Comparison

ActiveOBD vs BimmerDash

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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/

About

BimmerDash

Features
Read full description

Transform your iPhone into a high-performance, gaming-inspired digital cockpit gauge cluster. BimmerDash is a premier OBD-II vehicle monitoring App designed specifically for Bimmer enthusiasts. 【 Engine & ECU Optimized for F-Chassis & B-Series / N-Series 】 BimmerDash is deeply optimized for B48, B58, S55, N20, and N55 engine control units (ECU), ensuring high-precision data logging and rapid PID polling response. 【 Apple Intelligence On-Device AI Diagnostics 】 • 15-Minute Telemetry Backtest: Fully automatic analysis of boost curves, ignition timing advance, and knock retard events powered by the iPhone's local Apple Neural Engine (ANE). • 100% On-Device Privacy: Zero dependencies on external cloud servers. Operates at full speed on tracks or remote roads without cellular signal. 【 Apple CarPlay & Live Activities 】 • CarPlay Multi-Layout Support: Strictly complies with Apple driving safety guidelines with 10-second interval peak and average metric calculations. • Live Activities: Real-time telemetry monitoring on Lock Screen and Dynamic Island. 【 18 Core Performance Metrics 】 Track both engine health and track-focused metrics simultaneously, including: • Engine Speed (RPM) & Live Vehicle Speed • Turbo Boost Pressure • Engine Oil Temp & Coolant Temp • Throttle Position • Battery Voltage ...and many other critical data points to help you manage thermal efficiency and power delivery. 【 Hardware & Connection Requirements 】 • This app requires a compatible aftermarket Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE / Bluetooth Low Energy) OBD-II adapter (e.g., vLinker BM+, OBDLink CX, or any standard BLE-compliant ELM327 / OBD2 adapter). • Classic Bluetooth 2.0 / 3.0 (legacy non-BLE) and Wi-Fi-only OBD adapters are NOT supported by iOS and will not connect. • Quick Tip: Do NOT pair the device in your iPhone’s iOS Bluetooth settings. Simply turn on Bluetooth, plug in your adapter, and connect seamlessly directly inside the app. 【 Racing Simulator Telemetry Support 】 • Currently supports the Forza series with a dedicated racing dashboard display. 【 Disclaimer & Safety Information 】 • Drive safely. Do NOT attempt to operate or configure this app while driving. • Data displayed by this app is intended for performance monitoring and enthusiast reference only. It is not a substitute for professional factory diagnostic tools used for repair or mechanical troubleshooting. • All vehicle platform codes, model names, and related terms are properties of their respective registered owners. This app is an independent third-party enthusiast monitoring tool. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

ActiveOBD4 screens
BimmerDash4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: ActiveOBD at none against BimmerDash's shown. ActiveOBD also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.6). BimmerDash's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 months). On price and in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. ActiveOBD sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month and BimmerDash sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ActiveOBD ships an update every 3 months, BimmerDash every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
ActiveOBD versus BimmerDash: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterActiveOBDBimmerDash
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.6 (39 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews45.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings39 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS13.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB21 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMykhailo ZolotarovCHUN-YI LIN

In-app purchases

1 purchases

ActiveOBD

Subscriptions1
  • Full Version Subscription1 Month trial$4.991 Month
3 purchases

BimmerDash

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Monthly Pass$0.991 Month
  • Premium Annual Pass$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • BimmerDash Lifetime VIP$24.99

Questions

Is ActiveOBD free?
ActiveOBD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BimmerDash free?
BimmerDash is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ActiveOBD or BimmerDash have ads?
BimmerDash shows ads; ActiveOBD does not.
Which is updated more often, ActiveOBD or BimmerDash?
ActiveOBD ships an update every 3 months, and BimmerDash every 9 days. Most recently, ActiveOBD was updated on October 15, 2026 and BimmerDash on October 12, 2026.

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