# Carista OBD2 vs MX5 Tech Remote

The clearest difference is rating: Carista OBD2 at 4.6 against MX5 Tech Remote's 3.2. Carista OBD2 also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 12 months) and ratings volume (4.1K vs 21). MX5 Tech Remote's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 13) and ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Carista OBD2 sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. MX5 Tech Remote asks for nothing beyond the download.

Carista OBD2 holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Carista OBD2 has 4.1K ratings behind it against 21, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 34% of Carista OBD2's written reviews are positive against 37% of MX5 Tech Remote's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Carista OBD2 ships an update every 3 weeks, MX5 Tech Remote every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and July 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Carista OBD2 | MX5 Tech Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (4.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carista-obd2/id954363569/reviews)** | [3.2 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mx5-tech-remote/id1482337837/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.1K** | 21 |
| Positive reviews | 34.2% of reviews | **36.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 12 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#187** | — |
| Size | 132 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Prizmos](https://appshunter.io/developer/954363568) | [ILSOFT Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/479653251) |

## What reviewers say

### Carista OBD2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carista-obd2/id954363569)

**Currently charting:** #187 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This app acts as a DIY car mechanic, allowing you to customize features, diagnose warning lights, monitor live data, and perform maintenance. Save time and money by handling common car tasks yourself.

**Highlights:** Customize car behavior and unlock hidden features, Diagnose and reset dashboard warning lights, Monitor real-time vehicle parameters, Perform simple DIY car maintenance procedures, Access advanced electronic diagnostics

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro | $19.99 | per month |
| 1 month Pro | $19.99 | per month |
| 3 month Pro | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Pro | $59.99 | per year |
| One-Time Diagnostic & Reset | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Customization options
- 🚀 Efficient diagnostics
- 💡 Helpful for maintenance
- 👍 Great customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Requires account login
- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🔒 Locked features behind paywall
- 🐛 Unreliable functionality

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and freezes
- Subscription issues and billing problems
- Incompatibility with certain OBD2 adapters
- Customization features not working as expected
- Inaccurate fault code detection

**Requested features**

- Support for more vehicle makes and models
- Offline diagnostics and customization
- Ability to save customization settings
- More detailed error code information
- Improved user interface and navigation


### MX5 Tech Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mx5-tech-remote/id1482337837)

Control a diagnostic tool remotely via Bluetooth to scan fault codes, monitor engine data, and test various vehicle components. It also integrates with a "Wink/Sleepy Eye" mod for custom lighting effects.

**Highlights:** Remote device control via Bluetooth, Fault code scanning, Engine data monitoring (rev counter, battery voltage, O2 sensor), Component testing (switches, fan, fuel pump), Wink/Sleepy Eye mod control, Customizable lighting patterns

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Carista OBD2 free?

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

### Is MX5 Tech Remote free?

MX5 Tech Remote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Carista OBD2 or MX5 Tech Remote?

Carista OBD2 is rated higher. Carista OBD2 averages 4.6 out of 5 from 4.1K ratings, while MX5 Tech Remote averages 3.2 from 21 ratings.

### Do Carista OBD2 or MX5 Tech Remote have ads?

Carista OBD2 shows ads; MX5 Tech Remote does not.

### Which is updated more often, Carista OBD2 or MX5 Tech Remote?

Carista OBD2 ships an update every 3 weeks, and MX5 Tech Remote every 12 months. Most recently, Carista OBD2 was updated on September 23, 2026 and MX5 Tech Remote on July 5, 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.*