At Nitro Bilişim we have spent 10 years selling, installing and servicing ECU programming and diagnostic tools. "Should I buy a Launch or an Autel?" is a question we get dozens of times a week. In this article we are not guessing — we are sharing our own sales data and what we see in the field, because choosing the right tool affects your workshop for years to come.
What our customers actually choose (our own sales data)
This is not a marketing line — it is our real order data. Broken down by brand across our paid orders:
| Metric | Autel | Launch |
|---|---|---|
| Units sold | 71 | 10 |
| Number of orders | 69 | 10 |
| Average value per unit | ~181 TL | ~888 TL |
How should you read this table? Autel is far more common among our customers — but a significant share of those units are cables, adapters and accessories (MX808 OBD cable, Chrysler SGW security cable, Nissan bypass cable and similar). In other words, Autel's greatest strength is its broad ecosystem and easily available accessories. Launch, on the other hand, is bought in smaller numbers but as higher-value units (averaging ~888 TL versus ~181 TL for Autel) — a niche but deliberate choice.
When should you choose Autel?
- If wide vehicle coverage and accessory availability are your priority
- If you frequently need Security Gateway (SGW) bypass cables and special adapters (in stock and affordable)
- If you want a widespread ecosystem, strong community support and high resale value
You can browse our current Autel diagnostic tools and cables.
When should you choose Launch?
- If you are investing in depth for specific makes/models and want a single high-value tool
- If you need specific functions where Autel's coverage is weaker
- If you are already used to the Launch interface in your daily routine
You can see our current Launch tools here.
From 10 years of experience: which one fails less?
The honest answer: both are professional, reliable tools. Most of the faults we see in the field have nothing to do with the brand; they come from neglected updates and subscriptions, using the wrong cable, and a low phone or tablet battery. Set up correctly and kept up to date, both brands run trouble-free for many years.
Our honest recommendation
For most workshops and mobile technicians, an Autel plus the right accessory set is the most practical starting point — and as our data shows, that is the direction most of our customers take. But remember: what you plan to do matters more than the tool itself. Choose coverage according to your needs, and factor in cable and subscription costs from the start. If you are undecided, compare all our diagnostic tools and ECU programming tools; let's work out together which one fits your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Autel subscription mandatory?
The tool also works without a subscription, but an annual update subscription is recommended for new vehicle software and functions. The tool is not locked when the subscription ends; you simply stop receiving new updates.
Do Launch tools support a Turkish menu?
The current Launch X431 series offers multi-language support and a Turkish menu option is available. Because this can vary by model and software version, we recommend asking us before you buy.
Which one covers more vehicle brands?
Both brands have wide coverage and are updated continuously. Tell us which vehicle make/model you need and we will give you a clear comparison of which is stronger for it.
This will be my first tool — which should I buy?
For a first tool, Autel's broad ecosystem and accessory availability usually make for an easier start. Even so, the recommendation changes with your intended use (passenger cars, heavy vehicles, ECU programming); write to us and we will point you to the right model.