BlueDriver vs. OBDeleven – Review and comparison after 1 year of use

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bluedriver vs obdeleven review and comparison

The BlueDriver and OBDeleven are both advanced Bluetooth OBD scan tools that go beyond the diagnoses of an illuminated Check Engine Light.

However, although the two are similar in many ways, they are very different when it comes to functionalities. 

Here we will look at these two scan tools in detail and find out which one is worth your money.

Product NameBlueDriverOBDeleven
Product ImageBlueDriverOBDeleven
PriceCheck price on AmazonCheck price on Amazon
Supported vehiclesAll 1996+ OBD2 compliant vehiclesVolkswagen, Audi, Seat, Škoda, BMW & Mini only
Read & clear OBD2 codesFasterSlower
Live dataYesYes
GraphYesNo
Other basic OBD2 modesYesLimited and model dependent
CodingNoYes, certain models
Extra fees for certain featuresNoYes

Differences in vehicles coverage

When you look at vehicle coverage, you should look at it in terms of 2 broad categories, namely:

  • Supported vehicles for engine module (anything to do with the Check Engine Light)
  • Supported vehicles for other modules (Transmission, ABS, SRS, TPMS, etc.)

Supported vehicles for Engine module

The BlueDriver OBD2 Bluetooth adapter can support any car model which was manufactured in 1996 or later which is OBD2 compliant.

The OBDeleven OBD2 Bluetooth adapter however, only supports the following listed cars (and it can access all available modules in these specific vehicles): 

  • Volkswagen
  • Audi
  • SEAT
  • Skoda
  • Bentley
  • Lamborghini
  • BMW
  • Mini

Supported vehicles for other (more advanced) modules

BlueDriver’s supported vehicles for advanced diagnosis (ABS, Airbag, SRS, and TPMS):

FordFord, Lincoln, Mercury
GMChevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, Saturn, Pontiac, and more
ChryslerChrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Plymouth
Toyota Toyota, Lexus, & Scion
NissanNissan, Infiniti, & Renault
MazdaAll Mazdas
SubaruOnly vehicles sold in the US
Mitsubishi2008 models & newer
HyundaiHyundai & Kia (2011 models & newer)
MercedesMercedes & Smart (2005 models & newer)
BMW BMW & Mini sold in North America (2005 models & newer)
HondaHonda & Acura sold in North America (2003 models & newer)
Volkswagen VW, Audi, Lamborghini & Bentley sold in North America

The BlueDriver is compatible with a lot more vehicles overall, but if you are looking for advanced functionality for Volkswagen group vehicles and select BMW group vehicles specifically, the BlueDriver is slightly less capable that the OBDeleven.

OBDeleven’s supported vehicles for advanced diagnosis (as above):

  • Volkswagen
  • Audi
  • SEAT
  • Skoda
  • Bentley
  • Lamborghini
  • BMW
  • Mini

    Differences in functions

    Although both of these scan tools have a few similar features, both of these have different functions. 

    Mechanics and car owners use BlueDriver mainly to fix their cars. The scan tool collects data and error codes on the vehicle and runs them through their database. 

    It generates a repair report that users can use to fix their vehicles, helping them save time during diagnoses.

    On the other hand, OBDeleven’s main function is to turn a vehicle’s features on or off, and adjust the programming to increase efficiency and performance. 

    What functions BlueDriver has but OBDeleven doesn’t

    Since these two Bluetooth scan tools have different functions, let’s look at how the BlueDriver is different when compared to the OBDeleven.

    Read & clear OBD2 codes

    To be clear, OBDeleven reads and clears OBD2 codes. But the speed is relatively slow when compared to the BlueDriver.

    In addition, as I mentioned above, the OBDeleven has much more limited access to different kinds of vehicles, but for the vehicles it is compatible with, it is a very capable scan tool indeed.

    Graph live data

    The OBDeleven can only show one live parameter at once, and it can’t graph live data. 

    The BlueDriver, on the other hand, can help you graph many live parameters on one screen.

    When it comes to car diagnosis, viewing different live parameters and how they affect each other can help figure out the real problem. 

    Other basic OBD2 modes

    BlueDriver also has:

    • Smog check: This feature scans a vehicle for any potential issues that might lead the car to fail a smog test.
    • Mode 6: This is an advanced feature that lets users in on the test results of various tests conducted by the vehicle. Some of these tests include checking the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, and EVAP.
    • Freeze frame data: Freeze frame takes a snapshot of the live data and graphs whenever any fault codes are triggered. OBDeleven only has this feature with the Pro license. 

    These are some of the functions that BlueDriver has, but OBDeleven lacks. 

    Let’s look at some functions OBDeleven has over the BlueDriver.

    What functions OBDeleven has but BlueDriver doesn’t

    Extra fee

    Both these scan tools provide similar features that can be used for free. However, while BlueDriver does NOT have any extra fee, OBDeleven does!

    OBDeleven comes in four different packages for users. 

    • Basic
    • Starter (Device and 100 credits)
    • Pro (Device, 200 credits, and a 12 month PRO subscription)
    • Ultimate (Device, 12 months ULTIMATE subscription, phone holder, and carry pouch)

    One of the main differences of using the OBDeleven compared to the free-to-use BlueDriver, is that users have to purchase “credits” to use OBDeleven’s unique features. 

    “Credits” may be included in the pack that you originally purchase with the device, or they can be purchased from their website any time after purchase.

    BlueDriver doesn’t have coding features (an advanced feature that OBDeleven is capable of), so the extra fees are to compensate for this advanced functionality of the OBDeleven device. Just something for you to be aware of.

    Long coding 

    The OBDeleven has long coding, a feature used to configure different options in a control module. You can activate various features of your vehicle that were originally inactive.

    Adaptation

    Adaption is a function where the OBDeleven truly shines.

    Using this, you can edit or change the settings in a control module. With a bit of coding, you can improve the performance of your vehicle. 

    Be careful though! Just a word of warning that entering incorrect coding can negatively impact your vehicle’s performance and potentially damage your vehicle. 

    Output test

    This function tests the electrical output on the control module and its wiring. It’s a great feature to detect electrical faults in a vehicle. Output test is a free-to-use feature.

    Caution: Do not conduct an output test while your vehicle is in motion. It can temporarily disable the braking system in your car!

    Which one is worth your money?

    There is no one product for everything. You need a product that fits your needs best. Both of these are great scan tools that serve different purposes.

    If car diagnosis is what you are looking for – BlueDriver

    Need help diagnosing issues or problems with your car(s)? The BlueDriver is a fantastic and comprehensive scan tool that takes diagnoses a step above entry-level code readers. Being compatible with many different vehicles, the BlueDriver is a great option if you regularly do DIY repairs.

    The tool works well with both iOS and Android. Along with a one year warranty and free lifetime update, trust me when I say it is worth every penny.

    If you want to tune Audi/VW/BMW vehicles specifically – OBDeleven

    Is your vehicle out of tune? Do you want to change some settings and improve your vehicle’s performance? 

    The OBDeleven is not only a decent code reader, but it also does a fantastic job tuning your car. You can access features of your vehicle that are de-activated when coming out of the factory for reasons such as country or region specific regulations etc. However, with the OBDeleven, you may be able to access advanced vehicle settings and manually turn specific settings either on or off.

    Both of these devices are great performers and far better than any entry-level code readers that you get on the market. You can use them both as a basic code reader, so what will be the deciding factor for you is your specific requirements and choosing the device that can provide the advanced functionality that you require for your vehicle.

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