As the hot sales in the key programming market, what’s different between Autel MaxiIM IM608 II, Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Plus Pad & Launch X431 IMMO Pad? Which tool is better? Reading the comparison table may help you make it clear.
Key Programmer: Autel vs. Xhorse vs. Launch
Item | Autel MaxiIM IM608 II/ IM608S II | Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Plus | Launch X431 IMMO Pad |
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Price | £2,563 | £1,794 | £1,908 |
Immo functions | Leading edge on the whole – with the best coverage of functions, ease of use, and stability of functions:
1. Leading edge on models of such makes as FCA, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan; 2. Best ease of use: Auto VIN, IMMO status scan, guided functions, etc. 3. Good support for some small regional markets such as IMEA, South America, and Australia. |
Advantages:
1. Wide coverage for 8A smart key for Toyota; 2. Tablet comes with a key slot. |
Advantages:
1. Leading edge in ECM and TCM reading, writing, and cloning functions for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and VAG; |
Universal key generation | Supported | Supported | Not Supported |
Diagnosis | Best diagnostic functions:
1. IMMO system programming supported for BMW and Mercedes-Benz; 2. Guided functions supported; 3. Coding supported; 4. Basic diagnostic functions such as Read Codes and Erase Codes are supported.
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Not Supported | Quite comprehensive diagnostic functions:
1. Coding supported; 2. Basic diagnostic functions such as Read Codes and Erase Codes are supported.
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Operating system | Android 10.0 | Android 9.0 | Android 7.1 |
Memory | RAM: 4 GB, ROM: 128 GB | RAM: 4 GB, ROM: 128 GB | RAM: 4 GB, ROM: 64 GB |
Display screen/resolution | 10.1”, 1920*1200
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10.4”, 1920*1200 | 10.1”, 1920*1200 |
Battery | 15000 mAh | 10000 mAh | 9360 mAh |
Camera | Rear: 1600 MP | Rear: 1300 MP | Front: 800 MP, Rear: 1300 MP |
VCI | JVCI+ | All-in-one | Smartlink C VCI |
Programmer | XP400 Pro | Built-in | X-PROG 3 |
Auto VIN | √ | × | √ |
Read/erase codes | √ | × | √ |
Live data | √ | × | √ |
ECU info | √ | × | √ |
Service | √ (36 kinds) | × | √ (25 kinds) |
Special function | √ | × | √ |
Online coding | √ | × | √ |
Offline coding | √ | × | √ |
Hide function | √ | × | √ |
Guided function | √ | × | × |
Report management | √ | × | √ |
Remote expert | √ | × | √ |
Scalability | √ (optional endoscope) | × | √ (optional endoscope, TPMS functions, etc.) |
Universal key generation | √ | √ | × |
Transponder simulation | √ | × | × |
Frequency detection | √ | √ | × |
Transponder reading | √ | √ | × |
Key Renewal | √ | √ | × |
IMMO data processing | √ | √ | × |
Ignition coil detection | × | √ | × |
BMW | Advantages:
1. ISN reading in Bench mode supported for 3 MD/MG (new platform) ECM models; 2. Key learning supported for EWS.
Disadvantages: None |
Advantages:
1. Key leaning supported for motorcycles.
Disadvantages: 1. ISN reading via OBD or in Bench mode supported a few ECM models. |
Advantages:
1. More ECM models for EEPROM and FLASH reading in Bench mode than ECM models for cloning (ECM model menu).
Disadvantages: 1. Key learning not supported for EWS; 2. Bench mode not supported for 6-speed transmission and F chassis. |
Mercedes-Benz | Advantages:
1. IMMO functions supported for 5 Smart models; 2. PIN acquisition supported for 26 IMMO module types; 3. Such functions as data reading, erasing, and writing support for 3 types of TCM, 16 types of ECM, GSM, and ESCL; 4. Manual model selection supported.
Disadvantages: None |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Slow PIN calculation (all keys lost); 2. A large number of sub-functions causing operation inconvenience for users; 3. Slow PIN reading for key learning and slow configuration data recovery for Smart 453; 4. Start key writing not supported for IMMO modules for Sprinter (2007-2018) with blade key in the US. |
Advantages:
1. Such functions as data reading, erasing, and writing support for 3 types of TCM, 18 types of ECM, and GSM.
Disadvantages: 1. Manual model selection not supported; 2. PIN acquisition supported for fewer (only 22) IMMO module types. |
Ford | Advantages:
1. Wide coverage for models: 72 models from 1995 to 2021; 2. Wide coverage of functions: Keypad Code, Auto VIN, IMMO status scan, Parameter Reset, vehicle IMMO information, and hot functions supported.
