Top 10 LAUNCH scanners – What makes them the best?

LAUNCH scanners need no introduction as they are among the most selling automotive diagnostic tools.

Basic LAUNCH scan tools can read engine lights, freeze frame data, check O2 and EVAP sensors, show live data, etc. For users who want more powerful tools, there are advanced scanners that offer ABS/SRS, EPB, DPF, SAS, TPMS, etc.

Best LAUNCH scanners reviews

As the table shows, these are the 5 best LAUNCH scan tools for us. Our review will help you know why we chose them but not other LAUNCH scanners. Of course, we hope that you find the one that is greatest for all your needs.

So, without further ado, let’s have a look at the 10 best LAUNCH scan tools on the market:

LAUNCH CR319 OBD2 scanner

This LAUNCH CR319 code reader offers basic features and has a durable cable that is known to be strong.

Features

Basic features: LAUNCH CR319 can read/clear engine light codes, freeze frame data, test O2/EVAP sensors, perform on-board monitoring, and pick vehicle information via auto VIN as well.

DTC: It will show you code definitions so that you can figure out what a code means.

Plug and play: The device performs diagnosis as soon as you plug it into the OBD2 port.

Vehicle coverage

It supports all 1996 and modern vehicles that are OBD2 compliant.

Verdict

LAUNCH CR319 OBD2 scanner is for beginners and DIYers who want to find and solve minor issues on their own.

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Read more: LAUNCH CR529 VS CR629 – H2H comparison and review

LAUNCH X431 Diagun V bidirectional scan tool

LAUNCH X431 Diagun V is a bidirectional tool that offers advanced functionalities. It can be operated wirelessly since it supports Bluetooth technology. In fact, you can also use the internet on the device via WiFi.

Features

Advanced features: This LAUNCH scan tool allows you to use many advanced features such as:

• ABS/SRS: You can read ABS/SRS lights and reset them after fixing the problem. Moreover, it also supports ABS bleeding.
• Key fob: Create a unique key without which the car’s ignition won’t start.
• TPMS: It will monitor tire pressure and tell you if there’s a problem in the TPMS sensors.
• Oil reset: This Launch diagnostic tool can read and reset the oil light.
• EPB: It can find issues in the electronic parking brake system and help reset it, too.
• SAS: LAUNCH X431 Diagun V can help set the steering angle position and find faults in the system.
• DPF: Problems in the diesel particulate filter such as soot build up can be diagnosed by this scanner.
• BMS: You can use it to reset the battery.

Other features: It supports other advanced features as well such as injector coding, gear learning, and throttle matching.

Bidirectional controls: It will allow you to perform matching, actuation tests, and find issues in specific components of subsystems.

Vehicle coverage

This LAUNCH scanner supports more than 108 OBDII-supported brands made in and after 1996.

Verdict

LAUNCH X431 Diagun V bidirectional scan tool can be a good pick for users who want to solve complex issues on their own.

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LAUNCH X431 Creader V Plus OBD2 code reader

LAUNCH X431 Creader V Plus supports all 10 OBD2 modes and provides bidirectional capabilities, too.

Features

Common features: It supports DTC lookup, I/M readiness, engine light codes, and freeze frame data.

10 OBD2 modes: Since it supports all 10 OBD2 modes, you can request data including powertrain, freeze frame, emission system, oxygen sensor data, and on board monitoring.

Bidirectional: LAUNCH X431 Creader V plus will allow you to send data from the PCM to the fuel system. Hence, you will be able to get some valuable information about your vehicle.

Moreover, you can also send and receive data from the emission system.

Vehicle coverage

LAUNCH X431 Creader V Plus OBD2 scanner supports all US, European, and Asian brands that are OBD2 compliant.

Verdict

LAUNCH X431 Creader V Plus OBD2 code reader is ideal for users who wish to request data from the vehicle’s various subsystems. It offers basic features as well.

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LAUNCH CR3001 OBD2 scan tool

LAUNCH Creader 3001 OBD2 scanner can do a number of useful things such as read and erase engine light codes, display live sensor data, check O2, and EVAP sensors, etc.

It might not have advanced functionalities but still, it is an excellent tool for beginners.

Features

Common features: This LAUNCH scan tool offers many basic features including engine code reading/clearing, EVAP/O2 test, on-board monitor test, smog test, I/M readiness, and freeze frame.

DTC: With LAUNCH Creader 3001, you can figure out what a particular code means. This feature explains codes removing the need to Google what a specific code means.

