In a garage, the diagnostic tool gets used every day on cars you don't get to choose. So the first thing to look at is not the price, but whether it can handle whatever comes through the door. In the iCarsoft range, the sensible starting point for a garage is a bidirectional tablet with coding, such as the CR Max P (€649.95), and the top tier is the CR Ultra or CR Ultra P, with 174 makes and online programming. If you work on motorbikes, trucks or tyres, there are dedicated tools.
What to check before you buy
- Coverage: how many makes, and whether it reaches every system, not just engine, ABS and airbag.
- Bidirectional control: essential in a workshop for testing actuators without stripping parts off.
- Service functions: the basics (oil, EPB, SAS, DPF, BMS) plus the ones you are asked for more and more: AdBlue, NOx sensor, suspension, injectors, automatic gearbox.
- Coding and programming: for replacing control units and adapting replacement modules.
- CAN-FD and DoIP: the networks used on recent cars. We cover them in what DoIP and CAN-FD are.
- Cost of updates: free for life, or a paid renewal after a certain period.
- Older cars: if pre-OBD2 vehicles come in, you need OBD-I adapters.
Workshop tablet comparison table
| CR Max | CR Max P | CR Ultra | CR Ultra P | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | €499.99 | €649.95 | €1,489.95 | €1,749.95 |
| Makes | 58 | 58 | 174 | 174 |
| Screen | 7″ | 10″ | 10.1″ | 10.1″ |
| Connection | OBD2 cable | Bluetooth VCI | Wireless VCI | CR Link VCI (J2534) |
| Bidirectional | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Service functions | 50 | 50 | 40 | 40 |
| Coding / programming | OE coding, 8 groups | OE coding, 8 groups | Online programming, 13 makes | Online programming, 13 makes + J2534 |
| DoIP | Optional | Built in | Yes | Yes |
| OBD-I adapters | No | No | 10 included | 10 included |
| Updates | Free for life | Free for life | 3 years free | 3 years free |
The CR Ultra has fewer service functions on paper (40) than the CR Max range (50), but the list is different: it includes automatic gearbox learning, suspension level, adaptive headlights, coolant bleeding and gateway calibration, plus 174 makes, topology and online programming.
Small or fast-fit garage
If your work is servicing, brakes, tyres and everyday faults, the CR Max P is the most balanced choice. It has 50 service functions, bidirectional control, OE coding across 8 brand groups (BMW, VAG, Hyundai/Kia, Ford, Mazda, Renault, Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge and Subaru), built-in DoIP, a Bluetooth VCI and a 10,000 mAh battery good for about 8 hours. Updates are free for life, so there is no fixed annual cost.
If the budget is tight, the CR Max does the same with an OBD2 cable and a 7″ screen, and DoIP can be added with a separate accessory. The differences are set out in CR Max vs CR Max P.
Multi-brand garage with advanced electronics
When lots of different makes, older cars and control unit replacements come through, the CR Ultra and the CR Ultra P cover 174 makes, show the topology of the car's network, program control units online for 13 makes and give access to the FCA SGW gateway (with a paid AutoAuth account). The case holds 10 OBD-I adapters, a battery tester with clamps and everything you need for DoIP.
The CR Ultra P adds the CR Link VCI with J2534 pass-thru, for reprogramming with the manufacturers' official software. We explain when that pays off in CR Ultra vs CR Ultra P. Bear in mind that these two include 3 years of updates, after which renewal is optional and paid.
Motorbikes, trucks and TPMS
A car tablet is no substitute for a tool built for the job:
- Motorbikes: the iCarsoft MT Pro (€749.95) covers 106 motorcycle makes, is bidirectional and comes with adapters for Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW, KTM, Ducati, Harley and many more. See more under motorcycle diagnostic tools.
- Trucks: the iCarsoft HD V4.0 (€449.95) comes with 37 truck and engine makes preinstalled, works on 24 V and 12 V vehicles and includes OBD-6, OBD-9 and CAT-9 adapters. There are 34 optional paid expansion packs. Have a look at truck diagnostic tools.
- Tyres: the TPMS V800 (€249.95) activates, reads and programs 315 and 433 MHz tyre pressure sensors on 58 makes, and also handles diagnostics and basic service functions. The dual-frequency 315/433.92 MHz S6000 sensors are programmed with it or cloned from the original sensor. Everything is under TPMS.
Common mistakes when equipping a garage
- Buying on the number of functions without checking which ones they are. 40 well-chosen functions can serve you better than 50 you never use.
- Forgetting the medium-term cost of updates. Compare what each tool includes and when you start paying.
- Going without DoIP while the cars coming in get newer every year.
- Using a basic OBD2 code reader as your main tool. It will read a code; it won't diagnose or do servicing.
Our recommendation
For most general garages, the CR Max P as the first tool: it covers servicing, tests actuators, codes and has no annual cost. When the business grows or programming jobs start coming in, the CR Ultra (or the Ultra P if you will use manufacturer software). And if you work on motorbikes or trucks, or change a lot of tyres, add the dedicated tool rather than stretching a car scanner.
Every professional option is under workshop diagnostic tools. If you would like help choosing, tell us what kind of cars you see and we will go through it with you.
