The seven multi-brand tools compared
| Model |
Format |
Bi-directional |
Service functions |
Coding |
DoIP |
Price |
| CR Pro |
Handheld, 4", buttons |
No |
9 |
No |
No |
€279.95 |
| CR Pro+ |
Handheld, 4.3", buttons |
Yes |
48 |
No |
No |
€339.95 |
| CR Max |
7" tablet, cable |
Yes |
50 |
8 groups |
Accessory |
€499.99 |
| CR Max BT |
7" tablet, Bluetooth |
Yes |
50 |
8 groups |
Accessory |
€559.95 |
| CR Max P |
10" tablet, Bluetooth |
Yes |
50 |
8 groups |
Built in |
€649.95 |
| CR Ultra |
10.1" tablet, wireless VCI |
Yes |
40 |
Yes, plus programming |
Built in |
€1,489.95 |
| CR Ultra P |
10.1" tablet, J2534 VCI |
Yes |
40 |
Yes, plus programming |
Built in |
€1,749.95 |
How to choose, step by step
1. Servicing your own cars. If you want to clear warning lights, change pads on an electronic parking brake, regenerate the DPF or register a battery, the CR Pro does it on 58 makes. It is our best seller with home mechanics.
2. Testing before you swap parts. If you tend to dig deep into faults, the CR Pro+ adds bi-directional control and goes up to 48 functions, including workshop jobs such as EGR, turbo and AdBlue. It still has buttons. We compare them in CR Pro vs CR Pro+.
3. Coding. To adapt a new control unit or unlock features on BMW, VAG, Ford, Renault, Hyundai/Kia, Mazda, Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge or Subaru, you move up to the CR Max family. Choose cable, Bluetooth or the P with DoIP depending on how you work; it is all explained in CR Max vs CR Max P.
4. Programming ECUs. This is proper workshop territory: the CR Ultra does online programming on 13 makes, and the CR Ultra P adds a J2534 VCI for pass-thru. The differences are in CR Ultra vs CR Ultra P.
Why the CR Ultra has fewer functions than the CR Max
It looks like a mistake, but it isn't. The CR Ultra's 40 functions are a different, workshop-oriented list, and its value lies in covering over 170 makes, network topology and programming. For routine servicing, the CR Max models offer more guided procedures.
Multi-brand or single-brand
If all your cars are the same make, check the single-brand tools first: a V2.0 does the same 9 functions as the CR Pro for €194.95. For a business, see our selection of workshop diagnostic tools.
