OBD2 Adapters & ELM327
Everything you need to know about choosing the right OBD2 adapter for SmartControl OBD2.
What is OBD2?
OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) is a standard diagnostic protocol present in all vehicles sold in the EU since 2001 (petrol) and 2004 (diesel), and in the US since 1996.
The OBD2 port is typically located under the dashboard, near the steering column.
What is ELM327?
ELM327 is a microcontroller chip that translates OBD2 protocols into a simple serial interface.
Warning about cheap clones
Many cheap adapters (under $10) use counterfeit ELM327 chips. We strongly recommend quality adapters for reliable performance.
Recommended Adapters
Bluetooth Adapters
OBDLink MX+ / LX
Best-in-class. Fast, reliable. ~$80-100
Vgate iCar Pro (Bluetooth 4.0)
Good quality, affordable. ~$25-35
WiFi Adapters
OBDLink MX WiFi
Premium WiFi option. ~$100
Vgate iCar Pro WiFi
Good WiFi option. ~$30-40
Bluetooth vs WiFi
| Feature | Bluetooth | WiFi |
|---|---|---|
| Internet while connected | Yes | No |
| Setup complexity | Simple | Network switch |
| Speed | Good | Faster |
Our recommendation: For most Android users, a quality Bluetooth adapter offers the best balance.
Ready to connect?
Once you have your adapter, follow our step-by-step guide.