# OBD JScan vs ActiveOBD

The clearest difference is rating: OBD JScan at 4.7 against ActiveOBD's 3.6. OBD JScan also leads on review sentiment (79% vs 45%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. OBD JScan sells 7 one-off in-app purchases and ActiveOBD sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

OBD JScan holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OBD JScan has 1.3K ratings behind it against 39, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of OBD JScan's written reviews are positive against 45% of ActiveOBD's.

OBD JScan ships an update every 3 weeks, ActiveOBD every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and July 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OBD JScan | ActiveOBD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obd-jscan/id1445903514/reviews)** | [3.6 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/activeobd/id1524791245/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.3K** | 39 |
| Positive reviews | **79.5% of reviews** | 45.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 403 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Piotr Bialic](https://appshunter.io/developer/960266498) | [Mykhailo Zolotarov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1524791247) |

## What reviewers say

### OBD JScan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obd-jscan/id1445903514)

This app provides advanced diagnostics for Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge vehicles. It allows users to read and clear trouble codes, view live sensor data, and access settings across all vehicle modules, including ABS and transmission.

**Highlights:** Read/Clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes, Access Live Data from all sensors, View vehicle settings, Access all vehicle modules (ABS, Transmission, etc.), Identify module, VIN, Part Number, and Version, Share vehicle trouble codes

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| + 1 garage license | $9.99 | one-time |
| 1 VIN license | $20.99 | one-time |
| Add 1 VIN | $20.99 | one-time |
| Add 1 VIN Vehicle Slot | $20.99 | one-time |
| 3 VIN licenses | $54.99 | one-time |
| 5 VIN Licenses | $84.99 | one-time |
| 10 VIN Licenses | $149.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🔧 Powerful customization options
- 👍 Excellent customer support
- 💡 Useful diagnostic and monitoring features
- 🔓 Enables features otherwise locked by dealer

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connectivity issues
- 🔌 Requires additional hardware purchase
- ⚠️ Compatibility issues with newer vehicle models
- 🕰️ Slow performance in certain scenarios

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to save/export diagnostic data
- Inconsistent behavior when changing vehicle settings

**Requested features**

- Expanded vehicle compatibility
- Improved stability and reliability
- Enhanced user interface and guidance
- Integration with other vehicle apps/services


### ActiveOBD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/activeobd/id1524791245)

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.

**Highlights:** 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)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version Subscription | $4.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OBD JScan free?

OBD JScan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is ActiveOBD free?

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

### Which has better reviews, OBD JScan or ActiveOBD?

OBD JScan is rated higher. OBD JScan averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while ActiveOBD averages 3.6 from 39 ratings.

### Do OBD JScan or ActiveOBD have ads?

Neither OBD JScan nor ActiveOBD shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, OBD JScan or ActiveOBD?

OBD JScan ships an update every 3 weeks, and ActiveOBD every 3 months. Most recently, OBD JScan was updated on September 25, 2026 and ActiveOBD on July 23, 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.*