VCDS: Best Overall OBD2 scanner for VW/Audi
VCDS is aftermarket diagnostic software for VAG vehicles (Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda), which is often used even in authorized Volkswagen dealerships in addition to their factory scanner ODIS.
You would expect this software to be great when the VW/Audi dealers use it in their shops. And you are right!
Whether you need to diagnose and repair problems, customize the vehicle’s settings, or unlock the new hidden features, VCDS (Vag-Com) has got you covered.
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VCDS – my quick Rating
I gave the VCDS rating of 9.5 because it really does everything that you would expect from your diagnostic software.
It is not super user-friendly, but it becomes really easy to work with after you use it a few times.
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VIDEO: What is VCDS?
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VCDS stands for VAG-COM Diagnostic System, which is a diagnostic tool used for vehicles manufactured by the Volkswagen Group (VAG). VCDS is developed by Ross-Tech, a company specializing in diagnostic solutions for Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, and Skoda vehicles.
This VAG OBD2 software allows users to perform advanced diagnostics, coding, and adaptation of various vehicle systems. Using a special cable, it connects to the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic (OBD) port. It interfaces with the vehicle’s electronic control units (ECUs) to retrieve information, perform tests, and change its settings.
With VCDS, users can read and clear fault codes, view real-time data from different sensors and modules, perform system tests, program new keys, enable or disable certain features, and customize various settings within the vehicle’s electronic systems.
It is important to note that VCDS is a proprietary tool developed specifically for VAG vehicles, and it requires specialized knowledge and expertise to operate effectively.
How much does the VCDS cost?
There are multiple versions of VCDS software and hardware. You can either buy a HEX V2 cable or a HEX-NET Bluetooth adapter.
Here are the estimated prices without shipping & import fees.
| Hex V2 (3 VIN) | 235€ |
| Hex V2 (10 VIN) | 295€ |
| Hex V2 (Unlimited) | 475€ |
| Hex-Net (10 VIN) | 420€ |
| Hex-Net (Unlimited) | 655€ |
What is the difference between HEX V2 and Hex-Net?
The HEX-NET is connected wireless to your laptop, but you can also use the mobile VCDS app for your smartphone. The mobile app doesn’t contain full functionality, but it is enough for emergency use with your phone.
Wireless connection with low power requirements will allow you to collect long-term data from your vehicle and even check those data from your phone.
As far as functionality goes, the devices are pretty much the same.
Where can you buy VCDS?
Here is the shop that can ship VCDS devices worldwide. They are from Switzerland, but on the right panel, there is an option to switch the language to English.
VCDS HEX-V2
VCDS HEX-NET
VCDS License Upgrade
IMPORTANT: Make sure you select the right version (3VIN, 10VIN, Unlimited). They are all featured on one page, and you pick your version at the bottom of the website.
What vehicles work with VCDS?
You can use your VCDS software with almost any VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat vehicle from 1994 to the current model year. The software is constantly updated to work with the newest VAG vehicles.
There are even some models older than 1994 that can be connected to VCDS.
Is there a cheaper VCDS alternative?
If you like the VAG-Com features, but the price is simply too high, there is a solution. Look into OBDeleven, which has similar diagnostic and coding functions.
It is also made just for VAG vehicles, and its software is also advanced and used on smartphones, so you don’t need to buy a laptop if you don’t have one.
What are the PC requirements for VCDS?
You don’t need anything fancy. You will be fine with low-end specs like this:
- Desktop, laptop, or notebook PC.
- 1 GHz dual-core processor.
- 1 GB RAM.
- Windows Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, or Windows 10 (32 and 64-bit editions)
- Approx. 100MB of hard disk space.
- USB port.
I recommend buying a cheap refurbished Laptop to work on your car. You don’t want to get your expensive PC ruined in the garage.
Buy something like this: https://amzn.to/3MvKMjN
What can you do with VCDS?
Here are a few things that you can use your VCDS software for. Remember that every car is different and can have different coding options or data stored.
1. Full scan of faults
You can access all control units in your car and read the fault codes. There are multiple electronic control units in every vehicle, and to do a full scan, your diagnostic software must be able to pull the data from all of them.
2. Read full live data
You can read live data from all control modules and display them as graphs. That is very useful when you try to find the fault because it provides that visual confirmation, unlike only reading the text values.
You can access live data in all modules, which can be used for diagnosing problems and getting better insights about the car’s history, which brings me to another point…
3. Verify the car’s real mileage
I did a guide explaining how to find out a real car’s mileage with VCDS. There are 6-7 ways to pull out data about a car’s history and find out the mileage. Very useful when buying a used car since many VAG vehicles are targets of mileage fraud.
4. Bi-Directional Tests
Every professional car diagnostic software must be able to do bi-directional tests. Bi-directional (component) tests are used to verify the correct operation of hundreds of components in your car just by commanding them from your scanner.
You can, for example, test engine relays or cooling fans with your diagnostic software.
5. Unlock new features
German cars, especially the VW/Audi, have many customization options. You can even use VAG long coding and adaptations to unlock new vehicle features.
Every car has different coding options, depending mostly on the year of make. Newer vehicles have more control units. Therefore, there are more coding possibilities.
6. Customize vehicle settings
Here are a few examples of customizations.
| Customization | Example |
| Disable warnings | seatbelt warnings |
| Deactivate annoying features | start-stop function |
| Unlock hidden features | lane assist |
| Improve the car’s look | needle sweep/gauge test |
| Safety | highway lights mod – improve visibility |
My experience with VCDS
I can only recommend this device. It is not the cheapest, but considering you get dealership-level diagnostic software, it is not so expensive.
It provides everything you need to customize and service your VAG vehicle or help in different car businesses like used car inspecting or car shops.
Will Aliexpress VCDS copies work?
They are a lot of headaches since there is a complicated installation process. They often dont work at all, or they will stop working once your laptop connects to the internet.
Even when you are lucky enough to get the one that works, it will work with an outdated VCDS version and miss the most advanced features like certain coding and service procedure options.
If you want to get VCDS, just buy the genuine one. If the price is too high, buy OBD11.
