# OBD2 Scanner vs MAXOBD

The clearest difference is rating: OBD2 Scanner at 4.6 against MAXOBD's 2.4. OBD2 Scanner also leads on ratings volume (974 vs 7). MAXOBD's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. OBD2 Scanner sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. MAXOBD asks for nothing beyond the download.

OBD2 Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OBD2 Scanner has 974 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 23% of OBD2 Scanner's written reviews are positive against 29% of MAXOBD's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

OBD2 Scanner ships an update monthly, MAXOBD every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OBD2 Scanner | MAXOBD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (974 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obd2-scanner-torque-elm-327/id6477899127/reviews)** | [2.4 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maxobd/id6737468032/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **974** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 23.2% of reviews | **28.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 102 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Phong Pham](https://appshunter.io/developer/1731047500) | [祖策 谢](https://appshunter.io/developer/983519195) |

## What reviewers say

### OBD2 Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obd2-scanner-torque-elm-327/id6477899127)

Transform your smartphone into a powerful car diagnostic tool. Monitor real-time engine data, read and clear trouble codes, and track your vehicle's performance. Customize your dashboard and access repair manuals to understand and fix issues.

**Highlights:** Real-time engine data monitoring, Read and clear trouble codes, Performance tracking, Customizable dashboards, Repair manual database, Compatibility with OBD2 ELM327 adapters

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium weeky freetrial | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $17.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use setup
- ✅ Works well for some vehicle models
- ⭐ Useful for basic OBD2 scanning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive pricing for limited functionality
- 🐛 Bluetooth connection drops frequently
- ❌ Poor compatibility with many vehicle models
- 📱 Deceptive UI with hidden exit menus
- 🔒 Security concerns and unauthorized charges

**Reported bugs**

- Bluetooth connection drops and requires reboot
- App fails to connect to OBD2 devices
- Sensors display N/A values in paid version
- Cannot select vehicle profile
- App crashes or becomes unresponsive

**Requested features**

- Oil temperature and transmission data
- Wheel sensor information
- Pending DTC display
- Permanent check engine light clearing
- Module-specific scanning selection


### MAXOBD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maxobd/id6737468032)

This utility app allows car owners to detect vehicle faults by connecting to standard OBD protocol devices. It enables users to read trouble codes, view real-time data, and access performance parameters, with enhanced features when using specific hardware. The goal is to simplify vehicle management and early problem detection.

**Highlights:** Vehicle fault detection, Connects with standard OBD devices, Read trouble codes, View real-time data, Access performance parameters, Clear trouble codes (with specific hardware)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OBD2 Scanner free?

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

### Is MAXOBD free?

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

### Which has better reviews, OBD2 Scanner or MAXOBD?

OBD2 Scanner is rated higher. OBD2 Scanner averages 4.6 out of 5 from 974 ratings, while MAXOBD averages 2.4 from 7 ratings.

### Do OBD2 Scanner or MAXOBD have ads?

OBD2 Scanner shows ads; MAXOBD does not.

### Which is updated more often, OBD2 Scanner or MAXOBD?

OBD2 Scanner ships an update monthly, and MAXOBD every 3 weeks. Most recently, OBD2 Scanner was updated on October 19, 2026 and MAXOBD on October 16, 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.*