OBD Genie is a popular OBD2 scan tool that allows you to read and clear fault codes from your vehicle’s on-board diagnostics system. It can provide valuable information to help diagnose and troubleshoot issues with your car.
However, there are several alternatives to OBD Genie that also offer excellent functionality. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top options and how they compare to OBD Genie.
Alternatives To OBD Genie
Here is a list of these substitutes:
- BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool
- ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner
- FIXD OBD-II Active Car Health Monitor
- Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner
- Carista OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter & App
- Konnwei KW808 OBD2 Scanner
- INNOVA CarScan Advisor 5210 – OBD2 Scanner
- PLX Devices Kiwi Bluetooth 5.0 OBD2 Reader
- Thinkcar OBD Check BLE OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner
- MaxiCOM MK808 OBD2 Scanner
- Carly for BMW OBD Adapter
Let’s talk about them in detail.
BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool
One of the top alternatives to OBD Genie is the BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool. BlueDriver has several key features that make it a great choice:
- Bluetooth connectivity – BlueDriver pairs directly with your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. This allows you to view live data and diagnostic information directly on your mobile device. OBD Genie also offers Bluetooth connectivity.
- Enhanced codes – BlueDriver provides more in-depth explanations of trouble codes compared to competing models. You get a detailed description, possible causes, and severity levels. This helps you better understand what’s going on with your vehicle.
- Vehicle compatibility – BlueDriver works on most 1996 and newer vehicles (OBD2 compliant). Only vehicles with J1850 PWM or J1850 VPW protocols are not supported. OBD Genie has a similar range of compatibility.
- Repair reports – The BlueDriver app provides verified fix and repair information for common issues. This makes it easier to know exactly what needs to be done to resolve a problem code. OBD Genie does not offer repair reports.
- Live data – In addition to reading codes, BlueDriver allows you to view and graph live data from your vehicle’s computer. This includes things like fuel system status, engine load, vehicle speed, RPM, and more. OBD Genie also supports live data streaming.
Overall, BlueDriver is an excellent alternative to OBD Genie in terms of features and functionality. The addition of enhanced trouble code definitions, repair reports, and broader smartphone compatibility gives BlueDriver an edge. The only potential downside is that BlueDriver has a higher upfront cost.
ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner
The ANCEL AD310 is another great OBD2 scanner to consider as an alternative to OBD Genie. Here are some of the key features and benefits of the AD310:
- Multilingual menus – Provides English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese language options. OBD Genie has English menus only.
- Battery voltage check – Tests your car battery and charging system to check for issues. OBD Genie does not have a dedicated battery voltage tester.
- Oil light reset – Resets the engine oil service light after routine maintenance. Nice convenience feature that OBD Genie is missing.
- Quick erase – With one click you can erase all diagnostic trouble codes and turn off the check engine light. OBD Genie also allows quick code erasure.
- Automatic VIN acquisition – The AD310 scanner automatically pulls and displays your vehicle’s VIN number. With OBD Genie you need to enter this manually.
- LED display – Bright LED screen clearly shows live data parameters and test results. OBD Genie uses a mobile app for displaying information.
The ANCEL AD310 delivers professional grade OBD2 scanning functionality at an affordable price point. For about $20 more than OBD Genie, you get enhanced features and a dedicated display screen. Overall an excellent alternative scanner.
FIXD OBD-II Active Car Health Monitor
FIXD takes a different approach than traditional code reader scan tools. It functions as an “always-on” health monitor for your vehicle. Here’s an overview:
- Real-time monitoring – FIXD continually monitors your vehicle’s computer and can detect issues as they happen. It can catch problems before a check engine light comes on. OBD Genie only scans when you command it.
- Clear trouble codes – Like OBD Genie, FIXD lets you erase engine fault codes and turn off the check engine indicator.
- Vehicle health status – The FIXD app provides easy to understand vehicle health reports after each drive. It lets you know of any developing issues. OBD Genie does not monitor between scan sessions.
- Diagnostic power – FIXD can access and decipher OBD2 codes on 1996 and newer vehicles. While not as robust as OBD Genie for code scanning, it offers good overall capability.
The key advantage of FIXD is being able to monitor your vehicle all the time to detect problems as they emerge.
It essentially takes over the task of glancing at your dashboard to see if any warning lights have appeared.
Downsides are fewer advanced diagnostics compared to OBD Genie, and a shorter compatibility list. But for everyday checkups, FIXD is handy.
Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner
The AutoLink AL319 by Autel is a reasonably priced OBD2 code scanner packed with professional-level features:
- Readiness monitor testing – Quickly check if your vehicle’s emissions monitors are OK or not ready. Important for passing a smog check. OBD Genie does not support monitor testing.
- O2 sensor test – Assess oxygen sensor performance to detect issues that can impact fuel efficiency and emissions. Goes beyond just reading O2 sensor codes.
- On-screen graphing – Live data parameters can be graphed on the AL319’s display to check for out of range or irregular readings. OBD Genie needs a smartphone to graph data.
- Fast refresh rate – Readings refresh every 3-second for smooth data monitoring. OBD Genie has a slower refresh rate.
- Warranty – Comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind. OBD Genie only includes a 6-month warranty.
For about $50 more than OBD Genie, the Autel AL319 adds some handy advanced testing capabilities. The screen and faster refresh rate are also nice upgrades over a basic code reader.
Carista OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter & App
Carista presents a great budget-friendly alternative to OBD Genie. Highlights include:
- Low cost – At around $25, Carista is one of the most affordable OBD2 adapters available. Much less than the $100+ price of OBD Genie.
