Are you searching for reliable Pc Obd2 Software to diagnose your vehicle? In a market flooded with automotive scan tools, it can be challenging to find software that truly delivers on its promises. Many OBD readers prioritize profit over functionality, leaving users with subpar diagnostic capabilities.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of established leaders in automotive diagnostics. These companies have a proven history of expertise in OBD2 technology, offering robust solutions for your car diagnostic needs.
While a typical car owner might not immediately recognize the nuances between different OBD reader kits, our extensive experience in vehicle repair shops allows us to easily distinguish between a basic “check-engine-light reader” and professional-grade OBD-2 software trusted by seasoned automotive technicians. This article focuses on the latter, specifically PC-based OBD2 software, as we believe it offers superior performance and reliability compared to mobile applications.
We’re less enthusiastic about Android/iOS apps for a couple of key reasons: (1) The app market is highly competitive, leading to many abandoned projects, and (2) Most mobile OBD apps are developed by freelancers rather than established automotive companies.
PC OBD-II software, on the other hand, has been around since the early 1990s, giving developers ample time to refine and perfect their products. While mobile OBD apps are a more recent development, many popular smartphone OBD2 applications offer limited functionality, often prioritizing flashy user interfaces over in-depth diagnostic capabilities. This is why we advocate for PC-based solutions for serious automotive diagnostics.
Having personally used and evaluated numerous car software programs over the past decade, we present 7 exceptional OBD2 diagnostic software packages for your consideration.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and technical understanding. We encourage you to explore their websites to assess their credibility and select the software that best aligns with your automotive requirements.
To save you time, we’ve summarized each software review in bullet points.
Important Note: While all OBD2 software essentially performs the same core function – diagnosing and reporting vehicle faults – the quantity and depth of error codes detected can vary significantly. The primary differentiator lies in the comprehensiveness of the diagnostics.
OBD-2 DIY diagnostics empowers car owners to perform tasks previously exclusive to mechanics. However, it’s crucial to remember that identifying a malfunction is only the first step; physical repairs are still necessary and cannot be resolved solely by clearing fault codes within the software.
Common Features of the Reviewed OBD Car Scanner Software:
- These are not free OBD2 software options. For those seeking free OBD2 software (specifically for ELM327 scan tools), we recommend EasyOBD (download here). It’s arguably the best free option available.
- The automotive software industry predominantly focuses on Windows. However, we’ve identified and reviewed two noteworthy OBD2 software options for macOS Alt text: Check engine light icon on a Macbook screen representing OBD2 scanner software for macOS. included in this list.
- Our reviews are grounded in our extensive technical and car mechanical expertise, encompassing a combined experience of 60 years. We’ve strived for unbiased evaluations, focusing on objective analysis and critique.
- All software programs listed are compatible with ELM327 OBD2 interfaces, supporting Bluetooth, WIFI, and USB connections. Installation instructions for ELM327 interfaces can be found here.
- None of the software reviewed offer bi-directional control. For bi-directional capabilities, you would need to invest in high-end OEM scan tools, typically priced at $1000 and above. For more information on workshop-grade OBD2 scanners, you can search our blog for “obd2 scanner“.
Understanding OBD2 Scanners, Code Readers, and Diagnostic Tools: A Brief Guide
The journey of automotive engineering has been remarkable since Karl Benz’s invention of the first gasoline-powered automobile in 1885. Initially a simple mode of transportation, cars have evolved into sophisticated machines equipped with advanced technology, ranging from air conditioning and navigation systems to even autopilot features.
In the past, cars were mechanically straightforward and easier to repair. However, modern vehicles are increasingly complex, incorporating sophisticated electronics and computer systems. Today’s cars are capable of collecting vast amounts of data, from optimizing navigation routes and adjusting vehicle fluids to detecting engine malfunctions.
Most vehicles on the road today are equipped with an on-board diagnostics (OBD2) port. This port provides access to data from the engine control unit (ECU). By accessing this data, technicians and car owners can diagnose vehicle problems and identify necessary maintenance.
Connecting to your car’s ECU is a simple three-step process: Step 1: Connect an ELM327 interface to your car’s OBD port. Step 2: Install the necessary ELM327 drivers on your PC. Step 3: Launch your PC OBD2 software and click “Connect”.
