Which Launch X431 tool is best? How to choose?
When choosing a professional diagnostic tool in 2026, knowing which models deliver the best value and performance is key. Based on current sales trends, user feedback, and technical capabilities, five Launch X431 tools stand out as top performers in the market. Each offers a distinct balance of power, features, and affordability, making them the go-to choices for technicians, workshops, and automotive professionals worldwide. Below, we compare these leading models to help you decide which one best fits your needs and budget.
Top 1. Launch X431 PAD VII Elite
- Best for: Large professional workshops, dealerships, and technicians requiring the most advanced features and programming capabilities.
Pros:
- Top Performance: Features the most powerful hardware (8-core CPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage) and the largest, highest-resolution screen (13.3″).
- Full Programming Support: Includes built-in J2534/RP1210 and supports ECU Programming (Mercedes Benz, BMW, Mini Cooper, VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Ford, Mazda, Jaguar, Land rover, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Great wall etc..) directly.
- Maximum Expandability: Fully supports add-ons for heavy-duty trucks, EVs, motorcycles, and advanced ADAS calibration.
- Premium Features: Includes both front and rear cameras and the best battery capacity for long work sessions.
Cons:
- High Cost: The most expensive model in the lineup.
- Large Size: Its large screen makes it less portable than other models.
- Verdict: If budget is not the primary constraint and you need the absolute best performance and future-proofing for complex jobs like ECU programming, this is the undisputed top choice.
Top 2. Launch X431 PRO5
- Best for: Professional technicians who need robust performance and programming support in a more standard tablet size.
Pros:
- Strong Performance: Excellent 4-core specs with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage on a clear 10.1″ screen.
- Programming Capable: Also supports ECU online Programming (Mercedes and BMW), a critical pro feature.
- Excellent Connectivity: Includes J2534/RP1210 for pass-thru programming protocols.
- Fully Expandable: Compatible with all major add-ons (Heavy-duty, EV, ADAS, etc.).
Cons:
- Higher Price Tier: More expensive than the non-programming models below.
- No Front Camera: Lacks the front-facing camera of PAD VII.
- Verdict: The perfect balance of professional power, programming ability, and a manageable form factor. Choose this if you need programming features but find the PAD VII too large or expensive.
Top 3. Launch X431 PRO3S+ Elite / PRO3 V+ Elite
Both support the same functions, just come from different dealers.
- Best for: Technicians and shops wanting a wide range of standard features and good expandability at a more accessible price point.
Pros:
- Great Core Features: Offers all essential diagnostic functions (Full-System, Guided, Coding, etc.), remote support, and DoIP/CAN FD.
- Good Expandability: Can add Heavy-duty (with extra box), EV, and motorcycle kits. Supports ADAS calibration.
- Multiple Size Options: Available in both 10.1″ (PRO3S+) and 8″ (PRO3 V+) screen versions.
Cons:
- No ECU Programming: Lacks the built-in J2534 and ECU programming/flashing capability of the top two models.
- Heavy-duty Add-on Requires Extra Box: Adds to the cost and complexity for truck diagnostics.
- Verdict: Offers the best “bang for your buck” for general automotive repair shops that don’t require in-house ECU programming. It covers nearly everything else superbly.
Top 4. Launch X431 PROS Elite / X431 PRO Elite
Both support the same functions, just come from different dealers.
- Best for: Mobile mechanics, technicians prioritizing portability, and smaller shops needing strong core diagnostics.
Pros:
- Highly Portable: Compact 7-inch or 8-inch size is easy to carry and use in tight spaces.
- Strong Diagnostic Core: Performs all standard diagnostics, coding, service functions, and includes remote diagnosis.
- Good Basic Connectivity: Supports modern protocols like DoIP and CAN FD.
Cons:
- Limited Expandability: Does not support ADAS calibration or the heavy-duty add-on.
- No Programming/J2534: Lacks ECU programming and advanced pass-thru interfaces.
- Smaller Screen: Less information can be displayed at once compared to larger tablets.
- Verdict: The ideal portable professional tool. If you are on the move constantly and need a powerful diagnostic computer that fits in your toolbox, this is a top contender.
Top 5. Launch CRP919EBT / XBT
Both support the same functions, just come from different dealers.
- Best for: Beginners, DIY enthusiasts, or small shops needing reliable basic-to-intermediate diagnostics on a budget.
Pros:
- Most Affordable: Likely the lowest-cost model in this professional X431 series.
- Covers the Basics Well: Performs full-system diagnostics, key programming (with add-on), and standard service functions.
- Includes Vital Add-ons: Comes with essential kits like IMMO software and TPMS.
Cons:
- Major Limitations: No oscilloscope (S2-2), no sensor box (O2-2), and no support for ADAS calibration or the heavy-duty add-on.
- Lower Specs: Has the smallest screen and most basic hardware configuration.
