Chances are you’re what I like to call “car aware”: you know the basics of how cars function, and you can drive the entire 15 minutes to work without causing a massive ten-car pileup. You know it’s important to keep a car in tip-top shape, and like anyone you shudder when the check engine light comes on. That’s a time when a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner can make life a lot easier.

If that phrase looks like gibberish, don’t worry: this guide explains everything you need to know about Bluetooth OBD2 scanners. There’s a lot of knowledge in here, but if you just want to find out the best bluetooth OBD2 scanner, skip to the end. Ready to dive in?

El problema: luces de advertencia

Normalmente, para diagnosticar un problema con su automóvil, debe acudir a un mecánico. Eso significa confiar en una tienda basada completamente en sus reseñas de Yelp y luego pagarles unos cientos de dólares solo para encontrar the problem – a gamble if there ever was one. What if nothing was wrong? What if they fixed something that was so easy you could’ve done yourself, like a loose battery cable?

Lo siento, no hay reembolsos.

If you wouldn’t call yourself “car aware,” maybe more like “car clueless,” the situation gets even worse. Some shady shops might fib on the details, or exaggerate what needs fixing, just to make a few extra bucks. Using a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner gives you the power to know the problem before you call a mechanic.

If this sounds like an expensive proposition, don’t worry: a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner pays for itself after only a handful of uses.

La solución: un escáner Bluetooth OBD2

Almost every car manufactured after 1996 has an OBD2 port. It’s a small rectangular plug hidden somewhere under your dashboard, and it’s what the guys at O’Reilly plug their code reader into when they diagnose your check engine light. This ability used to be reserved for dealerships and mechanics, but with advances in mobile technology, today anyone can purchase a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner and obtain the same results in the comfort of their own garage.

¿Qué hace un escáner Bluetooth OBD2?

A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner (“code reader”, “scan tool) is a wireless device that searches for a variety of issues with the engine, transmission, and various sensors throughout your car. It plugs right into the OBD2 port of your car and can quickly save you time and money. These days the check engine light covers a wide variety of problems beyond the engine itself, and a good code reader can detect them all.

You won’t have to go looking for your scan tool when you want to use it – just leave it plugged in! It works with your phone, tablet, or a remote controller without wires, so you can leave the scanner plugged in all the time. That way, you’ll be aware of a problem the moment it happens.

¿Necesito comprar software?

A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner simply relays your car’s data to your phone. You’re going to need an app to use along with it, like Torque, DashCommand, or OBD Fusion, if the scan tool you buy doesn’t come with its own. Of those apps, the most expensive ones cost about $40, the cheapest ones are free, and the best ones for a casual user are about $5.

Since the app is doing most of the work, there’s not much room for error in – or a lot of difference between – most of the scan tools on the market. It really comes down to quality and longevity, and as we’ll see in a moment, it’s important to buy the best one that fits your needs.

Nota: Por razones de hardware, las herramientas de escaneo en esta lista solo funcionan para dispositivos Apple si así lo dicen explícitamente. Los dispositivos Apple requieren un escáner Wifi OBD2.

¿Qué comprueban los escáneres Bluetooth OBD2?

Un buen escáner Bluetooth OBD2 le brinda explicaciones sencillas en inglés de los problemas que encuentra, junto con la capacidad de restablecer la luz de verificación del motor y otras luces de advertencia para ver si vuelven a encenderse. Algunos problemas comunes que los lectores de código revisan incluyen:

• Compruebe los códigos de las luces del motor (CEL)
• Códigos de error del sensor
• Historial de errores

Los usuarios conocedores de la tecnología valorarán las siguientes características de las herramientas de escaneo de gama alta:

• Consumo medio de combustible
• Temperatura de entrada de aire
• Temperatura de anticongelante
• Presión del colector de admisión
• Presión del sistema EVAP
• Presión barométrica
• Detalles de tiempo
• Presion de combustible
• Ajuste de combustible

Los datos que ves depende principalmente del coche que tengas. A scan tool can only display the data your car sends it. If you have an older car that doesn’t use the same sensors a newer car has, you won’t be able to access that information even with a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner.

¿Cuánto cuesta un escáner Bluetooth OBD2?

