The iCarsoft CR Pro and the iCarsoft CR Pro+ look like the same scanner with a plus sign added, but the difference that really matters lies elsewhere: the CR Pro+ has bidirectional control and 48 service functions, while the CR Pro stops at 9 functions and cannot run active tests. Both read every system on 58 makes, so the choice comes down to what you want to do once you have read the fault.
The short version
- If you want to read and clear faults on any control unit and handle routine servicing (oil reset, electronic parking brake, battery, DPF), the CR Pro does the job and saves you €60.
- If you want to test components by sending them commands (firing an injector, a radiator fan or a pump) or work on systems such as air suspension, the immobiliser or AdBlue, you need the CR Pro+.
CR Pro vs CR Pro+ comparison table
| CR Pro | CR Pro+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €279.95 | €339.95 |
| Makes | 58 | 58 |
| Systems | All (full diagnostics) | All (full diagnostics) |
| Screen | 4.0″ colour TFT, 480×320 | 4.3″ colour TFT, 800×480 |
| Controls | Buttons | Buttons |
| Bidirectional control | No | Yes |
| Service functions | 9 | 48 |
| CAN-FD | Yes | Yes |
| Updates | Free for life, via TF card and PC | Free for life, via TF card and PC |
| Languages | 15, including English | 15, including English |
Figures from the official iCarsoft spec sheet. Available functions always depend on the make, model, year and control units of your car.
What they have in common
Inside, they share the same diagnostic core. Both reach every control unit accessible through the 16-pin OBD2 port: engine, gearbox, ABS, airbag and all the body and comfort modules. They read and clear fault codes, show live data and freeze frame data, read the information stored in each ECU and identify the car from its VIN with AutoVIN. They also run all 10 OBD2 test modes, which are handy for checking the readiness monitors before your roadworthiness test (NCT, MOT or your country's equivalent).
They speak the same protocols, including CAN-FD, the bus used on the latest models from some manufacturers. Neither has DoIP; if your car needs it, we explain why in what DoIP and CAN-FD are. What's in the box is identical: the scanner, a carry case, the main OBD2 cable, a USB-C cable, a TF card reader and a multilingual manual. And in both cases updates are free for life, with no subscription: you download them on a PC and copy them to the TF card.
9 functions versus 48
The CR Pro's 9 functions are the ones you will use most often:
- Oil reset and service intervals.
- Electronic parking brake (EPB) for pad changes.
- Steering angle sensor (SAS) calibration.
- Diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration.
- Battery registration (BMS).
- ABS bleeding.
- Injector coding.
- Electronic throttle (ETC) relearn.
- TPMS reset.
The CR Pro+ adds another 39 on top of that. They include air suspension, airbag reset, immobiliser, AdBlue, EGR, turbo, clutch, headlights, air conditioning, seats, Start&Stop, NOx sensor, gasoline particulate filter (GPF), lambda sensor, radar and camera, head-up display, electric water pump, high-voltage battery, speed limiter, cylinder cut-out test and vehicle configuration.
If all you do at home is change oil and brake pads, you may never touch those 39 functions. If your car is packed with electronics, or you look after cars for family and friends, sooner or later one of them will come in useful.
What bidirectional control gives you
A one-way scanner only listens: it reads codes and sensor values. A bidirectional one also gives orders. With the CR Pro+ you can tell the control unit to switch a relay, open the EGR valve, start the fan or run the fuel pump, and see whether the component responds.
In practice it saves you taking parts off just to test them. If you have a fan fault code and the fan spins when you command it, the problem lies elsewhere (sensor, wiring or control unit), not in the fan motor. With the CR Pro you would have to get the multimeter out or power the component by hand.
Screen and handling
Both are button-operated, with no touchscreen. The CR Pro+ screen is slightly bigger (4.3″ against 4.0″) and, more importantly, sharper: 800×480 against 480×320. You notice it on long lists of live data, because more text fits on screen and it is easier to read. If you would rather have a touchscreen tablet that updates over Wi-Fi, you need to step up to the CR Max range; we compare them in CR Pro+ vs CR Max P.
Which one to choose
- Driver with one car and basic servicing: the CR Pro. You read every system, turn warning lights off knowing why they came on, and do oil, pads, battery or DPF without a trip to the garage.
- Home mechanic who does their own repairs or looks after several cars: the CR Pro+. For €60 more you get active tests and five times as many functions.
- Car with air suspension, AdBlue or lots of driver aids: the CR Pro+, because those functions are not on the CR Pro.
- Small garage: the CR Pro+ at the very least, although a tablet usually pays off in a workshop. Have a look at our guide on which diagnostic tool to buy for a garage.
Other options in the range
If all your cars are from one make or group, a V2.0 single-brand tool gives you full diagnostics and the same 9 functions as the CR Pro for less money; we explain it in multi-brand or single-brand?. To see every option side by side, browse our multi-brand diagnostic tools or diagnostic tools for home use.
Before you buy, check that your model is covered: functions vary by make, year and control unit. If in doubt, send us your VIN and we will check it for you.
