OBDeleven vs Carly: Which is better for you? [2026]

February 05, 2026

OBDeleven vs Carly: Which is better for you? [2026]

TL;DR: Both devices give solid basic OBD2 diagnostics for a wide range of brands, but go with OBDeleven 3 if you want deeper diagnostics and coding (especially for VW Group, BMW, Toyota, or Ford US), unlimited vehicle use, SFD unlock, and stronger long-term value with optional subscriptions. Choose Carly if you mainly want simple diagnostics, repair cost estimates, and guided features like Smart Mechanic, and you’re okay paying extra subscriptions to access more brands and advanced tools.

If you’ve been looking for a car diagnostics and customization tool lately, you’ve likely come across two prominent names: OBDeleven and Carly. Both offer a range of features designed to help you understand and personalize your vehicle.

The question is: which one is better for you?

Let’s get one thing straight – one size most often does not fit all, so it’s just natural our product might not be the best fit for everyone, and in some cases, an alternative might be better.

In this article, we'll go through the features and pricing of OBDeleven vs Carly and let YOU, the reader, decide the best option for your needs, vehicle make, and level of expertise.

For those who don't want to spend time reading, here’s a quick comparison of OBDeleven vs Carly features in the table below.

	OBDeleven 3	Carly
Official licenses	Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota, Ford (US) Groups	None
Device price	€84.99 (all FREE plan features included): Basic diagnostics for all brands Advanced diagnostics for VW, BMW, Toyota and Ford (US) Groups Maintenance reminders, Car buying assistant, Hybrid battery check, AI fault explanations and more	€64.80 (only Basic Diagnostics included)
Additional subscriptions	Two optional plans (only needed for advanced use): PRO plan for €59.99/year (PRO features, such as manual coding, for all supported brands) ULTIMATE for €189.99 (PRO features all supported brands + nearly unlimited One-Click Apps inlcuded) One-Click Apps available without extra plans too, but Credits required: starting at only €1.99 for 10.	Various extra annual subscriptions: Premium Package for one selected brand (+€65-€105) Add-on on top to have Premium features on all supported brands (+€10.00-€48.50) Smart Mechanic (+€35.99) Pricing can vary significantly per brand and region. Total for all features annually can cost up to €150/year.
Vehicle coverage	All OBD-II (2008+) models for basic diagnostics and advanced diagnostics on supported brands (VW Group, BMW Group,, Toyota/Lexus, Ford US)	All models from the year 2001+, BMW from 1996+, and Mercedes 2005+. Different features depend on specific car brand.
Advanced diagnostics	Included with the device for FREE	Requires PAID subscription
Pre-coded customizations	Yes	Yes
SFD unlock	Yes	No
Professional VAG coding	Yes	No
OBD2 diagnostics	Yes	Yes
Repair suggestions	Yes, AI fault explanations	Yes, Smart Mechanic
Repair cost estimation	No	Yes
Battery check	Yes	Yes
Car buying assistance	Car buying assistance Yes, Car buying assistant + Mileage check	Yes, Used car check
Vehicle limit	No limit	Cost increases with the number of car brands and advanced features you want to access

What is OBDeleven?

The core of OBDeleven’s offering is OBDeleven 3 – a pocket-sized Bluetooth tool that plugs into your car’s OBD2 port. Once connected, it syncs with the OBDeleven mobile app on your smartphone, letting you run in-depth diagnostics with the click of a button.

But the device is just the tip of the iceberg. OBDeleven is a complete ecosystem for smarter car care. It helps monitor your vehicle’s health and pass inspections with features like Emissions readiness check, Mileage check, and Hybrid battery check, while tools such as Maintenance reminders and the Car buying assistant simplify servicing and buying.

One of the key features is OBDeleven’s signature One-Click Apps, which let you enable comfort, style, and hidden manufacturer settings in one tap – no coding knowledge required. For professionals and enthusiasts, PRO and ULTIMATE plans unlock manual coding and adaptations for Volkswagen Group vehicles.

What is Carly?

Carly’s solution centers around its proprietary Bluetooth– Carly Universal Scanner. This device plugs into your car’s OBD2 port and connects to the Carly mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices.

It allows you to read and clear fault codes, view live data, and run health checks through a simple, beginner-friendly interface. Carly also offers pre-configured coding options for certain brands, letting users enable or disable a limited set of comfort features without manual coding.

