I have tested a lot of OBD2 scanners for VAG as these cars are the most popular in my country. It is hard to pick only one since some of them are good for diagnosing issues, some for coding, and some come with subscriptions but I crafted the best pick table where everyone can find one that suits you the best!
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Quick Recommendations
OBDeleven
Even with a free plan, you have full model support with access to all modules for fault codes, live data, and bi-directional testing.
Mucar V07s
My favorite tool. Not only it supports 100+ brands, but you can also use OEM vag features like basic settings, adaptations, long coding, online coding, etc… without any credits or subscriptions.
VCDS (Clone)
VCDS is the most famous aftermarket software for VAG. Clone cable is cheap, but you might need a separate laptop with turned-off antivirus to use it.
ODIS (clone)
This is a dealership VAG software clone. Same as VCDS, you need a laptop with antivirus turned off. (this seller is helpful, and remotely installed software for me)
Carista
Not much help for diagnosing problems, but you can use it to unlock hidden features. The Carista app costs $10/month with unlimited customizations. Use with any ELM327 adapter and cancel after 1-month.
Testing VAG OBD2 scanners
I tested a bunch of scanners for VAG and experimented with a lot of specialized software like ODIS, VAG-CAN Pro, or VAG EEPROM programmer.
The funny thing is that now we have scanners that work with all brands and despite that give you comparable functionality.
So you can have a multi-brand scanner and still unlock new features and use service resets for brakes, DPF, etc…
But let me start with the simplest to use, and that would be one of the smartphone VAG scanners.
OBDeleven is best for smartphone
I have tried all famous smartphone scanners that work with VAG cars, including Carly, Carista and Motosure VAG.
All of them struggle when you connect them to older models without canbus and even for newer cars they lack almost all features for diagnosing problems like accessing all control modules for live data, bi-directional testing, etc…
OBDeleven supports all VAG models (even old ones) and even with a free plan gives you full diagnostics functionality for all control modules.
You just need an adapter (use the “CARHACKER” coupon for an extra 10% OFF) on the OBDeleven website.
Mucar VO7 gives full VAG features
I already had Thinkdiag2 which is a Bluetooth all-brand scanner supporting all this, but you had to pay a subscription each year which is kind of annoying.
But MUCAR VO7 is from the same brand (Mucar/Thinkcar) and without paying a subscription you can use it as a bi-directional scan tool for all brands, but also for VAG it has:
- Coding
- Long coding + long coding helper
- Adaptations
- Online coding
- VAG guided functions
- Security login
It comes with 3-years of updates free but even if you decide not to update after 3 years, you can still use it with the latest software update you got.
And it is one of the cheapest scan tools on the market, even though I use it for basically all work on all cars.
The best deal is on Thinkcar website (use “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF, if a discount is not auto-applied)
VCDS is the best pick if you have a laptop
VCDS is the most famous OBD software for vag cars. Simple to use and gives you almost all functionality you need to service, diagnose and unlock hidden features (at least up to 2019 models, then SFD limitations start)
I bought the OEM version but on Aliexpress you can buy clone cable for only about $20. However, you will have to disable antivirus so I wouldn’t do that with your main laptop.
Just get a separate one, and you can buy cable here: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_om4GlUw
ODIS is dealership VAG software (clone version)
A lot of people think that VCDS is dealership software, but that is only aftermarket. This VAS adapter + ODIS software is actually dealership VW/Audi diagnostic software (this one is a clone)
I tried installing it on my own, but it was just too complicated. Luckily the store on aliexpress installed it for me remotely so I suggest buying from this store: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oEQV2j8
But again, a separate laptop is recommended since you will provide access to someone and the antivirus has to be disabled.
ODIS has a user-friendly interface at first glance but it wasn’t that easy to navigate and operate so if you want something simple to use I would get one of the options from the table on top.
VAG Can PRO (clone version)
VCP (Vag Can PRO) is another specific VAG software that gives similar functionality to ODIS and VCDS.
Same as those 2, installation of this clone software wasn’t easy, and then you need a laptop with antivirus disabled to work properly.
VCP even allows you to upload your own data to control modules and read/write eeprom data which I haven’t found in VCDS or ODIS.
Other than that, classic VAG features like full scan, adaptations, coding, etc are supported but the original VCP comes with a file library which I didn’t have in the clone version. That limits functionality.
But the clone is about 5% of the original price so if you want to experiment, I bought a working version from this store: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oEM6jam
These are overall best and easiest to use
OBDeleven
Even with a free plan, you have full model support with access to all modules for fault codes, live data, and bi-directional testing.
Mucar V07s
My favorite tool. Not only it supports 100+ brands, but you can also use OEM vag features like basic settings, adaptations, long coding, online coding, etc… without any credits or subscriptions.
VCDS (Clone)
VCDS is the most famous aftermarket software for VAG. Clone cable is cheap, but you might need a separate laptop with turned-off antivirus to use it.
Learn to use VAG Coding
Learn to use adaptations, codings, long coding with any VAG OBD-II scanner with my FREE PDF (Download HERE)
Hi, I am Juraj “Yuri” Lukacko. I got frustrated by unhelpful and scammy mechanics, so I decided to learn everything about car diagnostics myself. I test dozens of new car diagnostic tools every month along with learning new strategies to fix and customize cars. About Juraj Lukacko (Yuri)
Hello I have a 2000 Audi S6 avant wagon 4.2 v8. I’d like to know what is the process or scanner to use to code my clocksrping ,ie (cablereel) . I replaced the old one for a NEW unit I purchased from the local dealership. I was told it needs to be coded please help thank you in advance.
I did it for newer car by copying coding value from steering wheel module (16) and when I replaced it coding changed so I copy old value.
(I used VCDS)
Vcds is really expensive in my country, and obdeleven seems to have gotten more expensive and no longer offer lifetime long coding. Is there any other device that doesn’t need a subscription to long code for vw?
You can get not OEM cable on Aliexpress for about $30, they even help you install it if you need. Or I also use Mucar V07 but that was 320€ when I bought it on discount and it has 3 years free update but you don’t have to renew and it has long coding for VAG. (+ works on all brands)
Hi, I have a Skoda citigo and am trying to reach the ABS/brakes module to find the cause of an intermittent “ABS+Traction control warning”. I have a generic ELM327 that seems to only come back with OBD, ECU,TCU codes. Should I be going for the other OBD adapters or is it just software related ? I only need the trouble codes from the control units at the moment.
Yes for ABS bi-directional scanner is better. You can get OBDeleven free or xTool A30 or KIngbolen Ediag Elite those are fairly cheap and will do the job.