Thinkdiag vs. Thinkdiag2: Are They The Same?

If you’re having trouble deciding between two options, Thinkdiag and Thinkdiag2, you’ve come to the right place. 

Both of these scanners are made by Thinkcar, but they have different prices. So, what makes them different, and what do they have in common? 

You’ll find the answers in my simple comparison review below.

Thinkdiag vs. Thinkdiag2: Full comparison chart

	Thinkdiag Check Price	Thinkdiag2 Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
Full-system diagnostics	✅	✅
Live data	Text & graph	Text & graph
Active tests	✅	✅
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Service functions	15	15
Oil reset	✅	✅
ABS bleeding	✅	✅
Battery registration	✅	✅
EPB reset	✅	✅
Key programming	✅	✅
ECU coding	✅	✅
VEHICLE COVERAGE
OBD2 car/light truck	✅	✅
2019+ GM models	-	✅
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Bluetooth version	4.2	5.0
Extension cable	-	✅
Better hardware	-	✅
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update	1 year	1 year
Update fee	$40-$80	$100
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Customer support	8.5	8.5
	Check Price	Check price

Thinkdiag vs. Thinkdiag2: Key Differences

There’s not a huge gap between these two scanners because Thinkdiag2 is an upgraded version of Thinkdiag. In essence, their functions are identical, but they do have a few distinctions:

• Vehicle Coverage: Thinkdiag2 boasts CAN-FD protocol, which Thinkdiag lacks. Consequently, Thinkdiag2 supports a broader range of vehicles compared to Thinkdiag.
• Design and Hardware: Thinkdiag is more compact, while Thinkdiag2 offers an upgraded soft rubber sleeve and includes a more extensive cable.
• Bluetooth connection: Thinkdiag2, equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, establishes quicker and more stable connections than Thinkdiag, which uses Bluetooth v4.0.

The price difference between the two scanners is not substantial. 

Thinkdiag2 is a cost-effective choice if you work with various cars, especially newer GM models, and require a more reliable Bluetooth connection. 

If you’re on a tight budget, go for Thinkdiag since it offers the same functions as Thinkdiag2.

Today’s best Thinkdiag price:

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Today’s best Thinkdiag2 price:

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Thinkdiag vs. Thinkdiag2: Detailed comparison

Performance

To put it simply, Thinkdiag and Thinkdiag2 offer the exact same functions, which are quite comprehensive and cater to the essential needs of DIYers and home mechanics.

Firstly, both scanners can read and clear codes from all systems in your car. They also support live data in two formats: graphs and text, making it easier to pinpoint issues.

Secondly, both Thinkdiag and Thinkdiag2 feature active tests, allowing you to control electrical components in your car remotely.

Thirdly, they provide an impressive set of 15 service functions, which is uncommon at this price range. And here are some functions both provide that I think you will be interested in:

• ABS bleeding
• Battery registration
• DPF regen
• Key programming, etc.

Lastly, Thinkdiag and Thinkdiag2 even include ECU coding, a feature typically rare in scanners under $200. 

While it may not support as many car brands as pricier models, it does cover well-known brands like Audi, VW, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. This feature allows you to disable annoying features or match replacement components to the ECU.

Design & Hardware

When you take a look at these two scanners, they might seem quite similar in appearance. 

However, Thinkdiag is smaller in size compared to Thinkdiag2. This size difference could be because Thinkdiag2 has undergone some hardware upgrades. 

For example, it now uses Bluetooth 5.0 instead of Bluetooth 4.2, and it also includes an additional protocol called CAN-FD.

Furthermore, Thinkdiag2 has a handy feature: its cable is detachable. 

This means that if the cable ever gets damaged, you can easily replace just the cable instead of having to buy a whole new scanner.

Vehicle Coverage

Both of them can handle a variety of vehicles, as long as the vehicles are OBD2-compliant. 

However, Thinkdiag2 goes a step further by having CAN-FD protocol, which means it can work with even more cars compared to Thinkdiag. For instance, it’s compatible with newer GM cars that came out in 2019 and beyond.

After-sales Service

Both of these scanners are from the same brand, which means they both come with a 1-year warranty. This warranty gives you peace of mind during the first year of use.

Regarding updates, both Thinkdiag and Thinkdiag2 offer free updates for the first year from the date of purchase.

After that initial year, you have the option to pay for annual updates to keep your scanner current with newly released vehicles and features.

Accepting the update fee is a good idea because these scanners provide advanced functions typically found in higher-priced models that cost around $400 to $500.

It’s quite reasonable to pay for updates at this price point.

For Thinkdiag2, the annual update fee is $100, but keep an eye out for discounts in the scanner’s app; you might get it for around $70 if you’re lucky.

Now, for Thinkdiag, there are three options for the annual fee:

• One car brand software & full functions: $39.95/year
• All car brands & one reset functions: $49.95/year
• All software (which includes all car software & all reset software, with free updates): $70/year.

Recommendations

Overall, Thinkdiag and Thinkdiag2 share the same functions, but Thinkdiag2 offers enhancements in both hardware and software. 

Opting for Thinkdiag2 is a wise choice for a smoother experience, including faster and more reliable connections. 

However, if you’re not concerned about optimizing your experience, Thinkdiag is a budget-friendly alternative.

Today’s best Thinkdiag price:

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Today’s best Thinkdiag2 price:

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