Veepeak – Cheapest OBD2 scanner that actually WORKS!

Veepeak adapter 3

Veepeak is the best budget ELM327 adapter you can buy under $20. For beginners or anyone wanting cheap diagnostics on a phone, this is the safest pick. It connects reliably, works with every major OBD app, and reads engine data without the usual Bluetooth headaches you get from $3–5 clones.

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Veepeak

Veepeak is the cheapest adapter that works without any connection issues, supporting all main OBD protocols.

You need a specific one for Android and iOS. Scroll down to see which is for your phone.

Best ELM327 adapters currently

Pros

  • Best ELM327 adapter under $20
  • Very reliable connection compared to cheap clones
  • Supports all major apps: Car Scanner, Torque, Carista
  • Clears faults with no issues
  • Can unlock simple coding with Carista
  • Ideal first tool for beginners

Cons

  • Slower than Vgate iCar Pro 2S and vLinker MS
  • Not good for heavy data logging or advanced apps
  • Coding depends on paid app, not the adapter

Get the best price

Here are multiple stores where you can get Veepeak. Check them out to get the best deal possible.

Who tested product & wrote this review?

Juraj Lukacko

Tester & Editor for this review: Juraj Lukacko

Hello, I am Juraj (Yuri) and I tested this product to help you decide if it is something you would want to buy, and if yes, show you how to use it.

I make honest reviews based on personal testing in my own garage and If I see the product is bad, I will make it very clear in review.

Read more about how I do reviews on Iamcarhacker.com in my review policy.

Which Veepeak adapter to buy?

veepeak adapters

Remember that there are 3 different adapters and you need to choose one that can work with your operating systems.

For OSAmazonAliexpress
Veepeak for Android https://amzn.to/410BaWqhttps://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opOSOAv
Veepeak for iOS https://amzn.to/3WBKwENhttps://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oDJS5Mt
Veepeak OBDcheck (works for both)https://amzn.to/3VxnijJhttps://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opYblhL
Veepeak adapter 1

What apps work with Veepeak

Veepeak adapter 2

1. Car Scanner ELM OBD2

Veepeak adapter 4

I can say that this is the best smartphone OBD2 app without any doubt. Not that it can do all global OBD functions, but it also adds a ton of other features like multiple engine live data graphs, full scan, or even ECU coding for some car models. Check the full review of the Car Scanner app.

2. Torque

torque app

Another great app and one of the first ones I remember from when I first tried an OBD scanner. Slightly less functionality than a Car Scanner, but for someone it can be a better fit. It can also record your driving routines and display them later on a map. Check out more about the Torque app.

3. Carista

Carista lets you use ECU coding to modify your vehicle. They have their own adapter, but the app also works with Veepeak and I was able to do customizations like deactivating seatbelt alarm or allowing window operation from the keyfob for my Toyota Corolla.

veepeak ble
Using Veepeak BLE to disable check engine on my Fabia II

Real testing notes

On my Fabia II, I used the cheap Veepeak BLE to read the engine codes, check intake temp, MAF values, and clean up the check engine light. Live data responded perfectly. Graphs showed airflow changes immediately with throttle. Clearing codes worked too.

TPMS monitoring through the app was also helpful. When a tire loses air slowly, it saves you from guessing whether you can keep driving or need to pull over immediately.

Full system scan depends on the car. Some modules will respond, some won’t. This is normal for all ELM327 adapters. Only expect reliable engine diagnostics.

Comparison with faster adapters

vgate icar pro 2s in hand

Vgate iCar Pro 2S
Faster and has better sleep mode. Recommended if you want to leave the adapter plugged in permanently. Cost is usually double.

VLinker MS
Very fast and more stable for heavy data streaming. Best choice for apps like FORScan. Overkill for beginners but great for Ford and Mazda.

Veepeak is slower, but for the price it is the best value. It connects more reliably than cheap clones and works with every app I tested.

Who should buy Veepeak

Anyone with a tight budget who wants real engine diagnostics on a phone.
Anyone who wants to clear codes at home instead of paying a shop.
Anyone who wants to build a live dashboard and monitor sensors.

If you want coding, get Carista + Veepeak.
If you want full-system diagnostics, get a tablet tool instead.
If you want speed for advanced apps, get vLinker MS.

Final verdict

Veepeak adapter 5

For under $20, nothing beats Veepeak. It is the best cheap ELM327 adapter you can buy. It works with Android and iPhone, supports all major apps, and is reliable enough for weekly checks, live data, and clearing faults. Even if you upgrade later, this is the best first tool to start with.

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Responses

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  1. Hello, would you say Veepeak (with Car Scanner ELM OBD2) is a safe way to clear DTCs and reset the “check engine” light? I have Nissan 2003 and an Android phone.

    I guess I prefer the cheapest way to do this so I already bought an ultra cheap “elm327” bluetooth adapter. But then I learned more and became aware that it might(?) make things worse if I try to clear the codes. So I haven’t even tried it. But maybe Veepeak + Car Scanner app is safe? Thanks.

      1. Thank you for your reply! Do you think a simple $5 dollar “elm327” adapter is safe too, just to clear codes? If yes, I’ll probably try that. And perhaps I’ll order VeePeak or OBDlink MX+ later.

        Oh one more thing, the page car-scanner-codes is not working.