There are many options for picking a consumer-grade OBD2 scanner with which you can scan your vehicle for errors, monitor parameters in real-time, receive maintenance reminders, and so much more. In fact, you can find options ranging from $20 all the way to over $500. How do you pick the best one? We’re on hand to help you do just that, and in this article, we are going to compare two popular options, Carly vs Bluedriver. We’ll also give you a refresher into what OBD is, and what an OBD scanner does.

What Is OBD?

In the Eighties, vehicle emissions were causing smog and health effects across the world, and in the US. California led the push for cleaner air by mandating that all new vehicles have emissions control equipment installed, as well as systems to continually monitor the functionality of these, alerting the driver via a CEL (Check Engine Light) if the system was malfunctioning. This gave rise to the OBD standard.

Automakers quickly realized that OBD could be used for so much more, and developed their own iterations. To combat this fragmentation, a unified version called OBD2 debuted in 1996, and by 2004, all new vehicles sold by major manufacturers are equipped with the OBD2 standard and universal port. This is what facilitates such a wide array of OBD scanners to communicate with OBD2 equipped vehicles, at professional as well as consumer grade levels. The OBD2 standard allows for a universal set of functions, as well as manufacturer specific functions.

OBD2 also allows manufacturers to define their own functionality within the OBD2 standard, that can be accessed via compatible OBD2 scanners. This is why each manufacturer’s workshops have their own proprietary OBD2 scanners that are professional-grade pieces of equipment, cost thousands of dollars, and require trained personnel to use. These offer the most comprehensive diagnostic skillset for a particular brand.

What Is an OBD Scanner?

An OBD scanner that uses the OBD2 standard enables direct communication with the vehicle’s on-board computer systems, for error querying and analysis, parameter monitoring, customizing of certain aspects, tuning, and so much more. There are consumer-grade as well as professional-grade devices. What we are interested in here are consumer-grade devices. Both choices in this article, Carly vs Bluedriver use a Bluetooth-enabled OBD2 scanner dongle that plugs into the vehicle’s OBD2 port, where it may remain permanently if you are monitoring real-time parameters, for example. Else, you may simply store it in one of the storage cubbies in the cabin. An accompanying app on your smartphone or tab wirelessly communicates with the scanner for data transfers and operation.

If you’re interested in knowing about professional-grade OBD2 scanners, these can run into thousands of dollars, require training to use and understand, and take a variety of formats. You won’t find many that use a smartphone, but some examples use tabs on account of the larger screen. Others may use a laptop computer, and still others may have an entire rack on wheels containing a full-sized desktop computer and special electronics for communication with the vehicle. Of course, these are irrelevant for the average car owner and driver, unless you are really interested in OBD2, and have ample disposable income, plus time to learn how to use these devices.

Quick Comparison: Carly vs Bluedriver

Haven’t got time to read a lot? We’d recommend that you bookmark this page and read it later if so, but here’s a quick summary of the most salient points of Carly vs Bluedriver.

Parameter	Carly	Bluedriver
Customer Rating (Amazon)	4/5	4.5/5
Price	$80.89 (direct from Carly, special offer) / $120 (normal price)	$119.95 (Amazon)
Dimensions of dongle (L x W x H) in inches	4.6 x 3.5 x 1.5	2.2 x 1.9 x 1.0
Weight of dongle (ounces)	3.2	2.08
OBD2 Functions	Read and clear fault codes, perform manufacturer-level diagnostics, check emissions control system functionality with real-time data.	Read and clear fault codes, perform manufacturer-level diagnostics, check emissions control system functionality with real-time data.
Advanced Functions	Most major maintenance tasks (over 6 functions)	Battery registration, TPMS reset, oil change interval reset.
System Diagnostics	All systems	All systems
Customization (Coding)	Yes, dependent on vehicle support	Not offered

What Is Carly?

Carly is a product from Germany, consisting of the Carly Universal OBD Scanner and Carly App. The Carly Universal OBD Scanner plugs into the vehicle’s OBD2 port and communicates with the Carly app on your smartphone via Bluetooth. There’s also the Carly Lite App which is free of charge and allows users to check what’s available for their vehicle before buying. Offering a wide range of professional-level functions in a consumer-grade device, Carly offers a broad range of functions at a reasonable price, especially if the manufacturer is running a promotion or special offer.

