Thinkcar Thinkdiag VS. Autel AP200: Which is Worth of Buying?

Topic:
I am interested to try one of these light diagnostic tools (thinkdiag& autel ap200), i do some research about the differences but i don't find information.
So anyone who tests these tools can guide me on which difference between them, which one is better, what problems of the kit, and any suggestions.

Here is the suggestion based on the customer’s needs.

Check the comparison table and analysis.

Item THINKDIAG AUTEL MaxiAP AP200
Image launch thindiag autel ap200

 

 

Bluetooth Yes Yes
Software 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/year. If 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
Complete OBD2 Functions Yes Yes
Full System Yes Yes
Bi-directional Control (Actuation Test) Yes No
Service Functions 16 19
SRS, ABS, Oil reset, SAS, BMW, TPMMS, EPB, DPF, IMMO, Injector, Gearbox reset, Sunroof reset, EGS, etc SRS, ABS, Oil reset, SAS, BMW, TPMMS, EPB, DPF, IMMO, etc
ECU Coding Yes No
Auto VIN Yes Yes
Vehicle Coverage 37 Brand (will be Up to 115) Unknown (Basic functions only)
Remote diagnosis Yes No
Online diagnostic report Yes Yes
Real-time data stream Yes Yes
Other advanced special features Yes No
Language English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian English, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Swedish, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Italian
Price (Hardware) €92 €51

 

Type DIY OBD2 Scanners and professional user (with full license) DIY OBD2 Scanners

 

What they have in common:
Every type of OBDII Bluetooth vehicle diagnostic scanner can perform basic OBD2 functions to help you diagnose your car’s MIL/dashboard light warning. However, to find the root cause of those faults, test and reset them, you’ll need a tool that’s packed with more power and features. The two most popular and highly rated ones are the Upgrade THINKDIAG  and the Autel MaxiAP AP200 models.

1.Protocols:
SAE J1850 VPW (GM) & J1850 PWM (Ford)
ISO 9141-2 (Asian, European, Chrysler), 14230 KWP2000 (Protocol for 2000) & 15765-4/SAE J2480 (CAN)

2.Functions and features:
Read & Clear Codes
Retrieve OEM Codes
Read Live PCM DataStream
Support CAN
EOBD (European OBDII Protocol)
DTC Lookup (Diagnostic Troubles Codes are pending codes or stored codes)

What the difference between them is:
Though these two OBDII vehicle diagnostic scanners operate in much the same way, they share no commonality in design, specification, and features.

  1. Design and specifications:

All these two devices are portable and easy-to-handle in terms of size:
The Upgrade THINKDIAG measures 3” x 2” x 1” and weighs just 1 oz.
The Autel AP200 is a slightly smaller OBDII Scanner in size, measuring 2.33” x 1.91” x 0.97” with a weight of 1.12 oz.
All two units easily plug into OBDII ports with no external wires or cables to cause interference when you’re driving.

2.Main functions and features:
THINKDIAG’s functions and features Bi-Directional Control as the MaxiAP AP200 does, but it has ECU Coding, Component test/Actuator Test,16 Services & Maintenance Reset, DTC/FFD functions, I/M Readiness, Live Data, and an On-Board Monitor features. This device also accesses and displays Vehicle Information, Vehicle Status, as well as providing users the ability to save and share diagnostic reports, perform remote assistance functions, and completes Self-Adaptation functions for new parts/systems fitted to the vehicle during a service and maintenance procedure.

Which one is better to pick?

1.Thinkcar thinkdiag:
PROS:

  • 16 Services and maintenance features.
  • Actuation Tests
  • Compatible with unlimited third-party apps
  • ECU Coding functionality

 

CONS:

  • Subscription-based services and functions access

 

2.Autel MaxiAP AP200

PROS:

  • Full OBDII functions
  • 25 Services and maintenance features
  • Component Tests
  • Live Data
  • Lifetime App and Software Update

 

CONS:

  • Can only be used with Autel app
  • No desktop PC access or functionality

 

In conclusion:
Thinkdiag scanner is more expensive than Autel AP200, because of the extra functions and features. It offers users professional-level scanning and coding tools from the simplicity of a smartphone app. With Tesla-compatible software, fault-reading and resetting, remapping, coding capabilities, this unit is perfect for EV (Electric Vehicle) owners.

MaxiAP AP200 is suited for users who own various car brands, run a fleet service, or rental car company, and a small-to-medium professional workshop. It is also suitable for car dealerships too, but its adapter can only connect with the Autel MaxiAP AP200 app. This is a downside for it, as some third-party apps can display easier-to-read information than the native AP200 smartphone app.

So just select the one depending on your budget and what function you want to do.

Enjoy!

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