Best OBD2 software | Free | For laptop/PC | Mechanic review

You don’t need an expensive OBD2 scan tool when you have the best OBD2 software. With many diagnostic programs available for very cheap (or even free), OBD2 software lets you easily and affordably diagnose car issues at home. That can give you peace of mind and will likely save you money at the mechanic.

We’ve reviewed the most popular OBD2 software programs to highlight their strengths and differences. While they may vary widely in price and functionality, there’s something on this list for every user, from absolute beginners to professional mechanics.

What is OBD2 software?

OBD stands for “onboard diagnostics,” and is a protocol included in all modern vehicles.

OBD2 software lets you access and interpret the data from your vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU). Just connect your PC or device to your car with an ELM327 adapter, and you’ll have access to dealer-level emission data, sensor readings, and diagnostic trouble codes.

Best OBD2 software: Comparison chart

Let’s find out more about these great OBD2 software options.

TOAD Pro – Best ELM327 OBD2 software

Firstly, TOAD Pro’s standout feature is that it is able to perform ECU programming, so it can change attributes and program the ECU in your vehicle. ECU coding is an advanced function that is not usually attainable for this sort of price. Usually, ECU coding is generally only available in higher-level professional scanners, and those are not cheap (in excess of $800 or more). ECU programming can be used by advanced hobbyists and professional mechanics alike. TOAD Pro has similar functionality to the FORScan OBD2 software, but is compatible with more vehicles.

ECU coding involves the modification of the vehicle software to enable the use of features that may not be available in a car when it leaves the factory by changing pre-programmed options that are already present in the software and which your car is already capable of. Depending on your vehicle, some of the things that ECU programming will allow you to do are:

• Performance tuning
• Emissions compliance
• Major module replacements
• Variant coding (offline programming)
• Key programming
• Diagnosis and troubleshooting
• Selectively enabling or disabling certain vehicle features
• Many other customization options

With TOAD Pro, you also get a lot of raw diagnostic power. It can read more PIDs than most other OBD2 software programs out there. In addition, it allows you to adjust the sampling rate, range, or scaling value so that you can see the specific information you need. With active testing (aka bi-directional control) support, you can also better diagnose mechanical issues and can test actuators within the vehicle from the software itself.

Along with diagnostics, TOAD Pro lets you remap and tune your engine. This means you can optimize your vehicle’s performance from your home garage – a massive drawcard for performance enthusiasts or hobbyists and also professional mechanics.

Verdict

TOAD Pro is an extremely comprehensive diagnostic software program suitable for both hobbyists and professional mechanics. It’s one of the very few software options that allow you to perform ECU programming, which will allow you to do things like tune your engine, in addition to running scans and reading data.

FORScan – Best OBD2 software for Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, and Mercury

The good thing about FORScan is that it’s one of the most comprehensive OBD2 software programs you’ll find. However, its main limitation is that it only works with a limited number of vehicle brands, being Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, and Mercury vehicles.

When it comes to your adapter and computer, FORScan has broader compatibility. There are versions for Windows, Android, and iOS. Though the desktop version has the most features, the mobile versions are still handy for diagnosing trouble codes. You also have multiple options for which OBD adapter to use – basically any adapter with ELM327 support will work.

Along with diagnosing trouble codes, FORScan gives you the power to customize your vehicle. This program can view and re-program most electronic modules. This means you can re-set systems like battery monitoring or the oil light, which other scan tools don’t support.

To conclude, if you own a Ford and want the most comprehensive software, FORScan is for you.

Verdict

The best OBD2 diagnostic software for Ford, FORScan, allows you to diagnose most electrical issues on Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles.

Learn more about FORScan

TouchScan – Simple-to-use OBD2 software

Looking for diagnostic software that’s easy to use, even for a beginner? TouchScan has the power to monitor and diagnose the engine of any OBD2-compliant vehicle. It shows you data in real-time, using an easy-to-read interface that even novices can interpret.

Moreover, TouchScan can read over 90 different sensors (PIDs) in your engine. It also supports helpful OBD diagnostic tests like oxygen sensor tests and onboard monitoring and can track your battery voltage and fuel economy.

Finally, the dashboard on TouchScan is completely customizable. You can choose which sensor data is most helpful for your specific requirements, letting you more quickly diagnose and repair the problem to get you back on the road.

Verdict

If you’re looking for an affordable and robust diagnostic software, TouchScan gives you code reading and diagnostic graphs for a great price.

Learn more about TouchScan

OBD Auto Doctor – Best free OBD2 software

Many OBD software programs are designed for a specific operating system. OBD Auto Doctor works on all of them, including mobile devices. It’s also compatible with a lot of vehicles. If your car has an OBD2 port, you can most likely diagnose it with OBD Auto Doctor.

Reading fault codes is a breeze with OBD Auto Doctor. It can scan and retrieve them in as little as 30 seconds. When viewing sensor data, you can also display it as either a numerical or graphical reading. You can even try it before you buy it with the free version, if you want to see it in action before spending your hard-earned cash.

Additionally, OBD Auto Doctor gives you an overall picture of your vehicle’s engine health so you can better understand your vehicle’s inner workings. When problems come up, you can identify them before they have a chance to cause more damage.

Verdict

With a wealth of ways to view engine data, OBD Auto Doctor is a helpful way to get a complete picture of your vehicle’s health.

