Comparison

Microcat Messenger vs Ford DiagNow

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Microcat Messenger

Features
Read full description

Microcat Messenger is parts ordering made easy. It empowers you to strike up a real-time conversation with your local dealership to have your parts queries answered instantly. * Scan VIN barcodes for accurate model identification * Capture and send photos * Send parts queries directly to the dealership from any place * Request catalogue illustrations * Order genuine OEM parts – fast!

About

Ford DiagNow

This app offers a streamlined diagnostic solution for Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. It allows users to read and clear trouble codes, monitor live data, and perform key programming without a full scan tool. Access vehicle information and service bulletins for 2010 and newer models.

Highlights
  • Read and decode VIN
  • Read and clear DTCs
  • Read live data
  • Vehicle network monitor
  • Key programming
  • Read keyless entry code
  • View service bulletins
Features
Read full description

Ford DiagNow provides diagnostic functionality in a convenient lightweight package enabling users to quickly address vehicle concerns without the need for a full diagnostic scan tool and laptop. With the Ford DiagNow application you can: • Read and decode the Vehicle Identification Number into specific model information • Read and clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes for all equipped vehicle electronic control modules • Read live data parameters from the vehicle • Perform live vehicle network monitor • Perform key programming* • Read factory keyless entry code* • View service bulletins and messages for Diagnostic Trouble Codes read from the vehicle All this can be done on any 2010 or newer Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicle Requirements: • User must have a valid Ford Dealer account or Ford Motorcraft account with a Ford DiagNow subscription • Ford VCM Lite is the interface required to perform diagnostic functions with the vehicle If you are a Ford/Lincoln dealership employee and would like more information, go to https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com/Rotunda/FordDiagNow If you are NOT a Ford/Lincoln dealership employee and would like more information, go to www.motorcraftservice.com/Purchase/ViewDiagnosticsMobile *Currently functions on most 2010 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. Additional vehicles coming soon.

Screenshots

Microcat Messenger4 screens
Ford DiagNow4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Microcat Messenger at monthly against Ford DiagNow's every 2 months. Microcat Messenger also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Microcat Messenger ships an update monthly, Ford DiagNow every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Microcat Messenger versus Ford DiagNow: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMicrocat MessengerFord DiagNow
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.6 (1.5K ratings) — better
Positive reviews—19.1% of reviews
Number of ratings—1.5K — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Subscription
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB113 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperInfomedia LtdFord Motor Co.

Bugs and requests

Microcat Messenger

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Ford DiagNow

Reported bugs

14 issues
  • App crashes when attempting to print DTC documents
  • Login error messages preventing account access
  • App crashes when sharing DTC documents
  • Display text shows framework codes instead of normal labels
  • Server errors after reading VIN
Show 9 more
  • Data logger crashes with 3+ PIDs graphed
  • App crashes when connecting to VCM lite for VIN reading
  • iPhone compatibility broken after app updates
  • Invalid subscription errors despite active subscriptions
  • App crashes on startup
  • Phone sleep mode during test drives not prevented
  • Model year restrictions not disclosed (2009 and older vehicles)
  • VIN auto-scan does not function
  • Intermittent connection failures (1 in 10 attempts)

Requested features

14 requests
  • Misfire profile correction and misfire tests
  • Power balance testing
  • Relative compression testing
  • Fuel injection flow and relative tests
  • BMS reset functionality
Show 9 more
  • Brake maintenance mode
  • LIN integration
  • 360 camera relearn
  • IPMA alignment function
  • Datalogger recording capability
  • VIN auto-scan functionality
  • Notification alerts for device disconnection
  • FDRS laptop connectivity for module updates
  • OBD2 code reading for non-Ford vehicles

In-app purchases

None

Microcat Messenger

No in-app purchases

None

Ford DiagNow

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Microcat Messenger free?
Microcat Messenger is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Ford DiagNow free?
Ford DiagNow is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Microcat Messenger or Ford DiagNow have ads?
Neither Microcat Messenger nor Ford DiagNow shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Microcat Messenger or Ford DiagNow?
Microcat Messenger ships an update monthly, and Ford DiagNow every 2 months. Most recently, Microcat Messenger was updated on October 29, 2026 and Ford DiagNow on October 30, 2026.

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