Since there are many of key programming brands on market, such as Autel, Xhorse and Launch. How should we choose? Today we've brought 3 of their featured tool into comparison: they are Autel MaxiIM IM608 Pro 2, Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Plus & Launch X431 IMMO Pad.
Trying to figure out which one is better for you.
IM608 II vs. Key Tool Plus vs. X431 IMMO Pad
Key Programmer Brand | Autel MaxiIM IM608 II (IM608 PRO 2) | Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Plus | Launch X431 IMMO Pad |
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IMMO function |
Leading-edge on the whole - with 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 coming with key slot. |
Advantages: 1. Leading-edge in ECM and TCM reading, writing and cloning functions for Mercedes-Benz, BMW and VAG; |
Generate universal key | Supported | Supported | Not Supported |
Diagnostic function |
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 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 supported.
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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 |
Screen | 10.1'', 1920*1200 | 10.4'', 1920*1200 | 10.1'', 1920*1200 |
Battery capacity | 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/clear codes | √ | × | √ |
Live data | √ | × | √ |
ECU information | √ | × | √ |
Service | √ (36 kinds) | × | √ (25 kinds) |
Special function | √ | × | √ |
Online coding | √ | × | √ |
Offline coding | √ | × | √ |
Hidden feature | √ | × | √ |
Guidance | √ | × | × |
Report management | √ | × | √ |
Remote expert | √ | × | √ |
Extensions | √ (optional endoscope) | × | √ (optional endoscope, TPMS functions, etc.) |
Generate universal key | √ | √ | × |
Simulate transponder | √ | × | × |
Detect frequency | √ | √ | × |
Read transponder | √ | √ | × |
Renew key | √ | √ | × |
Process IMMO data | √ | √ | × |
Detect ignition coil | × | √ | × |
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 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 supported 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 inconveniency 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 supported for 3 types of TCM, 18 types of ECM, and GSM.
Disadvantages: 1. Manual model selection not supported; 2. PIN acquisition supported for less (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 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 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 not supported. |
PSA |
Advantages: 1. Model coverage of key learning 10% greater than that of *VDI; 2. Coverage of PIN reading via OBD 50% grater 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 not supported. |
Advantages: None
Disadvantages: 1. Poor coverage of PIN reading via OBD; 2. BSI cloning 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 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 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 not supported for Clio V/Captur II with blade key.
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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 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 not supported, and only key adding and All Keys Lost 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 key 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 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 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 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, and 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, and 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, and 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. Parts replacement 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 supported and parts replacement not supported; 2. PIN-free functions 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 covered; 2. PIN-free All Keys Lost not supported for BYD; 3. PIN-free functions not supported for GWM and Emgrand. |
Comparison
Autel IM608 II > Launch X431 IMMO Pad > Xhorse Key Tool Plus
Autel IM608 II is highest priced while Xhorse Key Tool Plus is the cheapest.
Conclusion
In sum, all three brands have their advantages and disadvantages. In the performance of different models, they also have functions that are better at. How to pick a better tool is depending on the car models that are frequently used, and your budget, of course.