# OBD2 Scanner ELM327 vs Buddy Timer

The clearest difference is ads: OBD2 Scanner ELM327 at none against Buddy Timer's shown. OBD2 Scanner ELM327 also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.6). Buddy Timer's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. OBD2 Scanner ELM327 sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year and Buddy Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

OBD2 Scanner ELM327 ships an update every 3 weeks, Buddy Timer daily. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OBD2 Scanner ELM327 | Buddy Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obd2-scanner-elm327-garagepro/id1488423694/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **25** | — |
| Positive reviews | 46.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 65 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Zymbia Interactive Technologies Private Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1488423693) | [HANNES DAVID ÖSTLUND](https://appshunter.io/developer/1865981560) |

## 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 (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Scan Summary (Yearly) | $4.99 | per year |
| Personal Plan | $9.99 | per year |
| Lite - Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Premium - Yearly | $32.99 | per year |
| Standard - Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| Lite - Perpetual | $17.99 | one-time |
| Lite - Perpetual | $21.99 | one-time |
| Standard - Perpetual | $54.99 | one-time |
| Standard - Perpetual | $69.99 | one-time |
| Advanced - Perpetual | $159.99 | 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


### Buddy Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddy-timer/id6757310926)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OBD2 Scanner ELM327 free?

OBD2 Scanner ELM327 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Buddy Timer free?

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

### Do OBD2 Scanner ELM327 or Buddy Timer have ads?

Buddy Timer shows ads; OBD2 Scanner ELM327 does not.

### Which is updated more often, OBD2 Scanner ELM327 or Buddy Timer?

OBD2 Scanner ELM327 ships an update every 3 weeks, and Buddy Timer daily. Most recently, OBD2 Scanner ELM327 was updated on November 3, 2026 and Buddy Timer 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.*