Comparison

U vs Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0

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

Head to head
About

U

This app allows users to diagnose vehicle issues using their smartphone and a compatible adapter. It provides access to check engine, ABS, and airbag codes, along with definitions and potential solutions. Users can also view live data and clear diagnostic trouble codes.

Highlights
  • Read and erase OBD II codes
  • View live vehicle data
  • ABS and Airbag code access
  • Automatic vehicle identification
  • Vehicle history log
  • Powertrain enhanced data
Read full description

U-Scan provides DIYers and Professional Technicians with access to vehicle diagnostics using their smartphone when paired to the available U-Scan vehicle adapter. Developed by the Global leader in DIY and professional diagnostic scan tools. U-Scan provides essential information to diagnose vehicles fast while saving money. •Get the probable solution to a check engine, ABS, or Airbag light. Simply connect the adapter to the vehicle and pair with your smartphone to start the diagnostic process. •QuickCheck™ - Review vehicle emissions status (I/M Monitors, Codes). •Read Codes - Read Global OBD II codes and display the definition. •Erase Codes - Erase Global OBD II codes. •AutoID™ - Automatically identifies most 2000 and newer vehicles for error proof diagnostics. •TrueLink™ - U-Scan will link to all 1996 and newer vehicles. •MyGarage™ - Library of all previous diagnosed vehicles. •Vehicle Activity Log – Detailed history of your U-Scan activities. •Screen shot sharing via Facebook and email •Optional App Enhancements - For access to more advanced diagnostic capabilities. Powertrain Enhanced Data •Get access to Powertrain codes and definitions related to the check engine light for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota vehicles via the manufacturer specific Read Codes Powertrain diagnostic commands. •Manufacturer specific code definitions for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Audi, BMW, Daewoo, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Saab, Subaru, Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Volvo. •Freeze Frame data - Details the conditions of the vehicle at the time the trouble code was set. •View and Graph LIVE Data - View RPMs, coolant temperature, oxygen sensor readings and more for a faster diagnosis. Over 300 sensor and data items are available as supported by vehicle. •Unlock CodeConnect™ and access the most likely cause of the check engine light. Get manufacturer specific powertrain DTC fixes. (If CodeConnect™ is owned.) • Enable manufacturer specific Erase Codes Powertrain diagnostic commands. Optional App Enhancements include: ABS Codes and Definitions - $5.99 per vehicle or $29.99 all manufacturers listed below •Get access to the ABS brake codes and definitions related to the ABS warning light for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota vehicles via the manufacturer specific Read Codes ABS diagnostic command. •Unlock CodeConnect™ ABS fixes and access the most likely cause of the ABS warning light (If CodeConnect™ is owned.) • Enable manufacturer specific Erase Codes ABS diagnostic command. Airbag Codes and Definitions - $7.99 per vehicle or $39.99 all manufacturers listed below •Get access to the Airbag codes and definitions related to the Airbag warning light for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Nissan and Toyota vehicles via the manufacturer specific Read Codes Airbag diagnostic commands. •Unlock CodeConnect™ Airbag fixes and access the most likely cause of the Airbag warning light (If CodeConnect™ is owned.) • Enable manufacturer specific Erase Codes Airbag diagnostic commands. CodeConnect™- First vehicle included free with purchase of adapter. Additional vehicles access $12.99 per vehicle or $39.99 all vehicles •Get the next step in diagnosing your vehicle. Access over 4.3 Million Fixes that tell you what is wrong with your vehicle with CodeConnect™. CodeConnect™ is a comprehensive database of over 4.3 million verified fixes for the trouble codes that cause the check engine and ABS warning lights to illuminate. These actual vehicle fixes have been reported and then verified by our team of ASE certified technicians. •Note: You must purchase Powertrain Enhanced Data and/or ABS Codes and Definitions to access respective CodeConnect coverage for manufacture specific Powertrain and ABS warning lights

About

Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0

This mobile app empowers auto repair technicians with tools to manage their workflow efficiently. It offers features like VIN scanning, digital inspections, access to vehicle data, and real-time updates, all while syncing with a web-based shop management system.

Highlights
  • VIN and License Plate Scanning
  • Digital Vehicle Inspections with Photos/Videos
  • Access to Vehicle Diagrams and Procedures
  • Personalized Work Order View
  • Workflow and To-Do List Tracking
  • Internal Notes and Collaboration
  • Real-Time Updates
  • Time Clock Tracking
Read full description

