Choosing an OBD device
Written By Katya S.
Last updated 7 months ago
What OBD BLE device should I get?
We cannot recommend any specific model because the OBD dongle market is a jungle. Devices may not work for EV data, with specific phone models and potentially even with some car models. One hard requirement is that it uses BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) for connection – not classic Bluetooth.
Suggested OBD device models
But since you are going to ask anyway:
The OBDLink CX is high-quality and works with ABRP (with the latest firmware installed). It limits the window when it is available for pairing, making it slightly more secure. The manufacturer even claims it is “Safe to leave plugged in.”
The Vgate vLinker MC+ (yes, Plus needed) has a physical pairing button and may be safe to leave plugged in. It does change its address every time you unplug it, so you will have to re-link (and re-pair) it again then.
https://www.amazon.com/vgate-vLinker-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Android/dp/B088LW211V
The Maclean MCE 200 is inexpensive and works well for us (but not on all Android devices). It has no security whatsoever.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maclean-MCE200-OBD2-diagnostic-scanner-Bluetooth-4-0-iOS/dp/B079N9KD4P
The Vgate iCar Pro BLE 4.0 also works fine on all devices we have tested it with. Still no security.
https://www.amazon.com/Vgate-Bluetooth-Scanner-Android-Compatible/dp/B06XGB4873?th=1
The UniCarScan USCI-2000 has also been verified to work with ABRP. You can guess the security level.
https://www.wgsoft.de/shop/obd-2-komplettsysteme/unicarscan/114/unicarscan-ucsi-2000-diagnoseadapter
If you find an OBD BLE device that actually has a physical pairing button or another somewhat secure way of only letting you connect to it, let us know.
Not recommended OBD devices
Below, you'll find device models that users have reported as problematic when used in conjunction with ABRP. Please bear in mind that we currently only support devices using a BLE connection and that devices using regular Bluetooth are not supported.
Veepeak OBDCheck BLE
OBDeleven
Konnwei devices