BlueDriver OBD2 Scanner Review
Motor1 Reviews Team Take:
- The BlueDriver OBD2 scanner is one of our favorite OBD2 scanners because it quickly pulls engine codes, has a user-friendly app, and features advanced diagnostic tools like live data monitoring and a repair report database.
- While the price can fluctuate depending on current deals, the BlueDriver typically costs just under $100.
- A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner like the BlueDriver is useful for diagnosing your vehicle while away from the driver’s seat or collecting engine data as you drive.
Unlike most automotive scanners, the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone and Android can remain attached to your car’s OBD2 port while you drive. The device works by pairing with your smartphone to provide diagnostics and live data.
We’ve reviewed the best OBD2 scanners and listed the BlueDriver as one of our top picks. See what we like about the BlueDriver, how customers rate the device, and some things we learned during our testing process below.
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool Overview
The BlueDriver’s primary appeal is that it operates wirelessly, and it’s a simple plugin device that pairs with your smartphone to read error codes and pull live engine data. The BlueDriver is also a robust diagnostic code reader for a device priced at just over $100.
Key Features
- Quick and easy Bluetooth connectivity
- Reads error codes and suggests repairs
- A “set it and forget it” tool to record vehicle information
- Reads enhanced diagnostic codes such as ABS, SRS, TPMS, and airbag errors
- One-year warranty
What’s In The Box?
A charging cable is the only accessory that comes with the BlueDriver. You will need a smartphone with Bluetooth to use this device through the free BlueDriver app.
BlueDriver OBD2 Scanner: Our Testing Process
We tested the BlueDriver OBD2 scanner alongside several OBD2 scanners (and we continue to test more throughout the year). We start by finding popular products at different price points, looking at factors such as data collection capabilities, customer ratings, and prices.
A team member tests each OBD2 scanner with a vehicle, taking note of how well the scanner performs when it comes to data collection capabilities and ease of use. We also considered customer satisfaction based on online reviews, as well as overall value. Each OBD2 scanner was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria. To test the BlueDriver, we connected it to a 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid and downloaded the app to our phone. After reading through the user manual, we tried each of the scanner’s car diagnostic functions.
Learn more about how we tested OBD2 scanners here.
Our Take On The BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII: 4.5 Stars
The BlueDriver is hard to beat for its relatively low cost. The Bluetooth OBD2 scanner is robust enough for the typical backyard mechanic, and it’s simple enough for the mechanical novice. The feature that reveals potential issues and suggests specific repairs is especially beneficial if you aren’t a professional mechanic and simply want to maintain a personal vehicle.
Just keep in mind that some high-end scan tools are compatible with more vehicles than the BlueDriver works with. Also, many users mentioned concerns about live data features not updating quickly enough to be helpful.
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Value | 4.5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Customer Satisfaction | 4.5 |
| Data Collection Capabilities | 4.5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5 |
Below are the pros and cons of the BlueDriver OBD2 scanner:
BlueDriver OBD2 Scanner: Our Experience
The BlueDriver is extremely easy to use, and its user interface is one of the sleekest we’ve tested. You can read a fault code, look up the probable cause, find the solution, and order the replacement part. Unlike many OBD2 scanners, the BlueDriver can stay connected to your vehicle as you drive, allowing it to monitor system status in real time.
The downsides of the BlueDriver are that it lacks some of the features found in a professional scan tool, and it requires downloading a companion app to your smartphone. Otherwise, there’s little not to like about the device.
Value
With a price tag of around $120, the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro is relatively cheap when considering all the tasks it performs. You can find a more affordable OBD2 scanner if all you need is a device to read error codes when you see a check engine light. However, if you’re interested in advanced features such as freeze frame data and live data, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a tool like the BlueDriver at a lower cost.
Ease Of Use
The BlueDriver is one of the easiest-to-use OBD2 scan tools we tested. Interfacing through the touchscreen on your smartphone is simple, and the app has an instruction manual that includes videos that walk you through each of the device’s features. Simply plug in the included adapter and load the app.
Data Collection Capabilities
BlueDriver automatically detects the make and model of many vehicles, but you can input your vehicle identification number (VIN) if the automatic detection fails. The device quickly paired with our Ford Fusion. Once paired, the BlueDriver performs numerous functions, including:
- Reading DTC (diagnostic trouble code) data
- Clearing trouble codes
- Viewing repair reports of a database built by professional mechanics
- Sharing reports
- Resetting indicator lights
- Viewing live vehicle data, which can include fuel system status, vehicle speed, and engine temperature (options vary by car)
- Performing smog checks and emissions tests
- Retrieving freeze frame data
- Scanning and reading mode 6 data
This tool offers plenty of functions for its low cost, and more could be on the way since the BlueDriver app gets regular updates. Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro:
BlueDriver OBD2 Scanner: What Customers Are Saying
More than 52,000 Amazon reviews are available for the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro, yielding an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars. About 91 percent of reviews give the product a rating of 4.0 stars or higher.
Positive BlueDriver Reviews
Like us, many who’ve used the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone and Android are impressed with its straightforward interface and breadth of features for just about $120. So, overall customer satisfaction is high.
