Innova 5610 vs TopDon TopScan: Which is a Better Deal?

Of these tools, the TopDon TopScan and Innova 5610 are potent contenders for your attention. In this contentious position, you’ll need to address the Innova 5610 vs TopDon TopScan – which OBD II scanner will serve better (at least, in your circumstance).

Both tools have their individual merits and demerits, and in some instances, I prefer TopDon’s offer. Yet, for some tasks, I’d rather go with Innova. So, which instances are we talking about, and importantly, is there an overall best between the two that you should rather have?

This article has all the answers. But, before I proceed with it, meet the Innova 5610 and the TopDon TopScan.

Brief Overview of the TopDon TopScan

The TopDon TopScan is a small Bluetooth-powered OBD II dongle that pairs with a smartphone or tablet by means of Bluetooth and an app, available on both the Android and iOS platforms.

The Bluetooth dongle, however, holds much more punch than its look betray: the unit scans all the OBD II modules on a vehicle: engine, tranny, ABS, SRS etc and performs a number of resets – all which are important features you’d love to have your OBD II tool perform.

However, it gets more interesting: the unit is also bi-directional, and capable of performing active tests on actuators and generally, any two vehicle components desired. If, for instance, you suspect that a part is faulty, before changing it out (or even bothering with reaching out), a bi-directional scan tool, via an active test, can tell you exactly if you should go ahead (or pause – and rediagnose).

Recently, TopDon added the FCA Secure Gateway via AutoAuth. With this functionality, Jeeps, Dodges, Chryslers, etc, from 2018 and later can be accessed (with TopScan) and their Secured Gateways (SGWs) accessed via AutoAuth. It’s important to point out that for these vehicles, some access (including diagnostic access) is behind a secure gateway, and it’s impossible to access otherwise.

Here’s a comprehensive review of the TopDon TopScan I ran some months ago.

Brief Overview of the Innova 5610

The 5610 is a wired OBD II scanner from the stables of Innova – and the flagship scanner Innova offers.

Designed from the ground up to work independently of apps or the internet, the 5610 can be paired with a smartphone via the RepairSolutions2 app, available on both the Play and App stores, if you’re physically resident in North America.

The scanner itself offers bi-directional control, resets, and many advanced functions, handy for those moments when you need to dig deeper into data.

The Innova 5610, however, offers what many other manufacturers are reluctant to: free software updates (that actually happen). Instead of running subscriptions after the initial first (and second year – if you’re lucky), you get updates, all through the life of the scanner, free of any subsequent post-purchase charge. This is still very novel in the OBD II world.

Here’s a review I ran on the Innova 5610 some time back.

Similarities Between the Innova 5610 & the TopDon TopScan

If you’ve not been blessed to own TopDon’s TopScan and the Innova 5610 concurrently, they appear to be miles and worlds apart. However, if you own both, like I do, you’ll begin to appreciate the things these two units share. They aren’t as different as you may have believed before now.

1. Bi-Directional Functions

Active tests are necessary when trying to positively isolate what components are wrong in a vehicle, without the element of trial and error. Without bi-directional function, it’s largely guesswork, on most parts or modules.

Both TopDon’s TopScan and Innova 5610 sport this ability, and you can run an array of two-way tests with either unit, depending on what active test you’re trying to run and the vehicle in question.

2. An Array of Resets

From electronic parking brake to airbag reset and everything else in between, both scan tools do their best to keep you away from dealerships and help keep money in your pocket.

This is especially true if and when you’re driving a modern vehicle where a simple reset done professionally can easily shoot to several hundred dollars…a reset that can (alternatively) be done on the driveway, on a Saturday, with beer in hand.

3. Professional Level Scanning

Over and away from the functionality of basic OBD II code readers, both the TopScan and the 5610 offer advanced-level scanning that scans all the modules and projects live data in an advanced manner.

Both scanners are suited for advanced DIY use and even professional use, in some cases. They are also suited for comprehensive OBD II diagnostics over and above the basic OBD II engine code reading that basic code readers support.

Differences Between the Topdon Topscan & the Innova 5610

The things that both the Innova 5610 and the TopDon TopScan share are enormous, but so are the things that keep them apart. Outlined below are the stark differences you should know if you’re interested in either of the units and need to positively compare.

1. FCA Secured Gateway Difference

Most Stellantis brands from 2018 up require secured access to a restricted gateway in order to perform most OBD II related tasks on them. You can’t just plug in any OBD II scanner on such vehicles and begin the process of pulling out data and running general diagnosis.

