If you struggle to plug things into your car’s OBD2 port, an OBD2 extension cable could be your answer. These convenient (and very affordable) cables can also add additional connectors for devices. That’s great news if you use a GPS tracker but still want to perform diagnostics.
Want to get one for yourself? Check out the reviews of the top ten OBD2 extension cables below to find the one that’s right for your vehicle.
Best OBD2 Extension Cables
| Editor's Picks | Product | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall (5ft) | Docooler | 9.5/10 |
| Runner Up (2ft) | BBFly-A9 | 9.5/10 |
| Budget Buy (1ft) | ARTECKIN | 8.5/10 |
| Also Great (2ft) | GEMWON | 8.5/10 |
| Also Great (2ft) | OLLGEN | 7.5/10 |
1. BBFly-A9 16 Pin Female to Male OBD2 Port Extension Cable
This 2-in-1 OBD2 extension cable from BBFly is a reliable option if you want to expand your OBD2 port’s potential. The wire’s flat profile means it will work with basically any engine, and the wire is nicely flexible, too.
Regarding build quality, the BBFly-A9 will stand up to plenty of use. Our only gripe is that the inside contacts use hot glue as an insulator rather than a heat sink. Having said that, the durability is high, and the all-pin pass-through makes it a very versatile cable. It also allows for easy modifications if you need to change which side the cable runs from.
Pros
- Flexible and durable
- Supports all OBDII protocols (CAN included)
- Ultra-low-profile design
- Allows for connection of 2 devices
- Pass-through on all pins with no shared grounds
Cons
- Inside contacts don’t use heat shrink
- No power switch
BBFly-A9
2. GEMWON 16 Pin Female to Male OBD2 Port Extension Cable
The Gemwon OBD2 extension cable has a lot in common with the BBFly model above. It offers the same cable length and thin ribbon design. It’s also built to give a full 16-pin pass-through and work with all OBD2 protocols, allowing you to connect any two devices you’d like.
The rubber coating on the cable allows it to be flexible without taking a lot of wear. It’s also protected against damage from your car’s fluids—important for anything you’ll be using on your vehicle. The lack of a power switch can be a problem for some applications, but it’s ideal for most uses.
Pros
- Right angle connectors
- Allows use of 2 simultaneous devices
- Fully compatible with all OBD2 protocols
- Tight sockets hold connection well
- Durable and flexible
Cons
- Cable not long enough for devices with antennas (e.g. GPS)
- No power switch
GEMWON
3. OLLGEN 16 Pin Female to Male OBD2 Port Extension Cable
Of all the OBD2 extension cables’ features, the right-angle connector is one of the most convenient. You’ll get them with this Ollgen 2-in-1 OBD2 extension cable. It pairs these connectors with a thin, flexible cable, making it a convenient addition to any vehicle.
As to the specs, the Ollgen 2-in-1 has full pass-through on all 16 pins. It also supports all OBD2 protocols so that it will work in any vehicle with an OBD2 port. Keep in mind that the connector can’t be flipped as easily as with other OBD2 cables, which can be inconvenient for some users but is a relatively minor complaint on an overall useful cable.
Pros
- Cable is flat and flexible
- Easy to plug in and use
- Allows use of 2 devices simultaneously
- Ideal for connecting GPS trackers
- Full pass-through on all 16 pins
Cons
- Can’t flip connection if it’s coming out the wrong side
- No power switch
OLLGEN
4. ARTECKIN 16pin Male to Female OBD2 Extension Cable
Here’s an OBD2 extension cable for buyers on a budget. The Arteckin OBD2 flat ribbon cable is one of the most affordable pieces of gear you’ll ever buy for your car. While it doesn’t have many bells and whistles, it’s the cheapest way to get an OBD2 extension cable with independent pins.
This Arteckin cable is ideal if you’re looking for a cheap way to make your OBD2 port more accessible. It does have some weaknesses, however. You’ll only be able to hook up one device using this cable, first of all. The short length is also limiting for many users. On the other hand, the angled connectors and flat ribbon design make it easy to connect.
Pros
- Most affordable option
- Full pass on all pins
- Flat ribbon design allows it to fit in most engines
- Angled connectors are easier to fit in place
- Fits snugly and holds connection well
Cons
- Cable is only 1 foot long
- Connector locked in place (can’t flip the angle)
ARTECKIN
5. Docooler 16pin Male to Female OBD2 Extension Cable
If you want an extension cable for the extra length rather than added connections, the Docooler OBD2 cable is for you. It provides a full 5 feet of extra length. This feature is perfect if you need to install devices that use an antenna.
Now you won’t get any extra ports with this extension cable; it’s solely to make your port more accessible. The cable itself is high-quality, however, with a durable and bendable rubber coating. The connections are tight and secure—too tight for some users, which is the main complaint against this cable.
Pros
- Extra length perfect for GPS devices
- Connections and cables are durable
- Tight and reliable connection
- Supports all OBD2 protocols and devices
- Full pass-through on all pins
Cons
- Round cable may not fit every installation
- Connection is too tight for some users
Docooler
6. iKKEGOL 16 Pin Male to Female OBD2 Extension Cable
The iKKEGOL OBD2 extension cable’s build quality is the main thing that earned it a place on this list. The construction quality is high here, giving a cable that’s flexible but still built to last. Thanks to its rubber coating, you’ll never have to worry about damage from automotive fluids.
The iKKEGOL Extension Cable is also very affordable, at under ten bucks, making it ideal in our mind for applications that require splicing. The interior wires are color-coded, so you know which one goes to which pin. Splice the wires in this cable instead of in your OBD2 connector to prevent potential damage. There’s a separate pass-through for each pin, so you don’t have to worry about disrupting grounds.
