The 9 Best OBD2 Programming Software Packages of 2022 (2024)

OBD2 programming software, paired with diagnostic tools, communicate with your vehicle’s computer to identify existing and potential issues. With the right software, you can learn important vehicle information like why your ABS or check engine light is on, saving you hundreds of dollars at the mechanic. You can also alter your vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) with certain software to give it better gas mileage or more horsepower.

There are many OBD2 diagnostic software packages for sale out there, so it’s important to know exactly what to look for. With a set of all-encompassing criteria, we’ve tested 9 of the best software packages on the market and reviewed them for you below.

How We Evaluated Each OBD2 Software Package

In this article, we provide comprehensive, in-depth reviews of our 9 favorite OBD2 software packages on the market. We evaluated each software with a set of 5 criteria.

This criteria includes:

• Key features – We’ve evaluated the key features and functionalities of each software package and ranked them based on overall value and usefulness.

• User-friendliness – Convenience and ease of use adds value to any tool in your garage. We made sure to identify which software are easy to learn and operate, and which ones take some practice.

• Strength & weaknesses – We’ve included a pros and cons list in each review so you have full understanding about the best and worst features of each software.

• Compatibility – Not every tool will be compatible with your equipment. So, we made sure to indicate the compatibility ranges of each type of software so you have a good idea of what works best with your car.

• Continual updates – Some brands regularly issue free updates to their customers, heightening the overall value of the tool indefinitely. Others don’t offer updates at all. We made sure to call out exactly which software packages provide updates, and which do not.

Our Reviews: The Best OBD2 Software of 2022

Below are our 9 favorite OBD2 software packages on the market for 2022, each with a variety of perks, capabilities, and drawbacks.

We tested and ranked the following OBD2 software packages:

• Toad Pro
• AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool
• Touch Scan
• OBDWiz
• PCMScan
• OBD Auto Doctor
• ProScan
• EOBD
• Movi and Movi Pro

1. TOAD PRO

The TOAD PRO OBD and ECU diagnostic tool, shortened to TOAD will save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars every year. Even professional mechanics use this tool. The Toad Pro performs advanced OBD diagnostics, reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes (e.g. U11E9 code), and legally optimizes performance, horsepower, fuel efficiency, torque, engine longevity and power.

This diagnostic scan tool is used and trusted by customers in over 70 countries. It will show you in precise detail what’s going on inside different systems through easy-to-understand, visual and customizable graphs. Users are able to edit, tune, and reprogram a car’s ECU chip data, which in human terms, is the brain that controls how the car runs. It instantly shows you existing problems and offers quick, painless, amazing solutions.

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Reviews

The TOAD OBD software allows you to perform a thorough health-check on your car, diagnose common problems, ‘hack’ your car’s performance, optimize fuel efficiency, build custom dashboards, discover your car’s potential accurately, and more with comprehensive step-by-step manuals and unlimited and lifetime personal technical support.

Some reviews, with limited mechanical knowledge, found the software to be difficult to understand and confusing. However, a mechanic shop with 20-35 cars coming in daily found TOAD to be useful in 85% of cases thanks to the consistent technical support.

Final Thoughts

The Toad Pro works on nearly every car on the road today. It can do a complete diagnostic and essentially ‘hack’ the vehicle’s software saving mountains of time and money. This is the same type of software that is usually reserved exclusively for the highest rated, registered, and acclaimed car repair shops, manufactures, servicemen, and mechanics.

If you are a novice carsman, the software may take some getting used to. Nonetheless, the expert technical support system, and detailed setup instructions can make you a pro in no time. In conclusion, TOAD has an edge over anything else on the market.

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2. AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool

AutoEnginuity’s Scan Tool is a hardware and software combination code reader Windows designed to be as easy to learn as it is powerful. AutoEnginuity’s ScanTool is all about coverage. This diagnostic tool can provide live data on nearly every system in your car, including ABS, airbag and SRS, and more.

There are several useful functions on this tool, including live data, bi-directional controls, system tests, and code reading and clearing. With this complete coverage, the user can get the job done right the first time.The AutoEnginuity scan tool offers a customizable report format showing customers the necessary repairs and upsell optional repairs. Users can customize and arrange the user-interface to suit you and your computing device to service the vehicle. The Scan Tool comes with an automated installation process and a complete user guide.

Reviews

The AutoEnginuity Scan Tool is very highly rated among its users. In fact, bad reviews are hard to come by. Professionals and hobbyists alike highly recommend this product. Priced fairly, this scanner saves customers thousands from the dealer.

