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

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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

TOAD ProFORScanTouchScan
Vehicle CompatibilityMost vehicles 1996 and laterFord, Linoln, Mercury, 1996-2018Compatible with all OBD2 vehicles
Software CompatibilityWindowsWindows, iOS, AndroidWindows
Read & Clear Codes✔️✔️✔️
Data Stream✔️✔️✔️
Freeze Frame Data✔️✔️✔️
O2 Sensor Test✔️✔️✔️
Transmission Diagnostics✔️✔️ (select codes and models)✔️
SRS/ABS Diagnostis✔️ (select models)✔️
Oil Reset✔️
ECU Programming✔️
TOAD ProFORScanTouchScan

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.

TOAD Pro
TOAD Pro, best elm327 obd2 software

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.

Pros

  • Both diagnoses and tunes engines with ECU programming
  • Excellent tech support with step-by-step repair advice
  • Offers advanced diagnostics of SRS and ABS systems for some vehicles
  • Can re-map ECU (14,000 map files included)
  • User-configurable parameters for sensor data
  • Actuator Function lets you take active control of engine components (Active testing/Bi-directional control)

Cons

  • Only works on Windows systems

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.

FORScan is designed specifically for Ford, Lincoln, Mazda and Mercury

Verdict

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

Pros

  • Shows PID data not supported by cheaper OBD2 scanners
  • Supports diagnosis of SRS, ABS, and transmission systems
  • Works with Windows, Android, and iOS
  • Can program modules, including programming new keys

Cons

  • Limited vehicle compatibility
  • Not all features supported on the mobile version

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.

TouchScan is completely customizable

Verdict

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

Pros

  • Dealer-level diagnosis at an affordable price
  • Runs I/M readiness to tell you if you’re ready for emissions testing
  • Calculates vehicle’s fuel economy
  • Record and playback data
  • Real-time graphing of all sensor readings
  • Free lifetime software updates
  • Supports over 90 PIDs

Cons

  • Won’t retrieve non-OBDII ABS/SRS codes
  • Limited service and programming functions

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.

OBD Auto Doctor has a free version so you can use all the basic OBD2 functions

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.

Pros

  • Can diagnose fault codes in less than a minute
  • View sensor data in both graphical and numerical form
  • Checks if your car is ready for an emissions test
  • Monitors fuel economy
  • Works on Windows, Mac, and Android
  • Compatible with both gas (petrol) and diesel engines
  • Free version lets you use all basic functions

Cons

  • Only reads OBD2 trouble codes
  • No reset or programming functions

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.

AutoEnginuity shows live data

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.

Pros

  • Excellent coverage of OBD2 diagnostics, especially Mode 6
  • Performs active testing of engine components (bi-directional control)
  • Updates are free
  • Diagnoses ABS, SRS, and transmission on many vehicles
  • Supports both OBD2 and EOBD vehicles
  • Affordable option

Cons

  • Non-OBDII functions not supported on all vehicles
  • Only works on Windows systems
  • Some users report difficulty communicating with certain 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.

Pros

  • Quickly reads engine fault codes
  • Record and playback all sensor data
  • Live data graphic
  • Shows fuel system status
  • Works with both gas (petrol) and diesel EOBD vehicles
  • Free updates

Cons

  • Only supports OBD2 modules and sensors
  • Need to buy EngineCheck Pro to get full functionality

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.

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 has a friendly interface.

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.

Pros

  • Works well on a wide range of devices
  • Compatible with most OBD2/EOBD vehicles and some JOBD vehicles
  • Clean, user-friendly interface
  • Can be configured to suit your specific needs
  • Most functions available in the free version of the app
  • Frequently updated with more sensors and features

Cons

  • Supported sensors varies between vehicles
  • Doesn’t accurately measure speed or voltage

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.

EasyOBDII software's interface

Verdict

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

Pros

  • Test it first on your system with a free trial
  • View all pending, stored, and active trouble codes
  • Shows freeze-frame, emissions, and live sensor data
  • Helpful vehicle dashboard
  • Very affordable
  • Configuration page includes autosave feature

Cons

  • Doesn’t work on mobile devices
  • Not all PIDs supported on all vehicles

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

Pros

  • Monitors emissions and fuel economy
  • View battery voltage and system health
  • Can graph multiple data streams simultaneously
  • Gives audible report of engine issues so you can focus on the road
  • Wide vehicle compatibility

Cons

  • Doesn’t diagnose non-OBD systems (airbags, transmission, etc.)
  • Not compatible with Windows or Android

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.

OBDWiz helps you take control of your car’s maintenance

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.

Pros

  • Calculates fuel economy
  • Displays battery voltage
  • Customizable dashboards
  • Supports over 90 PIDs
  • Unlimited free updates
  • Compatible with OBDII, EOBD, and JOBD vehicles
  • Can plot multiple values on the same screen

Cons

  • No transmission, ABS, or SRS diagnosis
  • Limited software compatibility

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.

3 thoughts on “Best OBD2 software | Free | For laptop/PC | Mechanic review”

  1. Be aware of EOBD Facile. The custumer support disappointing: after my PC HDD crashed, they show me back when I ask how to renew license. €40 thrown to basket due their selfish. They say to buy a new licencse – what a shame. Dont buy it, choose another soft.

  2. I have a Pontiac GTO (2006) with 40 thousand miles on it. I get the check engine light. My old software will not work on the new computer. I am just a backyard mechanic and do not need an expensive software bundle to see and fix trouble codes.

    1. Hopefully our article helped narrow down all the choices out there and you were able to better decide on the most suitable (and affordable) software for you.

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