Topdon vs. Autel – Which offers better diagnostic tools?

We all know Autel, a long-standing and reputable scanner company. But what about the newer company, Topdon? Are there any cool things that make people trust and choose their products? 

 Let’s check out what makes Topdon and Autel great in this article!

Topdon vs. Autel: Which is better?

When picking a scanner, what factors matter to you? 

Let me guess, could they be:

• Brand’s longevity 
• Affordability
• Reliability
• Responsiveness   
• And more

Now, let’s compare Autel and Topdon based on these factors. 

Who do you think comes out on top? Check the image below for the answer!

After reviewing the photos, it’s clear that both Topdon and Autel have impressive qualities that earn customers’ trust and drive product choices.

Of course, personal preferences matter too. So, let’s sum up the standout features of each brand.

Why choose Topdon over Autel:

Cost-effective, especially for scanners with active tests, ECU coding/programming
Excellent 24/7 live chat for quick responses
Regular feature and car model updates
Longer free update duration with fewer fees

Why choose Autel over Topdon:

Reliable performance
Long-established, trusted by professionals and mechanics
User-friendly design for all skill levels

Best-selling scanners from Topdon and Autel

We’ll start with a table that lists all the top-selling scanners from both Topdon and Autel across different levels. 

This way, you can get a clear picture of how prices differ across various types of products from both brands.

Level	Topdon	Autel	Action
Code readers	Topdon AL200 Under $25	Autel AL319 Under $40	Compare ▸
Four-system scanners	Topdon AD500 Under $170	Autel ML629 Under $130	Compare ▸
Bidirectional scanners	Topdon AD800BT Under $410	Autel MK808S Under $480	Compare ▸
Scanners with ECU programming	Phoenix Pro Under $2,000	Autel Elite II Under $2,600	Compare ▸

#1. Code reader: Topdon or Autel? 

In the under $50 category, more users prefer Autel products.

Take Autel AL319 for example, it has over 23,240 ratings from users on Amazon. On the other hand, Topdon’s best-seller, Topdon AL200, has only 1,628 ratings.

Both Autel AL319 and Topdon AL200 let you reliably read trouble codes, including generic and specific codes for certain car brands. They also help with smog checks.

However, there’s a difference. Autel AL319 goes a step further by allowing you to view live data in digit format, a feature Topdon AL200 doesn’t have.

So, investing in either TOPDON AL200 or Autel AL319 is a smart move to catch potential problems and save on unnecessary repair costs. 

But if you prioritize the live data function, Autel AL319 is the way to go.

For a detailed comparison of these two scan tools, check out the table below!

	Topdon AL200 Check Price	Autel AL319 Check Price
FUNCTIONS
Read engine codes	✅	✅
Erase codes	✅	✅
Smog check	✅	✅
Vehicle info	✅	✅
Freeze frame data	✅	✅
DTC library	✅	✅
Live data	–	✅
O2 Sensor test	–	–
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Screen size	2.6”	2.4”
Cable length	3.5 ft	2.5 ft
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update	Lifetime	Lifetime
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Customer support	9.5	8.5
	Check Price	Check price

#2. Four-system scanner: Topdon or Autel?

When it comes to both features and design, Topdon’s four-system scanners outshine Autel.

Take, for instance, the Autel ML629 priced at around $150. Autel ML629 provides diagnostics for Engine, ABS, SRS, and Transmission systems, but lacks reset functions or other special features to entice users.

On the other hand, the Topdon AD500 from Topton offers a range of impressive features:

• A large 5” touchscreen for easy navigation and quick scanner updates.
• Additional capabilities like Oil/SAS/Throttle Reset, enabling more comprehensive repairs at home.

So, for products in the $100-$200 range, I find Topdon scanners to offer better value for your money.

