Choosing the right scan tool software for your laptop can be a daunting task, especially with the overwhelming number of options available in the market. Many manufacturers prioritize profit over functionality, leading to a saturation of competing automotive scan tools that often lack essential features.
As experts at vcdstool.com with extensive experience in automotive repair, we aim to shed light on established and reliable diagnostic solutions. The companies and software packages mentioned below have a proven history of expertise in OBD2 diagnostics, ensuring you get the best tools for your needs.
While a typical car owner might overlook the subtle yet crucial differences between OBD reader kits, our years in vehicle workshops allow us to easily distinguish between a basic “check engine light reader” and professional OBD-2 software trusted by seasoned automotive technicians. This article will focus on the latter, specifically laptop-based software as opposed to mobile apps.
Our preference for laptop software stems from a few key reasons. Firstly, many OBD mobile apps are often abandoned due to the highly competitive app market, leaving users with unsupported tools. Secondly, and more importantly, most mobile apps are developed by freelancers rather than established car companies, which can impact their reliability and depth of functionality.
In contrast, OBD-II software for PC has been in development since the early 1990s, giving these platforms a significant maturity advantage. Many popular smartphone OBD2 applications offer simplified functionality, often compensated for by flashy user interfaces. For serious diagnostics, we recommend sticking with dedicated PC-based solutions.
Having rigorously tested and used numerous car software programs for over a decade, we present our selection of 7 outstanding OBD2 diagnostic software packages. Our goal is to empower you to make an informed decision. We encourage you to visit their respective websites to gauge their trustworthiness and choose the software that best fits your specific automotive diagnostic requirements.
To save you time, we’ve summarized each software review in bullet points. Remember, the fundamental purpose of all OBD2 software is similar: to diagnose and report vehicle faults. However, the key difference lies in the quantity and depth of fault codes detected. More comprehensive software will identify a wider range of issues.
OBD-2 diagnostics empowers car owners to perform tasks previously exclusive to mechanics. However, it’s crucial to understand that identifying a malfunction is only the first step. Faulty components still require physical repair and should not be simply dismissed by clearing codes within the software.
Common Features of the Listed OBD Car Scanner Software:
- These are professional-grade, paid OBD software solutions. For free options (typically for ELM327 scan tools), EasyOBD is a recommendable free software you can find.
- The automotive industry primarily targets Windows. However, we’ve identified and reviewed two excellent OBD2 software options for macOS users.
- Our reviews are based on extensive technical expertise and hands-on mechanical experience totaling 60 years. We have strived to provide unbiased evaluations.
- All software supports ELM327 OBD2 interfaces in Bluetooth, WIFI, and USB versions.
- None of these software packages offer bidirectional control. Bidirectional functionality typically requires high-end OEM scan tools, which are significantly more expensive. For detailed information on workshop-grade OBD2 scanners, search our blog for “obd2 scanner”.
A Quick Guide to Scan Tools, Code Readers, and Diagnostic Tools:
The automotive industry has evolved dramatically since the invention of the first gasoline-powered automobile. Cars have transformed from basic transportation to complex machines equipped with advanced technology, from navigation systems to autopilot features.
In parallel with technological advancements, car diagnostics have also become increasingly sophisticated. Modern vehicles are equipped with on-board diagnostics (OBD) systems, specifically the OBD2 port, which provides access to a wealth of data from the engine control unit (ECU). This data enables technicians and car owners to diagnose problems and identify necessary maintenance.
Connecting to your car’s ECU for diagnostics is straightforward:
Step 1: Connect an ELM327 interface to your car’s OBD port.
Step 2: Install the necessary ELM327 drivers on your laptop.
Step 3: Launch your chosen OBD2 software and click “Connect.”
The growing trend of vehicle technology has spurred automotive companies to develop user-friendly OBD software for laptops and mobile devices. These tools empower end-users to access and interpret data from their car’s ECU.
Typically, an OBD diagnostic solution includes two components: the hardware interface (cable or adapter) that connects the ECU to your computer and the OBD-2 software itself, which reads and analyzes the data. The primary goal of this technology is to facilitate vehicle maintenance and extend the lifespan of your car.
Below, we present seven distinct diagnostic software packages from different developers, each representing what we consider to be among the best scan tool software options currently available for your Windows or Mac laptop/PC.
(Disclaimer: None of the links provided are affiliate links. These recommendations are based on our genuine assessment of tools we believe will genuinely assist you with your diagnostic needs.)
TOAD PRO
TOAD (Total OBD & ECU Auto Diagnostics)® is a comprehensive and powerful OBD software suite designed for in-depth vehicle diagnostics. This “car-manufacturer-approved” software can perform thorough health checks and diagnose over 15,000 common automotive issues. It even includes ECU remapping capabilities for performance optimization and fuel efficiency enhancements, catering to advanced users.
