Best Full Systems OBD Scan Tools in Australia: Buying Guide

Finding the right full systems OBD scan tool in Australia doesn’t need to be confusing or expensive. Whether you’re a DIYer, mobile mechanic, or running a small workshop, a quality scanner helps you diagnose faults, clear warning lights, and perform service functions that quickly pay for themselves.

In this guide, we compare three standout, budget-friendly options: the iCarsoft CR Pro, Autel MaxiCheck MX808S, and Vident i730AU. We’ll break down compatibility, systems coverage, service functions, updates, and price — and recommend who each tool suits.

Who Are These Scan Tools For?

These tools suit a broad range of users: DIY owners, mobile mechanics, and small workshops. If you want full-system diagnostics and practical maintenance functions without stepping into high-end dealer tools, these three are excellent value picks.

iCarsoft CR Pro — Budget All-Rounder

iCarsoft CR Pro delivers full-system diagnostics across major US, European, and Asian brands, plus a solid set of core service functions. The trade-off is OBD2-only coverage, which can limit support for earlier Australian vehicles (pre-2006/2007). For OBD2 cars, it’s a cost-effective step up from basic code readers.

• Pros: Lowest price; lifetime updates; easy to use; core maintenance functions.
• Cons: No bi-directional; OBD2-only limits older AU vehicles; narrower advanced functions.

Best for: Budget-conscious users working mainly on OBD2 vehicles who want full-system reads and key resets.

Autel MaxiCheck MX808S — Widest Make/Model Coverage

The Autel MX808S is a popular tablet-style scanner with strong OBD1 & OBD2 support and broad late-model coverage. It adds more service functions (e.g., TPMS, brake bleed) and a polished UI. It doesn’t do bi-directional, and ongoing updates are a paid option after two years — only needed if you require newly added vehicles/features.

• Pros: Tablet UI; broad brand/year coverage; more service functions than CR Pro.
• Cons: No bi-directional; paid updates after 2 years.

Best for: Users who want a smoother interface and wide coverage (incl. newer models) without stepping up to pro-level programming tools.

Vident i730AU — Best Value & Bi-Directional Functions

The Vident i730AU is the value leader here. It covers OBD1 & OBD2 (incl. ALDL Holdens and AU Fords) and offers the strongest service function set plus bi-directional capabilities (vehicle-dependent), such as gear learning, BCM ECU linking, key programming, and more.

• Pros: Bi-directional functions; ~17 service functions; strong OBD1 support; 3 years free updates.
• Cons: Tablet UI not as polished as premium Autel units; late-model coverage isn’t as broad as Autel’s very latest.

Best for: DIYers and small workshops wanting the most capability per dollar, especially when advanced functions/bi-directional are needed.

Which One Should You Choose?

• On a tight budget & mainly OBD2: iCarsoft CR Pro.
• Widest make/year coverage & tablet UI (no bi-directional): Autel MX808S.
• Best overall value & advanced functions (with bi-directional): Vident i730AU.

Video Overview

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

For most users, the Vident i730AU delivers the best capability per dollar thanks to its bi-directional functions and extensive service coverage. If you prefer a tablet experience and wider late-model coverage (but don’t need bi-directional), the Autel MX808S is a great fit. On a strict budget and working on OBD2 vehicles? The iCarsoft CR Pro covers the essentials at the lowest price.

Explore our full range of full-systems scan tools, or jump straight to the product pages:

• iCarsoft CR Pro
• Autel MaxiCheck MX808S
• Vident i730AU

Note: Features and compatibility are vehicle-dependent. Pricing and update policies can change. If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll check your exact model/year. For background on local compatibility, see our guide: OBD compatibility in Australia.