hobDrive vs Kiwi OBD
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
hobDrive
This intelligent trip computer and OBD2 diagnostic software uses your vehicle adapter and GPS to calculate trip information, monitor engine diagnostics, and track performance metrics. It offers detailed fuel efficiency calculations and trip planning features for a comprehensive driving analysis.
- OBD2 PIDs and custom sensor support
- Enhanced engine diagnostics and code explanation
- Detailed trip computer with MPG calculations
- Performance tools (0-100, braking, HP, torque)
- Hybrid vehicle specific features
- Trip planning and fueling records
- GPS tracking and map overlay
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Turn a compatible ELM327 adapter into a live trip computer for your car. hobDrive brings vehicle data, OBD2 diagnostics, trip history, fuel costs, and maintenance planning together in one app. Connect through Bluetooth LE or Wi-Fi, use detailed dashboards on your iPhone, and view selected live values on your vehicle's CarPlay display. Before purchasing, use the included 30-day evaluation period to confirm compatibility with your vehicle, phone, and adapter. DRIVE WITH USEFUL DATA - Monitor available values such as speed, RPM, coolant temperature, battery voltage, fuel level, and fuel trims - Track fuel consumption, economy, idling, distance, and time by trip, day, week, since fueling, or manual Trip A/B period - Estimate remaining range and driving time from the fuel left in the tank - Keep trip, fuel, range, and selected sensor values visible through CarPlay UNDERSTAND VEHICLE PROBLEMS - Read OBD2 trouble codes and monitor new engine-code warnings during a trip - See code descriptions and use the AI assistant to help interpret a code or vehicle symptom - Receive warnings for conditions such as overheating or unusual fuel trims - Review sensor values in charts instead of relying on a single warning light KEEP A USEFUL VEHICLE HISTORY - Record fuelings, fuel prices, and vehicle expenses - Review trip statistics and offline or cloud analytics across different periods - Create service intervals and reminders for scheduled or personal maintenance - Configure dashboards, sensor views, themes, and community layouts VEHICLE AND PROTOCOL COVERAGE hobDrive supports standard OBD2 PIDs and extended sensors for selected Toyota, Toyota Prius, Ford, Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda, Chevrolet, and Nissan vehicles. It also supports selected non-OBD2 protocols, including Delphi MR240, Delphi MT20U, Bosch, VAZ Yanvar 5/7, Micas, Itelma, JDM Nissan and Toyota, and Siemens systems used by some Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Samand vehicles. Support is also available for selected hybrid, electric, diesel, and dual-fuel vehicles. The exact sensors and functions depend on the vehicle, ECU, adapter, and connection configuration. ADDITIONAL TOOLS - GPS- or ELM327-based acceleration, quarter-mile, and braking measurements - Estimated engine power and torque - Fuel-consumption calculations using MAF, MAP, injector timing, or ECU fuel-flow data when available TRIAL AND COMPATIBILITY HobDrive provides a 30-day evaluation period. Most features are available during the trial; reading and clearing manufacturer-specific protocol codes is excluded. A purchase is required after the evaluation period. Many vehicles need a specific connection profile. If hobDrive cannot connect to your ELM327 adapter, contact support so we can help check the configuration. GPS NOTICE hobDrive can use GPS to record trip tracks. Continuous background GPS use can reduce battery life, so a charger is recommended for longer drives. More information: https://hobdrive.com/ Support: support@hobdrive.com
Kiwi OBD
This app transforms your smartphone into a comprehensive automotive diagnostic and performance tool. Monitor real-time vehicle data, diagnose check engine lights, and analyze driving efficiency. It also offers video overlay for performance tracking and data logging.
