Autel MK808S vs TOPDON ArtiDiag800 BT 2: Which Scan Tablet?
Two full-system tablets with active tests and 28+ service resets. The deciding factors are cable vs wireless and update costs – TOPDON's US updates are now free for life, Autel's cost money after year one.
| Spec | Autel MaxiCOM MK808S / MK808Z | TOPDON ArtiDiag800 BT 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | $300–$500 | $300–$500 |
| Type | Tablet | Tablet |
| Connection | Wired (cable) | Bluetooth |
| Systems | Full system | Full system |
| Active tests | Yes | Yes |
| Live data | Advanced (graphing / logging) | Advanced (graphing / logging) |
| Updates | Free for a set time, then paid | Free lifetime updates |
| Service functions | 28+ functions incl. oil reset, EPB, SAS, BMS, DPF regen, ABS bleed, throttle relearn, injector coding, immobilizer, basic TPMS | 28+ functions incl. oil reset, EPB, SAS, BMS, DPF, TPMS, throttle relearn, ABS bleeding |
| Works with | Standalone (Android-based 7-inch tablet) | Standalone (Android tablet with Bluetooth VCI) |
| Best for | DIYers | DIYers |
The short answer
- Get the TOPDON ArtiDiag800 BT 2 if you want to move around the car without a cable and never pay for updates – TOPDON switched it to free lifetime updates in the US in August 2026.
- Get the Autel MK808S / MK808Z if you prefer a simple wired connection and the larger 7-inch screen, and don’t mind a yearly fee for new-vehicle coverage after the first year.
What’s the same
These are close rivals. Both are Android-based scan tablets that read every system on 80+ makes, run active tests (bidirectional control), and include 28+ service functions such as oil reset, electronic parking brake, steering angle calibration, battery registration, DPF regeneration, throttle relearn and ABS bleeding.
Where they differ
Connection. The Autel plugs into the car with a cable. The TOPDON uses a small Bluetooth adapter in the OBD2 port, so the tablet goes wherever you do – handy for running active tests from the engine bay or under the car.
Updates. This is the biggest difference over time. The Autel includes one year of free updates; after that, renewal costs about $80–$125 a year at retailers (it keeps working if you don’t renew – you just stop getting new coverage). TOPDON’s US site lists free lifetime updates for the ArtiDiag800 BT 2 since August 18, 2026 (units bought earlier had two years free; outside the US TOPDON still lists two years).
Newer cars. The TOPDON lists CAN FD support for 2020+ GM and Chrysler vehicles and Secure Gateway access for 2018+ FCA brands. The Autel supports AutoAuth gateway access for 2018+ FCA.
Screen. The Autel has a 7-inch screen; the TOPDON’s is 6 inches.
Three-year cost
| Up front | Over three years | |
|---|---|---|
| TOPDON ArtiDiag800 BT 2 | About $310–$380 | Same – free updates (US) |
| Autel MK808S / MK808Z, renewed twice | About $390–$500 | Roughly $550–$750 |
| Autel, never renewed | About $390–$500 | Same, but no coverage for newer cars |
Our pick
On value, the TOPDON ArtiDiag800 BT 2 comes out ahead: wireless, similar features, and no ongoing update cost in the US. The Autel remains a solid choice if you’d rather have a cable, a bigger screen, or a brand many shops already use – just budget for updates if you’ll keep working on newer cars.