	Topdon AD500 Check Price	Autel ML629 Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
Read engine codes	✅	✅
Read ABS, SRS, Trans codes	✅	✅
Live data	✅	✅
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Smog check	✅	✅
Transmission fluid temp	✅	✅
Oil Reset	✅	–
SAS Reset	✅	–
Throttle Reset	✅	–
One-touch update	✅	–
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Screen size	5”	2.8”
Cable length	4 ft	5 ft
Touchscreen	✅	–
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update	Lifetime	Lifetime
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Customer support	9.0	8.5
	Check Price	Check price

#3. Bidirectional scanner: Topdon or Autel?

When it comes to budget-friendly bidirectional scanners, both Topdon AD800BT and Autel MK808S are top contenders.

They excel at conducting full system diagnostics and active tests, quickly identifying the root cause of your car troubles.

Beyond these shared features, each scanner has its own strengths. 

If you prefer a wireless connection for flexible movement during repairs, the Topdon AD800BT is a great fit. It’s even $50 more affordable than Autel MK808S while still offering this highly convenient feature.

However, if key reprogramming is a top priority for you, Autel MK808S is the way to go. Unlike Topdon AD800BT, MK808S can not only disable lost keys and add new ones but also reprogram keys.

Now, take a look at the comprehensive comparison table below to discover additional supported functions for each scanner.

	Topdon AD800BT Check Price	Autel MK808S Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
Full system diagnostics	✅	✅
Live data	Number/ Graph	Number/ Graph
Active test	✅	✅
SERVICE FUNCTIONS
Number of functions	28+	28+
Oil Reset	✅	✅
ABS Bleeding	✅	✅
SAS Reset	✅	✅
Throttle Reset	✅	✅
Crank Relearn	✅	✅
Transmission Relearn	✅	✅
Key Programming	Disable & add keys	Disable, add & program keys
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Connection type	Wireless	Wired
Screen size	5.99”	7”
Cable length	4 ft	5 ft
Android OS	Android 10	Android 11
Memory	2G+32G	4G+64G
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update	Lifetime	1 year
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Customer support	9.0	8.5
	Check Price	Check price

#4. Scanner with ECU programming: Topdon or Autel?

Looking for an affordable yet powerful scanner with ECU programming capabilities? Consider either the Topdon Phoenix Pro or the Autel Elite II.

Honestly, the Topdon Phoenix Pro edges ahead slightly. It allows ECU programming across all 13 car brands, not limited to just BMW & Benz like the Autel Elite II.

What’s more, the Topdon Pro comes in at an even more budget-friendly price of $500, making it an attractive option.

Another great thing about Topdon Phoenix Pro is its color-coded Topology Map feature. It shows you how all the systems of your car connect, making troubleshooting a breeze.

But, Autel Elite II has its unique feature: Intelligent Diagnosis. It’s exclusive to Autel scanners and provides repair data from real workshops, verified by professional mechanics. This can make you 10 times more efficient at solving vehicle problems quickly & accurately.

For a detailed breakdown of the similarities and differences between the Topdon Phoenix Pro and Autel Elite II, refer to the comprehensive comparison table below:

	Topdon Phoenix Pro Check Price	Autel Elite II Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
Full system diagnostics	✅	✅
Live data	✅	✅
Active tests	✅	✅
Topology map	✅	–
Intelligent Diagnosis	–	✅
SERVICE FUNCTIONS
Number of functions	33+	38+
ABS Bleeding	✅	✅
Throttle Reset	✅	✅
Crank Relearn	✅	✅
Transmission Relearn	✅	✅
Key Programming	✅	✅
OTHER FUNCTIONS
ECU coding	✅	✅
Online Programming	BMW & Benz + 11 Brands	BMW & Benz
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Wireless connection	✅	✅
Screen size	12″	9.7”
Processor	8-Core, 2.0GHz	8-Core, 1.8GHz
Android OS	Android 5.1.1	Android 11
Battery	15,000 mAh	15,400 mAh
Memory	2G+64G	4G+128G
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update	2 years	2 years
Update fee	$795/year	$1,295/year
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Customer support	9.0	8.5
	Check Price	Check price

Conclusion

I really hope the info I shared helps you understand Autel and Topdon better and figure out which one fits you best.

If you want to compare specific Autel and Topdon products, just drop a comment. I’m here to help you out!