A question we very commonly get asked is "which brand is better? Launch or Autel?".
In the world of automotive equipment, Launch and Autel have undeniably solidified their positions as top-tier contenders.
Both brands offer very powerful, comprehensive, advanced and reliable scan tools.
Autel has established itself as a prominent figure in the industry, known for delivering diagnostic tools that seamlessly combine top-notch quality with user-friendly experiences, all while pushing the boundaries of innovation. On the flip side, Launch sets the pace by providing quick, precise, and OEM-level diagnostics that make a distinct impact.
Comparing Similar Autel & Launch Scan Tools:
It's important to note that each brand boasts its own unique strengths; Launch excels in areas where Autel might take a step back, and vice versa.
At the end of the day, the decision hinges on the type of scanner that aligns with your needs. If your looking for a basic or mid range scan tool, our below comparison chart is on hand to guide your way.
Autel Diaglink MD802 VS Launch CRP129x:
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FEATURES |
||
|
Display: |
TFT color display (320 x 240 dpi) |
5.0” (1280*720 ips Touchscreen) |
|
Operating Temperature: |
0 to 60°C (32 to 140 °F) |
-10°C ~ 50 °C |
|
Storage Temperature: |
-20 to 70°C (-4 to 158°F) |
-20 °C ~ 70 °C |
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Modes: |
6 |
10 |
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Software Update: |
Free lifetime Updates |
Free lifetime Updates |
| Vehicle Coverage: | Nissan, Infiniti, Lexus, Scion, Toyota, for Honda, Acura, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki, Isuzu, Kia, Daewoo, Hyundai, Mazda, Holden, Sprinter, Bens, Smart, Maybach, VW, Seat, Skoda, BWM, Mini, Audi, Opel, Land Rover, Jaguar, Volvo, Porsche, Vauxhall, Ford , Saab, EU Ford, GM, Chrysler, Renault, Dacia, Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Abarth, Alfa-Romeo, Maserati, Lancia | Jeep, Usaford, General-Motors(GM), Dodge, Chrysler, Chevrolet, Opel, Cadillac, Buick, Lincoln, Austford, Acura, Vw, Volvo, Jaguar, Vauxhall, Fiat, Sprinter, Euroford, Smart, Skoda, Seat, Demo, Saab, Dacia, Renault, Citroen, Porsche, Peugeot, Bugatti, Bmw, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Landrover, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Abarth, Infiniti, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Tlisuzu, Lexus, Suzuki, Subaru, Samsung, Daewoo, Nissangtr, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Kia, Jpisuzu, Holden, Gmsa |
| Weight: | 0.28kg (without wire) 0.484kg (with wire) |
565g |
| Dimensions: | 212 x 110.5 mm x 37.5 mm | 228 x 125 x 34.5mm |
| Warranty: | 12-Month warranty | 12-Month warranty |
When it comes to the professional scan tools it can be a bit tricky to compare with so many different models but the two most popular are the Launch X431 V+ and the Autel Maxisys Elite
Autel MaxiPro MP808S vs Launch X-431 ProS V:
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FEATURES |
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Display: |
7-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen with 1024x600 resolution |
8 inch |
| Operating System: | Android 11 | Android 9.0 |
| RAM: | 4GB RAM | 3GB |
|
Operating Temperature: |
0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F) |
0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F) |
|
Storage Temperature: |
-20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F) |
-20 to 70°C |
|
Functions |
36 |
31+ |
|
Software Update: |
Free lifetime Updates |
Free lifetime Updates |
| Vehicle Coverage: | Extensive vehicle coverage for more than 80 US, Asian and European vehicle makes from early 90s to 2022/2023 |
American Cars: |
| Battery: | 3.7 V/5000mAh lithium-polymer battery | 5000mAh |
| Dimensions: | 270.8 x 176.0 x 36.0 mm | 242.5 x 160 mm |
| Warranty: | 1 year warranty | 1 year warranty |
Autel Maxisys Elite II vs Launch X431 v+:
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FEATURES |
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Display: |
9.7” Retina display (2048×1536 dpi) with multi-touch capacitor screen |
10.1-inch multi-touch capacitor screen |
|
Operating System: |
Android 7.0 |
Android 9.0 |
| Functions: | 25+ | 31 |
| Operating Temperature: | 0°C ~ 55 °C | -20°C ~ 55 °C |
|
Storage Temperature: |
-10 to 60°C |
-30 °C ~ 70 °C |
|
Memory: |
2GB RAM & 32GB Embedded Memory |
1GB RAM & 8GB Embedded Memory |
| Camera: | Rear: 8.0 Megapixel, Autofocus with Flashlight Front: 2.0 Megapixel |
Rear: 3.2 Megapixel Front: 0.3 Megapixel |
