There are many brands of automotive diagnostic tools, including Autel, Launch, Topdon, Xtool, Foxwell, Thinkcar, Icon, and many others. To keep up with rapid societal advancements and meet the diverse needs of individuals, each brand offers numerous OBD II scanners. So, how should consumers choose among them?
Today, we will be conducting a comprehensive comparison of two Bluetooth scanners priced under $1000 from the brands Autel and Thinkcar: the Autel MP808BT Pro and the Thinkscan 689BT. Our goal is to provide targeted recommendations for those seeking a cost-effective Bluetooth OBD II scanner.
Brief Introduction
What is the Autel MP808BT Pro?
The Autel MaxiPRO MP808BT Pro is a Bluetooth OBD II scanner with powerful hardware and software capabilities. Equipped with a quad-core processor, Android 11.0 operating system, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a 5000mAh battery, the Autel MP808BT Pro ensures high diagnostic efficiency and quality.
It supports full system OE-level diagnostics, features over 3000 active test functions, and supports advanced functions such as ECU coding. In addition, it supports over 36 service functions. It is suitable not only for professional repair shops requiring advanced features but also for DIY enthusiasts.
$310 OFF
Autel MaxiPRO MP808BT Pro
$899.00
[2-Year Free Update] Wireless Diagnostic Scanner | 2025 New Advanced ECU Coding Bi-Directional Control OBD II Scanner | Upgrade Ver. of MP808/MP808BT
What is the Thinkscan 689BT?
The Thinkscan 689BT is also a Bluetooth scanner, equipped with a wireless lower-level device for wireless Bluetooth connectivity. The Thinkscan features an 8-inch large screen, a quad-core processor chip, and the Android 10.0 operating system. It also supports advanced functions such as ECU coding and offers comprehensive full-system diagnostic and service functions.
Autel MP808BT Pro vs Thinkscan 689BT: Comparison Table
| Item | Autel MP808BT Pro | THINKSCAN 689BT |
| Image |
 |
 |
| Price | $589.00 | $599.96 |
| Hardware | ||
| Processor | Quad-core 1.8 GHz | 4-core 2.0GHz |
| Screen Size | 7-inch | 8-Inch |
| Screen Resolution | 1024 x 600 | 1280x720 |
| Memory | 4 GB+64 GB | 4 GB+64 GB |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4150mAh |
| Camera | / | / |
| Connectivity | Mini USB 2.0 USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Bluetooth HDMI Type A Micro SD card (supports up to 64 GB) |
Bluetooth Type-C USB 2.0 USB 2.0 |
| Software | ||
| Operating System | Android 11.0 | Android 10.0 |
| Diagnostic System | All Systems | All Systems |
| Read/Clear DTCs | ✔ | ✔ |
| Live Data | ✔ | ✔ |
| Service Functions | 37+ | 34+ |
| Special Functions | ✔ | ✔ |
| Active Test | ✔ | ✔ |
| Online ECU Coding | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hidden Features (BMW, VW, Audi, Skoda) | ✔ | / |
| Auto VIN | ✔ | ✔ |
| Languages | Multilingual | Only English |
| Other Functions | ||
| Remote Desk | ✔ | ✔ |
| Report Management | ✔ | ✔ |
| IP Restriction | ✘ | ✘ |
| Free Updates | 2 Year | Life time for free |
| Renault Gateway Support | ✔ | ✔ |
| Videoscope Support | ✔(MV105S/MV108S) | ✔(TES 102) |
Autel MP808BT Pro vs Thinkscan 689BT: Key Differences
Both of these scanners are excellent automotive diagnostic tools, but by comparing the tables, we can clearly see the differences between them. We will now provide a detailed analysis.
Hardware Differences
Screen:
The Thinkscan 689BT has an 8-inch screen with a resolution of 1280x720, both slightly larger than the Autel MP808BT Pro. The larger screen displays more complete data, but the overall difference between the 7-inch and 8-inch screens is not particularly significant; the level of detail in the displayed data is similar for both.
Battery Capacity:
The Autel MP808BT Pro has a larger 5000mAh battery than the Thinkcar 689BT. Battery capacity determines the runtime on a single charge. The larger battery capacity ensures the scanner can operate for extended periods, guaranteeing uninterrupted use even when handling complex diagnostic tasks.
Autel MP808BT Pro Hardware Configuration
Software Differences
Operating System:
The Autel MP808BT Pro and Thinkcar 689BT use different operating systems. Higher-level Android systems offer greater security, smoothness, and overall performance, ensuring a faster operating speed.
Different number of services:
The Autel MMP808BT Pro offers more maintenance services, not only fulfilling your basic daily service reset needs but also providing some less common maintenance services.
Supported languages:
The Autel MP808BT Pro supports multiple languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and over a dozen other languages, catering to users who speak less common languages and those from different regions. There are no IP or language restrictions. You can contact our customer service to obtain the corresponding language packs.
Autel MP808BT Pro Supported 21+ Languages
Other Differences
Free Update:
The two scanners offer different free update periods. The Autel MP808BT Pro supports two years of free updates, after which you'll need to pay an annual update fee of $219. Of course, not updating won't affect the basic functionality of the Autel scanner. The Thinkscan 689BT, on the other hand, offers lifetime free updates, making it a suitable long-term investment.
Extended Functionality:
The Autel MP808BT Pro supports OBD expansion and can be used with various OBD I connectors, making it compatible with vehicles using OBD 1 ports and covering a wider range of vehicles. You can purchase the Autel MP808BT Pro KIT to obtain this box of OBD 1 adapters. In addition, the Autel MP808BT Pro can be used with the BT506 to perform automotive battery analysis tests to determine the battery's true health condition.
Autel MP808BT Pro vs Thinkscan 689BT: How to Choose?
- Choose Autel MP808BT Pro: If you have a larger budget, need more service features and multilingual services, require battery diagnostics, will use services during the subscription period, and are willing to pay annual update fees, the MP808BT Pro would be more suitable for you, as it covers a wider range of vehicles.
- Choose Thinkscan 689BT: If you have a limited budget and are considering a long-term investment, the Thinkscan 689BT would be a better choice given similar hardware configurations.
Conlusion
Both the Autel MP808BT Pro and Thinkscan 689BT are excellent entry-level scanners. They boast powerful hardware configurations, support Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and eliminate the constraints of wired connections. They both support special functions such as bidirectional control and ECU coding, and offer full-system OE-level diagnostics.
They satisfy basic DIY enthusiasts as well as perfectly suited for professionals requiring advanced features. Ultimately, the best Bluetooth scanner for your needs is the one that best suits your requirements.