TOAD PRO offers software typically used in professional car repair shops, dealerships, and by mechanics, making advanced diagnostic tools accessible to the public.
Its key strengths lie in its extensive vehicle compatibility and its ability to monitor live data through customizable visual graphs. This feature-rich software is ideal for both home car owners seeking to save on repair costs by diagnosing and fixing issues themselves, and professional mechanics requiring cutting-edge diagnostic and analysis tools.
TOAD PRO is utilized globally by law enforcement, car dealerships, car enthusiasts, and everyday car owners across approximately 80 countries.
Benefits of TOAD PRO:
- Check Engine Light Detection: Provides detailed descriptions of detected problems, enabling informed repairs.
- Enhanced Fault Code Extraction: Identifies “extra” OBD fault codes often missed by other scanners.
- Cost Savings on Repairs: Pinpoints broken components, allowing for cost-effective part sourcing and mechanic negotiations.
- Vehicle Performance Optimization/Tuning: Offers ECU remapping for performance and fuel efficiency improvements.
- Touch Input Optimization: Ideal for touch-screen devices like Surface Pro.
- Fuel Cost Reduction
- Engine Lifespan Extension
- Real-time Vehicle Data Monitoring
- Facilitates DIY Car Repairs and Reduces Repair Expenses
- Peace of Mind Driving with a Well-Maintained Vehicle
- Real-time Data Display: Presents data in tabular and graphical formats.
Learn more at the TOAD website…
AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool
AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool stands out with its brand-specific diagnostic options, supporting a wide range of manufacturers including BMW, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Land Rover, Jaguar, Honda, and Porsche. ScanTool is compatible with both Windows and iOS platforms.
This software allows users to quickly scan for trouble codes, vehicle sensor data, and IM240 readiness, streamlining the diagnostic process. Its depth of coverage is a significant advantage, providing access to systems like ABS, airbag, instrument cluster, transmission, and numerous other controllers.
This comprehensive access extends to live data, bidirectional controls, adaptive resets, system tests, and more.
The primary drawback of AutoEnginuity ScanTool is its higher price point, making it primarily suited for professional car mechanic workshops that handle a high volume of vehicles and require OEM-level bidirectional functionalities.
Benefits of AutoEnginuity Scan Tool:
- Data Logging: Data is logged in XML format for browser compatibility and CSV for spreadsheet analysis.
- Customizable Sensor Data Display: Users can adjust sensor sampling rates, ranges, units, and scaling for tailored data visualization.
- User-Friendly Data Presentation: Displays data in a clear and understandable format, rather than raw data streams.
Learn more at the AutoEnginuity website…
PCMScan
PCMScan is a comprehensive generic OBD-II automotive diagnostic software package compatible with various OBD hardware interfaces. It offers real-time visual charting, logging, viewing, and playback of recorded data. It also allows users to access Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), freeze frame data, and other vehicle information. This universal scanner software supports vehicles manufactured in the US, Asia, and Europe post-1996.
However, a significant downside of this otherwise excellent Windows OBD2 software is its lack of updates for over 7 years. This means it likely misses at least 500 new PIDs (sensor data parameters) that have been incorporated into other contemporary applications. This suggests either abandonment of development or a shift in focus to other projects.
Benefits of PCMScan:
- Customizable Dashboard: Users can personalize the dashboard layout to their preferences.
- Dyno and Drag Features: Includes performance measurement tools.
- Data Logging Capabilities
- Reads Stored and Pending Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
- Clears Check Engine or Service Engine Soon Lights.
- Reads and Clears Stored Freeze Frame Data.
- Extensive Database of Vehicle Trouble Code Definitions.
Worthy Features Tested:
- Comprehensive Printing and Print Preview Support: All views, including virtual dashboards, are printable.
- OBD-II Terminal: Allows advanced users with OBD-II protocol knowledge to send custom commands to the vehicle.
- Built-in Javascripting Support: Enables power users to perform custom calculations on OBD-II parameters and data.
- Configurable Alerts System: Allows setting alerts based on specific parameter conditions, with sound warnings and data bookmarking.
- English and Metric Unit Support.
- Customizable Log File Export to CSV: Facilitates easy data analysis in programs like Excel.
- Real-time Stamps for Data Export: Enables correlation with external data logs.
- PID Priority Assignment: Speeds up data capture rates by prioritizing specific PIDs.
- Interface Compatibility: Supports Autotap, VIA, Multiplex Engineering, ELM320, ELM322, ELM323, ELM327, and SAE-J2534 compliant OBD-II interfaces.
