Comparison

Car Scanner vs OBD2 Gauges

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Car Scanner

Transform your smartphone into a car diagnostic tool. Read and clear trouble codes, monitor real-time engine data, and access manufacturer-specific information. Analyze driving behavior and track fuel efficiency.

Highlights
  • Read and clear OBD2 trouble codes
  • Real-time car data monitoring
  • Manufacturer-specific code access
  • Emission readiness checks
  • Freeze frame & performance tests
  • Trip computer & fuel tracking
Features
Read full description

Turn your smartphone into a powerful OBD2 car scanner! With Car Scanner: OBD2 ELM Reader, you can instantly read and clear trouble codes, monitor real-time engine data, and understand what’s really happening under your car’s hood. All you need is an ELM327 Bluetooth or Wi-Fi adapter — and your car’s diagnostics are right in your pocket! Key features: ► Read and clear OBD2 trouble codes (DTCs) ► Instantly detect why your Check Engine Light is on and clear it after fixing the issue. ► Real-time car data monitoring ► View live parameters such as engine RPM, coolant temperature, air intake, torque, speed, fuel system status, and more. ► Custom dashboards ► Read manufacturer-specific codes ► Access extra diagnostic information for brands like BMW, Audi, Ford, Toyota, Kia, Nissan, Volkswagen, Mazda, and many others. ► Emission readiness & Mode 06 support ► Check if your vehicle is ready for an emissions test and view ECU self-diagnostic test results. ► Freeze frame & performance tests ► Capture sensor data at the moment an error occurs and measure your car’s acceleration (0–100 km/h, etc.). ► Trip computer & fuel tracking ► Analyze your driving behavior, track fuel efficiency, and save money on gas. Compatible with: Works with any car supporting the OBD2 / EOBD standard (most petrol cars since 2001 and diesel since 2004). Fully supports popular adapters: Veepeak, Vgate, Kiwi 3, LELink, Carista, Viecar, OBDLink, UniCarScan, and others. Avoid cheap ELM327 clones marked “v2.1” — they may cause connection issues or inaccurate readings. Why choose Car Scanner: OBD2 ELM Reader? ► Intuitive and user-friendly interface ► Extensive DTC code database with detailed explanations ► Reliable connection and fast data refresh rate ► Free to use with optional premium features Take full control of your car’s health and performance. Download Car Scanner: OBD2 ELM Reader today — diagnose, monitor, and drive smarter! Please note that some features in the app (live car's data, diagnostic errors & export) may require you to have subscriptions (price may vary depending on location): - 1-week subscription with a 3-day trial version – US$ 4.99 - 1-month subscription – US$ 9.99 - 1-quarter subscription – US$ 17.99 - 1-year subscription with a 3-day trial version – US$ 29.99 - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off Privacy Policy: https://sites.google.com/view/sikoralex/privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://sites.google.com/view/sikoralex/terms-of-use

About

OBD2 Gauges

Features
Read full description

OBD2 Gauges connects to your vehicle's OBD2 port via Bluetooth and displays real-time engine data as beautiful, customizable gauges. Features: - AI Vehicle Health: explanations of telemetry and trouble codes, recommended checks, and watch points - Saved health reports you can revisit offline - AI Lite: on-device analysis on compatible devices; AI Pro: on-device plus cloud analysis with explicit consent - Realistic gauge materials, four additional bezel finishes, and ten bezel shapes - Real-time speed, RPM, boost/vacuum, oil temperature, water temperature, intake air temperature, and fuel level gauges - Multiple gauge themes inspired by iconic vehicles: Supra Stock, Supra TRD, Nismo, Audi RS, G35 Rev-Up, and more - 100+ OBD2 parameters supported - Clean, modern interface with dark and light modes - Works with any ELM327-compatible Bluetooth OBD2 adapter - Customizable gauge layouts — single, dual, quad, or full dashboard views - On-device AI keeps analysis on your device. Optional cloud AI sends a telemetry summary to Google only after your consent. Connect your OBD2 Bluetooth adapter, pair it with your device, and launch OBD2 Gauges to see your engine data come alive. Requires an ELM327-compatible Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) OBD2 adapter and a vehicle with an OBD2 port (1996+ model year). Optional Subscription - Remove Ads (Monthly): auto-renewing subscription that removes all ads while active. Cancel anytime in Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions. - Remove Ads (Lifetime): one-time purchase that removes all ads permanently. - AI Lite: monthly or lifetime access to ad-free, on-device AI Health on compatible devices. - AI Pro: monthly or lifetime access to ad-free AI Health with cloud analysis when on-device AI is unavailable. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Terms of Use: https://www.lightcycleconsulting.com/terms-of-service Privacy Policy: https://www.lightcycleconsulting.com/privacy-policy AI Health requires an AI Lite or AI Pro purchase. On-device AI depends on device and model availability. Cloud AI requires internet access, consent, and AI Pro, with up to 10 cloud analyses per 24-hour window. AI guidance is informational and does not replace a qualified mechanic.

Screenshots

Car Scanner3 screens
OBD2 Gauges4 screens

Verdict

The call

Car Scanner and OBD2 Gauges are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Car Scanner sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and OBD2 Gauges sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Car Scanner versus OBD2 Gauges: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCar ScannerOBD2 Gauges
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (7 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings7 — better—
Update frequency—Every 3 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB52 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperAlexandr SikorskiEdward Williams

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Car Scanner

Subscriptions4
  • OBD Premium Weekly3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • OBD Premium Monthly$9.991 Month
  • OBD Premium Quarterly$17.993 Months
Show 1 more
  • OBD Premium Yearly3 Days trial$29.991 Year
2 purchases

OBD2 Gauges

Subscriptions1
  • Remove Ads (Monthly)$3.991 Month
One-time1
  • Remove Ads (Lifetime)$24.99

Questions

Is Car Scanner free?
Car Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is OBD2 Gauges free?
OBD2 Gauges is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Car Scanner or OBD2 Gauges have ads?
Neither Car Scanner nor OBD2 Gauges shows ads.

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