Autel Scan Tools Buying Guide Australia: MaxiCheck vs MaxiPRO vs MaxiSys

Autel makes one of the widest scan tool ranges on the market, from a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner that runs on your phone to a 12.9-inch MaxiSys diagnostic tablet that programs modules online. Whether you need a car diagnostic tool for home servicing or a diagnostic scanner for a busy Australian workshop, the model names don’t make the choice easy. For example, an MX900 and an MK900 are the same tool, and an MP900E codes the same vehicles as the dearer MS906 Pro. This guide explains what each Autel tool does, who it suits, and where the real step-ups are, based on Autel’s own specifications.

Quick picks: which Autel scan tool should you buy?

• Home mechanic or mobile servicing: Autel MX808S or Autel MK808S. All-system scans, active tests and service resets on a 7" tablet.
• Newer cars (2020 onwards): Autel MX900. Adds CAN FD and DoIP, which many late-model vehicles need.
• Coding and hidden functions on BMW and VW Group: Autel MP900E, or Autel MP900BT Kit if you want a wireless VCI.
• Tyre shops and workshops doing TPMS: Autel MP900-TS or Autel MP808S-TS.
• Busy workshop wanting a faster wireless tablet: Autel MS906 Pro.
• Module replacement on Mercedes-Benz and BMW: Autel Elite II Pro or Autel MS909.
• Specialist and dealer-level work: Autel Ultra, Autel Ultra EV or the new Autel Ultra S2.

Autel families explained: MaxiCheck, MaxiCOM, MaxiPRO and MaxiSys

Autel groups its tablets into families. The family name tells you roughly where a tool sits:

• MaxiCheck (MX) and MaxiCOM (MK): diagnostic tablets with all-system scans, active tests and service functions. MX and MK versions of the same number share the same hardware and software; on some models only the update period differs.
• MaxiPRO (MP): the MaxiCheck platform plus online coding, hidden functions and VW Group guided functions. The -TS models add full TPMS programming; the BT kit adds a wireless VCI.
• MaxiSys (MS, Elite, Ultra): workshop tablets with faster hardware, bigger screens and, from the Elite II Pro up, online ECU programming. The MS909 and Ultra models add a topology map, ADAS calibration support and J2534 pass-thru programming.
• MaxiIM and MaxiTPMS: dedicated key programming and TPMS tools, covered further down.

Autel MaxiCheck and MaxiPRO comparison

MK808S vs MX808S vs MP808S vs MP808S-TS vs MX900 vs MP900E vs MP900BT vs MP900-TS

These are Autel’s 7" and 8" tablets. All of them read and clear codes on every system, show live data, run active tests and perform service resets. The differences are screen size, newer vehicle protocols, coding and TPMS.

Compare features	MK808S View	MX808S View	MP808S View	MP808S-TS View	MX900 View	MP900E View	MP900BT Kit View	Most capable MP900-TS View
Best for	All-system scans and active tests on a budget	The same tool with 2 years of updates	Coding on a 7" tool	Coding and TPMS in one 7" tool	Newer cars that need CAN FD/DoIP	Coding and hidden functions on 8"	The MP900E with a wireless VCI	Diagnostics, coding and TPMS on 8"
Hardware
Screen	7" 1024x600	7" 1024x600	7" 1024x600	7" 1024x600	8" 1280x800	8" 1280x800	8" 1280x800	8" 1280x800
RAM / storage	4GB / 64GB	4GB / 64GB	4GB / 64GB	4GB / 64GB	4GB / 64GB	4GB / 64GB	4GB / 64GB	4GB / 64GB
Battery	5,000 mAh	5,000 mAh	5,000 mAh	5,000 mAh	7,700 mAh	7,700 mAh	7,700 mAh	7,700 mAh
Vehicle connection	OBD cable	OBD cable	OBD cable	Bluetooth VCI Mini	OBD cable	OBD cable	Bluetooth V150 VCI	Bluetooth V150 VCI
Rear camera	–	–	–	–	8 MP	8 MP	8 MP	8 MP
Diagnostics & coding
Full-system diagnostics	Codes, live data, active tests	Codes, live data, active tests	Codes, live data, active tests	Codes, live data, active tests	Codes, live data, active tests	Codes, live data, active tests	Codes, live data, active tests	Codes, live data, active tests
Service functions	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Online coding (BMW, VW Group, Porsche)	–	–	✓	✓	–	✓	✓	✓
Hidden functions (BMW, VW, Audi, Skoda)	–	–	✓	✓	–	✓	✓	✓
Guided functions (VW Group)	–	–	✓	✓	–	✓	✓	✓
Pre & post scan reports	–	–	–	–	✓	✓	✓	✓
VIN and licence plate scan	–	–	–	–	✓	✓	✓	✓
Protocols
CAN FD / DoIP	–	–	–	–	✓	✓	✓	✓
Extras
TPMS sensor programming	–	–	–	✓	–	–	–	✓
BT506 battery test (sold separately)	–	–	–	✓	–	–	✓	✓
Inspection camera support (MV105S/MV108S)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Updates
Software updates included	1 year	2 years	2 years	2 years	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year

Comparison tables are for reference only and based on Autel specifications. Check the product page or contact us before you buy.

