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Launch Scan Tool works for a wide variety of car brands and offer assorted features. As one of the top brand names in the scanner market today, Launch provides a number of signature features, including clear screens, easy to read menus, and simple controls for working your device.
Some models include the unique “hot keys” feature: four buttons that will direct automatically to important functions like I/M readiness testing or DTC lookup.
But the wide variety of model available means that NOT ALL cars or features are available on all Launch scanners. Let’s take a look at some of the best Launch brand models broken down into three categories: scanners for DIYers, scanners for professionals, and scanners from the Creader series.
Best Launch Scan Tools
| Editor's Picks | Products | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Launch CRP129 | 9.5/10 |
| Runner Up | Launch CRP123E | 9.2/10 |
| Best Budget Buy | LAUNCH CR319 | 9.0/10 |
| Best Value | LAUNCH CRP123 | 8.8/10 |
| Also Great | LAUNCH 3001 | 8.5/10 |
1. Launch CRP129
Let’s start with an affordable model.
The CRP129 might be the best option for someone on a budget who needs a Launch scanner to check more than a check engine light.
For a little over $200 (based on the most recent prize on Amazon at the time of this writing), the CRP129 reads and clears codes for all four major systems in your car (Engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS). In addition to that, mechanics can use this automotive scanner to perform Oil, EPB, and SAS resets.
Know the status of your car’s emissions system with O2 sensor checking and I/M readiness testing. You can also bleed your ABS brakes with the CRP129.
The 4 inch LCD screen is easy to read and the device produces the desired information within seconds.
The CRP129 is compliant with over 40 car models made after 2006 and works with most major OBD2 protocols.
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Pros
- Launch will email you to tell you whether your car or cars are compliant
- 1 year warranty
- Free lifetime updates
- Easy to use
- Simple setup (if you read the instructions)
Cons
- Software downloads could be problematic
- Not compliant with a number of vehicles
- No live sensor monitoring
Who Is It For?
For the at-home mechanic who wants to be able to check all major systems on their newer model car
Check Price at Amazon—-
2. Launch CRP123
If you want a significant amount of data for your vehicle on a clear, easy to use screen, check out the LAUNCH CRP123 Scanner.
Read and clear trouble codes and read live data for your engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission systems with this Launch diagnostic tool. That includes both generic and manufacturer specific codes. And the CRP123 presents live data in easy to read graphs that you can print.
Car owners can also check their emissions status with I/M readiness testing. Other tests include O2 Sensor, EVAP system, and ON-Board Monitor testing. And this scanner includes a built-in DTC lookup library and offers freeze frame data.
The CRP123 is compatible with most any car made since 2006. Models include Acura, Alfa-Romeo, Audi, Benz, BMW, Chrysler, Citroen, Daewoo, Dacia, EU-Ford, Fiat, Ford, GM, Jeep, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Land Rover, Lancia, Lexus, Mazda, Mini, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Saab, Seat, Skoda, Sprinter, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
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Pros
- Supports Mode 6 testing
- Comes updated with latest software
- Easy to use
- Solid customer service
- Free lifetime software update
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Does not update on Mac
- Does not work on older vehicles
Who Is It For?
Beginners looking to perform basic diagnostics and run standard tests on newer cars.
Check Price at Amazon3. LAUNCH CRP123E
Owners can check a wide variety of car brands and systems with the Launch CRP123E.
Check and clear trouble codes for all the main systems in your car (engine, SRS, ABS, and transmission). A DTC library provides in-depth code definitions. In addition to the main systems, the CRP123E also checks EPS, OPDS, SWS, ACM, AC, and EVPS systems.
View live data on the CRP123E’s 5-inch horizontal touch screen with clear, printable graphs. This Launch OBD2 scanner also stores data for future use.
Access all 10 OBD2 modes with the CRP123E. That includes checking the PCM, Fuel Trim, Freeze Frame data, reading readiness monitor status, and O2 sensor testing among other features. And the CRP123E performs multiple bidirectional tests and will bleed your ABS brakes.
This Launch scanner is compatible with most cars made since 1996 and works for all major OBD2 protocols.
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Pros
- 5 year warranty
- 24 hour technical support
- Easy to use
- Detailed code explanations
- Affordable for all that it does
Cons
- Some cars excluded on some features
- Needs Wi-Fi to access all features
Who’s It For?
For car owners and DIYers on a budget who need advanced capabilities outside of just determining why the check engine light is on.
Check Price at Amazon4. LAUNCH CR319
Read and clear codes from your engine and learn what those codes mean with a full DTC library. Check the emissions status of your car with I/M readiness testing. Other supported tests include O2 Sensor testing, On-Board Monitor testing, and EVAP system testing. Owners can view live data and have access to freeze frame data as well.
This plug and play scan tool also comes with a durable 2.5 foot long cable for flexibility when working in a garage. And the device needs no charger.
Compatible protocols for the CRP319 include
- ISO9141
- KWP2000
- J1850 PWM
- J1850 VPW
- CAN OBD2
And the scanner works with most cars made since 1996.
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Pros
- 1 year warranty
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Lightweight and portable
- Considering the price, it does a large amount of sensor testing
Cons
- Doesn’t work for ABS, SRS, or transmission codes
- Not bidirectional capabilities
Who’s It For?
Car owners and DIYers who primarily need a device for clearing the check engine light and checking emissions status, but also like to have access to a number of other features.
Check Price at Amazon—-
5. Launch X431 PRO Mini
The LAUNCH X431 PROS Mini works like a mini tablet. DIYers will love the X431 PROS mini’s compact, portable structure.
The PROS mini clears codes and activates components to help you determine what’s behind the issues in your car. Resets include Oil, TPMS, parking brake, and electronic throttle.
This OBD Launch scan tool also performs DPF regeneration, steering angle calibration, battery maintenance, and more.
Data live streams over the easy to use touchscreen interface with HD display. The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features on the bi-directional scan tool allow you to diagnose while working under the hood. And information loads to your screen with incredible speed and accuracy.
The LAUNCH X431 PROS mini works with over 80 car brands. Included with the PROS mini are 14 connectors compatible with other automotive standards.
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Pros
- Performs Key Configuration
- Offers 2 years of free updates
- Easy to use screen interface
- Compatible with a lot of cars
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Cons
- Works better for foreign cars than it does American cars
- Can take a long time to register
- Updates are expensive after the 2 free years.
Who’s It For?
The LAUNCH X431 PROS mini works best for mechanics and car enthusiasts who need or like to experiment with different features.
Check Price at Amazon6. LAUNCH Creader CR3001
Another great Creader model that works as a plug and play is the CR3001.
This plug and play scan tool reads and clears codes for your check engine light. Check what those codes mean with the CR3001’s lookup library.
The CR3001 comes with I/M readiness testing so you can check to see if your car would pass emissions testing. This test checks the status of the misfire and fuel systems. Other tests the CR3001 can run include O2 sensor testing, EVAP system testing, and On-Board Monitor testing.
Users can also view live data and freeze frame data. And this Launch scanner can recall your car’s history using the VIN number.
The CR3001 is compatible with most cars built since 1996. OBD2 protocols supported include KWP2000, ISO9141, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM, and CAN.
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Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use for beginners
- 3 year warranty with no questions asked refund
- Works quickly
- No batteries required
Cons
- Doesn’t cover ABS, SRS, or transmission codes
- Difficult to find a specific list of what cars are compatible
Who’s It For?
Car owners and DIYers who want to do a little bit more than just checking the engine light and knowing their car’s emissions status.
Check Price at AmazonRead more: Best Audi/VW Scan Tool Review 2024