Carly offers several unique functions, such as the Carly Used Car Check which is great for verifying mileage when checking out a used car to buy.

Advantages of Carly

• User friendly interface with simple traffic light color coding system to show critical, moderate, and minor errors, allowing laypersons to quickly identify if their vehicle is safe to drive, needs attention, or should not be driven further.
• Full diagnostics suite on offer, rivalling some entry-level professional grade solutions.
• Carly offers some real time monitoring of certain engine and other parameters while you drive along.
• There’s a comprehensive suite of maintenance tools on offer by Carly, including initializing a new battery, resetting oil and filter change intervals, resetting fault memories, and more, making Carly ideal for the DIY enthusiast.
• The Coding / Customization function offers you the chance to adjust various aspects of your vehicle. Options available for coding vary by vehicle make and model, but some of the most common ones include adjusting duration of ‘follow-me-home headlamps’, changing the amount of times the indicators will blink when you tap the stalk for a lane change indication, deactivating automatic start-stop, setting the climate control to default on recirculation mode, and more.
• The Carly Used Car Check allows you to scan a used vehicle and detect mileage tampering with high accuracy by querying multiple control units across the vehicle and conducting a thorough analysis.
• Carly stores data for later retrieval and analysis.
• Carly is rated to read DTCs from up to 80 vehicle modules, covering most modern vehicles with cutting-edge technology.
• While Carly’s interface is simplistic and user friendly, the app can provide a wealth of information, including in-depth diagnostics for the advanced user.
• App is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Disadvantages of Carly

• Carly can be pricey for novice users who do not need its extensive feature suite.
• The advanced feature set can be confusing to understand and requires some learning.
• Carly’s coding features are relatively basic compared to more specialized coding tools.

What Is Bluedriver?

Bluedriver operates in the same manner as Carly, where the Bluedriver OBD scanner is plugged into the vehicle’s OBD2 port and communicates with the Bluedriver app via Bluetooth. Bluedriver is proudly researched, developed and manufactured in America and offers a relatively comprehensive mix of professional features for a consumer grade device.

Advantages of Bluedriver

• Bluedriver can conduct comprehensive diagnostic scans of your vehicle’s systems and generate error reports with accompanying analysis and suggested corrective actions.
• Components and software designed by a skilled team of technicians and engineers, and subjected to strict quality control testing regimes.
• Bluedriver’s app be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Real-time monitoring can alert you to CELs the moment that they occur, and Bluedriver’s real-time monitoring is more comprehensive.
• Bluedriver will also provide you a report on what needs attention, servicing, etc…
• Your emissions system is continually monitored, and impending issues will be alerted.
• Bluedriver leverages its vast database of expert repairs conducted by qualified technicians, improving the overall efficiency of diagnostics.
• Your engine’s performance statistics are compared in real time against statistics in the database as well, alerting you of any anomalies.

Disadvantages of Bluedriver

• Bluedriver doesn’t offer coding or mileage tampering detection on used vehicles.
• The app also doesn’t offer many maintenance functions, making it limiting for DIY/enthusiast tinkerers. Bluedriver will only tell you if maintenance is required, but it won’t help you with it.
• ABS and transmission scans are not supported for all vehicles.
• There is some lack of compatibility with the iPad Pro and iOS 11.x but we hope these will be addressed soon.
• Some users have found the Bluedriver’s user interface to be confusing and have reported some bugs as well.

Which Is Best?

What’s best for you? Carly or Bluedriver? If you’re a relatively knowledgeable person who just wants to monitor your vehicle’s health and perform rudimentary maintenance checks without bothering about coding, self-maintenance, or other advanced features, Bluedriver is a solid choice for you.

If you’re more of a DIY enthusiast who enjoys delving a bit deeper into your car’s functions, customizing certain aspects, and performing more in-depth maintenance tasks, Carly is your best bet. Although it costs a similar amount to Bluedriver, it can be cheaper if there are promotions or special offers run by the manufacturer, so you should check from time to time. Carly also offers the Carly Used Car Check which is useful if you’re in the habit of buying and selling cars, as you can quickly spot mileage tampering on a car before you buy it.

So, what will it be? We’ve laid out the pros and cons, but when it comes to Carly vs Bluedriver it’s up to you to decide on what fits your requirement.