# ANCEL vs ThinkDriver

The clearest difference is rating: ThinkDriver at 4.5 against ANCEL's 2.6. ThinkDriver also leads on review sentiment (58% vs 24%) and ratings volume (270 vs 43). ANCEL's advantage is monetization model (free vs paid). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ThinkDriver holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ThinkDriver has 270 ratings behind it against 43, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 24% of ANCEL's written reviews are positive against 58% of ThinkDriver's.

ANCEL ships an update every 2 months, ThinkDriver monthly. The most recent releases landed on August 1, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ANCEL | ThinkDriver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.6 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ancel/id1434956145/reviews) | **[4.5 (270 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thinkdriver/id1502233364/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 43 | **270** |
| Positive reviews | 23.5% of reviews | **57.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 402 MB | 325 MB |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [OBDSPACE TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434956144) | [THINKCAR INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1464847379) |

## What reviewers say

### ANCEL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ancel/id1434956145)

This app connects to your car via an OBD2 Bluetooth scanner to diagnose faults, read data like fault codes and sensor readings, and clear error lights. It also offers battery health checks, a customizable dashboard, and driving assistance features. Some models support special functions like maintenance resets.

**Highlights:** OBD2 Bluetooth scanner connectivity, Fault code reading and clearing, Frozen frame and sensor data display, Battery health and voltage detection, Customizable dashboard, Driving assistance functions, Special functions (maintenance reset, etc.)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### ThinkDriver

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thinkdriver/id1502233364)

This diagnostic tool allows car owners to perform full system vehicle checks, going beyond standard OBDII functionality. It provides immediate insights into potential car issues, acting as a comprehensive helper for vehicle maintenance.

**Highlights:** Full system vehicle diagnostics, Advanced OBDII alternative, Immediate issue detection, DIY car maintenance helper

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works like professionals
- 👍 Handy tool for car
- 👍 Versatile and helpful
- 👍 Great tools for car
- 👍 Easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 Pay again for lifetime access
- 😞 Terrible support, no response
- 😞 Useless device, keeps shutting down
- 😞 Scanner does not work
- 😞 Customer service unhelpful

**Reported bugs**

- Keeps shutting down during scan
- Scanner does not work
- Not working with 2022 subscription update
- Device won't work after getting a new phone
- Keeps asking to activate device, then pay again

**Requested features**

- Add payment with Apple Cash
- Install just a code scanner icon


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ANCEL free?

ANCEL is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ThinkDriver free?

ThinkDriver is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ANCEL or ThinkDriver?

ThinkDriver is rated higher. ANCEL averages 2.6 out of 5 from 43 ratings, while ThinkDriver averages 4.5 from 270 ratings.

### Do ANCEL or ThinkDriver have ads?

Neither ANCEL nor ThinkDriver shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ANCEL or ThinkDriver?

ANCEL ships an update every 2 months, and ThinkDriver monthly. Most recently, ANCEL was updated on August 1, 2026 and ThinkDriver on September 19, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*