To access and interpret the data from the ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a computer with specialized OBD2 software for PC is essential. Recognizing this need, numerous automotive software companies are developing PC OBD software to empower end-users with access to their car’s ECU data.
Typically, these products include two components: the car scanning hardware (interface cable or adapter) and the OBD-2 software for PC to access and analyze the data obtained through the OBD port. The hardware acts as a bridge between the ECU and the computer.
The PC OBD software then reads and interprets this data, presenting it in a user-friendly format. The primary purpose of this software is to facilitate vehicle maintenance and extend vehicle lifespan by enabling proactive diagnostics and issue identification.
Below, we present seven distinct car diagnostic software options from different developers, each considered to be among the best PC OBD software solutions currently available for Windows and macOS laptops and PCs.
(Disclaimer: None of the following links are affiliate links. Total Car Diagnostics provides these recommendations based on genuine product evaluations, without seeking commissions. This is a sincere effort to guide you towards reliable OBD2 scanners that can effectively meet your diagnostic requirements.)
1. TOAD PRO
Alt text: TOAD PRO PC OBD2 software package box showcasing advanced car diagnostic capabilities.
TOAD® (Total OBD & ECU Auto Diagnostics) is a comprehensive PC OBD2 software suite featuring advanced applications typically reserved for car manufacturers and professional repair shops. It conducts thorough vehicle health checks and diagnoses over 15,000 common issues. For advanced users, TOAD PRO also includes ECU remapping software to optimize car performance and fuel efficiency.
TOAD PRO makes professional-grade diagnostic capabilities accessible to both home car owners and professional mechanics.
Its key strengths include broad vehicle compatibility and real-time live data monitoring with customizable graphical displays.
TOAD is suitable for DIY car owners aiming to save on repair costs and professional mechanics needing cutting-edge diagnostic tools to ensure vehicle safety and performance. It is used by law enforcement, dealerships, car enthusiasts, and manufacturers in approximately 80 countries.
Benefits of TOAD PRO PC OBD2 Software:
- Check Engine Light Diagnostics: Provides detailed descriptions of engine problems for effective repairs.
- Enhanced OBD Fault Code Detection: Identifies “extra” OBD fault codes often missed by standard scanners.
- Cost Savings on Car Repairs: Pinpoints faulty components, enabling informed parts purchases and mechanic negotiations.
- Car Performance Tuning & Optimization: Includes ECU remapping capabilities for performance enhancement and fuel efficiency.
- Touch-Optimized Interface: Ideal for touch-screen devices like Surface Pro.
- Fuel Cost Reduction: Potential for fuel economy improvements through diagnostics and tuning.
- Extended Engine Lifespan: Proactive diagnostics contribute to preventative maintenance and engine health.
- Real-Time Vehicle Data Monitoring: Provides insights into your car’s operation in real-time.
- DIY Car Repair Assistance: Empowers users to diagnose and address car issues, reducing repair expenses.
- Peace of Mind: Ensures vehicle is in good condition, promoting safer driving.
- Versatile Data Display: Presents real-time data in tables and customizable graphs.
Learn more at the TOAD website…
2. AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool
AutoEnginuity ScanTool stands out with its brand-specific diagnostic options for manufacturers like BMW, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Land Rover, Jaguar, Honda, and Porsche, among others. This PC OBD2 software is compatible with Windows and iOS.
ScanTool enables users to quickly scan for troubleshooting codes, vehicle sensor data, and IM240 emissions readiness, facilitating efficient service decisions. Its defining characteristic is its depth of diagnostic coverage.
The software accesses systems like ABS, airbag, transmission, instrument cluster, and numerous other controllers, offering online data, bi-directional controls, adaptive resets, system tests and relearns.
The primary drawback is its higher price point, positioning it primarily for professional mechanic workshops that handle high volumes of vehicle scans and require OEM-level bi-directional functionalities.
Benefits of AutoEnginuity Scan Tool PC OBD2 Software:
- Data Logging Flexibility: Logs data in XML format for browser viewing and CSV for spreadsheet analysis.