To sort this, TopDon, a few years back, offered their scanner models with the FCA-secured gateway function. For a fee, the TopScan in question here can easily unlock the secured FCA gateway via AutoAuth.

On the other hand, the Innova 5610 doesn’t have this function. If you’re interested in working on a make or model that is restricted via the FCA gateway, and all you have is the Innova 5610, sorry, you’d be out of luck.

2. Wired vs Wireless

The Innova 5610 OBD II scanner is designed with an extremely long cable that looks to be north of 6 feet in length. With this impressive cable length, it’s easy to plug in the scanner and run your vehicle diagnosis outside of the vehicle, if need be.

The TopScan, on the other hand, is entirely wireless: you simply connect the dongle to the OBD II port of your vehicle and use your smartphone (or tablet) to tackle the rest, by means of Bluetooth.

However, it’s not always as straight and streamlined as it appears. The Innova 5610 is also Bluetooth-powered, if you choose and are a resident of North America. This is made possible via the RepairSolutions2 app available for both iOS and Android systems.

So, as far as the wired vs wireless comparison is concerned, it’s a sort of tie, with the 5610 having an edge where it can switch easily between a wired and wireless reality, assuming the user is resident in North America (and so wishes).

3. Subscriptions vs Subscription-Free

Perhaps the greatest difference between the Innova 5610 and the TopDon TopScan is the subscriptions – or the lack thereof – coming from the models of both brands.

The 5610 option from Innova is built with Innova’s detest for renewal fees into its core DNA. While the scanner itself gets periodic updates, when these updates happen, they’re free of cost, and users aren’t charged for keeping their scanners up to date.

For TopScan, on the other hand, the initial first year is free, but after that, an annual subscription fee of $49.99 (as at press time) is needed if you’re to keep using the tool with all functionality (as offered).

As I pointed out in my Any Subscription Free OBD II Scanner? Yes – There’s One article, the 5610 actually has updates running for users, all year round, and Innova is honest about this. It isn’t a case of a manufacturer promising free updates and then offering no updates (as is the case we’re increasingly seeing today, especially with basic code readers and lower-end scanners).

4. Initial Cost

Another valid point in the Innova 5610 vs TopDon TopScan debate is the upfront cost when buying initially.

Generally, the TopScan is less expensive, being offered in dongle form and relying more on SaaS to perform its job.

The 5610, on the other hand, is a fully fledged scanner offered in a handy unit that has buttons and a screen, which sees its price (as at press time) more expensive than the cheaper TopScan that typically retails for less than $100.

For the cost of an Innova 5610 scanner, you can buy at least half a dozen (or thereabout) TopScans, judging from the current price both retail for.

5. Internet vs No Internet Reality

Going further on what sets these two scanners apart, the Innova 5610 works right out of the box, without the need for the internet (if you want it so). The only times when you optionally need the internet are when you’re updating the scanner or when you choose to use the equally optional app.

For TopDon’s TopScan, you’ll need to create an account with TopDon first (which needs the internet), and whenever you need to use the app, you’ll need to use the internet to log in to the app (which periodically signs you out after a period of inactivity).

That aside, during setup and the various updates that need to be downloaded periodically as they become available, you need the internet, without which nothing will take place.

It’s impossible to play around TopScan without an active internet connection, even if only periodically. On the other hand, it’s perfectly possible to use the Innova’s 5610 for all its life in a remote manner, without as much as connecting to the internet for a single day.

6. Focus On the World vs North America

By the nature of TopDon’s TopScan and how it works, the system recognizes cars from around the world. This is because, irrespective of the OBD protocol your vehicle may be using, you’re assured of connection and, importantly, communication.

Innova’s 5610, on the other hand, is designed for vehicles meant for the North American market, and as such, vehicles using or designed to cater to any other OBD II protocol will have issues communicating with the 5610.

It’s a case of the 5610 being hyper-targeted to vehicles meant for North America (or the OBD II protocols for such vehicles) and a general, more adaptive style, suited for vehicles made to serve the world over.

Instances Where the TopDon TopScan Will Serve Better

From the foregoing thus far, it’s crystal clear that TopDon’s TopScan will serve better and ultimately be a better choice in certain instances. Here are the most important of such instances/scenarios:

1. When Funds Are an Initial Issue

For many DIYers like myself, the biggest consideration to buying tools, often, is the associated price tag. Sometimes, I love a tool but the price isn’t ‘right’ – so I simply look elsewhere and hope that the ‘alternative’ provides a better cheaper option.

