The Best OBD2 Dongle Under $150

One is clearly better than the rest.
Product Links
Brand Model MSRP
ELM 327 ELM 327 $13 👉 amzn.to/48OotzH
Blcktec 410 $40 👉 amzn.to/3HG1HOc
Blcktec 430 $90 👉 amzn.to/3vTQPtL
Topdon TopScan $80 👉 amzn.to/497VXsq
Veepeak OBD Check $35 👉 amzn.to/3OgKJtJ
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro $120 👉 amzn.to/4baPZsH
XTool Advancer $50 👉 amzn.to/3Udw3iR
XTool Advancer Pro $80 👉 amzn.to/3SjBom7
FIXD FIXD $60 👉 amzn.to/47S3wlV
Zurich ZRBT1 $60 👉 www.harborfreight.com/zr-bt1-...
OBDLink MX $140 👉 amzn.to/49cikge
OBDLink CX $80 👉 amzn.to/3OlROci
CARISTA BT25 $40 👉 amzn.to/3SB0iz5
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[@Tools-Tested]

NOTE the TopScan requires a subscription after one year of $50, I just found this in the fine print. Information about this on TopDons website "Tools that require a subscription are renewed annually. Once the subscription is renewed all updates for the tool are covered for the full year. TOPDON’s limited warranty will continue with the subscription. The tools will continue to function without a subscription; however, the tools will not be available for updates and the tool will no longer be covered by the warranty, and programming functions may be inaccessible." www.topdon.us/pages/faq

[@madcow3417]

"Programming functions may be inaccessible." Depending on exactly what 'programming functions' means to them, and if their FAQ changes tomorrow, this may become totally unusable. I can't trust it. Then again, the next best dongle is 50% more, so maybe it's worth the risk.

[@tonyhanneman3976]

@@madcow3417 Next best looks to be the Zurich from HF which is actually cheaper.

[@rolandm9750]

Yeah noticed that too. The subscription is pretty crazily priced, and not in a good way! It's $50/yr for the base subscription, $100/yr for the Pro subscription. I *think* the devices/hardware are the same. That is, you can either buy the TopScan Lite or Pro but I think the only difference is just the subscription it comes with. Apparently as long as you keep your subscription going, the device will be warrantied but I mean that's kind of a small benefit with such a high annual cost. What's also funny about the subscription is you can basically just buy a new unit every year instead, for about the same price with sales. So in 5yrs you can pay the $250-500 and have one device or just buy new ones and have 5 of them by the 5th year lol. Really dumb business model. Well smart for them I guess.

[@nowayjose596]

According to the Q&A it will stop working completely without an active subscription: "Unfortunately, TOPDON TopScan will not work if there's no active subscription." So you don't just lose certain features, but the ability to pull/erase codes entirely.

[@jackle842000]

​@@nowayjose596what a scam if so. That's what keeps getting on my nerves when I look at these 600.00 readers and stuff I want one when I need it but I'm not willing to pay a monthly bill to use one once every 3 years for my same old cars. Ridiculous that we pay a premium for the software that's on the scanner then they want you to continue paying again and again to use it. The readers themselves don't cost very much to make and sell so if they want a subscription then they should just about be giving the reader away. Tell us a $50 computer for 600 bucks then make you pay every month or year for it seems nuts. There's no reason that any code reader should not have full functionality with whatever year model you've had an update and back. I can understand paying to update newer models to the computer but to pay to use what I already paid for is ridiculous.

[@NS-gf2vz]

I am NOT an expert in this area, but I think this comparison did not clarify something very important about choosing an OBD2 dongle. My summary is that there are only 2 things that matter. First, what chip is inside the unit. Second, what software will you use. You should start by purchasing a dongle that has the correct chip inside for your needs, and then purchase software - separately - that fits your needs. You will likely have a sub-optimal experience if you just buy a dongle and use the included "free" software. The chip inside the dongle will be some version of a microcontroller programmed by ELM Electronics. The version of the firmware on the chip is what makes the difference between dongles, with the oldest firmware being more buggy and having less features than the latest. Versions vary between 1.0 and 2.3. Note that ELM Electronics is now out of business (2022). Bad dongle manufacturers use a "cracked" version of ELM's oldest firmware but report it as being a much later version version. Good dongle manufacturers use authentic chips, but they are more costly. The Veepeak BLE unit you reviewed uses an old, cracked version, reported as v1.5. Note that ELM did not even release a v1.5! Veepeak also sells a BLE+ unit for only a few dollars more that I believe uses an authentic microcontroller and is reported as v2.2. After you buy a good dongle (with v2.2 or v2.3 firmware), you then buy software that allows you to use the feature set of that firmware. Good software/apps will cost money. I think you have an opportunity to do this review again but in two parts: first, what dongles have which chips/firmware inside. Second, which software will allow you to properly use the feature set of the chip/firmware.

