ActiveOBD Android

Reviews of ActiveOBD

List of user reviews and ratings for ActiveOBD

Total ratings

3.27 (Rating count: 692)
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Review summary

ActiveOBD is valued for accurate CVT temperature monitoring and Subaru-specific diagnostics. Users appreciate improved interface and effective support, especially when using recommended OBD adapters. However, many report connection difficulties with some adapters, removal of previously available features such as steering direction, and the subscription-based pricing model. The app often requires the vehicle to be on for full functionality, and some experience instability or limited advanced function access. Overall, the app is praised for its Subaru focus but has room for improvements in compatibility, offline usability, and feature availability.
Pros
  • Provides accurate CVT transmission temperature readings for Subaru vehicles.
  • Easy and quick connection once properly set up with recommended adapters.
  • Offers more specific Subaru-related data compared to generic OBD apps like Torque.
  • User interface is improved and flexible for monitoring vehicle parameters.
  • Great support and clear guidance on recommended compatible OBD adapters.
Cons
  • Limited compatibility with certain OBD adapters causing connection issues.
  • Some features like steering direction and custom gauge configuration removed or missing in new versions.
  • App can be unstable or disconnect during use on some devices or vehicle models.
  • Requires the vehicle to be running for full gauge configuration and use; offline setup not supported.
  • Premium features locked behind subscription pricing, which some users find expensive compared to alternatives.
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User Reviews

