Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ vs. OBDCheck BLE [Detailed review and comparison]

Veepeak is a US company that has been developing and selling OBD2 scan tools for a while. They have many products available, but Veepeak OBDCheck BLE and BLE+ are among the cheapest Bluetooth OBD2 scan tools in their lineup.

We will do an individual review of both, but first, let’s look at what makes them identical and sets them apart.

Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ vs. BLE vs. Mini Bluetooth (Android version) vs. FIXD (Bonus): Comparison chart

Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ vs. BLE vs. Mini Bluetooth (for Android): Detailed comparison

Key things in common

If you put the BLE and BLE+ side by side, you will hardly see any difference. That’s because they look exactly the same. The device’s upper part is the connector that you plug into your OBD2 port on your car. The lower part contains the circuit board with the Bluetooth module. The Mini Bluetooth is slightly easier to tell apart from the other two due to it’s clear blue casing.

Regardless of which of these OBD2 diagnostic tools you purchase, you will get all the possible supported protocols. All of these devices can work with J1850 PWM and VPW, ISO9141-2, CAN, and KWP200 protocols.

Key differences

Design and specifications

Most people get confused when they look at BLE and BLE+, while the Mini Bluetooth is easily distinguishable from these two models. With the BLE+ and BLE, you’d think you are looking at the same product on the surface.

The only slight difference between the BLE and the BLE+ is in their weight, which you probably won’t notice because they are very light. The BLE is 2.25 oz, while the plus model is 1.58 oz.

To use either of these devices, you’ll need to download an appropriate OBD2 diagnostics app on your phone. Once you connect the OBD2 code reader with your phone, you will be able to use it. Please be aware that the BLE and the BLE+ are compatible with both Android and iOS (Apple) devices, while the Mini Bluetooth is only compatible with Android.

Unlike other Bluetooth OBD2 scanners, these don’t have a built-in battery and draw power from the OBD port.

Overall features and functions

This is a very similar story to the previous section; both the BLE and BLE+ are almost identical. Like most other OBDII diagnostic tools in the class, these can run a check on your engine. You can get a readout on multiple parts of that system like: throttle, boots, O2, EGT, EOT, and more. If you have a check engine light on, you can reset the error using either the BLE or BLE+. The Mini Bluetooth has access to slightly less features and is not quite as comprehensive as the BLE or BLE+.

With the BLE+, you may be able to do some additional diagnostics for some car models, like battery checkup on electric and hybrid cars, PIDs, some customization, and a few other things.

Keep in mind that if you want to have more control over the scan or make advanced changes or tuning of your car, you will need to go for the professional models.

Extra features/functions

Apart from the engine checks and error code removal, a few additional features make the BLE and BLE+ a great choice.

Depending on which app you use, with the BLE, BLE+ and Mini Bluetooth, you have the option to customize the dashboard of the app you are using to tailor it to show the information that is most relevant to you, or that you are most interested in. Since both tools can read the sensors, you will have some flexibility in what your dashboard will show. You can also pull up gas-mileage and trip information.

Surprisingly, the BLE and BLE+ can even do some basic ECU reprogramming, as long as the app is capable – a very advanced feature for this sort of price and something that is usually only available on high-end professional-level scanners.

Supported protocols

This is probably where the most significant difference between the three devices is most pronounced.

The difference is in the ELM327 commands version. The BLE+ is a newer and more updated model, giving you access to the ELM327 v2.2 commands. On the other hand, the BLE and Mini Bluetooth are limited to v1.4.

You should be aware that the BLE+ OBD2 scan tool doesn’t have the latest ELM327 command version. The newest available version is 2.3, so you are still getting a reasonably recent version, just not the latest.

Supported vehicles makes

As far as supported manufacturers and models, the BLE, BLE+ and Mini Bluetooth Android will support almost any car from 1996 to today if it is OBD2 compliant. All of these Veepeak devices are known to work very well with BMW and Mini models if you use BimmerCode. Carista, on the other hand, will provide you excellent support for Volkswagen, Toyota, Audi, etc. For these, you also have the option to make changes to the ECU.

As we mentioned previously, they are also compatible with hybrid and electric cars, providing you with a feature to monitor the batteries’ health.

Software and updates

Some manufacturers that sell OBDII diagnostic tools will also have an app that works with the device. Veepeak only sells the OBDII scan tool, and you are free to use any application you want.

The company has outlined several applications that are compatible. BimmerCode and BimmerLink are great for BMW owners, but you also have GaragePro, Carista, LeafSpy, DashCommand, etc.

To use the OBDII code reader, you will only need an Android or iOS device with one installed application.

On the updates side of things, you will depend on the developer that created the applications. Veepeak doesn’t offer a software solution, meaning that they cannot provide updates for third-party applications.

Pros and cons of Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ vs. BLE vs. Mini Bluetooth (Android version)

Considering how closely matched these products are, the list of pros and cons will be mostly similar.

Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ OBD2 scan tool

Veepeak OBDCheck BLE OBD2 scan tool

Veepeak Mini Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool (*for Android only)

Recommendation

Considering the set of features and what these Veepeak devices offer, it is hard to recommend them for professional mechanics. In general, they would be ideal for home garages and people who want to overview their car.

As for choosing between these two, it is a tight race between the BLE+ and BLE, but it is really going to come down to your specific requirements. The BLE+ has a few more functions and capabilities than both the BLE and Mini Bluetooth, so would probably be out choice, but if you don’t require that many features or are on a tighter budget, the BLE and Mini Bluetooth may be just what you need (provided you have an Android device of course!).

FAQs

❓ Will I need a cable to connect these Veepeak code readers to my car?

💡 No. The OBDII scanners are the connectors themselves, so you will only need to plug them in.

❓ Which car models are supported by Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ and BLE?

💡 Both models support almost any car made after 1996 that is OBD2 compliant. You also have support for hybrid and electric vehicles.

❓ Can I use BLE+, BLE and Mini Bluetooth on any Android or iOS device?

💡 The BLE and BLE+ work with almost any Android or iOS phone or tablet. The requirements depend on which app you intend to use. The Mini Bluetooth is designed specifically for Android devices and will not work with iOS devices.

❓ What is the best app for the OBDCheck BLE OBD2 scan tool?

💡 It depends on your needs. The scan tools from Veepeak are compatible with multiple apps like BimmerCode, Carista, DashCommand, and more.

❓ What systems can these Veepeak OBDII scan tools diagnose?

💡 You can read the engine, transmission, ABS, and airbag systems.

Final thoughts

If you are looking for a decent OBD2 diagnostic tool for your home garage, the Veepeak BLE+, BLE and Mini Bluetooth are excellent choices. They work with a wide range of cars and can read the 4 main systems in your car. That will help you know what the source of the problem is.

Considering how similar they are, in all honesty, it probably will not make any difference which one you go for.