[@TheSacman11]

Sounds like you know what you are talking about. Can you recommend a good chip/firmware/software combo which obd2 manufacturer would you recommend.

[@robb1165]

Yes, it all depends on the software. I start with a specific car then choose the software that does what I want. Then the dongle or in many cases a corded dongle if expecting to program a module. Usually what is recommended by the software company. I do have a Veepeak BLE+, using it with Forscan (great Ford software) and Bimmercode (limited but useful for BMW coding).

[@Joe_Blo]

I have a older cheap Bluetooth dongle. It often doesn't connect to my phone's Bluetooth. The Torque software says it's an unsupported l elm327. So it's hacked & cracked. The data rate & refresh is slow. But it does read and reset codes. I use an FM-Bluetooth 12v tranceiver to connect my phone to my older car stereo, so i can't use the Torque app on a trip to monitor mileage while listening to my stereo with the Bluetooth dongle. So I bought a supposed VGate brand wifi dongle to replace it from AliExpress. But it also is a clone. It works, does everything. Except when connected to my phone wifi, my phone cell data doesn't work! It thinks it's connected to the Internet. I suggest buying a known good ELM327 dongle in the first place to avoid hassles and a lot of cussing. And one with Bluetooth 4.0 or Wifi so it will connect to Apple, Android and a laptop with sufficient data rate. If buying from eBay, Wish, AliExpress, Temu etc, buyer beware. Ask questions of the seller before buying

[@johnburrows8281]

As a guy thats done alot of homework on these adapters. There is no mention of the FAKE microchip pic18f chips used in most of the adapters. The firmware is very buggy, your right. The last OFFICIAL standard was version 1.4b(openly admitted on ELM Electronics) they never made a version 1.5.

[@AtimatikArmy]

These details are way over most car guys head. We just want to know which is the best value for our dollar so we can get whatever vehicle working for the least amount of money possible.

[@Dpfdoctor]

Another top quality video, big fan of the channel. its only a matter of time until your sub count blows up

[@toyotatundra0455]

Thanks fir the video. I ordered the Topdon on a Amazon deal.

[@ImMentosFresh]

It's an informative video, I especially like having the table spreadsheet that lays out all the data. It makes everything easy to see and decipher what is best for my needs. Well done!

[@Tools-Tested]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulkaufman4901]

Thanks So Much! Perfect comparison for me! I use ios phone and I wanted bi-directional ability. The Topdon looks like a great option. I have spent more than $50 on basic scan tools. I bought the Topdon on Amazon for $58 on sale and am looking forward to trying it out.🙂

[@Tools-Tested]

Glad it was helpful!

[@evanepp]

Thanks for making this video, great review. I was on the fence, but now I know I'm buying the TOPDON.

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem! Glad it helped!

[@strykerentllc]

Have the Blue Driver and it's very limited as far as we're concerned. It'll read & clear codes but not much else that's useful when it comes to isolating a code. O2 sensors are an example--left bank lean but doesn't point to the upstream or downstream (before or after the CAT). What we've been eyeballing is the HP Tuners mpvi3 and yes, it's pricey and requires purchasing credits but it affords manipulation of parameters.

[@BengalNpawz-jb4wj]

Hmm, Scotty Kilmer seems to think it's a great one, kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZapkoOZpcR4bNE Does it help you figure out abs issue?

[@_P0tat07_]

I have the bluedriver and it’s really cool because the app is free and has no in app purchases. My only complaint is scamming is really slow. And I don’t k ow if that’s just a problem with Bluetooth code readers or if all scam tools are slow. I’ve never used an actual scan tool. But I’ve had it take well over 15 minutes to do a full scan on vehicles.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah I agree its likely do to it being bluetooth vs WiFi. I haven't tested larger auto scanners yet, but the ones I use at work(MTU,MAN Engines) are WiFi. All of the dongles that scanned for all modules took at least 5 minutes to do the complete scan.

[@naturestrail2296]

It doesn't do live data to see the transmission temp if you need to change the tran fluid and need to know the temp due to expansion with heat to set the level. So, bluedriver just didn't cut it for me.

[@iLL3571]

Glad I found this video, amazing help

[@Tools-Tested]

Glad it helped!

