Launch CRP129E Vs. CRP129X Vs. CRP129: Should I get upgraded to the new version?

Launch is a company entirely devoted to equipment that diagnoses and maintains car systems. Their line of CRP OBD2 scanners are must-have tools for anyone who wants to monitor and maintain all his car’s systems at home.

Comparing the Launch CRP129E vs. CRP129X vs. CRP129, you’ll find three of them to be reliable, user-friendly, and fully functioning OBD2 scanners. But how do these models differ—and which one is right for you? We’ll break it down in detail below.

But First,

Let’s take a look at this Comparison Table.

Launch CRP129E vs. Launch CRP129X vs Launch CRP129: Side-by-Side Comparison

Which One’s Right for You?

While the Launch CRP129 is cheaper, it’s not cheaper by much. It’s the best option if you’re budgeting down to the dollar. Otherwise, we’d definitely recommend going with one of the more comprehensive OBDII scan tools.

Between the Launch CRP129E and Launch CRP129X, it seems like a no-brainer. Feature-wise, the Launch CRP129E is hands down the better scanner. It covers more vehicles and scans more systems, including diesel engines that the others can’t handle.

This combination of factors makes the CRP129E the best choice for both professionals and home car enthusiasts, in our opinion. It’s the easiest to use, has the most comprehensive features, and is still a great value at just over two hundred bucks.

Launch CRP129E vs. CRP129X vs. CRP129: Detailed Comparison and Review

The Launch CRP129 and Launch CRP129E are very similar products in many respects. At first glance, they look nearly identical, down to the red rubber casing. All three of the Launch CRP129 models are compact and portable. They’re very simple to use, too, with comprehensive features that will meet professional mechanics’ needs.

You can think of the Launch CRP129E and the Launch CRP129X as upgraded versions of the Launch CRP129. If you’re looking at the Launch CRP129 vs. Launch CRP129E vs. Launch CRP129X, you’ll see the CRP129E and CRP129X outperform the original in nearly every category. As you might expect, the CRP129E and CRP129X also cost more—although honestly not as much more as you’d think to look at the stats.

Design and Specifications

The Launch CRP129 has a simple interface. All of the controls are clearly labeled and easy to use, and the navigation is intuitive. You’ll appreciate the 3.5″ LCD, which gives you high-definition clarity that’s easy to read.

You won’t need to install any drivers or do any set-up in terms of set-up and operation. The Launch CRP129 is basically plug-and-play straight from the box. It starts up quickly when you’re ready to use it, too, so you can jump right into your diagnostics.

The Launch CRP129X has a very similar design to the Launch CRP129. It is slightly larger, though it’s still very compact. More space also means room for a bigger screen, making it a better buy for those with imperfect eyesight.

Everything above about the speed and ease of the CRP129 and CRP129X is also true of the Launch CRP129E. There’s a 5″ high-resolution touchscreen on the CRP129E and CRP129X scan tools, making navigation much easier than the button-based navigation of the CRP129.

Another great feature of the CRP129E and CRP129X’s designs is that they are powered by a 400 mAh Lithium-Ion battery. The battery is rechargeable and long-lasting, and it comes with the scanner. Being free from a power cord gives you a lot more flexibility as you perform your diagnostics.

Basic Features and Functions

The Launch CRP129 diagnoses four car-systems (Engine, AT, ABS, and SRS) and has three reset functions (oil, EPB, and SAS). This covers all your basic needs as far as checking major systems for problems and turning off pesky warning lights. 

One of the most common uses for the Launch CRP129 is to do smog tests and verify your vehicle meets your state’s emission standards. It can check your air and fuel ratio, fuel injection, and engine ignition, as well as running carbon canister and oxygen sensor tests. You can use this data to maximize your car’s gas mileage, so it saves you money along with helping the environment.

The Launch CRP129 is also handy for resetting your systems after making repairs or replacing components. It’ll reset your oil system so you can trust the accuracy of your check oil light again. You can also use the Launch CRP129 to release an electronic parking brake or calibrate your steering column angle.

Again, the Launch CRP129X does all of that and then some. It can reset your TPMS and throttle position along with the standard systems covered by the Launch CRP129. The auto-VIN scan feature is helpful, too, letting you quickly obtain your vehicle’s information.

The Launch CRP129E takes it further still. If you want to really know what’s going on inside your car’s engine, you’ll love the Launch CRP129E. It can tell you why your airbag warning or check engine light is on and disable them once you’ve fixed the problem. It also diagnoses your OPDS and EVPS systems, something the Launch CRP129 and Launch CRP129X can’t do.

Additional Features and Functions

Both the Launch CRP129 and the Launch CRP129E read and clear DTC codes. The Launch CRP129E also lets you store DTC data and read current pending codes and permanent codes. All three models include an onboard DTC library, saving you time when it comes to interpreting the error data.

For monitoring your battery, the Launch CRP129 and Launch CRP129X have a voltage test. For real-time monitoring of your battery’s operation, you’ll want the Launch CRP129E. You can see this data graphed, as well, which helps track your battery’s performance over time.

