Autel and Launch are the two oldest and most respected names in the OBD2 scan tool market right now. They both offer a wide range of products with different features and options to meet various needs.
Choosing between these two companies can be quite challenging because each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
That’s why I’m going to compare Autel and Launch in a debate.
Read my post to get a closer look at these brands and understand how they differ.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Choose Autel Over Launch?
1. Trusted by mechanics
When it comes to choosing a scanner, the most crucial factor to consider is reliability. Autel has earned the trust of many mechanics over the years, making it my preferred choice when deciding between Autel and other brands.
2. Cover all customer’s need
Furthermore, both Autel and Launch cater to a wide range of customers, including beginners, DIYers, professionals, and repair shop owners.
But what’s more special about Autel? They also excel in producing many best high-end scan tools for professionals or repair shop owners.
These advanced scanners, such as the Autel MS909 or Autel Ultra, typically offer a full set of features that can meet various needs at a busy shop or garage.
3. More stable features
In my experience, Autel’s features tend to be more stable. For instance, when using the AutoVIN feature, I’ve faced fewer issues with Autel compared to Launch.
4. Frequently upgrade hardware
Plus, Autel tends to improve the hardware of their best-selling scanners more frequently. Take the Autel MK808S, for instance. It recently got an upgrade to Android 11, with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a faster quad-core processor, making it a better tool overall.
Why Should You Choose Launch Over Autel?
1. More affordable price
Firstly, Launch scanners are generally cheaper than Autel ones. What’s more, Launch often packs in some cool new features that Autel lacks.
For example, the Launch CRP919E, which costs around $450, can do ECU coding, a feature that’s missing in the similarly priced Autel MK808S.
2. Offer more update years and fewer fees
Secondly, Launch is a winner regarding updates. They usually give you more years of free updates for their products in almost every category.
Launch products often come with 2 years of free updates, while Autel products usually only give you about 1 year.
Plus, if you have to pay for updates, Launch’s fees are usually lower than Autel’s. Take, for example, the Launch X431 V+ and Autel MS906: the V+’s update fee is only $399, while the MS906’s fee is $695.
3. Cover older vehicles
Launch can be slightly better than Autel with its the ability to cover OBD1 vehicles.
It’s tough to figure out which company’s scanner offers broader vehicle coverage due to the extensive range of products from both.
From what I’ve seen, when it comes to professional scanners, both do a good job covering a wide range of vehicles. But with Launch scanners, you can also deal with OBD1 cars without using another OBD1 scanner.
Best-selling scanners from Autel and Launch
| Price | Level | Autel | Launch | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | Beginners | Autel AL319 | Launch CR3001 | Compare >> |
| $100-$200 | DIYers, Home mechanics | Autel MD806 | Launch CRP123X | Compare >> |
| $500 | DIYers, Home mechanics | Autel MK808S | Launch CRP919E | Compare >> |
| $1,000 | Professionals, Shop owners | Autel MP808BT | Launch X431 V | Compare >> |
| $2,000-$2,500 | Professionals, Shop owners | Autel Elite II | Launch X431 PAD V | Compare >> |
| $2,500-$5,000 | Professionals, Shop owners | Autel Ultra | Launch X431 PAD VII | Compare >> |
1. For Beginners
If you’re new to OBD2 tools, Autel and Launch are popular choices. These brands’ scanners regularly rank mong the top 100 best-selling products in this market.
Launch has a line of scanners called Creader, and Autel has two lines: AutoLink and MaxiScan.
They both offer similar features to fix basic car problems. You can find more information in the table below.
| Main functions | - Read & clear engine codes - Smog check - Live data |
|
| Reason to buy | Cheap enough to have around and not have to go to dealers or mechanics for a simple scan. | |
| Price range | <$100 | |
| Recommended scanners |  Autel AL319 |  LAUNCH CR3001 |
#1. Autel AL319 vs. LAUNCH CR3001
Great for beginners who just want to do basic tasks like scanning trouble codes.
For under $50, having a code reader like this can help you spot car problems early and avoid issues on the road.
But if I had to pick one, I’d go with the Launch because not only does it have more features, but also is affordable.
