ActiveOBD vs VgateFwUpdater
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ActiveOBD
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.
- 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)
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The OBDII scanner app with a special support of Subaru (MY2012+) make. It's the next-generation product based on our well-known "ActiveOBD for Subaru" app bringing its best features to iOS users. A compatible OBD adapter is required. Premium-level adapters supported (best speed and stability): - OBDLink MX+; - OBDLink CX; - vLinker MC+. Entry-level adapters supported (moderate speed, good stability): - Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE). Other adapters supported: - Viecar Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE), Vgate iCar Pro WiFi, Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+, KONNWEI. We do NOT support the majority of cheap ELM327 v2.1 clones. The basic free version already includes CVT Oil Temperature, CVT ratio and AWD duty (%) parameter readings and nice gauge screen ! Note: some of these parameters are inaccessible on some model ranges. The full version (subscription) includes extra parameters reading and features, such as graphs building, logging ("premium-level adapter" required), trouble codes reading. Note: for resource consumption optimization reason the data collection for graphs/logging activates upon accessing these functions and terminates with the current app session. Terms of Use (standard Apple Terms of Use / EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
VgateFwUpdater
This utility tool allows users to upgrade the firmware for various compatible automotive diagnostic chips. It supports a range of specific chip models, ensuring optimal performance and functionality of your devices.
- Firmware upgrades
- Supports Icar01, Icar03, MIC3311, MIC3312, MIC3313, MIC3422, MIC1103, MIC3425 chips
- Ensures optimal device performance
- Easy-to-use upgrade tool
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VgateFwUpdater is an upgrade tool that can upgrade the firmware of Icar01(iCar 1/2/3), Icar03(iCar Pro), MIC3311(vLinker BM), MIC3312(vLinker FD), MIC3313(vLinker MC), MIC3422(vLinker FS), MIC1103(iCarPro 2S) and MIC3425(vLinker MS) chips.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: ActiveOBD at 3.6 against VgateFwUpdater's 2.4. ActiveOBD also leads on review sentiment (45% vs 32%). VgateFwUpdater's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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
Both are free to download. ActiveOBD sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. VgateFwUpdater asks for nothing beyond the download.
ActiveOBD holds the better App Store score, 3.6 against 2.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 39 and 41 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 45% of ActiveOBD's written reviews are positive against 32% of VgateFwUpdater's.
ActiveOBD ships an update every 3 months, VgateFwUpdater every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on July 23, 2026 and September 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ActiveOBD | VgateFwUpdater |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.6 (39 ratings) — better | 2.4 (41 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 45.5% of reviews — better | 31.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 39 | 41 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 24 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mykhailo Zolotarov | 昌云 沈 |
Customer experience
ActiveOBD
VgateFwUpdater
In-app purchases
ActiveOBD
- Full Version Subscription1 Month trial$4.991 Month
VgateFwUpdater
No in-app purchases
