Forget about traditional code readers if you run an auto body shop or mechanic garage.
Only an enhanced scan tool can give you the functionality you need to perform advanced repairs.
In today’s post, I will let you in on three popular options: FOXWELL GT60 vs. Autel MK808 vs. Launch CRP909.
These devices are excellent for maintenance services, and they also fall within the same price range.
So, which one should you get?
Most importantly, how different are they from each other?
Let’s dive into these scanners to find the ideal tool for your needs.
Here’s an in-depth review of the FOXWELL GT60 vs. Autel MK808 vs. Launch CRP909.
FOXWELL GT60 vs. Autel MK808 vs. Launch CRP909: Complete Comparison Chart
 FOXWELL GT60 |  Autel MK808 |  LAUNCH CRP909 |
|
| Customer rating |  |  | |
| Price |  | | |
| OBD2 functions | 10/10* | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| System diagnostics | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Advanced service functions | 24+ | 25+ | 26+ |
| Coding/programming | Car Key Programming, Injector Coding | Car Key Programming, Injector Coding | Car Key Programming, Injector Coding |
| Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB + 32 GB on external SD | 16 GB |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1GB | 2GB |
| Battery Capacity | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 6.0 OS | Android 4.4.4 OS | Android 8.0 OS |
| Specialties | 1.91lbs. 12 languages Touchscreen only | 1.1 lbs. 13 languages Touchscreen only | 7.4 lbs. 10 languages Touchscreen + button menu |
| Warranty & Updates | 1-year warranty, free lifetime update | 1-year warranty, $129 yearly updates | 5-year warranty, $95 yearly update |
| Supported Protocols | ISO9141-2, ISO15765-4, ISO14230-2, K/L lines, SAE-J1850 VPW, SAE-J1850PWM, Double K lines, CAN ISO 11898, High-speed, Middle-speed, Low-speed, and Single-wire CAN, UART Echo Byte Protocol, TP2.0, KW81, KW82, GM UART, SAE J1708, TP16, SAE J1939, and Fault-Tolerant CAN. | ISO9141-2, ISO15765-4, ISO14230-2, K/L lines, SAE-J1850 VPW, SAE-J1850PWM, Double K lines, CAN ISO 11898, High-speed, Middle-speed, Low-speed, and Single-wire CAN, UART Echo Byte Protocol, TP2.0, KW81, KW82, GM UART, SAE J1708, TP16, SAE J1939, and Fault-Tolerant CAN. | ISO9141-2, ISO15765-4, ISO14230-2, K/L lines, SAE-J1850 VPW, SAE-J1850PWM, Double K lines, CAN ISO 11898, High-speed, Middle-speed, Low-speed, and Single-wire CAN, UART Echo Byte Protocol, TP2.0, KW81, KW82, GM UART, SAE J1708, TP16, SAE J1939, and Fault-Tolerant CAN. |
| Vehicle Coverage | 100+ car brands, OBD1, OBD2 12V SUVs, passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks. | 80+ car brands, OBD1, OBD2 12V SUVs, passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks. | 108+ car brands, OBD1, OBD2 12V SUVs, passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks. |
*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2
FOXWELL GT60 vs. Autel MK808 vs. Launch CRP909: The Similarities
OBD2 Functions
The FOXWELL GT60, Autel MK808, and Launch CRP909 are full OBD2 scanners. They support the ten OBD2 modes, including showing freeze frame data, reading and clearing codes, identifying a car’s VIN automatically, and performing O2 sensor tests. In addition, these scanners will read and display a live data stream of the ECU. They plot the functions in graph and text form.
You can look up the DTCs within the device instead of searching for the meaning online. Hence, going from knowing the problem to repairing a vehicle is a cinch. Nevertheless, the Launch CRP909 is the cheapest among the three models. Therefore, it is a suitable pick if you’re looking for an advanced scanner with full OBD2 functions.
Advanced System Diagnostics
The FOXWELL GT60, Autel MK808, and Launch CRP909 can read diagnostics from all available vehicle modules. They can access information from the ABS, SRS, EPS, Transmission, and many others. This feature helps you to deal with a wide variety of vehicles.
Coding/Programming
It’s important to know that the three scanners represented here are midrange options. To this end, they do not offer any enhanced coding or ECU programming. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to perform injector coding with any of them. Additionally, the three scanners are capable of disabling lost keys through the IMMO function.
However, the key programming feature is supported on low IMMO grade cars such as Asian brands. You cannot disable the keys on high-end cars such as an Audi or Benz.
The FOXWELL GT60 supports more vehicles regarding coding and programming. It is the definite choice for these functions.
Supported Protocols
The three scanners support all communication protocols. They work with ISO9141-2, ISO15765-4, ISO14230-2, K/L lines, SAE-J1850 VPW, SAE-J1850PWM, Double K lines, CAN ISO 11898, High-speed, Middle-speed, Low-speed, and Single-wire CAN, UART Echo Byte Protocol, TP2.0, KW81, KW82, GM UART, SAE J1708, TP16, SAE J1939, and Fault-Tolerant CAN communication protocols.
