When it comes to diagnosing issues, maintaining your car or estimating repair costs, affordable car scanners are a reliable and cost-effective option. In this comparison guide, we will take a comprehensive look at FIXD and Autel AP200 to determine which offers superior features and is better suited to your specific needs.
FIXD vs AUTEL AP200 Comparsion Table
FIXD | AUTEL AP200 | |
 |  | |
Supported Vehicles | Vehicle model year 1996 and newer that runs on gasoline | Vehicles manufactured from 1996 onwards |
Verified: | ASE Certified Mechanics | n/a |
Mobile Apps | ||
Operating System (Android and iOS) | ||
OBD2 port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Skill Level | DIYER OR ENTHUSIAS | DIYER OR ENTHUSIAS |
Reset CEL | ||
Smog Check | With Premium | |
Diagnostic Reports | ||
Live Data | ||
Car Monitor | ||
Freeze Frame | ||
Number of vehicles | 5 | 1 |
Engine, Transmission Codes | ||
TPMS | ||
ABS, airbag Codes | ||
Language | English, Dutch, German, | n/a |
Where To Buy | ||
Review |
What is FIXD?
At a glance
What we like
- You can check multiple vehicles
- Excellent for DIY and garage mechanics
- Maintenance reminders
- Fault detection notification
- Can estimate costs (average)
- Easy to use
What we don’t like
- Lack of support for diesel vehicles (Cars before 2006 and trucks before 2008)
- Doesn’t support electric cars
- Doesn’t read CODES such as ABS, Airbag
Invented by students at Georgia Tech, Fixd is a software and hardware combination that gives you useful information about your car that you probably wouldn’t know without a visit to the mechanic. The FIXD scanner helps you establish the exact reason your check engine light turned on.
The hardware part is plugged into your vehicles OBD-II port. It relays information from your car to the software installed in your smartphone, allowing you to diagnose your car’s malfunctions. The device also reminds you when your vehicle’s servicing is due.
What is AUTEL AP200?
At a glance
What we like
- Compact, practical, and versatile
- Provides CEL codes reading
- Capable of real-time diagnosis
- Compatible with a wide variety of vehicles
What we don’t like
- Does not activate through switches and relays
The Autel AP200 is one of the most versatile diagnostic devices available in the market today. It offers 19 functionalities that help you diagnose the various parts of the vehicle, including the transmission system and the engine. The device is Bluetooth enabled and is compatible with both iOS and Android.
What is an OBD2 Port?
The On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) port is a gateway to your vehicle’s computer for several tasks, including emissions and diagnostic tests.
How much does a car diagnostic cost?
If you have ever dealt with a check engine light turning on, you probably know that taking it in for a diagnostic test can leave your account dented. Car diagnostic dramatically depends on your vehicle’s model and the problem. However, a visit to the dealership for a diagnostic can set you back anywhere between $40 and $400. On top of the diagnostic test, you will need to cough up more for the actual repairs.
Fixd vs. AUTEL AP200 – Similarities and Differences
Connectivity
The FIXD scanner can monitor up to five different vehicles simultaneously, making it very resourceful for individuals and small businesses with multiple vehicles. The AP200 only works with one car for free, and for every additional vehicle, the user has to pay an extra yearly subscription for each other vehicle.
Features and Functions
There are many features one should consider when thinking of purchasing a diagnostic scanner. So what some of the things to consider when picking one out?
Bluetooth Connection
Both the AP200 and FIXD scanners are Bluetooth enabled and connect to your smartphone instantly. After downloading the app on your phone, you can immediately start the diagnostics for your vehicle.
The AP200 retains a stable connection that rarely breaks no matter what. The FIXD device has been known to lose the wireless connection much more often and requires the user to disconnect and reconnect the scanner every time they start the vehicle.
The AP200 is compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows smartphones.
Who Is This For?
NOTE: These devices are for any hands-on driver who likes to keep up to date with their vehicles’ health. Due to its lightweight, the FIXD tool is suitable for beginners who are just getting started with their DIY diagnostic tests. Professionals would find it lacking because of its limited functionalities. The Autel AP200 is recommended for car enthusiasts who would like to get deeper insights into their vehicle’s problems. However, its app only supports one vehicle for free.
