OBD2 diagnostic code reader, icarscan,thinkdiag, autel ap200 and Bluedriver, can you guide me what difference among them, which one is better, what problems of the kit, and any suggestions?
Launch iCarscan vs.ThinkDiag vs. Autel AP200 vs. Bluedriver App comparison table :
| Item | LAUNCH ICARSCAN | THINKDIAG | AUTEL AP200 | BLUEDRIVER |
| Image |  |
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 |
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| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Software | DEMO +EOBD2+ Auto Search + 5 car software with the initial purchase. Manufacturer Software Price for Each: $39/year Reset Software Price for Each: $49/yearIf you need to activate all car brands, purchase full brands license. |
DEMO +EOBD2+ Auto Search + 1 car software with the initial purchase. Manufacturer Software Price for Each: $39.95/year Reset Software Price for Each: $49.95/yearIf you need to activate all car brands, purchase full brands license. |
One free vehicle software with the initial purchase. $21.99 buying 12-month use permission of one more car model | — |
| Operating System | IOS/Android | IOS/Android | IOS/Android | IOS/Android |
| Complete OBD2 Functions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Full System | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bi-directional Control (Actuation Test) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Service Functions | 16
SRS, ABS, Oil reset, SAS, BMW, TPMMS, EPB, DPF, IMMO, Injector, Gearbox reset, Sunroof reset, EGS, etc |
16
SRS, ABS, Oil reset, SAS, BMW, TPMMS, EPB, DPF, IMMO, Injector, Gearbox reset, Sunroof reset, EGS, etc |
19
SRS, ABS, Oil reset, SAS, BMW, TPMMS, EPB, DPF, IMMO etc |
No |
| ECU Coding | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Auto VIN | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle Coverage | 42 Brand (will be Up to 130) | 37 Brand (will be Up to 115) | Unknown (Basic functions only) | 13 Brand major systems read/clear DTCs |
| Remote diagnosis | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Online diagnostic report | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Real-time data stream | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other advanced special features | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Language | English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian | English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian | English, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Swedish, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Italian. | English only |
| Price (Hardware) | $155 | $99 | $59.99 | $99.5 |
| Type | DIY OBD2 Scanners and professional user (with full license) | DIY OBD2 Scanners and professional user (with full license) | DIY OBD2 Scanners | DIY OBD2 Scanners |
LAUNCH ICARSCAN APP:
Pros:
1. ICARSCAN – True bi-directional testing,the fastest diagnosis.
2. ICARSCAN – Configure the most diagnostic software, Free to choose 7 software ( Free to download any 5 Car Software + DEMO + EOBD2 Software).
3. ICARSCAN – Professional car diagnostic tool , designed for vehicle maintenance technicians, have a more powerful diagnostic function.able to see data that other cheaper scanner couldn’t do
4. Downloading the app and setup was very easy.
5. ICARSCAN – Widest carline software coverage: Support the generic OBD, CAN bus, and proprietary protocols of over 70 car manufacturers and 2, 500 car models;
6. ICARSCAN – Support multiple special functions and actuation tests incl.Oil / Service reset, ABS bleeding, IMMO & key programming, throttle body adaptation, brake pads,steering angle reset,battery matching, DPF regeneration and Injector coding
7. ICARSCAN – Professional engineers provide secure technical support.
Thinkdiag App:
Pros:
True bi-directional testing!
full system diagnosis + 16 special functions
able to activate full brands with service functions unlocked (check: How to activate thinkdiag full brands?)
able to see data that other cheaper scanner couldn’t do
Downloading the app and setup was very easy.
Cons:
Comes with only one 1 software. All software need paid subscription.
Autel AP200 App:
Pros:
OE-level diagnostic function, easy to use
Various advanced service functions.
Picks up car information automatically (Auto-VIN).
Keeps a record of previously tested vehicles.
Cons:
only get one free car software,if need other car software, need pay
Costly if you want to use on a second vehicle.
Bluedriver:
Pros:
Easy to use
Full-functionality;
Compatible with iOS and Android devices;
Good tech support.
Cons:
Inconsistent;
not support ABS and transmission for all cars.
no other special functions
Not compatible with iPad Pro with iOS 11.x.
In sum:
LAUNCH ICARSCAN,Thinkdiag, Ap200 are subscription per make ,with 1 year free subscription for 1 make.
LAUNCH ICARSCAN You can download 5 model software for free, Thinkdiag and Ap200 can only download one model software for free.
ICARSCAN is bidirectional code scanner and can do actuation test and special functions. Similar to launch X431 PAD or launch X431 pro scanner.
AP200 only read, clear codes, live data, and some resets. More similar to an MK808.
Bluedriver is a simple obd2 code reader, only read, clear codes, live data. Similar to ELM327 and its app.
If you are a DIYer, we would recommend Bluedriver over ap200 in terms of per make subscription and update cost.
If you are a professional user, we would recommend LAUNCH ICARSCAN over Thinkdiag,Autel ap200.
LAUNCH ICARSCAN- the strongest Diagnostic function and the most cost-effective Car diagnostic tool
At present, there are various kinds of car diagnostics products in the market, and it is very important to choose a suitable product. A good product will help you solve problems faster, save your time and earn more money for you. As a senior auto maintenance technician, we ha ve been engaged in car maintenance for more than 20 years. We used most of the car diagnostics, such as MB STAR C3 , BMW ICOM , FORD VCM , GM TECH2 and so on. There are also professional diagnostic tools like launch X431 PRO3 pad2 master easydiag idiag autel MS908P MS906 DS808 DS708 spx autoboss V30 OTC D730. These products Not only too expensive and too weak, but also not easy to use, they are slow to diagnose and they have all kinds of defects.
Launch Icarscan, which I think is the best option for all car maintenance technicians. I love Icarscan , a diagnostic tool that is portable, easy to use, powerful, and cheap.
Icarscan not only has more than 60 brands cars to choose, but it also supports 16commonly used special functions.