Some found it took a bit of time to figure out how to use it and wished procedures were better explained, but once familiar found it works very well. One user, a SuperDuty mechanic even said, “This is my best tool decision ever.” Easy to install and fantastic when learning how to use it.

Final Thoughts

The AutoEnginuity Scan Tool is very popular amongst its customers. Although it may be slightly challenging to become familiar with at first, it proves easy over time. This scanner pays for itself in no time. Most users are very pleased and impressed with its functionality.

It’s simple, straightforward, and works for most models.

3. Touch Scan

Touch scan OBD software is a user-friendly, powerful tool for diagnosing problems in vehicles. It works great with laptops, tablets, desktop and car PC’s.TouchScan provides dealer-level diagnostics for a fraction of the price. You can read trouble codes, clear your check engine light, and monitor sensors in real-time. Sensor data can be displayed on customizable dashboards, graphs, in a grid, or logged to file.

It can calculate vehicle fuel economy or tell you if it’s time for emissions testing so you’re never caught off guard. The touch scan includes a ton of features right out of the box. Real-time sensors, clear diagnostic codes, and over 90 supported sensors.

Reviews

One thing to note: the software program had problems maintaining vitality with all the ELM Scan 5 USB tools. Connection speeds are inadequate. Development with communications needs improvement.

Final Thoughts

TouchScan offers various features for monitoring vehicle data and diagnosing problems in modern vehicles. It is designed for touchscreen use but also works with laptops and standard PCs.

TouchScan is an easy to use, touchscreen-friendly software package for automotive monitoring and diagnostics. It can calculate fuel economy, clear trouble codes, log data, and much more.

4. OBDWiz

The OBDWiz works with scan tools for vehicles by creating a communication channel between it and a personal computer, then running multiple types of OBD-II diagnostics. The OBDwiz software program helps users diagnose their car and detect and fix mechanical problems. It’s a smart software if you want to keep your car’s condition at a high standard while saving a fortune.

It’s easy to install and packed with features. It is touchscreen-friendly and can be used as a digital dashboard.

Reviews

The OBDWiz has over 7000 codes and a wide functional feature with the ability to read live data. Free feature is nice. Compatible with most car models. Easy installation.

Final Thoughts

Same features as TouchScan but will only work with OBDLink Scan tools. Very effective and successful software.

5. PCMScan

The PCMScan is downloadable onto iPhone or Android phones and enables users to diagnose remotely if necessary, although the service via computer makes reading data and navigating menus even faster. With wireless readings you’re able to check up on your vehicle whenever you like, at any time and any place. In addition to the wireless function, the PCMScan is easy to read, works on most models, resets check engine lights, runs speed tests and tests emission data with real-time scanning.

Reviews

Some users found the layout of the PCMScan to not be as intuitive as other models. There was some frustration with the list of codes not being comprehensive, and complications when adjusting the vehicle’s ECU system which is not supported.

Some low reviewers were frustrated with the additional scanner requirement, although it is a relatively straightforward system. Downloading and setting it up is easy and ready to go in minutes. The PCMScan is one of the simplest options but in some cases, the layout can be unfamiliar for new users.

Overall, users were fond of this product, with the exception of many who had difficulty setting up. Some reviewers needed several tries and customer support to get everything working properly. Once the program was connected it worked like a charm. Additionally, the program requires a rare serial port, but it can be replaced with a serial-to-USB converter.

The program has an incredibly flexible interface, but users were frustrated with the laptop requirement. Some users found the performance to be slow, and were aggravated at the lack of phone support..

Final Thoughts

Once the user overcomes the initial setup hurdles, the PCMScan offers great flexibility to the user in display and test data, although it does require a laptop. Expect a slowish performance and difficulty with support. If you can look past all of that, the PCMScan is simple and user friendly.

6. OBD Auto Doctor

The ODB Auto Doctor is a very simple and straightforward program that almost anyone can use. It’s compatible across all devices. The wireless function allows for the monitoring and scanning with this system to be very versatile and reliable.

For some it’s enough to check OBD2 codes whenever the check engine light appears. However, if you want to make sure that your vehicle is operating perfectly, additional tests are required. The OBD Auto Doctor software requires an additional generic OBD2 scanner. Finding a compatible system is easy and then from there the software is easy and efficient.

Reviews

Mechanics and enthusiasts alike were happy with the updated version and money they’ve saved.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a small repair shop, a modern DIY mechanic, or an auto enthusiast, you’ll be satisfied with the OBS Auto Doctor. From monitoring the engine coolant or fuel pressure, to identifying minor problems before they become major problems, you can save a lot of money and trouble at a rather low cost.