 Autel AL319 |  LAUNCH CR3001 |
|
|---|---|---|
| FUNCTIONS | ||
| Full OBD2 functions | ||
| Engine codes | ||
| Live data | ||
| Smog check | ||
| EVAP test | ||
| DESIGN & HARDWARE | ||
| Screen size | ||
| Connection type | ||
| Cable length | ||
| AFTER-SALES SERVICE | ||
| Free updates | ||
| Warranty | ||
| Customer support | ||
2. For DIYers, Home mechanics
If you’re already pretty handy with car repairs and maintenance, these products are perfect for you. Autel and Launch have designed product lines specifically with you in mind:
- Autel has the MaxiDiag and MaxiLink series.
- Launch has the CRP series.
These tools can handle all sorts of tasks, from scanning trouble codes to active tests or ECU coding.
See the table below for a quick comparison of Autel and Launch products.
| Main functions | - Read & clear codes from four/full systems - Perform service functions - Perform active tests | - Read & clear codes from four/full systems - Perform service functions - Perform active tests - Perform ECU coding |
| Reason to buy | Repair cars and do any maintenance at home instead of visiting mechanics. | |
| Price range | $100-$500 | |
| Recommended scanners |  Autel MD806 |  Launch CRP123X |
 Autel MK808S |  Launch CRP919E |
|
#1. Autel MD806 vs. LAUNCH CRP123X
These two scanners are a good fit for anyone who wants to do simple car repairs and maintenance at home. They have the necessary features you need, like four-system diagnostics and common service functions.
With a reasonable price tag of around $200, these are the top choices from Autel and Launch.
Before making your decision, you can check out a detailed comparison table that shows what they can do.
 Autel MD806 |  Launch CRP123X |
|
|---|---|---|
| DIAGNOSTICS | ||
| Four-system diagnostic | ||
| Live data | ||
| AutoVIN | ||
| SERVICE FUNCTIONS | ||
| Service functions | ||
| EPB reset | ||
| Battery registration | ||
| DPF regen | ||
| A/F reset | ||
| DESIGN & HARDWARE | ||
| Touch screen | ||
| Screen size | ||
| Connection type | ||
| Cable length | ||
| AFTER-SALES SERVICE | ||
| Free updates | ||
| Warranty | ||
| Customer support | ||
#2. Autel MK808S vs. Launch CRP919E
These two products are super popular and affordable, costing under $500 but offer various advanced functions. They’re both among the top 100 best-selling scanners on Amazon, so you can trust that they’re reliable.
For this price, you get more features compared to the Autel MD806 and Launch CRP123X.
You can not only read all trouble codes but also do more maintenance tasks and even perform active tests. Plus, with the CRP919E, ECU coding is also supported.
 Autel MK808S |  LAUNCH CRP919E |
|
|---|---|---|
| DIAGNOSTICS | ||
| Full-system diagnostic | ||
| Live data | ||
| Active tests | ||
| SERVICE FUNCTIONS | ||
| Service functions | ||
| Oil Reset | ||
| ABS Bleeding | ||
| TPMS Reset | ||
| Key Programming | ||
| Crankshaft Relearn | ||
| Transmission Relearn | ||
| OTHER FUNCTIONS | ||
| VAG Guided Function | ||
| ECU coding | ||
| VEHICLE COVERAGE | ||
| OBD2 car/light truck | ||
| Later GM and Ford | ||
| DESIGN & HARDWARE | ||
| Screen size | ||
| Storage | ||
| Wireless connection | ||
| AFTER-SALES SERVICE | ||
| Free updates | ||
| Yearly update fee | ||
| Warranty | ||
| Customer support | ||
3. For Professionals, Shop Owners
3.1 Overview
If you’re looking for professional-grade scan tools, both Autel and Launch have got you covered.
Launch keeps things simple with its X431 product line, which is their go-to choice for professionals.
Autel, on the other hand, offers a bunch of series like MaxiCheck, MaxiCOM, MaxiSys, MaxiPro, and MaxiDas, giving you more options to choose from.
If you want more details, just check out the table below.
| Main functions | - Read & clear all trouble codes - Perform various service functions - Perform full active tests - Perform ECU coding/programming |
|
| Reason to buy | Cover 80%-90% of your possible needs whether you are a professional mechanic or shop owner. | |
| Price range | $1,000-$5,000 | |
| Recommended scanners |  Autel MP808BT |  Launch X431 V |
 Autel Elite II |  Launch X431 PAD V |
|
 Autel Ultra |  Launch X431 PAD VII |
|
#1. Autel MP808BT vs. Launch X431 V
These two products are made for people who know their way around car repairs, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a pro.