[@w1nnin]

Have the BlueDriver, obdmx (BMW) coding, just ordered the topdon dongle thank u for the review.

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem glad it was helpful!

[@0084arun]

What's best for bmw

[@jxm1497]

@@0084arunmhd

[@wesleyrobson1620]

If you're willing to spend just a little more, $150-200, the xtool A30M is on par with the topscan as far as capabilities but has free lifetime updates.

[@mrrobotto3321]

Yup. I just got the A30M from AliExpress for $95+ tax during their last huge sale. I almost bought it from Amazon for about $170+ tax. XTool has a store on AliExpress so I guess I got it from the manufacturer.

[@donniev8181]

The Autel AP200 does nearly everything as well, including key programming for only $50

[@donniev8181]

The best cheap thorough Bluetooth scan dongle ive found is the Autel AP200. The fact that it allows you to program keys is worth the $50 price by itself. Plus, the first model registered has free lifetime coverage. Every model afterwards is $20 a year

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks for the info, yeah seeing it does keys thats a big deal.

[@donniev8181]

@Tools-Tested yeah, the immo programming pays for itself after one use. I also bought the Toyota specific scan tool, the Launch X431 Elite, its right around $120. It allows me to do everything on my new Toyota, from ATF temp to customization.

[@jma8352]

Good job! the topdon pro one cost more and dose tpms, the regular one dose not so i think the zurich at $40 with the itc discount is a better over all deal. i hate subscriptions as these are advancing all the time.

[@dragngt]

Been weighing the BlueDriver vs others out there. Really, I’d only heard to most positive feedback about BlueDriver. The TopDon looks very tempting. I’ll do a little more research and pull the trigger. Thanks for doing this! 👍

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem! glade you found it useful!

[@sambashivanaspuri1402]

Awesome! super helpful. I have 2014 Jeep Patriot. Does TopDon reads/scans for engine issues ?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah shouldn't be an issue.

[@explosivebody1260]

Great testing! Have been in the market for another one considering the last two I got are subpar - I'm drawn to the Zurich, primarily because the topdon requires a $50 subscription fee every year... Other than that, an incredible tool for the price

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! also thanks for the info on the subscription, I somehow overlooked that. Im curious now if it will allow me to use the tool after one year, just without the ability to download updates or if it won't run all together.

[@explosivebody1260]

@@Tools-Tested no problem - even looking through reviews it's hard to tell if you lose all functionality or just updates

[@Tools-Tested]

@@explosivebody1260 So now that I'm down this rabbit hole, here is what I found on TopDons website "Tools that require a subscription are renewed annually. Once the subscription is renewed all updates for the tool are covered for the full year. TOPDON’s limited warranty will continue with the subscription. The tools will continue to function without a subscription; however, the tools will not be available for updates and the tool will no longer be covered by the warranty, and programming functions may be inaccessible." www.topdon.us/pages/faq Guess it will be interesting to see what happens in a year.....

[@explosivebody1260]

@@Tools-Tested appreciate you taking a further look! I'll be waiting for that update lol - thanks for all that you do

[@tonyhanneman3976]

@@Tools-Tested It's interesting that it works without an internet connection but it requires a subscription. I'm wondering what they mean by no longer receive updates. Does that mean the dongle will no longer get firmware updates, or that you will no longer be able to add new vehicles, or that certain parts of the app will cease to function? Because I would be fine with no longer receiving firmware updates, but probably not so much the others.

[@mrcokez1]

but what about the Thinkdiag2 ?

[@timothylockhart2009]

Love this review. I have had 3 scan tools, The cheap BAFX (ELM essentially) a Snap on solus edge thats locked at 2018 and I just got the topscan to play with. I was/am very weary of their subscription and what it will lock out. If it locks out Bi Directional controls for older year models that will suck. Although I would understand it as No other scan tool does Bi Directional until you get to the Autel MK808 for $400 and even that did not COME with bi directional it got it in a software update. it used to be 1k for bi directional. So even if you buy this for one repair and then continue to buy the updates once a year. You would have 8 years of updated software vs buying something like the MK808 today. The topdon topscan did have slow polling,graphing during my testing, RPM graphs were not smooth but jagged compared to my more expensive tools. This was with a samsung galaxy S23 ultra and a 2016 silverado. I am going to keep mine as it will hopefully compliment the snap on with euro coverage and bi directional controls past 2018, hopefully not at a 50/yr cost.

[@ToxicTwix]

Anyone here can help me out. What is best between BLCKTEC 430 and The Blue Driver?