The Autel MK900 has the same specifications as the MX900.

Autel MaxiCheck and MaxiPRO models explained

MK808S and MX808S: the entry-level tablets

Both are 7" Android 11 tablets with all-system diagnostics, bi-directional active tests and service resets such as oil, EPB, SAS, battery registration, injector coding and DPF. They connect with an OBD cable. The hardware and software are the same; the MX808S includes 2 years of software updates against 1 year on the MK808S.

MP808S and MP808S-TS: adding coding and TPMS

The MP808S keeps the 7" platform and adds online coding for BMW, VW Group and Porsche, hidden functions and VW Group guided functions. The MP808S-TS adds full TPMS sensor programming and relearns, a Bluetooth VCI Mini and BT506 battery tester support. Both include 2 years of updates.

MX900: built for newer vehicles

The MX900 moves to an 8" 1280x800 screen and a 7,700 mAh battery, and adds CAN FD and DoIP. Many 2020-onwards vehicles need these protocols for a full scan. It also adds pre and post scan reports, Wi-Fi printing, VIN and plate scanning and a rear camera. It does not do online coding.

MP900E, MP900BT Kit and MP900-TS: the 8" coding tablets

The MP900E is the MX900 with online coding, hidden functions and VW Group guided functions. The MP900BT Kit has the same software with a wireless V150 VCI and BT506 battery tester support. The MP900-TS adds full TPMS programming on top. All three include 1 year of updates.

Autel MaxiSys comparison

MS906 Pro vs Elite II Pro vs MS909 vs Ultra Lite vs Ultra vs Ultra EV

The MaxiSys range is for workshops that diagnose for a living. Every model here has CAN FD and DoIP, online coding and a wireless VCI. The step-ups are online programming, the topology map, ADAS and built-in measurement tools.

Compare features	MS906 Pro View	Elite II Pro View	MS909 View	Ultra Lite View	Ultra View	Most capable Ultra EV View
Best for	Wireless workshop tablet with coding	Mercedes-Benz and BMW programming	Programming, topology and ADAS	MS909 functions on a 12.9" screen	Adds a built-in scope and repair data	Adds EV battery pack diagnostics
Hardware
Screen	8" 1920x1200	9.7" 2048x1536	9.7" 2048x1536	12.9" 2732x2048	12.9" 2732x2048	12.9" 2732x2048
RAM / storage	4GB / 128GB	4GB / 128GB	4GB / 128GB	4GB / 256GB	4GB / 256GB	4GB / 256GB
Battery	11,600 mAh	11,000 mAh	15,000 mAh	18,000 mAh	18,000 mAh	18,000 mAh
Vehicle connection	Bluetooth V200 VCI	MaxiFlash VCI	MaxiFlash VCI	MaxiFlash VCI	MaxiFlash VCMI	MaxiFlash VCMI + EV box
Diagnostics & coding
Full-system diagnostics	Codes, live data, active tests	Codes, live data, active tests	Codes, live data, active tests	Codes, live data, active tests	Codes, live data, active tests	Codes, live data, active tests
Online coding (BMW, VW Group, Porsche)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Mercedes-Benz SCN and Audi online coding	–	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Topology map	–	–	✓	✓	✓	✓
ADAS calibration (with Autel ADAS kit)	–	–	✓	✓	✓	✓
Repair data and AccuFix	–	–	✓	–	✓	✓
Remote expert support	–	–	✓	✓	✓	✓
Programming
Online programming (Mercedes-Benz, BMW)	–	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
J2534 pass-thru programming	–	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
D-PDU / RP1210	–	–	✓	✓	✓	✓
Protocols
CAN FD / DoIP	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Extras
Oscilloscope and multimeter	–	–	–	–	Built into VCMI	Built into VCMI
EV battery pack diagnostics	–	–	–	–	–	✓
BT506 battery test (sold separately)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Updates
Software updates included	1 year	2 years	1 year	2 years	1 year	1 year

Comparison tables are for reference only and based on Autel specifications. Check the product page or contact us before you buy.

Autel MaxiSys models explained

MS906 Pro: the faster wireless tablet

The MS906 Pro has the same coding functions as the MP900E, adding Bentley coverage. What you pay for is the hardware: a wireless V200 VCI, an 8" 1920x1200 screen, 128GB of storage and an 11,600 mAh battery. It suits workshops that want a quicker, wireless tool without needing online programming. The older Autel MS906BT is still available on the same platform with earlier hardware.

