What is the difference between Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Max and Keydiy KD-MAX?
Both are popular remote generation tools used by locksmiths and automotive professionals.
Comparison Table: Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Max vs. Keydiy KD-X2
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Feature
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Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Max
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Keydiy KD-MAX
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|---|---|---|
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Image
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 |
 |
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Screen/Display/Battery
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5.0 inch touch screen.
1280*720 resolution.
Battery 3375mAh
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5.0 inch LCD touch screen.
1280*720 resolution.
Battery 3375mAh
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Operation
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Standalone operation on device; supports wireless control via phone app
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Standalone operation on device; supports wireless control via phone app
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Remote Generation
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Supports generating universal remotes, garage remotes, and smart keys (e.g., Jeep Compass, Renegade)
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Supports generating remotes, including some not supported by Xhorse (e.g., Alfa, Geely, Jaguar, VW)
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Remote Copy/Clone
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Yes
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Yes
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Transponder Clone
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Supports cloning ID46, ID48, 4D, and more; requires tokens for ID48 96-bit cloning (€8 each)
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Supports cloning ID46, 4D, ID48; ID48 96-bit cloning is free and faster (~minutes vs. >1 hour for Xhorse)
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Special Chip Generation
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Yes, supports superchips for wide vehicle coverage
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Yes, supports ID46, 4D; limited compared to Xhorse superchips
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Chip Simulator
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No
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Yes, supports ID46, 4D
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Remote Simulator
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Yes, unique feature for simulating remotes
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Yes, can simulate remotes via tool and Android app
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Write Key via Dump
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Yes
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No
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Acquisition Test (FSK/ASK EEPROM Frequency)
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Yes, for remote issue analysis
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No
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Frequency Test
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Yes, detects immobilizer/remote frequencies
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Yes, fast and reliable frequency testing
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Immobilizer (IMMO) Programming
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Requires separate Mini OBD tool for IMMO functions
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Requires separate KD-MATE programmer
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ID/IC Copy
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Yes
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Yes
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Unlock Key
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Yes, supports wider coverage than Lonsdor, including Toyota/Lexus smart keys
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Yes, wider coverage than Autel KM100 for some brands (e.g., Alfa, Jaguar, VW)
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Toyota Smart Key Support
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Yes, supports unlocking and cloning Toyota/Lexus smart keys
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Yes, supports generating some Toyota remotes; weaker than Xhorse for smart keys
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Ignition Coil Signal Detection
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Yes
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Yes
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AutoVIN
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No
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No
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IR Signal Detection
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No
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No
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Key Charge
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Yes
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Yes
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PCF7935 Chip Cloning
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No
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Yes
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Vehicle Coverage
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Strong for smart keys (e.g., Jeep, BMW); broader coverage for newer remotes
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Strong for specific brands (e.g., Alfa, Geely, Jaguar, VW); some cloud remote options
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Software Updates
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Free lifetime updates
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Free lifetime updates
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Build Quality
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Higher-quality remotes and superchips; well-organized database
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Decent quality, but some issues with older remote renewing (e.g., Kia/Hyundai)
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Additional Features
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Supports OBD programming with Key Tool Max Pro; battery leakage/voltage detection
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Simulates proxy keys via app; faster ID48 cloning
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User Feedback
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Preferred for ease of use, iPhone app compatibility, and superchip versatility
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Reliable but app is clunky; some remotes not supported by Xhorse
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Key Differences and Analysis1.Hardware and Operation:
- Xhorse Key Tool Max: Features a touchscreen for standalone operation. The Xhorse app supports wireless control, especially with iPhones, and is noted for being user-friendly.
- Keydiy KD-MAX: also standalone device with touch screen.
2. Remote and Chip Programming:
- Xhorse Key Tool Max: Excels in generating and cloning a wide range of remotes, including smart keys for vehicles like Jeep Compass and Renegade, which KD-MAX doesn’t support yet. It also supports superchips for broader vehicle coverage and unique features like remote simulation and FSK/ASK EEPROM frequency collection for troubleshooting.
- Keydiy KD-MAX: Offers free and faster ID48 96-bit cloning (minutes vs. over an hour for Xhorse, which requires tokens at €8 each). It supports some remotes not available on Xhorse (e.g., Alfa, Jaguar, VW) and can clone PCF7935 chips, which Xhorse cannot. However, its smart key support is weaker.
3. Immobilizer (IMMO) Support:
- Xhorse Key Tool Max: Requires a separate Mini OBD tool for IMMO programming, limiting its standalone IMMO capabilities. The Key Tool Max Pro version adds built-in OBD programming for advanced BMW, Toyota, Ford, and GM procedures.
- Keydiy KD-MAX: Also requires a separate KD-MATE IMMO programmer, making it less versatile for IMMO tasks compared to tools like Autel KM100.
4. Vehicle Coverage:
- Xhorse Key Tool Max: Stronger for smart keys and newer remotes, with a well-organized database and broader coverage for models like BMW and Jeep. Its superchips enhance compatibility across a wide range of vehicles.
- Keydiy KD-MAX: Covers specific brands better (e.g., Alfa, Geely, Jaguar, VW) and offers cloud remote options, but it lags in smart key support and has issues with older Kia/Hyundai remotes.
5. Unique Features:
- Xhorse Key Tool Max: Offers remote simulation, write key via dump, and acquisition test functions, which are exclusive to this device among the compared tools. The Key Tool Max Pro adds OBD diagnostics and battery testing.
- Keydiy KD-MAX: Includes a remote simulation feature via its Android app and supports PCF7935 chip cloning, which Xhorse lacks.
6. Build Quality and Support:
- Xhorse Key Tool Max: Praised for higher-quality remotes and superchips, with a user-friendly app and strong database organization. It’s seen as overtaking Keydiy in coverage and innovation.
- Keydiy KD-X2: Reliable but criticized for a clunky app and unresolved issues with older remotes (e.g., Kia/Hyundai). Its development is stable but focuses on new products rather than fixing bugs.
Recommendations
- Choose Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Max if:
- You prioritize standalone operation with a touchscreen and wireless app control.
- You need strong smart key support (e.g., Jeep, BMW, Toyota) and superchip versatility.
- Unique features like remote simulation, FSK/ASK frequency analysis, or OBD programming (with Key Tool Max Pro) are important.
- You value a well-organized database and high-quality remotes.
- Choose Keydiy KD-X2 if:
- You work with specific brands like Alfa, Jaguar, or VW, where KD-MAX has better coverage.
- You need PCF7935 chip cloning or cloud remote options.
General Advice: Both tools have strengths and weaknesses, and no single device covers all scenarios. Many locksmiths recommend owning both to maximize vehicle coverage and functionality, as each supports remotes the other may not. If IMMO programming is a priority, consider pairing either with a dedicated IMMO tool like Autel KM100 or Xhorse Mini OBD Tool.