# U vs MaxiAP

The clearest difference is rating: MaxiAP at 2.2 against U's 1.9. MaxiAP also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months). U's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 13.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. U sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and MaxiAP sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MaxiAP holds the better App Store score, 2.2 against 1.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 124 and 167 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 11% of U's written reviews are positive against 16% of MaxiAP's.

U ships an update every 4 months, MaxiAP every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | U | MaxiAP |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.9 (124 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/u-scan/id614809289/reviews) | **[2.2 (167 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maxiap-ap200/id1338602548/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 124 | **167** |
| Positive reviews | 10.9% of reviews | **16.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 85 MB | 102 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Service Solutions US LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/799425953) | [Autel Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/770747094) |

## 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


### MaxiAP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maxiap-ap200/id1338602548)

Access comprehensive OBDII functions for free, including oil resets, EPB, and SAS. Automatically identify vehicles with VIN technology and generate shareable repair reports. Expand functionality with optional in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** All OBDII functions free, One free vehicle software, Up to 19 specific functions, Auto VIN technology, Generate repair reports, In-app purchase for expanded coverage

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dodge for one year | $21.99 | one-time |
| JEEP for one year | $21.99 | one-time |
| Honda for one year | $21.99 | one-time |
| GM for one year | $21.99 | one-time |
| Nissan for one year | $21.99 | one-time |
| VW for one year | $21.99 | one-time |
| Ford for one year | $21.99 | one-time |
| Bmw for one year | $21.99 | one-time |
| Toyota for one year | $21.99 | one-time |
| Benz for one year | $21.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful diagnostic capabilities
- 💡 Useful features like TPMS sensor reset
- 👍 Comprehensive coverage for many vehicle makes

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues, Bluetooth pairing problems
- 🔍 Limited coverage for newer vehicle models
- 🔄 Requires constant internet connection
- 💰 Expensive subscription model per vehicle

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes after firmware updates
- Service functions not working as expected
- Login and account issues
- Diagnostic system initialization freezes

**Requested features**

- Update vehicle coverage more frequently
- Improve app stability and reduce crashes
- Provide offline mode for diagnostics
- Dedicated iPad app with better UI


## Frequently asked questions

### Is U free?

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

### Is MaxiAP free?

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

### Which has better reviews, U or MaxiAP?

MaxiAP is rated higher. U averages 1.9 out of 5 from 124 ratings, while MaxiAP averages 2.2 from 167 ratings.

### Do U or MaxiAP have ads?

Neither U nor MaxiAP shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, U or MaxiAP?

U ships an update every 4 months, and MaxiAP every 6 weeks. Most recently, U was updated on November 6, 2026 and MaxiAP on November 8, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*