Elite II Pro: Mercedes-Benz and BMW programming

The Elite II Pro adds online ECU programming and SCN coding for Mercedes-Benz and BMW, Audi online coding and J2534 pass-thru programming through its MaxiFlash VCI. It includes 2 years of updates. It does not have the topology map or ADAS support.

MS909 and MS909 EV: programming, topology and ADAS

The MS909 has the Elite II Pro’s programming and adds a topology map, ADAS calibration support with an Autel ADAS frame, D-PDU and RP1210 support, remote expert support, repair data and AccuFix. The Autel MS909 EV adds EV and hybrid battery diagnostics, including pack state of charge and state of health.

Ultra Lite, Ultra and Ultra EV: the 12.9" flagships

The Ultra Lite puts MS909-level diagnostics and programming on a 12.9" screen with 256GB of storage and an 18,000 mAh battery, with 2 years of updates. The Ultra replaces the VCI with the MaxiFlash VCMI, which combines the VCI with an oscilloscope, multimeter and CAN bus tester, and adds repair data and AccuFix. The Ultra EV adds an EV diagnostic box for high-voltage battery pack testing.

Ultra S2: the newest Ultra

The Autel Ultra S2 moves to a 13.7" anti-glare screen, Android 13, 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. It uses the 6-in-1 MaxiFlash VCMI2 and adds Topology 3.0, AI-assisted diagnostics and EV testing. It isn’t in Autel’s comparison sheet yet, so check the product page for full specifications.

Head-to-head: the comparisons people ask about

Autel MX808S vs MK808S

Same tablet, same software. The MX808S includes 2 years of updates, the MK808S 1 year. If you will keep the tool past the first year, the MX808S saves you a renewal.

Autel MX808S vs MX900

The MX900 adds an 8" screen, a bigger battery, CAN FD and DoIP, pre and post scan reports and a camera. If you work on 2020-onwards vehicles, choose the MX900. For older vehicles the MX808S does the same everyday jobs with longer updates.

Autel MX900 vs MP900E

Same hardware. The MP900E adds online coding (BMW, VW Group, Porsche), hidden functions and VW Group guided functions. If you need to code replacement parts or change vehicle settings, choose the MP900E.

Autel MP900E vs MS906 Pro

The coding functions are the same. The MS906 Pro adds a wireless V200 VCI, a sharper 1920x1200 screen, double the storage and a bigger battery. Choose it for speed and wireless use in a busy workshop; choose the MP900E if those don’t matter to you.

Autel MS906 Pro vs MS909

This is the biggest step in the range. The MS909 adds online programming for Mercedes-Benz and BMW, J2534 pass-thru programming, a topology map and ADAS calibration support. Choose it if you replace modules on late-model European vehicles or do ADAS work.

Autel Elite II Pro vs MS909

Both do online programming. The MS909 adds the topology map, ADAS support, remote expert and repair data; the Elite II Pro includes 2 years of updates against 1 year. If you don’t need ADAS or topology, the Elite II Pro covers the programming work.

Autel MS909 vs Ultra Lite vs Ultra

The Ultra Lite gives you MS909 functions on a larger screen with more storage, more battery and 2 years of updates, but without repair data and AccuFix. The Ultra adds those back plus the VCMI scope and multimeter, so you can test circuits and sensors without a separate oscilloscope.

Autel key programming tools

KM100E vs IM508S vs IM608 Pro II

Autel’s MaxiIM tools combine key and immobiliser programming with diagnostics. Coverage varies by make, model and year, so check your vehicles with us before you buy.

Compare features	KM100E View	IM508S View	Most capable IM608 Pro II View
Best for	Fast key generation and cloning	Key programming plus everyday diagnostics	Professional locksmiths and IMMO specialists
Hardware
Screen	5.5"	7"	10.1"
Key programmer	Built in	XP200	XP400 Pro
Vehicle connection	Bluetooth VCI	OBD cable	JVCI+ (Bluetooth/USB)
Key & IMMO
Key generation and transponder cloning	✓	✓	✓
EEPROM and MCU read/write	–	✓	✓
Engine ECU read/write (selected models)	–	✓	✓
Key refresh and frequency check	✓	Needs XP400 Pro	✓
Diagnostics
Full-system diagnostics and service functions	–	✓	✓
Online coding	–	–	✓
Online programming (selected Mercedes-Benz, BMW)	–	–	✓

Comparison tables are for reference only and based on Autel specifications. Check the product page or contact us before you buy.

Add-ons such as the XP400 Pro programmer and the G-Box3 for Mercedes-Benz all keys lost work with the IM508S and IM608 Pro II.