On average a code reader costs less than an hour of a mechanic’s time. I’ve compiled a list of the highest-rated Bluetooth OBD2 scanners available with Amazon Prime shipping, so you can have one of these at your door quicker than the mechanic can schedule your car.

Since the cheapest ones are less than $10, let’s start there and work our way to the top.

Los mejores escáneres Bluetooth OBD2

Excelvan v1.5 Mini escáner OBD2 Bluetooth

I’m going to start by telling you why you shouldn’t just scoop up the cheapest tool you can find on Amazon, the one with the two random English words thrown together and an unlikely amount of positive reviews. The price of this miniature Bluetooth OBD2 scanner is less than a CD at Best Buy (rip), and by all accounts that shows from the word GO.

Peruse Amazon and you’ll find the same cheap plastic scan tool is sold by several brands. None of them are compatible with iPhones, which slaps over 50% of the populous right in the face. Reviews say this one lasts about 10 uses before crapping out; some say it even arrives broken every time.

Providing it works long enough to do its job, the Excelvan apparently works well. People say the features are numerous and easy to understand. And hey, some of the reviewers weren’t even paid to say nice things! What a treat.

Me gusta gatos de piso, llaves dinamométricasy mechanic’s creepers, there’s no reason to cheap out on a new Bluetooth OBD2 scanner. As the saying goes, you’ll spend less money in the long run if you buy a quality item the first time.

Pros

• Talla pequeña
• Bajo costo
• Fácil de usar

Contras

• Baja calidad
• Producción en masa

Escáner Veepeak Mini Bluetooth OBD2

This code reader is slightly more expensive than the last. It’s still as small and cheap as the Excelvan, but it’s far more popular and backed by a lot of (real) positive reviews. This Bluetooth OBD2 scanner has all the features of the Excelvan and then some, and the newer version connects to both Apple and Android devices – but for twice the price.

According to reviewers, you need to be sure to update this scan tool right off the bat and periodically going forward. That’s standard fare for most things these days, but an old software update could cause this product to appear nonfunctional out of the box, so it’s worth mentioning.

These days it’s nice when a company stands behind their products. The Veepeak Bluetooth OBD2 scanner comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is worse than 365 days but better than 0. More importantly, the vendor is said to be responsive and easygoing when it comes to replacing defunct units, even fuera de la ventana de garantía.

That’s a major factor with these cheaper code readers, though the Veepeak is every bit as rebranded as the Excelvan.

Pros

• Bajo costo y pequeño tamaño
• Amplia gama de funciones
• 30 días de garantía de devolución de dinero

Contras

• La conectividad de Apple duplica el precio
• Carece de funciones de lectores de códigos más costosos

Escáner KOBRA Bluetooth OBD2

For another step in the right direction, the KOBRA Bluetooth OBD2 scanner comes with a 1-year money-back guarantee. That’s 12 times as long as the Veepeak, and judging by the product photos, the KOBRA is 12 times as durable as well.

It doesn’t have the small form factor the Veepeak is known for, so if your OBD2 port is somewhere near your knees (which it is in many cars) there’s a chance this code reader will get in the way. That means you’ll have to unplug it when it’s not in use, and if you’re anything like me, there’s a high chance of it getting misplaced.

Reviewers say KOBRA doesn’t have the stellar customer service of Veepeak, but they do say the warranty is honored if you follow through with the process.

On the upside, the KOBRA does most everything the more expensive scanners do, and it does them well. If you’re planning to use your new scanner on multiple vehicles or for a long period of time, the 1-year warranty and the durability of this scan tool will be your biggest selling points.

Pero lea los dos siguientes antes de agregar este a su carrito.

Pros

• Mucha funcionalidad
• Diseño duradero
• 1 año de garantía

Contras

• Factor de forma más grande
• Muchas críticas negativas
• Peor servicio al cliente

Productos BAFX Escáner Bluetooth OBD2

Esta herramienta de escaneo duplica el precio de las anteriores, entonces, ¿qué ofrece? ¿Obtienes el doble del producto? Este es el #1 más vendido en Lectores de código y herramientas de escaneo on Amazon, and there’s a reason for that.

