OBDLink CX vs. MX+: Which One Is The Winner?

Are you looking for a Bluetooth scan tool but aren’t sure which one to buy? There are many options out there, and for home mechanics especially, figuring out the best one for your needs can be tricky.

The good news is that I am here to help! OBDLink CX vs. OBDLink MX+ are amongst the top wireless scanners on the market for DIY mechanics.

In this review, I’ll compare each aspect side by side so you can see more clearly the exact difference between them.

Keep scrolling down to see my full comparison table first.

OBDLink CX vs. MX+: Full Comparison Chart

	OBDLink CX Check Price	OBDLink MX+ Check Price
FUNCTIONS
Full-system diagnostics	✅ (*)	✅
Live data	Number, graph, gauge	Number, graph, gauge
Enhanced live data	✅ (*)	✅
Advanced functions	Depends	Depends
VEHICLE COVERAGE
Cars/Light trucks	✅	✅
SW-CAN/MS-CAN supported	-	✅
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Compatible with 3rd-party apps	✅	✅
Sleep mode	✅	✅
Over-voltage protection	✅	✅
Smaller size	✅	-
Compatible OS	iOS, Android	iOS, Android, Windows
Bluetooth version	5.1 BLE	Classic 3.0
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update	Lifetime	Lifetime
Warranty	3 years	3 years
Customer support	8.5/10	8.5/10
	Check price	Check Price

Click here to DOWNLOAD the Full Comparison Chart in PDF (FREE)

(*): The add-ons are not free for OBDLink CX. You must purchase them through OBDLink app.

Quick Summary: Key Differences

In this part, I’ll discuss 3 out of 6 differences between MX+ and CX. For more detailed information, keep reading each section below.

Here are the 3 key differences between CX and MX+: 

• Diagnostics: OBDLink MX+ offers full-system diagnostics for many car brands. Meanwhile, CX only reads codes from all systems if you use it with 3rd-party apps or buy add-ons in OBDLink app. 
• Third-party app compatibility: MX+ is compatible with 17 apps and software options, whereas CX supports only 5 apps (no software supported).
• Live data: MX+ can display real-time data for engine, ABS, SRS, and more for free, whereas CX only shows these data when buying add-ons or using it with 3rd-party apps. OBD2 live data.

Today’s best OBDLink CX price:

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Today’s best OBDLink MX+ price:

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OBDLink CX vs. MX+: Performance

When you use the OBDLink app alongside these two scanners, OBDLink MX+ and OBDLink CX, they have some similarities and differences in their functions.

For diagnosing car issues, the OBDLink MX+ can read generic OBD2 and manufacturer-specific (OEM) trouble codes for free for:

• GM
• Ford
• Honda
• Infiniti
• Toyota
• Nissan, etc. 

Meanwhile, OBDLink CX can only scan OBD2 codes related to the engine and some transmission problems. If you want to read manufacturer-specific codes, you have to buy add-ons in OBDLink app or use it with 3rd-party apps.

Both scanners show real-time data in three ways: text, graphs, and gauges. However, the OBDLink MX+ goes a step further by providing extra data for ABS, SRS, and other systems, while the CX only shows data for the engine and transmission.

Besides, these two let you monitor your car’s performance, including trip logs and car performance details.

If you use these scanners with third-party apps, you can access even more features, like additional service functions and car coding. OBDLink MX+ supports up to 18 apps and software, while the CX supports only 5 apps, not including software.

	OBDLink CX Check Price	OBDLink MX+ Check Price
Apps	Torque, Bimmercode, Bimmerlink, Carista, Harry's Lap Timer	Torque, Bimmercode, Bimmerlink, Carista, Harry's Lap Timer, FORScan Lite, AlfaOBD, scan my tesla, MotoScan, OBD Fusion, Hybrid Assistant, DashCommand, VAG DPF, OBD JScan, Dr. Prius, OBD Auto Doctor
Software	No software supported	Forscan, OBDWiz (Free)

The main reason is OBDLink CX is mainly designed to work well with Bimmercode, a specialized app used for car coding on BMW/MINI.

And are you wondering which scanner works well with Bimmercode?

To be honest, I haven’t noticed any big differences between OBDLink CX and MX+ when using them with Bimmercode.

If you just want an adapter for Bimmercode alone, OBDLink CX is good enough. But if you plan to use other apps along with Bimmercode, investing in the MX+ is a good idea.

OBDLink CX vs. MX+: Vehicle Coverage

Both OBDLink MX+ and CX can work on OBD2-compliant vehicles, including hybrids and electric cars.

OBDLink CX provides complete coverage for all vehicle models and protocols supported by BimmerCode.

Although some users say OBDLink MX+ doesn’t have full support for BMW and MINI like the CX, I didn’t find any issues when using it with Bimmercode/Bimmerlink.

Furthermore, MX+ offers free additional access to J1850, MS-CAN, and SW-CAN protocols. This makes it an excellent option for owners of GM, Ford, Infiniti, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan, Scion, and Toyota vehicles.

OBDLink CX vs. MX+: Design & Hardware

When it comes to design, these two scanners have a very similar appearance, but the CX is smaller than the MX+. If your car’s OBD port is in a tight spot, the CX’s compact size might be a better fit.

In terms of Bluetooth version, the OBDLink MX+ uses Bluetooth 3.0, while the OBDLink CX utilizes Bluetooth 5.1 BLE, which is a newer version of Bluetooth with improved efficiency. This means MX+ reads data up to 3 times faster than CX does. 

Both scanners come with sleep mode and over-voltage protection, so you can leave them plugged in without worrying about draining your car’s battery.

Regarding compatibility, OBDLink MX+ and CX work with iOS and Android devices. However, OBDLink MX+ can also be used on Windows with various software options like OBDWiz (FREE) and Forscan.

OBDLink CX vs. MX+: After-sales service

Both the OBDLink MX+ and CX come with free lifetime updates, covering both firmware and software.

For warranty coverage, OBDLink provides a generous 3-year warranty for all registered tools, including the CX and MX+. Additionally, they offer a risk-free trial with a 90-day money-back guarantee on its website, giving you the confidence to try the device.

When it comes to customer support, I’ve noticed that the email response time is a bit slow, usually taking around 2-3 days. However, despite the delay, they were able to resolve my questions satisfactorily.

Recommendations

If your primary focus is working on BMW/MINI cars, OBDLink CX is a cost-effective choice due to its affordable price.

However, if you work on a variety of different cars like Ford, Toyota, GM, etc., and are interested in experimenting with various third-party apps that offer advanced functions, then investing in OBDLink MX+ is worthwhile.

Today’s best OBDLink CX price:

Check Price at Amazon

Today’s best OBDLink MX+ price:

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Read more: OBDLink MX+ vs. BlueDriver: Which One Is The Best?

FAQs

Will OBDLink CX work on BMW motorcycles?

Unfortunately, no. BMW motorcycles use the MotoScan diagnostic app, which is not yet compatible with OBDLink CX.

Will the OBDLink CX and MX+ work on diesel engines?

As long as the vehicle supports OBD2 protocols, yes. You can verify which diagnostic protocol the vehicle uses by checking the vehicle’s repair manual. 

Do the Enhanced Codes on OBDLink MX+ require an extra purchase?

No, all the capabilities of the MX+ are available right out of the box. Some of the compatible apps require payment, but there are no additional purchases needed if you’re using the free OBDLink app.