iCarsoft CR Pro vs Autel MX808 vs Vident i730AU

Are you lost when it comes to finding a powerful full systems OBD Scanner that gives you access to everything you need, whilst not bankrupting you at the same time? With so many aftermarket scan tools it’s sometimes difficult to know where to start. However, with the proper guidance, you can get your hands on some extremely powerful, versatile scan tools at a really affordable price. 

Join us in this article as we break down, what we see, as 3 of the most popular, budget-friendly, full systems scan tools available in aftermarket diagnostics. For each of the scan tools, we’ll cover:

• OBD/Vehicle Compatibility
• Systems Coverage
• Special Service Functions 
• Bi-directional capabilities 
• Updates
• Price

Who are these full systems scan tools for?

So, before we dive in, let’s take a look at who would be suited to the scan tools we’re going to cover today. To put it very simply... anyone. These scan tools will do a job for all, from DIYers to mobile mechanics or smaller workshops and everything in between. Most importantly, each of the three scan tools in discussion today are within most people’s budget if you’re serious about wanting a powerful scanner that can naturally pay for itself with just a few uses! 

OK, let’s dive in, starting with the iCarsoft CR Pro..

iCarsoft CRPro OBD2 Scan Tool

First up, is the cheapest option of the 3 scan tools we will cover today. Although an excellent scan tool for the price, it does fall short in the vehicle and function coverage compared to the other scanners.

OBD/Vehicle Compatibility

Similar to the other scan tools we’ll cover today, the iCarsoft CR Pro OBD2 Scan Tool covers all major US, European and Asian brands however falls short due to its OBD compatibility. The iCarsoft CR Pro only covers OBD2 vehicles, which isn’t great news for the Australian market who are looking to cover older vehicles. Without going into too much detail, the Australian market was the last to become OBD2 compliant (2006), compared to the US (1996) and EU (2001 Petrol, 2004 Diesel). This naturally means most of your older Australian market vehicles (pre-2006/2007) usually don’t work so well and are also limited in service functions. For more info on OBD compatibility, you can check out our ‘5 things scan tool sellers don’t tell you before buying'. 

Systems Coverage

The iCarsoft CR Pro gives you access to full systems diagnosis, allowing you to read/clear trouble codes and view live data on engine, body, transmission, SRS, and more. 

Special Service Functions

The iCarsoft CRPro covers an impressive 8 special service functions as per below:

• Oil Service Reset
• Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) 
• Battery Management System (BMS)
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Regeneration 
• Electronic Throttle Control System (ETC)
• Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) Calibration
• Battery Test   
• Injector Coding

As we did already mention, though, based on historical customer feedback, these functions are often limited to vehicles beyond around the 2007/2008 range and generally only cover up to around 2015/2016 vehicles, as it often takes around 3-5 years for the aftermarket manufacturers to catch up with the latest vehicles. 

Bi-directional Functions

The iCarsoft CR Pro does not have bi-directional capabilities.

Updates

One of the great perks of purchasing any iCarsoft scan tool is the lifetime free updates. Once the initial purchase has been made, you won’t be required to pay any additional costs for future updates. 

Price

The cheapest of the three, coming in at $375. A great budget option if you’re only looking to cover full systems diagnosis and some basic service/special functions. Although as discussed, be mindful of compatibility if you have an earlier vehicle. For more info on the iCarsoft CR Pro, head over to our website.

Autel MaxiCheck MX808 OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner

Next up is the Autel MaxiCheck MX808 OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner. Another great scanner, which boasts possibly the best vehicle coverage of the three scan tools covered today. Another big plus is the smooth user interface and design, with the MX808 coming in an Android touch screen tablet format. 

OBD/Vehicle Compatibility

Similar to the iCarsoft CR Pro, the Autel MX808 OBD Scan Tool covers all major US, European and Asian brands. The big plus here though is the extensive vehicle coverage. The MX808 is compatible with both OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles, ranging back from the early 90s through to your newer 2020/2021 vehicles. This for sure is the widest vehicle range coverage of the three scan tools, and a great option for those wanting to work with newer vehicles. 

