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Autel MaxiIM IM508S vs Lonsdor K518 PRO Key Programmer

Both are Android key programming tablets for locksmiths and technicians, and both cover immobilizer work on most US and Asian cars. The Autel IM508S is the more polished all-rounder: newer Android 11, 4GB RAM, a bundled XP200 programmer, and 28+ service functions alongside diagnostics. The Lonsdor K518 PRO Full Version counters with broader coverage claims, CANFD and DoIP support, 8A(H) chip generation, 24V truck support, and Bluetooth. Owners of both report they work as advertised for common keys; the deciding factor is whether you need diagnostics plus service functions (Autel) or the widest immobilizer and chip coverage (Lonsdor).

  • Choose the Autel IM508S if you want one tablet that does key programming plus full-system diagnostics and 28+ service resets, with newer hardware and the XP200 included.
  • Choose the Lonsdor K518 PRO if immobilizer and chip work is your main job and you need CANFD, DoIP, 8A(H) chip generation and 24V truck support.

Prices

  • Autel MaxiIM IM508S: $939.00 at autel-us.com (checked today)
  • Lonsdor K518 PRO Key Programmer: $762.06 at Key Innovations (checked today)
  • Difference: the Lonsdor K518 PRO Key Programmer is $176.94 cheaper than the Autel MaxiIM IM508S today
Autel
Autel MaxiIM IM508S Key Fob Programming Tool

Autel MaxiIM IM508S

Autel MaxiIM IM508S Key Fob Programming Tool

5(7 ratings)
$939.00at autel-us.comChecked 4 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit autel-us.com
Pros
  • Bundled XP200 programmer in the box
  • Newer Android 11 with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage
  • Doubles as a bidirectional scanner with 28+ service functions
  • Smart Mode guides automated key learning; Expert Mode for advanced work
  • Widely used in locksmith training, so learning material is easy to find
Cons
  • No CANFD or DoIP support listed
  • No Bluetooth; Wi-Fi only
  • Immobilizer coverage leans toward US and Asian vehicles
  • Heavier reliance on Autel IKeys for some key types
Lonsdor
Lonsdor K518 PRO All-In-One Full Version Key Programmer

Lonsdor K518 PRO Key Programmer

Lonsdor K518 PRO All-In-One Full Version Key Programmer

$762.06at Key InnovationsChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Key Innovations
Pros
  • CANFD and DoIP protocol support for newer vehicles
  • 8A(H) chip generation and chip identify/copy built in
  • Bluetooth plus USB-C with quick charge
  • Explicit 24V truck and heavy vehicle support
  • Full Version ships with two LT20 smart key PCBs and adapter cables
Cons
  • Older Android 9 with only 2GB RAM and 8GB storage
  • Not a full diagnostic scanner with service resets
  • Smaller internal storage limits saved data
  • Interface and workflow are less refined than Autel's

What separates them

Autel MaxiIM IM508SLonsdor K518 PRO Key Programmer
Operating systemAndroid 11Android 9
Memory4GB RAM, 64GB storage2GB RAM, 8GB storage
ProcessorQuad-core A55 at 1.8GHzQuad-core A7 (PX30) at 1.8GHz
Diagnostics and service functionsFull-system diagnostics plus 28+ service functions (EPB, DPF, SAS, oil reset, BMS, ABS bleed)Focused on immobilizer, odometer and key work; not a full diagnostic scanner
Protocol supportStandard OBD protocolsCANFD and DoIP
Chip and key generationPrograms Autel IKeys; PIN/CS reading, key learning, remote learningFirst to support 8A(H) chip generation; chip identify and copy, remote frequency detect
ConnectivityWi-FiBluetooth and USB-C, plus quick charge
Heavy vehiclesCars, SUVs, vans, trucks listedExplicit 24V lorry and heavy truck support

Price history

$1,199.00$762.06
Nov 9Nov 10
  • Autel MaxiIM IM508S: lowest $1,199.00 on Nov 9 at Amazon.
  • Lonsdor K518 PRO Key Programmer: lowest $762.06 on Nov 10 at UHS Hardware.