Hidden Features
The Autel AP200 offers more functionalities, making it a great tool to keep an in-depth of your vehicle’s overall health. Some of the functionalities provided include;
- Engine Oil Reset – The Autel AP200 allows its users to reset the engine oil life and calculate the optimum intervals for an oil change.
- EPB Reset – This function allows the user to activate and deactivate the brake control system safely.
- SAS Reset – helps align the steering wheel in a straight position by calibrating the angle sensors.
- Auto VIN Detection – The AP200 also automatically detects the VIN identification code for your vehicle.
- Performance Analysis – Allows you to read and analyze your car’s performance through diagnostic trouble codes.
- BMS Reset – Keeps track of your battery and alerts you when a replacement is imminent.
Vehicles Coverage
The FIXD device works with all gas-powered cars and trucks built after 1996 and diesel vehicles produced after 2008, while the Autel AP200 supports all 1996 and later made American, European, and Asian vehicles, including Chevrolet, Jeep, Ford, Honda, Toyota, Dodge, Nissan, and VW.
Connectivity
Most scanners in the market today come with a dedicated smart device app that connects to the hardware through a wireless connection. In most cases, the software needs to be downloaded and installed to your mobile device and then connected to the hardware component via Bluetooth.
FIXD App
The free FIXD app is available in the Google Play Store for Android devices and the App Store for iOS devices. After downloading the app, it will only take you a few minutes to set up and start monitoring the health of your vehicle. The app lists all your cars using a FIXD scanner, helping you stay on top of any potential problems. It also keeps you up to date on service intervals, saving you a lot in costly repairs.
Autel AP200 App
The AP200 app is also available on the App Store and Playstore. They can use the app for free on one vehicle. However, if you need to use it with more than one vehicle, you will need to pay $22 for iOS and $16 for Android per year to run it on another car. Updates are available for free on the Autel website.
How to use FIXD and Autel AP200?
To use the scanners, you first download the app specifically for the scanner on Google Play Store or App Store. After this, you should power on Bluetooth on your device and pair it to the sensor.
Next, you should create an account on the application by filling in the required information and then setting your application preferences. After these, you should locate the OBD-11 port, found above the pedals on the driver’s side of the dashboard in most vehicles. Plugin the sensor into the port and make sure it is properly connected.
What is The Price for These Scanners
The FIXD Scanner is available HERE for $59.99, whereas the Autel AP200 goes for about $69.95.
Money-Back Guarantee
FIXD has its customers’ satisfaction at the core of all its operations. This is why they are willing to give a full refund within 30 days after the delivery date if the buyer is dissatisfied with any of their products for any particular reason. FIXD devices also come with a 1-year limited warranty. AUTEL devices come with a one-year warranty from the time of purchase, as well.
Fixd vs. Autel AP200 Similarities
While they have their differences, the two tools are more similar than one can imagine.
Compatibility
The FIXD and AP200 apps are both compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems. The scanner tools work on OBD2-compliant vehicles.
Functionality
Both tools allow the users to clear the check engine light and offer several other similar features, including resetting the check engine light, the option to freeze-frame, and live data streaming. The FIXD device can pull stored, pending and permanent codes and provides a description and suggested fix for all the codes.
Skill Level
If you’re a DIYer or enthusiast, you may have different priorities than a beginner. Therefore, you need to scrutinize each scanner to see whether it offers what you need.
The bottom line
A check engine light can indicate a serious engine problem that can cause extensive and expensive damage if not checked at the right time. It can also be an indicator of a minor issue. However, without the right tool, you can not tell for sure where the problem lies. This is why owning a diagnostic tool should be a top priority for any car owner.
Both the FIXD and Autel AP200 are very resourceful devices when it comes to monitoring your vehicle’s overall health. Both devices will save you time and money on frequent trips to the mechanic for diagnostic tests and repairs. The scanners allow users to troubleshoot any problems that their vehicles might be experiencing and predict any issues that may unfold in the near future. The FIXD scanner is more compact and more comfortable to use even for inexperienced users. The device can also be used on multiple vehicles.
When choosing the monitor, you should consider your requirements and the features the specific device offers. It is always advisable to take some time to do comprehensive research on different devices to find the one that will work faultlessly for you.
With the continual development and increase in technology, gadgets, and gizmos, Amar never has a dull day researching new gadgets. Being an enthusiastic gamer, traveler, soccer lover, and avid car driver means that he always looks for the next cool thing to try out.