Their well-written product details should tell you everything you need to know: BAFX is an established company that stands behind its scanners with a 2-year warranty. They guarantee their Bluetooth OBD2 scanner will work with your car, and with a 4-star average from over 9000 reviews, that’s a promise you can trust.

Un comprador verificado informa que BAFX reemplazó su herramienta de escaneo cuando tenía más de 5 años. Dijo que comenzó a tener problemas después de todo ese tiempo, y envió un correo electrónico al equipo de servicio al cliente con sede en EE. UU. Solo por diversión. Menos de 24 horas después comenzó una conversación que terminó con la sustitución de su escáner Bluetooth OBD2 por uno nuevo. ¿El servicio al cliente es mejor que eso?

The functionality of the BAFX is equal to that of the previous scanners on this list, since it uses the same apps to relay the information to your Android device. It’s a bit large, but the durability and customer service of the BAFX are what put it ahead of the rest.

Lo crea o no, el siguiente es mejor.

Pros

• 2 años de garantía
• Servicio al cliente impecable
• “Works with all cars” guarantee
• Construcción duradera

Contras

• Talla
• Solo Android

Escáner OBD2 Bluetooth Ozzy Gear – MEJOR ESCÁNER

Most of those translucent blue plastic scan tools are made by one big Chinese company and rebranded for various third-party sellers. That’s not the case with BAFX, and it’s not the case with Ozzy either.

El lector de códigos Ozzy viene con un control remoto, un estuche y una garantía de por vida. They put those words in the product description, in plain English, for all the world to see. Reviewers say they stand behind their promise that if you’re not satisfied for any reason, or if the scan tool breaks for any reason, they will offer you a full refund or a replacement product, no questions asked. Wow!

This code reader runs off the same apps as most of the others, so it’s best suited for use on a Kindle HDX or other tablets. One user even explained how he uses a cheap prepaid phone, a vent-mount phone holder, and this reader and has a dedicated diagnostic setup in his car at all times. That’s pretty cool if you ask me.

I can’t find any other Bluetooth OBD2 scanners that offer a lifetime warranty; even professional scan tools that cost way more can’t offer that kind of guarantee. On top of that, it’s got a small form factor. It would be a toss-up between Ozzy and BAFX, but the unbeatable warranty earns Ozzy the win.

Pros

• Gran funcionalidad
• Factor de Forma Pequeña
• Estuche y control remoto incluidos
• Garantía de por vida

Contras

• Costo un poco más alto
• Carece de la funcionalidad de los lectores de códigos premium

Lectores de códigos premium

So far, we’ve covered Bluetooth OBD2 scanners designed for the casual user and the shade-tree mechanic. What if you need more functionality? What if you want to monitor finer details in real time? Take a look at these next scan tools which offer expanded features at a higher price.

Escáner FIXD Bluetooth OBD2 para Apple + Android

This scan tool is marketed as a “car health monitor.” It has its own proprietary app and iPhone and Android compatibility right out of the box. Nice!

The FIXD app is designed to give a clear and concise picture of what’s wrong with your car. The app can handle multiple cars at once (with extra sensors, of course), making it easy to monitor the health of the family’s fleet from one device.

There’s a “Maintenance Price Estimator” in the app, along with maintenance reminders, to keep you abreast of the cost and schedule of regular services. Reviewers say the app is easy to use, but it requires your VIN number which caused some users to experience problems.

La herramienta de escaneo FIXD carece de la capacidad de leer códigos más avanzados como los de bolsas de aire, TPMS o advertencias de ABS. Es preocupante que una búsqueda superficial en Amazon revela lo que parece ser el mismo producto exacto being sold by a company called Carista. The difference is FIXD doesn’t make you buy their app AND their code reader, because that’s just silly.

This is marketed as a luxury item to monitor your car’s health, but its limited features don’t justify the price.

Pros

• Aplicación propietaria incluida
• Soporte Apple + Android
• Soporte para varios coches

Contras

• Mayor costo
• Carece de funciones más avanzadas
• Garantía poco clara

Escáner BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD2 para Apple + Android

The BlueDriver scan tool also has its own proprietary app and iPhone and Android compatibility. To add to that, BlueDriver maintains its own database of repair estimates, so the app can ballpark the cost of repairing any issue this code reader finds. It can also scan advanced codes, like ones for airbags and ABS, that the FIXD can’t read. Pretty nifty.

The BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner App includes most of the features of the $40 apps you’ll find on the app store, including advanced diagnostic modes like Fuel System Test and Misfire Test. Over 70 parameters are logged in real time, including oil temperature, boost pressure, fuel usage, and more. It can even clear more advanced transmission and airbag codes that other scanners can’t touch.

Otra característica interesante es el Smog Check incorporado, que le permite simular una prueba de smog. Este lector de códigos podría ahorrarle toda la molestia de conducir hasta la instalación de prueba de smog, fallar la prueba y pagarle al mecánico para que le diga por qué.

One reviewer said he found a $1,700 problem in his car just one week before his warranty expired, thanks to the BlueDriver code reader. If that’s not worth a hundred bucks, I don’t know what is.

Pros

• Aplicación propietaria
• Soporte Apple + Android
• Base de datos de estimaciones de reparación
• 1 año de garantía; Garantía de devolución de dinero de 6 meses

Contras

• Mayor costo

Those Scan Tools Aren’t Tough Enough for Me

What’s that, you say? You work at a high-volume dealership? You want to be able to bleed the brakes of a semi without getting in the cab? You want to recode an entire ECU? Say no more.

Herramienta de diagnóstico Autel Maxisys Elite

This Bluetooth OBD2 scanner makes those other ones look like they’re trying too hard.

El Elite está hecho para automóviles de consumo y su versión hermana (MS908CV) funciona en semirremolques y maquinaria pesada. Ambos pueden reasignar llaves de seguridad y restablecer inmovilizadores, y ambos incluyen una variedad de procedimientos automatizados de purga de frenos y embrague, así como calibración de suspensión neumática e incluso reprogramación de ECU. Demonios, puede tocar la bocina y rociar el parabrisas. Incluso podría invitarte a cenar después.

This code reader comes with free updates, a cloud-based data management suite, and remote-access technical support. Both models arrive in the form of a rugged tablet that you could drop or run over (don’t try), preloaded with Autel software, with a quad-core processor and a 32GB solid state hard drive.

This is a basic Bluetooth OBD2 scanner in the same way that Olive Garden is authentic Italian food. It does everything a dealership can do and more, and since it costs more than a used Prius it’s the heaviest hitter on our list of code readers and scan tools.

Note, this isn’t a professional’s guide to code readers. If you’re a mechanic who needs a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for your job, this isn’t the resource for you. Do some research on the technical reasons why a Veepeak or Ozzy can’t hold a candle to this.

Pros

• Hace literalmente todo
• Factor de forma resistente
• 1 año de garantía

Contras

• Precio

¿Qué escáner Bluetooth OBD2 debería comprar?

Congratulations! You’ve learned a lot about Bluetooth OBD2 scanners, code readers, and scan tools. Take your newfound knowledge and save some money the next time a warning light appears in your car.

For standard users it’s a toss-up between the BAFX and the Ozzy, but the Ozzy is our Primera opción como el mejor escáner bluetooth OBD2 gracias a su garantía de por vida. For advanced users, BlueDriver is the way to go. For professionals, you might as well go big. It’s going on the company card, right?

Escáneres estándar Bluetooth OBD2

Si le gusta tirar dinero, compre el Excelvan.

Si desea utilizar un lector de códigos económico varias veces, compre el Veepeak.

Para una oferta más duradera con una garantía de 1 año, obtenga el KOBRA.

Si desea obtener el mejor rendimiento por su dinero, obtenga el BAFX.

Si desea obtener el mejor rendimiento por su dinero con un garantía de por vida, consigue el Ozzy.

Escáneres premium Bluetooth OBD2 (con compatibilidad con Apple + Android)

Para controlar fácilmente la salud de uno o varios automóviles, compre un FIXD.

Para leer códigos más avanzados como airbags y TPMS, obtenga el BlueDriver.

Escáneres profesionales Bluetooth OBD2

Si desea tocar la bocina y reprogramar su ECU, obtenga el Autel.