# U vs ARI (Auto Repair Software)

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ARI (Auto Repair Software) at 95% against U's 11%. ARI (Auto Repair Software) also leads on rating (4.7 vs 1.9) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). U's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 13.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. U sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and ARI (Auto Repair Software) sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ARI (Auto Repair Software) holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 124 and 287 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 11% of U's written reviews are positive against 95% of ARI (Auto Repair Software)'s.

U ships an update every 4 months, ARI (Auto Repair Software) every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | U | ARI (Auto Repair Software) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.9 (124 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/u-scan/id614809289/reviews) | **[4.7 (287 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ari-auto-repair-software/id1189544427/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 124 | **287** |
| Positive reviews | 10.9% of reviews | **95.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 85 MB | 92 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Service Solutions US LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/799425953) | [Constantin Coutun](https://appshunter.io/developer/904194101) |

## What reviewers say

### U

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/u-scan/id614809289)

This app allows users to diagnose vehicle issues using their smartphone and a compatible adapter. It provides access to check engine, ABS, and airbag codes, along with definitions and potential solutions. Users can also view live data and clear diagnostic trouble codes.

**Highlights:** Read and erase OBD II codes, View live vehicle data, ABS and Airbag code access, Automatic vehicle identification, Vehicle history log, Powertrain enhanced data

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ABS Codes and definitions for Single Vehicle | $5.99 | one-time |
| ABS Code Vehicle 2 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Live Data and Manufacturer Specific Codes Vehicle 1 | $7.99 | one-time |
| Airbag codes and definitions for vehicle 1 | $7.99 | one-time |
| CodeConnect Repair Solutions for a Vehicle | $12.99 | one-time |
| Live Data and Manufacturer Specific Codes All Makes | $15.99 | one-time |
| CodeConnect Repair Solutions 1 Vehicle Upgrade to All | $27.99 | one-time |
| ABS Codes and Definitions All Vehicles | $29.99 | one-time |
| CodeConnect Repair Solutions All Vehicles | $39.99 | one-time |
| Airbag Codes and Definitions for All Makes | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Works well once successfully connected and configured
- 📊 Provides useful diagnostic data and error code reading
- 🔧 Helpful for identifying vehicle issues and troubleshooting
- 📱 Good app functionality for tech-savvy users who understand setup
- 💰 Reasonable price point for a diagnostic tool

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔌 Severe Bluetooth connectivity issues - frequent disconnections
- 🔄 Extremely difficult and unreliable pairing process
- ⚠️ False 'vehicle in motion' errors when car is stationary
- 🚫 Cannot use live data while vehicle is moving (post-update restriction)
- 🐛 Firmware updates frequently fail or brick the device

**Reported bugs**

- Bluetooth connection drops frequently and won't reconnect
- App fails to recognize connected Bluetooth device
- Firmware update process freezes and becomes unresponsive
- False motion detection errors preventing app operation
- VIN entry not working or not submitting to garage

**Requested features**

- Enable live data monitoring while vehicle is in motion
- Improve Bluetooth auto-detection and automatic connection
- Add support for Australian vehicle models (Holden, Ford)
- Expand vehicle compatibility beyond 2013 models
- Implement dark mode for app interface


### ARI (Auto Repair Software)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ari-auto-repair-software/id1189544427)

Manage your auto repair business efficiently with this comprehensive mobile application. Track clients, vehicles, inventory, and finances. Streamline invoicing, estimates, and job management for mechanics and shop owners.

**Highlights:** Client and vehicle management, VIN decoder and license plate reader, Service history retrieval, Inventory tracking (parts, tires, services), Expense and income logging, Job card creation and management, Customizable invoices and estimates, Service reminders

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ARI Monthly subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| ARI monthly subscription | $29.99 | per month |
| ARI Monthly subscription | $29.99 | per month |
| ARI Pro Monthly 39 | $39.99 | per month |
| ARI Pro Plus 59 | $59.99 | per month |
| ARI Annual subscription | $299.99 | per year |
| Credit  100 | $3.99 | one-time |
| credit  200 | $6.99 | one-time |
| ARI Full Unlimited | $799.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is U free?

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

### Is ARI (Auto Repair Software) free?

ARI (Auto Repair Software) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, U or ARI (Auto Repair Software)?

ARI (Auto Repair Software) is rated higher. U averages 1.9 out of 5 from 124 ratings, while ARI (Auto Repair Software) averages 4.7 from 287 ratings.

### Do U or ARI (Auto Repair Software) have ads?

Neither U nor ARI (Auto Repair Software) shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, U or ARI (Auto Repair Software)?

U ships an update every 4 months, and ARI (Auto Repair Software) every 3 weeks. Most recently, U was updated on November 6, 2026 and ARI (Auto Repair Software) on November 6, 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.*