Last Updated on October 19, 2026
If you’re new to scan tools, choosing the right diagnostic scanner can be challenging. Many scanners look similar, but their features, connectivity, and vehicle coverage can be quite different.
In this comparison, we’ll help you understand the differences between Autel MK808 vs MK808BT vs MK808TS. The original Autel MK808 is a wired diagnostic scanner, while the Autel MK808BT offers Bluetooth connectivity. The MK808TS goes further by adding advanced tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) functions.
All three belong to Autel’s earlier MaxiCOM MK808 generation. They share several features, including a 7-inch touchscreen, Android-based operation, all-system diagnostics, and common maintenance functions.
However, the original models should not be confused with newer versions such as the MK808S, MK808BT Pro, and MK808S-TS, which offer updated hardware and software capabilities.
With our detailed Autel MK808 vs MK808BT vs MK808TS comparison, you can find the right diagnostic tool for your vehicle, workshop, and budget in 2026.
Comparison Chart: Autel MK808 vs MK808BT vs MK808TS
The following table compares the original MK808-series scanners. Hardware configurations may vary depending on the production version and market.
| Features | Autel MK808 | Autel MK808BT | Autel MK808TS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor: | Cortex-A9 quad-core, 1.6 GHz | Cortex-A9 quad-core, 1.6 GHz | Cortex-A9 quad-core, 1.6 GHz |
| Operating System: | Android 4.4.4 | Android 4.4.4 | Android 4.4.4 |
| Display: | 7-inch LCD touchscreen | 7-inch LCD touchscreen | 7-inch LCD touchscreen |
| Display Resolution: | 1024 x 600 | 1024 x 600 | 1024 x 600 |
| Memory: | Up to 64GB on listed original configurations | Up to 64GB on listed original configurations | Up to 64GB on listed original configurations |
| Battery: | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| All-System Diagnostics: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Read and Clear Codes: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live Data: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active Tests: | Supported functions | Supported functions | Supported functions |
| Oil Reset, EPB, BMS, SAS, DPF: | Yes, where supported | Yes, where supported | Yes, where supported |
| Basic TPMS Services: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth VCI: | No | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced TPMS Diagnostics: | No | No | Yes |
| Activate TPMS Sensors: | No | No | Yes, compatible sensors |
| Program Autel MX-Sensors: | No | No | Yes |
| Advanced TPMS Relearn: | No | No | Yes |
| Vehicle Communication: | Wired | Wireless Bluetooth VCI | Wireless Bluetooth VCI |
| Best For: | General diagnostics and maintenance | Wireless diagnostics | Diagnostics and professional TPMS service |
| Price: | Check Price |
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Autel MaxiCOM MK808 Review
The Autel MaxiCOM MK808 is a sleek, compact diagnostic tool that offers the essential features you would expect from a professional entry-level scanner.
It is easy to use, just like a regular tablet. The large 7-inch LCD touchscreen displays diagnostic results clearly, making it convenient to read trouble codes and monitor live data.
The MK808 supports all-system diagnostics on compatible vehicles. This means it can access more than just the engine control module, including supported ABS, SRS, transmission, and other electronic systems.
It also offers useful maintenance functions such as oil resets, electronic parking brake servicing, battery management, and steering angle sensor calibration.
Related Comparison: Autel MK808 vs DS808: Features and Differences
One of the useful features of this scanner is its Android operating system and quad-core processor. Although the original hardware is now relatively old, it can still perform many diagnostic tasks on supported vehicles.
The main limitation is its wired connection. You need to connect the tablet directly to the vehicle’s OBD2 port during diagnostic work.
Pros:
- Provides all-system diagnostics on supported vehicles.
- Offers complete standard OBD2 diagnostic functions.
- Supports various oil reset, EPB, SAS, BMS, and DPF procedures.
- Large and easy-to-read touchscreen.
- Simple wired connection without pairing a wireless VCI.
- Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and small repair shops.
Cons:
- Requires a wired connection to the vehicle.
- No advanced TPMS sensor activation or programming.
- Limited immobilizer functions; not a comprehensive key programming tool.
- Older Android hardware compared with newer MK808-series scanners.
Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT Review
If you like the MK808 but prefer wireless diagnostics, the Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT is a better choice.
Its biggest advantage is the Bluetooth vehicle communication interface (VCI). Instead of connecting the tablet directly to the OBD2 port with a cable, you can communicate with the vehicle wirelessly.
This is convenient when working around the engine bay or checking different components while monitoring diagnostic information.
The MK808BT offers many of the same core diagnostic functions as the MK808, including all-system scanning, live data, trouble code reading, and maintenance services.
It also supports AutoVIN technology on compatible vehicles, helping identify the make, model, and year automatically.
Related Comparison: Autel MX808 vs MK808: Which Scanner Is Better?
However, the MK808BT should not be considered a complete TPMS programming tool. It supports basic TPMS service functions, but it lacks the dedicated sensor activation and Autel MX-Sensor programming capabilities of the MK808TS.
Pros:
- Wireless Bluetooth connection for convenient diagnostics.
- Large 7-inch touchscreen.
- Supports extensive OBD2 and vehicle system diagnostics.
- AutoVIN identification on compatible vehicles.
- Provides common maintenance and service functions.
- Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY users.
Cons:
- Does not provide complete TPMS sensor programming.
- Some functions depend on the vehicle make, model, and year.
- Software updates may require a subscription after the included period.
- Older hardware compared with the newer MK808BT Pro.
Autel MaxiCOM MK808TS Review
Finally, we have the Autel MaxiCOM MK808TS. This is the most specialized scanner among the three because it combines all-system vehicle diagnostics with advanced TPMS functions.
Like the MK808BT, the MK808TS uses a wireless Bluetooth VCI to communicate with supported vehicles.
However, its biggest advantage is its dedicated tire pressure monitoring system capability.
The original MK808TS can activate compatible TPMS sensors, check sensor status, program Autel MX-Sensors, and perform supported TPMS relearn procedures.
Autel originally advertised sensor activation coverage for approximately 98% of known TPMS sensors. Actual coverage depends on the vehicle, sensor type, and installed software.
Related: Autel MS906TS vs MS908: Diagnostic Scanner Comparison
The MK808TS also supports common service functions such as oil resets, EPB servicing, SAS calibration, and battery management procedures.
For tire shops and mechanics who regularly replace or service TPMS sensors, these additional features can make a significant difference.
Pros:
- Provides comprehensive TPMS diagnostic functions.
- Activates compatible tire pressure sensors.
- Programs supported Autel MX-Sensors.
- Offers vehicle-specific TPMS relearn procedures.
- Supports all-system diagnostics and common maintenance services.
- Bluetooth wireless communication.
- Suitable for automotive repair shops and tire service technicians.
Cons:
- Usually costs more than the MK808 and MK808BT.
- Heavier and larger than some basic diagnostic tablets.
- Does not support every TPMS sensor or vehicle.
- Limited immobilizer capabilities.
- Original hardware is older than the newer MK808S-TS generation.
Similarities Among the Three Autel Scanners
The original MK808, MK808BT, and MK808TS belong to the same MaxiCOM scanner family. Although they differ in connectivity and TPMS capabilities, they share several important features.
All three offer a 7-inch touchscreen, Android-based interface, standard OBD2 diagnostics, and access to supported vehicle control modules.
They can also perform various maintenance functions, including oil reset, BMS, EPB, SAS, and DPF services on compatible vehicles.
Other shared capabilities include reading and clearing codes, displaying live data, reviewing ECU information, and saving diagnostic records.
However, service availability depends on the vehicle and the software installed on the scanner. None of these models should be considered a universal ECU programming or advanced key programming tool.