Shopmonkey for Techs is the only auto shop management mobile app designed just for technicians. It syncs seamlessly with Shopmonkey web app — an easy-to-use cloud-based system that helps auto shops understand, manage and grow their business — keeping every team member on the same page no matter where they’re working. Download Shopmonkey for Techs to get the tools you need to work efficiently, stay on top of tasks, and keep in sync with your service writers without ever leaving the bay. FEATURES + VIN and License Plate Scanning - Check in vehicles faster than ever before. One tap of a button pulls up the vehicle information, so you can start working right away. + Digital Vehicle Inspections - Quickly take and mark up photos, upload videos, and add notes to inspections—helping customers understand recommended services while documenting pre-existing vehicle damage. + Built-In Diagrams, Procedures & More - Open vehicle diagrams, specs, wiring, procedures, and fluid information directly from any work order within the app, for quick access to the info you need. + My Work Orders - Get a personalized view into the orders that you are responsible for and see authorized work at a glance. + Workflow Tracking - Clearly track and update work order status as you progress. + To-Do List - Check off labor line items, inspection items, and more to easily keep track of your workload. + Internal Notes & Collaboration - Send and receive notes between service writers and other team members to stay on the same page while saving valuable time. + Real-Time Updates - Create and update customer, vehicle, and work order details right on the mobile app, without having to run to your service writer. + Time Clocks - Track hours and understand your personal efficiency by clocking into any work order, service, or labor item. We're always developing new features to improve the Shopmonkey for Techs app experience, and we'd love to hear your feedback! Drop us a line with new feature requests or just to let us know how we’re doing: https://shopmonkey.canny.io/. --- IN THE NEWS TechCrunch — Shopmonkey raises $75M Series C to help auto repair shops streamline their business: “Now, less than a year after announcing a $25 million Series B, Shopmonkey has garnered another fresh round of capital. The company has raised a $75 million Series C led by previous investors Bessemer Venture Partners and Index Ventures, as well as additional participation from returning investors Headline and I2BF, and new investor ICONIQ Growth. The financing will be used to grow Shopmonkey’s product, sales and marketing teams, and further fuel development of its platform.” --- SUBSCRIBE Shopmonkey has a range of subscription options to fit your shop size and budget. - Basic Monkey - Clever Monkey - Genius Monkey - Enterprise & HD A Shopmonkey subscription is required to use this app. Learn more at www.shopmonkey.com

Screenshots

U4 screens
Shopmonkey for Techs 2.04 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 at 3.4 against U's 1.9. Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 4 months). U's advantage is review sentiment (11% vs 0%) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 16.4). On price, ratings volume, ads 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. U sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 holds the better App Store score, 3.4 against 1.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 125 and 84 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 11% of U's written reviews are positive against 0% of Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

U ships an update every 4 months, Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 every 9 days. Both last shipped on October 23, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
U versus Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUShopmonkey for Techs 2.0
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.9 (125 ratings)3.4 (84 ratings) — better
Positive reviews10.9% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings125 — better84
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterSubscription
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS8.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size85 MB198 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperService Solutions US LLCShopmonkey

Customer experience

U

All ratings125 ratings
Positive20.0%
Neutral2.4%
Negative77.6%
Written reviews92 reviews
Positive10.9%
Neutral4.3%
Negative84.8%

Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0

All ratings83 ratings
Positive56.6%
Neutral4.8%
Negative38.6%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral12.5%
Negative87.5%

Bugs and requests

U

Reported bugs

15 issues
  • Bluetooth connection drops frequently and won't reconnect
  • App fails to recognize connected Bluetooth device
  • Firmware update process freezes and becomes unresponsive
  • False motion detection errors preventing app operation
  • VIN entry not working or not submitting to garage
Show 10 more
  • App crashes during scanning or data retrieval
  • Device won't pair after firmware update
  • App takes 2+ minutes to recognize connected device
  • Bluetooth pairing requires manual connection in settings
  • Vehicle module detection fails or shows incorrect modules
  • App forces landscape mode without option to change
  • Live data display limited to only two screens of information
  • App won't function without mandatory vehicle garage entry
  • Connection errors persist despite correct Bluetooth pairing
  • App becomes unresponsive during update process

Requested features

10 requests
  • Enable live data monitoring while vehicle is in motion
  • Improve Bluetooth auto-detection and automatic connection
  • Add support for Australian vehicle models (Holden, Ford)
  • Expand vehicle compatibility beyond 2013 models
  • Implement dark mode for app interface
Show 5 more
  • Add customizable data display options
  • Improve app responsiveness and reduce connection delay
  • Provide comprehensive manual and troubleshooting guides
  • Add support for more vehicle modules (ABS, airbag, transmission)
  • Implement automatic firmware updates without user intervention

Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

10 purchases

U

One-time10
  • ABS Codes and definitions for Single Vehicle$5.99
  • ABS Code Vehicle 2$5.99
  • Live Data and Manufacturer Specific Codes Vehicle 1$7.99
Show 7 more
  • Airbag codes and definitions for vehicle 1$7.99
  • CodeConnect Repair Solutions for a Vehicle$12.99
  • Live Data and Manufacturer Specific Codes All Makes$15.99
  • CodeConnect Repair Solutions 1 Vehicle Upgrade to All$27.99
  • ABS Codes and Definitions All Vehicles$29.99
  • CodeConnect Repair Solutions All Vehicles$39.99
  • Airbag Codes and Definitions for All Makes$39.99
None

Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is U free?
U is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 free?
Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, U or Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0?
Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 is rated higher. U averages 1.9 out of 5 from 125 ratings, while Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 averages 3.4 from 84 ratings.
Do U or Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 have ads?
Neither U nor Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, U or Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0?
U ships an update every 4 months, and Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 every 9 days. Most recently, U was updated on October 23, 2026 and Shopmonkey for Techs 2.0 on October 23, 2026.

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