# ActiveOBD vs VgateFwUpdater

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | ActiveOBD | VgateFwUpdater |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.6 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/activeobd/id1524791245/reviews)** | [2.4 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vgatefwupdater/id1613129761/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 39 | **41** |
| Positive reviews | **45.5% of reviews** | 31.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 24 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mykhailo Zolotarov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1524791247) | [昌云 沈](https://appshunter.io/developer/953997834) |

## What reviewers say

### ActiveOBD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/activeobd/id1524791245)

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.

**Highlights:** 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)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version Subscription | $4.99 | per month |


### VgateFwUpdater

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vgatefwupdater/id1613129761)

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.

**Highlights:** Firmware upgrades, Supports Icar01, Icar03, MIC3311, MIC3312, MIC3313, MIC3422, MIC1103, MIC3425 chips, Ensures optimal device performance, Easy-to-use upgrade tool

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ActiveOBD free?

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

### Is VgateFwUpdater free?

VgateFwUpdater is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ActiveOBD or VgateFwUpdater?

ActiveOBD is rated higher. ActiveOBD averages 3.6 out of 5 from 39 ratings, while VgateFwUpdater averages 2.4 from 41 ratings.

### Do ActiveOBD or VgateFwUpdater have ads?

Neither ActiveOBD nor VgateFwUpdater shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ActiveOBD or VgateFwUpdater?

ActiveOBD ships an update every 3 months, and VgateFwUpdater every 2 months. Most recently, ActiveOBD was updated on July 23, 2026 and VgateFwUpdater on September 1, 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.*