Carista vs. OBDeleven: Simplifying Your Choice

When it comes to the world of OBD2 diagnostic tools, two prominent names often dominate the conversation: Carista and OBDeleven. Both brands have carved a niche in the automotive tech industry, catering to car enthusiasts and professionals seeking advanced diagnostics, customization, and control over their vehicles. 

Carista combines a user-friendly interface with advanced features, making it ideal for users who value simplicity and functionality. In contrast, OBDeleven is designed for those who are bold enough to code, offering enhanced control for tech-savvy users.

Each offers distinct features, brand support and advantages, making the choice between them dependent on individual preferences and specific needs.

In this comparison, we’ll explore their strengths, differences, and aim to help decide what might be the best solution for you.

 

Meet Carista: The All-in-One Diagnostic and Customization Solution for Your Car

Carista is more than just an OBD2 diagnostic tool—it’s a passion project turned into a global solution, founded in Bulgaria in 2013. Carista aims to empower drivers worldwide with easy-to-use technology that simplifies car diagnostics, maintenance, and customization. 

A testament to its growing impact and reliability are more than 2 million connected users in every corner of the world. Carista is a #1 Amazon Best Seller in the Automotive Category, supporting more than 20 brands: VW, Audi, SEAT, Skoda, Cupra, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Saab, Vauxhall, Volvo, BMW, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Infiniti, Lexus, Mini, Scion, Lincoln, Land Rover (the list is constantly expanding) and more than 600 models. 

 

 

Carista features one OBD2 diagnostic app for iOS & Android, suitable for all car brands listed above and includes all features (diagnostics, settings, service tools, live data and freeze frame data). 

Carista offers two scan tools: Carista OBD reader (supports most of the above-listed car makers without Ford and VAG MK8 models) & Carista EVO scanner, recognized as an advanced, cutting-edge OBD2 tool. It provides faster Bluetooth connectivity, battery-saver sleep mode, wider app features, MS & HS-CAN protocol support for Ford, Lincoln, Land Rover, SFD unlock and much more.

 

Meet OBDeleven: The OBD2 Tool for Tech-Savvy Drivers

OBDeleven was founded in Lithuania one year after Carista in 2014. Their list of supported brands is more limited: VW, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Skoda, SEAT, Cupra, BMW, Mini, Toyota, and Lexus. OBD11's diagnostic tools enable users to diagnose, service and customize their vehicles. OBDeleven caters to those who enjoy a more hands-on, detailed approach, with a credit-based system for unlocking specific features. 

 

As of the publication of this article, OBDeleven offers two main apps: OBDeleven – OBD2 Car Scanner and OBDeleven VAG Car Diagnostics, both available on the App Store and Google Play.

However, their functionalities are not clearly differentiated, which can make the user experience more complicated and potentially confusing.

Their main device is the NextGen device, a small Bluetooth-enabled tool. It offers diagnostics, including freeze frame data, customizations, service tools, and live data.

 

Carista vs. OBDeleven: The Ultimate Side-by-Side Comparison

Brand Compatibility

Carista EVO offers expanded brand compatibility and advanced features, making it suitable for a broader range of vehicles: VW, Audi, SEAT, Skoda, Cupra, BMW, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Infiniti, Lexus, Mini, Scion, Lincoln, Land Rover.

In contrast, OBDeleven is more specialized, primarily catering to VAG (Volkswagen Auto Group) vehicles, limiting its usability for drivers with other car brands.  OBD11 has recently added BMW and Toyota but they only offer advanced diagnostics and settings.

 Disclaimer: Check if your car is supported here.

 

App Support

Carista stands out by providing one app for all brands, streamlining the user experience and eliminating the inconvenience of multiple apps. OBDeleven, in contrast, lacks this universal functionality, offering multiple apps instead. This approach complicates the customer journey, making it more time-consuming and expensive.

