10 Best Launch Scan Tools Review and Comparison 2023

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

1. Launch CRP129 OBD2 Scan Tool with ABS/SRS/ Engine/ Transmission

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.

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 OBD2 Scan Tool with Engine/ ABS/ SRS/ Transmission

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.

Who Is It For?

Beginners looking to perform basic diagnostics and run standard tests on newer cars.

Check Price at Amazon

3. LAUNCH CRP123E OBD2 Scanner with SRS/Transmission system

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.

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 Amazon

4. LAUNCH CR319 OBD2 Automotive Scan Tool with O2 Sensor/EVAP Systems/Mode 6

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.

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 Creader V Plus OBD2 Professional Scanner

For an advanced scanner that looks the part, check out the Launch X431 Creader V Plus.

The V plus comes with a large, durable touch screen that is 10 inches wide and waterproof. And Launch built the case surrounding the screen to handle dust, grease, and drops.

Check codes for all four major systems in the cars you work on (engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS). Run testing to determine if a car is emissions ready as well. Other systems you can check include, the fuel system, engine body, steering angle calibration, and oil reset.

Perform ECU coding and a number of other bidirectional functions. You can also perform key coding, key match, battery match, and throttle match with this device.

The Creader V Plus is compatible with most cars made since 1996 and is compliant with all major OBD2 protocols.

Who’s It For?

Professional mechanics who need to perform advanced functions on a wide variety of makes and models.

Check Price at Amazon

6. Launch X431 PRO Mini Full-System Diagnostic Scan Tool

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.

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 Amazon

7. LAUNCH Creader 4001 OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool Car for Clearing Engine Fault Codes

For those who need a Launch code reader that performs just the basic functions, the LAUNCH Creader 4001 is the perfect device for you.

The 4001 will turn off your check engine light, read and clear DTC trouble codes, offer a stream of live data, check your car for emissions readiness (I/M readiness), and provide freeze-framing of data. The I/M readiness test individually checks different parts of your emissions system to determine compliance and pinpoint the specific issue if there is a problem.

A 2.4-inch screen presents a menu uncluttered by symbols or complicated phrasing. Instead, the Creader’s main menu presents six simple choices in text form: Read Codes, Erase Codes, I/M Readiness, Data Stream, Freeze Frame, and Vehicle Information.

Explanations for every code are available in the DLC look-up section. And a long cord comes with your purchase providing you the ability to move around the garage as you check in on the issue in your car.

The LAUNCH Creader 4001 is compatible with most cars made since 1996 and with all major OBD II protocols.

Who’s it For?

For car owners who want to turn off check engine lights and run standard tests on their cars.

Check Price at Amazon

8. LAUNCH Creader CR3001 OBD2 with O2 Sensor /Check Engine Light Systems

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.

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 Amazon

9. LAUNCH Creader 8001 OBD2 Code Reader with ABS/ SRS/Oil Service Light

Of all the Launch Scanners, the Creader 8001 might be the most unique.

Along with being another price friendly model, the 8001 reads and clears codes for multiple systems, including the engine, ABS, and SRS systems. This Launch diagnostic tool also clears the Oil light and runs EPB resets.

Additional OBD2 features include performing O2 Sensor tests, running EVAP systems tests, and completing On-board monitor testing. All ten OBD2 tests work on the CR3001.

Read live data and freeze frame data and check your car’s status for emissions with the CR3001. The device also graphs the data and sends it to your PC for printing.

Along with the colorful design, the device comes with hot keys on the keypad that takes you directly to certain functions on the device, such as DTC codes and I/M readiness testing.

The CR3001 is compatible with most cars made since 1996. Compatible protocols include:

• IS09141-2
• 1SO14230-4
• SAEJ1850
• ISO15675-4

Who’s It For?

For car owners and intermediate level mechanics who want to do slightly more than just turning off the check engine light and checking emissions readiness.

Check Price at Amazon

10. LAUNCH Creader 7001F OBD2 EOBD Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tool with ABS/ SAS

Of all the Launch scan tools, the Creader 7001F might be the one that provides the most bang for the buck.

Read and erase codes, clear the check engine light, and check the emissions status of your car (with I/M readiness testing) with the 7001F. But the device with the 4-inch screen also performs oil reset, EPB, SAS, DPF reset, BMS, and ABS brake bleeding.

This Launch scanner provides live data and freeze frame data. The 7001F comes with hotkeys located just below the screen that give you immediate access to important functions such as DTC codes and I/M readiness testing. And perform full OBD2 Diagnostics (all 10 modes) with the 7001F.

Basic functions work for most cars made since 1996. Special functions are limited to cars made between 2006-2016. Launch says to contact them to ensure compatibility. The 7001F is compatible with most major OBD2 protocols.

Who’s It For?

Expert level mechanics on a budget who want a device that can cover a wide range of systems.

Check Price at Amazon

The Bottom Line

DIYers will appreciate the CRP129 with its live data capabilities and compatibility with all four major systems of the car. And this Launch scanner does all of that for a very reasonable price. But also look into the CRP123E if you would like more bidirectional functions.

For the professionals, the X431 Creader V plus is your best bet. Work with all the standard systems, stream live data, and perform ECU coding functions with this advanced scanner. But also consider the 7001F for the convenient hot keys function.

Check out the CR3001 if the price is the most important thing to consider when purchasing a scanner. For a low price, this Launch scanner clears the check engine light, checks emission status, and streams live data.

Whatever model you choose, discuss with Launch and with other car owners whether the scanner you are considering is compatible with the car you need it for. And make sure the exact functions you need it for are compatible with the car or cars you need it for.

Read more: 9 Best Audi/VW Scan Tool Review and Comparison 2021