# VgateFwUpdater vs OBD2 Car Scanner

The clearest difference is rating: OBD2 Car Scanner at 3.8 against VgateFwUpdater's 2.5. OBD2 Car Scanner also leads on ratings volume (1.6K vs 46). VgateFwUpdater's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. OBD2 Car Scanner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. VgateFwUpdater asks for nothing beyond the download.

OBD2 Car Scanner holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OBD2 Car Scanner has 1.6K ratings behind it against 46, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 27% of VgateFwUpdater's written reviews are positive against 4% of OBD2 Car Scanner's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 12, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | VgateFwUpdater | OBD2 Car Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.5 (46 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vgatefwupdater/id1613129761/reviews) | **[3.8 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obd2-car-scanner-torque-fixd/id6479870894/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 46 | **1.6K** |
| Positive reviews | **26.7% of reviews** | 3.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [昌云 沈](https://appshunter.io/developer/953997834) | [Digital Car Key LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1693551925) |

## What reviewers say

### 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

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works great for some users
- 🚀 Quick connection and download for some
- 👍 Simple interface
- 👍 Works with specific models (FD+)
- 👍 Successfully updated firmware for some

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Difficult to connect
- 🐛 App doesn't work with iPhone
- 🐛 Connection issues
- 🐛 Doesn't recognize device (iCar Pro)
- 🐛 Update fails

**Reported bugs**

- Hard to connect
- App offers older version as upgrade
- Cannot update and use with iPhone
- Not connecting
- Doesn't actually update

**Requested features**

- German language option
- Clearer instructions
- Guidance on which Bluetooth standard to buy


### OBD2 Car Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obd2-car-scanner-torque-fixd/id6479870894)

Diagnose your car's engine and transmission with real-time data, customizable dashboards, and emissions readiness checks. This app connects to your vehicle's OBD2 system via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for comprehensive maintenance and performance insights.

**Highlights:** Comprehensive diagnostics, Customizable dashboard, Real-time monitoring, Emissions readiness check, ECU self-monitoring test, HUD mode

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium Subscription | $11.99 | per month |
| Lifetime Premium | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Doesn't work as expected
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🛑 Difficult to cancel subscription
- 🤖 Intrusive ads
- 🔌 Connectivity issues

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes frequently
- Unable to register device
- Inaccurate diagnostic readings

**Requested features**

- Free trial option
- Compatibility with more vehicle models


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VgateFwUpdater free?

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

### Is OBD2 Car Scanner free?

OBD2 Car Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, VgateFwUpdater or OBD2 Car Scanner?

OBD2 Car Scanner is rated higher. VgateFwUpdater averages 2.5 out of 5 from 46 ratings, while OBD2 Car Scanner averages 3.8 from 1.6K ratings.

### Do VgateFwUpdater or OBD2 Car Scanner have ads?

OBD2 Car Scanner shows ads; VgateFwUpdater does not.

### Which is updated more often, VgateFwUpdater or OBD2 Car Scanner?

VgateFwUpdater ships an update every 2 months, and OBD2 Car Scanner every 2 months. Most recently, VgateFwUpdater was updated on November 12, 2026 and OBD2 Car Scanner on November 12, 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.*