# U vs Direct

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Direct at 59% against U's 11%. Direct also leads on rating (4.3 vs 1.9) and in-app purchases (none vs 10). U's advantage is ratings volume (125 vs 33) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. U sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Direct asks for nothing beyond the download.

Direct holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 1.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 125 and 33 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 11% of U's written reviews are positive against 59% of Direct's.

U ships an update every 4 months, Direct every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | U | Direct |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.9 (125 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/u-scan/id614809289/reviews) | **[4.3 (33 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/direct-hit-mobile-by-identifix/id6476014987/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **125** | 33 |
| Positive reviews | 10.9% of reviews | **59.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 85 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Service Solutions US LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/799425953) | [SOLERA HOLDINGS, INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/594468017) |

## 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


### Direct

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/direct-hit-mobile-by-identifix/id6476014987)

Access critical vehicle repair information directly from your mobile device. Quickly diagnose issues, find confirmed fixes, and view detailed procedures and diagrams to expedite repairs. Save time and improve accuracy with instant access to a vast database of automotive knowledge.

**Highlights:** VIN scanning for quick vehicle loading, Hotline Archives & Confirmed Fixes, Color wiring diagrams, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) access, Labor times and procedures, Recall notices and TSBs, Save unlimited vehicles

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is U free?

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

### Is Direct free?

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

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

Direct is rated higher. U averages 1.9 out of 5 from 125 ratings, while Direct averages 4.3 from 33 ratings.

### Do U or Direct have ads?

Neither U nor Direct shows ads.

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

U ships an update every 4 months, and Direct every 5 weeks. Most recently, U was updated on October 23, 2026 and Direct on October 24, 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.*