Autel TPMS tools

The Autel TS508WF activates, relearns and programs TPMS sensors, including batches of up to 16 Autel MX-Sensors, and updates over Wi-Fi. The Autel ITS600 is a 5.5" Android tablet with a Bluetooth VCI that adds VIN scanning, batch programming of up to 20 sensors, tyre DOT checks and oil, EPB, battery and steering angle resets. If you also want full diagnostics and coding in the same tool, look at the MP808S-TS or MP900-TS. Autel MX-Sensors cover both 315 and 433 MHz.

Not ready for a tablet? Autel OBD2 scanners and code readers

For engine codes and servicing on your own car, the Autel MD906 Pro is a handheld all-system scanner with a Bluetooth VCI and CAN FD. The Autel AP200 turns your phone into a full-system scanner for one car brand of your choice, with more brands available in the app.

Working on trucks? Heavy-duty diagnostic scanner

For heavy-duty and commercial vehicles, the Autel MS908CV II covers light, medium and heavy-duty trucks with ECU coding and active tests on a 9.7" tablet with a wireless VCI.

Why buy the Australian version of an Autel scan tool?

Autel scan tools are sold worldwide, and the same model can be set up differently for different markets. Before you buy, especially from an overseas marketplace seller, check what you are getting:

• Australian software: every Autel tool we sell is the Australian version, set up for vehicles sold in Australia.
• Updates and renewals handled here: when your included updates end, we renew them locally through our Autel software update service, usually within 1–2 business days.
• Local warranty and support: warranty claims and setup help are handled in Australia by people who use these tools, not through an overseas seller.
• Free shipping: on every Autel tool in this guide.

Autel vs Launch: which brand should you choose?

Autel and Launch both make everything from DIY code readers to dealer-level programming tablets, and both are common in Australian workshops. Choose on the tool, not the badge: match the functions you need (coding, online programming, topology, TPMS, key programming) to the model, then compare update periods and add-ons. Autel’s strengths are its MaxiSys ADAS support, the oscilloscope built into the Ultra’s VCMI, and its dedicated MaxiIM key programmers and MaxiTPMS tools. Launch X431 tablets include 2 years of updates as standard and have a wide range of add-ons. Our Launch scan tools buying guide compares the Launch range the same way.

Autel add-ons: what works with what

• BT506 battery tester: works on its own with the phone app, and with the MP808S-TS, MP900BT Kit, MP900-TS and every MaxiSys model in this guide. The Autel BT608 is a standalone battery tester with a printer.
• MV105S and MV108S inspection cameras: plug into every tablet in the MaxiCheck and MaxiSys tables above.
• MSOAK oscilloscope accessory kit: current clamps, coil-on-plug probe and leads for the VCMI in the Ultra range and MS919.
• FCA AutoAuth: Secure Gateway access for Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat and Alfa Romeo is a separate paid subscription.

Autel software updates: what happens when they run out?

Each tool comes with 1 or 2 years of updates (see the tables above). When they end, the tool keeps working with the software it has; it just stops getting new vehicles, functions and fixes. You can renew at any time with our Autel software update service. We supply Australian software, and renewals are activated within 1–2 business days of receiving your serial number.

Autel scan tool FAQs

Is Autel a good scan tool brand?

Yes. Autel is one of the largest diagnostic tool makers, and its MaxiSys tablets are widely used in Australian workshops. The range covers everything from phone-based scanners to dealer-level programming tools.

What is the best Autel scan tool for a home mechanic?

The MX808S or MK808S. Both give you all-system diagnostics, active tests and service resets. Choose the MX900 if your car is a 2020-onwards model that needs CAN FD or DoIP.

What is the best Autel scan tool for a workshop?

The MP900E or MS906 Pro for general work with coding. Step up to the MS909 or Elite II Pro if you need online programming, and to the MS909 or Ultra range for topology and ADAS.

Which Autel scan tool does online ECU programming?

The Elite II Pro, MS909, MS909 EV and the Ultra range. Models below these, including the MS906 Pro, do online coding but not online programming.

What is the difference between Autel MK and MX models?

MK (MaxiCOM) and MX (MaxiCheck) versions of the same number share the same hardware and functions. Autel sells them under two names, and the update period can differ: the MX808S includes 2 years, the MK808S 1 year.

Can an Autel scan tool program car keys?

The MaxiIM range (KM100E, IM508S, IM608 Pro II) is built for key and immobiliser programming. Coverage depends on the make, model and year, so check with us first.

Do Autel scan tools work on Australian vehicles?

Yes. We supply the Australian version with Australian software, which covers the makes commonly sold here. If you work on a specific model, contact us to confirm the functions you need.

Is Autel or Launch better?

Neither brand is better across the board. Pick the model that has the functions you need. See the Autel vs Launch section above, and our Launch buying guide for the Launch range.

Need help choosing?

Tell us the vehicles you work on and the jobs you want to do, and we’ll recommend the right Autel tool. Browse the full Autel scan tools range or contact us for advice and workshop pricing.