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Side-by-side

STEER vs Carly

STEER and Carly are both OBD2 scanner + app systems, but they target different users. Carly is a power-user tool with manufacturer-specific module access and car coding (lights, comfort, drivetrain) on supported brands — strongest on BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and VW. STEER is a generic OBD-II diagnostics app for everyday owners on any car, with SteerScore (0–100 health number) and an AI Mechanic chat for plain-English questions. STEER doesn't do car coding by design.

TL;DR

Carly is a power-user tool with deep manufacturer-specific features and car coding on supported brands. STEER is a brand-agnostic, plain-English diagnostics app for everyday owners who just want to know if their car is OK.

Side by side

  • FeatureTarget user
    SteerEveryday driver, anxious owner, non-mechanic.
    CarlyPower user / enthusiast on a supported brand.
  • FeatureSupported vehicles
    SteerMost cars 2003+ (generic OBD-II PIDs).
    CarlyDeep brand-specific support for select makes — strongest on BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW.
  • FeatureBrand-specific diagnostics
    SteerGeneric OBD-II by design.
    CarlyYes — adapter unlocks manufacturer-specific data.
  • FeatureCar coding / customisation
    SteerNot offered — by design.
    CarlyYes, on supported brands.
  • FeaturePlain-English diagnostics
    SteerYes — severity, safety, what to do — written for non-mechanics.
    CarlyYes, but the UI is denser and assumes more technical familiarity.
  • FeatureSingle car-health number
    SteerSteerScore (0–100).
    CarlyNot the headline metric.
  • FeatureAI Mechanic chat
    SteerYes — built into the app.
    CarlyLimited.
  • FeatureSubscription
    SteerSTEER Pro $99/year, stated upfront.
    CarlyAnnual subscription model tied to features and brand.
  • FeatureiOS support
    SteeriPhone-first (iOS 18+).
    CarlyiOS and Android.

When STEER is better for you

  • If your car isn't a BMW/Mercedes/Audi/VW (Carly's strongest brands).
  • If you don't want to learn how OBD-II works under the hood.
  • If you want a calm overview and severity-first framing, not dense data.
  • If car coding isn't a goal — and you'd rather it not be possible.

When Carly might be better

  • If you specifically want brand-deep data on a supported make.
  • If you want to do car coding (lights, comfort, drivetrain settings).
  • If you're an enthusiast and you enjoy power-user UX.

Try STEER

Buy Steer→See STEER pricing
Information based on publicly available sources at the time of writing. Competitor features change — verify with Carly's official site before making a purchase decision.