FIXD vs Bluedriver — Head-To-Head Comparison

In the world of consumer-grade OBD2 scanners, there are a myriad of options for you to choose from. In fact, you can find over a hundred choices, from price points as low as $20, going all the way up to $500 and beyond. In this article, we’re taking you through two popular options, FIXD and Bluedriver. How do they stack up? What do they offer? What’s good and bad about them? We will answer it all, and more. Let’s first refresh our memories on OBD.

What is OBD?

The OBD standard came into being in the Eighties, and the current OBD2 standard was introduced in 1996. By 2004, all new vehicles from major manufacturers came with it installed. OBD2 allows you to access the on-board computer systems of your vehicle, read out fault or error codes, customize various options, monitor parameters, and do other things too.

What Is an OBD Scanner?

An OBD scanner is a device that allows you to access your vehicle’s on-board computer systems via the OBD2 interface. There are consumer-grade and professional-grade devices available. Devices may be handheld, or require a computer or smartphone to operate on, and communicate via a cable or wireless dongle with the chosen device. Both devices that we’re talking about here, FIXD and Bluedriver use a wireless dongle that communicates via Bluetooth with a smartphone on which the accompanying mobile app is installed. This is the quickest and most convenient solution, as you always carry your smartphone with you, and the wireless dongle is small enough to be kept in your vehicle’s storage compartment, or even left plugged in permanently, which is required if you want to engage in real-time monitoring of parameters.

Quick Comparison: FIXD vs Bluedriver

In a hurry and can’t read the rest of our article? We’d strongly suggest that you try to, or at least save it for later, but these are the most salient points you need to know.

Parameter	FIXD	Bluedriver
Customer Rating (Amazon)	4/5	4.5/5
Price (Amazon)	$39.99 (disc. from $54.99)	$119.95
Dimensions of dongle (L x W x H) in inches	1.5 x 0.5 x 1.8	2.2 x 1.9 x 1.0
Weight of dongle (ounces)	0.96	2.08
Advantages	Good for vehicle monitoring Works with Android and iOS devices Works well once compatible	Full functionality User friendly interface Offers ABS and Airbag diagnosis Works with Android and iOS devices Robust tech support
Disadvantages	Doesn’t support ABS and Airbag diagnosis May encounter issues with Bluetooth and data transfer Tech support can be sluggish	Experience can be inconsistent Doesn’t support ABS and transmission scans for all vehicles Not compatible with iPad Pro and iOS 11.x
Verdict	This is better if you’re a hands-on driver who prefers to know the status of your vehicle’s systems.	This is better if you’re a vehicle enthusiast and DIY home mechanic who likes to work on your vehicle as well as drive it.

What Is FIXD?

FIXD is a Bluetooth-enabled scanner dongle that transmits data from your vehicle’s on-board systems to an app installed on your smartphone. This method of operation offers supreme versatility and a robust feature set. Some of the key features of FIXD include:

• Real-time monitoring of your engine parameters.
• Real-time display of any Check Engine Light (CEL) indications.
• Monitoring of transmission computer.
• Automated reminders for maintenance activities such as oil changes.
• Freeze frame function to read crucial alerts or anomalous parameters
• Store and easily retrieve readings.
• Analysis of error readings
• Suggesting corrective measures for detected errors.

Advantages of FIXD

• FIXD is very fast at generating scan reports, typically taking around a minute for an average scan.
• You can view the report on your smartphone, as well as share it via e-mail, instant messaging or social media with your technician or service center personnel.
• With automated maintenance minders, FIXD helps you maintain your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, avoiding costly repairs later on.
• You can configure FIXD to monitor more than one vehicle.
• FIXD can show you real-time data for each vehicle.

Disadvantages of FIXD

• Some users report that FIXD produces erroneous O2 sensor alerts on first use.
• The user interface is not as user friendly as other offerings.
• FIXD can handle light trucks as long as they do not exceed 14,500lbs GVW.
• FIXD can currently only scan for CEL, transmission and emissions systems. It is not able to scan safety systems such as airbags and ABS.
• Not compatible with Windows Phone operating system although this OS is quite rare in 2022.

What Is Bluedriver?

Bluedriver is also a Bluetooth-enabled scanner dongle and mobile app combination, that works on most Android and iOS devices. Fully researched, developed and manufactured in America, it’s a more professional-level product that offers a decent set of basic features that include:

• Conducting diagnostic scans of your vehicle’s systems and generating error reports with analysis.
• Suggesting possible corrective measures for these errors.
• Testing emissions systems to ensure compliance.
• Keeping a watch on your vehicle’s maintenance and reminding you when the next service is due.
• Constant monitoring of engine performance (real-time monitoring).
• Generating real-time Check Engine Light (CEL) data.
• Analyzing transmission computer system data.
• Providing alerts on safety systems such as airbags and anti-lock braking system.
• Freeze-framing information so that you can read it easily.
• Storage of data for later retrieval and analysis.

Advantages of Bluedriver

• Components and software designed by a skilled team of technicians and engineers.
• Subjected to strict quality control testing regimes.
• App can 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.
• 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 are compared against statistics in the database as well, alerting you of any anomalies.

Disadvantages of Bluedriver

• Bluedriver is more than double the cost of FIXD.
• ABS and transmission scans are not supported for all vehicles.
• At the moment, the iPad Pro and iOS 11.x are not supported but we hope this will change in the future.
• The user experience can be inconsistent for some users, and we hope these bugs will be ironed out in a future release.

Which Is Best?

FIXD vs Bluedriver? Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s not forget the price difference as well. So if you’re just interested in occasionally monitoring your vehicle’s critical systems and don’t want to spend a lot of money, FIXD is the best choice for you. However, you should verify that it supports your vehicle before purchasing, as FIXD does not support as wide a gamut of vehicles that Bluedriver does.

Bluedriver is more expensive, but offers a wider feature set, supports more vehicles, and is typically more suited towards the DIY enthusiast user and driver who craves more information, and is comfortable performing light maintenance work by themselves.

Ultimately, the end user will be the determinant. How you plan to use a consumer-grade OBD scanner solution, what you want to do with it, how much you are willing to spend, and what you expect are all determinants that will affect your decision.