Thinkcar vs Launch: THINKSCAN 689BT or LAUNCH X431 PRO5? Updates, Costs, SGW
“Thinkcar or Launch?” is a question we hear a lot, usually with the THINKSCAN 689BT and the LAUNCH X431 PRO5 in mind. We sell both brands ourselves. The biggest difference is not fault diagnosis but the update model – and therefore the cost over the years. We put the manufacturers' information and our shop prices (as of 30 Oct 2026) side by side, objectively.
The three key differences
- ⌘Update modelTHINKCAR states free lifetime software updates for the THINKSCAN 689BT and 689BT Pro – with no annual update fee. With the LAUNCH X431 PRO5, our kit includes 2 years of LAUNCH updates from activation; after that, renewal is optional.
- ⇄Security gatewayBoth brands offer gateway access that is paid for separately: THINKCAR UK lists Mercedes SGW access and, for the 689BT, FCA AutoAuth. LAUNCH Europe offers unlocks for FCA, Mercedes, Renault/Dacia and VAG for X-431 tools – as a package or individually.
- ✦Interface and hardwareThe X431 PRO5 works with the SmartLink C 2.0 (J2534, DoIP, CAN FD, RP1210, D-PDU) and has a 10.1-inch display. The THINKSCAN tools have 8 inches, a Bluetooth VCI, CAN FD and DoIP; only the 689BT Pro offers J2534.
Two update models – both legitimate
Lifetime updates save running costs. Per LAUNCH Europe, the LAUNCH model leaves you free to decide whether and when to update after expiry – without a contract. What “lifetime” actually covers is explained in Scan tool without a subscription.
Thinkcar vs Launch: the cost over 5 years
The purchase price alone says little. Calculate over the period you plan to use the tool – in four steps:
- Purchase priceTHINKSCAN 689BT €679.90, THINKSCAN 689BT Pro €699.90. The LAUNCH X431 PRO5 costs €1,509.90 in our shop as a kit with SmartLink C 2.0 and the VSP600 videoscope.
- Years 1–2Included with both brands: THINKCAR for life, LAUNCH for 2 years from activation in the kit.
- From year 3THINKSCAN: no update fee, per THINKCAR. LAUNCH: if you want to keep updating, you buy a renewal – in our shop 1 year for the X431 Pro5 for €339.90 or 2 years for €435.90.
- UnlocksGateway licences come on top with both brands and usually run for one year – for example the THINKCAR Mercedes SGW unlock or the THINKCAR VAG SGW licence. Which ones you need depends on the vehicles you work on.
Example: 5 years with continuous updates
THINKSCAN 689BT Pro: €699.90 – updates included, per THINKCAR. LAUNCH X431 PRO5: €1,509.90 + €435.90 (years 3–4) + €339.90 (year 5) = €2,285.70. Calculated with our current prices and without gateway licences. If you don't update the LAUNCH continuously, you pay correspondingly less.
What the LAUNCH X431 PRO5 offers for the extra cost
Per LAUNCH: a 10.1-inch tablet (1280×800, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB), SmartLink C 2.0 with J2534, DoIP and CAN FD, 37 special functions, guided functions for VW and Audi, optional ADAS calibration and online programming for two makes. Our kit also includes the VSP600 videoscope for visual inspections.
Which tool suits whom?
Roughly – always depending on vehicle, control unit and software version:
- THINKSCAN 689BT: diagnostics, ECU coding, active tests and 35+ service functions with no update fee
- THINKSCAN 689BT Pro: adds topology, J2534 (tested with 11 OEM platforms, per THINKCAR) and AI repair guidance
- LAUNCH X431 PRO5: larger display, SmartLink C 2.0 and VSP600 – for workshops that want the LAUNCH system and optional modules
- Note: not every THINKCAR tool has lifetime updates – for the THINKTOOL workshop line there are annual updates from €334.90.
The differences between the two THINKSCAN models are covered in our comparison 689BT vs 689BT Pro. Whether a specific function works on your vehicle is something we check before purchase using the VIN.
Sources (accessed 30 Oct 2026): LAUNCH (X-431 PRO5 product page), LAUNCH Europe (update cards, update policy, security gateway), THINKCAR UK (THINKSCAN 689BT and 689BT PRO), ml24shop.de product pages. As of October 2026.