Differences Between Autel MK808, MK808BT, and MK808TS
The most important differences involve vehicle communication and TPMS functionality.
The original MK808 uses a wired OBD2 connection, while the MK808BT and MK808TS support wireless Bluetooth communication.
The MK808TS also offers advanced TPMS sensor activation, programming, and relearn functions that are not available on the other two models.
For general diagnostics, the MK808 and MK808BT provide many similar functions. Choosing between them mainly comes down to whether wireless connectivity is worth the additional cost.
However, if you regularly service tire pressure monitoring systems, the MK808TS offers considerably more functionality.
Are the Original MK808 Models Still Worth Buying in 2026?
One thing buyers should consider in 2026 is that Autel has introduced newer versions of the MK808 family.
Models such as the MK808S, MK808BT Pro, and MK808S-TS provide newer hardware and updated diagnostic capabilities.
For example, Autel lists Android 11, a Cortex-A55 processor, and 4GB RAM with 64GB storage for the MK808BT Pro. These specifications are significantly newer than those of the original MK808BT.
The newer MK808S-TS also provides expanded TPMS capabilities, including support for programming Autel MX-Sensors and vehicle-specific relearn procedures.
However, a newer scanner does not automatically support every vehicle or every service function.
Before buying an original MK808-series scanner, compare its price with the newer models and confirm that the required diagnostic functions are supported.
Also, check the included software update period, renewal cost, and manufacturer warranty. These terms may vary by product version and seller.
Which Autel Scanner Should You Choose?
Your ideal scanner depends on the type of work you plan to perform.
- Choose the MK808 if you want affordable all-system diagnostics and do not mind using a wired connection.
- Choose the MK808BT if you prefer wireless diagnostics but do not need advanced TPMS sensor programming.
- Choose the MK808TS if you regularly work with tire pressure sensors and need dedicated TPMS activation, programming, and relearn functions.
For buyers purchasing new equipment in 2026, newer MK808-series versions may provide better long-term value, particularly when the price difference is small.
Conclusion
Overall, all three Autel diagnostic scanners offer useful features for automotive troubleshooting and maintenance.
The MK808 provides dependable wired diagnostics, while the MK808BT adds the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity. The MK808TS goes a step further with advanced TPMS service functions.
In the Autel MK808 vs MK808BT vs MK808TS comparison, the MK808TS is the most capable option for TPMS work, but the MK808BT may be the better value if you only need general wireless diagnostics.
Choose the scanner that supports your vehicle and the functions you actually need rather than paying extra for features you may never use.
FAQs
What is the main difference between the Autel MK808 and MK808BT?
The original MK808 uses a wired vehicle connection, while the MK808BT supports wireless Bluetooth communication through a compatible VCI. Both provide similar core diagnostic and maintenance functions.
Can the Autel MK808BT program TPMS sensors?
No. The original MK808BT provides basic TPMS service functions but does not offer dedicated TPMS sensor activation and Autel MX-Sensor programming like the MK808TS.
Does the Autel MK808TS support TPMS relearn procedures?
Yes. The MK808TS provides advanced TPMS functions, including supported sensor activation, MX-Sensor programming, and vehicle-specific relearn procedures. Coverage varies by vehicle.
Can these scanners perform ECU coding and key programming?
They provide selected adaptations and basic immobilizer-related functions on compatible vehicles. However, they should not be considered full ECU programming or professional key programming tools.
Do the Autel MK808, MK808BT, and MK808TS require software subscriptions?
These scanners were commonly sold with an included software update period. Continued updates after that period may require a paid renewal, depending on the exact model and seller. Confirm the current terms before purchasing.
Which Autel MK808 model is best in 2026?
Among the original three models, the MK808TS offers the most complete TPMS functionality. However, newer options such as the MK808BT Pro or MK808S-TS may be better purchases if you want updated hardware and newer vehicle coverage.
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