[@jimakos75]

i would like to ask you if you know any OBD adapter that can read my ecu with protocol KWP1281 from my Golf MK4 GTI early 2000 except OBDEleven because i have it , please.

[@user-nz2tj2oo2s]

Help, could you tell me which one is best to see the oil pressure and temperature in real time?

[@Tools-Tested]

All the ones with live data should be able to display oil pressure and temp, its just a mater of the additional features you want from. the tool.

[@user-nz2tj2oo2s]

Ayuda, me podrías decir cuál es el mejor para ver en tiempo real la presión y la temperatura del aceite?Help, could you tell me which one is best to see the oil pressure and temperature in real time?

[@Sheevness]

Try looking at the ones that do live data. Check their websites for more specific info.

[@diy-ft7js]

How about OBD2 devices for Toyota Prius or other Hybrid cars?

[@Tools-Tested]

I would assume they will read the information for the combustion engine. Electric motor side idk what it would show.

[@jackle842000]

Does topscan read trans temp? Does it require subscription?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah it would read trans temp, tool comes with one year sub. The site say updates turn off once the subscription expires but the tool is supposed to still work. I haven't made it one year yet so its hard to 100% say.

[@ermant1311]

but I think for reset functions u need to pay EXTRA for Topdon right ?

[@Tools-Tested]

I think after one year, its not very clear what functions you loose. Topdon website says you only looses updates but I find that hard to believe. I will know in January because that will be one year.

[@user-ci5sf9cx5q]

Hello tools tested. Can you make a video about? What is the difference between the Elm327 mini and Elm327?

[@user-ci5sf9cx5q]

And compare it of the rest OBD2 tools.

[@Tools-Tested]

My understanding is the “mini” is just a rebranding. With all of the same features as the old Elm327.

[@user-ci5sf9cx5q]

@@Tools-Tested Thank you very much for this information. I was think there's a difference between this two version but now I know it basically the same thing.

[@forbiddenlovealive]

Do these scanners show lifetime mileage? If someone changed dashboard mileage meter then the chip would have registered total miles right?

[@Tools-Tested]

Hard to say, probably depends a lot on the year and make of the vehicle

[@naturestrail2296]

Was the the obdlink mx+ or just mx? Price says + but list shows mx? Thanks

[@Tools-Tested]

The MX+ was tested

[@GuyOntheroad-wf7tf]

Can i use app of my choice with ELM327?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yes you can use other apps with the ELM327, it's hard to say which ones will work with it without testing each one.

[@joeydelmarsjr.646]

can Topdon TopScan pull pin code to program keys and fobs?

[@Tools-Tested]

No I don't believe so.

[@kelvinelrick807]

I have the OBDLink MX+ and it works great. I've had it for 3 or 4 years and the only thing I don't like about it is sometimes I have to unplug and plug it back in to get it work. Though I always leave it plugged in since I only have one vehicle at the moment. Another note, It's been a minute but I do remember being able to record data with the MX+.

[@saucemaster2]

The subscription on the topdon ruins that one for me. Ill go with the zurich

[@NoferTrunions]

Seems like it is more a comparison of the software.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah software is 90% of these.

[@misterb1915]

Bro, how often are you told you look like Chris Evans?

[@Tools-Tested]

Never lol

[@joeydelmarsjr.646]

Vlinker MC is the best for the $$

[@madcow3417]

Ive been using a $10 dongle for a decade. It may be time to upgrade.

[@swimwithcoachraven1532]

Mine doesn’t work with Apple

[@Tools-Tested]

I don't remember which ones but some wouldn't work on old OS, you might make sure you have the latest OS. All were tested on an apple phone.

[@swimwithcoachraven1532]

@@Tools-Tested Manage to connect it. It worked. I set it to wifi instead of Bluetooth. It’s only had certain features. Was not able to reset a check engine light

[@BURZT_YT]

Why did u skip veepeak vp11?

[@Tools-Tested]

It’s the same as ELM327

[@almostahero1804]

You fail to mention one thing ,the top don also sucks ,there selling it for 16 dollars right now it's garbage,after one year they want you to pay subscription for app ,and for a person whose going to scan there car a few times in it's lifetime I just need the device and code no subscriptions so the top don 16 dollars normally 70 needs a subscription after a year

[@TheEvilMechanic]

I call BS. Show me where you can buy Topdon for $16.

[@phazei]

The stupid recommended video card covers up half the chart at the end so I can't even read what I really wanted to see :(

[@Tools-Tested]

Sorry, Thanks for the info, it should be removed.