BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool vs Steiner Connect
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
This app turns your smartphone into a powerful OBD2 scan tool. It allows you to read and clear trouble codes, view live data, and generate detailed repair reports for your vehicle. Understand your car's issues and make informed repair decisions.
- Read and clear trouble codes (Check Engine, ABS, etc.)
- Generate professional-grade Repair Reports
- Access Mode 6 and smog readiness data
- View live data with interactive graphing
- Wireless Bluetooth scanning
- Likely fixes explained in plain language
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BlueDriver® transforms your iPhone or iPad into a powerful OBD2 scan tool – trusted by over 1 million drivers, from professional mechanics to DIYers. Paired with the BlueDriver Bluetooth® Sensor (sold separately), it lets you read codes, diagnose issues, and fix your car with confidence—no wires, no guesswork. Whether you're checking a check engine light, running a smog test, or diving into enhanced diagnostics like ABS or transmission codes, BlueDriver gives you the tools you need to understand your vehicle and make smarter repair decisions – with clear, easy-to-understand information. What You Can Do with BlueDriver · Read and clear trouble codes - including check engine, ABS, airbag, transmission, and more · Generate, save, and share professional-grade Repair Reports based on your exact vehicle and trouble code · Access Mode 6 on-board monitoring test results · Check smog readiness and freeze frame data · View live data with multi-PID interactive graphing · Scan your vehicle wirelessly with Bluetooth—no cables required · Choose between metric and imperial settings · Get likely fixes for your vehicle’s issues, explained in plain language Enhanced Diagnostics Coverage · GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Mercedes (2005+ models) · Mitsubishi (2008+), Hyundai/Kia (2012+) – available worldwide · BMW/Mini, Honda/Acura, Volkswagen/Audi – available in North America · Subaru – available in the United States What Makes BlueDriver Different? · No subscription required · Backed by a database of millions real-world fixes · Repair Reports are specific to your vehicle’s year, make, and model · Works globally with the BlueDriver Sensor · App is free to install—just pair with the Sensor to start scanning You can even preview a Repair Report without a Sensor by entering your VIN and a trouble code. Account Setup Made Easy You’ll create a BlueDriver account during setup—it’s quick and easy, and gives you secure access to all your scans, reports, and new features across any device. Important Info The BlueDriver Sensor plugs into your vehicle’s data port (found in every car built since 1996). It connects to the app via Bluetooth® to deliver full diagnostic functionality. Sensor sold separately in-app or at www.BlueDriver.com
Steiner Connect
Connect digital Steiner optics and devices to your smartphone for an enhanced experience. Seamlessly integrate riflescopes, binoculars, and thermal imagers for advanced functionality.
- Connect digital Steiner products
- Integrate riflescopes
- Integrate binoculars
- Integrate thermal imagers
- Enhanced user experience
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Steiner Connect is the smart partner for all digital Steiner products. In addition to the Steiner IFS riflescopes and M830rc X LRF binoculars the new Nighthunter H35 thermal handheld, the Nighthunter C35 thermal clip-on and the Nighthunter S35 thermal scope can now be connected with Steiner Connect for a brand-new experience.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool at 4.6 against Steiner Connect's 3.0. BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool also leads on ratings volume (14K vs 6) and review sentiment (57% vs 40%). Steiner Connect's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool has 14K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool's written reviews are positive against 40% of Steiner Connect's.
BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool ships an update fortnightly, Steiner Connect every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool | Steiner Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (14K ratings) — better | 3.0 (6 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 57.2% of reviews — better | 40.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 14K — better | 6 |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Every 5 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 273 MB | 51 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lemur Vehicle Monitors | Steiner-Optik GmbH |
Customer experience
BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
Steiner Connect
Bugs and requests
BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
Reported bugs
3 issues- Occasional app crashes
- Failure to detect vehicle faults in some cases
- Inability to update firmware on certain devices
Requested features
10 requests- Add support for more vehicle makes and models
- Improve Bluetooth stability and connectivity
- Implement odometer reading functionality
- Expand diagnostic capabilities to include more advanced features
- Add support for European vehicle VINs
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- Enable reading of additional fault codes (e.g., airbag)
- Maintain compatibility with older iOS versions
- Introduce CarPlay integration
- Add customizable live data dashboards
- Implement audible alerts for critical sensor readings
Steiner Connect
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
No in-app purchases
Steiner Connect
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool free?
Is Steiner Connect free?
Which has better reviews, BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool or Steiner Connect?
Do BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool or Steiner Connect have ads?
Which is updated more often, BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool or Steiner Connect?
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