# Carly vs xProtect

The clearest difference is review sentiment: xProtect at 100% against Carly's 29%. xProtect also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Carly's advantage is ratings volume (9.9K vs 7) and chart position (#193 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Carly sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $21.99 per year. xProtect asks for nothing beyond the download.

xProtect holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Carly has 9.9K ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 29% of Carly's written reviews are positive against 100% of xProtect's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Carly | xProtect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (9.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carly-obd2-car-scanner/id467344155/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xprotect/id6741097754/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9.9K** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 29.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#193** | — |
| Size | 417 MB | 265 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Carly Solutions GmbH Co KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/408379680) | [xAutomotive GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1471996796) |

## What reviewers say

### Carly

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carly-obd2-car-scanner/id467344155)

**Currently charting:** #193 Top Grossing · Productivity (US App Store)

This app provides comprehensive car diagnostics, live engine data, and repair guides. It helps users understand their car's health, perform maintenance, and even unlock hidden features. Compatible with a wide range of car brands, it empowers owners to take control of their vehicle's upkeep.

**Highlights:** Read and clear fault codes, Monitor engine live data, Access expert repair guides, Perform car maintenance, Check starter battery condition, Code and unlock hidden features, Detect mileage manipulation

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Toyota | $21.99 | per year |
| Mercedes | $28.99 | per year |
| Smart Mechanic | $35.99 | per year |
| Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda | $53.99 | per year |
| Carly for BMW Full-Version | $59.99 | per year |
| BMW and Mini | $63.99 | per year |
| All Brands Upgrade | $78.99 | per year |
| All Brands | $82.99 | per year |
| BMW and Mini + Smart Mechanic | $99.99 | per year |
| All Brands + Smart Mechanic | $118.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great customer service
- 🚀 Lots of functionality
- 💡 Useful diagnostic and coding features
- 🔒 Secure and reliable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🐛 Connectivity and compatibility issues
- 🔍 Limited functionality for some vehicles
- 📚 Confusing or lacking documentation

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes
- Adapter not working as expected
- Inaccurate or misleading diagnostic information

**Requested features**

- More vehicle support
- Improved user interface
- Offline functionality
- Easier subscription management


### xProtect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xprotect/id6741097754)

This app transforms your car's existing controls into a robust security system. Create a unique code that must be entered before driving, rendering the vehicle immobile if unauthorized access is attempted. It requires a specific Wi-Fi adapter for installation.

**Highlights:** Customizable security code, Immobilizes vehicle without code, Uses existing car controls, Requires Wi-Fi adapter, No permanent modifications, Full app control

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Carly free?

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

### Is xProtect free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Carly or xProtect?

xProtect is rated higher. Carly averages 4.6 out of 5 from 9.9K ratings, while xProtect averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do Carly or xProtect have ads?

Neither Carly nor xProtect shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Carly or xProtect?

Carly ships an update weekly, and xProtect weekly. Most recently, Carly was updated on November 5, 2026 and xProtect on October 30, 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.*