# ANCEL vs OBD2 Scanner

The clearest difference is rating: OBD2 Scanner at 4.6 against ANCEL's 2.7. OBD2 Scanner also leads on ratings volume (1.1K vs 46) and update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months). ANCEL's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On price and review sentiment there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. OBD2 Scanner sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. ANCEL asks for nothing beyond the download.

OBD2 Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OBD2 Scanner has 1.1K ratings behind it against 46, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 28% of ANCEL's written reviews are positive against 23% of OBD2 Scanner's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

ANCEL ships an update every 2 months, OBD2 Scanner monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ANCEL | OBD2 Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (46 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ancel/id1434956145/reviews) | **[4.6 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obd2-scanner-torque-elm-327/id6477899127/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 46 | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | **27.8% of reviews** | 22.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 405 MB | 102 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [OBDSPACE TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434956144) | [Phong Pham](https://appshunter.io/developer/1731047500) |

## 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, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### OBD2 Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obd2-scanner-torque-elm-327/id6477899127)

Transform your smartphone into a powerful car diagnostic tool. Monitor real-time engine data, read and clear trouble codes, and track your vehicle's performance. Customize your dashboard and access repair manuals to understand and fix issues.

**Highlights:** Real-time engine data monitoring, Read and clear trouble codes, Performance tracking, Customizable dashboards, Repair manual database, Compatibility with OBD2 ELM327 adapters

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium weeky freetrial | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $17.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use setup
- ✅ Works well for some vehicle models
- ⭐ Useful for basic OBD2 scanning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive pricing for limited functionality
- 🐛 Bluetooth connection drops frequently
- ❌ Poor compatibility with many vehicle models
- 📱 Deceptive UI with hidden exit menus
- 🔒 Security concerns and unauthorized charges

**Reported bugs**

- Bluetooth connection drops and requires reboot
- App fails to connect to OBD2 devices
- Sensors display N/A values in paid version
- Cannot select vehicle profile
- App crashes or becomes unresponsive

**Requested features**

- Oil temperature and transmission data
- Wheel sensor information
- Pending DTC display
- Permanent check engine light clearing
- Module-specific scanning selection


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ANCEL free?

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

### Is OBD2 Scanner free?

OBD2 Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, ANCEL or OBD2 Scanner?

OBD2 Scanner is rated higher. ANCEL averages 2.7 out of 5 from 46 ratings, while OBD2 Scanner averages 4.6 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do ANCEL or OBD2 Scanner have ads?

OBD2 Scanner shows ads; ANCEL does not.

### Which is updated more often, ANCEL or OBD2 Scanner?

ANCEL ships an update every 2 months, and OBD2 Scanner monthly. Most recently, ANCEL was updated on November 2, 2026 and OBD2 Scanner on November 8, 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.*