This is where TopDon’s TopScan comes in and differentiates itself radically from Innova’s 5610. TopScan traditionally, as at press time, retails for less than $100 while Innova’s 5610 hovers around the $500 mark, give or take.

If you’re on a tight budget and need a bi-directional scanner for cheap, there’s little to negotiate about: the TopDon’s TopScan it is.

2. If You’re Located Outside North America…

Innova designs its OBD scanners around the ODB II protocol(s) prevalent in the North American market. Essentially thus, Innova scanners work best if you intend to use them on vehicles meant for the North American market and are physically resident there, yourself.

So, in order to enjoy use the OBD II scanners Innova offers, you need to be resident in North America or at least, have a vehicle that is designed for the North American market.

This is where TopScan beats it flat: TopDon’s app works round the world (not just in North America) and the ODB II dongle works flawlessly across the globe, irrespective of where one is physically domiciled or what OBD II protocol the vehicle uses.

As an addition in TopDon’s favor, not only does the app work all over the world – the full functionality of the scanner does too: service bulletins, repair guides and an elaborate DTC library are open, on the tap of a buttons (and so is also an eager support, anxious to help).

3. If Cables Annoy You…

Despite the many challenges that Bluetooth-powered OBD II scanners sport, they remain the default choice of some professionals and enthusiasts simply because of their easy nature and how they store away neatly. If this is you, then TopScan it is.

Granted, the Innova 5610 can be used wirelessly, but it will need to be powered with a set of AA sized batteries and then, one must be physically domicled in North America – which is too much work, just to get wireless capability from an OBD II scanner that fundamentally, is designed to work in a wired fashion.

4. If You Own (Or Work On) the Latest Models…

Not everyone uses an old car like I do. While I thoroughly enjoy older cars and don’t mind them at all, I also understand that for many others, it’s the latest make/model (or nothing else). If this is you, you should lean towards TopDon’s TopScan.

The reason?

TopDon runs periodic updates, sometimes more than once a week. This means, as manufacturers bring on new vehicles, they are supported, sometimes, even before it comes to your attention. This includes software patches that may come up after launch.

Since Innova doesn’t support the FCA Secured Gateway yet (and doesn’t traditionally support current year models), it makes sense to focus on TopDon if you’re thinking of the latest cars or will need to work on any vehicle, post-2018, with the secured gateway security in place.

Here’s the direct link to check out TopDon’s TopScan on Amazon.

Instances Where the Innova 5610 Will Serve Better

The Innova 5610, conversely, has a plethora of instances where it trumps TopDon’s TopScan and will ultimately perform better, if chosen. Carefully explained below are the most important instances where this is true.

1. When Subscriptions Aren’t an Option

Sometimes, subscriptions, especially recurrent options, simply don’t cut it. Why pay hefty fees, yearly, when you need to use your scan tool maybe four times a year and don’t run a garage?

Granted, with TopDon’s TopScan, the argument can be made that it’s just a paltry $49.99 (at the time of writing). However, multiply that over the course of five years (for instance) and see what you could have saved!

Heck, even the $49.99 can get you something nice, depending on what your taste is (or needs are)!

If you’re like me and would rather go ‘subscriptionless’ if you have the chance, Innova 5610 makes more sense, even though TopDon offers the first year of purchase subscription free.

2. Remote Places (Without Internet)

By the nature of TopDon’s TopScan, it must be used in places where there’s a smartphone or tablet, connected to the internet (at least, periodically).

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case in most of the scenarios where you’d ideally need an OBD scanner, to start with.

If you’re certain that you’ll be needing your scan tool away from a smartphone, civilization, the internet, or aren’t as much as sure, then, your best bet is to stick with an option designed for such scenarios in mind.

That option is the Innova 5610.

Here’s the direct link to check out Innova’s 5610 on Amazon.

Innova 5610 vs TopDon TopScan: Which Is a Better Bet, Overall?

None, strictly speaking.

The reason? There are no fixed absolutes: your unique needs and current/future situation(s) are what ultimately determine what will work best for you.

Using this logic:

If you’re cash-strapped (or looking to pay the least you can, upfront), don’t mind dongles/Bluetooth connections, and importantly, are sure you’ll always have internet around while not minding the $49.99 yearly subscription, then, TopDon’s TopScan is PERFECT.

If, on the other hand, you’re NOT interested in subscription fees, are not sure if you’ll be have a steady internet connection and will be using your OBD II scanner in North America (on vehicles meant for the North American market), then, by all means, opt for Innova’s 5610 – especially if you can afford the initial, slighly, higher purchase cost.

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