SKANYX vs OBDeleven vs Carly: Complete 3-Way Comparison (2025)
Skanyx Team••15 min read
Complete 3-way comparison: SKANYX vs OBDeleven vs Carly. Compare features, pricing, use cases, and which OBD2 app is best for your needs in 2025.
SKANYX vs OBDeleven vs Carly: Complete 3-Way Comparison (2025)
You're choosing between SKANYX, OBDeleven, and Carly. All three are popular OBD2 diagnostic apps, but they serve different needs. This comprehensive 3-way comparison helps you choose the right one.
Quick Comparison Summary
SKANYX:- AI-powered diagnostics with failure prediction
- Universal vehicle support (all makes/models)
- Health Monitor (0-100 score)
- AI Chat for plain English explanations
- €69/year subscription
- Best for VW/Audi coding and adaptations
- Strong European vehicle support (VW Group, BMW, Toyota, Ford)
- Hardware: €59.99-€84.99 (one-time)
- Free diagnostics (no subscription)
- PRO/ULTIMATE subscriptions for coding (€59.99-449.99/year)
- Coding-focused
- Good for BMW/Mercedes diagnostics
- Used car check feature
- User-friendly interface
- ~€60/year or $82.99/year subscription (All Brands license, varies by region)
- Hardware: $79.90 (Carly Universal Adapter, one-time)
- Limited AI features
Complete Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | SKANYX | OBDeleven | Carly |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Failure Prediction | ✅ Yes (2+ weeks early) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Health Monitor (0-100) | ✅ Yes (AI-powered, comprehensive) | ❌ No | ⚠️ Basic (if available) |
| AI Chat | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Vehicle Compatibility | All OBD2 (1996+) | Most OBD2 (basic scanning); Advanced coding: VW Group/BMW/Toyota/Ford | Most OBD2 (basic scanning); Advanced features: BMW/Mercedes/VW/Audi |
| Coding Features | Coming 2026 | ✅ Yes (VW/Audi) | ✅ Yes (BMW/Mercedes) |
| Used Car Check | ✅ Yes (PPI) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Live Data | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cost Estimates | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Repair Guidance | ✅ Yes (AI-powered) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Pricing | €69/year | €59.99-€84.99 hardware + €0-449.99/year | ~€60/year or $82.99/year + $79.90 hardware |
| Best For | AI diagnostics, all vehicles | VW/Audi coding | BMW/Mercedes basics |
Detailed Feature Comparison
1. AI and Predictive Features
SKANYX:- ✅ AI-powered failure prediction (2+ weeks early)
- ✅ Health Monitor (0-100 score system)
- ✅ AI Chat (plain English explanations)
- ✅ Predictive maintenance alerts
- ✅ Machine learning analysis
- ✅ Pattern recognition across millions of vehicles
- ❌ No AI features
- ❌ No failure prediction
- ❌ No health scoring
- ❌ Traditional code reading only
- ❌ No AI features
- ❌ No failure prediction
- ❌ No health scoring
- ❌ Basic diagnostics only
2. Diagnostic Capabilities
SKANYX:- OBD2 fault code reading and clearing
- Universal OBD2 support (all makes/models)
- Comprehensive code explanations in plain language
- Root cause analysis (not just symptoms)
- Works with all vehicles 1996+
- Live data monitoring while driving
- ⏳ Advanced diagnostics (40+ modules) - coming 2026
- Works with most OBD2 vehicles (1996+) for basic scanning and live data
- Advanced coding features strongest on VW Group (VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat)
- Good advanced coding support for BMW Group, Toyota Group, Ford Group (US models)
- Basic OBD2 diagnostics work on all compatible vehicles
- Reads multiple modules
- Works with most OBD2 vehicles (1996+) for basic scanning and live data
- Advanced features (coding, customization) strongest on BMW and Mercedes
- Good advanced features for VW/Audi
- Basic OBD2 diagnostics work on all compatible vehicles
- Reads multiple modules
3. Vehicle Compatibility
SKANYX:- ✅ All OBD2-compatible vehicles (1996+)
- ✅ Universal support (all makes/models)
- ✅ No brand limitations
