Volkswagen Group vehicles are special when it comes to OBD2. You will need a more powerful tool than a basic code reader to use their Long Coding and Adaptations for service and coding procedures.
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3 Best OBD2 Tools for Volkswagen/Audi – Quick Overview
VCDS – Best for PC
$25 – 600
$25 – 600
OBD11 – Best for mobile
$40 – 240
$40 – 240
Thinkdiag2 – Best with all brand coverage
$120 – 180
$120 – 180
What are the best VW/Audi diagnostic scanners?
Let’s check a quick overview instead of stretching this with unnecessary fluff.
| Feature | VCDS (VAG-COM) | OBDeleven | Thinkdiag2 |
| Best for | Computer | Smartphone | Other car brands |
| Control Unit Scanning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Component Tests | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Service Functions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Long Coding | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptations | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live Data Reading | Yes | Yes (text only) | Yes |
| Starting Price | $20 – $600 | $60-240 | $150 |
| Subscription (yearly) | $0 | $0-130 | $95 |
| Device Requirement | Laptop | Smartphone | Smartphone |
| Compatibility | VW/Audi | VW/Audi, BMW, Mini | 100+ car brands |
| Additional Features | Dealership-level tool, unlock hidden features | One-click unlock features, portable | Full scan, bi-directional tests |
| Cons | High price for unlimited cars, needs laptop | No live data graphs, yearly fee for PRO | Less advanced for VAG than VCDS/OBDeleven |
Diagnostics Introduction!
- Automotive electrical basics
- OBD-II scanner basics
- Using cheap tools to diagnose faults
- Bi-directional scan tool introduction
- OBD-II scanner Buyer’s Guide
- Free diagnostics training
I test OBD-II scanners and make DIY Engine diagnostics guides to help you solve your car problems without having to depend on the mechanic. A lot of them will try to scam you or are just no help at all. About Juraj Lukacko
Hello. I’d like to know if the Volkswagen/Audi diagnostic tools and scanners will work well on other Volkswagen group cars like Porsche which is what I’m working on. And if so is theThinkdiag 2 the best option I can get for personal use? I’d really appreciate your opinion.
They work same for Audi, Skoda, Seat and Volkswagen but it is not guaranteed to work on premium brands like Porsche or Bentley or Lamborghini. For those some features works but there will be probably less options to code…and yes the Thinkdiag2 is best I found so far if you don’t mind paying yearly fee.