# iOBD2 vs Car Scanner ELM OBD2

The clearest difference is rating: Car Scanner ELM OBD2 at 4.4 against iOBD2's 2.9. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 5 weeks). iOBD2's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. iOBD2 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 85 and 18 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 23% of iOBD2's written reviews are positive against 20% of Car Scanner ELM OBD2's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

iOBD2 ships an update every 5 weeks, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iOBD2 | Car Scanner ELM OBD2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.9 (85 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iobd2/id528881858/reviews) | **[4.4 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/car-scanner-elm-obd2-torque/id6758354086/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **85** | 18 |
| Positive reviews | **23.4% of reviews** | 20.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 90 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **6.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [翔宇 金](https://appshunter.io/developer/528881861) | [SINAN ATAKUL](https://appshunter.io/developer/1872496443) |

## What reviewers say

### iOBD2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iobd2/id528881858)

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a powerful vehicle diagnostic tool. Read engine data, check for issues, and monitor real-time performance metrics like fuel consumption and acceleration. Customize your dashboard to display only the information you care about.

**Highlights:** Read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Access live engine data, View freeze frame data, Monitor readiness test status, Read vehicle information (VIN, CALID, CVN), Perform O2 sensor and EVAP system tests, Customize real-time dashboards

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works great
- 👍 Wonderful app
- 🚀 Excellent tool
- 👍 Good product
- 🚀 Awesome free app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work
- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🐛 Connection issues
- 🐛 Unreliable
- 🐛 Useless

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when checking DTCs
- Fails to connect to Bluetooth/WiFi adapters
- Incorrect sensor readings
- Compatibility issues with newer vehicles

**Requested features**

- Update for newer iOS versions
- More frequent updates
- Support for more vehicle makes/models
- Customizable dashboards
- Live data for more sensors


### Car Scanner ELM OBD2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/car-scanner-elm-obd2-torque/id6758354086)

Transform your iPhone into a powerful car diagnostic tool. Read and clear trouble codes, monitor live vehicle sensor data, and understand check engine light warnings. Works with most vehicles manufactured since 1996 using standard OBD2 adapters.

**Highlights:** Read and clear OBD2 trouble codes, Understand check engine light warnings, Monitor live vehicle sensor data, Supports most vehicles since 1996, Fast setup with ELM327 adapters, Avoid guesswork and costly surprises

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Car Scanner Pro - Obd2 ELM Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Car Scanner Pro Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Car Scanner Pro -Diagnostic Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Car Scanner - Obd2 Special Offer | $34.99 | per year |
| Car Scanner Special Offer | $49.99 | per year |
| Car Scanner Pro Annual All Brands | $69.99 | per year |
| Car Scanner Pro Annual | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iOBD2 free?

iOBD2 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Car Scanner ELM OBD2 free?

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

### Which has better reviews, iOBD2 or Car Scanner ELM OBD2?

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is rated higher. iOBD2 averages 2.9 out of 5 from 85 ratings, while Car Scanner ELM OBD2 averages 4.4 from 18 ratings.

### Do iOBD2 or Car Scanner ELM OBD2 have ads?

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 shows ads; iOBD2 does not.

### Which is updated more often, iOBD2 or Car Scanner ELM OBD2?

iOBD2 ships an update every 5 weeks, and Car Scanner ELM OBD2 every 3 days. Most recently, iOBD2 was updated on October 23, 2026 and Car Scanner ELM OBD2 on October 28, 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.*