XTOOL A30M vs Carly OBD2 – UK Comparison (July 2025)

After buying the XTOOL A30M OBD2 Scanner BT from Amazon, I was genuinely impressed. It’s easy to use, feature-packed, and—best of all—completely subscription-free. Unlike many other scanners on the market, there are no hidden fees, no paywalls, and no need to input your card details to unlock features.

But how does it compare to a more well-known option like the Carly OBD scanner? Let’s break it down:

🔧 Pricing & Availability

• XTOOL A30M – In the UK, this Bluetooth OBD2 scanner is widely available for around £129 (typically between £129–£135) from UK-based retailers and official distributors. While some online listings are slightly higher, reputable UK suppliers offer it at consistent prices with free shipping included. There are no additional VAT or import fees, and it usually arrives in 2–4 working days from UK or EU warehouses.

• Carly OBD2 Scanner – The Carly “Universal” adapter is priced at £64.90 and is shipped from Germany to the UK. Delivery can take up to three weeks due to customs processing. Pricing includes VAT, so UK buyers won’t face extra charges at checkout. However, while the hardware is relatively inexpensive, Carly requires a subscription for full functionality (see below).

💳 Subscription Costs

• XTOOL A30M – This is a true one-time purchase with no subscriptions required. It comes with free lifetime software updates, meaning all future functions and vehicle coverage are included at no extra cost.

• Carly – Carly operates on a subscription model. After buying the scanner, you’ll need to subscribe yearly to access most features. UK pricing for the subscription varies by car brand:

  • Single-brand licenses: £60–£79 per year

  • All-brands license: £87 per year

  • Optional “Smart Mechanic” feature: additional £36 per year

So if you want full diagnostics across multiple brands plus expert guidance, you’re looking at around £123 per year, every year.

🚗 Features & Compatibility

• XTOOL A30M – Offers full-system diagnostics across 85+ car brands. It supports modules including engine, ABS, SRS, transmission, HVAC, body control and more. Crucially, it includes bi-directional testing (active commands) for systems like fuel pumps, A/C compressors, window motors, injectors, etc.
  It supports over 21 maintenance reset functions such as:

  • Oil/service resets

  • Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) reset

  • Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) calibration

  • Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration

  • ABS brake bleed

  • Throttle body relearn

  • Battery registration

  • Injector coding
    All updates and features are included free for life. It connects to Android and iOS devices using the free Anyscan app and features a built-in voltage screen and LED light for easier use.

• Carly – Supports diagnostics and maintenance resets on a wide range of makes, but is especially strong with German and Japanese cars such as BMW, MINI, VW, Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, and Lexus. Carly excels in car coding—customizing hidden features (e.g., auto-folding mirrors, lighting options).
  Service features include:

  • Oil/service light reset

  • Battery condition check

  • DPF regeneration

  • Electronic brake bleeding (on supported models)
    Carly also offers a “Used Car Check” and optional repair guidance through its “Smart Mechanic” add-on. However, the availability of features varies greatly by vehicle, and most premium functions are locked behind a subscription.

📱 Ease of Use

Both scanners are plug-and-play via smartphone apps:

• XTOOL A30M: Connects via Bluetooth to the free Anyscan app. Just plug in the scanner, open the app, and it will auto-detect your car. The interface is straightforward, with live data, graphing, and easy-to-access diagnostic menus.

• Carly: Also uses Bluetooth and a clean, modern app interface. After plugging in the device and launching the Carly app, it walks you through scans and offers optional repair suggestions (with a paid subscription). Carly’s layout is also user-friendly but more restrictive unless you’ve subscribed.

🔁 Service Functions & Diagnostics

• XTOOL A30M: Offers more comprehensive maintenance resets than most scanners in this price range. This includes advanced resets like injector coding, throttle relearning, and ABS bleeding—functions typically found on professional-grade tools.

• Carly: Provides essential resets (e.g., oil change reminders, DPF functions, battery status), but may lack deeper OE-level resets unless supported by the car and unlocked by your subscription level. Carly’s standout strength is in coding and visual customisation rather than in-depth repairs.

🔄 Bidirectional (Active) Tests

• XTOOL A30M: Includes full bi-directional testing, allowing you to trigger and test components like fans, valves, solenoids, and relays. This is a major advantage when diagnosing electrical or mechanical faults.

• Carly: Limited in this area. While it can access data and perform some module-level actions, it does not support bi-directional testing in the same way as XTOOL. Its functionality focuses more on diagnostics and feature customization than real-time component testing.

🏁 Final Verdict for UK Buyers

💬 Summary

• If you want a powerful, one-time-purchase scanner that does diagnostics, active tests, and service resets across a wide range of vehicles, the XTOOL A30M is an excellent choice.

• If your focus is customizing or coding a BMW, VW, or Audi, and you’re okay with a yearly subscription, then Carly is a strong alternative—but less ideal for general fault-finding or workshop-level tasks.

Recommendation: For UK drivers, mechanics, or enthusiasts who want no hidden costs, maximum function, and cross-brand compatibility, the XTOOL A30M offers the best value overall.