Prices at every store

Autel MaxiIM IM508S

  • autel-us.comNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $939.00Checked 4 h ago
    Visit autel-us.com
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Auto-mart

    $1,199.00Checked Nov 8
    Visit Walmart
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,199.00Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Amazon
All 3 stores and price history →

Lonsdor K518 PRO Key Programmer

  • UHS HardwareNew

    In stock

    $762.06Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit UHS Hardware
  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $799.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • Key InnovationsNew

    Availability unknown

    $762.06Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Key Innovations
  • Uobdii.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $799.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Uobdii.com

Also available at

  • Locksmith KeylessCheck price at Locksmith Keyless

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 12 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecAutel MaxiIM IM508SLonsdor K518 PRO Key Programmer
Operating systemAndroid 11.0Android 9
Battery5000mAh 3.7V lithium-polymer battery5800mAh
Display size7-inch—
Display resolution1024 x600—
ProcessorQuad core:4x 1.8GHz(A55)—
Memory4G+64GB—
Input voltage12V (9-24V)—
WeightNW: 0.78 kg (1.72 lb.)—
Operating temperature0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F)—
Storage temperature-20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F)—
SD card supportSD Card (Support up to 64GB)—
ConnectivityWi-Fi—
Show all 25 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAutel MaxiIM IM508SLonsdor K518 PRO Key Programmer
color patternBlue, Black, Purple—
power sourceRechargeable—
vehicle typeVan, Truck, SUV, Car—
CPU—PX30 1.8GHZ
RAM—2+8G
Resolution—1280*800
Screen—7 Inch full view HD screen
Bluetooth module—Support
USB port—Type-C
Host interface—

What reviewers say

Autel MaxiIM IM508S

Owners and reviewers call it a solid, cost-effective IMMO and diagnostic tablet that handles customer key jobs and supports locksmith training. Praise centers on ease of learning and the bundled XP200; the main reservations are coverage limits versus the IM608 and the need for extra access on some vehicles.

What people mention
  • Key programmingPraisedOwners say it programs keys and remotes for many US and Asian vehicles without trouble.
  • Learning curvePraisedReviewers find Smart Mode and the guided menus make it approachable for locksmith trainees.
  • Vehicle coverageMixedIt covers common US and Asian models well, but owners note gaps on European and newer vehicles compared with the IM608.
  • XP200 bundlePraisedBuyers value getting the XP200 programmer included rather than bought separately.

Lonsdor K518 PRO Key Programmer

Owners and technicians treat the K518 PRO as a capable step up from the original K518, praising its speed, screen and broad vehicle coverage. Complaints center on the learning curve and on update limits.

What people mention
  • SpeedPraisedUsers say the quad-core processor makes menus and programming noticeably faster than the older K518.
  • ScreenPraisedThe 7-inch HD display and stand are called easy to read and handy on a bench.
  • CoveragePraisedTechnicians report success across a wide range of makes, including luxury and domestic cars.
  • Learning curveCriticisedNew buyers say the menus and procedures take time to learn without training.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a full-service shop that also does diagnostics?
The Autel IM508S. It adds all-system diagnostics and 28+ service functions on top of key programming, so one tablet covers more jobs. The Lonsdor is built around immobilizer and key work.
Which handles newer vehicles with CANFD or DoIP?
The Lonsdor K518 PRO. It lists CANFD and DoIP support, which the IM508S does not. Check the specific model year against each tool's coverage list before buying.
Which is better for heavy trucks?
The Lonsdor, which explicitly supports 24V lorries and heavy trucks. The Autel lists trucks among vehicle types but does not call out 24V support.
Is the Autel worth stepping up to over the Lonsdor?
If you want diagnostics and service resets in the same device, yes. The IM508S has newer hardware and more RAM. If your work is almost all keys and chips, the Lonsdor's coverage is the stronger argument.
Which has better hardware?
The Autel IM508S: Android 11, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage and an A55 quad-core. The Lonsdor runs Android 9 with 2GB RAM and 8GB storage, though it adds Bluetooth and quick charge.
Do either include keys or cables in the box?
The Lonsdor Full Version ships with two LT20 smart key PCBs and adapter cables. The Autel includes the XP200 programmer and main cable but no key blanks.

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