Autel offers a wide range of diagnostic scanners, and selecting the one that suits your requirements may seem overwhelming. In this article, we’ll compare the key features and differences among popular Autel scanner series to help you make an informed decision.

1. Autel MS vs. MK vs. MX – Region and Functionality Comparison

The MS (MaxiSys) and MK diagnostic scanners are region-specific and global versions, respectively. While both offer identical functionality, the MS series provides warranty support in the specified region, whereas the MK series requires warranty repairs to be sent back to China.

 

2. Autel MaxiSYS (MS), MaxiCheck (MX), and MaxiCom – Understanding the Product Lines

MaxiSYS (MS) and MaxiCheck (MX) are the primary product lines from Autel, sold through official Autel resellers. MaxiCom models are available through online stores worldwide. Additionally, MaxiDAS (now only the DS808) is considered a lower-end model.

 

3. Important Notes and Considerations for MS Models

Certain MS models may have region or IP limitations, and some could have English language support only, like the MS Ultra model. It’s essential to confirm these details before making a purchase. MS models also grant access to AutoAuth for FCA vehicles and ADAS for advanced scanners. While MK tools now have access to AutoAuth, they cannot add ADAS licenses.

 

4. Autel MX Series – Targeting USA Market with Limitations

The MX series is designed for the USA market but has limited functionality, making it more suitable for basic code reading. For more comprehensive features, consider the MS906BT model from Autel’s least expensive professional line of scanners.

 

5. Understanding Autel MP and BT Series Scanners

The MP series offers advanced functions and goes beyond mere scanning, including coding and key programming. On the other hand, any scanner with a “BT” designation indicates Bluetooth VCI compatibility.

 

6. Autel TS Series – Focus on Tire Pressure and TPMS Coverage

Scanners ending in “TS” are tire pressure-oriented, with TPMS coverage and the ability to program sensors. The TS608 is primarily a TPMS tool for MX programming, sensor relearning, and TPMS diagnostics. Alternatively, the MP808TS model includes this functionality but not the other MP series scanners.

 

7. Subscription Considerations

While using Autel scanners, it’s essential to consider the subscription cost after the initial free year. The MK808BT scanner with Bluetooth interface is more cost-effective to update than the MP808TS model. For DIY users, subscription costs can significantly impact the long-term value of the tool.

 

8. Choosing the Right Model Based on Location

Lastly, it’s important to consider your location when choosing an Autel scanner. If you plan to move overseas or are not located in the USA, you can explore models beyond the US versions, as Autel provides support in various regions.

 

Here is comparison table of 3 best Autel Scanners in 2023 from the series.

MaxiSys MS906TS		MaxiCOM MK808S	MaxiCheck MX808S
DIAGNOSTICS
All-system diagnosis	✅	✅	✅
OE-level diagnosis	✅	✅	✅
Live data	✅	✅	✅
Diagnosis report	✅	✅	✅
Topology Map	–	–	–
SERVICE FUNCTIONS
Number of functions	36+	28+	28+
Reset functions	✅	✅	✅
ABS Bleeding	✅	✅	✅
SAS Calibration	✅	✅	✅
DPF Regen	✅	✅	✅
Battery Registration	✅	✅	✅
TPMS Relearn	✅	–	–
TPMS Programming	✅	–	–
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
Full Active Tests	✅	✅	✅
Key Programming	✅	✅	✅
ECU Coding	✅	–	–
VAG Guide	✅	–	–
Advanced IMMO functions	–	–	–
VEHICLE COVERAGE
Vehicle brands	All brands	All brands	All brands
Trucks	Light trucks	Light trucks	Light trucks
Diesel vehicles	✅	✅	✅
FCA AutoAuth	✅	✅	✅
CAN FD (+ adapter)	✅	✅	✅
HARDWARE/ DESIGN
Connection type	Bluetooth	Wired	Wired
Android OS	11.0	11.0	11.0
Processor	6-Core	2.4 & 5GHZ	2.4 & 5GHZ
Storage	2GB+64GB	4GB+64GB	4GB+64GB
Battery	10,000mAh	5000mAh	5000mAh
Screen size	8″	7″	7″
AFTER- SALES SERVICE
Free update	1 year	1 year	1 year
Update fee (per year)	$124.5	$124.5	$124.5
Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year
Work w/o updates	✅	✅	✅

All in all, by understanding the differences and functionalities of Autel diagnostic scanner series, you can confidently select the most suitable scanner for your specific needs.

 

Autel MS vs MK vs MX

Regarding the MS (MaxiSys) vs MK , MK is a global version of the tool and MS is region specific. MS will have warranty support in the specified region, whereas the MK has to go back to China for warranty repairs.

Function wise they are identical. I bought the MK906BT over the MS because the MS was 60-70%

more expensive from regional distributors.

MK are online products that usually have multi-language enabled.

MaxiSYS (MS) and MaxiCheck (MX) are the mainline products from Autel sold by official Autel

Resellers (Physical Stores). MaxiCom are Online models sold by Internet based stores (globally).

MaxiDAS (Now only the DS808) is a lower-end model.

Some MS models have region/IP limitations and has English language only, i.e MS Ultra. Better confirm and verify before buying.

With MS models, you will get access to AutoAuth (FCA Vehicles) and ADAS (for advanced scanners). Mk tools now also access Autoauth but cannot add ADAS license.

MX: it’s a USA model. BUT it’s little more than a glorified code reader. Save a little more money and step up to their Least Expensive PROFESSIONAL line scanner the MS906BT.

MX808 is for the lube tech. MX808 has less “Hot Functions” Only the basic ‘typical’ service functions Oil, Park Brake, SAS, Battery, DPF, TPMS. So NO Throttle Learn, Gear Learn, H/Lamp Alignment, Window/Sunroof. Plus the 808 is a smaller tablet, slower processor, smaller RAM and Storage, No Camera, No USB & HDMI Ports.

MP: MP has advanced functions. It’s a bit more than just a scanner. It pretty much does everything including coding and keys. and pricing was way different.

BT: Any scanner that ends in BT is for Bluetooth vci.

Including: MP808BT, MK808 BT, DS808BT, MK906BT, MS906BT

TS: TS= Tire Pressure. Anything that ends in TS has TPMS coverage and can program sensors.

TS608 is mainly a TPMS tool for MX programming, sensor relearning and tpms diagnostics. Its

basically already included in the MP808TS unit, but none of the others. As a TPMS side tool i would rather go for the TS508 as Autel provides lifetime free updates on that one and it does the job.

One thing to consider is the subscription cost once the first free year have passed. The MK808BT

(BT=bluetooth interface) is -much- cheaper to keep updated than the MP808TS. If used professionally, no problem. But for DIY this matters, what seems to be the best tool soon becomes outdated due to heavy subscription cost. Then it may not be the best tool anymore.

Quite a few comments against anything not a US model. What if you will be moving overseas? Would a US model get support in say Germany? So if you are not in America, you don’t have to stick on US models.