Learn more at the PCMScan website…
ProScan
ProScan, now part of Total Car Diagnostics since 2015, is a user-friendly OBD2 software that has been continuously improved. The 2018 and later versions feature enhanced capabilities, including reading the latest sensor data to accommodate the increasing complexity of modern vehicle technology. ProScan is included in the TOAD LITE package.
Established in 2003, ProScan’s strength lies in its consistent reliability 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, less emphasized in other software, is its accurate 0-60mph (100km/h) timing performance measurement. This feature enables precise live measurements of speed and torque gains after ECU adjustments or performance modifications.
Benefits of ProScan:
- Fuel Economy Adjustment: Allows for fuel economy optimization based on driving habits.
- Vehicle Connection Manager: Streamlines program launch and interface connection.
- Read and Display Freeze Frame Data: Monitors historical data from previous time periods.
- Oxygen Sensor Tests: Displays results of oxygen sensor tests and identifies malfunctioning sensors.
- One-Button Diagnostic Report Generator: Simplifies report creation.
- Vehicle Readiness Monitor Status: Indicates emissions compliance status.
- Oxygen Sensor Location and Count Display
- Oxygen Sensor Functionality Testing
- Data Recording and Playback
- Instantaneous Fuel Efficiency Calculation (MPG/Liters per km) for MAF-based Vehicles
- Real-time Trip Cost Calculation based on Distance and Fuel Efficiency
- Performance Statistics Calculation: 0-60 mph, 1/4 mile time and trap speed, 1/8 mile, etc.
- Horsepower and Torque Curve Estimation with Dyno Charts
- Printable Diagnostic Report Generation
- Unit Conversion (English/Metric)
Learn more at the ProScan website…
OBD Auto Doctor
OBD II Auto Doctor is a sophisticated and user-friendly OBD2 diagnostic tool, particularly recommended as the best OBD software for the Mac OS X platform. It enables users to check and reset fault codes and communicate directly with the vehicle’s OBD2 system.
While its advanced features might be extensive for casual users, it offers “repair-shop” level reliability. For users seeking a simpler yet robust Mac option, consider Movi software (reviewed below).
OBD II Auto Doctor excels in data extraction depth, making it an ideal tool for serious car enthusiasts who desire a comprehensive understanding of their vehicles.
Benefits of OBD II Auto Doctor:
- DTCs, Freeze Frame Data, MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) Status
- Fuel Emission and Fuel Consumption Data
- Real-time OBD2 Parameter Monitoring
- Switchable Numerical and Graphical Data Views
- Data Sharing via Email
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and ECU Calibration ID Reading
- Integrated DTC Database with over 14,000 Alarm Codes
Learn more at the OBD II Auto Doctor website…
Movi and Movi Pro
Movi/Movi Pro offers a user-friendly experience for reading vehicle engine control module (ECM) data on macOS, eliminating complex setup procedures. If you prioritize simplicity while maintaining reliability in fault code retrieval and precise live PID parameter reporting, Movi is an excellent OBD app. It is arguably more intuitive and less overwhelming than OBD II Auto Doctor.
The free version is adequate for basic diagnostics, but clearing DTC fault codes requires the paid version.
Movi software can extract historical vehicle failures (DTCs) and clear the “check engine light” while providing detailed trouble code information.
Benefits of Movi and Movi Pro:
- Real-time Data Viewing for Engine Fault Diagnosis
- Read and Clear DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)
- View and Clear Freeze Frame Data
- Fuel Consumption and Fuel Economy Monitoring
- Virtual Horsepower and Torque Monitoring
- Simultaneous Graphing of up to 4 Engine Indicators
Learn more at the Movi website…
EOBD Facile
EOBD Facile OBD software is designed for simplicity and ease of connection between your car and computer via an ELM327 interface on macOS. Available on the App Store, EOBD Facile is comparable to Movi in terms of user-friendliness. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference in user interface design.
Once connected, users can diagnose issues, view real-time results, access vehicle information, and monitor car sensor readings.
Benefits of EOBD Facile:
- Clear Check Engine Light
- View Engine Codes and Their Meanings
- Monitor Manufacturer-Specific Error Codes
- GPS Data Logging
Learn more at the EOBD Facile website…
When selecting car diagnostic software, it’s crucial to assess your specific needs. Some users may require advanced functionalities like real-time data visualization, while others might prioritize basic engine health monitoring and safety checks.
This concludes our expert review of the best OBD software based on years of practical experience with various car diagnostic tools. We hope this guide helps you find the best scan tool software for your laptop to effectively diagnose and maintain your vehicle.
7 Best OBD2 Software in 2025 and Beyond: Reviewed and Tested