All of the diagnostic tests performed by the Launch CRP129E can be recorded. This might be the most impressive feature of this powerful scanner. You can play the data back, store it, print it, or send it to yourself through email.

The Launch CRP129X also has full recording and playback of data. You can save, share, and print the overall inspection report, a helpful tool if you want to show your mechanic exactly what’s wrong with your car.

Supported Protocols

The Launch CRP129, Launch CRP129E and Launch CRP129X all support all five signal protocols of the OBDII test. These protocols include:

• SAE J1850 PWM: The standard protocol of the Ford Motor Company, using pulse-width modulation.
• SAE J1850 VPW: The standard protocol of General Motors, which uses a variable pulse width.
• ISO 9141-2: This protocol is typically found in European and Asian vehicles. It uses an asynchronous serial data rate, with communication on one bidirectional line.
• ISO 14230: This is the keyword protocol 2000. It has a high signal voltage, over 12-volts.
• ISO 15765 CAN: This protocol is widely used outside the automotive industry and was developed for industrial controls. It has a relatively low signal voltage level compared to the other protocols.

OBDII Testing Modes

All the models here support all ten modes of the OBDII test. Where the Launch CRP129E really out-paces the Launch CRP129 and CRP129X is in its data management. The Launch CRP129 gives you a dynamic graphic display of the data. The Launch CRP129E lets you view live data in both graphic and text formats. It also gives you the extended manufacturer’s OBDII data you won’t get from the standard CRP129.

Supported Vehicle Makes

The Launch CRP129 supports most vehicles made after 2006, covering 40 different companies, including popular brands like Ford, GM, Mazda, Honda, Kia, Nissan, and Audi. The main exceptions are vehicles with diesel engines, and it doesn’t support diesel trucks.

The vehicle support on the Launch CRP129X is slightly expanded. It functions perfectly on 57 vehicle brands and can work on older vehicles that the Launch CRP129 doesn’t support. This generally includes any North American cars made after 1996.

The Launch CRP129E supports even more models than the Launch CRP129X, including luxury and sports brands like Bugatti, Bentley, and Rolls Royce. Owners of larger vehicles will also want to get the Launch CRP129E, supporting some light-duty trucks. Many hybrid cars are also supported by the Launch CRP129E, but not the Launch CRP129.

Software and Updates

All three versions of the Launch CRP129 come with free online upgrades for life. You’ll never need to worry about any of these models becoming outdated. These updates are also multi-lingual, with nine language options to choose from.

The software of the Launch CRP129E is more sophisticated than what you’ll find on the Launch CRP129 or CRP129X. It uses an Android-based operating system so that Android users will feel right at home. Because it has 1GB RAM, you’re able to store many diagnostic results at once.

Improved software also gives the CRP129E the option of the feedback feature. You can form a database to store your sensor data. The Launch CRP129E also offers more control over your graphs, with the option to separate, merge, and overlay them.

Launch CRP129 Pros and Cons

Launch CRP129E Pros and Cons

Launch CRP129X Pros and Cons

FAQ

What comes included with the Launch CRP129, Launch CRP129X, and Launch CRP129E?

The Launch CRP129 comes with an OBDII cable, a USB cable, an SD card, and an SD reader—all the basics you need to use it.

The Launch CRP129E and Launch CRP129X also come with an extended OBDII cable and the rechargeable Li-Ion battery, a charging cable, and a carrying case for safe transportation.

What do the system acronyms stand for?

The acronyms of the major systems diagnosed by both the Launch CRP129 and the Launch CRP129E are:

• ABS: Anti-lock Braking System
• AT: Automatic Transmission
• EPB: Electric Parking Brake
• SAS: Steering Angle Calibration
• SRS: Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System (airbags)

You’ll also see the following system acronyms associated with the Launch CRP129E:

• EPS: Electric Power Steering
• EVPS: Electric Vacuum Pump System
• OPDS: Occupant Position Detection System
• TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Will these scanners work on cars made in Europe and Japan?

Most models, yes. The Launch CRP129 will cover European Fords and several European models like Mini, Volkswagen, and BMW. This is also true of the Launch CRP129X. The Launch CRP129X is more comprehensive regarding Asian cars, covering a wider range of models and brands.

For higher-end European cars, you’ll want to look at the vehicle list of the Launch CRP129E, which includes most of the major names. It is equally comprehensive when it comes to cars from North America and Asia.

Can these scanners program electronic keys and key fobs?

No, none of these Launch scanners has this function. That function is only offered on their more advanced Launch X431 pro.

Can these scanners show you previously read codes?

None of these scanners can actively retrieve codes that have already been read and cleared. With a little foresight, though, you can save this information on either the Launch CRP129X or Launch CRP129E. The ability to record and share error data lets you maintain a running record of your car’s diagnostic health. Just make sure you save the reports if you think you might want them later because you won’t be able to go back and reread them.

Will these scanners support OBDI?

The Launch CRP129 supports some test modes of OBDI if you have an adapter cable.

Read more: Honest Review of the Best Launch Scan Tools 2021