However, it does not support advanced functions like SFD unlock, manual coding, or adaptations, which means it’s more focused on convenience than deep diagnostics.

Vehicle coverage

The OBDeleven device works with most modern vehicles, particularly those made 2008+ vehicles that use the CAN bus protocol.

Advanced diagnostics and One-Click Apps are available for officially supported brands, including Volkswagen Group, BMW, Toyota, and US-manufactured Ford vehicles, while manual coding and adaptations are available exclusively for Volkswagen Group cars.

Carly is also compatible many different brands – every model from the year 2001 or later, BMW from 1996 or later, and Mercedes from 2005 and later.

However, while Carly supports a wide range of brands, the depth of functionality can vary between them. Advanced features like coding and customizations are typically only available for certain brands, such as BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Škoda, and MINI. For many other brands, Carly may primarily offer Basic OBD features.

If you’re considering Carly for its advanced features, it's important to check their official website to see exactly what’s available for your specific car model.

Features

Below, we break down and compare OBDeleven and Carly features by category.

Official licensing

One of OBDeleven’s key advantages is the official licensing from major car manufacturers:

Volkswagen Group (includes Audi, Volkswagen, Škoda, SEAT, CUPRA, Bentley, Lamborghini)

BMW Group (includes BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce)

Toyota Group (includes Toyota, Lexus)
Ford Group (US models only)

This official backing means OBDeleven’s features are rigorously tested and licensed to meet manufacturer standards, reducing the risk of errors that could mess up your car's systems.

Plus, it gives you access to vehicle data so you can be sure that diagnostic fault codes are accurate, up-to-date, and fully compatible with your car.

Carly, on the other hand, does not have official brand licensing.

Get officially-licensed tool

Diagnostics

OBDeleven:

Both basic and advanced diagnostics come with the OBDeleven 3 device and doesn’t require any additional payments or subscriptions.

You can do basic OBD diagnostics, such as fault code reading, clearing and read engine live data on practically all modern cars, manufactured from 2008 onwards.

So, whether you drive a Mercedes, Mazda, or another brand, you can use OBDeleven to scan your engine, view fault codes, get detailed descriptions, and even see repair plans. Also, there’s are handy Google buttons for quick searches, AI-powered fault explanations and suggestions, as well as live data parameters from the engine control unit available.

Meanwhile, Advanced diagnostics gives you full access to all available vehicle control units for Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota and Ford (US) Group vehicles. These go beyond the engine and include transmission, ABS, airbags, multimedia, air conditioning, electronics, steering, and more.

Here’s how it works:

You plug your OBDeleven 3 device into your car’s OBD2 port and connect it to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The device will automatically identify your vehicle, so there’s no need to manually enter your VIN or scroll through long lists to search for your car model.
Then, you scan all the systems. It might take up to a few minutes, depending on the car make and available control units.
Finally, you get a list of all detected faults, with clear indicators if any have faults. Plus, AI fault explanations – telling you what those issues mean, how serious they are, and what would be the suggested repairs.

For Volkswagen Group vehicles

You can dig deeper into each control unit to view detailed data, like system descriptions, ODX names, serial numbers, and software/hardware details.

Fault codes come with extra information, too. You'll see the fault name, code, and status (static or active). Plus, there’s a direct link to Google for instant search results tailored to your car model and year.

For diagnosing specific issues, you can also make use of OBDeleven’s in-depth live data and freeze frame data. Live data shows real-time sensor information while the engine is running, helping you spot performance issues early, while freeze frame data captures key parameters at the exact moment a fault occurs.

For example, an engine overheating code may show high RPMs and coolant temperatures in freeze frame data, while live data can confirm temperature spikes during hard acceleration – together helping you pinpoint overheating under heavy load and resolve the issue more effectively.

Tip: You can Learn how to read live data in our dedicated blog post.

Carly:

Carly provides essential OBD-level diagnostics that are compatible with most car brands manufactured after 2001 and support the OBD2 protocol. With Carly’s basic functions, you can:

Read and clear standard error codes related to the engine and transmission
Ensure your vehicle meets environmental regulations with emissions tests by evaluating engine live data parameters such as misfires, fuel system, and catalytic performance
View real-time parameters from your engine’s ECUs, helping with performance monitoring and basic troubleshooting

For deeper insights, Carly’s Advanced Diagnostics reads fault codes from up to 80 electronic control units (ECUs), depending on your car’s brand and model.

