Best Launch Scan Tools 2023 [Comparison & Review]

Are you a vehicle owner that doesn’t know much about Launch? Or are you feeling overwhelmed with all the different Launch products out there?

No matter who you are, this post will get you covered! I will help you get a better understanding of what Launch is all about and which product might be best for you. 

I will also share comparison charts of popular Launch scanners and product lines (+ FREE PDF download), such as the Launch X431 comparison chart. Let’s get started!

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Table of contents:

• Best Launch Scanners: Overview Table
• Are Launch Scanners any Good?
• Launch Product Lines: Which One is For You?
• Launch Product Lines Comparison Chart (+ FREE PDF Download)
  1. X431 Series
  2. CRP Series
• 6 Best Launch Diagnostic Tools: Reviews

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Best Launch Scanners: Overview Table

Launch offers a diverse selection of quality products, making it challenging to choose just a few that meet all your needs. However, I have picked the top options that fit different budgets, diagnostic levels, and scanner types. Use the filter to find your perfect match.

Products	Budget	Fit for	Type
CR529	Under $100	Home mechanics	Code reader	Check Price
Creader 3001	Under $100	Home mechanics	Code reader	Check Price
CR629	Under $100	Home mechanics	Code reader	Check Price
CRP123X Elite	$100 – $300	Home mechanics	4-system scan tool	Check Price
CRP129X Elite	$100 – $300	Home mechanics	4-system scan tool	Check Price
CRP129E	$300 – $500	Home mechanics	4-system scan tool	Check Price
CRP909E Elite	$300 – $500	Home mechanics/ DIYers	Full system scan tool	Check Price
CRP909X	$300 – $500	Home mechanics/ DIYers	Full system scan tool	Check Price
X431 CRP919E	$300 – $500	DIYers	Bi-directional scanner	Check Price
X431 CRP919X	$300 – $500	DIYers	Bi-directional scanner	Check Price
X431 CRP919EBT	$500 – $1000	DIYers/ Professionals	Bi-directional scanner	Check Price
X431 PROS V+	$500 – $1000	DIYers/ Professionals	Bi-directional scanner	Check Price
X431 V PRO	$500 – $1000	DIYers/ Professionals	Bi-directional scanner	Check Price
X431 V+ PRO	$1000 – $2000	Professionals	Bi-directional scanner	Check Price
X431 Elite PRO3S+	$1000 – $2000	Professionals	Bi-directional scanner	Check Price
X431 PRO5	$1000 – $2000	Professionals	ECU Programmer	Check Price
X431 IMMO Plus	$1000 – $2000	Professionals	Key Programmer	Check Price
X431 IMMO Elite	$1000 – $2000	Professionals	Key Programmer	Check Price
X431 PAD V	$2000 – $3000	Professionals	ECU Programmer	Check Price
X431 PAD VII	$2000 – $3000	Professionals	ECU Programmer	Check Price

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Are Launch scanners any good?

• Launch is the leading brand in this diagnostic world.
• Launch products are well-known for quick, accurate, high-level diagnostics and repair.
• Launch products are trusted by numerous customers and always rank high among the top-selling scan tools on Amazon. (e.g. Launch CRP 123X Elite, Launch CRP123, Launch X431 V Pro, etc.)
• Launch offers great products for all levels of mechanic knowledge, from novice to professional. Whether you’re fixing your car for the first time or you’re a pro, Launch has got you covered!
• One thing I like about Launch: Their products are not overpriced!

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Launch Product Lines: Which One Is for You?

Product lines	Targeted Users	Key Features	Recommended products
Creader (CR) < $100	Beginners, Home mechanics	• Read/ clear engine & transmission codes • Smog test • Engine live data • Freeze frame data • Full OBD2 functions	Launch Creader 3001
Creader premium (CRP) < $400	Advanced DIYers, home mechanics	• 4 system/ full system codes • 4 system/ full system live data • Reset functions ○ CRP129 is the updated version of CRP123. ○ CRP909 is the most advanced version of the CRP series.	Launch CRP129X Launch CRP909E
X431 < $3000	Professionals, advanced mechanics/ DIYers	• Full system diagnostics • Full active tests • Numerous reset functions • ECU Coding • Key Programming	Launch X431 V+ Pro

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Launch Product Lines Comparison Chart:

I’ve selected the best products from each line, making it easier for you to compare and find your perfect fit. Feel free to explore and find the right option.

