Comparison

OBD2 Gauges vs OpenOBD

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

Head to head
About

OBD2 Gauges

Features
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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.

About

OpenOBD

Transform your iPhone into a real-time car dashboard. Connect an OBD2 adapter to monitor live engine data, track your trips with GPS, and diagnose fault codes with clear explanations. Explore all features in demo mode without hardware.

Highlights
  • Live engine data monitoring
  • Real-time speed, RPM, temperature gauges
  • Trip logging with GPS mapping
  • Read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
  • Vehicle information display
  • Demo mode for exploration
Features
Read full description

OpenOBD turns your iPhone into a real-time car dashboard. Connect any ELM327 OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) and see what your car is really doing — live. LIVE ENGINE DATA • Speed, RPM, coolant temperature, intake, throttle, engine load, battery voltage and more • 50+ sensors with gauges you pick and reorder yourself • Instant and average fuel consumption • Tap any gauge for a live 60-second chart CARPLAY • A live 8-tile dashboard on your car's built-in screen • Start and stop trip recording without touching your phone DIAGNOSTICS • Read and clear fault codes (DTCs) with plain-language explanations • For common codes: what it means, how urgent it is, what to do next • Emissions readiness monitors before an inspection • Freeze frame — the sensor values from the moment the fault occurred • Vehicle info: VIN, fuel type, supported sensors TRIP LOGGING • Automatically record your drives with the GPS route on a map • Keeps recording in the background, even with the screen locked • Distance, duration, speed and fuel for every trip • Export any trip as CSV or GPX CAR HEALTH TOOLS • Battery and charging test: state of charge, alternator and cranking check • Diesel and DPF pre-check from standard, read-only OBD evidence • Used car check before you buy • Measure 0-100 km/h acceleration and 100-0 km/h braking • Live alerts for overheating and low voltage, in plain language BUILT FOR DRIVERS • Beautiful dark interface designed for the car • Over 40 languages, metric and imperial units • Works with affordable ELM327 adapters — no subscription, no account, no ads • Your data stays on your phone TRY IT WITHOUT HARDWARE • Tap Connect, then Demo Mode, to explore every feature with simulated live data OpenOBD is not affiliated with any car manufacturer. An OBD2 adapter (sold separately) is required to read data from your vehicle. Most petrol cars built after 2001 and diesels after 2004 are supported. The battery, diesel and used-car results are read-only pre-checks and do not replace a professional inspection.

Screenshots

OBD2 Gauges4 screens
OpenOBD4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OpenOBD at none against OBD2 Gauges's 2. On price, update cadence, ads 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. OBD2 Gauges sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. OpenOBD asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OBD2 Gauges ships an update every 3 days, OpenOBD every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
OBD2 Gauges versus OpenOBD: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOBD2 GaugesOpenOBD
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.8 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 5 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB54 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperEdward WilliamsOsman Cengeri

In-app purchases

2 purchases

OBD2 Gauges

Subscriptions1
  • Remove Ads (Monthly)$3.991 Month
One-time1
  • Remove Ads (Lifetime)$24.99
None

OpenOBD

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is OBD2 Gauges free?
OBD2 Gauges is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is OpenOBD free?
OpenOBD is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do OBD2 Gauges or OpenOBD have ads?
Neither OBD2 Gauges nor OpenOBD shows ads.
Which is updated more often, OBD2 Gauges or OpenOBD?
OBD2 Gauges ships an update every 3 days, and OpenOBD every 5 days. Most recently, OBD2 Gauges was updated on October 31, 2026 and OpenOBD on October 31, 2026.

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