| Connectivity: | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WIFI Version 2.1 3Mbs Bluetooth RJ45 Ethernet Connection 3.0 USB (2.0 Compatible) HDMI 1.4a |
Standard OBDII Interface, Micro USB 2.0, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
|
Software Update: |
2 years free updates |
2 years free updates |
| Vehicle Coverage: | Extensive vehicle coverage for more than 80 US, Asian and European vehicle makes. |
American Cars: Buick; Cadillac; Chevrolet; Chrysler; Dodge; Ford; GM; Hummer; Jeep; Lincoln; (BRAZIL)BX-Fiat; BX-GM European Cars: Abarth; Alfa Romeo; Audi; Bentley; Benz; BMW; Bugatti; Citroen; Dacia; EU-Ford; Ferrari; Fiat; Jaguar; Lamborghini; Lancia; LandRover; Maserati; Maybach; Mini; Opel; Peugeot; Porsche; Renault; Rolls-Royce; Rover; Saab; Seat; Skoda; Smart; Sprinter; Vauxhall; Volvo; VW; (UKRAINE) ZAZ; (RUSSIA) GAZ; IZH; PAZ; SEAZ; UAZ; VAZ Asian Cars: (JAPAN) Acura; Daihatsu; Honda; Infiniti; Isuzu; Jpisuzu; Lexus; Mazda; Mitsubishi; Nissan; Nissan GTR; Scion; Subaru; Subaru; Suzuki; Tlisuzu; Toyota; (KOREA) Daewoo; Hyundai; KIA; Samsung; Ssangyong; (CHINA) Baic; Beijing; Changan; Changan-Ford; Changcheng; Changhe; Chsuzuki; DF Peugeot; DF Honda; DF Nissan; DF XK; Flyer, BYD; Fukang; Futian, Foton; Geely; Gonow; GZ Honda; Hafei; Haoqing; HC BMW; Hmada; Huachen; Isuzu, JMC; Jacty; Jianghuai; Jiao; Jinlong; Joylong; Lifan; Liuwel-TY; Luxgen; NJ Fiat; Qirul-TY,chery; Qoros; Saicmg; Spark-TY; TJ Toyota; Trumpchi GAC; Weili; Xiaokang Dongfeng; Xili,Faw Tianjin; Xinkai; YQ Mazda; Zhongshun; Zhongtai,Zotye; Zhongxing; (INDIA) Mahindra; Maruti; Tata; (MALAYSIA) Perodua; Proton; (IRAN) MVM Australian Cars: Au-Ford; Holden |
| Input Voltage: | DC/12V/3A | DC 9V-15V |
| Battery: | 3.7V/13600mAH Lithium-polymer battery | Polymer Lithium-ion battery, 6600mAh |
| Weight: | 1.42 kg (3.13 lbs.) | 1.05 kg (2.31 lb) |
| Dimensions: | 300 mm x 220 mm x 50 mm (11.81 x 8.66 x 1.97 inches) (WxHxD) |
265 x 214.5 x 50.5 mm (10.43 x 8.44 x 1.99 inches) (LxWxH) |
| Warranty: | 1 year warranty | 1 year warranty |
Other Things To Consider:
The majority of Autel's professional scan tools offer a complimentary year of updates, whereas Launch's scan tools typically come with a two-year update package.
The expenses associated with updates vary from tool to tool, but on the whole, Launch offers a more budget-friendly update experience.
In terms of the overall value for money, Launch takes the lead.
Collectively, both options stand as robust and capable tools in their own right.
If you're seeking a user-friendly tool with extensive coverage, we recommend directing your attention towards Autel's scan tools.
Alternatively, if your main focus centers around robust OEM-level diagnostics, all while keeping an eye on budget-friendly options, exploring the range of Launch scan tools is highly recommended.
Any Other Brands To Consider?
If your serious about diagnostics, we also recommend you consider another brand that is taking the market by storm: TOPDON.
Though relatively new and emerging in the scan tool manufacturing arena, their high-end scan tools boast superior functionality and programming capabilities compared to all other brands we've seen and tested.
Take the Topdon Phoenix Smart diagnostic scan tool, for instance. It stands out with online programming options for a whopping 15 brands. In contrast, even the most elite model from Autel – the Autel Maxisys Ultra – only covers online programming for 2 brands. Plus, the Autel Maxisys Ultra is double the price of the Topdon Phoenix Smart. Moreover, the Topdon Phoenix Smart offers supplementary software for professional diagnostics on 24V systems, a feature absent in Autel's offerings.
View All Topdon Scan Tools Here
Another thing to consider is if you need Australian software on the tool for Holden and Ford compatibility.
At Premium Diagnostic Equipment, all our tools include the Australian software. However, it's crucial to note that identical tool models available on platforms like eBay, Amazon, and online marketplaces don't offer Australian software.
We pride ourselves on delivering top-notch customer service and cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to our clients across Australia. In addition, we offer on-site training to ensure that our customers are fully equipped to maximize the potential of our products.
If you are still unsure which brand is right for your requirements, please give us a call on 1800 955 731 to talk to an expert.
Hiro Protagonist
January 03, 2024
This article should be updated, as basically none of these products offer lifetime free updates. Most all of them are 2 years tops for free before you’re paying into the subscription model.