Let’s admit it; no one likes going to the mechanic. Luckily, you can diagnose your car issues early with OBD scanners like OBDCheck BLE, BLE+, and BAFX OBD before they turn into money-gobbling repair nightmares that take forever to fix. More interestingly, you don’t have to connect to your OBD car ports with cables anymore; you can do it all through your phone.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the OBDCheck BLE, BLE+, and BAFX OBDII Readers – their features, similarities, differences, and pricing – and you can decide which one is right for you and your car. Let’s get to it!
Contents
Veepeak OBDCheck BLE Vs. BLE+ Vs. BAFX: Comparison Chart
 Veepeak OBDCheck BLE |  Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ |  BAFX Products |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating |  | |  |
| Price |  | | |
| Weight | 2.94 pounds | 2.08 ounces | 2.88 ounces |
| Dimensions | 13.11 x 8.86 x 3.11 inches | 13.3 x 9.1 x 3.3 inches | 2.75 x 1.5 x 1 inches |
| Vehicle Compatibility | Compatible with virtually all mainstream car brands | Compatible with all major car makes | Supports all consumer car models after 1996 |
| Recommended Apps | OBD Fusion, Torque Pro | OBD Fusion, Bimmerlink, Carista | Dashcommand, OBDFusion, Torque Pro |
| Pros | - Provides accurate error code readings - Bluetooth connectivity that’s more efficient and power-saving than WiFi - User-friendly, with many first-time DIY mechanics having no problem at all | - Compatible with the latest version of ELM327 v2.2 - Supports all OBDII-compliant vehicles | - The device is relatively inexpensive - Reads and clears OBD codes promptly - Sensor refresh is quick - Presents real-time data - It comes with a one-year warranty |
| Cons | - No support for the latest version of ELM327 - Does not perform full system diagnosis on all car models - iOS connectivity issues | - It doesn’t support full car systems diagnosis - Android pairing can sometimes be a challenge | - Buyers outside the U.S. may face compatibility issues - It does not read SRS/ABS sensors |
Why OBDCheck BLE, OBDCheck BLE+, and BAFX?
Veepeak OBDCheck BLE
With OBDCheck BLE, your smartphone can easily become a real-time car scanner. You can plug the devices directly into your car and connect them to any OBDII app on your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. The OBDCheck BLE supports both Android and iOS devices, allowing you to check Engine Light warning and car performance right on your mobile phone or tablet.
The OBDCheck BLE Bluetooth connectivity erases the need for a WiFi connection and lets you connect multiple OBDII apps with no hassle. It transmits data to OBDII apps like OBD Auto Doctor, DashCommand, Car Scanner ELM OBDII, and OBD Fusion. This diagnostic tool outdoes itself by being compatible with cars, light-duty trucks, electric vehicles, and all car models made in the United States since 1996!
Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+
The OBDCheck BLE+ is an upgraded version of OBDCheck BLE. It’s an excellent diagnostic tool for 1996 and newer U.S. car brands, light trucks, SUV, and mini cans. Like its predecessors, it allows you to check and clear error codes with your mobile phone. It also supports both Android and iOS phones and tablets.
Compared to BLE, the BLE+ is the more expensive option, even though both devices have similar features and functions. Also, it supports ELM327 v2.2, which is a newer version compared to BLE’s v1.4. The BLE+ is also a lighter device, weighing almost 1 ounce less than the BLE.
With appropriate apps, the OBDCheck BLE+ performs advanced functions such as enhanced diagnostics on Lexus, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan. It also allows diagnosis and customization of specific Audis, Toyotas, BMWs, and Lexus.
BAFX
The BAFX is a wireless Bluetooth diagnostic car scanner. The initial BAFX scanner works on Android and Windows devices through Bluetooth, but its latest BAFX release supports Android, iOS, and Windows devices through WiFi. The BAFX is a powerful tool that can detect your car’s problem within seconds. You can easily identify what the problem is before it leads to bigger issues or even an accident.