- Strong app – Carista’s mobile app provides an excellent interface for viewing diagnostic data, graphs, trouble codes, and sensor data. Offers a similar app experience to OBD Genie.
- Added features via Premium subscription ($60/yr) – Upgrade to Premium to get access to things like custom check engine light reset procedures, battery registration, and vehicle-specific OBD2 functions. OBD Genie does not currently offer a premium paid upgrade.
- Readiness monitors – View emissions monitor status to check if your vehicle will pass an emissions test. OBD Genie does not display monitor drive cycle info.
The main trade-off with Carista is access to fewer advanced diagnostics and live data parameters compared to OBD Genie unless you pay to upgrade. But for basic code scanning and fault clearing, it delivers great value.
Konnwei KW808 OBD2 Scanner
The Konnwei KW808 is reasonably priced at around $30, but manages to pack in some good power for an entry-level OBD2 scanner tool. Pros:
- Compact size – Small and easy to handle, nice for portability. Also has a detachable OBD2 cable. OBD Genie requires attaching a larger adapter box.
- Code definitions – Provides descriptions of trouble codes right on the KW808’s screen to quickly learn what triggered the check engine light. OBD Genie looks codes up on your smartphone.
- Automatic refresh – Automatically refreshes data every 30 seconds when viewing live readings from the vehicle computer. Can also freeze frames. OBD Genie requires manually refreshing.
- I/M readiness status – Check emissions test readiness monitors to see if your vehicle is ready for its state inspection. Missing from OBD Genie.
- Battery testing – Tests the car battery and alternator charge system to detect issues that could cause starting problems. Not a feature on OBD Genie.
The Konnwei KW808 delivers a lot of functionality for the money in a compact adapter. Downsides are fewer live data parameters compared to OBD Genie and the small screen. But overall a great budget-priced alternative.
INNOVA CarScan Advisor 5210 – OBD2 Scanner
- Vehicle battery voltage check
- On-screen readout of OBD2 data
- Print data using PC connection
- Automatic VIN lookup
- Low cost at around $25
The Innova 5210 provides basic OBD2 scanning capabilities in a compact and affordable package. It’s a great low-cost alternative to OBD Genie. Downsides are no Bluetooth and limited live data compared to other options. But for quick check engine light diagnostics it delivers good functionality.
PLX Devices Kiwi Bluetooth 5.0 OBD2 Reader
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Interactive graphs for sensor data analysis
- Supports 0 to 60 mph, 0 to 100 km/h, and quarter mile acceleration timers
- Automatic refresh rate for live data
- Low price at $35
As a budget-friendly adapter, the Kiwi Bluetooth 5.0 dongle can perform many of the key functions of pricier alternatives like OBD Genie. The acceleration timing features are fun bonuses not found on many competitors. Lacks some advanced diagnostics, but solid value.
Thinkcar OBD Check BLE OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner
- Ultra compact design
- Bluetooth LE connection to iOS or Android
- Diagnostic report in PDF format
- Clear trouble codes
- Engine RPM monitoring
- Just $25
Thinkcar’s mini Bluetooth adapter weighs less than an ounce and plugs right into your OBD2 port for wireless connectivity. For basic fault code reading and clearing, it provides good functionality on par with OBD Genie at a lower price point. Lacks some advanced features.
MaxiCOM MK808 OBD2 Scanner
- 5.0″ LCD touchscreen display
- Live data graphing on screen
- Automotive battery and alternator tester
- Reads and clears ABS & SRS fault codes
- Print or export PDF of diagnostic reports
With its big touchscreen and advanced capabilities for around $110, the Foxwell MK808 is an excellent fully featured alternative to OBD Genie. The ability to access ABS and airbag fault codes is handy for troubleshooting other vehicle systems beyond just the engine computer.
Carly for BMW OBD Adapter
- Custom coded for BMW models
- Read and clear BMW specific engine & transmission fault codes
- Compatible with BMWs back to 2001
- Reset BMW service lights
- Unlock hidden menus and settings
- Costs around $125
If you drive a BMW, the Carly adapter and app provide advanced capabilities tailored specifically to your vehicle. While not as broad in compatibility as OBD Genie, Carly lets you tap into deeper BMW-specific functions at a reasonable price point.
Also Read: FordPass SmartLink Competitors.
Comparison Chart
| Scanner | Price | Key Features |
| OBD Genie | $100 | Bluetooth, apps for iOS & Android, data logging, 1-click readiness check |
| BlueDriver | $100 | Bluetooth, repair reports, enhanced DTC definitions, advanced diagnostics |
| ANCEL AD310 | $120 | Battery test, oil reset, multilingual, fast refresh, all-system diagnostic |
| FIXD | $60 | Continual monitoring, Bluetooth, repair suggestions, common issue check |
| Autel AutoLink AL319 | $150 | Readiness monitors, O2 sensor test, 3 sec refresh, graphing, 1-year warranty |
| Carista | $25 | Budget-friendly, Bluetooth, app with premium upgrade, readiness monitors |
| Konnwei KW808 | $30 | Automatic refresh, battery testing, I/M readiness status, compact adapter size |
Conclusion
There are many excellent OBD2 scanner options available as alternatives to OBD Genie. Choices like BlueDriver, ANCEL AD310, and Autel AutoLink AL319 offer similar or even more advanced functionality for a comparable price point.
FIXD and Carista take different approaches that focus on continual monitoring or ultra-affordability. And basic but powerful scanners like the Konnwei KW808 give you Diagnostic capabilities at a fraction of the cost. Ultimately your choice comes down to your budget and feature needs.
Any of these quality OBD2 scan tools can provide the diagnostic insights you need to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