FOXWELL GT60 vs. Autel MK808 vs. Launch CRP909: The Differences
Advanced Service Functions
The best thing about these scanners is that they allow you to perform both advanced and straightforward service functions. The FOXWELL GT60 has 24 reset features, while the Autel MK808 has 25 maintenance functions. The Launch CRP909 has the highest number, with 26 advanced service functions.
Keep in mind that the advanced service features vary from vehicle to vehicle. For example, the FOXWELL GT60 can only perform CVT service on Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Nissan vehicles. As such, it’s best to check if a particular car is compatible with a specific service before buying the device.
These scanners can perform Oil, EPB, SAS, SRS, TPMS, throttle position, and TPS reset. They also work on ABS bleeding, transmission adaptation, battery registration, gear learning, etc. The main difference among these scanners is that the Launch CRP909 has a live battery voltage monitor while the other two do not.
A live battery monitor is crucial when you want to see what’s happening in a vehicle fast, especially when looking at many different cars. Most auto repair shop owners will benefit from its advanced relearning procedures.
Specialties
The FOXWELL GT60, Autel MK808, and Launch CRP909 are tablet scanners. You use a touchscreen to access the features. However, the Launch CRP909 also has button menu functionality. You can choose either input system on the device’s menu.
I also noticed a huge difference in weight among these gadgets. Both FOXWELL GT60 and Autel MK808 are in the one-pound range. Yet, the Launch CRP909 is quite heavy at 7.48 pounds. With this in mind, you can take the Autel model on remote jobs as it weighs 1.1 pounds, while the FOXWELL device weighs 1.91 pounds.
The other distinct feature in these models is the language support. FOXWELL GT60 has 12 languages. The Autel device comes with 13 languages, while the Launch CRP909 can be changed into 10 different languages.
Finally, Autel MK808 has a remote support function where you can get Autel technical support to diagnose a car or program keys from another location.
Operating System
All the three models are Android-based. However, the FOXWELL GT60 runs on Android 6.0 while the Autel MK808 uses the Android 4.4.4 operating system. Meanwhile, the Launch CRP909 has the Android 8.0 OS. It means that the latter is the fastest of the three, such that it takes seconds to read diagnostics once it’s connected.
Warranty and Updates
The FOXWELL GT60 has a one-year warranty and offers free lifetime updates. The Autel MK808 has a similar one-year warranty, but you will need a software subscription at $129 per year. Lastly, the Launch CRP909 has a five-year warranty, and yearly subscriptions cost $95.
Without updating, you can use these devices, but you’ll miss out on more coverage, additional features, and security fixes.
Vehicle Coverage
Although the FOXWELL GT60, Autel MK808, and Launch CRP 909 cover OBD1 and OBD2 protocols, they do not support the same number of vehicles. The FOXWELL model works with 63 car brands, and the Autel can operate on 80 car makers, while the Launch device supports 108 vehicle brands.
As you can see, the Launch CRP is a better option in a busy garage. This is because you can maximize the number of car brands that you repair with a diagnostic scanner.
Pros and Cons
FOXWELL GT60
Pros
- Glove-use capacitive screen
- Record and playback functions
- One-key VIN identification.
Cons
- Only 4.5 hours of battery life
- Different functions for various car brands
FOXWELL GT60
Autel MK808
Pros
- Fast A9 processor
- Large 64GB memory
- Detailed diagnostic report
- Comprehensive live data stream
Cons
- Limited IMMO service
Autel MK808
Bonus: Autel MK808: Full-System OBD2 Scan Tool Review
Launch CRP909
Pros
- Wide vehicle coverage
- Superfast operating system
- Supports button input
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
Cons
- Quite bulky at 7.4 pounds
- Live graph could be better
LAUNCH CRP909
Bonus: Launch CRP909 Vs. CRP909E Vs. CRP909X: Never take it before reading this comparison
Final Thoughts
By now, I know you’re ready to choose from the FOXWELL GT60 vs. Autel MK808 vs. Launch CRP909. While they are close in price range, the FOXWELL GT60 favors enthusiasts, DIYers, and small garage owners. On the other hand, the Autel MK808 is a compact option that you can take on the go. Still, it has high-performance features for complex repairs. And if you’re a professional, the Launch CRP909 offers the capabilities needed for sophisticated repair and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do these scanners have manual VIN input if automatic VIN fails?
Yes, you can enter a vehicle’s VIN if the scanner cannot read the vehicle’s information automatically.
2. Which scan tool can monitor your vehicle’s battery voltage?
Only the Launch CRP909 has this function. It can help you know when it’s time to replace the battery if it shows erratic voltage readings.
3. Can you perform injector coding on all listed vehicles?
No, this function is supported in specific vehicles. You may have to check directly with the manufacturer to see if a particular car model can undergo injector coding with the scanner you have in mind.
4. Does the Launch CRP909 have bi-directional control?
Unfortunately, none of these devices have bi-directional control. They cannot actuate components or temporarily override a car’s module.
5. Does FOXWELL GT60 work on hybrid vehicles?
Yes, the FOXWELL scan tool, along with the Launch and Autel models in this article, can work on hybrid cars. This is as long as they are compatible with OBD2 protocols.
Read more: Foxwell GT60 vs. GT60 Plus: Which is the best for you?
