Comparison

OBD2 Scanner ELM327 vs ThinkDriver

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

OBD2 Scanner ELM327

This app provides comprehensive OBD scanning for vehicles, allowing users to read and clear fault codes from various ECUs, monitor live sensor data, and perform special functions like DPF regeneration and injector coding. It supports over 100 vehicle makes and offers detailed reports and diagnostic assistance.

Highlights
  • Read and delete fault codes from any ECU
  • Monitor over 200 live sensor data points
  • Perform special OBD functions
  • Generate shareable PDF diagnostic reports
  • Check SMOG status for emission tests
  • Reset service/oil lights
  • Track 0-60 and 0-100 timing
Features
Read full description

GaragePro is the perfect OBD Scanning app for automotive enthusiasts, repair shops, and DIYers. Covering 100+ vehicle makes, GaragePro offers you comprehensive OBD coverage such as reading fault codes from all ECUs- Engine, Airbag, ABS, BCM etc., as well as Special functions such as Injector coding, DPF regeneration, Throttle Reset, ABS (Brake) bleeding, Steering angle reset etc. Key Features: OBD2 Scanning: Read and delete fault codes from any module- Engine, ABS, SRS, EPS, BCM and more. GaragePro can read OBD codes from 100s of ECUs across different makes, covering 100,000+ unique DTCs. Live Data Monitoring: Read over 200 live data points from vehicle sensors in real-time, including RPM, speed, coolant temperature, fuel trim etc. as well as vehicle specific live sensor data points. GaragePro OBD2 Scanner also has intuitive graphs and customizable displays, that let your visualize changes in your OBD2 data. You can also export PID readings to Excel or PDF for detailed analyses. Multi-Mode Coverage: Unlock more OBD2 modes than other apps. GaragePro offers access to a plethora of modes/service IDs such as modes 01, 02, 03, 04, 06, 07, 09, 0A, as well as vehicle specific modes for enhanced OBD coverage. Special OBD functions like Injector coding, DPF regeneration, Throttle Reset, ABS (Brake) bleeding, Steering angle reset, Power balance, Fuel Density Reset, Learning Value Reset, Actuation Tests, AC Control Module Reset, Indicator light reset, Brake Pedal Position Sensor learning, Light and Door customizations, etc. Check the app for the full list applicable to your car. PDF report and Support: Get a shareable PDF with code descriptions when scanning a vehicle and share it with your technicians, friends, customers or store it for future comparisons. GaragePro also offers email and chat support to its customers. Smog checks through OBD: Be ready for your vehicle's emission tests by checking SMOG status in the app. Service/Oil reset: GaragePro OBD2 Scanner includes both- Auto and manual methods to reset the Service/Oil lights. Check Engine Light/Dashboard Lights Assistance: Compared to other apps, GaragePro is able to cover not just MIL, but also ABS, airbag, oil level, steering and other warning lights. OBD Freeze Frame data: Read OBD freeze frame data to understand your sensors' state when OBD codes were generated. Track mode: Measure your 0-60, 0-100 timing and see how well you do on the track. Vehicle Compatibility: The GaragePro OBD2 Scanner app works with any vehicle that's compliant with the OBD2 standard (introduced in the USA in 1996). It reads data from 100s of ECUs in cars & bikes, including Engine, ABS, Airbags (SRS), EPS, BCM, Traction Control, Transmission, HVAC, Instrument cluster & more. It is compatible with all American, Japanese, Korean, German, and other European car & bike makes, including but not limited to GM, Toyota, Ford, Lincoln, Buick, Chevrolet , Opel, Nissan, Infinity, Renault, Mercedes, Suzuki, Lexus, Triumph, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Honda, Mahindra, Tata, MG, Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat, BMW and more. For motorcycles, you will need a connecting cable that connects the 16-pin OBD scanner with the bike's OBD port. Bike diagnostics include DTC reading & deletion, live data stream & freeze frame data. OBD Scanner Compatibility: GaragePro OBD2 Scanner works with any Bluetooth OBD Scanner, including most elm327 based OBD scanners. It also works with popular OBD scanners like Vlink, OBDLink, Carista, Veepeak, Viecar, Kiwi and more. GaragePro also has its own OBD2 Scanner that works seamlessly with the app. Please note: The availability of sensor data depends on your vehicle's ECUs. The app can only display information that is provided by your car's systems. Whether you're a car enthusiast seeking performance gains, a mechanic looking to tackle repairs, or a car owner committed to staying informed, GaragePro OBD2 Scanner is the perfect OBD2 diagnostic tool for you. Email support: fix@carpm.in

About

ThinkDriver

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
Read full description

THINKDRIVER, a DIY diagnostic product, which is extremely close to professional diagnostic tools, goodbye to normal OBDII dongle. THINKDRIVER can let all car owners to test the full system of the vehicle, much more than the OBDII. Now, THINKDRIVER will be the best helper for every car owner! This is the ultimate car diagnostic connector that allows you to easily and immediately know whether you should be aware of any issues with your car.

