Table of Contents
This review was created by the OBD Solaris Team, led by Haakan Light, after testing these scan tools on our cars and light trucks (excluding HD trucks, hybrids, and EVs).
Promo Codes
Product: INNOVA 1000
Discount: 30% Off
Promo code: 305K7ASJ
Start date: 01/15/2024 12:01 AM PDT
End date: 01/31/2025 11:59 PM PDT
Link to buy: INNOVA 1000 at Amazon
Important
We haven’t tested them on every OBD2 vehicle model, and we don’t plan to—that would be pretty impractical.
We recommend contacting the seller and providing them with your vehicle’s details (make, year, model, VIN) to ensure the scan tool is compatible.
To find the scanner that best fits your needs, it’s a good idea to let the seller know what features you’re looking for.
Only make a purchase after the seller confirms your vehicle is supported.
Remember: “No scan tool works perfectly on every vehicle.”
Detailed Comparison Chart and Ratings
INNOVA 1000 | BlueDriver | OBDCheck BLE | MyCarly | OBDEleven PRO | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
Ease of Use | 5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
Diagnostic Depth | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
Value for Money | 5/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
Vehicle Compatibility | Most OBD2 vehicles | Most OBD2 vehicles | Most OBD2 vehicles | Mainly European (BMW, VW, Audi, etc.) | VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat |
System Diagnostics | Engine, ABS, SRS, TPMS, transmission | All systems | Depends on third-party apps | All systems | All systems |
Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
App Supported | RepairSolutions2 app | BlueDriver app | Various third-party apps | MyCarly app | OBDEleven app |
Advanced Features | Basic diagnostics, live data, full-system | Repair reports, verified fixes | Basic code reading, real-time data | Customizations, coding, diagnostics | Coding, adaptations |
Software Updates | Free | Free | Depends on third-party apps | Subscription required for updates | Free updates, credit-based features |
OBD2 Functions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Coding and Programming | No | No | No | Yes | Yes (for VAG vehicles) |
Bi-Directional Control | No | No | No | No | Yes (for VAG vehicles) |
Key Takeaways
1. INNOVA 1000
- User-Friendly: This scanner is great for beginners, providing essential OBD2 diagnostics with an intuitive interface.
- Full System Coverage: It supports critical systems such as ABS, SRS, and TPMS, making it suitable for basic troubleshooting.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Pairing with the RepairSolutions2 app enhances functionality by offering repair information and code definitions.
2. MyCarly
- Advanced Customization: Best suited for European car owners, MyCarly offers unique features for vehicle coding and personalization.
- Subscription-Based: While the initial cost is reasonable, advanced features may require a subscription, which can add to the overall expense.
- Focused on VAG Brands: Its diagnostic capabilities are especially strong for brands like BMW and Audi.
- Professional-Grade Tool: Specifically designed for VAG group vehicles, it offers in-depth diagnostics and advanced coding options.
- User-Friendly App: The wireless connection to smartphones provides convenience and a simplified user experience.
- Credit System: Additional features may require purchasing credits, which could be a downside for some users.
4. BlueDriver
- Comprehensive Diagnostics: Offers full-system scanning with verified repair reports, ideal for DIY mechanics.
- Mobile App Integration: The app enhances usability by providing step-by-step troubleshooting guidance.
- Great Value: While it’s slightly higher priced than basic scanners, its capabilities justify the investment for serious users.
- Budget-Friendly: An excellent choice for users looking for a simple, cost-effective OBD2 solution.
- Basic Functionality: Suitable for reading and clearing codes, with some live data monitoring capabilities.
- Third-Party App Compatibility: Works with various third-party apps, providing flexibility in usage.
Quick Summary
INNOVA 1000 | Bluedriver | OBDCheck BLE | MyCarly | Obdeleven Pro | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BOTTOMLINE | Best for DIYers who need a reliable, affordable scanner with full-system diagnostics and Bluetooth connectivity. Great for everyday vehicle maintenance and error code troubleshooting. | A versatile, easy-to-use tool with full-system diagnostics and verified repair reports, making it ideal for DIYers who want professional-level insights without the complexity of more advanced tools. | An affordable, basic tool for casual users needing simple diagnostics and wireless connectivity. Suitable for routine maintenance but lacks advanced features. | Ideal for European car owners, especially BMW and VW enthusiasts, who want advanced customization and coding features. Perfect for those looking to personalize and optimize their vehicle settings. | A top choice for VAG group (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda) vehicle owners looking for professional-level diagnostics and coding. The credit system allows flexibility, but the tool is limited outside the VAG group. |
PROS | • Full-system diagnostics (ABS, SRS, TPMS, transmission) • Bluetooth connectivity with the RepairSolutions2 app • User-friendly interface • Affordable price point | • Full-system diagnostics for multiple vehicle brands • Verified repair reports via the app • Wireless Bluetooth connectivity • Compact and portable design | Affordable and easy to use Bluetooth connectivity for wireless diagnostics Compatible with various third-party apps | • Advanced coding capabilities • Easy-to-use mobile app • Real-time vehicle health monitoring • Customizable settings for European cars | • Excellent support for VAG group vehicles (Audi, VW, Skoda) • Advanced diagnostics and coding • Easy-to-use app with wireless connectivity • Affordable with credit-based system for advanced features |
CONS | • No bi-directional control • Limited ECU-related functions | • No bi-directional control or ECU coding • Limited advanced functions compared to professional-grade tools | Limited to basic diagnostics (no ABS, SRS, transmission support) No advanced features like coding or bi-directional control | • High subscription costs for advanced features • Limited functionality on non-European vehicles | • Limited vehicle coverage outside VAG group • Requires credits for some premium features • Subscription costs for PRO functionality |
TARGET AUDIENCE | Beginner to intermediate DIYers | Casual DIYers looking for straightforward diagnostics | Budget-conscious users and casual DIYers | Tech-savvy car owners, particularly those with European vehicles | VAG vehicle owners, car enthusiasts, and mechanics |
Why Trust OBD SOLARIS?
