review
Skip to the good stuff:
- Why the Torque App?
When used in conjunction with OBD2 Bluetooth adapters for Android, Torque Pro can communicate with the various sensors governing the engine management system in your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and other electrical components including ABS, wheel sensors, and airbag sensors.
Torque Pro is an application running on the Android operating system. Capable of being used with any and all devices running Android OS, the Torque app not only enables car owners the ability to obtain an array of information from the multitude of connected Engine Management System sensors but also to closely monitor their car’s engine control units (ECUs) and to examine and clear diagnostic trouble codes.
You know, that pesky check engine light in the dash? That’s what I’m talking about. The check engine light is the ECU’s way of telling you there’s something wrong with the system. If your vehicle has a check engine light on the console, don’t panic. The check engine light does not necessarily mean the end of the world. If you act fast, you can diagnose the cause of the fault code to prevent further engine damage.
Luckily for you, smartphones, tablets, and laptops can now be utilized to determine the nature and meaning of the diagnostic trouble code or DTC. All you need is a compatible OBD2 Bluetooth adapter and an app that you can easily download for free.
What does that mean for you? It means you can save time and money by skipping the mechanic!
Why the Torque App?
This Android app from Torque has the ability to utilize the internal GPS systems within your cell phone along with other sensors that graph valuable information about acceleration, braking, and overall vehicle performance.
Torque Pro is equipped with a complete array of features including a built-in dynamometer to determine the horsepower and torque rating of your vehicle. Car owners can run basic scans to diagnose fault and error codes (DTCs and PIDs) but are unique in its ability to effectively store discovered fault codes on a vehicle’s ECU.
Conveniently, Torque Pro automatically clears the DTC fault code to return to the original state after you’ve addressed and reconciled the issues with the fault codes. This will involve fixing the problem like replacing or cleaning the sensors and checking all electrical connections.
Torque has the ability to utilize a wide-range of OBD adapter devices, from budget-conscious bargain OBD scanning tools like the FOSEAL ELM327 to premium adapters such as the OBD Link 426101, and more!
Critically important to the vehicle diagnostic process, OBD2 adapter devices are used in conjunction with Android devices to communicate with the Engine Control Units found within automobiles.
Oh, and if Torque isn’t for you, don’t worry, there’s a ton of other apps for Android that connect to OBD2 adapters.
Check out our OBDII smartphone app guide here: Choose the Best OBD2 App and Software for Android, iPhone, Windows
How to use Torque Pro
With its extensive range of functions, capabilities, and extras, Torque is a fundamental and necessary component of any car owner’s repertoire. With its ability to inform you of an abundance of essential information in regards to performance, safety, and fault codes, this Android app is an absolute must-have for owners looking for an affordable and convenient option to address and avoid current and future maintenance or repair issues.
Once the check engine light comes ON, the usual process is to drive towards the dealership. The entire procedure of booking an appointment and diagnosing the meaning of the fault code alone will cost hundreds of dollars upfront. This does not include labor and parts.
The Torque OBD2 empowers car owners to not only self-diagnose and address readily apparent car issues, but also the ability to dramatically save money by reducing costs involved with visits to costly mechanics and repair shops.
In short, your OBD2 scan tool and Torque Pro app will enable you to save thousands of dollars in car repair. It will also broaden your understanding on how the engine systems work to give you the desired levels of performance and responsiveness.
Torque Pro will make it easier to fix your vehicle while helping you save money in the long run. Advanced users will also love the real-time monitoring capabilities of Torque Pro.
If you are interested in boosting the performance and safety of your car, grab Torque pro and a bluetooth OBDII adapter
Essential Highlights and Features
Obtain an up close and personal look at your cars performance, reliability, and operation in real-time | Offers personalized arrangement capability of the exact widgets and gauges you need and desire |
Procure critically essential OBD error codes relating to vehicle performance and sensor data | Functions similar to a scan tool with its ability to display and return to default DTC and CEL fault codes |
Operates in conjunction with Global Positioning Systems to provide OBD engine logging with critically important tracker logs that enable you to retrieve past activity information | Assists vehicle owners in dramatically reducing repair and maintenance costs by affording the opportunity to self-diagnose and pinpoint car issues and error codes |
Featuring Dynomometer, horsepower, and torque | Ability to read vehicle-dependent transmission temperatures |
Offers car owners the ability to gauge the speed of their car or truck with speed timings ranging from zero to sixty miles per hour that present increased accuracy in comparison to findings from Global Positioning Systems | Convenient CO2 emissions readouts |
Highly customizable individual user profile and dashboard | Unique capability to comprehensively record driving journeys and adventures via the “Track Recorder” plugin featuring an overlay of OBD2 onscreen data |
Send automatic Global Positioning System tweets directly to sites like Twitter to inform you friends and family of real-time activity | Comprehensive universal fault and error code database for effortlessly quick reference of codes from a wide range of different manufacturer vehicle makes and models |
Wide range of personalized themes available to change the look and feel of your dashboard | Compatible with a wide range of tablets including, but not limited to, the Dell Streak, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Nook, and Motorola Xoom |
HUD (Heads Up Display) driving functionality for nighttime driving | Global Positioning System based compass that is free of interference of the magnetic variety |
Essential Highlights and Features
(continued)
Featuring AIDL / API for third party applications that include an easy to understand Telnet interface for users to communicate with OBD scanners and adapters | Unique ability to engage in social media by sharing personal screenshots to friends and family on Twitter, Google Plus, and Facebook |
Car-dock support | Data graphing capability for past, present, and current use |
Exclusive Turbo-boost component supporting both MAF and MAP sensors | Important voice overlaid notifications via warnings and sounded alarms that notify vehicle owners of critical issues |
Send tracking logs, screenshots, and real-time activity to the internet or email for a detailed analysis via Microsoft Excel or OpenOffice reader | Global Positioning Systems tracking of speedometer use and activity with real-time functionality that can be uploaded to the internet |
Vehicle Compatibility Chart
Ford | Citroen |
Volkswagen | General Motors |
Jaguar | Vauxhall / Opel |
Audi | Mercedes |
Chrysler | Subaru |
Skoda | Kia |
Mazda | Lexus |
Mitsubishi | Renault |
Nissan | Honda |
Hyundai | Dodge |
Toyota | Seat |
Pontiac | Jeep |
BMW | Peugeot |
Note: Torque Pro is designed to work on any vehicle utilizing the OBD2 standard protocol. This includes most vehicles produced after the year 2000 and a wide-range of vehicles produced after 1996. Checking for OBD2 compatibility is an easy task and merely requires a cursory check of the engine bay for a label marked with the OBD2 designation.
Torque Engine Diagnostics Application: Miscellaneous Notes and Tips
- Torque’s OBD2 application is dependent upon a compatible Bluetooth OBD2 adapter to facilitate a connection between the vehicle and your phone. A vast array of affordably priced adapters is available on the market to be used in conjunction with your Torque OBD2. It should be noted that the Garmin Eco-Route is not supported by Torque OBD2
- Torque works on Android operating systems including 5, 1.6, 2.0, 2.1 and above
- With respect to your budget, Torque is downloadable as an advertisement-free version or advertisement-supported version
- Torque offers online change logs and version histories for your convenience
- A Torque viewer website is available for car owners to upload real-time data and relevant vehicle information to view recorded OBD data for an up-close and in-depth look at the performance of your car
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