Launch X431 Series Comparison Chart:

[Note: Swipe left for full table]

	X431 V Pro Check Price	X431 V+ Pro Check Price	X431 PRO3S+ Check Price	X431 PAD VII Check Price
	Under $1000	Under $1200	Under $1200	Under $3000
DIAGNOSTICS
All-system diagnosis	✅	✅	✅	✅
OE-level diagnosis	✅	✅	✅	✅
Live data	✅	✅	✅	✅
Diagnosis report	✅	✅	✅	✅
Topology Map	–	✅	✅	✅
SERVICE FUNCTIONS
Number of functions	37+	37+	37+	60+
Reset functions	✅	✅	✅	✅
Relearn functions	✅	✅	✅	✅
Calibration functions	✅	✅	✅	✅
ABS Bleeding	✅	✅	✅	✅
DPF Regen	✅	✅	✅	✅
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
Full Active Tests	✅	✅	✅	✅
Key Programming	✅	✅	✅	✅
ECU Coding	✅	✅	✅	✅
VAG Guide	✅	✅	✅	✅
ECU Programming	–	–	✅	✅
VEHICLE COVERAGE
Vehicle brands	All brands	All brands	All brands	All brands
Diesel vehicles	✅	✅	✅	✅
Light trucks	✅	✅	✅	✅
Heavy-duty trucks (+HD module)	–	✅	✅	✅
FCA AutoAuth	✅	✅	✅	✅
DoIP & CANFD vehicles	–	–	✅	✅
HARDWARE/ DESIGN
Android OS	9.0	9.0	9.0	9.0
Storage	32 +128GB	32 +128GB	32 +128GB	8 + 256GB
Battery	11000mAh	18000mAh	7000mAh	18000mAh
Screen size	8″	‎10.1″	‎10.1″	13″
Wireless connection	✅	✅	✅	✅
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update	2 years	1 year	2 years	2 years
Update fee (per year)	$399	$349	$399	$570
Warranty	5 years	5 years	5 years	5 years
Work w/o updates	✅	✅	✅	✅
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Click here to DOWNLOAD the FULL comparison chart in PDF (FREE)

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Launch CRP Series Comparison Chart: CRP123E vs. CRP129E vs. CRP909E

[Note: Swipe left for full table]

	CRP123E Check Price	CRP129E Check Price	CRP909E Check Price
	Under $200	Under $300	Under $400
DIAGNOSTICS
Engine-system diagnosis	✅	✅	✅
ABS/SRS/TCM diagnosis	✅	✅	✅
All-system diagnosis	–	–	✅
Live data	✅	✅	✅
Diagnosis report	✅	✅	✅
SERVICE FUNCTIONS
Number of functions	3	8	28+
Oil reset	✅	✅	✅
SAS calibration	✅	✅	✅
Throttle relearn	✅	✅	✅
ABS Bleeding	✅	✅	✅
TPMS/ BMS reset	–	✅	✅
DPF Regen	–	–	✅
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
Key Programming	–	–	✅
Active Tests	–	–	–
VEHICLE COVERAGE
Vehicle brands	All brands	All brands	All brands
Diesel vehicles	✅	✅	✅
Light trucks	✅	✅	✅
FCA AutoAuth	–	–	✅
HARDWARE/ DESIGN
Connection type	Wired	Wired	Wired
Android OS	7.0	7.0	7.0
Storage	16GB	16GB	2 +16GB
Battery	6100mAh	6100mAh	6000mAh
Screen size	5″	5″	‎7″
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update	Lifetime	Lifetime	2 years
Update fee (per year)	$0	$0	$75
Warranty	5 years	5 years	5 years
Work w/o updates	✅	✅	✅
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Click here to DOWNLOAD the FULL comparison chart in PDF (FREE)

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Read more Launch scan tools comparison reviews:

• Launch CRP123 Vs. CRP123E Vs. CRP123X
• Launch CRP129E Vs. CRP129X Vs. CRP129
• Launch CRP123 Vs. CRP129

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6 Best Launch Diagnostic Tools Detailed Reviews

I have picked out the best Launch scanners for different purposes, just for your group below:

• Group 1: Best Launch scanners for basic diagnostics at Home(< $50)
• Group 2: Best Launch scanner for thorough diagnostics and maintenance at home (<$400)
• Group 3: Best Launch professional diagnostic tools (shop-level) (<$1200)

Best Launch Scanners for Basic Diagnostics at Home

#1. Launch Creader 3001: Best cheap Launch diagnostic tool

This is the most basic and straightforward scanner for any beginners that just step into the diagnostics world. Launch Creader 3001 is exactly a plug-and-go scanner.

Now, let me tell you what you can expect from this basic scanner.

• diagnose engine issues by reading and clearing codes. It also gives a specific description for each code.
• see the real-time condition of your engine (live data), making diagnosing problems much easier.
• determine if your car is ready for national emission tests (I/M readiness), necessary for legal driving

Sure, Launch Creader 3001 isn’t among the fastest scanners out there, but it won’t leave you waiting around forever to get results. Within a minute, the Launch Creader 3001 can give you all the information you need, and clearing codes is even faster.

Not to mention that this scanner is accurate, I haven’t seen any wrong or ghost codes during tests. You can trust that the codes it shows are correct, so you won’t have to worry about chasing down issues that don’t actually exist.

At this point, the Launch Creader 3001 doesn’t have any major downsides that I can think of. The only minor issue is that it may not support a few vehicles, but that’s a common problem with most scanners. 