- No Advanced Features: Missing J2534, D-PDU, and topology display found in higher models.
- Verdict: A solid, no-frills diagnostic tool to get the job done for most common passenger car repairs. Choose this when budget is the key factor and you can live without advanced testing and calibration features.
Check the comparison table below:
| Items | X431 PAD VII Elite | X431 PRO5 | X431 PRO3S+ Elite/PRO3 V+ Elite | X431 PROS Elite/PRO Elite | CRP919EBT/ |
| Price | € 2,199.00 | € 1,061.00 | € 831.00 | €406.00/ €415.00 | €353.00/ €335.00 |
| Hardware Configurations | |||||
| Connector | SmartLink C | SmartLink C | SmartLink C | – | DBSCar VII |
| CPU | 8-Core 2.0GHz | 4-Core 2.0GHz | 4-Core 2.0GHz | 4-Core 2.0GHz | 4-Core 2.0GHz |
| Operating system | Android 9.0 | Android 10.0 | Android 10.0 | Android 10.0 | Android 10.0 |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB |
| ROM | 256GB | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB |
| Screen Size | 13.3 inch | 10.1 inch | 10.1 inch | 8 inch | 7 inch |
| Screen Resolution | 1920×1080 | 1280×800 | 1280×800 | 1280×800 | 1024×600 |
| Front Camera | 8.0 MP | 5.0 MP | – | – | – |
| Rear Camera | 13.0MP | 8.0 MP | 8.0 MP | 8.0 MP | 8.0 MP |
| Working Temperature | 0～50℃ | 0～50℃ | 0～50℃ | 0～50℃ | 0～50℃ |
| Communication | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/USB | Bluetooth/USB | Bluetooth/USB | Main Cable | Bluetooth/USB |
| Dimension | 365x295x73(mm) | 274×190.5×39.5(mm) | 274*190.5*40.5 (mm) | 256x172x40.6 (mm) | 213.8x151x39.5（mm） |
| Battery Capacity | 71.1Wh (7.6V,9360mAH) | 47.88Wh (7.6V,6300mAH) (200.85g) | 47.88Wh (7.6V,6300mAH) (200.85g) | 6000mAh, 3.7V | 47.88Wh (7.6V,6300mAH) (200.85g) |
| Main Features | |||||
| Full-System Diagnostic | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto VIN | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Service Functions | 40 | 37 | 37 | 32 | 28 |
| Active Test | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Guided Function | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ECU Coding | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ECU Programming | Yes | Yes (BMW, Benz) | No | No | No |
| Repair Data | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Diagnosis | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| J2534 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| D-PDU/RP1210 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| DoIP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Need to buy DoIP cable separately) |
| CAN FD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostic Topology Display | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Pin Detection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Inspection plan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mall | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heavy-duty Add-on | Yes (need X431 B Box) | Yes (need X431 B Box) | Yes (need X431 B Box) | No | No |
| EV Kit Add-on | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Motorcycle Diagnostic Adapter Kit (Includes Activation Card) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OBD1 Connector | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| O2-2 Scopebox Oscilloscope | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| S2-2 Sensorbox | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| VSP-600 Videoscope | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| X431 ADAS Calibration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| (need ADAS calibration device) | |||||
| X431 IMMO Software Pack | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key Programming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| (need X-Prog3) | |||||
| X431 Key Programmer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GIII-PC Adapter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| i-TPMS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BST360 Battery Tester | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SGW Function License ($1151)-for European users: 1.Mercedes-Benz gateway license (1 year): for Benz 2020-; 2.FCA & Maserati gateway license (1 year); 3.Renault & Dacia (20 connections) 4.VAG SFD (1 year) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SGW Function License ($899)-for North American users:
1.FCA & Maserati gateway license (1 year); 2.Renault & Dacia (20 connections); 3.VAG SFD (1 year) |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FCA SGW (extra purchase） | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| (extra purchase） | |||||
| VAG SGW License (extra purchase） | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Renault & Dacia SGW License (extra purchase） | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mercedes-Benz gateway license (purchase European SGW Function License） | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Final Purchase Recommendation Summary
- Choose PAD VII Elite if: You demand the absolute best and need ECU programming for a wide range of vehicles, including trucks and EVs.
- Choose PRO5 if: You need ECU programming power but prefer a standard tablet size and want to save some money compared to PAD VII.
- Choose PRO3S+ Elite/PRO3 V+ Elite if: You don’t need in-house programming but want the broadest standard feature set and good future expandability (for ADAS, EVs, etc.) for your money.
- Choose PROS Elite/PRO Elite if: Portability is your top priority, but you still require full, professional-level diagnostic capabilities for cars and light vehicles.
- Choose CRP919EBT/CRP919XBT if: You need a reliable, budget-friendly tool for essential diagnostics and basic services, and can skip advanced sensors and calibrations.