Recent rating average: 4.00
All time rating average: 3.27
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5 star
35% (7)
4 star
20% (4)
3 star
15% (3)
2 star
15% (3)
1 star
15% (3)
DateAuthorRatingComment
2024-05-05
La*****
I am kind of disappointed. I had high expectations considering that this app is supposed to be the best app for Subarus. I have a WRX 2023 and was not able to get any other info (Subaru related) than the one that Torque gives me. Also, configuring gauges is kind of a pain. And most of all, I see that the app is in demo mode for a month and will be 4$ a month after that... For that price, you're better off with a Think Diag 2.
I am kind of disappointed. I had high expectations considering that this app is supposed to be the best app for Subarus. I have a WRX 2023 and was not able to get any other info (Subaru related) than the one that Torque gives me. Also, configuring gauges is kind of a pain. And most of all, I see that the app is in demo mode for a month and will be 4$ a month after that... For that price, you're better off with a Think Diag 2.
2023-09-05
Jo*****
When I installed this app a few months ago for CVT temp reading it worked fine with my OBDII scanner. Now the option to read the CVTF isn't available at all. I have tried to update to the "Pro" version and that isn't available either. Additionally, there is a post that says there should be an ActiveOBD plug-in for the Torque App which doesn't exist either. I just want a simple solution to read the CVT temp.
When I installed this app a few months ago for CVT temp reading it worked fine with my OBDII scanner. Now the option to read the CVTF isn't available at all. I have tried to update to the "Pro" version and that isn't available either. Additionally, there is a post that says there should be an ActiveOBD plug-in for the Torque App which doesn't exist either. I just want a simple solution to read the CVT temp.
2023-08-05
Mo*****
Update 2: I raised the stars to *** because points 1 and 3 are now cleared. Still the steering direction is missing. Update 1: I have to lower my rating for three reasons: 1- CVT Deterioration Ratio removed from the new app. 2- Steering direction removed from the new app. 3- Being not able to setup the gauges without connection is annoying.
Update 2: I raised the stars to *** because points 1 and 3 are now cleared. Still the steering direction is missing. Update 1: I have to lower my rating for three reasons: 1- CVT Deterioration Ratio removed from the new app. 2- Steering direction removed from the new app. 3- Being not able to setup the gauges without connection is annoying.
2023-02-11
An*****
2022 Subaru Ascent and OBDLink MX rev 2.2 works great! Much appreciate having a tool like this. Once setup, connection is pretty seamless and snappy. I tow heavy so having all available info to keep an eye on my engine and cvt is a huge advantage. Just not sure about the 'basic version' label, is there an 'advanced/pro' version? I couldn't find it.
2022 Subaru Ascent and OBDLink MX rev 2.2 works great! Much appreciate having a tool like this. Once setup, connection is pretty seamless and snappy. I tow heavy so having all available info to keep an eye on my engine and cvt is a huge advantage. Just not sure about the 'basic version' label, is there an 'advanced/pro' version? I couldn't find it.
2023-01-08
Mi*****
Reads 2014 Subaru Outback CVT Temps! 👍 Just tested the current version app (version 3.6.6 build 132) with a new Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and it works great for a simple and quick connection to get CVT temperature for properly checking/filling transmission fluid.
Reads 2014 Subaru Outback CVT Temps! 👍 Just tested the current version app (version 3.6.6 build 132) with a new Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and it works great for a simple and quick connection to get CVT temperature for properly checking/filling transmission fluid.
2022-09-07
Dw*****
Updated: Was pretty frustrated to keep getting the error pop up stating the adapter was not supported by the app. After trying the app with the car running it came right up and gave me the CVT temp right away. Way easier than Torque if you have a Subaru.
Updated: Was pretty frustrated to keep getting the error pop up stating the adapter was not supported by the app. After trying the app with the car running it came right up and gave me the CVT temp right away. Way easier than Torque if you have a Subaru.
2022-06-12
pa*****
First experience was good -- I just want a way to read the TPMS data on my 2019 Forester, and it seems to be able to do that. OBD device is a cheap one, perhaps 6 years old. How would I go about adding custom PIDs in order to see TPMS data on my Ford Transit? I can do it with Torque Pro, but would prefer just one app.
First experience was good -- I just want a way to read the TPMS data on my 2019 Forester, and it seems to be able to do that. OBD device is a cheap one, perhaps 6 years old. How would I go about adding custom PIDs in order to see TPMS data on my Ford Transit? I can do it with Torque Pro, but would prefer just one app.
2021-08-20
Of*****
Save you self some time and read the 'About this app' section!! Do not cheap out and buy a 'hit or miss 3$ junk from Aliexpress'. After great support by ActiveODB team I bought the vgate icar pro and everything works great. I can monitor my CVT temp. and other stuff on my 2018 XV with ease. Very easy app, great interface and super easy connectivity.
Save you self some time and read the 'About this app' section!! Do not cheap out and buy a 'hit or miss 3$ junk from Aliexpress'. After great support by ActiveODB team I bought the vgate icar pro and everything works great. I can monitor my CVT temp. and other stuff on my 2018 XV with ease. Very easy app, great interface and super easy connectivity.
2021-05-18
Tr*****
I got this app to measure CVT temp in my 2016 Outback. I have a BAFX (about 8 years old) adapter. It would not connect no matter how I tried. Torque pro would connect, but Active ODB would not...the Pairing screen would just sit there forever and never do anything. However, I finally got it to work. If you're having trouble, try this: 1. Clear your app cache. 2. Delete the bluetooth device (mine was OBDII), my phone says to "forget" it. 3. Restart the phone. 4. Let the Bluetooth find the OBDII adapter and connect to it. 5. Start Active ODB 6. Pick Connect 7. Pick Bluetooth 3.0 8. Pick the OBDII from the list. I tried everything above, but restarting the phone did the trick. I wish the app had more gauges. Maybe the premium has more, but the basic version has the CVT temp and that is what I want it for. I hope this helps!
I got this app to measure CVT temp in my 2016 Outback. I have a BAFX (about 8 years old) adapter. It would not connect no matter how I tried. Torque pro would connect, but Active ODB would not...the Pairing screen would just sit there forever and never do anything. However, I finally got it to work. If you're having trouble, try this: 1. Clear your app cache. 2. Delete the bluetooth device (mine was OBDII), my phone says to "forget" it. 3. Restart the phone. 4. Let the Bluetooth find the OBDII adapter and connect to it. 5. Start Active ODB 6. Pick Connect 7. Pick Bluetooth 3.0 8. Pick the OBDII from the list. I tried everything above, but restarting the phone did the trick. I wish the app had more gauges. Maybe the premium has more, but the basic version has the CVT temp and that is what I want it for. I hope this helps!
2021-04-14
Da*****
Got the appropriate reader ("budget choice") and now works beautifully. Using the random one I had prior didn't play well. Check here then buy the adapter. Odd manipulations to change dials etc but hey it works!
Got the appropriate reader ("budget choice") and now works beautifully. Using the random one I had prior didn't play well. Check here then buy the adapter. Odd manipulations to change dials etc but hey it works!
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