Learn more about OBD Auto Doctor

AutoEnginuity

How useful you find AutoEnginuity will mostly depend on what kind of car you drive. For some vehicles, it’s a powerful diagnostic tool that can read trouble codes other scanners don’t see. With other manufacturers, though, its diagnostics are limited.

At its best, AutoEnginuity can diagnose the airbag, anti-lock brakes, and electronic instruments. It also performs bi-directional active tests, so you can identify mechanical components that aren’t functioning correctly. This support extends beyond OBD2 to include vehicles made in Europe that are EOBD compliant.

Verdict

The key is to do your research on their supported models before you buy. Most complaints against AutoEnginuity come from users who found out after purchasing the software that it doesn’t support the functions they need for their vehicles.

Learn more about AutoEnginuity

EngineCheck

EngineCheck Pro from Gendan is an intuitive professional diagnostic program. It performs engine scans and diagnoses quickly and effectively. In many cases, you can see the cause of your check engine light (CEL) in 10 seconds or less.

To be honest, EngineCheck isn’t the most comprehensive software out there. It’s designed to read OBD2 trouble codes and data, including freeze frames and emissions tests. There are a few features beyond that, such as fuel system status, but its capabilities are limited.

Despite its limitations, EngineCheck is well designed. The on-screen DTC definitions make it a lot easier to interpret fault codes. You can also save and playback data, and compare data from multiple sensors on-screen.

Verdict

EngineCheck is an excellent option for those who want to turn off their check engine light and make minor repairs at home. Its intuitive graphical interface is easy to use, even for auto repair novices.

Learn more about EngineCheck

Car Scanner ELM OBD2

The best thing about Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is that you can use it on any device. With versions for Windows, Android, and iOS, you won’t be limited by what system you’re running. It’s also compatible with most OBD2 vehicles – no pesky research required to determine if it works with your car before you buy it.

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is a streamlined app with lots of configuration options. Another great thing for DIYers is its low cost. Most of the features are included in the free version. If you decide to purchase Car Scanner Pro, you can install it on as many devices as you want.

If you’re looking for a cheap, easy way to perform OBD2 diagnostics, you’ll love Car Scanner ELM OBD2. The designer releases frequent free updates, too, so it will only get more useful over time.

Verdict

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is one of the best OBD2 software programs for Mac and Android users, though it lacks access to some of the PIDs offered by other options.

Learn more about Car Scanner ELM OBD2

EasyOBDII

On the affordable end of the spectrum, EasyOBDII Premium Software provides in-depth OBD diagnostics at a price of just over twenty dollars. There’s also a free trial, so you can make sure it works for you before you spend any money.

Furthermore, the graphic interface on EasyOBDII is very user-friendly and can be customized through their configurations page. Diagnosis options include viewing freeze frame and live data, performing I/M readiness tests, and reading all trouble codes, including manufacturer-specific and pending codes.

However, you can’t read enhanced codes from non-OBD systems with EasyOBDII, but that’s to be expected for the price.

Overall, it’s an affordable way for hobbyists and car owners to save themselves a trip to the mechanic.

Verdict

EasyOBDII Premium Software is both affordable and user-friendly, making it one of the best OBD2 software programs for hobbyists and home garages

Learn more about EasyOBDII

Movi Pro

Movi Pro is another great choice for both hobbyists and professionals. Along with reading and clearing DTCs, you can monitor your engine performance and fuel economy in real-time. It will even give audible alerts if you’re using it while in motion, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.

Unlike many OBD2 software programs, Movi Pro is designed specifically for iOS. Its vehicle compatibility extends to both American OBD2 vehicles and EOBD models from Europe.

Movi Pro has a sophisticated interface that lets you graph and compare up to 4 values at once. It also has virtual horsepower and torque readings, data neglected by many other OBD2 readers and programs. The ability to record driving data is great, too, especially when you’re diagnosing intermittent issues.

Verdict

Movi Pro is a great option for Mac users who want an easy way to monitor and diagnose engine issues in any OBDII or EOBD compliant vehicle

Learn more about Movi Pro

OBDWiz

Finally, owners of European and Asian vehicles will want to take a look at OBDWiz. It has support for more than 90 PIDs, far more than most OBD2 programs, from OBD2, JOBD, and EOBD compliant vehicles. 

On the interface side of things, OBDWiz has customizable dashboards that show multiple meters and real-time sensor data. You can set the parameters and sampling rate, making sure you’re taking the readings you need. It also displays your battery’s voltage and tracks your fuel economy.

While you can’t program the ECU with OBDWiz, it does allow you to send commands to the vehicle. You can really take control of your car’s maintenance when you use this impressive diagnostic program.

Verdict

OBDWiz supports more vehicles than most software, including oft-neglected JOBD models. Customizable dashboards and sensor parameters give you more control over your diagnosis.

Learn more about OBDWiz

Bottom line

To sum up, the most important thing about choosing the best OBD2 software is vehicle compatibility. Even the best program is useless if it won’t diagnose your specific vehicle. Do your research first to save yourself frustration down the line. Many of these programs offer free trials so you can test them before you buy them.

Let us know which of the above programs is your favorite! If you haven’t gotten your hands on a diagnostic program yet, hopefully, this article has shown you how useful (and affordable) they can be.