Comparison

OBDPulse OBD2 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

OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner

Transform your iPhone into a professional car diagnostic tool. Scan, diagnose, and clear check engine lights using a compatible Bluetooth OBD2 adapter. Get real-time data, understand vehicle issues, and access advanced features like AI-powered guidance.

Highlights
  • Read & Clear Fault Codes (DTCs)
  • Live Sensor Data (PID Monitoring)
  • AI Mechanic for guidance
  • Scan History & Garage Profile
  • Compatible Device Finder
  • Freeze Frame & Mode 6 data
Features
Read full description

OBDPulse – Professional OBD2 Car Scanner Turn your iPhone into a powerful OBD2 diagnostic tool. OBDPulse helps you scan, diagnose, and clear your check engine light using a compatible Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) OBD2 adapter. Whether you’re troubleshooting a warning light or monitoring your vehicle’s performance, OBDPulse gives you reliable, real-time diagnostics in one easy-to-use app. Understand your vehicle before visiting a mechanic. NEW IN THIS RELEASE AI Mechanic Ask questions about your car in plain English and get clear, informational guidance. Chats stay active for 24 hours after your last message, so you can pick up where you left off. AI Mechanic works with text and needs an internet connection. Free users get a limited number of chats, and paid plans include more. AI Mechanic provides informational guidance only. For safety-critical issues, consult a certified mechanic. Scan History & Garage Profile Review your past scans and reports in one place. Scan history is kept separately from your vehicles, so deleting a vehicle never deletes its scan records. Set up a Garage Profile once and every PDF report you share is branded automatically. Compatible Device Finder Check which Bluetooth adapters work with OBDPulse before you buy one. The list also flags clone adapters that can send incomplete or incorrect data. KEY FEATURES Read & Clear Fault Codes (DTCs) Access engine and ECU trouble codes. Clear stored codes and reset the check engine light. Live Sensor Data (PID Monitoring) View real-time data such as RPM, vehicle speed, coolant temperature, fuel trims, O2 sensor readings, throttle position, battery voltage, and more. Freeze Frame & Mode 6 See vehicle conditions at the moment a fault was triggered. Access Mode 6 data for deeper emissions diagnostics. VIN & ECU Information Retrieve VIN, ECU identifiers, and module information directly from your vehicle. O2 Sensor & Emission Readiness Monitor O2 sensor activity and check I/M readiness status to prepare for emissions testing. Service Reset & Control Functions Access supported service reset and control operations based on your vehicle and ECU compatibility. Available functions vary depending on vehicle support. Track Mode Measure and monitor acceleration and speed-related performance metrics based on available live data. Terminal Mode (Advanced Users) Send custom OBD commands directly to the vehicle’s ECU. COMPATIBILITY Requires a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) OBD2 adapter. Bluetooth Classic adapters are not supported. Compatible with most OBD2-compliant vehicles (typically 2000 onward, depending on region and manufacturer). PLANS Pro Plan – Full diagnostics and advanced functions Available as 1-Month and 12-Month subscriptions. Limited features available for free. IMPORTANT A supported BLE OBD2 adapter is required. OBDPulse does not support ECU tuning or remapping. Feature availability depends on vehicle make, model, year, and ECU support. SUPPORT Need assistance? Contact us at support@obdpulse.com Terms of Use: https://www.obdpulse.com/terms-of-use Privacy Policy: https://www.obdpulse.com/privacy-policy

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

OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner4 screens
OBD2 Gauges4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: OBD2 Gauges at every 3 days against OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner's every 8 days. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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. OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner ships an update every 8 days, OBD2 Gauges every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner versus OBD2 Gauges: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOBDPulse OBD2 Car ScannerOBD2 Gauges
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 daysEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size73 MB52 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperPushkal TechnologiesEdward Williams

In-app purchases

5 purchases

OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner

Subscriptions5
  • Plus$1.491 Month
  • Pro1 Month trial$6.491 Month
  • Pro$6.991 Month
Show 2 more
  • Pro1 Month trial4 variants$6.991 Month
  • Pro1 Year trial3 variants$49.991 Year
2 purchases

OBD2 Gauges

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

Questions

Is OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner free?
OBDPulse OBD2 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 OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner or OBD2 Gauges have ads?
Neither OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner nor OBD2 Gauges shows ads.
Which is updated more often, OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner or OBD2 Gauges?
OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner ships an update every 8 days, and OBD2 Gauges every 3 days. Most recently, OBDPulse OBD2 Car Scanner was updated on November 5, 2026 and OBD2 Gauges on October 31, 2026.

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