Fuel leaks and engine temp: The scanner monitors leaks in the fuel tank and also shows your engine temperature.

Ease of use: Using this LAUNCH OBD2 scanner is a breeze as all you need to do is plug it in.

Vehicle coverage

CR3001 supports all the vehicles built in 1996 or after.

Verdict

LAUNCH CR3001 OBD2 scan tool is a good fit for beginners who want to sort out minor engine problems in the car.

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LAUNCH X431 PROS Mini bi-directional scanner

If you’re looking for a bidirectional tool with advanced features then LAUNCH X431 PROS Mini can be your best bet. It offers various advanced features such as TPMS, DPF, BMS, Key coding, ECU Coding, SAS, ABS bleeding, etc.

Features

Oil reset: It will tell you once it’s time for an oil change. Moreover, you can use it to turn off the oil reset light.

EPB: The tool will find issues in the EPB system and help you reset the code.

ABS bleeding: ABS brake bleeding is important to ensure the brake works well. You will be able to perform this complicated process with this tool.

Key fob: You can generate a key and use it to turn your car’s ignition on. It serves as a safety mechanism to keep thieves at bay.

TPMS: The scanner will read and clear all TPMS related codes.

SAS: It will read and clear all SAS related codes and also calibrate a misaligned steering angle position.

DPF: Launch X431 PROS Mini can read all DPF related codes and reset them once the issue is resolved.

BMS: You will be able to replace the battery on your own as this beauty offers a battery reset feature.

Bidirectional controls: Actuation tests and bidirectional capabilities are also a strong point of this scanner that professionals will love.

ECU coding: It is used to reprogram data when a vehicle component is replaced.

Vehicle coverage

It supports all 1996 and newer OBD2 supported vehicles.

Verdict

LAUNCH X431 PROS Mini bi-directional scanner is suitable for professionals as it offers some kickass advanced features.

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LAUNCH Creader VII Plus OBD2 code reader

LAUNCH Creader VII Plus has a 3.5 TFT screen. It lets you check engine/AT, ABS, and SRS codes.  

Features

Basic features: LAUNCH Creader VII Plus allows you to perform a plethora of basic features such as I/M readiness, freeze frame, O2 and EVAP testing, and DTC lookup.

Transmission diagnosis: This LAUNCH scan tool keeps you updated about the vehicle’s speed and load. Moreover, it will show live transmission data on the screen for an easy diagnosis.

ABS/SRS: With this LAUNCH Creader VII Plus diagnostic tool, you will be able to figure out why the ABS and SRS lights are on in your car. It will pass a code after the diagnosis is done. You can run a DTC lookup and check what the code indicates.

This way, you will be able to resolve ABS and SRS issues and reset the light as well.

Vehicle coverage

It supports all the vehicles manufactured in 1996 or later including both OBD2 and CAN protocols.

However, ABS/SRS/ENG/AT code reading is supported in vehicles built after 2006 only.

Verdict

LAUNCH Creader VII Plus OBD2 code reader can be a good pick for users who have a modern car.

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LAUNCH CRP123 OBD2 scanner

LAUNCH Creader CRP123 will let you diagnose four of the most common car systems including engine/AT/ABS and SRS. Moreover, it supports all 10 OBD2 modes, too.

Features

Common features: The scanner can read and clear engine light, perform I/M readiness check, auto pick car’s information (VIN), show code definitions (DTC), and record/play data as well.

10 OBDII modes: You can request data from the car’s ECU since this scanner supports all 10 OBD2 modes. You will also be able to request freeze frame data, EVAP/O2 sensor data, emission information, vehicle information, etc.

ABS/SRS: LAUNCH CRP 123 can read and reset both ABS and SRS issues in your car. Both these systems are crucial for your car’s safety.

AT codes: The scanner can show live transmission data on the screen including fuel status, emission data.

Vehicle coverage

This LAUNCH CRP123 scan tool works on all OBD2 supported vehicles that are made in 1996 or later. It also supports all the major OBD2 protocols.

Verdict

LAUNCH CRP123 OBD2 scanner is for car owners who want to find issues in the ABS, SRS, engine, and transmission system of their cars.

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LAUNCH X431 Creader VII+ EOBD OBD2 scanner

LAUNCH X431 Creader VII+ is another competent LAUNCH scan tool that will diagnose the engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS for faults.

Features

Common features: Some basic features include freeze frame data, read/clear engine light, DTC, I/M readiness, O2/EVAP, and live data.

