Types of OBD-II Scanners

OBD-II scanners fall into three categories:

1. ELM327 Bluetooth/WiFi Adapters ($15–$50) — Small dongles that plug into the OBD port and send data to a phone app. Best value for most people.

1. Handheld Code Readers ($50–$150) — Standalone devices with a screen. Read and clear basic codes. No phone needed.

1. Professional Scan Tools ($200–$2000+) — Advanced tools used by mechanics. Access manufacturer-specific systems, bi-directional controls, and live data graphing.

ELM327 Bluetooth Adapters

For most car owners, an ELM327 Bluetooth adapter paired with MyMait is the best option. These adapters:

• Cost $15–$50 AUD
• Work with any OBD-II vehicle (1996+ US, 2006+ Australia)
• Connect wirelessly to your phone
• Support all standard OBD-II protocols
• Are small enough to leave plugged in

Look for adapters with genuine ELM327 v2.1+ chips. Very cheap clones ($5–$10) often have counterfeit chips that cause connection issues.

What to Look For

When choosing a scanner:

• Bluetooth vs WiFi: Bluetooth works with Android and iPhone. WiFi adapters work with iPhone but can interfere with your phone's internet connection.
• Chip version: Genuine ELM327 v2.1 or later. PIC18F25K80 is the preferred chip.
• Build quality: Metal housing lasts longer than cheap plastic. Look for gold-plated OBD pins.
• Protocol support: Should support all 5 OBD-II protocols (CAN, ISO 9141, KWP2000, J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW).
• Firmware: Updateable firmware is a plus.

Our Recommendations

Budget Pick: Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth 4.0 ($25–$35 AUD) — Genuine chip, reliable connection, works great with MyMait. Supports both iOS and Android via BLE.

Mid-Range: OBDLink MX+ ($80–$100 AUD) — Fast, reliable, excellent Bluetooth range. Best-in-class for enthusiasts who want live data without dropouts.

Professional: BlueDriver Pro ($120–$150 AUD) — Includes its own app with enhanced diagnostics, but also works with third-party apps like MyMait.

How to Use Your Scanner with MyMait

Once you have your adapter:

1. Plug it into your car's OBD-II port
2. Download MyMait from the App Store
3. Pair the adapter via Bluetooth
4. Open MyMait and connect

MyMait uses AI to interpret everything the scanner reads — translating fault codes, sensor data, and freeze frame information into plain English. Ask the AI mechanic anything about your car and get instant answers.