Pros
- Very affordable compared to other cables
- Right angle connection on male side
- Built to fit any OBD2 vehicle
- More durable cable
- Perfect for splicing applications
Cons
- Cable is on the shorter side
- Round cable won’t fit in through-dash applications
iKKEGOL
7. Arteckin OBD2 Splitter Male to 2 Female Extension Cable
Another very affordable option, the Arteckin OBD2 Splitter Extension Cable, is the best OBD2 cable extension cable that’s also a splitter. The right-angle connection on the male side works even in cars with a tight fit on the OBD2 port.
For a splitter, the cord here is relatively short—only 12 inches in total. For some users, this is perfect, but it may be too short for antenna uses. Our only significant complaint is that the connectors don’t lock into place very securely. This is only a concern for permanent installations that will be prone to vibrations.
Pros
- Allows use of 2 simultaneous devices
- Right angle connector on male side
- Most affordable 2-device cable
- Works with both 12v and 24v vehicles
- Cable is well-built and flexible
Cons
- Round wire may not work in through-dash applications
- Connection doesn’t lock in
8. Vgate Male to Dual Female OBD2 Extension Cord
Another great option if you need to connect two devices to your OBD2 port is the Vgate OBD2 Male to Dual Female Y Cable. It plugs easily into any OBD2 port, thanks to the right angle connector on the male plug. Once you have it hooked up, both devices will work simultaneously without issue.
The build quality is high on the Vgate OBD2 Y Connector. The fit is perfect on any device or vehicle. Also, the wire is well-insulated against damage from the outside and heat from the inside. So long as the thicker cable won’t interfere with your installation, it’s a quality OBD2 cable for all applications.
Pros
- Male connector has a right-angle connection
- Quick, stable transmission of all diagnostic data
- Splits into 2 device connections
- Well-insulated against shorts and other damage
- Easy to install out of the box
Cons
- Wider cable may not work in all installations
- Known to lag when two devices are plugged in
Vgate
9. Fotag 16 pin OBD2 Splitter Extension Cable
For the maximum durability of an OBD2 cable, you want the Fotag 1 to 3 Splitter Extension Cable. Its solid build does make it a bit bulkier than other options on the market. Having said that, it’s a high-quality option if you want a dependable 3-way splitter for your OBD2 port.
Like other round cables, it has the disadvantage that it may not fit in through-dash installations. However, for in-cab use, the length and width of the cables are exactly what you’ll need. Any three devices you plug into this cable can be used simultaneously, with no switching issues.
Pros
- Runs three devices simultaneously with no lag
- Well-built with solid connections
- Easy to plug into any vehicle with right-angle connector
- Dependable build
- Compatible with all protocols and devices
Cons
- Heavier build makes it harder to stash away
- May be too short or wide for some applications
Fotag
10. iKKEGOL 16 Pin Male to 3 Female OBD2 Splitter Extension Cable
The iKKEGOL OBD2 Splitter Extension Cable is for you if you want an OBD2 extension cable with a power switch. It combines right-angle connections with a flat ribbon design, letting it fit the OBD2 port on any vehicle. By splitting the port into three female connectors, you can attach multiple devices at once effortlessly.
Our only complaint about this extension cable is the length. It’s 20” in total, with less than half that long before the split, which can make it tricky to use comfortably in some vehicles. It’s also worth noting that some pins share grounds, though most do have a direct pass-through.
Pros
- Allows connection of 3 devices simultaneously
- Flat, flexible cable makes installation easy
- Angled connectors fit in tight spaces
- Supports all OBD2 protocols
- Includes power switch for manually turning off OBD devices
Cons
- Direct pass through not available on all pins
- Cable is a bit short for some applications
iKKEGOL
What Is An OBD2 Extension Cable?
An OBD2 extension cable is a specialized adapter designed to connect your car’s OBD2 port. The primary value of this is that it allows you to connect diagnostic equipment, such as code readers and other system testers.
When Do You Need An OBD2 Extension Cable?
There are many reasons you may want to buy an OBD2 cable extension. Firstly, it can save wear and tear on your scan tool’s connector, extending its lifespan. If your device came with a short cable, an OBD2 extension cable gives you more room to work.
You may also want an OBD2 extension cable if you’re using the port for non-diagnostic functions. Certain apps for monitoring your driving require this port, for example. It’s also an easy way to add Bluetooth or Wi-Fi compatibility to your car.
Some cables can split the connection, allowing you to hook up more than one device. This feature helps you read trouble codes without unplugging other devices communicating with your engine through the port.
Final Thoughts
You have to answer two big questions when shopping for an OBD2 extension cable: will it fit your vehicle, and does it have the female connectors you need? While you can daisy-chain cables together to add length, a longer cable like the Docooler can be useful in many situations.
Hopefully, the reviews above have told you what you need to know to get your own OBD2 extension cable. It’s a small investment that can save you hassle the next time you need to read your car’s trouble codes.
Read: More: OBD2 Software: Top 20 Packages for Mac Windows Linux in 2021
Hi Tim:
I read your reviews on the OBDII extension cable. I have a Innova 3030RS device and a 2003 Mustang GT. I looked at the Docooler 3ft extension cable (5ft is a bit long) on Amazon and a few people said it was very tight fitting. I know you haven’t got a crystal ball but in your opinion is it so tight that it won’t fit at all? I have an “insurance mileage monitor” and I have difficulty changing back and forth between the “insurance monitor” to the OBDII device due to arthritis, so such a cable would help.
Regards,
Eugene (Gene) Hlynka
Let’s check my response in your mailbox.
Thanks
Tim