A good OBD II Scanner can save you a lot of time and money. They can save you from stress and enhance your engine’s life and improve your car’s performance without costing you a fortune at the local workshop.
We look at three of the leading home portable OBDII Scan Tools. We will give you an honest assessment of the LAUNCH CR529 vs. LAUNCH CR319 vs. Kungfuren. All three are good options to consider depending on your needs.
An Onboard Diagnostic II scanner (OBDII Scanner) allows you to diagnose issues on your vehicle at home. They are easy to use, cost-effective, and will help you identify, solve, clear, and possibly even prevent problems with your car. It is peace of mind for a very small price, and every car owner should have one handy.
Modern vehicles have sophisticated computer systems and controls, and these talk to a proper car diagnostic tool such as an OBDII Scanner. They generally work on most cars after 1996 in the United States but check the specifics to ensure it will work with your vehicle.
But first, please check out this chart, which highlights the critical differences between the three models:
Table of Contents
LAUNCH CR529 Vs LAUNCH CR319 Vs Kungfuren Scan Tool: Comparison Chart
| Editor's Pick | Perfect for Professionals | Best affordable | |
 LAUNCH CR529 |  LAUNCH CR319 |  Kungfuren |
|
| Customer Rating |  |  |  |
| Price |  | | |
| Product Dimensions | 11.9" x 9.4" x 1.6" | 10.9" x 6.8" x 1.2" | 7.9" x 5.6" x 1.8" |
| Item Weight | 1.05lbs | 8oz | 11.2oz |
| Vehicle Compatibility | OBD2 compliant: European vehicles from 2002, American ones from 1996, and Asian from 2003 and later. | Most 1996 and newer OBD2 protocols vehicles sold in the US, Europe, and Asia. | Most 1996 US-Based cars SUVs Light Trucks, 2000 EU-Based and Asian cars, vehicles. |
| Read & Clear Codes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| I/M Readiness | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Freeze Frame Data | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| O2 sensor Test | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Evap System Test | ✔ | ✔ | -- |
| Turn Off Check Engine Light | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Read live PCM DataStream | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| DTC Lookup | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fuel System | ✔ | ✔ | -- |
| Engine | ✔ | ✔ | -- |
| Pros | Highly advanced with multiple features. Free lifetime software updates. Great graphical user interface. Works in 7 languages. | Extremely user-friendly. Great value for money. 3-Year warranty. Works in 7 languages. | Highly affordable. Easy to operate. Compact, robust design with non-skid surface. |
| Cons | Slightly more expensive than other options. 2-Year warranty only. | Not as many features as the newer model. Software updates not available. | Very simple graphical display. Basic functionality only. Does not offer software updates. |
Key Things In Common Of LAUNCH CR529, LAUNCH CR319, Kungfuren
What all of these OBDII Scan Tools have in common is their compact and portable design. They are all super-easy to use and do not require batteries. They are all plug and play with a user-friendly display.
They will all do basic functions such as clearing the check engine light. All feature I/M readiness, O2 sensors, data stream, and freeze frame data.
Although there are small price differences, all are affordable and can save you a lot of money while improving your vehicle’s engine’s performance and lifespan. All three support all ten of the OBDII protocols.
Key Differences of LAUNCH CR529 Vs LAUNCH CR319 Vs Kungfuren
Let’s take a closer look at the specifics and the main differences among the three models in more detail:
1. Features And Functions:
Here are the specifics of the features for each model:
LAUNCH CR529 OBD2 Scanner
This advanced universal automotive scan device has full OBDII functionality as well as a host of other features. These include:
One-click smog checker – A quick and easy instant test at the push of a button will check smog levels to determine if the vehicle will pass an emission test.
- Corrects check engine light
- Instantly clears a range of other trouble codes
- User-friendly help button gives tips and assistance
- Improves vehicle performance as well as lifespan
- Live data on all 10 modes of OBDII test
- Freeze frame data
- DTC LookUp
LAUNCH CR319 OBD2 Scanner
If you are looking for a highly affordable code reader, the CR319 Launch model gives you full OBD2 functionality at a fraction of other models’ price. It has multiple functions, including all 10 OBDII diagnostic functions, 02 sensors, an onboard monitor test, and an EVAP system test.
This scanner is great for home users who want to save money and ensure their vehicle runs at peak performance. You can quickly diagnose issues and clear error codes when necessary without going to a costly workshop. It will work with OBD2 vehicles, 1996 onwards, including cars from Asia, The USA, and Europe.
It will efficiently read and erase codes as necessary, including the check engine light. The code reader also features:
- Data stream and Freeze Frame
- Read & Erase codes
- IM Readiness
- DTC Library built-in
Kungfuren OBD2 Scanner
Another popular scanner that is also great value for money is the OBD2 Scanner from Kungfuren.
