The OBDLink LX is OBDLink's Classic Bluetooth adapter for Android phones and Windows PCs. It brings OBDLink's STN chip, its own software on both platforms and a hacker-resistant connection, and it leaves iPhones out.
The OBDLink LX suits a specific household: Android phones, maybe a Windows laptop, and nobody who needs an iPhone to connect. It uses Bluetooth 3.0, the Classic flavour of Bluetooth that Android and Windows talk to easily. iPhones do not accept an uncertified Classic Bluetooth serial device, so the LX is not compatible with Apple iOS devices.
If that fits you, the LX has a real advantage over a cheap ELM327 clone. Inside is OBDLink's own STN chip, which speaks the ELM327 command set every OBD2 app understands and adds OBDLink's extended commands on top. OBDLink bills the LX as a high-speed scan tool, and the steadier link is what most owners notice first. Faster refresh on live data makes gauges move smoothly instead of in jumps.
The LX also has hacker-resistant wireless security. Many cheap Bluetooth dongles accept a connection from anyone nearby with a default PIN. OBDLink designed the LX so that a stranger in a parking lot cannot simply pair with it and start talking to your car.
For the background on Classic Bluetooth versus BLE and why iPhones are pickier, see ELM327 Bluetooth, Classic vs BLE.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | OBDLink |
| Model | LX101 |
| Chip | OBDLink STN family, ELM327 command set compatible |
| Wireless link | Bluetooth 3.0 |
| Operating systems | Android and Windows |
| iOS | Not compatible |
| Included software | OBDLink app for Android, OBDwiz for Windows |
| Third-party apps | Torque, DashCommand and others |
| Motorcycles | MotoScan-compatible bikes, recommended by the MotoScan team |
| Vehicles | All 1996+ cars and light trucks sold in the US, except hybrids and EVs |
| Security | Hacker-resistant wireless pairing |
| Battery | Safe to leave plugged in without draining the battery |
| Power | 12V DC from the vehicle |
| Weight | 1.1 oz |
| Size | 1.97 × 1.77 × 0.91 in |
| In the box | Scanner, quick start guide, warranty card, compliance insert |
Many adapters arrive with nothing but a card telling you to go find an app. The LX comes with software for both of its platforms: the OBDLink app for Android and OBDwiz for Windows. That makes it useful straight out of the box, before you spend anything on third-party apps.
The OBDLink app covers the everyday jobs on an Android phone. OBDwiz does the same on a Windows PC, with the larger screen making it easier to watch several values at once or review a logged drive.
Each one earns its keep in a different spot. A phone is handy for a quick look in the driveway; a laptop is better for chasing an intermittent fault, where you want to record a drive and study the numbers afterwards.
| Software | Platform | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| OBDLink app | Android | Codes, live data, dashboards |
| OBDwiz | Windows | Codes, live data and logging on a laptop |
| Torque | Android | Custom gauges and logging |
| DashCommand | Android, Windows | Dashboards and performance data |
| MotoScan | Android | Supported motorcycles |
Because the LX speaks the ELM327 command set, most general Android OBD2 apps can use it too. Check that your chosen app supports Classic Bluetooth adapters, which nearly all Android apps do.
A broader comparison of free and paid OBD2 apps is in the ELM327 app rundown. For laptop users weighing a wired option, ELM327 USB adapters covers cables and drivers.
The LX has a following among riders. OBDLink markets it as MotoScan-compatible, and the MotoScan team recommends it for motorcycles their app supports. That gives riders a proven adapter for reading codes and live data on a bike instead of a car.
Many motorcycles do not have the same OBD-II socket as a car, so you may need an adapter cable between the bike's diagnostic plug and the LX. Check MotoScan's own guidance for your model before you ride off with a new gadget.
On cars, OBDLink claims coverage of all 1996 and later cars and light trucks sold in the US, with one exception spelled out: hybrid and electric vehicles. If you drive a Prius, a plug-in hybrid or an EV, choose a different adapter. The Vgate iCar Pro 2S is built with those cars in mind.
OBDLink also designs the LX to be safe to leave plugged in without draining your car's battery. That makes it easy to live with on a daily driver. For a car that will sit for weeks with an older battery, a maintainer is still wise.
Ford owners should note one more limit: OBDLink makes no MS-CAN claim for the LX. FORScan's body modules need MS-CAN, which OBDLink provides on the MX+. The FORScan adapter explainer covers the options.
OBDLink makes three Bluetooth adapters that people often confuse. The right one depends mostly on your phone and on whether you need extra Ford and GM networks or BMW coding. Here is how the LX sits next to its siblings and a budget alternative.
| Adapter | Bluetooth | iPhone | Windows | Hybrids/EVs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBDLink LX | 3.0 Classic | No | Yes | Excluded |
| OBDLink MX+ | Classic, Apple-certified | Yes | Yes | Not excluded |
| OBDLink CX | 5.1 LE | Yes | No | Not excluded |
| Veepeak Mini | Classic | No | No | App-dependent |
The MX+ is the do-everything model: iPhone, Android and Windows, plus MS-CAN, SW-CAN and enhanced OEM data. The CX is the BimmerCode specialist. The LX is the focused choice for Android and Windows owners who want OBDLink quality without paying for features they will not use.
Against a budget clone, the LX earns its keep through the STN chip, the included software and the security on the wireless link. If an engine light once a year is all you deal with, a basic reader will do. If you log drives, chase faults or leave the adapter in, the LX is the calmer ownership experience.
Brand against brand, including Vgate's range, is covered in ELM327 vs OBDLink vs Vgate.
No. It uses Bluetooth 3.0 and works with Android devices and Windows PCs only. For iPhone, look at the OBDLink MX+ or CX.
The OBDLink app for Android and OBDwiz for Windows. It also works with third-party apps such as Torque and DashCommand.
OBDLink excludes hybrid and electric vehicles from the LX's coverage.
Yes, on MotoScan-compatible motorcycles; the MotoScan team recommends it. Many bikes need an adapter cable to the OBD-II plug.
Yes. OBDLink designs it to stay plugged in without draining the battery.