Screenshots

OBD2 Scanner ELM3274 screens
ThinkDriver2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ThinkDriver at none against OBD2 Scanner ELM327's 24. ThinkDriver also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (282 vs 25). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. OBD2 Scanner ELM327 sells 23 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. ThinkDriver asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ThinkDriver holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ThinkDriver has 282 ratings behind it against 25, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of OBD2 Scanner ELM327's written reviews are positive against 58% of ThinkDriver's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OBD2 Scanner ELM327 ships an update every 3 weeks, ThinkDriver monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
OBD2 Scanner ELM327 versus ThinkDriver: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOBD2 Scanner ELM327ThinkDriver
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (25 ratings)4.5 (282 ratings) — better
Positive reviews46.2% of reviews57.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings25282 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS12.09.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size65 MB325 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperZymbia Interactive Technologies Private LimitedTHINKCAR INC

Customer experience

OBD2 Scanner ELM327

All ratings19 ratings
Positive78.9%
Neutral5.3%
Negative15.8%
Written reviews65 reviews
Positive46.2%
Neutral3.1%
Negative50.8%

ThinkDriver

All ratings270 ratings
Positive86.7%
Neutral4.8%
Negative8.5%
Written reviews33 reviews
Positive57.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative42.4%

User reviews

OBD2 Scanner ELM327

From 25 App Store ratings

What we love

  • ✅ Clears trouble codes
  • ✅ Scans vehicle quickly
  • ✅ Provides real-time data
  • ✅ User-friendly interface
  • ✅ Saves money on repairs

Room to improve

  • ❌ App crashes frequently
  • ❌ Does not load past splash screen
  • ❌ Not responding properly on iPhone
  • ❌ Cannot select new vehicle after changing cars
  • ❌ Fails to buy subscription

ThinkDriver

From 282 App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

Bugs and requests

OBD2 Scanner ELM327

Reported bugs

21 issues
  • App stops working
  • App does not load past splash screen
  • App is not responding properly
  • App crashes when trying to buy subscription
  • App starts crashing after a few days
Show 16 more
  • License removed after uninstall/reinstall
  • App does not start after downloading
  • Shows false error codes
  • Requires uninstall to connect
  • App closes and won't open
  • Cannot clear codes after paying for subscription
  • Scanning issue (stops at 4%)
  • App hangs at 5% during scan
  • Freezes or gives an error during scan
  • Most GM PIDs not available
  • Live View Advanced PIDs missing
  • Cannot pull or clear codes
  • Not functional after updates
  • Cannot link to iPhone
  • Not working on multiple car models
  • Service reset states not available after payment

Requested features

8 requests
  • DPF REGEN feature
  • Ability to select new vehicle easily
  • Reactivate perpetual license without reinstalling
  • List of approved scanner devices
  • Support for WiFi adapters on iOS
Show 3 more
  • Add Google ID option for iPhone
  • Fix PIDs missing in Live View Advanced
  • Option to store data locally instead of server

ThinkDriver

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • 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
Show 5 more
  • Doesn't recognize older cars (pre-2014)
  • App ALWAYS crashes
  • Machine doesn't read VIN
  • App falls when needing special functions
  • Doesn't work when VIN manual entry fails

Requested features

2 requests
  • Add payment with Apple Cash
  • Install just a code scanner icon

In-app purchases

23 purchases

OBD2 Scanner ELM327

Subscriptions11
  • AI Scan Summary (Yearly)$4.991 Year
  • Standard - Yearly$9.491 Year
  • Personal Plan$9.991 Year
Show 8 more
  • Lite - Yearly$9.991 Year
  • Standard - Yearly$19.991 Year
  • Advanced - Yearly$23.991 Year
  • Advanced + AI Summary - Yearly$28.991 Year
  • Premium - Yearly$32.991 Year
  • Standard - Yearly$34.991 Year
  • Advanced - Yearly$71.991 Year
  • Advanced - Yearly$99.991 Year
One-time12
  • Lite - Perpetual$17.99
  • Lite - Perpetual$21.99
  • Standard - Perpetual$34.99
Show 9 more
  • Standard - Perpetual$37.99
  • Standard - Perpetual$54.99
  • Lifetime Subsciption$69.99
  • Standard - Perpetual$69.99
  • Advanced - Perpetual2 variants$99.99
  • Advanced - Perpetual$109.99
  • Advanced - Perpetual$129.99
  • Advanced - Perpetual$159.99
  • Advanced - Perpetual$199.99
None

ThinkDriver

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is OBD2 Scanner ELM327 free?
OBD2 Scanner ELM327 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ThinkDriver free?
ThinkDriver is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, OBD2 Scanner ELM327 or ThinkDriver?
ThinkDriver is rated higher. OBD2 Scanner ELM327 averages 4.3 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while ThinkDriver averages 4.5 from 282 ratings.
Do OBD2 Scanner ELM327 or ThinkDriver have ads?
Neither OBD2 Scanner ELM327 nor ThinkDriver shows ads.
Which is updated more often, OBD2 Scanner ELM327 or ThinkDriver?
OBD2 Scanner ELM327 ships an update every 3 weeks, and ThinkDriver monthly. Most recently, OBD2 Scanner ELM327 was updated on October 26, 2026 and ThinkDriver on October 24, 2026.

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