Tired of overspending on diagnostic tools? We’ve tested the entire LAUNCH-X431 2026 lineup to find the 4 tools that give you the most bang for your buck. These models—X431 PRO3, X431 PRO, X431 PRO Elite, and CRP919X BT—represent the smartest investments for mechanics and workshops seeking premium performance without overspending. Each has been carefully selected based on price-to-performance ratio, essential features, and real-world usability.
Key Differences at a Glance:
– X431 PRO3:Largest screen (10.1″), exclusive Topology Map & Quick Scan features
– X431 PRO: Best balance – nearly identical power to PRO3 at £74 less
– X431 PRO Elite: Built-in DoIP for European cars, most stable connection
– CRP919X BT: Most affordable, covers all essentials
Quick-Reference Value Comparison
| Product Model | LAUNCH X-431 PRO3(V+ 5.0) | LAUNCH X-431 PRO(V 5.0) | LAUNCH X-431 PRO ELITE | LAUNCH CRP 919X BT |
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| Price | £612 | £538 | £361 | £292 |
| Diagnostic Box | DBSCar VII | DBSCar VII | – | DBSCar VII |
| CPU | 2.0GHz Quad-Core | 2.0GHz Quad-Core | 2.0GHz Quad-Core | 2.0GHz Quad-Core |
| Operating System | Android 10.0 | Android 10.0 | Android 10.0 | Android 10.0 |
| Memory | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB |
| Display | 10.1 inch | 8 inch | 8 inch | 7 inch |
| Resolution | 1280×800 | 1280×800 | 1280×800 | 1024×600 |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 5MP | – | – |
| Rear Camera | 8MP | 8MP | 8MP | 8MP |
| Operating Temperature | 0~50℃ | 0~50℃ | 0~50℃ | 0~50℃ |
| Communication Method | Bluetooth/USB | Bluetooth/USB | Wired | Bluetooth/USB |
| Host Size | 280.5×218.5
x35(23)(mm) |
235×186.5
x35(23)(mm) |
256×172
x40.6(mm) |
213.8×151
x39.5(mm) |
| Battery | 47.88Wh
(7.6V,6300mAH) (200.85g) |
47.88Wh
(7.6V,6300mAH) (200.85g) |
6000mAh, 3.7V(95.8g) | 47.88Wh
(7.6V,6300mAH) (200.85g) |
| Full System Diagnosis | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| VIN Auto Recognition | ● | ● | ● | – |
| Number of Special Functions | 37 | 37 | 32 | 31 |
| Action Test | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Guided Functions | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| ECU Coding | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| ECU Programming | – | – | – | – |
| Repair Data | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Remote Diagnosis | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| DoIP | ◎ (Requires optional DoIP adapter) | ◎ (Requires optional DoIP adapter) | ● | ◎ (Requires optional DoIP adapter) |
| CAN FD | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Topology Map | ● | – | – | – |
| Quick Scan | ● | – | – | – |
| Test Plan (Fault Guide) | ● | – | – | – |
| Pin Detection | – | – | – | – |
| Software Store | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| ADAS Calibration (Requires ADAS calibration equipment) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | – |
| Tire Pressure Detection (Requires tire pressure equipment) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Immobilizer Programming (Expandable by purchasing a module) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Key Programming (Expandable by purchasing a module) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Oscilloscope (Expandable by purchasing a module) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | – |
| Sensor (Expandable by purchasing a module) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | – |
| Endoscope (Expandable by purchasing a module) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Battery Clamp (Expandable by purchasing a module) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Multimeter (Expandable by purchasing a module) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | – |
| Insulation Tester (Can be independently extended via a module) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | – |
| Current Clamp (Expandable by purchasing a module) | ◎ | ◎ | – | – |
| SGW Package (Can be unlocked via store purchase) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | – |
| FCA SGW (Can be unlocked via store purchase) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | – |
| VW SGW (Can be unlocked via store purchase) | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Renault SGW (Can be unlocked via store purchase) | ◎ | – | – | – |
| Software Package | Immobilizer, Motorcycle, Commercial Vehicle (plus Heavy-duty Truck Smartlink) | Immobilizer, Motorcycle, Commercial Vehicle (plus Heavy-duty Truck Smartlink) | Immobilizer, Motorcycle | Immobilizer, Motorcycle |
| Language | Muti-language | Muti-language | Muti-language | Muti-language |
Legend:
● = Supported | ◎ = Expandable | – = Not Supported

Direct Value-Based Recommendations
Best Overall Value: X-431 PRO (V 5.0) – £538
Why it’s a smart choice: You get 90% of the PRO3’s power at 12% less cost. With identical 37 special functions and full wireless connectivity, this tool delivers professional-grade diagnostics without the premium price tag. Perfect for growing shops that need serious capability but must watch their budget.
Premium Pick: X-431 PRO3 (V+ 5.0) – £612
Where the extra money goes: The larger 10.1-inch screen and exclusive Topology Mapping features justify the investment for busy shops. If you diagnose complex network issues daily or work with multiple technicians, these efficiency gains quickly pay for themselves.
Specialist Value: X-431 PRO Elite – £361
Targeted savings: Built-in DoIP means no extra adapters for European vehicles. The wired connection provides reliable programming stability. If you primarily service BMW, Mercedes, Audi, or VW models, this tool eliminates unnecessary features you won’t use.
Budget Champion: CRP 919X BT – £292
Essential coverage only: All core diagnostic functions at the lowest price point. No frills, just reliable performance for basic to intermediate repairs. Ideal for startups or as a secondary tool in established shops.
| Your Priority | Best Value Choice | Cost Savings | What You Get |
| Maximum Features | X431 PRO3 | – | Top-tier everything |
| Balanced Performance | X431 PRO | Save £74 | Nearly identical power |
| European Specialist | X431 PRO Elite | Save £251 | Purpose-built reliability |
| Tight Budget | CRP919X BT | Save £320+ | Core functions only |
Quick FAQ: Value Questions
Q: Which gives me the most features per pound?
A: The X-431 PRO delivers the best balance of professional features at a reasonable price.
Q: Is the PRO3 worth £74 more than the PRO?
A: Only if you specifically need the larger screen or Topology Mapping features daily.
Q: Can I start with CRP919X and upgrade later?
A: Absolutely—it’s designed as an affordable entry point with a clear upgrade path.
Q: Why choose Elite over PRO if it has fewer functions?
A: If you work mainly on European cars, the built-in DoIP saves you adapter costs and provides more stable connections.
Bottom Line: Smart Investment Advice
For most independent workshops: Choose the X-431 PRO—it’s the sweet spot where professional capability meets reasonable pricing.
If you diagnose network issues regularly, the PRO3’s exclusive features may justify its higher cost through time savings.
For European vehicle specialists: The Elite’s targeted design offers better value than paying for unused wireless features.
When budget is primary: The CRP919X gets you professional diagnostics at an entry-level price.
Selected as the top 4 value performers from LAUNCH’s 2026 lineup. Compare your specific needs against these recommendations to make the smartest investment.
Ready to Make Your Choice?
Get Your LAUNCH Diagnostic Tool Today at www.obd2shop.co.uk.







