The Launch is a top name in automotive diagnostics for a reason. Their professional-level scanners offer impressive functionality at an exceptional value, going beyond OBD2 with repair and coding features. An OBD2 code reader just tells you what’s wrong, but with a Launch scan tool, you can perform maintenance and replace components.
The main differences between the Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite vs. Launch X431 V+ vs. X431 V PRO come down to their features and vehicle coverage. Overall, we’d say the CRP Touch Pro Elite is a better choice for hobbyists, while the X431 models are better for professionals.
Ultimately, of course, it comes down to what you’re looking for from your scan tool. Let’s take a closer look at what these three tools can do. If you’re looking for an advanced diagnostic tool, one of these Launch scanners is sure to meet your needs and fit your budget.
Launch X431 V+ Pro vs. V PRO vs. CRP Touch Pro Elite comparison chart
 LAUNCH Scanner CRP Touch PRO Elite | Editor's Picks Launch X431 V+ |  LAUNCH X431 V PRO |
|
| Customer Rating |  |  | |
| Price range |  |  | |
| OBD2 functions | Full | Full | Full |
| System diagnosis | All systems | All systems | All systems |
| Service functions | 7+ | 31+ | 31+ |
| Coding/ Programming | -- | Key Coding/Programming ECU Coding Injector Coding | Key Coding/Programming ECU Coding Injector Coding |
| Bi-directional controls | -- | ✔ | ✔ |
| Display | 5" Touch Screen | 10.1" HD Touch Screen | 8" HD Touch Screen |
| CPU Processor | Quard-core 2.0 GHz | 8-Core 1.8GHz | Quard-core 2.0 GHz |
| RAM | 2GB | 3GB | 3GB |
| Battery capacity | 6100mAh | 7000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Operating system | Android 7.0 | Android 9.0 | Android 9.0 |
| Supported Protocols | OBD2, EOBD, JOBD | OBD1, OBD2, EOBD, JOBD, Launch Heavy Duty Modules | OBD1, OBD2, EOBD, JOBD |
| Vehicle coverage | Cars, SUVs, 12V trucks | Cars, SUVs, 12V trucks | Cars, SUVs, 12V trucks |
*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2
Launch X431 V+ Pro vs. V PRO vs. CRP Touch Pro Elite: Key things in common
The Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite, X431 V+, and X431 V PRO are all professional-level OBD2 diagnostic scanners. With comprehensive diagnostic power, wide vehicle compatibility, and helpful maintenance functions, these Launch scan tools go beyond typical code readers’ capabilities.
All of these tools have a large full-color display. They look more like tablets than your typical hand-held scanner. The advantage of that is they’re easier to read, especially if you’re graphing live data. You’ll find they’re still quite portable, and all three tools come with a carrying case to keep them protected while you’re on the go.
Launch X431 V+ Pro vs. V PROvs. CRP Touch Pro Elite: Key differences
Specifications
The Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite uses an Android 7.0 operating system with a 32GB storage capacity and 2G of RAM. It’s powered by two lithium batteries, which give you about 8 hours of usable life when fully charged.
The Launch X431 V+ has an upgraded Android 9.0 operating system and a more powerful battery with up to 10 hours of usable life per charge. Its 8-core 8GHz CUP gives it a higher processing speed for faster, more accurate data when you’re troubleshooting engine issues.
The Launch X431 V PRO has an advanced Android 7.1 operating system and the same 10-hour battery life as the X431 V+. It comes with 32GB of memory, which can be expanded to 128GB using a TF card.
Launch X431 V PRO
Design
The Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite gives users two ways to navigate. Along with a 5-inch touchscreen, it has a straightforward button navigation panel along the side. This navigation panel can be a huge help when you’re mid-repairs, letting you use the scanner even if your hands are dirty or greasy.
The CRP Touch Pro Elite’s design also makes it the most road-worthy Launch scanner of the three. It’s the most compact, weighing just over a pound and small enough to fit easily in a glovebox. Along with that, the rubberized housing prevents damage from drops or impacts, so it’s more rugged and durable overall.
Design-wise, the Launch X431 V+ and X431 V PRO are similar. The X431 V+ is the largest, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen interface. We found the 8-inch HD display on the X431 V PRO just as easy to read, though, along with being a bit more portable.
Another helpful design feature of the X431 V+ and X431 V PRO is a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera. That’s a handy tool to have on-hand when you’re troubleshooting mechanical issues, especially those in less easily accessible areas of the engine.
Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite
Features and functions
The features of the Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite start with an all-system diagnosis. This Launch scanner goes beyond OBD2, reading trouble codes and data from the transmission, airbags, tires, and other key systems along with the engine. The information is included on the Health Reports generated by the scan tool, which can also be easily saved and shared with mechanics.
You’ll also get seven reset functions with the Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite, including common maintenance functions like oil reset and EPB service, along with features not typically included on OBD2 scanners, like forced DPF regeneration and ABS bleeding.
The Launch X431 V+ expands on the functionality of the Touch Pro Elite. Its all-system diagnosis goes a step further by including bi-directional control, allowing users to test individual valves, solenoids, and sensors. That’s helpful for DIY mechanics, speeding up the troubleshooting process when it’s time to make repairs.
There are 31 total reset functions available on the Launch X431 V+, including adaptation and coding functions like ECU coding, gear reset, and EGR adaptation, in addition to maintenance functions like programming new keys and resetting TPMS.
At first glance, the Launch X431 V PRO has nearly identical functionality to the X431 V+. It also offers all-system diagnosis with bi-directional control and 31 reset functions. The main difference is that the X431 V PRO has OE-level features for diagnosing and customizing vehicles from brands like Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, BMW, and Fiat.