- Customizable Sensor Data Display: Allows users to adjust sensor data parameters like sampling rate, ranges, units, and scaling.
- User-Friendly Data Presentation: Displays data in a clear and understandable format, moving beyond raw data outputs.
Learn more at the AutoEnginuity website…
3. PCMScan
PCMScan is a comprehensive generic OBD-II automotive diagnostic PC OBD2 software solution compatible with a wide range of OBD hardware interfaces. It features real-time visual charting, data logging, viewing, and playback capabilities. PCMScan also supports reading vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Freeze Frame data, and other vehicle information. This universal scanner software supports US, Asian, and European vehicles manufactured from 1996 onwards.
However, a significant downside of this Windows OBD2 software for PC is that it has not been updated in over 7 years. This means it lacks at least 500+ new PIDs (sensor data) that have been incorporated into other contemporary diagnostic applications. This suggests potential abandonment of software development or a shift in development focus.
Benefits of PCMScan PC OBD2 Software:
- Customizable Dashboard: Users can personalize the software interface to their preferences.
- Dyno and Drag Performance Features: Includes tools for performance measurement and analysis.
- Data Logging Capabilities: Records diagnostic data for later review and analysis.
- DTC Reading and Clearing: Reads stored and pending Diagnostic Trouble Codes and clears “Check Engine” lights.
- Freeze Frame Data Access: Reads and clears stored Freeze Frame data for historical diagnostic context.
- Extensive Trouble Code Database: Supports thousands of vehicle trouble code definitions.
Worthy Features of PCMScan:
- Printing and Print Preview: Full printing support for all views, including virtual dashboards.
- OBD-II Terminal: Allows advanced users to send custom commands to the vehicle for in-depth diagnostics.
- Javascripting Support: Enables power users to perform custom calculations on OBD-II parameters and data.
- Configurable Alerts System: Monitors parameters and triggers alerts (auditory or bookmarks) when specified conditions are met.
- Unit System Flexibility: Supports both English and Metric (SI) unit systems.
- CSV Data Export: Customizable log file export to .CSV format for easy integration with programs like Excel.
- Real-Time Stamps for Exported Data: Facilitates correlation with external data logs.
- PID Priority Assignment: Allows prioritizing PIDs to accelerate data capture rates.
- Broad Interface Compatibility: Supports Autotap, VIA, Multiplex Engineering, ELM320, ELM322, ELM323, ELM327, and SAE-J2534 compliant OBD-II interfaces.
Learn more at the PCMScan website…
4. ProScan
Alt text: ProScan PC OBD2 software interface showcasing user-friendly design and diagnostic reports.
Total Car Diagnostics acquired ProScan in 2015. This OBD2 software for PC has been enhanced for 2024 and beyond, incorporating support for the latest sensor data to accommodate advancements in vehicle technology. ProScan is now included in the TOAD LITE package.
ProScan is recognized for its user-friendliness among Windows OBD2 software. With a history dating back to 2003, its core strength is its consistent stability and development rooted in deep knowledge of automotive protocols, sensors, and PIDs. It is compatible with any standard ELM327 hardware.
A standout feature of ProScan, often lacking in competitors, is its accurate 0-60mph (100km/h) timing performance measurement. This allows for precise live measurement of speed and torque gains after ECU adjustments or modifications, ideal for performance testing and aftermarket equipment evaluations.
Benefits of ProScan PC OBD2 Software:
- Fuel Economy Optimization: Enables adjustments to fuel economy based on driving habits.
- Vehicle Connection Manager: Features a streamlined interface for program launch and vehicle connection.
- Freeze Frame Data Analysis: Reads and displays freeze frame data for historical diagnostics.
- Oxygen Sensor Testing: Provides comprehensive oxygen sensor tests, pinpointing malfunctioning sensors.
- One-Button Diagnostic Report Generator: Simplifies the creation of detailed vehicle diagnostic reports.
- Emissions Readiness Monitoring: Displays vehicle emissions readiness status.
- Oxygen Sensor Location and Count: Shows the number and location of oxygen sensors.
- Oxygen Sensor Functionality Testing: Verifies the correct operation of oxygen sensors.
- Data Recording and Playback: Records and replays diagnostic data.