The BAFX diagnostic scanner works well on a wide selection of cars. If you have a car model after 1996, you would have absolutely no problem using this scanner. You can see results in real-time, and it spans Check Engine light, air/fuel ratio, emissions, and O2 sensors. However, The BAFX is not for you if you need an OBD Checker that doubles as SRS/ABS reader.
Read more: Foxwell NT604 Elite Vs. NT614 Elite Vs. and NT644E: Which suits a home mechanic?
The OBDCheck BLE and BLE+ are two very similar devices, sharing most things in common. The BAFX doesn’t find it hard turning this pair into a trio. Below are the things these car diagnostic scanners and ODB readers all share in common:
Read and Clear Error Codes
All three car scanners allow you to know how well your car performs. They plug directly into your car and connect to your mobile device via Bluetooth. When your Engine Light comes on, you can easily check what the problem is. That way, you can fix the issue as a DIY mechanic instead of going to the mechanic.
Third-Party Apps Support
The OBD Check BLE, BLE+, and BAFX all support several third-party OBDII apps. These apps are downloadable on Google PlayStore and iOS App Store and are usually paid. They allow you to perform different diagnostic checks on your vehicle. For example, the OBD Fusion app lets you check fuel economy, read and clear engine light warnings, and perform other advanced diagnostics. The DashCommand app allows you to keep tabs on your car engine performance.
Bluetooth Support
It’s important to mention that OBDCheck BLE, BLE+, and Bluetooth-only BAFX variant all work well with Bluetooth-enabled devices. Connecting to the device is pretty easy and straightforward. For BLE and BLE+ that work on iOS, no Bluetooth pairing is required. You don’t have to bother with the power consumption of WiFi, and you enjoy unhindered internet access for other apps on your device.
Advanced Diagnostic Functions
The BLE, BLE+, and BAFX can execute advanced PIDs and diagnostics on selected vehicle makes. However, you have to download the necessary apps that support these capabilities.
Real-time Data Presentation
With DIY OBD readers, you want to check what the problem is with your car – and do so promptly. These car scanners let you see what the issue is in real-time. Even if you have to go to a mechanic, you’ll be well-informed, and you’ll be fixing a minor problem.
OBDCheck BLE Vs. OBDCheck BLE+ Vs. BAFX: What makes them different?
Design and Specifications
The OBDCheck BLE has a dimension of 1.61 x 1.97 x 0.87 inches and weighs 2.11 ounces. Its updated version, the OBDCheck BLE+, weighs less (2.08 ounces) and has a product dimension of 1.61 x 1.97 x 0.87 inches. BAFX weighs 2.88 ounces, with dimensions of 2.75 x 1.5 x 1 inches.
Features and Functions
The three OBDII scanners have similar features and functions. Apart from the size and weight, it is difficult to tell them apart because what they can do depends on the OBD2 app it pairs with. They allow DIY enthusiasts to carry out car diagnostics without visiting the mechanic. You can easily plug them into the car, download an OBDII app on your phone, and get to work.
Operating System Compatibility
One of the most significant differences between these OBD readers is device support. Both the BLE and BLE+ work with Android and iOS devices, but BAFX has two variants for different operating systems. One of the BAFX variants supports Android and Windows devices through a Bluetooth connection, but the other supports iOS devices on WiFi connections only. With its Bluetooth LE technology, the Veepeak OBDCheck BLE and OBDCheck BLE+ support iOS devices with Bluetooth 4.0 or above, Android phones, and tablets. However, they aren’t compatible with all Android car radios or head units.
All three OBDII readers require paid third-party apps to work, which can cost you an additional $10 to $30. The manufacturers of the Veepeak devices and the Bluetooth-only variant of the BAFX recommend using Torque, but they recommend OBD Fusion for the iOS-compatible and WiFi-capable BAFX scanner. Both apps can be downloaded on Google and Apple app stores. Only the ODBCheck BLE, ODBCheck BLE+, and the Android-compatible BAFX variant can work on Windows.
Supported Protocols
However, when it comes to supported protocols, the BLE and BLE+ share a difference. Both devices support all OBD 2 protocols, including J1850, CAN, VPW, ISO9141-2, and KWP200. The BLE only supports the old 1.4 version ELM327. On the other hand, the BLE+ supports the newer 2.2 version. That’s understandable because it’s the more recent device of the two. Still, there’s a more recent version of ELM327, which neither device supports.