Launch X431 V+
Software and updates
Built-in Wi-Fi means you can update all of these Launch scanners with one click directly through the scan tool, no need to connect to a PC or other device.
Updates are free for the first year with the Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite. After that, you’ll need to pay $75 a year to continue updating the tool, although you can also continue to use it without updating.
The Launch X431 V+ and X431 V PRO each come with 2-year free updates from the purchase date. Similar to the CRP Touch Pro Elite, you can still use the tools after that without updating if you choose to. It costs more to purchase updates for these tools after the free period is over, though ($399 for one year or $599 for two).
One other note on the software used in these Launch scanners is designed to be used worldwide, with wide language support. The Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite supports ten languages, including European languages like Spanish and German and Asian languages like Japanese.
For truly international support, the Launch X431 V PRO and Launch X431 V+ are equally great choices. Both support 24 languages, including less common options like Korean, Arabic, Hungarian, Serbian, and traditional Chinese. Switching between languages is easy, letting users avoid language barriers and focus on their vehicle data.
Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite
Launch X431 V PRO
Launch X431 V+
Supported protocols
The Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite supports all OBD2 protocols, including CAN networks, EOBD protocols for European vehicles, and JOBD protocols for Asian vehicles. You’ll get that same OBD2, JOBD, and EOBD support from the Launch X431 V PRO, though with the addition of OBD1 support for older vehicles.
For the widest protocol support, the Launch X431 V+ is the best choice. Like the X431 V PRO, it supports OBD1, OBD2, EOBD, and JOBD protocols. It’s compatible with many heavy-duty truck modules, too, support that’s not offered by the V PRO or the CRP Touch Pro Elite.
Supported vehicle makes
The Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite works with most vehicles sold in the United States after 1996. Its vehicle coverage includes 44 brands worldwide, including gas and diesel engines and light-duty trucks and cars, vans, and SUVs.
The inclusion of OBD1 support expands the coverage range of the Launch X431 V PRO to include cars and trucks made before 1996. It also comes with 14 connector adapters and 12 adapter cables for use with cars and trucks that use a specialized port for OE-level diagnostics. That expands its coverage range for advanced functions like ECU coding and bi-directional control.
Similarly, the Launch X431 V+ comes with 24 adapters, giving direct diagnostic access to vehicles from brands like Ford, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. It supports more than 10,000 cars and trucks, including many heavy-duty trucks you can’t diagnose with other scan tools.
Pros and cons
Pros and cons of Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite
Pros
- It offers all-system diagnoses on a wide range of vehicles.
- There is an option of touchscreen or button navigation.
- It provides seven reset functions, including battery and oil reset.
- The rubberized housing protects better from damage.
- The one-click update is free for one year.
- It’s covered by a 5-year warranty.
Cons
- There’s no bi-directional control.
- There are no coding or adaptation functions.
Pros and cons of Launch X431 V Pro
Pros
- Provides an all-system diagnosis.
- Comes with bi-directional control.
- There are 31 reset functions, including adaptation and coding.
- It’s the fastest processor with the most advanced operating system.
- Comes with a hard-sided case and 24 specialized connectors.
- Cupports Launch Heavy Duty Modules.
- Offers two years of free updates.
Cons
- It’s expensive to update after the first two years.
- It’s not very portable.
Pros and cons of Launch X431 V+
Pros
- Supports active testing and all-system diagnostics.
- There are 31+ maintenance and reset functions.
- Includes 26 total specialized connection adapters.
- The long 10-hour battery life.
- Comes with wide vehicle support, including older vehicles.
- The one-click updates are free for two years.
Cons
- There’s no support for heavy trucks.
- The high update cost after the first two years.
Recommendation
We recommend the Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite for advanced DIYers. It supports full-system diagnostics on a wide range of vehicles, along with the most used reset and repair functions, for a more budget-friendly price than the X431 models.
The Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite is also a great option for professionals who want a scanner they can use on the go because it’s smaller than the other scanners, and with a more rugged exterior design.
Both the Launch X431 V+ and Launch X431 V PRO are good choices for professional garages. Their wide vehicle compatibility is paired with an extensive range of both diagnostic and repair features. No matter what your customers drive, you’ll likely be able to troubleshoot their issues using this tool.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I will be back soon.
Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite
Launch X431 V PRO
Launch X431 V+
FAQs
How can I check which features of these scanners are supported for my vehicle?
The best way to check is to reach out to the manufacturer via e-mail. Send your vehicle information to aftersale-launchdirect@outlook.com, along with the model number of the tool you’re considering. They’ll be able to give you specific information about which functions are supported.
Will the Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite work on diesel engines?
Yes, as long as they use OBD2, EOBD, or JOBD diagnostic protocols, including most light pickup trucks with diesel engines made after 1996.
Keep in mind some heavy-duty trucks use a different onboard diagnostic system. You can find out if this is the case for your vehicle by checking its repair manual. For these heavy-duty trucks, the Launch X431 V+ is the better option and can function as a diesel-integrated diagnostic device.
Can the Launch X431 V+ perform crank position relearn and idle relearn?
Yes, these functions are included for most supported vehicles.
Why isn’t the Launch X431 V+ listed on LaunchTechUSA.com? Is it a knock-off product?
It’s not a knock-off. It’s just made by a different branch of Launch Tech. Launch Tech USA is the US-based distribution arm of the Launch Tech corporation. While they sell many of the company’s products, others are only available through their authorized Amazon dealer, such as the Launch X431 V+.
Does the Launch X431 V PRO work right out of the box, or do I need to update it first?
You can use the Launch X431 V PRO without registering or updating it. However, it’s a smart idea to check for any firmware updates as soon as you’re able to, just in case an update was released after the scanner shipped from the factory.
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