THINKSCAN 689BT / 689BT Pro vs LAUNCH X431 PRO5 compared
| Tool | Software updates | After expiry | Security gateway | J2534 / protocols | Price | ml24shop.deAt ml24shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THINKCAR THINKSCAN 689BT Pro | ✓free for life, €0 annual fee (per THINKCAR UK) | not applicable – no renewal needed | Mercedes SGW access (per THINKCAR UK); with a separate licence: Mercedes, VAG SFD, Renault/Dacia, FCA (shop info) | J2534 (tested with 11 OEM platforms), CAN FD, DoIP | €699.90 | View product |
| THINKCAR THINKSCAN 689BT | ✓free for life, €0 annual fee (per THINKCAR UK) | not applicable – no renewal needed | FCA AutoAuth, Mercedes SGW access (per THINKCAR UK); licences separate (shop info) | CAN FD, DoIP – no J2534 | €679.90 | View product |
| LAUNCH X431 PRO5 (kit with SmartLink C 2.0 & VSP600) | 2 years included, from activation | optional: 1 year €339.90 or 2 years €435.90 | FCA, Mercedes, Renault/Dacia, VAG – licence via LAUNCH (per LAUNCH Europe) | SmartLink C 2.0: J2534, CAN FD, DoIP, RP1210, D-PDU | €1,509.90 | View product |
Prices as of 30 Oct 2026 per our product pages. Updates per THINKCAR UK (mythinkcar.uk) and the product page of the LAUNCH kit. Gateway information per THINKCAR UK, LAUNCH Europe and ml24shop/MittmannLive; licences and accounts (e.g. AutoAuth) cost extra with both brands and usually run for 1 year. With J2534, OEM software, accounts and licences are not included. Functions depend on tool, software version, vehicle, model year, control unit and region.
Renewing updates on a LAUNCH X431: how it works
1. Send us the model and serial number of your LAUNCH tool first – region, tool version and LAUNCH account can affect activation.
2. Choose the right renewal: 1 year for the X431 Pro5 or 2 years (for X431 Pro, V+, Pro3, Pro5 and PROS MINI).
3. Activation is done online via the serial number, usually within 24 hours of receiving the tool data. The term starts on activation.
4. Connect the tool to the internet and download the available updates in the LAUNCH app.
Our recommendation
If you want to use a tool for many years without ongoing update costs, the THINKSCAN 689BT (€679.90) or – with topology and J2534 – the THINKSCAN 689BT Pro (€699.90) is a good choice. If you want the LAUNCH system with SmartLink C 2.0, a large display and a videoscope, and prefer to buy updates only when you need them, choose the LAUNCH X431 PRO5 (€1,509.90). Budget for gateway licences separately with both; background in Security gateway explained, on J2534 in J2534 pass-thru explained.
Read more: Scan Tool Without Subscription: What “Lifetime Updates” Really Means · Security Gateway (SGW) explained: which brands lock OBD access and how to unlock · J2534 Pass-Thru Explained: Using OEM Software with an Aftermarket Scan Tool
FAQ
Thinkcar or Launch – which is better?
Neither across the board. Per THINKCAR, the THINKSCAN 689BT/689BT Pro stands out with lifetime updates and no annual fee. The LAUNCH X431 PRO5 offers SmartLink C 2.0, a 10.1-inch display and, in the kit, the VSP600; updates are included for 2 years and optional after that. What matters are your vehicles, functions and planned period of use.
How much do LAUNCH X431 updates cost?
The X431 PRO5 kit includes 2 years of LAUNCH updates from activation. After that, we offer the 1-year renewal for the X431 Pro5 for €339.90 or the 2-year renewal for €435.90 (as of 30 Oct 2026).
Do I have to renew the LAUNCH after 2 years?
No. Per LAUNCH Europe, you decide yourself whether and when to carry out the next update – without a contract. The tool then gets new vehicle models and functions with the next update.
Are THINKCAR updates really free?
For the THINKSCAN 689BT and 689BT Pro, THINKCAR states lifetime updates with no annual update fee. That does not apply to every THINKCAR tool: for the THINKTOOL workshop line there are paid annual updates.
Can both unlock the security gateway?
Yes, each with a separately paid licence. THINKCAR UK lists Mercedes SGW access and, for the 689BT, FCA AutoAuth; per ml24shop/MittmannLive, licences for Mercedes, VAG SFD, Renault/Dacia and FCA are available for the THINKSCAN tools. LAUNCH Europe lists unlocks for FCA, Mercedes, Renault/Dacia and VAG. Coverage depends on model and model year.
Do both have J2534?
The THINKSCAN 689BT Pro does (tested with 11 OEM platforms, per THINKCAR); the 689BT does not. The LAUNCH X431 PRO5 supports J2534 via the SmartLink C 2.0. OEM software, accounts and licences are never included.