An OBD2 scanner with a built-in WIFI adapter lets you connect to your car via a smartphone or tablet. You can then access your vehicle’s performance data through a compatible app.
Most modern vehicles have an OBD2 port under the dashboard that can be connected to a diagnostic scan tool. Those tools can then communicate with your phone or tablet and read error codes and clear them once you’ve fixed the problem.
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Key Factors to Consider
The market for WiFi OBD2 diagnostic scanners is wilder than ever. It’s crowded with established players, upstarts and clones that all claim to be the best. It’s hard to tell the difference, even for the most discerning car owners.
If you’re looking for a WiFi OBD2 code reader that works with your smartphone, tablet or computer you’ll want to look for one with a large, bright and easy-to-read display. Also make sure it supports icons for the most common functions and is compatible with the OS of your vehicle. If you have stubby fingers or prefer to work in latex gloves, consider one with big buttons.
You can also find WiFi OBD2 diagnostic scanner that connect to a specialized diagnostic laptop. These are more expensive but they can provide a wealth of information and diagnostics for professional mechanics. They are more likely to support the full range of OBD2 protocols used by most automakers. A less expensive option is a handheld scanner or reader that you plug directly into your OBD2 port.
Comparing WiFi OBD2 Diagnostic Scanners
Every wireless OBD2 scanner works by connecting to a smart device and running an app. Scanners with useful functions and well-designed apps that don’t crash scored best in our reviews.
The TOPDON ArtiDiag800BT is the overall winner because it reads a wide range of codes and offers a user-friendly interface. It is a good choice for blossoming shade tree mechanics who want to check error codes and pass a smog test.
If you’re a professional mechanic, it may be worth paying more for a scanner that can read the manufacturer’s code and receive routine updates. It’s also helpful to have a scanner that can send
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commands and change vehicle settings, such as tire pressure monitors and temperature sensors. This level of capability was once reserved for $5,000 pro-grade scanners. However, even consumer-priced scanners now do things that were previously impossible — and at lower cost. These include analyzing engine performance, optimizing efficiency and understanding how a car works.
Choosing a WiFi OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner App
The choice of which scanner to buy depends on how you plan to use it. For example, the Topdon ArtiDiag800BT has an impressive list of features, but it is expensive and requires a separate Bluetooth-based control app that must run on an iPhone or iPad, Android phone or tablet, or Windows PC. You can save money by choosing a cheaper model, such as the BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool, which is more than a basic code reader and does not require an annual app subscription.
The BlueDriver can even provide repair advice if you subscribe to the premium service, and it has a good reputation among car owners with a lot of reviews on Amazon. It is easy to use for the layperson and can clear DTCs. It also provides live data and has a good warranty. Some users find that the app is slow to refresh, however. Another option is the KOBRA iCar Doctor, which has an excellent Android application with a 4.0 rating and a reasonable price.
The Importance of OBD2 Protocols
In order for a WiFi OBD2 diagnostic scanner to work, it must be paired with a smartphone running a compatible OBD App (E.g. Torque). After that, the App can access data sent from the vehicle’s ECU via its Bluetooth or WiFi connection with the OBD2 scanner.
When deciding which WiFi OBD2 diagnostic scanner to buy, it is important to read reviews from multiple sources. In addition to professional tech blogs, forums like Reddit, Quora, and Mechanics Stackexchange are great places to find honest feedback from real-world users.
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If you need a simple and easy-to-use scanner, the TOPDON ArtiDiag800BT or Foxwell NT301 are good choices. They are both highly rated by buyers because of their ability to diagnose engine problems and display live data. However, some people say that these scanners drain the battery quickly and have issues with advanced features such as anti-theft matching or key programming. Nevertheless, these scanners are a great choice for those who are looking to save money by avoiding costly mechanic bills.