“No joke, I work on cars all the time. I’ve had cheap scanners and snap-on scanners. For the price of this, you can not go wrong. This little scanner reads not only engine codes, but also reads codes from transmission codes, and BCM codes.” – Keith S. via Amazon Reviews
“This app is awesome. I am a used car dealer, [and] I need a fast OBDII that is accurate and that can do a basic scan of all vehicles to make sure the car can pass emissions and check for trouble codes or pending codes when a check engine [light] is on. This does it, plus so much more.” – Alina M. via Amazon Reviews
Negative BlueDriver Reviews
Some users say the BlueDriver isn’t compatible with specific European models. Other people familiar with the product have complained that its live data mode works too slowly.
“Bought it for my 2007 535d (EU). Device is not compatible, unable to read any codes, and reads only the basic live data. Says it’s compatible with EU cars after 2004. Clearly, it’s not.” – Matt via Amazon Reviews
“The main problem I have is that in ‘Live Data’ mode, the data refresh rate is only five seconds. This is a long time to wait for changes of overall engine stats when on the go or even when in the bay.” – Ron D. via Amazon Reviews
BlueDriver OBDII Scanner: FAQ
How do I use the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII scan tool?
To use the BlueDriver scan tool, you’ll first need to download the BlueDriver app and connect the device to a phone or iPad. Next, plug the BlueDriver sensor into your OBD2 code reader port and control it from your phone. The BlueDriver app includes an instruction manual with videos that show users how to navigate the scan tool’s functions.
Is BlueDriver worth the money?
Many reviewers, including our review team, believe the BlueDriver is worth the money. Few scan tools in the $120 price range can perform more functions, but if you need a professional-grade scan tool, you may find the BlueDriver disappointing.
How much does BlueDriver cost?
The BlueDriver typically costs around $120.
Can you leave BlueDriver plugged in?
You can leave the BlueDriver plugged in as you drive, and the device even features a live data mode that allows you to monitor specific systems (depending on your vehicle). Some users have complained the data refresh rate for this feature is somewhat slow, however.
Does the BlueDriver OBD2 scanner read all codes?
While the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro is a comprehensive diagnostic scanner, there are some on-board codes it cannot read. Luxury brands like Porsche and Ferrari from the scan tool are absent from the device’s library. Additionally, automakers Subaru, Honda, and Volkswagen are limited to North American models.
Does BlueDriver require a subscription?
Using the BlueDriver only requires the purchase of the Bluetooth scanner. There is no subscription cost to use the mobile app.
Full OBD2 Scanner Testing Methodology
A team member tested each OBD2 scanner on a 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid, taking note of ease of use and data collection capabilities. In particular, we examined (and tested):
- Speed of fault code retrieval
- Bluetooth capabilities
- SRS and ABS monitoring functions
- Live data functions
- I/M readiness features
- Freeze frame data
- Device interface and buttons
Each diagnostic scanner was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on ease of use, speed, compatibility, and value.
Ease of Use
Our ease of use rating represents the relative ease or difficulty of operating the OBD2 scanner. Scanners that can retrieve engine codes with the fewest button pushes scored best in this category.
More advanced OBD2 scanners can be more complicated, but not necessarily more difficult to use. Advanced OBD2 scanners with simple-to-navigate menus and detailed feature explanations scored well in this category.
Speed
To verify that each scanner could read an engine code, we unplugged the mass airflow sensor from our test vehicle and counted the number of button pushes it took to retrieve a code. Those that were able to display an accurate fault code quickly scored best in this category.
Compatibility
All of the OBD2 scanners that we recommend are compatible with a broad range of vehicles. However, not every OBD2 scanner works perfectly with every vehicle. Each manufacturer (especially in different countries) uses its own computer protocol for storing vehicle fault codes. OBD2 scanners that support the broadest range of protocols scored best in this category.
Value
Our value score is based on our other ratings relative to the cost of the product. To receive a high rating in this category, an expensive OBD2 scanner must justify its price tag by offering features and functions well beyond a basic OBD2 code reader.
How We Score Products
Every OBD2 scanner we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:
- 5.0 Stars: A 5.0 rating means an OBD2 scanner is among the best in a category. It has a large, easy-to-use touchscreen, retrieves codes instantaneously, or is compatible with nearly all vehicles (including luxury and rare brands).
- 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means an OBD2 scanner performs better-than-average in a category. The interface is intuitive, it can retrieve codes in less than 10 seconds, or is compatible with all the most common vehicle makes and models.
- 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for an OBD2 scanner, based on our testing experience. It is easy to use once you learn the menus, can retrieve codes in less than 30 seconds, or is compatible with many, but not all, common makes and models.
- 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the OBD2 scanner performs poorer than average. It is confusing, takes a minute or longer to retrieve codes, and is not compatible with every domestic manufacturer.
- 1.0 Stars: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the OBD2 scanner performs well below expectations in a category. It does not work as advertised, displays incorrect fault codes, and is compatible with very few vehicles.
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Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
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*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