- ✅ Works equally well on all vehicles
- ✅ Most OBD2 vehicles (1996+) - Basic scanning and live data work universally
- ✅ VW Group (VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat) - Excellent advanced coding
- ✅ BMW Group - Good advanced coding
- ✅ Toyota Group - Good advanced coding
- ✅ Ford Group (US models) - Good advanced coding
- ⚠️ Other brands - Basic OBD2 only (advanced coding limited)
- ✅ Most OBD2 vehicles (1996+) - Basic scanning and live data work universally
- ✅ BMW - Excellent advanced features (coding, customization)
- ✅ Mercedes - Excellent advanced features
- ✅ VW/Audi - Good advanced features
- ⚠️ Other brands - Basic OBD2 only (advanced features limited)
4. Coding and Adaptation Features
SKANYX:- ⏳ Coming in 2026
- Will include AI-powered coding
- Safety checks built-in
- Guided coding process
- ✅ Full coding capabilities for VW/Audi (requires PRO or ULTIMATE subscription)
- ✅ One-click coding apps (requires credits or ULTIMATE)
- ✅ Adaptation features (PRO/ULTIMATE)
- ✅ Component coding (PRO/ULTIMATE)
- ✅ Service resets (via One-Click Apps - requires credits or PRO/ULTIMATE)
- ⚠️ Free diagnostics, but coding requires subscription
- ✅ Coding for BMW/Mercedes
- ✅ One-click coding apps
- ✅ Service resets
- ✅ Feature enabling/disabling
- ⚠️ Limited compared to OBDeleven
5. Used Car Inspection (PPI)
SKANYX:- ✅ Comprehensive 3-step PPI method
- ✅ Health score assessment
- ✅ AI-powered problem detection
- ✅ Cost estimates
- ✅ 15-minute quick inspection
- ✅ Live data monitoring during test drive
- ❌ No dedicated PPI feature
- ⚠️ Can read codes (basic check)
- ❌ No health scoring
- ❌ No cost estimates
- ✅ Used car check feature
- ✅ Basic inspection
- ⚠️ Limited compared to SKANYX
- ❌ No health scoring
- ❌ No AI analysis
6. User Interface and Ease of Use
SKANYX:- Modern, intuitive interface
- AI Chat for help
- Plain English explanations
- Guided workflows
- Easy to understand
- Clean interface
- Easy navigation
- Good for beginners
- Simple code reading
- Professional appearance
- Excellent interface (best of three)
- Very user-friendly
- Simple and intuitive
- Great for beginners
- Visual data presentation
7. Pricing and Value
SKANYX:- €69/year subscription
- Unlimited scans
- All features included
- Exclusive Skanyx adapter required (€49 standalone, included in Starter Bundle)
- Best value for AI features
- Hardware: €59.99 (OBDeleven 2/NextGen) or €84.99 (OBDeleven 3) - one-time
- Free diagnostics and live data (no subscription)
- PRO subscription: €59.99 (12-month), €109.99 (24-month), €149.99 (36-month)
- ULTIMATE subscription: €189.99 (12-month), €329.99 (24-month), €449.99 (36-month)
- ULTIMATE Pack: €259.99 (device + 12-month ULTIMATE + accessories)
- Best value for coding features (with subscription)
- ~€60/year or $82.99/year subscription (All Brands license, varies by region)
- Single Brand License: Starting at $21.99/year
- Unlimited scans
- Hardware: $79.90 (Carly Universal Adapter, one-time)
- Good value for BMW/Mercedes owners
Use Case Scenarios
Scenario 1: You Want AI-Powered Diagnostics
Best Choice: SKANYX Why:- Only app with AI failure prediction
- Health Monitor tracks vehicle condition
- AI Chat explains problems in plain English
- Predictive maintenance saves money
- You want to predict failures before they happen
- You want a health score for your car
- You want AI-powered explanations
- SKANYX is the only option
Scenario 2: You Drive VW/Audi and Need Coding
Best Choice: OBDeleven Why:- Best coding capabilities for VW/Audi
- One-click coding apps
- Full adaptation features
- Free diagnostics (no subscription)
- Coding requires PRO or ULTIMATE subscription
- You have a VW or Audi
- You want to code features
- You need adaptations
- OBDeleven is the best choice
Scenario 3: You Drive BMW/Mercedes and Want Simple Diagnostics
Best Choice: Carly Why:- Excellent BMW/Mercedes support
- User-friendly interface
- Basic coding features
- Used car check