ABS: Faults in the ABS can cause the vehicle to skid and get into an accident. This scanner will help find issues in the ABS and ensure that it works smoothly. It can detect faulty sensors, damaged wires, etc.

Supplemental restraint system: This system is meant to provide safety to the passengers and driver in case of an accident.

The airbags are deployed as soon as the car hits an obstacle. However, problems in this system such as a malfunctioned sensor, broken seat belt can turn the SRS light on.

Using this scanner, you can find and solve the problem.

AT codes: It is capable of reading/clearing all transmission related codes.

Vehicle coverage

All 1996 and newer OBD2 supported vehicles will work with this scanner. In fact, it supports some EOBD vehicles as well.

Verdict

DIYers, semi-professionals, and mechanics will love this LAUNCH X431 Creader VII+ EOBD OBD2 scanner as it can cater to ABS/SRS/AT/engine systems and supports all 10 OBD2 modes as well.

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LAUNCH CRP129 professional OBD2 scanner

LAUNCH CRP129 is an excellent tool that can perform many advanced features including ABS/SRS, SAS, and oil reset. 

Features

Common functions: LAUNCH CRP129 can read/clear engine errors, show live data, conduct a carbon canister test, search the library, perform O2/EVAP test, and check freeze frame data.

EPB reset: A malfunctioned EPB system won’t let your car remain stationary when parked. This situation can lead to accidents. Therefore, a problem in this system shouldn’t be taken lightly.

The scan tool will read the system and identify the cause of the problem so you can solve it.

SAS:  This feature comes in handy when you replace the steering sensors. The system needs to be reset which can be done with this tool.

Moreover, it will also read and reset SAS related codes.

ABS/SRS/ABS bleed: You can figure out why the ABS/SRS light is on thanks to this scanner. It will diagnose and tell you what the problem is.

Apart from that, you can perform ABS brake bleeding as well.

Oil light reset: The oil light can be on for a number of reasons but mostly, it indicates that an oil replacement is due. This scanner will tell you why the oil light is on and help reset it too.

Vehicle coverage

This LAUNCH scan tool supports over 40 US brands that are 1996 or later made. It also supports European based cars built in 2000 and later.

Verdict

LAUNCH CRP129 professional OBD2 scanner is quite a reliable LAUNCH scan tool.  It is very suitable for pros and enthusiasts.

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LAUNCH Creader VIII OBD2 scanner

LAUNCH Creader VIII offers a mix of basic and advanced features. You can perform EPB, SAS, and oil resets with this tool and even check out ABS, SRS issues.

Features

Basic features: It can read/clear engine light codes, show live data, and read transmission codes. Plus, it also has the now-popular DTC feature.

SAS: With this Launch scan tool, you will be able to adjust and even reset the steering angle position. It is important that your steering stays aligned.

EPB: It is common for drivers to face problems in the electronic parking brake system. The reason could be a faulty sensor, bad wiring. The good news is that LAUNCH Creader VIII will find issues in the EPB system and reset the code when the problem is fixed.

Oil reset: The scanner will help read and reset the oil light.

ABS/SRS: Faults in the ABS and SRS can lead to fatal accidents. This LAUNCH diagnostic tool can read and clear both ABS/SRS codes for you and ensure that both the safety systems work properly.

Vehicle coverage

It supports more than 40 brands made in 1996 or later. However, advanced features work on vehicles made in 2006 or later only.

Verdict

LAUNCH Creader VIII OBD2 scanner is ideal for DIYers, semi-professionals, and mechanics. It offers useful features and will help keep your car in good shape.

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Recommendation: Best LAUNCH scan tools

From what we mentioned above, we recommend that you go for LAUNCH CR319 which is a very cost-effective OBD2 diagnostic scanner. This LAUNCH scan tool works for wide car brands and performs lots of functions such as ABS/SRS, transmission, etc.

Come in second place is the LAUNCH X431 Diagun V because it is an excellent bi-directional scan tool and it offers a lot of advanced functions. Moreover, this LAUNCH scan tool supports many vehicles made worldwide.

If you are a DIYer, the LAUNCH X431 Creader V Plus is a very great OBD2 scanner that offers you all the possible functions. It is a bidirectional scan tool and supports all 10 modes of OBD2, which brings a nice balance of features that will help you keep your car well maintained.

Bottom line

These were the 10 best LAUNCH scanners that you can choose from. Additionally, make sure to pick an automotive tool that offers all the features that you need. Good luck!