Topdon Carpal is a step up from ELM327, giving you some extra functionality from their professional OBD-II software as they also make tablet scan tools. Carpal will let you scan all modules in the car, make diagnostic PDF reports, and even use 6 service procedures.
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Topdon carpal is not a bad scanner, it does a lot more than classic ELM327 but it’s not a bi-directional scanner.
You have to pay a subscription yearly (first year free) of $30/year, which is not a lot but if you pay a subscription of $50-60 you can get a scanner with a lot more features.
For example one of Bluetooth Bi-Directional scanners.
Find the best price
Who tested product & wrote this review?
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.
Topdon carpal is great, but…
It is more advanced than the traditional ELM327 adapter, especially with its full scan + PDF report, but there is just something missing.
There is no bi-directional testing or accessing all modules for live data, which wouldn’t be a big deal for a scanner in this price range, but there is a subscription, and in that case, I would rather get something with this stuff supported, and without a subscription even though initial costs may be little higher.
I tested a lot of different Bluetooth OBD scanners
I tested more than 30 different Bluetooth OBD scanners, so the review is crafted based on the level of value it can give you for money spent. Here is a list of the Best Bluetooth OBD scanners.
Features
| Feature | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | Bluetooth |
| Device type | Bluetooth adapter |
| Need extra device | Smartphone (iOS/Android) |
| Need internet | Yes |
| Own software | Yes |
| Can use 3rd party software | No |
| Subscription/Update | $30/year (1st year free) |
| Vehicle coverage | All |
| Global OBD Modes | Yes |
| Live data graphs | Yes |
| Data logging | Yes |
| Scan other modules | Yes |
| Diagnostic report PDF | Yes |
| Full live data | No |
| Bi-Directional | No |
| Service Procedures | 6 |
| ECU coding | No |
| Full review + video | https://www.iamcarhacker.com/topdon-carpal-scanner-owners-review/ |
| Price range | $50-100 |
| Current price | https://amzn.to/42IB5rC |
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