Comparison

ActiveOBD vs CarSpec AI

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

CarSpec AI

Instantly identify car make, model, and detailed specifications from a photo. Get performance data, market value, common issues, and tuning potential. Save your scans, compare vehicles, and connect with a car community.

Highlights
  • AI car identification from photos
  • Detailed performance specs
  • Common problems and tuning potential
  • Save scans to personal garage
  • Side-by-side car comparison
  • Community features and leaderboards
Features
Read full description

CarSpec AI turns any photo of a car into instant, enthusiast-grade specs. Snap a picture of a car you spot on the street, at a meet, or online — CarSpec identifies the make, model, trim, and generation, then pulls together horsepower, torque, 0-60 time, drivetrain, transmission, estimated market value, common problems, and tuning potential. Whether you're a car enthusiast, a buyer doing research, or just curious about something you passed on the road, CarSpec gives you the details in seconds. FEATURES • Instant AI car identification from a single photo • Detailed specs: horsepower, torque, 0-60, drivetrain, and more • Common problems and tuning potential for every car • Save scans to your personal Garage • Compare cars side-by-side and plan builds • Community: discover rare spots and see how you rank on the leaderboard • Car Meets: find and join local meetups CARSPEC PRO Upgrade to Pro for unlimited scans, a saved garage, advanced specs, and full access to Rarest Spots and the community leaderboard. Subscriptions are billed through your Apple ID and can be managed or canceled anytime in your Apple ID subscription settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

ActiveOBD4 screens
CarSpec AI4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: CarSpec AI at 5.0 against ActiveOBD's 3.6. CarSpec AI also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 months). ActiveOBD's advantage is ratings volume (39 vs 4) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 CarSpec AI sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

CarSpec AI holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ActiveOBD has 39 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ActiveOBD ships an update every 3 months, CarSpec AI every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
ActiveOBD versus CarSpec AI: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterActiveOBDCarSpec AI
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.6 (39 ratings)5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews45.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings39 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS13.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMykhailo ZolotarovZinaida Israelov

Customer experience

ActiveOBD

All ratings39 ratings
Positive61.5%
Neutral10.3%
Negative28.2%
Written reviews22 reviews
Positive45.5%
Neutral13.6%
Negative40.9%

CarSpec AI

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

ActiveOBD

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

CarSpec AI

Subscriptions1
  • CarSpec Pro$4.991 Month

Questions

Is ActiveOBD free?
ActiveOBD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is CarSpec AI free?
CarSpec AI is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, ActiveOBD or CarSpec AI?
CarSpec AI is rated higher. ActiveOBD averages 3.6 out of 5 from 39 ratings, while CarSpec AI averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.
Do ActiveOBD or CarSpec AI have ads?
Neither ActiveOBD nor CarSpec AI shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ActiveOBD or CarSpec AI?
ActiveOBD ships an update every 3 months, and CarSpec AI every 2 days. Most recently, ActiveOBD was updated on November 3, 2026 and CarSpec AI on October 31, 2026.

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