Launch X431 V and Autel MP808BT don’t break the bank, but they still do the important stuff like full system checks, running active tests, and handling various service functions.
Between the two options from Launch and Autel in this segment, I prefer the Launch X431 V because it offers a broader range of functions.
However, if you’re watching your budget closely, the MP808BT is also a good pick because it has 90% similar features to the X431 V.
Autel MP808BT | Launch X431 V |
|
|---|---|---|
| DIAGNOSTICS | ||
| Full-system diagnostics | ||
| Live data | ||
| Active test | ||
| SERVICE FUNCTIONS | ||
| Number of functions | ||
| Crank Relearn | ||
| Transmission Relearn | ||
| Key Programming | ||
| ECU coding | ||
| Offline programming | ||
| VEHICLE COVERAGE | ||
| OBD2 car/light truck | ||
| OBD1 car/light truck | ||
| DESIGN & HARDWARE | ||
| Battery | ||
| Storage | ||
| Connection type | ||
| Screen size | ||
| AFTER-SALES SERVICE | ||
| Free update | ||
| Update fee | ||
| Warranty | ||
| Customer support | ||
#2. Autel Elite II vs. Launch X431 PAD V
Once you step into this category, advanced features like ECU programming become essential. That’s why both Autel and Launch offer two competing products: the Autel Elite II and the Launch X431 PAD V.
Both of these scanners can handle about 95% of the advanced functions required to solve various issues when working on different vehicles.
In my view, these two scanners are in a tight competition with each other. Each one has its unique strengths and weaknesses, which you can explore further by referring to the table below.
Autel Elite II | Launch PAD V |
|
|---|---|---|
| DIAGNOSTICS | ||
| Full-system diagnostics | ||
| Live data | ||
| Active test | ||
| Topology map | ||
| Intelligent Diagnostics | ||
| SERVICE FUNCTIONS | ||
| Number of functions | ||
| Crank Relearn | ||
| Transmission Relearn | ||
| Key Programming | ||
| ECU coding | ||
| ECU programming | ||
| VEHICLE COVERAGE | ||
| OBD2 car/light truck | ||
| OBD1 car/light truck | ||
| DESIGN & HARDWARE | ||
| Battery | ||
| Storage | ||
| Screen size | ||
| Android OS | ||
| AFTER-SALES SERVICE | ||
| Free update | ||
| Update fee | ||
| Warranty | ||
| Customer support | ||
#3. Autel Ultra vs. Launch X431 PAD VII
Among the options offered by each company, the Launch X431 PAD VII and Autel Ultra are the priciest scanners.
But there’s a significant price gap between them. The Launch X431 PAD VII costs just under $3,000, while the Ultra is considerably more expensive at over $4,500.
The higher price of the Ultra comes with more functions and better features compared to the PAD VII.
Notably, it includes a $2,000 VCMI device, which contributes to the higher cost.
Nevertheless, the PAD VII remains a strong competitor to the Autel Ultra, offering impressive performance at a more budget-friendly price.
Autel Ultra | Launch PAD VII |
|
|---|---|---|
| DIAGNOSTICS | ||
| Full-system diagnostics | ||
| Live data | ||
| Active test | ||
| Topology map | ||
| Intelligent Diagnostics | ||
| OTHER FUNCTIONS | ||
| Service functions | ||
| Crank Relearn | ||
| Transmission Relearn | ||
| Key Programming | ||
| ECU coding | ||
| ECU programming | ||
| VEHICLE COVERAGE | ||
| OBD2 car/light truck | ||
| OBD1 car/light truck | ||
| DESIGN & HARDWARE | ||
| Battery | ||
| Storage | ||
| Screen size | ||
| 5-in-1 VCMI | ||
| AFTER-SALES SERVICE | ||
| Free update | ||
| Update fee | ||
| Warranty | ||
| Customer support | ||
Who won this battle?
Autel and Launch are both top-notch brands, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Your choice really comes down to what you need.
Here’s a little advice to help you out:
If you’ve got extra money, go for Autel for top reliability and high-end scan tools, especially if you’re a pro or run a shop.
On the other hand, Launch offers affordable options with lots of features, making it a great value choice. Plus, their update fees are more budget-friendly than Autel’s, something worth considering.
For a detailed comparison between a specific Autel and Launch scanner, feel free to check out the reviews on my blog. They’ll help you make an informed decision.
Read more:
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