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Automotive · head to head

Launch X431 vs Tekmetric

Launch X431 logo

Launch X431

Automotive

Smart diagnostics for smart technicians

From
$1499/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tekmetric logo

Tekmetric

Automotive

Complete shop management for independent shops

From
$179/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Launch X431 the App Store listings (publisher Launch Tech Co., Ltd) are companion apps that require a dedicated Launch X431 hardware diagnostic connector; the software has no standalone function without purchasing the paired hardware unit.; Tekmetric every price is per shop, and each additional location needs its own plan subscription
  • They diverge on capability: Launch X431 covers Full system diagnostics, Tekmetric covers Work order management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Launch X431 and Tekmetric actually diverge.

Attributes where Launch X431 and Tekmetric differ
AttributeLaunch X431Tekmetric
Starting price$1499/one-time$179/month
Pricing modelone-timesubscription
PlatformsAndroid-tablet, DesktopWeb, Mobile, App
Founded19922016

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Automotive).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Launch X431

  • Full system diagnostics
  • ECU coding
  • Bi-directional controls
  • Key programming
  • ADAS calibration
  • Module programming
  • Battery registration
  • Guided functions

Only in Tekmetric

  • Work order management
  • Vehicle history
  • Customer management
  • Scheduling system
  • Estimating tools
  • Invoicing
  • Customer portal
  • Mobile application

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Launch X431

  • Vehicle diagnosticsnot Tekmetric
  • ECU programmingnot Tekmetric
  • Key programmingnot Tekmetric
  • ADAS calibrationnot Tekmetric
  • Emission testingnot Tekmetric

Tekmetric

  • Shop management for independent auto repair shops: repair orders, estimates and invoicingnot Launch X431
  • Digital vehicle inspections shared with customersnot Launch X431
  • Managing parts inventory, vendors and technician job clocksnot Launch X431

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Launch X431

  • The App Store listings (publisher Launch Tech Co., Ltd) are companion apps that require a dedicated Launch X431 hardware diagnostic connector; the software has no standalone function without purchasing the paired hardware unit.

Tekmetric

  • Every price is per shop, and each additional location needs its own plan subscription
  • Two-way texting, the real-time shop dashboard, the technician board and employee performance analytics require the Scale plan at $439 per month
  • The labor guide, time and job clocks and parts and inventory reports are withheld from the entry Start plan at $199 per month
  • Integrated payments, a dedicated account manager and quarterly business reviews are Enterprise only, and Enterprise is custom priced with no published rate
  • Multi-shop management is a $70 per month per shop add-on on top of a plan subscription at every location
  • The Tire Suite add-on costs an extra $39 per month per shop
  • The Marketing add-on costs an extra $345 per month per shop, more than the Scale plan itself
  • The discounted rates such as $179 per month require annual billing

Pricing, plan by plan

Launch X431

$1499/one-time
  • X431 Pro$1499/one-time
    • Full system diagnostics
    • Basic coding
    • Bi-directional tests
  • X431 PAD V$3499/one-time
    • Advanced diagnostics
    • Online programming
    • Topology mapping
  • X431 PAD VII$5995/one-time
    • Elite diagnostics
    • ADAS calibration
    • Key programming

Tekmetric

$179/month
  • Start$199/month
    • Inventory management
    • Digital vehicle inspections
    • Smart jobs
  • Grow$349/month
    • All Start features
    • Labor guide
    • Maintenance schedule
  • Scale$439/month
    • All Grow features
    • Two-way texting
    • Real-time shop dashboard
  • Enterprise$null/month
    • Custom pricing
    • Integrated payments
    • Dedicated account manager

Which should you pick?

Choose Launch X431 if

  • You need full system diagnostics.
  • You work on Android-tablet, Desktop.
  • You also want ecu coding.
Launch X431 review

Choose Tekmetric if

  • You need work order management.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, App.
  • You also want vehicle history.
Tekmetric review

Questions people ask

Is Launch X431 or Tekmetric better?
Neither clearly leads. Launch X431 starts at $1499/one-time and Tekmetric at $179/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Launch X431 or Tekmetric?
Launch X431 starts at $1499/one-time and Tekmetric at $179/month.
Does Launch X431 or Tekmetric run on more platforms?
Launch X431 runs on Android-tablet, Desktop. Tekmetric runs on Web, Mobile, App.
What is Launch X431 best used for?
Launch X431 is most often used for vehicle diagnostics, ecu programming, key programming, adas calibration. Of those, vehicle diagnostics and ecu programming are not what Tekmetric is typically brought in for.
What can Launch X431 do that Tekmetric cannot?
Launch X431 covers Full system diagnostics, ECU coding, Bi-directional controls, Key programming. Tekmetric covers Work order management, Vehicle history, Customer management, Scheduling system.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Tekmetric: Are there per-user fees?

No, Tekmetric charges per shop, not per user. All plans include unlimited users, unlimited repair orders (ROs), unlimited support, and no hidden fees.

Source
Tekmetric: Can I pay annually?

Yes, Tekmetric offers both month-to-month and annual subscriptions. Annual billing typically provides savings, and there are no long-term contracts required.

Source
Tekmetric: What add-ons are available?

Tekmetric offers Multi-Shop Management ($70/month per shop), Tire Suite ($39/month per shop), Marketing ($345/month per shop), and Integrated Payments (included in Enterprise plan).

Source
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