Dr.OBD vs ActiveOBD
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Dr.OBD
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Dr.OBD is a mobile phone app that do analysis on vehicle diagnostic fault code. It can automatically retrieve the fault codes diagnosed by OBD device via Bluetooth 4.0. Also, it will send notification alert at mobile phone side and auto query each fault code corresponding to the fault description, expert failure analysis and solutions. Meanwhile, it can provide share and print function.
ActiveOBD
This app functions as an OBDII scanner, offering specialized support for Subaru vehicles (MY2012+). It provides basic parameter readings for free, with a subscription unlocking advanced features like trouble code reading and data logging.
- OBDII scanning
- Subaru-specific support (MY2012+)
- CVT Oil Temperature reading
- AWD duty (%) parameter reading
- Trouble code reading (full version)
- Data logging (full version)
- Graphs building (full version)
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The OBDII scanner app with a special support of Subaru (MY2012+) make. It's the next-generation product based on our well-known "ActiveOBD for Subaru" app bringing its best features to iOS users. A compatible OBD adapter is required. Premium-level adapters supported (best speed and stability): - OBDLink MX+; - OBDLink CX; - vLinker MC+. Entry-level adapters supported (moderate speed, good stability): - Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE). Other adapters supported: - Viecar Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE), Vgate iCar Pro WiFi, Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+, KONNWEI. We do NOT support the majority of cheap ELM327 v2.1 clones. The basic free version already includes CVT Oil Temperature, CVT ratio and AWD duty (%) parameter readings and nice gauge screen ! Note: some of these parameters are inaccessible on some model ranges. The full version (subscription) includes extra parameters reading and features, such as graphs building, logging ("premium-level adapter" required), trouble codes reading. Note: for resource consumption optimization reason the data collection for graphs/logging activates upon accessing these functions and terminates with the current app session. Terms of Use (standard Apple Terms of Use / EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Dr.OBD at none against ActiveOBD's 1. Dr.OBD also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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. ActiveOBD sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Dr.OBD asks for nothing beyond the download.
Dr.OBD ships an update every 2 months, ActiveOBD every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and July 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Dr.OBD | ActiveOBD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 3.6 (39 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 45.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 39 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 24 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Shenzhen Leagend Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. | Mykhailo Zolotarov |
In-app purchases
Dr.OBD
No in-app purchases
ActiveOBD
- Full Version Subscription1 Month trial$4.991 Month
