The short answer
Yes, it is worth it if you want more than fault reading: active tests, 50 service functions and coding across 8 brand groups, with free lifetime updates, for €499.99. You don't need it if all you will do is read, clear and reset the oil service on your own car. And if you work a lot on very new cars that need DoIP, look at the CR Max P first.
The CR Max is our best-selling iCarsoft, and the one people ask most about before buying. Here is what we would tell a friend, the good and the not so good.
What it actually is
A 7" Android tablet that connects to the car with an OBD2 cable. It covers 58 makes and reaches every control unit. It is bidirectional, has 9 maintenance functions and 41 advanced ones, and codes on BMW, the VAG group, Hyundai/Kia, Ford, Mazda, Renault, Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge and Subaru. It comes with 64 GB of storage and a 5,000 mAh battery good for about 5 hours.
What it does well
- No fees. Updates are free for life and arrive over Wi-Fi. At this price point that counts for most: many similar tablets charge a subscription after the first or second year.
- Proper active tests. Switching on the fan, the fuel pump or an injector from the screen saves you replacing parts blindly.
- Workshop functions. As well as oil, parking brake, battery, DPF and steering angle, it has AdBlue, EGR, stop-start and NOx sensor, among others.
- Cable instead of Bluetooth. When you are coding, you don't want the connection to drop. With a cable there is no pairing to go wrong.
- Comfortable screen. Live data graphs are easy to read, and that matters when you are hunting an intermittent fault.
Where it falls short
- DoIP isn't included as standard. Many recent BMW, Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover models need it. It can be added with a separate accessory; if lots of those cars come your way, the CR Max P works out better value. We explain it all in what DoIP and CAN-FD are.
- The cable ties you to the car. If you work alone and keep walking round the car (ABS bleeding, light checks), you will miss the CR Max BT, which is the same tool with Bluetooth.
- No online ECU programming, and it can't unlock the FCA security gateway. That is CR Ultra territory. We cover it in the FCA security gateway.
- It needs charging. It sounds trivial, but a button-operated tool just plugs in and works.
Who it suits and who it doesn't
| If you are… | Our view |
|---|---|
| A driver with one or two cars who only wants to read faults and do servicing | You don't need it. The CR Pro does that for €279.95. |
| A home mechanic who works on friends' and family's cars | Yes. This is exactly what it is for. |
| A small garage or self-employed mechanic | Yes, as a first tablet. Consider the BT version or the CR Max P depending on the cars you see. |
| A garage with lots of recent or FCA cars | Better to go for the CR Max P or CR Ultra. |
Alternatives within iCarsoft
- CR Pro+ (€339.95): bidirectional with 48 functions, but button-operated and without coding. See CR Max vs CR Pro.
- CR Max BT (€559.95): the same tablet with a Bluetooth VCI.
- CR Max P (€649.95): 10", twice the battery and built-in DoIP. See CR Max vs CR Max P.
One tip before you buy
Make a list of what you want to do on your cars: read faults, parking brake, DPF, code a battery… Then check on the product page that your make is covered for that function. If you are still unsure, send us the model, year and engine and we will tell you whether the CR Max is the right choice or a cheaper one will do.