- Instantaneous Fuel Efficiency Calculation: Calculates real-time fuel efficiency (mpg/liters per km) for MAF-based vehicles.
- Trip Cost Calculation: Calculates real-time trip cost based on distance and fuel efficiency.
- Performance Statistics: Calculates performance metrics like 0-60 mph, 1/4 mile time, trap speed, and 1/8 mile time.
- Horsepower and Torque Estimation: Estimates horsepower and torque curves and generates dyno charts.
- Printable Diagnostic Reports: Generates printable diagnostic reports for vehicles.
- Unit Conversion: Converts between English and metric units.
Learn more at the ProScan website…
5. OBD Auto Doctor
OBD II Auto Doctor is a highly refined and user-friendly OBD2 car diagnostic tool. We consider it the best OBD software for the macOS platform. This PC OBD software allows users to check and reset trouble codes and directly communicate with the vehicle’s OBD2 system.
While highly capable, OBD Auto Doctor might be considered advanced for casual car owners. For users seeking a simpler yet reliable “repair-shop” caliber solution, Movi software (reviewed below) is also recommended.
Overall, OBDII Auto Doctor excels in data extraction depth, making it an ideal tool for serious car enthusiasts who desire a deep understanding of their vehicles.
Benefits of OBD II Auto Doctor PC OBD2 Software:
- Comprehensive Diagnostics: Supports DTCs, Freeze Frame data, and MIL status.
- Fuel Emission and Consumption Monitoring: Tracks fuel emission and fuel consumption data.
- Real-Time OBD2 Indicators: Displays real-time OBD2 data.
- Data Visualization Options: Offers numerical and graphical data views.
- Data Sharing via Email: Enables data sharing through email.
- ECU Information Retrieval: Reads VIN and calibration ID of the ECU.
- Extensive DTC Database: Includes a built-in database of over 14,000 alarm codes.
Learn more at the OBD II Auto Doctor website…
6. Movi and Movi Pro
Movi / Movi Pro is designed for macOS and offers straightforward access to vehicle engine control module (ECM) data without complex setup procedures. For users prioritizing simplicity alongside reliable fault code retrieval and precise live PID parameter reporting, this is an excellent OBD app for PC. We find it more intuitive and less overwhelming than OBD II Auto Doctor for some users.
The free version of Movi is sufficient for basic diagnostics, but DTC fault code clearing is exclusive to the paid version, Movi Pro.
Movi software can retrieve all historical vehicle failures (DTCs) and clear the “check engine light” while extracting relevant trouble codes.
Benefits of Movi and Movi Pro PC OBD2 Software:
- Real-Time Data Monitoring: Displays real-time data for engine diagnostics.
- DTC Reading and Clearing: Reads and clears Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
- Freeze Frame Data Access: Views and clears freeze frame data.
- Fuel Consumption and Economy Monitoring: Tracks fuel consumption and fuel economy.
- Virtual Horsepower and Torque Monitoring: Monitors virtual horsepower and torque.
- Multi-Parameter Graphing: Graphs up to 4 engine indicators simultaneously.
Learn more at the Movi website…
7. EOBD Facile
EOBD Facile OBD software for PC is known for its ease of setup and connection to a car’s computer via an ELM327 interface on macOS. Available in the App Store, EOBD Facile is comparable to Movi in terms of user-friendliness. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference regarding the user interface.
Once connected, users can diagnose vehicle issues in real time, access vehicle information, and monitor car sensor readings.
Benefits of EOBD Facile PC OBD2 Software:
- Check Engine Light Clearing: Clears the check engine light.
- Engine Code Diagnostics: Displays engine codes and their descriptions.
- Manufacturer Error Code Monitoring: Monitors manufacturer-specific error codes.
- GPS Data Logging: Maintains a backlog of GPS data records.
Learn more at the EOBD Facile website…
When selecting car diagnostic software, consider your specific needs and technical expertise. Some users might prioritize advanced features like real-time data visualization, while others may only require basic engine health monitoring and safety checks.
This concludes our review of the top OBD software based on our extensive experience with various car diagnostic tools.
7 Best OBD2 Software in 2024 and Beyond: Reviewed and Tested
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