Autel Maxisys Ultra vs. Elite: Which Is The Better Choice?

If you’re trying to decide between two options, Autel Ultra vs. Elite, this is the right place for you. 

These are two really good scanners from Autel that most professionals would find useful. But there’s a pretty big difference in price between them. 

I know you might not be sure about which one is best for what you need. 

So, take a look at my comparison review to see what’s the same and what’s different between them.

Autel Maxisys Ultra vs. Elite: Full comparison chart

	Autel Ultra Check Price	Autel Elite Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
Full-system diagnostic	✅	✅
Active tests	✅	✅
Intelligent Diagnosis	✅	-
Topology map	✅	-
SERVICE FUNCTIONS
Service functions	40+	38+
Oil Reset	✅	✅
ABS Bleeding	✅	✅
TPMS Reset	✅	✅
Key Programming	✅	✅
Crankshaft Relearn	✅	✅
Transmission Relearn	✅	✅
OTHER FUNCTIONS
AutoVIN	✅	✅
VAG Guided Function	✅	✅
ECU coding	✅	✅
ECU programming	✅	✅
VEHICLE COVERAGE
OBD2 car/light truck	✅	✅
CAN FD & DoIP protocols	✅	-
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Screen size	12.9"	9.7"
Processor	Octa-core	Quad-core
Android OS	Android 7	Android 7
Storage	4GB & 256GB	2GB & 32GB
Battery	18,000mAh	15,400mAh
Wireless connection	✅	✅
Docking station	✅	✅
5-in-1 VCMI	✅	-
Split screen	✅	-
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free updates	1 year	2 years
Yearly update fee	$1,695	$1,295
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Customer support	8.5/10	8.5/10
Where to buy	Amazon.com	Amazon.com

Click here to DOWNLOAD the Full Comparison Chart in PDF (FREE)

Autel Maxisys Ultra vs. Elite: Key differences

Here are some main differences between Autel Maxisys Ultra and Elite. If you’re looking for a quick answer, this will help:

• Topology map: This feature only shows up in the higher-end Autel scanners. So, the Autel Ultra has it, but the Elite doesn’t.
• Intelligent diagnosis: Similar to the topology map, this feature is available on the Ultra but not on the Elite.
• Screen size: The Ultra has a big 12.9″ screen, while the Elite comes with a 9.7″ screen.
• Battery: The Ultra has a large battery with 18000 mAh capacity, whereas the Elite’s battery is 15,400 mAh.

My suggestion is to go with the Ultra if you run a repair shop and need a pro tool to handle any kind of issues. The Elite is a more affordable option for those who need fewer functions.

Today’s best Autel Ultra price:

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Today’s best Autel Elite price:

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Autel Maxisys Ultra vs. Elite: Detailed comparison

Performance

Even though the cost difference between the Autel Ultra and Elite is quite big, they actually have some similar functions:

• Diagnose the entire car system.
• Control the electrical parts on any system (active tests).
• Offer step-by-step guide for VAG vehicles.
• Perform ECU coding & programming.

Additionally, Autel Ultra and Elite are quite similar in terms of service functions.

Though the Elite has two fewer functions compared to the Ultra, they still share most of the important service functions. For example, key programming, transmission relearn, crank/camshaft relearn, etc.

But now, let’s look at what Ultra has but Autel Elite lacks.

First, there’s the Topology map feature. It’s like a map with colors that quickly shows me what’s going wrong in the car’s systems.

This helps me figure out which part is causing the problem.

Second is the Intelligent Diagnosis feature. This gives me all the information I need to make the right repairs. It works on most of the cars in my shop. 

It gives me various repair guidance options, like Technical Service Bulletin, DTC Analysis, Repair Assist, Repair Tips, Component Measurement, and Relevant Cases. 

Lastly, there’s a cool feature called “Split screen“. This lets me see multiple things at the same time on the screen.

It’s really handy when I’m doing a few tasks together, like scanning codes while watching live data or reading repair instructions.

To put it simply, these features are a big help if you’re dealing with lots of cars and repairs in a busy garage.

Vehicle coverage

Both of these scanners are great when it comes to a wide range of vehicle coverage. 

They not only provide support for AutoAuth on FCA vehicles manufactured after 2017, but they also cover a range of protocols, including:

• CAN FD/DoIP: This covers newer GMs, BMWs E/F series, Land Rover, and Jaguar.
• D-PDU, J2534, RP1210: These protocols are supported for various vehicles such as Volvo, Toyota, GM, Honda, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, VW, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and more.

The main difference here is that if you’re using the Elite scanner, you’ll need extra CAN FD/DoIP adapters.

On the other hand, the Ultra doesn’t require these additional tools because these protocols are already built into it.

For automotive shop owners, both of these scanners are highly suitable. They minimize the need to switch between scanners due to the lack of support for the particular vehicle you’re working on. 

Design & hardware

Talking about this, Autel Ultra maintains its position as the clear winner.

Autel Ultra got a bunch of upgrades compared to the Elite version. It’s better than the Elite in almost every way, except for a few things they both share:

• Run on Android 7,
• Connect wirelessly,
• Come with a docking station.

Here’s where the Autel Ultra really shines:

Firstly, Autel Ultra has a super fast Octa-core processor, while the Elite has a Quad-core one. This means if you go with the Ultra, doing stuff on it will be super quick and smooth.

Secondly, the Ultra has a bigger memory with 4GB RAM and 256GB ROM, while the Elite only has 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM, which is not that much.

Thirdly, the Ultra has a really big 12.9″ screen. The Elite’s screen at 9.7″ is not small, but it’s smaller than the Ultra’s.

When I use the Ultra to look at electrical diagrams, it’s more comfortable.

Because of its big screen, the Ultra also has a much bigger battery, with a whopping 18,000mAh capacity. The Elite’s battery is also good with 15,400mAh.

And the coolest thing about the Autel Ultra is its 5-in-1 VCMI unit.

This device is big, about 7 inches, but it’s packed with a bunch of useful stuff. You can use it as a wireless VCI device, a multimeter, an oscilloscope, a CAN BUS tester, and even a waveform generator.

After-sales service

Almost everything about the Autel Ultra is impressive, except for its after-sales service. 

It’s not that the support is bad, but because the Autel Ultra is the top-tier scanner in the Ultra lineup, it does have some limitations when it comes to updates.

I can point out that its only downside is that the Ultra includes just one year of free updates, in contrast to the Elite, which offers two.

However, the scanner’s features are designed to last for years, except for the online functions.

Moreover, the cost of updating the Ultra is relatively high, priced at $1,695 per year, whereas the Elite’s updates are a bit more affordable at $1,295 per year.

Lastly, in terms of warranty, both scanners are covered for one year, providing peace of mind during usage.

Recommendations

In my view, both scanners work well for professionals’ tasks. Autel Ultra and Elite come with the necessary advanced features for daily work, such as ECU coding or programming. 

However, when it comes to having a wide range of functions, Ultra outperforms Elite. 

Moreover, I’ve personally found that using Ultra has saved me significant time, boosting my productivity in the garage.

If your budget allows, I recommend opting for Ultra. If not, Elite remains a solid option, even though its functions might be somewhat more limited compared to Ultra.

Today’s best Autel Ultra price:

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Today’s best Autel Elite price:

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