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 October 3, 2026 and October 15, 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
Questions
Is ActiveOBD free?
Is VgateFwUpdater free?
Which has better reviews, ActiveOBD or VgateFwUpdater?
Do ActiveOBD or VgateFwUpdater have ads?
Which is updated more often, ActiveOBD or VgateFwUpdater?
Other comparisons