Disadvantages: None |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for models: 45 models from 2000 to 2021; 2. Narrow coverage of the Parameter Reset function. |
Advantages:
1. Parts replacement supported.
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for models: 55 models from 1998 to 2021 in 6 regions. |
Chrysler | Advantages:
1. Wide coverage for models: 36 models of Chrysler, 58 models of Dodge, and 25 models of Jeep from 1997 to 2022; 2. PIN-free IMMO functions supported.
Disadvantages: No obvious disadvantage. |
Advantages:
No obvious advantage.
Disadvantages: 1. Insufficient coverage for models (13 models of Chrysler, 16 models of Dodge, and 23 models of Jeep from 1997 to 2022) and integrity of functions. |
Advantages:
No obvious advantage.
Disadvantages: 1. PIN-free functions are not supported for some models. |
GM | Advantages:
1. Wide coverage for models: 192 models of 9 major makes from 1993 to 2022.
Disadvantages: None |
Advantages:
1. Online PIN-free functions and third-party CANFD model menus supported for CANFD models.
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for models: 69 models of 5 major makes from 1999 to 2022. |
Advantages:
No obvious advantage.
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for models: 58 models of 4 major makes from 1999 to 2022. |
VAG | Advantages:
1. IMMO 5 BCM2 encrypted IMMO data reading and key adding as well as All Keys Lost for some IMMO 5 models supported; 2. IMMO data synchronization for parts replacement supported for IMMO 3/IMMO 4/MQB ECM and IMMO 5 ECM/TCM/ESCL. |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Pats replacement function not supported. |
Advantages:
1. Wide coverage for ECM and TCM types for replacement in Bench mode; 2. Online learning for IMMO 4 supported.
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage of parts replacement 2. IMMO 5 BCM2 encrypted IMMO data reading is not supported. |
PSA | Advantages:
1. Model coverage of key learning 10% greater than that of *VDI; 2. Coverage of PIN reading via OBD 50% greater than that of *VDI; 3. BSI cloning supported.
Disadvantages: None |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Poor model coverage of key learning; 2. Poor coverage of PIN reading via OBD; 3. BSI cloning is not supported. |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Poor coverage of PIN reading via OBD; 2. BSI cloning is not supported. |
Renault | Advantages:
1. Coverage for 67 models up to 2022; 2. PIN-free key adding supported for Clio V/Captur II with blade key; 3. IMMO status scan, Auto VIN, and vehicle IMMO information supported.
Disadvantages: 1. ECU reset required for PIN acquisition (all keys lost) for Kadjar and Koleos II with blade key. |
Advantages:
1. ECU reset is not required for PIN acquisition (for Kadjar and Koleos II with blade key).
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for models: 28 models up to 2022; 2. IMMO status scan, Auto VIN, and vehicle IMMO information not supported; 3. PIN-free key adding is not supported for Clio V/Captur II with blade key. |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for models: 35 models up to 2022; 2. IMMO status scan, Auto VIN, and vehicle IMMO information not supported; 3. PIN-free key adding is not supported for Clio V/Captur II with blade key.
|
Fiat | Advantages:
1. Comprehensive coverage for models: 181 models from 1996 to 2023 in 8 regions; 2. Auto VIN supported.
Disadvantages: 1. Start key writing is not supported for some old models. |
Advantages:
1. Start key writing (not via OBD) supported for some old models, and no obvious advantage on models as of 2005.
Disadvantages: 1. Insufficient coverage for models (127 models from 1996 to 2020) and integrity of functions. |
Advantages:
No obvious advantage.
Disadvantages: Insufficient coverage for models (23 models from 1996 to 2020) and integrity of functions. |
Toyota/ Lexus | Advantages:
1. Comprehensive coverage for models: 340 models of Toyota and 233 models of Lexus in 5 regions; 2. PIN-free functions for 4A and 8A-A8/A9/AA supported. |
Advantages:
1. PIN-free All Keys Lost for 8A smart key supported.
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for models: 45 models of Toyota and 10 models of Lexus. |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. PIN-free functions for 4A and 8A-A8/A9/AA not supported; 2. Narrow coverage for models: 232 models of Toyota and 159 models of Lexus in 5 regions. |
Honda/ Acura | Advantages:
1. Wide coverage for models: 85 models of Honda and 13 models of Acura; 2. Parts replacement, Auto VIN, IMMO status scan, and vehicle IMMO information supported for most models.