Supported Vehicles Makes
All of the three diagnostic scanners support virtually all U.S. car models made after 1996. As long as the car is OBDII-compliant, any of BLE, BLE+, and BAFX will go. Both BLE and BLE+ will work well on European gas-powered cars made since 2001 and diesel-powered cars made since 2014. They’ll also support almost all vehicles in other regions of the world, depending on their manufacture date.
While the BAFX fits into only consumer cars, the BLE and BLE+ are also compatible with other vehicle types, such as SUVs, MVPs, minivans, electric cars, and hybrid cars.
Pricing
The devices are all affordable options when compared to similar products in the market. The BLE costs $32.99, BLE+ $39.99, the Wireless Bluetooth BAFX goes for $21.99, and the Wireless WiFi BAFX costs $26.99.
Warranty, Apps, and Updates
The BLE and BLE+ each have a one-year warranty period, while the BAFX products come with a two-year warranty.
Neither Veepeak nor BAFX offers apps for their OBDII reader use. Instead, users can choose from several OBDII apps available for download. The options include Torque Pro, BimmerCode, OBD Fusion, Car Scanner ELM OBDII, Carista OBDII, BimmerLink, DashCommand, JScanOBD, Dr. Prius, and others.
For updates, users will have to check their apps source for any updates.
User Manual Download
The following links can help you download the User Manual for each of the OBDII readers:
The OBDCheck BLE user manual is HERE
HERE is the user manual of OBDCheck BLE+
Recommendation
So, should you get OBDCheck BLE, OBDCheck BLE+, or BAFX?
The VEEPEAK OBCheck BLE, OBDCheck BLE+, and BAFX all have limited car diagnostic functions. So, they don’t make for a great fit for professional mechanics. However, if you are a DIY mechanic, they are excellent tools for your home garage.
When it comes to choosing among the three of them, it’s hard to do so, seeing they all have similar features and functions. One of the most critical considerations, therefore, becomes pricing. The BAFX is the most affordable option, followed by the BLE. However, the BAFX only supports Android devices, so you might want to look at that.
The BLE+ might be the most expensive option, but it has a newer version of the ELM327 command. That’s also something you might want to consider.
Read more: Best FREE OBD2 software for Windows PC 2021 [Review]
FAQs
1.Do I need to install the apps before using the Veepeak OBDCheck BLE device?
The OBDCheck BLE doesn’t require any apps to be installed in it. However, it connects to your phone or tablet, which needs an OBDII app to function as a car scanner. You can download OBDII apps from Google Playstore and App Store.
2. Can I connect my iPhone to the BAFX OBD checker?
Yes, The BAFX has two product variants, one of which is compatible with iPhones, iPads, and iPods. It connects to iOS devices via WiFi.
3. Which dashboard lights do the Veepeak OBDII device read?
The BLE and BLE+ OBDII devices only check “CheckEngine Light.” However, they can provide advanced checks on selected vehicle makes. All you need to do is download the required apps on your phone.
4. I’m having problems connecting my Android device to my OBDII device. How do I solve it?
When your Android device isn’t pairing, there’re a couple of things you can do to fix it. Try disabling the Bluetooth and enabling it again. If it doesn’t work, try it a few more times. If it still doesn’t work, doable WiFi, clear Bluetooth cache, or restart your phone.
5. Will the BAFX OBD reader work on my vehicle outside of the United States?
Different countries have their regulations on OBDII compliance. The BAFX OBD reader will work on any car that meets the OBDII compliance standard. In Argentina, the BAFX will work in a vehicle that is of 2008 model or newer. Any vehicle in Canada with the model year 1998 or newer will accept the BAFX OBD reader. In E.U. countries, the OBD reader works well in petrol cars of 2001 or newer. For diesel cars, 2004 or newer models are compatible.
Read more: BMW OBD2 codes: Manufacturer-specific Code With Meaning/fault location.
