Autel MS906 VS MS908 [Which is Better?]

If you’re confused between the Autel MS906 and Autel MS908 scan tools, just know that you’re not alone. Before I selected my current high-end scan tool, I also went through the same challenge. Autel offers some outstanding high-end diagnostic scanners that make choosing to be quite tricky.
But after you compare these two scanners, you will be able to choose the one that suits your needs and budget well. Read this Autel MS906 VS MS908 review to decide on what’s best for you.

Related Comparison: Autel MS908 VS MS906TS

Comparison Chart: Autel MS906 VS MS908

All Features	Autel MS906	Autel MS908
Works:	more than 80 US, Asian and European vehicle makes	more than 80 US domestic, Asian and European makes and models
Display:	8.0” 1024×768 LED-backlit touchscreen	9.7” 1024×768 LED-backlit glossy Multi-Touch capacitive display
Processor:	Cortex-A7 quad-core (1.3 GHz + 1.7 GHz)	Cortex-A9 quad-core (1.3 GHz + 1.7 GHz)
Tested Battery Life::	Up to 6 hours of continuous operation	Up to 8 hours of continuous operation
Power Consumption:	5W	6.5W
Input Voltage:	DC/12 V (9-35 V)	DC/12 V (9-24 V)
Wi-Fi:	Single-band (2.4GHz)	Dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz)
ECU programming:	No	Yes
Battery:	5000 mAh	11000 mAh
Camera:	8MP	5MP
Audio Input/Output:	Microphone, Single Speaker	Microphone, Dual Speaker
Memory:	32GB SSD hard drive	32GB SSD hard drive
Sensors:	Gravity Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor for brightness auto changing	Gravity Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor (ALS) for brightness auto changing
RAM:	2GB	2GB
Operating System(OS):	Android	Android
Update Option:	Free software update via Wi-Fi	Automatic Wi-Fi updates available in new software releases
Vehicle Coverage:	Acura, Audi, Bentley, Benz, BMW, Bugatti, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, Daewoo, Ford, Fiat, Gm, GMC, Holden, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maybach, Mazda, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Porsche, Peugeot, Renault, Saab, Scion, Seat, Skoda, Smart, Sprinter, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volvo, Volkswagen, VW	Audi, Benz, BMW, Dacia, Eu Ford, Landrover, Mini, Opel, Peugeot, Renault, Seat, Skoda, VW, Volvo, Smart, Jaguar, Benz Sprinter, Saab, Fiat, Abarth, Lacia, Alfa Romeo, Vauxhall, Maybach, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, Gm, Chrysler, Ford, Suzuki, Kia, Daweoo, Isuzu, Toyota, Subaru, Scion, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Lexus, Infiniti, Hyundai, Honda, Accura, Mazda
Weight:	2.05 pounds	3.13 pounds
Dimensions(W x H x D):	10 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches	11.81 x 8.66 x 1.97 inches
Warranty:	12-month warranty	One year warranty
Price:	Check Price	Check Price

 

Main Features of the Autel MS908 and MS906 Automotive Scanner

Autel MaxiSys MS906 Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tool

The Autel Maxisys MS906 code reader is an advanced version of the Autel Maxidas DS708 and DS808 car OBD2 scan tools. But unlike these two scanners, it has bi-directional control, ABS bleeding brake, key fob programming, and ECU coding. On top of that, this gadget comes with an ergonomic design for easy handling and use. The 8-inch multitask display makes using this device to be easy and fast.

Related Comparison: Autel DS808 VS MS906 [Read this Before Making a Final Decision]

With the built-in 8-MP rear camera, you can take photos and share them with the community or other technicians for help and tips. Moreover, the gadget covers a wide range of vehicles made in the US, Europe, and Asia, from 1996 and newer. You can connect it with Wi-Fi to update the software for free for a period of one year.
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Pros:

• Intuitive user interface
• Outstanding OE-level vehicle coverage
• Performs a wide range of functions
• Supports full OBD2 functions
• Super fast and powerful system
• Large storage capacity
• Powerful battery with 6 hours of continuous use
• Free update via the internet
• 12-month warranty

Cons:

• Long recharge time

Autel MaxiSys MS908 Automotive Diagnostic Scanner

If you’re looking for a scan tool with advanced coding and super fast speed, then the Autel MS908 code reader is for you. Performing most functions of the MS906 and many more, the MS908 scan tool is the best tool for busy technicians and auto repair shops. It features the open-source Android operating system for multitasking and fast boot-up time. You can connect the device via Bluetooth or VCI. It has an extra-large 9.7-inch screen for easy reading of results.

Related: Autel Maxisys Pro VS Elite Diagnostic Scanner Comparison

Whether you want to perform the basic functions, special functions, or advanced functions, this diagnostic scanner will ensure that you do so and very swiftly. With its built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, you will get up to 8 hours of continuous use before having to recharge the code reader. Besides, it also has instant updates and comes with a 12-month warranty.
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Pros:

• Extensive vehicle coverage of over 80 US domestic, European, and Asian vehicles
• Intuitive user interface
• Extremely fast and powerful
• Performs various functions
• Powerful battery with a continuous runtime of 8 hours
• Sturdy rubber protection on the corners for durability
• Large storage capacity
• Instant software update

Cons:

• It is quite expensive

Final Decision: Differences Between the Autel MS908 VS MS906

As you have seen above, the Autel MS906 and the MS908 diagnostic scanners have a lot of similarities. Actually, the MS908 is an improved version of the MS906. As a result, it comes with more advanced features than the MS906, and that’s why it is more expensive. In addition, the MS908 scan tool has a larger screen which is 9.7-inches compared to the 8-inches that the MS906 comes with. Also, the MS908 scanner features a battery that runs for longer hours (8 hours) than the MS906 battery with 6 hours of continuous runtime.

Besides, the Autel MS908 is faster and powerful than the MS906 as it uses the extraordinarily powerful cortex-A9 quad-core processor, while the latter utilizes the extraordinarily powerful Samsung Exynos Hexa-core cortex-A7 processor.  One of the outstanding features of the MS906 is that it has a powerful rear camera with 8-MP, compared to the MS908’s rear camera with 5-MP.

Related Product Comparison: Autel MK808 VS DS808

Summary

In order to decide which scan tool is great, you will have to make up your mind on what you intend to use the scanner for. These two scanners perform exceptionally and use Android as their operating system. But one scanner is quite costly than the other due to its extra fast speed and some additional features and functions.

If you’re a very busy technician or have a busy auto repair shop, then the Autel MS908 scan tool is for you. But if you’re a professional mechanic or own a busy garage, then the Autel MS906 scan tool is ideal for you. While for beginners and DIY enthusiasts, these scanners seem to be costly to be just sitting around the house or in your car. So, look elsewhere.

Related: Difference Between Autel MK808 and MX808

FAQ

Question: Which one is more affordable between the MS906 and MS908 scan tools?
Answer: Due to the extra size and features that it comes with, the Autel MaxiSys MS908 scan tool is more costly than the Autel MaxiSys MS906 scanner. But these two have many similar features and functions that tend to confuse many people. If you own a busy auto repair shop, the MS908 is good for you, while the MS906 scanner is great for professional mechanics.

Question: Do these two scanners come with a lifetime of free updates?
Answer: No, they don’t. Actually, these two scan tools only come with a one-year of free updates. After that, you will have to pay some fees to get annual updates. But still, you can use the gadget without updating it, but you won’t have the latest software and bug fixes.