Disadvantages: None |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for models: 25 models of Honda and 16 models of Acura; 2. Narrow coverage of functions: parts replacement is not supported, and only key adding and All Keys Lost are supported. |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for models: a total of 81 models of Honda and Acura; 2. All Keys Lost (via OBD) for smart keys not supported for new models as of 2019 (Civic, Accord, Odyssey, etc.). |
Nissan | Advantages:
1. Wide coverage for models: 504 models up to 2022 in 9 regions; 2. Auto VIN, IMMO status scan, PIN conversion from 22 to 20 for Kicks, PIN conversion from 6+4 to 4, IMMO function (PIN-free key adding) for T33 and B18 (2022), and All Keys Lost for a smart key for D60, D60 EV, and T60 supported.
Disadvantages: None |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for models: 17 models up to 2020 in 9 regions; 2. PIN conversion from 22 to 20 for Kicks, IMMO status scan, PIN conversion from 6+4 to 4, IMMO function (PIN-free key adding) for T33 and B18 (2022), and All Keys Lost for a smart key for D60 EV not supported. |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for models: 161 models up to 2020 in 7 regions; 2. PIN conversion from 22 to 20 for Kicks, IMMO status scan, PIN conversion from 6+4 to 4, IMMO function (PIN-free key adding) for T33 and B18, and All Keys Lost for a smart key for D60, D60 EV and T60 not supported. |
Hyundai/ Kia | Advantages:
1. Wide coverage for models: 365 models of Hyundai up to 2022 in 4 regions; 2. Wide coverage of functions: Auto VIN for most models, PIN reading for 47/4A/8A smart key for new models, PIN reading for such models as KX Cross, IMMO functions, IMMO status scan, basic functions, hot functions, auxiliary functions, etc. for new models supported.
Disadvantages: None |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for modes: 177 models up to 2021 in 2 regions; 2. Narrow coverage of functions: PIN reading for 8A smart key for new models, PIN reading, IMMO status scan, basic functions, hot functions, etc. for such models as fourth-generation Santa Fe and KX Cross not supported. |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for modes: 188 models up to 2021 in 2 regions; 2. Narrow coverage of functions: PIN reading for 8A smart key for new models, PIN reading, IMMO status scan, basic functions, hot functions, etc. for such models as fourth-generation Santa Fe and KX Cross not supported. |
Volvo | Advantages:
1. Wide coverage for models: 27 models up to 2021
Disadvantages: None |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for modes: 11 models up to 2021. |
Advantages:
None
Disadvantages: 1. Narrow coverage for modes: 25 models up to 2021. |
Chinese makes | Advantages:
1. Coverage for models of such makes as Changan, FAW, GWM, Emgrand, Trumpchi, and BYD up to 2022; 2. PIN-free learning supported for models of GWM; 3. PIN-free learning supported for 80% of models of Emgrand; 4. Part replacement is supported for most models.
Disadvantages: 1. Zedriv not covered; 2. PIN-free functions inferior to those of competing products (which adopt the mode of cooperation with third parties) for models including those of BAIC, Borgward, and Bisu. |
Advantages:
1. PIN-free functions realized through cooperation with third parties on inquiry and charge for BAIC, Forthing, Borgward, Bisu, Haima, Landwind, Geely, and Changan (PIN-free functions developed by Autel do not cover all models).
Disadvantages: 1. For most models, only key learning and key easing are supported, and parts replacement is not supported; 2. PIN-free functions are not supported for new models of GWM, not supported for models of SAIC MAXUS, and supported for only some models of blade key for Emgrand. |
Advantages:
1. Zedriv covered
Disadvantages: 1. Only models up to 2021 are covered; 2. PIN-free All Keys Lost not supported for BYD; 3. PIN-free functions are not supported for GWM and Emgrand. |
Conclusion
- In terms of price, Autel IM608 Pro2 is the most expensive, Xhorse Key Tool Plus is the cheapest, and X431 IMMO Pad is between them.
- In the IMMO function aspect, IM608 Pro2 covers a wider range of models and takes the lead in FCA, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan. Key Tool Plus do better in Mercedes, BMW, VAG, and Toyota. X431 IMMO Pad has an advantage in reading/ writing/ cloning Mercedes, BMW, VAG ECM, and TCM. Besides, both IM608 Pro2 & Key Tool Plus support generating universal keys directly.
- As for diagnostic functions, IM608 Pro2 is specialized in coding, guiding, and BMW, Mercedes immo programming. X431 IMMO Pad is comprehensive in read/clear codes and coding. Key Tool Plus does not support it.
- In the hardware configuration, IM608 Pro2 is the latest while the all-in-one Key Tool Plus is more portable.
- As regards the extended features, X431 IMMO Pad supports more, IM608 Pro2 supports less while Key Tool Plus does not support it.
On the whole, whatever brand has its advantages and disadvantages in different models. All 3 key programmers also have functions that they are better at. Customers can pick one based on budget and car models or features they frequently use.