Additionally, Carista supports third-party apps, giving users more flexibility in customizing their vehicle diagnostics and control experience. In comparison, OBDeleven restricts users to its own apps, limiting their options.

Check the full list of all supported third-party apps here.

 

User Interface

The Carista app offers an intuitive interface designed to be user-friendly for all levels of users, including beginners. In contrast, the OBDeleven app design is not intended to be user-friendly for everyone, as it assumes its users have a certain level of technical expertise.

 

Carista Ratings: User-Approved Worldwide

Multi-Vehicle Control

Both Carista and OBDeleven support multi-vehicle control, allowing users to work with an unlimited number of supported vehicles. This makes them ideal for individuals who own or manage a diverse fleet.

Pricing

Carista provides straightforward and transparent pricing, offering flexible subscription plans to suit different user needs. These subscriptions include all PRO features—such as advanced diagnostics, service tools, live data, freeze frame data, and unlimited access to customizable settings—without any additional fees. Carista's subscription options are:

• 1 month: €14.99
• 3 months: €29.99
• 12 months: €59.99

 

In contrast, OBDeleven has a complicated pricing structure based on credits and subscriptions, leading to additional costs for unlocking even standard settings. For instance, activating advanced features like VIM (Video in Motion), Mirror Link, or Lane Assist each costs 100 credits each (€17.99). As a result, just enabling a few features can cost as much as Carista’s annual subscription, which includes all PRO features.

In contrast, Carista allows users to modify settings as many times as they want, providing the flexibility to explore and customize without incurring extra costs.

Carista vs. OBDeleven: VW Brand Features Comparison

Advanced Diagnostics

Both Carista and OBDeleven provide comprehensive Advanced Diagnostics, allowing access to every ECU for the vehicles they support. They offer detailed manufacturer-specific diagnostics for many systems such as engine, transmission, ABS, airbags, A/C system, steering, and more. Users can scan and troubleshoot any underlying issues.

• OBDeleven: Advanced Diagnostics are included with the NextGen device and require no additional payments or subscriptions.

• Carista scanner and a paid subscription, unlock full access to Advanced Diagnostics for all supported vehicles. With the free version of Carista, you can perform basic OBD2 diagnostics, which identify any issue that is deemed serious enough by the manufacturer - engine/transmission even air bag faults.

Both Carista and OBDeleven offer Freeze Frame Data as part of their diagnostic capabilities. Freeze Frame Fata captures a snapshot of the vehicle’s operating conditions at the exact moment a fault occurs.

Learn more on how Carista Freeze Frame Data can help you troubleshoot issues.

 

Service Tools

Both brands offer an array of Service Tools for essential maintenance and repairs. These tools include features such as resetting service indicators, battery registration, electronic parking brake (EPB) release, DPF regeneration, Fuel system prime, Throttle body adaptation, and more.

• Carista: Known for its standalone and user-friendly DPF regeneration tool, which simplifies the process for users.

• OBDeleven: Offers similar functionality as a DPF regeneration tool, though its interface may require a bit more familiarity, making it less intuitive for certain tasks.

 

Live Data

Both Carista and OBDeleven provide Live Data functionality, offering real-time insights into various vehicle systems. 

• Carista focuses on carefully curated live data, delivering essential information about key components such as the engine, turbo, air conditioning system, DPF filter, car battery, and more. This ensures users can monitor critical systems without being overwhelmed by excessive or unnecessary data.

• While OBD11’s live data includes all available parameters, the information is not curated. This means users may be overwhelmed by an extensive list of raw data points, many of which may be irrelevant or difficult to interpret without technical expertise.

 

SFD Unlock

Both Carista EVO and OBDeleven support SFD Unlock, a critical feature for working with modern VW Group vehicles.

SFD, which stands for Schutz Fahrzeug Diagnose (translated as "Vehicle Diagnostic Protection"), is a security mechanism introduced by the Volkswagen Group to safeguard the vehicle’s electronic control units (ECUs). With SFD, access to certain features and functions is restricted and requires authentication to ensure that only authorized tools or personnel can make changes.