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Expert Reviews
#1. INNOVA 1000
The INNOVA 1000 is a solid choice for entry-level DIYers looking for a dependable OBD2 scanner with full-system diagnostics.
It offers coverage for essential systems such as ABS, SRS, TPMS, and transmission, making it a good all-around tool for error code reading and real-time vehicle monitoring.
The Bluetooth functionality enhances its convenience, as users can connect to the RepairSolutions2 app for detailed repair information and reports.
While it lacks advanced features like bi-directional control or coding, its ease of use and solid vehicle compatibility make it a valuable option for those focused on regular maintenance and error code troubleshooting.
The INNOVA 1000 offers excellent value for its price point.
Target Audience: Beginner to intermediate DIYers who need a reliable, affordable, and user-friendly diagnostic tool.
#2. MyCarly
MyCarly stands out in the market for its advanced vehicle customization and coding options, particularly designed for European brands like BMW, VW, and Audi.
The tool provides in-depth diagnostics along with the ability to modify car settings to user preferences. This makes it ideal for users interested in personalizing their vehicles, offering a unique advantage over standard OBD2 scanners.
While it comes with a subscription cost for full functionality, its ability to carry out complex diagnostics, and coding operations outweigh this downside for European car enthusiasts.
However, its performance on non-European cars is limited.
Target Audience: Car owners (especially European brands) interested in vehicle customization and advanced diagnostics.
#3. OBDEleven PRO
The OBDEleven PRO is highly specialized for VAG group vehicles (Audi, VW, Skoda), making it a go-to tool for professional-grade diagnostics, coding, and adaptations in these cars.
Its PRO version includes features like long coding, service resets, and adaptation of control modules, all accessible through an intuitive app interface.
The tool is user-friendly, offering wireless connectivity via smartphones, but its functionality outside the VAG group is somewhat limited.
The credit-based system provides flexibility, but may incur extra costs for accessing premium features.
Target Audience: VW and Audi owners or enthusiasts seeking detailed diagnostics and coding options.
#4. BlueDriver
The BlueDriver is an excellent choice for DIY mechanics and enthusiasts looking for a reliable, easy-to-use OBD2 scanner with professional-grade diagnostics.
It offers full-system coverage and provides verified repair reports, which give users detailed insights and potential fixes for issues.
The tool’s wireless connectivity and mobile app make it incredibly user-friendly.
While it lacks advanced features like bi-directional control, its solid performance for reading and clearing error codes, along with enhanced diagnostic capabilities, makes it a top choice for everyday maintenance and troubleshooting.
Target Audience: DIYers and casual users looking for a professional-grade, easy-to-use diagnostic tool with wireless functionality.
#5. VEEPEAK OBDCheck BLE
The VEEPEAK OBDCheck BLE is a basic, budget-friendly OBD2 scanner that serves well for users who need simple diagnostics.
It offers essential functions like reading and clearing codes, live data monitoring, and emissions readiness tests via Bluetooth connectivity.
While it doesn’t support advanced systems like ABS or SRS diagnostics, it’s compatible with various third-party apps, which adds flexibility.
Its low cost and ease of use make it a solid option for casual users who need a straightforward tool for everyday car maintenance.
Target Audience: Budget-conscious users and DIYers who need a simple, no-frills diagnostic tool.
The Basics
What is a Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner?
A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner offers significant convenience compared to traditional standalone scan tools.
By wirelessly connecting to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, these scanners allow users to access real-time vehicle data, read error codes, and perform diagnostics through a mobile app.
This eliminates the need for a bulky handheld device, making it easier to carry and store.
Bluetooth scanners provide greater flexibility, as they often come with apps that offer additional features like detailed repair suggestions, logging capabilities, and even remote diagnostics.
Furthermore, the intuitive interface of mobile apps generally makes these scanners more user-friendly, especially for casual users or DIY mechanics.
This convenience and portability make Bluetooth OBD2 scanners a go-to choice for everyday diagnostics and vehicle monitoring.
Who Should Use Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners?
Bluetooth OBD2 scanners are ideal for a wide range of users, including beginners, DIYers, and even some professionals.
- Beginners will appreciate the simplicity and ease of use. These scanners usually come with mobile apps that guide users step-by-step through the diagnostic process, offering repair suggestions and explanations of error codes in layman’s terms.
- DIYers will benefit from the flexibility and portability. Bluetooth scanners allow DIYers to diagnose vehicle issues anywhere without needing a standalone device, while mobile apps often provide access to additional features like maintenance logs, live data, and real-time performance monitoring.
- Professionals may find Bluetooth OBD2 scanners useful as a secondary tool for quick diagnostics or on-the-go troubleshooting. However, they may still rely on more advanced standalone scan tools for in-depth diagnostics and repair capabilities.
What’s Next?
This prioritized guide should help you quickly determine which Bluetooth OBD2 scanner best suits your specific needs and budget.
Any questions please let us know by leaving a comment or send a request to [email protected].