Launch X431 Pro3 APEX vs Autel MS906 Pro: Which Scanner Is Worth It

Automotive scan tools are becoming increasingly widespread. Whether you’re a locksmith or a mechanic, run an auto repair shop or a tire shop, or are a professional technician or a DIY enthusiast, you’ll find yourself using them. But with so many brands and models of automotive diagnostic scanners on the market, how do you know which one to choose?

Launch vs. Autel? These two brands are often compared. Today, I’ve chosen the Launch X431 Pro3 APEX and the Autel MS906 Pro—OBD II scanners from these two brands—to compare. Both are priced around $1,000 and fall into the mid-range category. Let’s see which one is a better buy.

Brief Overview

What is the Launch X431 Pro3 APEX?

LAUNCH X431 PRO3 APEX is a New Generation of Repair Master for Global Vehicles. LAUNCH's deep research developed new functions to enhance LAUNCH X431 PRO3 APEX's diagnostic capacities and add more advanced features: topology mapping, 37+ services, online/offline ECU coding, PMI functions for Lincoln & Mazda, etc.

What is the Autel MS906 Pro?

The Autel MaxiSYS MS906 Pro is a powerful 8-inch diagnostic tablet equipped with an octa-core processor, the Android 10.0 operating system, and 128GB of storage. With the Autel MS906 Pro, users can perform comprehensive vehicle diagnostics, including full system scans, reading and clearing trouble codes, and viewing static images and real-time data.

Launch X431 Pro3 APEX vs Autel MS906 Pro: Hardware Comparison

Hardware Comparison Table

Launch X431 Pro3 APEX vs Autel MS906 Pro: Hardware Differences

1. Differences Between Processors

• Launch X431 Pro3 APEX: 4-Core 2.0GHz
• Autel MS906 Pro Octa-core 2.2 GHz + 1.8 GHz

The processor serves as the “brain” of an automotive scan tool. Compared to quad-core processors, octa-core processors typically offer faster processing speeds, greater processing power, and enhanced security, allowing them to handle tasks with ease—whether in complex diagnostic environments or during routine maintenance.

2. Differences in storage capacity

• Launch X431 Pro3 APEX: 64GB
• Autel MS906 Pro: 128GB

Memory capacity is also crucial for OBD II scanner tools. Mechanics working in workshops typically deal with vehicles from many different brands and need to generate numerous data reports; sufficient memory is essential for performing these tasks smoothly. The Autel MS906 Pro’s 128GB of memory provides ample space to store reports and install diagnostic software for various vehicle brands.

3. Differences in screen size

• Launch X431 Pro3 APEX: 10.1 inch
• Autel MS906 Pro: 8.0 inch

Launch X431 Pro3 APEX features a larger 10.1-inch display. A larger diagnostic screen can display more advanced data, making split-screen operations more convenient. In addition, diagnostic tools with screens of 10 inches or larger can boost work efficiency.

Autel MS906 Pro Highlight Key Features

4. Differences in Cameras

• Launch X431 Pro3 APEX: Rear 8.0 MP
• Autel MS906 Pro: Rear: 16 MP, autofocus with flashlight
  Front: 16 MP

Both the Launch X431 Pro3 APEX and the Autel MS906 Pro are equipped with rear cameras, but the Autel MS906 Pro offers a higher resolution of 16 MP compared to the 8.0 MP camera on the Launch X431 Pro3 APEX. Additionally, the Autel MS906 Pro includes a front camera, which can be useful for video calls or taking photos of diagnostic results.

5. Differences in battery capacity

• Launch X431 Pro3 APEX: 6300mAh
• Autel MS906 Pro: 11,600 mAh

Battery capacity directly affects a device’s runtime. The Autel MS906 Pro has a significantly larger battery capacity, providing longer usage time. Additionally, during extended operations, the larger battery capacity ensures stable performance, making it ideal for use outdoors or in environments where power sources are limited.

Launch X431 Pro3 APEX vs Autel MS906 Pro: Diagnostic Features Comparison

Diagnostic Features Comparison Table

Launch X431 Pro3 APEX vs Autel MS906 Pro: Features Differences

As shown in the table above, the differences in diagnostic capabilities between these two automotive scan tools are not significant; they mainly fall into the following two categories:

1. Differences in Topology Map Diagnostic Features

• Launch X431 Pro3 APEX: Supported
• Autel MS906 Pro: Not Supported

The Launch X431 Pro3 APEX topology diagram feature allows direct access to all systems, checks module communication status, and flags diagnostic trouble codes, enabling users to pinpoint the source of the problem in an average of less than 5 minutes and improve work efficiency. The Autel MS906 Pro, however, does not support this feature.

Launch X431 Pro3 APEX Topology Feature

2. Differences in Language Support

• Launch X431 Pro3 APEX: Multilingual
• Autel MS906 Pro: Only English

The Launch X431 Pro3 APEX supports multiple languages, making it more versatile and user-friendly for a global audience. In contrast, the Autel MS906 Pro only supports English, which may limit its usability for non-English speaking users.

Launch X431 Pro3 APEX vs Autel MS906 Pro: Extended Features Comparison

Extended Features Comparison Table

Launch X431 Pro3 APEX vs Autel MS906 Pro: Extended Features Differences

The advanced features of these two OBD-II scanners require additional tools to use. For example, the battery diagnostic function of the Autel MS906 Pro requires tools such as the Autel BT506 battery tester to operate. There are two main differences between the advanced features of these two scanners:

• Key Matching
• TPMS Relearn

The Launch X431 Pro3 APEX supports key matching, which allows users to program new keys or reprogram existing keys for vehicles. This feature is particularly useful for locksmiths and automotive technicians who need to manage vehicle security systems. The Autel MS906 Pro does not support key matching.

The Launch X431 Pro3 APEX also supports TPMS relearn, which allows users to reprogram the tire pressure monitoring system for vehicles. This feature is particularly useful for automotive technicians who need to manage vehicle safety systems.

However, these features require the purchase of additional tools, and the cost of tools that support key programming and expansion features can be as high as $500; these can be purchased as needed.

One of the expanded features of the Autel MS906 Pro

Conclusion: Which Scanner Is Worth It?

Both the Autel MS906 Pro and the Launch X431 Pro3 APEX are powerful automotive diagnostic tools, but there are some differences between them in terms of features and performance. Overall, the Autel MS906 Pro has significantly better hardware specifications than the Launch model, while the Launch X431 Pro3 APEX offers advantages in certain features.

When deciding whether a car diagnostic scanner is worth buying, the key factor is whether it truly meets your needs; therefore, you should weigh your options based on your actual requirements.

• Choose Autel MS906 Pro: If you’re looking for more powerful hardware and more reliable performance, and don’t have any specific requirements for expansion capabilities or topology mapping features, then this scanner is the best choice for you.
• Choose Launch X431 Pro3 APEX: If you need multilingual support or want access to advanced features like key matching and TPMS relearn, then this scanner is the better option for you.