 

Take a look at our dedicated article on SFD Unlock.

 

Settings

Regarding settings customisation, Carista and OBDeleven offer tools to modify and personalize various vehicle features - lights, mirrors, doors, infotainment system, dings, A/C system and much more.

• Carista provides straightforward access to all settings included in its annual subscription, allowing users to enable, disable, or adjust features as many times as they want. This flexibility lets users explore and test customizations without worrying about additional charges.

• In contrast, OBDeleven takes a more restrictive and costly approach. Settings are locked behind a credit-based system, where users must pay for each activation or deactivation. OBD11 offers raw coding as well.

 Check the available features for your car

 

Carista vs. OBDeleven: BMW Brand Features Comparison

When it comes to supporting BMW vehicles, Carista EVO offers a more comprehensive range of features compared to OBDeleven, as shown in the table. Carista provides Kline support as well, while OBD11 does not.

Advanced Diagnostics

Both Carista EVO and OBDeleven provide advanced diagnostics, enabling access to in-depth fault detection and ECU-level data for BMW vehicles.

Service Tools

Carista EVO includes essential Service Tools like resetting service indicators, battery registration, DPF Regeneration,  and maintenance-related features.
In contrast, OBDeleven does not support service tools for BMW, limiting its functionality for routine vehicle maintenance.

Live Data

Carista EVO supports Live Data, offering real-time insights into key vehicle parameters like engine performance, turbo systems, and battery status.
OBDeleven, however, does not provide live data functionality for BMW vehicles.

Settings

Both Carista EVO and OBDeleven allow users to modify and customize vehicle Settings. This feature enables adjustments to various comfort, safety, and performance options, such as lighting, infotainment, and driver assistance systems.

Check the available features for your car and enjoy a better driving experience.

 

Carista vs. OBDeleven: Toyota Brand Features Comparison

When comparing Carista EVO and OBDeleven for Toyota vehicles, Carista EVO offers a significantly broader range of features.

Advanced Diagnostics

Both Carista EVO and OBDeleven provide Advanced Diagnostics, allowing users to read and clear fault codes and access detailed data for various vehicle systems.

Service Tools

Carista EVO includes essential Service Tools, such as resetting service indicators, battery registration, TPMS registration, ABS/VSC/TRAC inspection and more.
OBDeleven does not support service tools for Toyota vehicles, limiting its capabilities for maintenance tasks.

Live Data

Carista EVO supports Live Data, offering real-time monitoring of critical systems like engine performance, DPF filters, and battery health.
OBDeleven does not provide live data functionality for Toyota vehicles.

Settings

Both tools allow users to customize and modify vehicle Settings, such as enabling or disabling specific features for improved comfort and convenience.

Check the available features for your car and enjoy a better driving experience.

 

Which is the better option?

Choosing between Carista and OBDeleven ultimately depends on your needs and level of expertise. 

 

Carista is the right choice for you if:

• You’re looking for a simple, intuitive tool that doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge and helps you save time.
• You want a budget-friendly option that reduces costs on dealer visits and repairs.
• You want an easy-to-use diagnostic tool that combines fault code reading, customization, and maintenance features in one straightforward app.
• You want an all-in-one diagnostic tool that covers a wide range of major car brands: VW Group, BMW, Toyota, Ford, Lincoln, Land Rover, Nissan, and much more.
• You appreciate a plug-and-play experience with support for third-party apps.

 

OBDeleven suits your needs if:

• You’re a tech-savvy driver who enjoys experimenting with coding and vehicle configurations.
• You’re okay with spending time and effort budgeting credits to unlock the functionalities you need.
• You’re open to exploring multiple apps to find the right solutions for your car.
• You’re brand-focused and don’t need multi-brand coverage.