Today I tested out my recent purchase of a device made by Chinese scanner maker Launch called the X431 Creader Elite 2.0.
Launch makes about 15 different versions of these, "mini-scanners," if you will, specifically loaded with software for one* particular vehicle brand. For instance, I bought the unit for Toyota, but, if you want, you can choose the unit for Ford, or BMW, etc These units are advertised with "free lifetime updates," which is sort of irrelevant for our needs. The important thing is the current software remains functional on the unit for as long we need it. However, Launch gives the option to add a year of software coverage, for a cost, other car brands to the unit, which is nice.

These Creader Elites caught my eye about a year ago and I really wasn't impressed until I watched several Youtube reviews and it appeared it was capable of most of Techstream's functions. I happen to have a very expensive Snap-On scanner, the Verus Edge, with the latest software suite, and it does a grand total of 0 customization settings on my Lexus. It just doesn't have that capability because Snap-On doesn't think it's necessary for diagnosis & repair.

So I bought this Creader Elite for Toyota for $116 (total) mainly out of curiosity to see if it could match the Techstream on my tablet. As soon as I plugged it in and tapped "Diagnose" it immediately auto-detected my VIN, which both impressed and relieved me, because I was little worried I had purchased a toy. After playing around with it for a half-hour, it seems like it does equal Techstream. Bi-Directional functions, I think all the Customizations are in the menu and work, the TPMS, the Immobilizer key adding, graphing Live Data, etc. I cannot say for certain it can do everything Techstream because I didn't test everything. But I would confidently estimate it does do everything I need Techstream to do. Of course Amazon sells these and was my first choice because of their easy return policy, but I saved a few dollars buying it from Kingbolen's store. Kingbolen is a legit Launch distributor, probably owned by Launch, and seems somewhat reputable. Somewhat.

Oh, by the way, Techstream is slow. Really slow software. These Creader Elites are slow, too, on the Lexus. But not as slow as Techstream. Android based, 4" touchscreen, no problems with the touch response. Comes with a short DLC cable, of course. I like my Techstream more because it's on a 13" tablet, and it's totally wireless, giving me the freedom to be outside the car. That's my experience I wanted to share. If this thing was around 6 years ago, it would've saved me so many hours getting Techstream to work and a lot of aggravation finding a reliable VCI.

 

Sounds like a great alternative especially to those not technically adept enough to use Techstream. Thanks for sharing

 

I think I will buy one.

I'm doing holiday travel next month and my current scanner just does basic code stuff.

My tech stream is on an old laptop, not exactly convenient when on the highway. Lol