Other features include:
- Read and erase codes
- Correct check engine light
- I/M ready
- View/freeze frame
- Compact design
- OBD2 DTC lookup library
- Engine coolant temperature
- Engine speed
- User-friendly
- Anti-skid surface
2. Supported Vehicle Makes/Models
All three support a range of vehicles. Here are the specifics:
LAUNCH CR529
OBD2 compliant (European vehicles from 2002, American ones from 1996, and Asian from 2003 and newer): KWP2000, ISO9141, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM, and CAN
LAUNCH CR319
Most 1996 and newer OBD2 protocol vehicles sold in the US, Europe, and Asia. Compatible with all OBD2 protocols CAN, ISO9141, KWP2000, J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW.
Kungfuren OBD2 Scanner
Most 1996 US-Based cars, SUVs Light Trucks, 2000 EU-Based and Asian cars, vehicles with all OBD2 protocols CAN, ISO9141, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM, KWP2000.
LAUNCH CR529
LAUNCH CR319
Kungfuren OBD2 Scanner
3. Software And Updates
All three devices come preloaded with software and are ready to use. There is no additional software or app needed to use the car diagnostic tools on all compatible vehicles.
The LAUNCH CR529 offers free lifetime software updates, which is a quick and easy process. The other models do not have an option to update software.
4. Price And Other Costs
The LAUNCH CR529 is the most expensive, although still extremely affordable. The other two models are both roughly half the price.
There are no additional fees for software and apps, so these can be used on all compatible vehicles without any additional expenditure.
5. Main Differences:
There are many similarities. The main differences are:
- LAUNCH CR529 offers free software updates while the others do not
- Both LAUNCH products support seven languages, while the Kungfuren supports 6
- The CR319 and Kungfuren have a 2.5-foot cable, while the CR529 has a 3-foot cable
- The CR529 is more expensive than the other two options
Recommendations
These Diagnostic Car Tools are highly recommended for anyone who has a compatible vehicle, which refers to relatively modern cars, generally after 1996. All do a very good job of diagnosing a range of problems to save you time and money and keep your vehicle in top condition.
If you want something more sophisticated with a host of features and lifetime software upgrades, then the LAUNCH CR529 is probably the best option.
If you do not want to spend much but still want a useful OBDII Scanner, both the LAUNCH CR319 and the Kungfuren OBD2 Scanner are affordable options that offer great features for a highly affordable price.
Read more: Launch CRP123i Vs. CRP129i Vs. Innova 3160g: Why I should take Launch?
FAQs
Q: When should I upgrade the software?
A: When you receive the OBDII Scanner, it will be ready to use. If you have a Launch Scan Tool, and if it gives you any problems or hassles, it might be an idea to upgrade the software.
Q: How do I upgrade the software?
A: Ensure you have an internet connection and connect to the Launch official website for the software specific to your scanner. Download and install the software and then connect the OBDII Scanner using the USB cable. Power the tool up and select the update tool option on your computer.
You will need to complete the registration details, and then you can start the update process. Launch offers free lifetime updates.
Q: Do the scanners tell you how to fix problems that are identified?
A: In many cases, yes. The Launch CR 529, for example, has a help button. This feature will display the problem as well as the potential causes of the problem. This will sometimes allow you to correct the problem or, at the very least, know what needs doing.
You can fix many smaller problems yourself, which will save you time and a whole lot of money. Those you cannot fix, the car diagnostic tool will advise you which specialist to take the car to.
Q: Do these OBDII Scanners need batteries, or are they rechargeable?
A: The great thing is that no batteries or charging are needed with any of these models. They connect to the OBDII interface and use power from the vehicle, making them easy and hassle-free to use.
Q: Are these OBDII Scan Tools easy to use?
A: Absolutely. These tools are all extremely user-friendly, and no specialist knowledge is needed. All you need to do is connect it to the OBD port and turn on the ignition (without starting the vehicle). The user-friendly interface will guide you through the process.
There are also instructions, online resources, and support if you have any complications.
Final Thoughts
Doing diagnostics at home or even on the road will give you peace of mind, save you some money and keep your engine at peak performance. You will save money on visits to the workshop as well as increasing the lifespan of your engine.
These are all highly affordable options that give a lot of bang for their buck and are worth considering. They are user-friendly and always handy to have. The LAUNCH CR529 is the top of the range and a great option. At an even more affordable price point, you have the other two options, the LAUNCH CR319 and the Kungfuren OBD2 Scanner are also highly effective.
This is a purchase you will not regret. You are, and your car needs to have a quality OBDII Scanner.
Read More: Launch CR619: OBDII ABS SRS Auto Scan Tool Review