For select brands like BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, Carly can scan systems like ABS, airbags, and transmission, going beyond the engine.

The process goes like this:

You plug in Carly’s Universal Adapter into your car’s OBD2 port
Scan available vehicle systems
Get a list of control units, plus fault codes with descriptions

Note: Both Carly and OBDeleven support engine live data monitoring, giving real-time insights into engine performance metrics like RPM and coolant temperature. Carly includes this feature in its general diagnostics package.

Pre-coded customizations

OBDeleven:

OBDeleven’s offers pre-coded customizations called One-Click Apps. These functions let you customize your car with just a tap for Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota and Ford (US) Group vehicles. You can adjust, activate, or disable safety, comfort, and driving features – all without needing to know any coding.

It’s like coding, but without the hassle. No special knowledge or programming skills required. All you have to do is choose the feature you want and activate it.

What can you do with One-Click Apps?

Here are some examples of what you can customize:

Integrate retrofitted parts like parking sensors or LED lights
Reset service lights – like oil change and service inspection
Activate features like video in motion, needle sweep gauge tests, or dynamic turn signals
Customize door locking functions or window controls, like closing windows with the remote key or enabling keyless door unlocking
Change dashboard colors or even switch up the entire theme
Register a new car battery
And more

The options depend on your car’s make and equipment. Some models offer more features than others, but if you own a vehicle from the Volkswagen Group, BMW Group, Toyota Group or Ford Group (US models), you’ll definitely find plenty of options here.

Note: If you change a feature with a One-Click App, you can easily revert to the original setting by using the same One-Click App and selecting the previous value. Keep in mind this will count as an additional One-Click App usage and will require Credits.

How to access One-Click Apps?

To activate One-Click Apps, you’ll need OBDeleven’s in-app currency – Credits – which you can purchase directly from our shop.

For Volkswagen vehicles, One-Click Apps are included in the ULTIMATE plan, giving subscription owners unlimited access at no extra cost.

Carly:

Carly’s Coding feature allows you to unlock hidden features and customize your car’s settings too. Available for vehicles like BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, Škoda, and MINI, it enables you to:

Customize lighting settings
Modify how doors lock and unlock
Activate digital speed displays
And more

There’s an extensive library of Carly’s coding options depending on vehicle model and equipment, so it’s best to refer to their official website for the exact options.

Carly Coding also has an automatic backup system. Before you make any changes, Carly saves a backup so you can easily revert to the original settings if needed.

Carly also helps manage your vehicle’s maintenance. You can reset service intervals right from your phone after tasks like oil changes. That’s what OBDeleven also offers through One-Click Apps.

SFD unlock for Volkswagen Group vehicles

Volkswagen introduced SFD (Schutz Fahrzeug Diagnose) protection to prevent unauthorized access to critical vehicle functions like coding, adaptations, and parameterization.

This security feature affects cars from 2020 onwards, as well as platforms like MQB Evo and MEB. Popular models with SFD include the VW Golf 8, Škoda Octavia IV, and Audi A3 8Y.

OBDeleven’s solution:

With official licensing from Volkswagen Group, OBDeleven offers an SFD auto-unlock feature that makes bypassing this protection simple. When you try to modify a locked control unit, the app automatically requests an SFD token from Volkswagen’s servers to unlock it – seamlessly and without extra effort on your part.

What it means for you:

You can fully customize your vehicle’s settings
All changes are made safely and alight with Volkswagen’s security protocols
There’s no need for complicated workarounds or manual requests – OBDeleven handles everything automatically

Carly, on the other hand, does not offer SFD unlock, manual coding, or adaptations, which limits advanced functionality for Volkswagen Group professionals or enthusiasts.

VAG coding & adaptations

Once you’ve unlocked full access, the real fun begins for those who want to dive deep into their car’s systems.

OBDeleven offers advanced coding and adaptations specifically for Volkswagen Group (VAG) vehicles. These features allow you to customize and fine-tune a wide range of settings within your car’s electronic control units (ECUs), much like a professional mechanic.

