9 best on-board computers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

An on-board computer is becoming an integral part of a modern car. The task of this device is to monitor the state of the most important units and assemblies of the vehicle, inform the driver about the distance traveled, etc. The device is integrated into the on-board network of the car, using a special bus it connects to various sensors. The captured information can be displayed on the BC display or on the smartphone screen. Many automakers these days complete their cars on the factory assembly line with these useful devices. And car owners without a computer have to search for and connect diagnostic devices on their own. Experts advise paying attention to several points when choosing.

How to choose an on-board computer

1. Device design. Today on the market for car accessories, you can find several options for on-board computers.
2. Built-in models are embedded in the dashboard, turning into a standard diagnostic device. But this requires a suitable niche. In addition, there should be a diagnostic connector nearby.
3. Instruments with their own housing and mounting are designed to be mounted on the dashboard or windshield. When choosing such a device, it is important to pay attention to its dimensions so that the visibility of the road situation does not deteriorate.
4. Unnoticed by others, the BC works without its own display. It transmits information about the status of vehicle systems to a smartphone, which is especially convenient for the younger generation.
5. Controlled parameters. On-board computers have a lot in common, showing the most important parameters of the car and movement data.
6. Travel information can be very helpful. BC shows travel time, speed, distance traveled, fuel consumption, road surface condition, overboard temperature, etc.
7. Computers all know about the basic systems of a machine. For example, they show the temperature of the coolant, the load on the engine, the speed of the crankshaft, the pressure in the pipes, etc.
8. The device promptly signals malfunctions. Some models have options such as storing and resetting errors.
9. The ability to connect external devices. A useful BC option is integration with other external devices. A typical example is the connection with parking sensors. Thanks to the combination of devices, it is easier for the driver to park in tight spaces.

We have selected 9 of the best on-board computers for review. All of them are sold in stores in our country. When compiling the rating, the opinion of experts and reviews of motorists were taken into account.

Rating of the best on-board computers

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Embedded Trip Computer	1	Multitronics C-900	RUB 10,020
	2	Multitronics TC-750	RUB 6,890
	3	Multitronics CL-590	RUB 4,520
	4	ORION BK-135	RUB 6,250
	5	GRANTA X-1 State (X1-G State)	1 350 rub.
The best on-board computers to mount on your dashboard or windshield	1	Multitronics VC730	RUB 5,110
	2	Prestige V-55-CAN (RGB)	RUB 6,340
	3	Orion BK-130	RUB 5 550
The best trip computer without its own display	1	Multitronics MPC-800	RUB 4,950

Best Embedded Trip Computer

On-board computers of the built-in type look organically on the car dashboard. Some devices exactly fit into the place of the radio, other models are mounted in the ventilation holes. It is optimal to buy specialized bookmakers for a specific car model. The experts selected several interesting devices.

Multitronics C-900

Rating: 4.9

The Multitronics C-900 model is a versatile on-board computer that can be neatly embedded in a dashboard. Domestic development differs in overall dimensions, which is why it is better suited for large machines. Experts point out the large buttons, which are convenient for motorists with different finger sizes. All information is clearly visible on the color display. In addition to a set of standard options, the computer allows you to connect parking sensors, read errors and temperature in an automatic transmission or variator. The device can work with vehicles running on gas, showing the exact consumption of blue fuel.

The model ranks first in our rating for versatility and reliability. The only drawback of the on-board computer is the high price.

Advantages

• large display;
• convenient control buttons;
• wide functionality;
• high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

• high price.

Multitronics TC-750

Rating: 4.8

The Multitronics TC-750 on-board computer boasts a wide scope of application. It is suitable for cars with diesel or injection engines, for all domestic cars and many foreign cars. The device is able to show through the display the main operating parameters of the engine, fuel consumption, battery voltage, driving speed, etc. The device is programmable, you can set a reminder to change the oil, set the fan to turn on at a certain engine temperature. The on-board computer clearly monitors the condition of the road, promptly notifying the driver about ice.

The experts gave the device the second place in the rating for ease of connection, reliability and durability. The motorists did not like the power buttons.

Advantages

• a large number of options;
• possibility of programming;
• tracking the condition of the road;
• ease of connection.

disadvantages

• inconvenient power buttons.

Multitronics CL-590

Rating: 4.7

The on-board computer Multitronics CL-590 has an unusual appearance. It can be installed in place of the round deflector (interior airflow) or embedded in the overhead console. The manufacturer has provided for the possibility of programming the device, making a reminder about maintenance or renewal of the insurance policy. Unlike the C family, the CL version does not have a voice guidance function. The device determines the temperature of the oil in the automatic transmission in some car models. The on-board computer firmware is updated when connected to a stationary device via the USB connector. The model ranks third in our ranking.

Car owners speak flatteringly about such qualities of the device as rich functionality and programmability. Difficulties arise only with the connection.

Advantages

• rich functionality;
• ease of programming;
• convenient econometer;
• original form.

disadvantages

• complex installation.

