The Best OBD2 Dongle Under $150

One is clearly better than the rest.

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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

[GAMP-bs]

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.

[_Ptat_]

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.

[paulkaufman]

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.🙂

[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.

[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!

[Dpfdoctor]

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

[FredCookLive]

Nice quick succinct overview. The only note I would make, is there is a significant difference between ODB readers and more advanced ODB scan tools. I would consider all of these dongles to be readers except for the TopDon TopScan, which is a scan tool. And a bi-directional scan too on top of that! BTW, TopDon has great (U.S. based) technical phone support. Honestly, a scan tool for $60 (the TopScan Pro is $100, prices as of 8/9/2024) is crazy cheap! For DIY'ers that want a basic scan tool but don't want or need to go all the way with something like TopDon's Phoenix Max bi-directional scan tool for $4, 000+, the TopScan is perfect.

[MasterSumai]

Which one of these will measure & show Turbo Boost, Turbo Temp, Exhaust Temp & Torque & 0 to 60? Thanks!

[wnnin]

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

[toyotatundra]

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

[explosivebody]

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

[wesleyrobson]

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.

[donniev]

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

[evanepp]

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

[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! 👍

[sambashivanaspuri]

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

[bogieman]

Great review, you just saved me from throwing away money on a cheap unit. Had no idea you could get scanner with some bi-direct for less than $100. I'm still using a centec hand held that I've had for many years. Time for an upgrade.

[carlfields]

I've tried several of these tools. TopScan isn't in the same class as the others. It's an actual bi-directional scan tool that has functions you'd find in scanners over $500. I bought the lite version which has a yearly subscription of $50, but the first year is free. If you work on cars and need a tool that actually helps you diagnose a problem and not just throw parts at it, then the TopScan tool is a no brainer. If you don't need an actual scan tool and just want a good code reader then pick one that at least scans all modules.

[MrGeorgeferreira]

thanks for the video but for me, BlueDriver seems to be the best choice with no subs, even with one lees function than topscan which does active component test.