Today’s best Launch Creader 3001 price:

Read more: Launch CReader 3001: O2 Sensor EVAP Test OBD2/EOBD Scanner Review

#2. Launch CRP123: Best Affordable Launch Full OBD2 scanner

If you want a more thorough diagnostic tool, I recommend checking out the Launch CRP123. Unlike Launch Creader 3001, Launch CRP 123 can:

• diagnose not only the engine but also the ABS, SRS, and transmission systems of your car. 
• show you the real-time working status of all 4 systems with live data displayed on a graph.

Gotta say that my favorite feature of this tool is the live data graph. It makes it super easy to follow and spot any issues going on with your vehicle.

And, the diagnostic process is fast and straightforward, just like the Launch Creader 3001.

The only downside is that the registration and updating process might be a bit confusing for someone who’s new to this. But don’t worry, just reach out to Launch’s customer service for assistance. Their tech support may not be the best, but they’ll respond and help you out.

Overall, I’d recommend the Launch CRP123 for car owners who want to dive deeper into their vehicle systems beyond just the engine.

Today’s best Launch CRP123 price:

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Best Launch scanners for thorough diagnostics and maintenance at home (<$400)

#1.  Launch CRP129E: Good for thorough diagnostics and basic repairs.

This Launch CRP129E can do sufficient tasks for home mechanics.

It can give you an overview of what’s going on with the 4 main systems: engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission.

Launch CRP129E can give live data as well, but I have to mention that the live data was quite limited on some vehicles.

Ok, just like other Launch products, this scanner is fast. Launch never disappoints me when it comes to speed.

Let’s talk about the reset functions, Launch CRP129E offers some basic reset functions like oil reset, throttle reset, etc.

And sad to say that, Launch CRP129E cannot do ABS Bleed. If you want this function, consider the Launch CRP909E below.

All in all, the Launch CRP129E is a great tool for home mechanics who want to get a good overview of their car’s major systems.

Today’s best Launch CRP129E price:

#2. Launch CRP909E: Best price Launch key programmer and ABS Bleed tool.

Choose this Launch CRP909E if you want to go more thorough and more advanced, like becoming your family mechanic. Here’s why.

• Launch CRP909E can access every system on our vehicle and give out the problem for you, in under 2 minutes. Again, not only the engine or transmission but ALL modules.
• Launch CRP909E goes beyond the basics and offers advanced features that you would normally find in repair shops.

Well, the best bet here is Launch CRP909E can do

• Key programming
• and ABS Bleeding

This means you can add new keys to your car and remove air from the brake system at home, saving you hundreds of dollars in repair costs!

Just keep in mind that key programming may not work on every car. 

Overall, the Launch CRP909E is a comprehensive tool that can make car maintenance easier and more affordable.

Today’s best Launch CRP909E price:

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Best Launch Professional Diagnostic Tool (shop-level) (<$1200)

#1. Launch X431 V+ Pro: All-in-one solution for professionals.

if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line scanner for your garage, you gotta check out the Launch X431 V+ Pro. It’s the real deal. I’ve heard nothing but great things about it from other mechanics, and I’m not an exception. 

Seriously, Launch X431 V+ Pro comes with a ton of features that make it a great all-in-one solution:

• Full system diagnostics
• Topology Map
• Bi-directional control
• ECU Coding
• Numerous service functions (35+)

My most favorite part of Launch X431 V+ Pro? It works on practically 95% of vehicles that I have tested.

You won’t have to switch between a bunch of different scanners to get your job done, which means you can knock out repairs and maintenance tasks way faster. 

The only downside I’ve seen is that sometimes the VIN identification can be a little finicky, but that’s a common issue with Launch scanners.

So, consider the Launch X431 V+ Pro scanner if you want to work more efficiently and effectively without switching between multiple devices.

Today’s best Launch X431 V+ Pro price:

Read more: LAUNCH X431 V+ Pro Scanner: “Strongest” Bi-Directional Scanner For OBD2 & OBD1 Vehicles

#2. Launch X431 PROS Mini: Most affordable Launch professional scanner.

If you want something more affordable and portable, but still do well in the garage, then take a look at Launch X431 PROS Mini. 

Of course, Launch X431 PROS Mini cannot beat the Launch X431 V+ Pro above in terms of advance. This mini scanner doesn’t have the Topology Map function, which makes vehicle diagnostics less thorough. 

And it may be a bit slower in comparison. But for the $400 gap, Launch X431 PROS Mini is still a great option. The scan speed varies depending on the type of vehicle, but it’s usually not too bad (taking between 30 seconds to 2 minutes for a whole vehicle scan).

Just keep in mind that it doesn’t have the widest functional coverage, so it’s better for those who don’t work on a ton of vehicles.

However, what’s great about the Launch X431 PROS Mini is that it’s compact and can still perform advanced functions like full system diagnostics, bi-directional control, ECU coding, and numerous service functions.

Overall, if you’re looking for something that can get the job done and is easy to bring with you, the Launch X431 PROS Mini is a solid choice.

Today’s best Launch X431 PROS Mini price:

What’s Next?

And that’s a wrap on my review of the top Launch scanners!

I hope this post has given you enough information and confidence to find out the most suitable Launch product for you.