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?

Het probleem: waarschuwingslichten

Normaal gesproken moet u naar een monteur gaan om een probleem met uw auto te diagnosticeren. Dat betekent dat je je vertrouwen stelt in een winkel die volledig is gebaseerd op hun Yelp-recensies en ze vervolgens een paar honderd dollar betaalt om vinden 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?

Sorry, geen restitutie.

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.

De oplossing: een Bluetooth OBD2-scanner

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.

Wat doet een Bluetooth OBD2-scanner?

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.

Moet ik software kopen?

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.

Opmerking: Om hardwareredenen werken de scantools in deze lijst alleen voor Apple-apparaten als ze dat expliciet zeggen. Apple-apparaten hebben een Wifi OBD2-scanner nodig.

Wat controleren Bluetooth OBD2-scanners?

Een goede Bluetooth OBD2-scanner geeft u duidelijke Engelse uitleg over de problemen die hij vindt, samen met de mogelijkheid om: reset het check engine lampje en andere waarschuwingslichten om te zien of ze weer gaan branden. Enkele veelvoorkomende problemen die worden gecontroleerd door codelezers zijn:

• Controleer de codes van het motorlicht (CEL)
• Sensorfoutcodes
• Foutgeschiedenis

Technisch onderlegde gebruikers zullen de volgende kenmerken van geavanceerde scantools waarderen:

• Gemiddeld brandstofverbruik
• Luchtinlaattemperatuur
• Koelvloeistoftemperatuur
• Inlaatspruitstukdruk
• EVAP-systeemdruk
• Barometrische druk
• Timingdetails
• Brandstofdruk:
• Brandstofafstelling

De gegevens die u ziet hangt meestal af van welke auto je hebt. 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.

Wat kost een Bluetooth OBD2-scanner?

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.

Beste Bluetooth OBD2-scanners

Excelvan v1.5 Mini Bluetooth OBD2-scanner

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.

Graag willen krikken, momentsleutels, en 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.

Voordelen

• Kleine maat
• Goedkoop
• Makkelijk te gebruiken

Nadelen

• Lage kwaliteit
• Massaproductie

Veepeak Mini Bluetooth OBD2-scanner

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 buiten het garantievenster.

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

Voordelen

• Lage kosten en klein formaat
• Breed scala aan functies
• 30-dagen geld terug garantie

Nadelen

• Apple-connectiviteit verdubbelt de prijs
• Mist functies van duurdere codelezers

KOBRA Bluetooth OBD2-scanner

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.

Maar lees de volgende twee voordat u deze aan uw winkelwagentje toevoegt.

Voordelen

• Veel functionaliteit
• Duurzaam ontwerp
• 1 jaar garantie

Nadelen

• Grotere vormfactor
• Veel negatieve recensies
• Slechtere klantenservice

BAFX-producten Bluetooth OBD2-scanner

Deze scantool verdubbelt de prijs van de vorige, dus wat levert het op? Krijg je het dubbele van het product? Dit is de #1 Bestseller in Codelezers en scantools 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.

Een geverifieerde koper meldt dat BAFX zijn scantool heeft vervangen toen deze meer dan 5 jaar oud was. Hij zei dat het na al die tijd problemen begon te krijgen, en hij e-mailde de in de VS gevestigde klantenservice voor de lol. Minder dan 24 uur later begon een gesprek dat eindigde in de vervanging van zijn Bluetooth OBD2-scanner door een gloednieuwe. Wordt de klantenservice beter dan dat?

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.

Geloof het of niet, de volgende is beter.

Voordelen

• 2 jaar garantie
• Onberispelijke klantenservice
• “Works with all cars” guarantee
• Duurzame constructie

Nadelen

• Maat
• Alleen Android

Ozzy Gear Bluetooth OBD2-scanner – BESTE SCANNER

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.

De Ozzy-codelezer wordt geleverd met een afstandsbediening, een hoes en een levenslange garantie. 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.

Voordelen

• Geweldige functionaliteit
• Kleine vormfactor
• Inclusief hoesje en afstandsbediening
• Levenslange garantie

Nadelen

• Iets hogere kosten
• Mist de functionaliteit van premium codelezers

Premium codelezers

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.

FIXD Bluetooth OBD2-scanner voor 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.

De FIXD-scantool heeft niet de mogelijkheid om meer geavanceerde codes te lezen, zoals die voor airbags, TPMS of ABS-waarschuwingen. Zorgwekkend is dat een vluchtige zoektocht van Amazon onthult wat er lijkt te zijn exact hetzelfde product 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.

Voordelen

• Eigen app inbegrepen
• Apple + Android-ondersteuning
• Ondersteuning voor meerdere auto's

Nadelen

• Hogere kosten
• Mist meer geavanceerde functies
• Garantie onduidelijk

BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD2-scanner voor 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.

Een andere leuke feature is de ingebouwde Smog Check, waarmee je een smogtest kunt simuleren. Deze codelezer kan u alle moeite besparen om naar de smogtestfaciliteit te rijden, de test niet te halen en de monteur te betalen om u te vertellen waarom.

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.

Voordelen

• Eigen app
• Apple + Android-ondersteuning
• Database met schattingen van reparaties
• 1 jaar garantie; 6 maanden geld-terug-garantie

Nadelen

• Hogere kosten

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.

Autel Maxisys Elite Diagnostisch Hulpmiddel

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

De Elite is gemaakt voor consumentenauto's en de zusterversie (MS908CV) werkt op semi's en zware machines. Beide kunnen beveiligingssleutels opnieuw toewijzen en startonderbrekers resetten, en beide bevatten een verscheidenheid aan geautomatiseerde ontluchtingsprocedures voor remmen en koppeling, evenals kalibratie van de luchtvering en zelfs herprogrammering van de ECU. Verdorie, het kan de hoorn toeteren en de voorruit besproeien. Het kan je daarna zelfs een diner bezorgen.

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.

Voordelen

• Doet letterlijk alles
• Robuuste vormfactor
• 1 jaar garantie

Nadelen

• Prijs

Welke Bluetooth OBD2-scanner moet ik kopen?

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 Beste keuze als de beste bluetooth OBD2-scanner thanks to its lifetime warranty. 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?

Standard Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners

If you enjoy throwing away money, buy the Excelvan.

For a cheap code reader to use a few times, buy the Veepeak.

For a more durable offering with a 1-year warranty, get the KOBRA.

If you want the best bang for your buck, get the BAFX.

If you want the best bang for your buck with a lifetime warranty, get the Ozzy.

Premium Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners (with Apple + Android Compatibility)

To easily monitor the health of one or several cars, buy a FIXD.

To read more advanced codes like airbags and TPMS, get the BlueDriver.

Professional Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners

If you want to honk your horn and reprogram your ECU, get the Autel.