- Multi-parameter customizable dashboard
- Fuel efficiency monitoring with DriveGreen™
- Check engine light diagnostics and code clearing
- Real-time data logging with video overlay
- Performance metrics (0-60 times, horsepower, torque)
- Award-winning hardware interface compatibility
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-Overview Kiwi OBD is a professional dashboard, trip computer, OBD II scan tool, performance meter, driving efficiency monitor and more for your car. Designed in Silicon Valley, California, coupled with the SEMA award winning Kiwi OBD hardware interface by PLX Devices, this Kiwi OBD is 6 Apps in 1 making it the ultimate automotive tool kit. -MultiGauge™ Display up to 125 parameters in 6 preset modes (dashboard, engine, efficiency, trip, gear, and custom). This professional customizable dash was designed to outperform even the most expensive cars. -Fuel Efficiency with DriveGreen™ Drive smarter. Studies performed by fueleconomy.gov show that 33% of fuel is wasted simply by inefficient driving habits. Our proprietary award winning Kiwi Drive Green driving behavior algorithms provide optimal fuel efficiency feedback for any vehicle or driving conditions. Kiwi Drive Green receives sensor inputs, 'learns' your driving styles, and computes it into a 'Kiwi Score.' As you drive, the app conveniently displays your score alongside other fuel efficiency parameters. -Diagnostics Diagnose your check engine light without the hassle of visiting your dealer or mechanic. View the specific Error Codes, Pending Codes, Permanent Codes, Freeze Frame, Readiness Monitors as well as a simple description of the problem, from the convenience of your home. Once the problem has been addressed simply press reset to clear the code. -Data Logging and Video Overlay Capture live video with real-time data overlay. A great tool for driving trips, fleet vehicles, auto cross, and track days, Video Overlay mode simultaneously captures video and sensor readings to provide you with professional video feedback of your drive with superimposed real-time sensor data. Analyze vehicle performance. Select from up to 125 sensors to record, pause, stop, playback and export your data. -Performance (Coming soon) Measure your vehicle's true performance without spending $1000s on dynamometer testing, track testing, or drag strip runs. Kiwi measures real-time horsepower and torque and other metrics such as 0-60 times, 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile times, skidpad, inclinometer and more. -Kiwi Hardware Compatibility Kiwi 4 is more than a versatile OBD scan tool. Includes all the features and app compatibility of the Kiwi 3 with the following game changing new features. • 8 times faster than closest competitor with Kiwi OBD App • Integrated Micro SD card for data logging • Integrated speaker with audible warning/alerts • Built-in competition grade accelerometer • Selectable smartphone and self-run mode Kiwi 3 is a feature packed car to smartphone interface. Up to 4 times faster than the nearest competitor, Kiwi 3 uses ultra low power, installs in seconds, and can be left permanently installed in your vehicle. Kiwi 3 is compatible with all standard OBDII protocols and is able to update firmware via Bluetooth. When inserted into your OBDII port, Kiwi 3 sits just 0.68 inches thin making it the smallest, most discrete OBDII adapter. -Available Parameters *Not all OBDII compliant vehicles support all of the following parameters --Engine: Vehicle,Engine Speed Coolant Temperature Short,Long Term Fuel Trims Fuel Pressure,Level MAF,MAP Timing Advance Intake,Ambient Air Temperature Throttle Position Oxygen Sensor Voltages Barometric Pressure Catalytic Converter Temperature ECU Voltage Gear --Fuel Efficiency: MPG, km/l, L-100km 0-5 Min, 0-30 Min, 0-2 Hours Fuel Flow CO2 Emissions Kiwi Score, Smoothness, Drag, Accel, Decel --Trip: MPG, km/l, L-100km $ Used,Saved Trip Distance Traveled Fuel Used,Remaining Fuel Flow Average/Max Vehicle,Engine Speed Average,Maximum Engine Power,Torque Maximum CO2 Emission Rate Average,Maximum Kiwi Score Average --Emissions: Clear,Reset Engine Trouble Code Scan Trouble Codes with Fault Descriptions
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Kiwi OBD at fortnightly against hobDrive's every 3 months. Kiwi OBD also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). hobDrive's advantage is review sentiment (28% vs 13%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. hobDrive sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Kiwi OBD sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
hobDrive ships an update every 3 months, Kiwi OBD fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | hobDrive | Kiwi OBD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 1.3 (38 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 28.1% of reviews — better | 13.2% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 38 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 10.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 148 MB | 51 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | RID OOO | PLX Devices, INC. |
Customer experience
hobDrive
Kiwi OBD
In-app purchases
hobDrive
- Lifetime license (existing)$7.99
- Lifetime license$12.99
- Lifetime License / existing$12.99
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- Lifetime License$19.99
Kiwi OBD
- Video Overlay License$4.99
- Kiwi OBD Data Logging License$4.99
- Kiwi OBD Basic License$9.99








