I tested OBDeleven, Carista, and Carly on multiple vehicles to find the best one for car diagnostics and customization. Here’s a quick overview:
Quick Answer: OBDeleven is the Winner for VAG, use Carista for other brands not supported by OBD11. Do not buy Carly.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | OBDeleven | Carista | Carly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 + $50/year | $50/year | $150/year |
| Vehicle Coverage | VAG, BMW, Mini, RR, others (engine only) | VAG, BMW, Nissan/Infiniti, Toyota/Lexus/Scion | All brands (limited functionality) |
| Free App Features | Full live data, bi-directional tests, service functions (credits) | Basic read/clear codes | Basic read/clear codes |
| Premium Features | Extensive coding, adaptations, service functions, VAG long coding | Limited to coding and basic diagnostics | Limited to coding and basic diagnostics |
| Overall Rating | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 2/10 |
Pros and Cons
| Feature | OBDeleven | Carista | Carly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros | Full scan (all modules) Full live data (all modules) Bi-directional SFD unlock (coding for 2020+) Adaptations Long coding One-click apps (pre-made codings) | Full scan (all modules) Service procedures ECU coding (unlock hidden features) | Vehicle coverage |
| Cons | Subscription (PRO Plan) | Not full support of Global OBD modes | Overpriced Limited advanced features False descriptions |
Vehicle Coverage
| Brand | OBDeleven | Carista | Carly |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAG (VW, Audi, etc.) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BMW (Mini, RR) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nissan/Infiniti | Limited (engine only) | Yes | Limited |
| Toyota/Lexus/Scion | Limited (engine only) | Yes | Limited |
| Other Brands | Limited (engine only) | No coding | Limited |
Price Comparison
| Tool | Adapter Cost | Annual Subscription | First Year Total | Subsequent Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBDeleven | $60 | $50/year | $110 | $50/year |
| Carista | $40 (optional) | $50/year | $50-$90 | $50/year |
| Carly | Free | $150/year | $150 | $100/year |
Free App Features
| Feature | OBDeleven | Carista | Carly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read Codes | Yes (all modules) | Yes | Yes |
| Clear Codes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Full Live Data | Yes | No | No |
| Freeze Frame | Yes | No | No |
| Bi-Directional Tests | Yes | No | No |
| Service Functions | Yes (credits) | No | No |
| Customization | Yes (credits) | No | No |
Premium Plan Features
| Feature | OBDeleven | Carista | Carly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Live Data | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Bi-Directional Tests | Yes | No | No |
| Service Functions | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Customization | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VAG Long Coding | Yes | No | No |
| Adaptations | Yes | No | No |
| Basic Settings | Yes | No | No |
| Control Unit Reset | Yes | No | No |
| SFD + Other Coding Functions | Yes | No | No |
Personal Experience
- OBDeleven: Best for serious diagnostics and customizations for VAG cars. Used for coding, service procedures, and verifying real mileage. Full diagnostic features make it great for buying used cars.
- Carista: Good for disabling seatbelt warnings and minor customizations, especially for non-European cars. Limited functions for serious diagnostics.
- Carly: Overpriced and limited features. Disappointing performance and value compared to others.
Conclusion
- For VAG Cars: OBDeleven
- For Basic Customizations: Carista
- Avoid: Carly
OBDeleven offers the most features and value, making it the top choice for car diagnostics and customizations.
Car Diagnostics Training
- Car Electrical basics
- OBD-II scanner basics
- How to use an OBD reader
- Introduction to a Bi-directional Scan tool
- OBD scanner buyer’s guide + discounts
I test OBD-II scanners and make DIY Engine diagnostics guides to help you solve your car problems without having to depend on the mechanic. A lot of them will try to scam you or are just no help at all. About Juraj Lukacko
Not sure about the SFD item, especially for a 2023 Audi Q8. I think there’s another level of SFD that odb11 does not handle for the newer cars.
Yea I had some trouble also, but hope it is just temporary. OBDeleven seems still to be more effective than VCDS when it comes to newer VAG cars.