- You have a BMW or Mercedes
- You want simple diagnostics
- You need basic coding
- Carly is a good choice
Scenario 4: You Want Universal Vehicle Support
Best Choice: SKANYX Why:- Works with all OBD2 vehicles
- No brand limitations
- Same features on all vehicles
- Universal compatibility
- You have multiple vehicles (different brands)
- You want one app for all
- You need universal support
- SKANYX is the only option
Scenario 5: You're Buying a Used Car
Best Choice: SKANYX Why:- Comprehensive 3-step PPI method
- Health score assessment
- AI-powered problem detection
- Cost estimates for negotiations
- You're inspecting a used car
- You want to find hidden problems
- You need to negotiate price
- SKANYX is best for PPI
Recommendation Matrix
Choose SKANYX If:
- ✅ You want AI-powered diagnostics
- ✅ You want failure prediction
- ✅ You drive any vehicle (not just European)
- ✅ You want health scoring
- ✅ You need used car inspection
- ✅ You want cost estimates
- ✅ You want AI Chat explanations
Choose OBDeleven If:
- ✅ You drive VW/Audi primarily (or BMW/Toyota/Ford)
- ✅ You need coding features
- ✅ You want free diagnostics (no subscription)
- ✅ You don't need AI features
- ✅ You're willing to pay for PRO/ULTIMATE subscription for coding
Choose Carly If:
- ✅ You drive BMW/Mercedes primarily
- ✅ You want simple, user-friendly interface
- ✅ You need basic coding
- ✅ You want used car check
- ✅ You prefer cheapest subscription
The Verdict
For Most Users: SKANYX Why:- Only app with AI features
- Universal vehicle support
- Best value for AI capabilities
- Comprehensive features
- Health Monitor and AI Chat
- Best coding capabilities
- Free diagnostics (no subscription)
- Strong VW Group support (also BMW/Toyota/Ford)
- Coding requires PRO or ULTIMATE subscription
- Excellent interface
- Good BMW/Mercedes support
- Basic coding features
- Used car check
FAQ: 3-Way Comparison Questions
Q: Which is best for AI diagnostics? A: SKANYX is the only one with comprehensive AI features (failure prediction, AI-powered health scoring, AI Chat). Q: Which is best for coding? A: OBDeleven for VW/Audi, Carly for BMW/Mercedes. SKANYX coding coming 2026. Q: Which works with all vehicles? A: All three work with most OBD2 vehicles (1996+) for basic scanning and live data. SKANYX offers full AI features on all vehicles. OBDeleven's advanced coding is strongest on VW Group, BMW Group, Toyota Group, and Ford Group (US models). Carly's advanced features are strongest on BMW, Mercedes, VW, and Audi. Q: Which is cheapest? A: OBDeleven (€59.99-€84.99 hardware, free diagnostics), then Carly (~€60/year or $82.99/year + $79.90 adapter), then SKANYX (€69/year). Note: OBDeleven coding requires PRO (€59.99-149.99/year for 12-36 month plans) or ULTIMATE (€189.99-449.99/year for 12-36 month plans) subscription. Q: Which is best for used car inspection? A: SKANYX has the most comprehensive PPI features with health scoring and AI analysis. Q: Can I use multiple apps? A: Yes, but not necessary. Choose based on your primary need.The Bottom Line
SKANYX:- Best for: AI diagnostics, universal support, PPI
- Unique: Only app with AI features
- Price: €69/year
- Best for: VW/Audi coding
- Unique: Best coding capabilities, free diagnostics
- Price: €59.99-€84.99 hardware + €0-449.99/year (depending on subscription)
- Best for: BMW/Mercedes basics
- Unique: Best interface
- Price: ~€60/year or $82.99/year (All Brands license, varies by region) + $79.90 adapter
Try SKANYX Today
Ready to experience AI-powered diagnostics? SKANYX is the only app with comprehensive AI failure prediction, AI-powered health scoring, and AI Chat.
Why SKANYX:- Only app with AI features
- Universal vehicle support
- Best for used car inspection
- Comprehensive diagnostics
Skanyx Team
Automotive Diagnostics Experts
The Skanyx Team combines years of automotive expertise with cutting-edge AI technology to help car owners understand and maintain their vehicles better.