Key functions include:

Coding and long coding
Adaptations and long adaptations
Control unit reset (UDS)
Control unit backup
Basic settings
Sub-control unit coding

While OBDeleven makes these advanced features accessible, having a solid understanding of vehicle systems is important to avoid any unintended issues.

However, you can minimize mistakes by using the control unit backup feature before making changes. This will allow you to restore the original settings if necessary.

Note: OBDeleven’s SFD unlock, manual coding and other above-mentioned advanced features are available with the PRO and ULTIMATE plans, starting at €59.99 per year.

Get OBDeleven for your vehicle

Repair suggestions

OBDeleven offers AI-powered fault explanations that help you quickly understand what’s wrong and what to do next – directly in the app.

After a scan, faults are automatically labeled by severity, so you can instantly see which issues need attention. Tapping on a fault reveals clear explanations and repair advice, with AI turning complex diagnostic codes into easy-to-understand insights.

Best of all, this feature is completely free with your OBDeleven device.

Note: AI-powered fault explanations for Ford cars are available only with our newest OBDeleven 3 device.

Carly's Smart Mechanic feature works in a similar way and is especially useful for users without deep mechanical knowledge.

When a fault code is detected, Smart Mechanic offers step-by-step repair guides and maintenance tips written by expert mechanics, as Carly claims.

Smart Mechanic includes information like the fault code, last occurrence mileage, potential consequences, expert guide, description of a faulty vehicle system (functionality, symptoms, causes), related faults, and more.

You can get this Carly feature for an extra €36 per year.

Note: The depth of information provided by Smart Mechanic may also vary depending on the car brand and model.

Battery, emissions and mileage checks

OBDeleven helps you keep an eye on your car’s long-term reliability with a range of built-in health checks:

Hybrid battery check (exclusive to Toyota / Lexus) gives you a clear snapshot of your hybrid battery’s condition and possible degradation, helping you understand how well it’s holding up over time.
With the Emissions readiness check, you can quickly see whether all emissions monitors are in good condition and if your car is ready for inspection (available for all licensed brands, except EVs). To compare, Carly claims to also offer a basic emissions check through its standard OBD features, although the full scope is not as clearly defined.
And the Mileage check helps you spot inconsistencies that could point to odometer tampering in Volkswagen Group and BMW F Series/G Series vehicles. By comparing mileage data stored in multiple control units, it flags any readings that don’t add up.

Carly also includes two unique check features: Used Car Check and Battery Check.

The Used Car Check is similar to OBDeleven’s Mileage check and is especially useful for anyone shopping for a pre-owned vehicle. This feature analyzes the car's ECUs to detect potential issues such as odometer fraud or hidden faults that might not show up while inspecting visually.
The Battery Check is another tool that lets you monitor your vehicle’s starter battery and receive recommendations to extend its lifespan. It analyzes long-term battery health (runs analysis for 24 hours) and then shows the state of health, battery’s charge level, and self-discharge.

Additional features

Here's what other unique features OBDeleven and Carly offers to both everyday drivers and enthusiasts:

OBDeleven’s extra features

Starting with the Car buying assistant, this feature helps you make more confident decisions when shopping for a used car. You can either run an automatic scan with your OBDeleven device or follow an interactive used car checklist that guides you step by step through what to look for during a visual inspection, making it easier to spot potential red flags before you buy.

Maintenance reminders help you stay on top of essential services so nothing is forgotten or overdue. From oil changes and filter replacements to insurance and license renewals, you can choose from common service intervals or create custom reminders, keeping all your car-related tasks neatly organized in one place.

On top of that, OBDeleven 3 is compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto, turning your car’s built-in display into a live dashboard. You can view live OBD2 data, maintenance reminders on iOS, scan history, and battery status on Android. This helps you notice any irregularities – like a sudden coolant temperature spike on a hot day – without taking your attention off the road.

Carly’s extra features

One standout feature is Exhaust Flap Control, available on select models. It lets you manually adjust the exhaust flap for a sportier or quieter ride. OBDeleven offers that for BMW Group and Volkswagen Group vehicles, too.

Another feature is NOx Filter Management for diesel vehicles. Carly helps monitor the condition of the NOx catalyst filter, which can clog over time and thus affect performance and emissions. In the OBDeleven app, you’d be able to access this information through live data, too.