ORION BK-135

Rating: 4.6

The experts included the ORION BK-135 device in our rating not by chance. The on-board computer stands out from the competition with a thin case, thanks to which there is a place for installation in any car. The graphic display also looks cool, so the device will fit into the most sophisticated interior of the cabin. The manufacturer did a good job on the functionality of its product. Up to 6 parameters can be displayed on the screen at once, the car owner can also choose the backlight color to his liking. A USB connector is provided for updating the software.

Motorists praise the device for its informativeness, thinnest body, intuitive menu and simple operation. As for the disadvantages, most often users complain about problematic connection and high energy consumption.

Advantages

• compact size;
• stylish appearance;
• wide functionality;
• simple menu.

disadvantages

• connection difficulties.

GRANTA X-1 State (X1-G State)

Rating: 4.5

The State GRANTA X-1 device looks rather modest in comparison with the leaders of the rating in terms of functionality. It is designed to work in domestically produced cars (Chevrolet NIVA and VAZ). The on-board computer monitors such an important indicator as the engine temperature. You can mount it in the dashboard within 5-10 minutes, while the device will not spoil the interior of the cabin. A useful option is the ability to adjust the fan switch-on temperature. Forgetful drivers will need a warning about burning dimensions when the ignition is turned off.

Motorists appreciated the affordable price and ease of installation of the device. The disadvantages include a non-informative monitor and the need to decode error codes.

Advantages

• compactness;
• affordable price;
• easy installation;
• the ability to change the factory settings.

disadvantages

• low information content of the display;
• decoding of error codes is required.

The best on-board computers to mount on your dashboard or windshield

It is very easy to install and remove on-board computers with mounts. They can be mounted to the dashboard or windshield, the use is not limited to cars (motor vehicles, watercraft). The specialists liked the work of the following devices.

Multitronics VC730

Rating: 4.9

Trip computer Multitronics VC730 is equipped with a mount to the windshield. This state-of-the-art instrument features a 2.4-inch color display. The experts noted the 32-bit processor as well as the improved software. The manufacturer has equipped its product with a mini USB port for software updates. The device supports many protocols, which makes it possible to connect to different brands of cars. Of the useful functions, it should be noted econometer, dimensions, countdown. 2 parking radars can be connected to the on-board computer.

The model becomes the winner of our rating for versatility, choice of backlight color, easy connection. The disadvantages of motorists include the lack of voice guidance.

Advantages

• many useful options;
• the ability to connect parking sensors;
• choice of backlight color;
• ease of installation.

disadvantages

• no voice guidance.

Prestige V-55-CAN (RGB)

Rating: 4.8

A continuation of the on-board computer Prestige V-55-CAN was a modification with an RGB display. The device is additionally equipped with voice guidance, with its help, the driver learns about the dangers on the road or problems in the car. The device is designed for installation on trucks and cars. First of all, experts advise the car computer to owners of UAZ and VAZ. It can be attached to the front panel or to the windshield. It is allowed to connect external devices to the device, which expands the functionality. The motorist can independently program the computer and update the software.

The model ranks second in the ranking for flexibility of settings, user-friendly interface and speech synthesizer. Among the shortcomings, users call unreliable fastening.

Advantages

• flexibility of settings;
• the ability to connect external devices;
• user-friendly interface;
• simple installation.

disadvantages

• unreliable fastening.

Orion BK-130

Rating: 4.7

The BK-130 on-board computer allows the operational control of the operation of the main vehicle units. The device is suitable for any car brands, it supports most modern protocols, the device can be connected to sensors. The computer can be installed in any suitable place in the cabin, the model is easy to install and connect to the on-board network. The manufacturer has taken care of a comfortable display of information, for this there is a color selection setting. It is also allowed to change the orientation of the display so that the control buttons are on the driver's side.

The experts gave the product the third place in the rating due to frequent software failures. Periodically, the device turns off spontaneously, it can also turn on independently while the car is parked.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• universality of application;
• ease of connection;
• adjust the backlight color.

disadvantages

• crashes in software.

The best trip computer without its own display

Many car owners always carry a smartphone with them. In this case, it makes sense to purchase an on-board computer without its own display. All information from the device will be transmitted to the mobile phone. One device aroused particular interest among professionals.

Multitronics MPC-800

Rating: 4.8

Owners of smartphones based on Android do not need to purchase expensive on-board computers with a display. The Multitronics MPC-800 model supports the SSP profile, which is used by the mobile application. The device communicates with the phone through Bluetooth, transmitting all information about the condition of the car. The device is equipped with a voice module, which is convenient for the driver during heavy traffic in the city. The device is versatile, it can be integrated into the on-board network of most cars. External devices can be connected to the on-board computer.

For its versatility and affordable price, BC Multitronics MPC-800 becomes the winner of our rating. Of the inconvenience, drivers note the need to install a stand for a smartphone.

Advantages

• universality of application;
• multifunctionality;
• does not change the interior of the cabin;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• not found.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.