# OBD2 Scanner ELM327 vs ThinkDriver

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | OBD2 Scanner ELM327 | ThinkDriver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obd2-scanner-elm327-garagepro/id1488423694/reviews) | **[4.5 (282 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thinkdriver/id1502233364/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 25 | **282** |
| Positive reviews | 46.2% of reviews | **57.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 65 MB | 325 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Zymbia Interactive Technologies Private Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1488423693) | [THINKCAR INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1464847379) |

## What reviewers say

### OBD2 Scanner ELM327

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obd2-scanner-elm327-garagepro/id1488423694)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (23)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Scan Summary (Yearly) | $4.99 | per year |
| Standard - Yearly | $9.49 | per year |
| Personal Plan | $9.99 | per year |
| Lite - Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Standard - Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Advanced - Yearly | $23.99 | per year |
| Advanced + AI Summary - Yearly | $28.99 | per year |
| Premium - Yearly | $32.99 | per year |
| Standard - Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| Advanced - Yearly | $71.99 | per year |
| Advanced - Yearly | $99.99 | per year |
| Lite - Perpetual | $17.99 | one-time |
| Lite - Perpetual | $21.99 | one-time |
| Standard - Perpetual | $34.99 | one-time |
| Standard - Perpetual | $37.99 | one-time |
| Standard - Perpetual | $54.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Subsciption | $69.99 | one-time |
| Standard - Perpetual | $69.99 | one-time |
| Advanced - Perpetual | $99.99 | one-time |
| Advanced - Perpetual | $109.99 | one-time |
| Advanced - Perpetual | $129.99 | one-time |
| Advanced - Perpetual | $159.99 | one-time |
| Advanced - Perpetual | $199.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ 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

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


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