OBD2 Auto Doctor is an excellent tool for people who are interested in understanding their cars more. If one wants to monitor vehicle data in the present period of time or turn off the check engine indicator, this can be very useful.

If you want to identify issues with your car, get to know your car better, and ultimately save money, the OBS Auto Doctor is the tool for you.

7. ProScan

This OBD2 software has the ability to read the newest sensor data to accommodate ever increasing vehicle technology advancements and sensors. ProScan is easily one of most user-friendly Windows OBD2 software on the market. Its biggest strength is consistent stability and development based on thorough know-how of automotive protocols and sensors.

One of the best features in ProScan that’s somewhat lacking in others – is timing performance. Or at least one of the most accurate implementations of this feature. Meaning you can conduct live accurate measurements of speed and torque gains after adjusting its ECU parameters.

Reviews

Some of the most important benefits are the fuel economy tool, the vehicle connection manager, the freeze frame data, the oxygen sensor test, and the diagnostic report generator.

The fuel economy tool helps adapt the driving behavior to lower the fuel consumption. The analysis is available after a quick drive, and the vehicle connection manager shows the connection status and reports if failure happens.

Freeze frame data allows monitoring ant data and any period by saving all the previous information. It also shows detected problems and their solutions.

Oxygen sensor tests display all the tests from the car’s individual oxygen sensors. If the car has a problem this tool will help to determine if the oxygen sensors have failed and detect which specific sensor.

Diagnostic report generator allows the user to view a full diagnostic report for the car.

Final Thoughts

Most users are very satisfied with this system. This product is the real deal, with no delay, works every time. Users find the product very reliable. ProScan holds up even with the modern auto industry changes. Users are overwhelmingly satisfied. Worth every cent.

8. EOBD

The EOBD (European on-board diagnostics system) has been required in all petrol vehicles since 2001 and in all diesel cars since 2004. These systems are more advanced than the original OBD systems, but are much the same as the OBD2.

Users can make a diagnostics of a vehicle using Mac OS and find out the reason for engine indicators without the manufacturer’s pack. The connection is simple, and the user can diagnose and see the results in real-time. Users are able to make a diagnostic of their car using their phone/ipad and discover a multitude of information about their vehicle. From viewing engine and gearbox fault codes and displaying their meaning, to clearing the malfunction indicator light. Users can see car speed, engine speed, engine temperature, spark timing, inlet air quantity, torque and more. Users are able to find this information, record, save and improve.

Reviews

One review found that EOBD Facile did exactly what is said in the description. When used in conjunction with Total Car Diagnostics ELM327 wifi. It worked fine and detected engine management faults and allowed them to clear the MIL successfully.

Another review tried EOBD-Facile, but found TOAD PRO a lot more professional and user friendly.

One user found EOBD very inexpensive and serves its purpose on MacBook air, although it doesn’t function correctly on Dodge vehicles.

Final Thoughts

Although it may work for some and serve its purpose as described, most users find other systems better. It is inexpensive compared to other OBDIIs but TOAD is the safest bet for the best results.

9. Movi and Movi Pro

Movi/ Movi Pro has the ability to read information from the vehicle’s engine control module (ECM) – without complicated setup on your Mac computer. So you’re after simplicity while still needing absolute reliability on pulling car faults with precise-live PID parameter reports – then this is the ideal OBD app for you. We think it’s easier to grasp and less overwhelming than Pro above OBD II Auto Doctor.

Their free version is sufficient for most regular car owners. However only the paid version can clear the DTC faults codes.

Software can extract every historical failure (DTC) of a vehicle. It can also clear the ‘check engine light’ off as it extracts problematic trouble codes.

Reviews

Every failure (DTC) of a vehicle is saved in the engine control module (ECM). Reading this information can help professionals to identify the problem and fix a car. Movi™ car diagnostic software helps to see these trouble codes, extract the car’s freeze-frame information, and clear it so that it can turn your check engine light off.

The lack of updates has upset some users, and not without good reason. They spent good money ($50-$80+) and they are very disappointed. Some say the free Movi software on ios and MAC is super as all they needed was to reset emission on a car to get it ready for inspection.

Final Thoughts

Movi Pro makes it easy to graph, record, and even listen to your vehicle’s engine data, all in real-time. But users are frustrated with the lack of updates and support. Movi Pro hasn’t updated in years and it’s overpriced. Avoid the waste of money. Their free version will suffice for most regular car owners. However, only the paid version can clear the DTC faults codes.

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