Which is the 2024 best automotive diagnostic tool? Here we’ve picked out 2 hot-sellers for comparison: Thinktool Pro & LAUNCH X431 PRO5 Scan Tool. Covering hardware configuration, basic & advanced diagnosis, protocol and scalability. Hope this can help to make it clear.
Comparison Table
| Item | LAUNCH X431 PRO5 | Thinktool Pro(Thinkcar Pro) |
| Image |  |
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| Price | €1,199 | €816 |
| CPU | 4-Core Processor, 2.0GHz | THINKCAR |
| ROM | 64G | 32G |
| RAM | 4G | 2G |
| Battery Capacity | 7000mAh | 6000mAh |
| System | Android 10.0 | Android 10.0 |
| Screen Size | 10.1 inches | 8.0 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1280*800 | 1920*1080 |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz/5GHz | 2.4GHz/5GHz |
| Camera | Rear 8MP, Front 5MP | Rear 8MP |
| VCI | SmartLink 2.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 connector |
| Remote Diagnosis | √ | √ |
| Read & Clear Codes | √ | √ |
| Data Stream | √ | √ |
| Full System Diagnosis | √ | √ |
| Service Function | 31 | 28 |
| Active Test | √ | √ |
| Auto VIN | √ | √ |
| Scan VIN/License | √ | × |
| Remote Desk | √ | × |
| Diagnostic Topology Display | √ | × |
| Online Programming | √ (Benz, BMW) | × |
| ECU Coding | √ (online coding for Benz(SCN), BMW, VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Porsche + offline coding) | √ (offline coding) |
| Online FFS Activation | √ (VW, Audi) | × |
| Online Calibration & Matching | √ (VW, Audi) | × |
| Guided Function | √ (VW, Audi, Skoda) | × |
| Offline Programming | √ (Ford, Mazda, Vauxhall, Opel) | × |
| Flash Hidden Function | √ | √ |
| DoIP/CAN FD | √ | × |
| D-PDU/J2534/RP1210 | √ | × |
| Diesel Vehicle Diagnosis(HD) | √ | × |
| New Energy Car Battery Diagnosis | √ (X431 EV Diagnostic Upgrade Kit) | × |
| ADAS License | √ | √ |
| IMMO Key Match | √ (advanced, X-PROG 3) | √ (basic) |
| TPMS | √ (TSGUN/iTPMS) | √ |
| Battery Tester | √ | √ |
| WiFi Printer | √ | √ |
| Oscilloscope | × | √ |
| Endoscope | √ | √ |
| Language | English, Italian, German, Japanese, Russian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Turkish, Dutch, Greek, Hungarian, Arabic, Danish, Korean, Persian, Romanian, Serbian, Finnish, Swedish, Czech | English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Turkish, Dutch, Hungarian, Chinese (Traditional), Korean, Greek, Slovak, Romanian, Arabic, Croatian, Slovenian, Finnish, Czech, Swedish, Danish, Persian, Serbian, Vietnamese. |
| Tesla License | √ (optional) | × |
| FCA Secure Gateway | √ | √ |
| Upgrade | 2 years free update | 2 years free update |
- Price
LAUNCH is expensive than Thinktool in price.
- Hardware
LAUNCH is equipped with better configuration than Thinktool, such as larger ROM, RAM, battery capacity, screen size, one more camera and SmartLink 2.0 VCI.
- Software
- Both LAUNCH & Thinktool can do basic diagnosis like read & clear code, view data stream, full system diagnose, ECU coding, bidirectional test, remote diagnosis, etc.
- LAUNCH is able to do advanced diagnosis while Thinktool is not. Like online & offline programming, online coding, online FFS activation, online calibration & matching, guided function, flash hidden function, etc.
- LAUNCH supports 31 kinds of reset service while Thinktool only supports 28 kinds.
- LAUNCH supports more intelligent features and diagnostic protocols. Including scan VIN/license, Remote Desk, Diagnostic Topology Display, CAN FD and D-PDU/ J2534/ RP1210 protocols.
- Extensions
- LAUNCH can support to add diesel vehicle diagnosis, new energy car battery diagnosis and Tesla license.
- Thinktool can support to add oscilloscope.
- Both tools can add TPMS, battery tester, WiFi printer, endoscope and FCA security gateway.
- Others
- Thinktool supports 27 languages which is more than LAUNCH.
- Both tools can enjoy 2 years free update service.
Conclusion
So which one should you choose? It boils down to your specific needs and budget.
If you’re looking for uncompromising performance, extensive vehicle coverage and more advanced diagnosis, X431 PRO5 is the clear winner.
If you’re on a tighter budget and still need basic diagnostic capabilities, Thinktool Pro is a fantastic choice that won’t disappoint.
