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Comparison · Connection type

ELM327 Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or USB: which connection to choose

Inside they are the same adapter, with the same PIC18F25K80 chip. What changes is how they talk to your phone or computer, and that decides which devices they work with.

By Redacción de Satkit Updated 3 min read

Which one to choose for your case

If you have an Android phone

ChooseELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 v1.5 €8.60

Classic Bluetooth: the cheapest, pairs in a moment and the phone keeps its Wi-Fi.

If you have an iPhone or iPad

ChooseELM327 Wi-Fi OBD2 €17.22

iOS does not support these adapters' classic Bluetooth; over Wi-Fi it works with any app.

If you will use it with a Windows laptop

ChooseELM327 USB v1.5 €11.08

Wired, with nothing to pair and no dropouts: the most stable connection.

Side by side

ELM327 Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or USB: which connection to choose: ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 v1.5 / ELM327 Wi-Fi OBD2 / ELM327 USB v1.5
Feature ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 v1.5ELM327 Wi-Fi OBD2ELM327 USB v1.5
ConnectionClassic BluetoothWi-FiUSB
Works with
  • iPhone (not compatible)
  • Android
  • Windows
  • iPhone
  • Android
  • Windows
  • iPhone (not compatible)
  • Android (not compatible)
  • Windows
ChipPIC18F25K80PIC18F25K80PIC18F25K80
ProtocolsThe standard OBD2 ones: CAN, KWP2000, ISO 9141 and J1850The standard OBD2 ones: CAN, KWP2000, ISO 9141 and J1850 (PWM/VPW)OBD2/EOBD and CAN
CAN busHS-CAN onlyHS-CAN onlyHS-CAN only
Best forGetting started on an Android phone: fault codes and engine dataiPhone at the lowest priceA Windows laptop: the most stable connection
Price at Satkit€8.60€17.22€11.08

Pros and cons

ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 v1.5

Pros

  • PIC18F25K80 chip
  • Simple: pairs like any Bluetooth device
  • Works with Torque, Car Scanner and MotoScan on Android
  • Compatible with TuneECU (full ELM327 with the 25K80 chip)

Cons

  • Does not work with iPhone or iPad
  • HS-CAN only: cannot see the MS-CAN on Ford and Mazda

ELM327 Wi-Fi OBD2

Pros

  • Works with iPhone, Android and Windows
  • PIC18F25K80 chip
  • Cheaper than the Vgate iCar2

Cons

  • While connected, the phone has no internet over Wi-Fi
  • Does not reach ABS or airbag

ELM327 USB v1.5

Pros

  • Wired: no pairing and no dropouts
  • PIC18F25K80 chip
  • CD with drivers and software

Cons

  • Windows PC only (no official Mac support)
  • HS-CAN only: with FORScan it cannot reach the MS-CAN modules

These three adapters are the same generic ELM327, with the PIC18F25K80 microcontroller, in three versions: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB. They do the same job on the car; what changes is which device you can use them with. That is why it pays to choose the connection before the model.

Which one works with your phone or computer

  • Android: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is the most convenient and leaves your Wi-Fi alone.
  • iPhone or iPad: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 4.0 (LE). Classic Bluetooth does not work: iOS does not let these apps use it.
  • Windows laptop: all three. USB is the most stable; Bluetooth or Wi-Fi if the laptop has them.
  • Mac: the ELM327 USB has no official support; on a Mac, look for a program with a macOS version, such as OBD Auto Doctor.

Pros and cons of each connection

Connection Pros Cons Other models
Classic Bluetooth The cheapest; the phone keeps using its Wi-Fi Does not work with iPhone or iPad Konnwei KW903, Mini v2.1, v2.1 HH
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) Works with iPhone without taking the Wi-Fi Costs more; the app has to support it Vgate vLinker BM+ (BMW and MINI)
Wi-Fi Works with iPhone, Android and Windows While in use, the phone has no internet over Wi-Fi Vgate iCar2
USB Nothing to pair and no dropouts: the most stable for programming Computer only, wired ELS27 (FORScan, with MS-CAN)

The main guide has the same summary with more context: see what an ELM327 is.

If you will program modules

To enable features or change settings, go with USB: a disconnection halfway through a write can leave a module badly configured. If your car is a Ford or Mazda and you want every module with FORScan, you also need the MS-CAN network: we cover it in ELS27 vs ELM327 USB.

Frequently asked questions

Are the three any different inside?

Not in any way that matters: all three use the PIC18F25K80 chip and speak the same OBD2 protocols. The difference is the connection, which decides which phone or computer they work with.

Does the Bluetooth ELM327 work with an iPhone?

No. iOS does not support these adapters' classic Bluetooth. With an iPhone you need a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) adapter and an app that supports it.

Can I use the Wi-Fi ELM327 with a laptop?

Yes, with Windows: join the adapter's Wi-Fi network and choose a Wi-Fi connection in the program. Meanwhile, the laptop has no internet over that Wi-Fi.

Which connection is the most stable?

USB. There is nothing to pair and no signal dropouts, which is why it is the one recommended for configuring or programming modules with software such as FORScan.

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