Since OBDeleven’s release, it has been strongly compared to VCDS by enthusiasts and mechanics alike. There are many interesting points on both sides of the debate, as the diagnostic tools offer a ton of amazing features that VAG owners and mechanics find useful.
We’re not trying to pick a winner between OBDeleven vs. VCDS, we’re simply trying to show you which one meets your needs in terms of diagnostics and adding options.
This guide will help you better understand these OBD analysis tools, and compare them to determine which one is right for you.
Both are specially designed for VAG vehicles (VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat), and you can get advanced dealer-style functionality with ODIS software.
Contents:
- Vehicle Coverage
- Which one to choose?
- Diagnostic tool price
- Subscription/Update Fees
- Advantages Of Each Diagnostic Tool
- Which should you choose for your application: VCDS or OBDeleven?
-> OBDeleven One-Click Apps list
-> What is SFD protection?
-> MQB platform
VCDS VAG-COM vs ODB11: What are the differences?
1 – Vehicle Coverage
VCDS VAGCOM : Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda (Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley very limited)
OBDeleven: Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Lamborghini, Bentley, BMW, Mini, Rolls Royce
OBDeleven developed its software for VAG, but then launched a BMW application that works for BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce.
However, you will need a different application to work with BMW (currently only the FREE + Credits option).
2 – Which one to choose?
VCDS and OBDEleven target different types of customer.
OBDEleven is easier to use for novice drivers and enthusiasts, and offers several plans and device packages to give them flexible options. Its ONE-Click applications ensure that you buy only the functionality you need, rather than paying for an expensive tool you don’t fully explore.
VCDS is ideal for enthusiasts and experienced mechanics who can benefit from the advanced features it offers on many VAG vehicles. The price is a bit steep, but the functionality is well worth it.
OBDEleven is generally cheaper to buy, while professional-grade VCDS is quite expensive. Unless you have a “clone” VCDS cable, which will be cheaper. Therefore, your first criterion should be budget. The second should be familiarity with advanced coding features. OBDEleven has easier-to-understand coding, while VCDS can be complex.
If you’re a driver or enthusiast with a modest budget and average experience of analysis tools, buy OBDEleven. It offers all the features you need to repair your car for years to come.
If you’re a seasoned mechanic with coding experience and lots of cars to repair, choose VCDS. You’ll appreciate the level of diagnostic depth it brings to the table that easily rivals OEM tools.
OBDeleven is designed for Android/iOS smartphones and tablets.
The VCDS cable is designed for Windows notebooks.
3 – Diagnostic tool price
The OBDeleven basic adapter (white) only works for Android and only supports VAG vehicles. If you want to benefit from BMW support and use it on iPhones, you’ll need the nextGEN adapter (black). (prices may vary).
- OBDeleven adapter (Android only/VAG only) at €39.99
- OBDeleven nextGEN (Android/iOS/VAG/BMW) at €59.99
- PRO Pack (Only VAG) at €99.99 (1-year subscription included)
- ULTIMATE Pack (Only VAG) at €199.99 (1-year subscription included)
The VCDS device can be either a HEX V2 cable (wired connection to a laptop), or the HEX-NET Bluetooth adapter that connects to your laptop or smartphone (the smartphone app doesn’t have full functionality.)
The VCDS Clone is an unofficial copy.
- Hex V2 clone between €80/139 (depending on FR sites)
- Hex V2 (3 VIN) at €279
- Hex V2 (10 VIN) at €399
- Hex V2 (VIN Unlimited) at €599
Software update included (VIN: vehicle identification number)
–> You’ll find links to our partner VAG CUSTOM‘s store, where you can buy VCDS and OBDeleven cables.
4 – Subscription/Update Fees
VCDS is more expensive, but you get lifetime upgrades.
You don’t need to pay an annual subscription.
OBDeleven offers three packages
You can choose between 3 options, but all diagnostic functions are already included.
- FREE package
- PRO package at 49.99 euros/year
- ULTIMATE package at 139.99 euros/year
1 of the 3 packages is completely FREE, so you can get a professional diagnostic device without any subscription.
There are different packages for coding and customizing your vehicle.
On OBDEleven, the basic plan is free of charge, but it contains many features thanks to its one-click access to applications. It is included with OBDEleven Standard and Starter editions. It features basic functions such as live data, full vehicle battery backup status, VIN-based vehicle identification, and much more.
Information : If you don’t want to buy yearly plans or credits for One Click coding, VAG Coding offers you all coding options free of charge, using long or adaptive coding.
The Pro plan adds a host of advanced features to the basic plan. You have access to coding and long coding, UDS, adaptations, long adaptations, automatic gateway coding, connection search, etc. The Pro license is included in the OBDeleven Pro package and costs 40 EUROS after the first year.
The Ultimate plan adds two additional features to the Pro plan; Display Raw Data and the OCA Generator. But its greatest value comes from its unlimited access to One-Click applications, so you never have to buy credits. It’s included in the OBDEleven Ultimate package and costs 140 EUROS after the first year. Even if you start with Basic, you can upgrade any of the packages to the Pro or Ultimate plan at any time.
5 – Advantages of each diagnostic tool
Both can be used for VW/Audi long coding, safety connections and adaptations to carry out customizations and service procedures for your VAG vehicles.
What’s more, both can diagnose functions and enter every ECU in the car to read fault codes, live data and perform bi-directional tests.
Here are some key differences:
VCDS :
- Can display live data in graphical form
- Faster
- A little more complex
- Basic OBD2 functions for all other makes of car
- No subscription
OBDeleven:
- Easy to transport
- Lower initial investment
- * Unlocks the SFD
- More user-friendly and intuitive
- More suitable for beginners
- Works with BMW
*SFD is a long coding protection key for the latest VAG vehicles. OBDeleven can unlock it, giving you access to coding modules protected by this “lock”.
6 – Which should you choose: VCDS or OBDeleven?
Here are the recommendations I can give you if we delve deeper into exactly what you need done to your car.
If You Are A Car Owner And For A Very Occasional Need :
You’ve got one or two VAG Group cars, you do some maintenance yourself here and there, and you just want to read error codes and live data and keep track of your car’s health. And, of course, perhaps a few coding customizations for your car.
In this case, all you need is a VCDS clone cable (but beware, these are copies) or the OBDeleven adapter, and you can use the FREE package to diagnose problems and read data from your car.
You may have to spend 10 to 20 euros in credits to make quick customizations, or free using our option tutorials (longer). Simply use the device to diagnose an unlimited number of cars.
Are You A DIY Mechanic?
If you’re doing a lot of oil changes and service resets, maybe your friends will bring in their cars to help you fix problems and make customization changes; you’ll need VCDS HEX v2 or OBDeleven with a PRO/Ultimate plan.
If you are an automotive professional specializing in the vag group
VCDS is made for you, slightly more complex but faster.
On the other hand, OBDeleven is probably the only diagnostic suitcase to offer very simple, automatic modification of long codings by sfd unlocking.
You’ll find links to our partner VAG CUSTOM ‘s store, where you can buy a VCDS or OBDeleven cable:
