ICarsoft CR Max | Straightforward Review

I tested the ICarsoft CR Max on several cars including Alfa Romeo 147 and my Golf 2006. I checked basic scanning, live data, service resets, bi-directional tests and even tried VAG coding to unlock hidden features. It comes with 49 service resets and some of them worked well, some not.

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What This Tool Actually Is

ICarsoft CR Max is a full-system bi-directional diagnostic tablet with VAG coding features.
It sits between entry-level tablet tools and semi-professional scanners.
Good choice for people who want coding and a large number of maintenance functions without paying for expensive tools.

Test Results on Real Cars

I tested it on real cars.

Cars used:
• Alfa Romeo 147
• VW Golf 2006
• Multiple other vehicles in quick checks (Octavia, VW modules)

What worked

Full-system scan on Alfa worked fine.
Full-system scan on VW also worked but was slower.
Live data worked well in every module.
Bi-directional tests worked on body, engine and other modules.
Odometer verification worked and even pulled 470 000 km from the transmission in an Octavia my friend bought as 210 000 km.

What failed

Service resets: many did not work on some cars.
This tool has 49 resets, but the success rate is lower than with other scanners.
Auto-scan unreliable on older cars.
VAG scan speed is slower than average.

Scan speed

On Alfa it was decent.
On VW it was slower but still acceptable.
About average for a bi-directional tablet.

Coding behavior

Coding tested only on VAG and it is advanced for this price.
Long coding, adaptation, security login worked without problems.
You can unlock DRL, coming-home lights and similar features.

Slow features

Full-system scan on VW.
Long coding menu layout is not as easy as VCDS.

Error messages

Normal failure messages on older cars when selecting auto-scan.
Needs manual brand selection.

Manufacturer Specs vs Real Testing

Area	Manufacturer Claim	What I Saw in Testing
Module coverage	Full-system	Full-system worked
Bi-directional	Yes	Worked in body, engine, doors, etc.
Coding	Supported	Advanced on VAG only
Service resets	49	Many available, mixed success
Scan speed	Fast	Average
Updates	Wi-Fi	Updates easy, stable
Live data	Graph, gauge, bar	Very good, multiple formats

Hardware / Software / Plans / Internet Dependency

Hardware is wired, not Bluetooth.
Good if you don’t want to charge the tool.
Bad if you want to move freely around the car.

Software is simple, functional and easy to learn.
Menu looks older but is fast enough.

Updates:
Done via Wi-Fi.
No PC needed.

Plans:
Comes with updates active.
No credit system in my testing.

Internet:
Only needed for updates.
Diagnostics work offline.

Supported Service Resets

There are 49 service resets available.
Not all work on every car.
In my testing more resets failed than with other scanners.

But some worked very well:
• Odometer check pulled hidden mileage
• Common resets like oil or EPB worked fine
• Many resets depend on brand support

This is not a heavy multi-brand service tool like the higher Thinkcar or Mucar tablets, but it still offers many procedures.

Supported Languages

About 15 languages.
English recommended.
Translations are basic.

Comparison Section

ICarsoft CR Max vs VDiagTool VD30

Vdiagtool VD80 lite is a cheaper full-system tablet without advanced VAG coding.
CR Max has much stronger VAG features and many more service resets.

Comparison Table

Feature	ICarsoft CR Max	VDiagTool VD80 lite
System access	Full-system	Full-system
Bi-directional	Yes	Yes
Service resets	49	30
Coding	Yes, even OEM	Yes, even OEM
Updates	Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi
Price	Higher	Lower

Conclusion:
If you work on VAG, CR Max wins easily.
If you just need basic full-system scans, VD80 lite is enough.

ICarsoft CR Max vs ThinkScan 689BT

ThinkScan 689BT is a mid-level Thinkcar tool.
CR Max has more resets but coding is easier with thinkscan.
ThinkScan 689BT is smoother and newer software.

Comparison Table

Feature	ICarsoft CR Max	ThinkScan 689BT
System access	Full-system	Full-system
Bi-directional	Yes	Yes
Service resets	49	35
Coding	Yes, even OEM	Yes, even OEM
Scan speed	Average	Faster
Price	Similar	Similar

Conclusion:
CR Max is better for VAG coding and used-car checks.
ThinkScan 672 is better if you want faster scanning and cleaner UI.

ICarsoft CR Max vs Topdon ArtiDiag 900 Lite

ArtiDiag 900 Lite has modern software, faster scanning and better interface.
CR Max beats it in VAG coding and service reset quantity.

Comparison Table

Feature	ICarsoft CR Max	ArtiDiag 900 Lite
System access	Full-system	Full-system
Bi-directional	Yes	Yes
Service resets	49	Fewer
Coding	Advanced on VAG	Limited
Scan speed	Average	Faster
UI	Basic	Modern
Price	Similar	Similar

Conclusion:
If you want the most comfortable tablet, get ArtiDiag 900 Lite.
If you want VAG coding, get CR Max.

ICarsoft CR Max vs Ucanic Scanner

Ucanic focuses on simple UI and strong full-system scanning.
CR Max focuses more on resets and coding.

Comparison Table

Feature	ICarsoft CR Max	Ucanic
System access	Full-system	Full-system
Bi-directional	Yes	Yes
Service resets	49	Fewer but more reliable
Coding	Yes, even OEM	Yes, even OEM
UI	Basic	Cleaner
Price	Similar	Similar

Conclusion:
Ucanic is easier to use and resets work more consistently.
CR Max has more features but not all work on all cars.

Final Verdict

ICarsoft CR Max is a solid full-system scanner with strong VAG coding and many service resets.
Not everything works on every car, but when it works, it works well.
Great for used car inspections thanks to mileage verification.
If you need reliable service resets across many brands, some Thinkcar or Mucar tablets are stronger.
If you want VAG coding without paying for VCDS-level tools, CR Max is a good option.

How to save money:
Best prices usually on official websites or trusted sellers.
Updates work through Wi-Fi, so always update before testing a new car.