LAUNCH X431 PRO5 vs. Topdon Phoenix Pro: Which one to pick?

Welcome to the ultimate face-off: Launch X431 PRO5 vs. Topdon Phoenix Pro – the top ECU programming scanners under $2000.

The big question: which one takes the crown?

Join us in this review to uncover the answer. Let’s dive in!

LAUNCH X431 PRO5 vs. Topdon Phoenix Pro: Comparison Table

	LAUNCH X431 PRO5 Check Price	TOPDON Phoenix Pro Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
Full-system diagnostic	✅	✅
Live data	✅	✅
Active tests	✅	✅
Topology map	✅	–
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Service functions	50+	34+
Oil Reset	✅	✅
ABS Bleeding	✅	✅
TPMS Reset	✅	✅
Key Programming	✅	✅
Crankshaft Relearn	✅	✅
Transmission Relearn	✅	✅
ECU Coding	✅	✅
ECU programming	BMW & Benz	BMW & Benz + 11 Brands
High Voltage Battery Diagnostics	✅	–
VEHICLE COVERAGE
OBD2 car/light truck	✅	✅
OBD1 car/light truck	✅	✅
Heavy-duty truck	HD module required	–
Later GM and Ford	✅	–
Later FCA cars	✅	✅
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Processor	8-Core, 1.8GHz	8-Core, 2.0GHz
Screen size	10.1″	12″
Android OS	Android 9.0	Android 5.1
Storage	3GB+32GB	2GB & 64GB
Battery	7,000mAh	15,000mAh
Wireless connection	✅	✅
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free updates	2 years	2 years
Yearly update fee	$460	$795
Warranty	5 years	1 year
Customer support	8.5/10	9.0/10
	Check price	Check Price

LAUNCH X431 PRO5 vs. Topdon Phoenix Pro: Key Differences & Quick Recommendation

This part is for folks who want to know the differences between PRO5 and Phoenix Pro, without spending too much time.

So, what makes them different?

• ECU programming: With Phoenix Plus, you can handle 13 car brands, including BMW & Benz. While Launch X431 PRO5 sticks to BMW & Benz.
• Screen size: If you want a big 12” screen, go for Phoenix Pro – the largest I’ve seen. PRO5’s screen is a good size at 10.1”.
• Battery power: Phoenix Pro has a super-strong 15,000mAh battery – double PRO5’s capacity.
• Vehicle coverage: Phoenix Pro works for OBD2 only, while PRO5 covers OBD2, OBD1, and 24V trucks.
• Warranty: Warranty is quite different – Launch offers 5 years, Topdon gives 2 years.

My quick advice:

For wider vehicle coverage and a longer warranty, pick Launch X431 PRO5.

For a longer battery life and powerful ECU programming, go for Topdon Phoenix Pro.

Today’s best Launch X431 PRO5 price:

Check Price at Amazon

Today’s best Topdon Phoenix Pro price:

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LAUNCH X431 PRO5 vs. Topdon Phoenix Pro: Detailed Comparison Review

Performance: Both are powerful, just ECU programming differs

The only difference is online programming.

LAUNCH X431 PRO5 does online programming for 2 brands: BMW & Benz.

Now, Topdon Phoenix Pro? It spreads its coverage over 13 brands:

• BMW & Benz
• AUDI, VW/SKODA/SEAT, Porsche, Jaguar/Land Rover, Nissan, Subaru, Renault, Hyundai.

Hard to believe? Check out how smoothly Phoenix Pro handles VW programming in this feedback video (starting from 3:00). It’s quite an eye-opener! 

Alright, the difference is done. Now, let’s talk about their shared awesomeness.

Both scanners give you ALL the pro-level features a mechanic need:

• Full-system diagnostics
• Active tests
• Reset and Relearn functions
• ECU coding and customization

But those Reset and Relearn functions come with 40+ options. A bit much so it’s better to see them in the detailed comparison table above.

Besides, both have topology maps. With this useful function, you can check all module statuses at a glance and swiftly tackle problems.

Check out the interfaces of Phoenix Pro and PRO5 below:

So, whichever you choose, you’ll have a reliable partner to help you repair faster and more effortlessly.

Vehicle Coverage: PRO5 covers more cars & trucks

Although Topdon Phoenix Pro only supports OBD2 vehicles, it excels in its role. Just look at its ECU programming – Phoenix Pro handles 13 car brands. It’s really impressive as most scanners in this range only handle 2 brands.

On the other hand, LAUNCH X431 PRO5 is a real star with its wide vehicle coverage.

And by “wide,” I mean PRO5 covers:

• OBD2 vehicles
• OBD1 vehicles
• And 24V heavy-duty trucks (Note: You’ll need to get the diagnostic software separately.)

In my view, Launch X431 PRO5 can truly broaden any shop’s capability to work on a much wider range of vehicles.

Design & Hardware: Topdon Phoenix Plus wins

Both scanners have big screens with a high resolution of 1900*2000. But Topdon Pro’s screen is around 2 inches larger. 

A 12” screen on Phoenix Plus gives you a super clear view of everything, from live data to topology maps. But keep in mind, if your workspace is tight, the bigger screen might feel a bit bulky.

Topdon Pro also packs a stronger battery – a whopping 15,000mAh. For comparison, that’s twice the power of PRO5’s 7,000mAh battery.

Now, here’s the twist. Topdon Phoenix Pro’s tablet runs on Android 5.1.1, which is quite outdated compared to Android 9.0 on Launch PRO5.

To sum it up, when it comes to design and hardware, Topdon Phoenix Pro completely outshines Launch X431 PRO5. So, the choice is pretty clear!

After-sales service: Buy Launch for a longer warranty 

These two scanners are not cheap, I’m sure you’re thinking about the warranty before making your decision.

And the title of this section tells you all you need to know. If you’re looking for a long-lasting guarantee, stretching all the way to 5 years, then Lauch X431 PRO5 is your top pick.

Topdon offers just 1 year of warranty. Still, it’s enough to bring that peace of mind when you’re making your purchase.

Recommendation

Thinking about broadening your shop’s reach to work on more vehicles? Launch X431 PRO5 is your go-to choice. It also brings you a reassuring 5-year warranty. So, you can make your purchase with total peace of mind.

But if a lasting battery and ECU programming are your top priorities, then your ideal pick would be Topdon Phoenix Pro.