Lastly, Carly offers a Repair Cost Estimation feature. It’s accessible through their website – here, you need to input your car brand, model, fuel, and build year. Then, choose the mileage range and answer a few extra questions about your driving habits and issue symptoms. After that, you’re asked to provide your email to access the report.

Once you’re done, you get a list of possible issues with estimated prices for car parts and work time. You can also view discussions about related issues, the probability of the issue, typical consequences, and a description of the faulty system.

Pricing: OBDeleven vs Carly

Both OBDeleven and Carly offer different pricing models to suit varying customer needs.

OBDeleven pricing:

OBDeleven 3 device: €84.99
Advanced diagnostics: Included for free
PRO plan: €59.99/year. Only needed if you want to use professional-level features like manual coding and adaptations, and bonus priority customer support.
ULTIMATE plan: €189.99/year. Get all the PRO features, plus access to unlimited* free One-Click Apps. Also optional, only needed for pro-level use or those that want to activate a lot of One-Click Apps often.
Credits for One-Click Apps: Starts at €1.99 for 10 Credits (most features cost around 10 Credits)
Vehicle limit: No limit – you can add as many vehicles as you like
Feature availability: Extra car ownership features, such as Maintenance reminders, Car buying assistant, Hybrid battery check, AI fault explanations come for FREE together with the device

*Fair use policy applies. More info here.

Carly pricing:

Carly Adapter: €64.80 (device only)
Single brand license: Starts at €74.90/year (price varies heavily depending on car model, e.g. BMW can cost up to €103.90/year in some regions)
Smart Mechanic: €36/year
All brands license: Annual fee for multi-brand access (+€35.99/year for all brands)
Feature availability: Some advanced features, such as Smart Mechanic, may require additional in-app purchases on top of the single brand license
Vehicle limit: Pricing increases with the number of car brands and advanced features you want to access

Important note: Carly pricing can vary significantly per brand and region – check their official website for the price that applies to you. OBDeleven’s official pricing is generally consistent no matter from which country you buy it or which brand you use.

So, which one should you go for – OBDeleven or Carly?

The decision between OBDeleven and Carly largely depends on your specific needs, vehicle make, and what you value most in a diagnostic tool.

Choose OBDeleven if:

You need unlimited, free OBD2 diagnostics for all brands with CAN-bus (2008+)
You own a vehicle from the Volkswagen, BMW, or Toyota and Ford (US models) Groups and want deep, manufacturer-backed diagnostics at no extra cost
You value official licensing and the assurance that comes with features tested to manufacturer standards
You’d like to do advanced coding and adaptations for Volkswagen Group vehicles, as well as have automatic SFD unlock
You own other car brands and want free OBD2 diagnostics, which OBDeleven provides for all cars that support the CAN-bus protocol (even without manufacturer licensing)
You prefer a pricing model that offers free advanced diagnostics for an unlimited number of vehicles from Volkswagen, BMW, and Toyota Groups, along with flexible add-ons

Get OBDeleven

Choose Carly if:

You’re interested in basic OBD2 diagnostics for multiple brands manufactured 2001+ and older BMWs 1996+
You prefer a pricing model that charges add-ons depending on how many vehicles you want to get advanced diagnostics and extra features for
You don’t need manual VAG coding and adaptations, SFD unlock or other service functions for Volkswagen Group vehicles
You're interested in unique features like NOx Filter Management

Wrapping up

Both OBDeleven and Carly offer robust features that can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of your vehicle. OBDeleven has official manufacturer licenses and provides free diagnostics with no extra paywalls, as well as customization options for specific car groups.

Meanwhile, Carly offers wider car brand support and unique features like Smart Mechanic and Repair Cost Estimation.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your vehicle, the features you need, and your budget. Consider what matters most to you and how each tool fits your specific needs.

Disclaimer: This comparison is based on available information and provides an unbiased overview. Always refer to the official OBDeleven and Carly websites or contact their customer support for the most up-to-date details.

Advice, how-to guides, and car care tips on our blog are intended as helpful resources for general maintenance and repairs. While we strive for accuracy, the information is provided to the best of our knowledge and should be used at your own discretion and risk.

Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or consult a certified mechanic for specific repair details and safety procedures.

OBDeleven 3 device + 200 Credits

Includes OBDeleven 3 device and 200 Credits for unlocking car features with One-Click Apps

€114.99

No paid plan required