OBD2 stands for On-Board Diagnostics the second generation. It’s a standardized diagnostics system which is equipped on all vehicles manufactured in the U.S. in 1996 or later. The vehicles have a connector called DLC (Data Link Connector) from which you can get various engine data and trouble codes by using an OBD scan tool. Recent years, wireless OBD adapters become popular among DIYers, home mechanics, or even professionals. The adapters pair with your mobile devices via (mostly) Bluetooth and work with the mobile apps. Here are the popular OBD2 Bluetooth adapters in 2019.

BlueDriver by Lemur Vehicle Monitors ($99.95)

BlueDriver pairs with your phone or tablet via Bluetooth. It works exclusively with the BlueDriver mobile app available on Android or iOS devices. BlueDriver focuses on vehicles diagnosis. When the adapter retrieves a trouble code, it generates a repair report based on the code, car’s make, model, and year. It shows you the details of the problem and possible causes and fixes. So, no more guess works, straight to identify the cause and fixes the problem. It will save you time and money. Of course, there are basic features like live data, freeze frame data, I/M monitors, etc. And, BlueDriver supports Enhanced Diagnostics such as ABS, Airbag, Transmission, etc on selected makes. The company has been working on adding more and more makes to be supported since its debut. At the time of writing, the supported makes for enhanced diagnostics are GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda (available worldwide), as well as BMW, VW, and 2003+ Honda (available in North America). Click here to read a full review.

Pros

• Repair Reports
• Enhanced Diagnostics

Cons

• Expensive
• Not compatible with third-party apps
• Not compatible with Windows devices

BAFX Products Bluetooth by BAFX Products ($22.89)

BAFX Products OBD2 Bluetooth adapter has been existing in the Amazon best sellers ranking for a longer time than any other adapters. It’s a basic and inexpensive OBD adapter. Unlike other OBD adapters for the same price range, BAFX adapter is reliable, and the company offers a 2-year warranty. Although there are no fancy features, it’s compatible with many third-party apps like Torque, DashCommand, ScanMaster, Piston, and more. It connects your phone, tablet, or laptop via Bluetooth. It’s compatible with Android and Windows devices. it’s not compatible with iOS devices. For iOS devices, choose WiFi version of BAFX adapter.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Compatible with many third-party apps

Cons

• Not Compatible with iOS devices
• No Enhanced Diagnostics
• Relatively large size

FIXD by FIXD ($59.99)

FIXD adapter uses Bluetooth to connect your phone or tablet. It works exclusively with the FIXD mobile app available for Android and iOS devices. The app focuses on a vehicle’s maintenances, schedules, and reminders. Of course, it has some basic features such as reading and clearing the trouble codes, live data and some fun features like “Trip Mode” and “Fighter Pilot Mode”. But it lacks a very basic feature of I/M monitors. I/M monitor is included as Premium (=add-on) features along with Identifix reports and FIXD mechanic hotline. You can add Premium features with an annual subscription $59.99 with a week free trial. It’s very expensive because BlueDriver offers the same features for free. BlueDriver charges no additional costs. All features are included with a purchase of BlueDriver adapter. Click here to read a full review.

Pros

• Maintenances, schedules, and reminders

Cons

• Lack of I/M monitors (It’s included as a premium feature, which needs an annual subscription.)
• Not compatible with third-party apps
• Not compatible with Windows devices
• No Enhanced Diagnostics
• The subscription fee is too expensive.

OBDLink MX+ by ScanTool.net LLC ($79.95)

OBDLink MX+ is a Bluetooth OBD adapter, compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows devices. With the OBDLink mobile app, you can perform Enhanced Diagnostics on selected makes. At the time of writing, supported makes for Enhanced Diagnostics are Ford, GM, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota. It’s also compatible with many third-party apps. Not only are diagnostics apps, but with the third-party app called obdCANex, you can control windows, door locks, and even remotely start your engine on supported GM models. OBDLink MX+ includes software for Windows called OBDwiz. Click here to read a full review.

Pros

• Enhanced Diagnostics
• Compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows devices
• Compatible with many third-party apps
• OBDwiz (software for Windows) included

Cons

• Expensive
• No repair report from Indenfix or hotline

Conclusion

BlueDriver is the best OBD adapter for a professional. It’s focused on vehicles diagnostics. Enhanced Diagnostics is available for selected makes. And repair reports help you identify the cause of the problem and save you time. If you don’t like the OBD adapter working with the only exclusive app, choose OBDLink MX+. OBDLink MX+ is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows devices. And, you can use it with many third-party apps. It’s the most versatile OBD adapter of all. If you don’t need fancy features, choose BAFX Products. Please note that the Bluetooth version of BAFX adapter works with Android and Windows. If you use an iOS device, you need the WiFi version of the BAFX adapter. FIXD is not worth the price, and subscription is too expensive. If you spend $59.99 for the adapter and another $59.99 for a yearly subscription, why don’t you buy $99.95 BlueDriver? It charges no additional costs, and all features plus Enhanced Diagnostics are included with a purchase of the adapter.