Systems Coverage

Like the iCarsoft CR Pro, the Autel MX808 gives you access to full systems diagnosis, allowing you to read/clear trouble codes and view live data on engine, body, transmission, SRS, and more. 

Special Service Functions

• The Autel MX808 comes with 13 special/service functions, including:
• Oil Service Reset
• Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) 
• Battery Management System (BMS)
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Regeneration 
• Electronic Throttle Control System (ETC)
• Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) Calibration
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Injector Coding
• Brake Bleed 

Bi-directional Functions

The Autel MX808 does not have bi-directional capabilities.

Updates

The most expensive of the three with regards to updates. Autel scan tools come with 2 years free updates, after this, it costs $140 per year. You are only required to pay for the updates if you need access to the new vehicles/software added. 

Price

Coming in at $895, an all-around great option if you don’t require bi-directional capabilities, with the biggest plus being the extensive vehicle coverage. For more info on the Autel MaxiCheck MX808 OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner, head over to our website.

Vident i730AU Professional OBD1 OBD2 Scan Tool

Last up is the extremely powerful Vident i730AU Professional OBD1 OBD2 Scan Tool, which is one of our best-sellers due to its extensive vehicle and special service functions coverage.

OBD/Vehicle Compatibility

The Vident i730AU covers over 70 car makes, including most of the major US, European, Asian, and Australian brands including ALDL Holdens and AU Fords. Regarding specific vehicle coverage, this depends on the car make; however, the scan tool covers OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles, generally ranging back to as far as the early 90s for some car makes, through to around 2017/2018. This is just a rough guide for an idea of coverage however we can always check specific vehicle model/year for you. Overall, a great option for those wanting to cover your earlier OBD1 vehicles, as many scan tools out there, like the iCarsoft scanners, tend to only cover OBD2 vehicles. 

Systems Coverage

Like all the scan tools we’ve covered in this article, The Vident i730AU gives you access to full systems diagnosis, allowing you to read/clear trouble codes and view live data on engine, body, transmission, SRS, and more.

Special Service Functions

This is where, in our opinion, the Vident i730AU is the front runner. With access to 17 special/service functions, the capabilities here are as powerful as it gets in this price range. The Vident i730AU covers what we would class as your ‘standard’ service functions such as:

• Oil/Service Light Reset
• Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Reset
• Diesel Particular Filter (DPF) Regeneration
• Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) Calibration 
• Battery Management System (BMS)
• *And more

Bi-directional Functions

However, it’s the additional bi-directional functions that set this scan tool apart from so many others. To clarify, bi-directional scan tools allow you to send and receive information between the scan tool and the ECU. The Vident i730AUs bi-directional capabilities allow the scan tool to command a module to perform specific tests/functions. Examples include (vehicle dependant):

• Gear Learning
• BCM ECU Linking
• Key Programming 
• Suspension Match
• Gearbox Match
• *And more

Updates

Vident scan tools, as standard, come with a very generous 3 years of free updates. After this period, the cost of yearly updates is $105 per year. However, you are only required to update if you need access to the new vehicles/software included in the latest update. 

Price

The highest of the three we will cover today, coming in at $975. However, based on the vehicle coverage and capabilities, potentially the best value for money. For more info on the Vident i730AU, head over to our website.

Summary

In summary, we believe we’ve covered three of the best full systems scan tools available in the aftermarket diagnostics field at present. Which one is right for you all depends on exactly what you require from the scan tool, and of course which vehicles you intend to use it on. Our recommendation, based on value for money would be the Vident i730. Its extensive vehicle coverage, together with its special service functions and bi-directional capabilities make it such a powerful scan tool.

You can find our complete full systems scan tool range on our website.

*Please note that all of the features and functions listed throughout this article are generic examples of what the scan tools are capable of. Please be aware that functions/compatibility are vehicle dependent*