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SmogScanner

SmogScanner vs Smog Advantage

SmogScanner and Smog Advantage are both work order and invoice software for California smog stations. Smog Advantage runs in a web browser; SmogScanner is a phone app that scans the VIN and shows which smog test the car needs.

Side by side

  • Where it runs

    Smog Advantage
    In a web browser, on a computer, tablet or kiosk
    SmogScanner
    A phone app for Android and iPhone (iPhone in early access), plus any computer’s web browser

  • Reading the car

    Smog Advantage
    Plate to VIN in all 50 states. A 2D barcode scanner reads the license and DMV registration
    SmogScanner
    Your phone’s camera reads the VIN, free. Type a plate: 10 a day on the free plan. On Pro the iPhone camera reads plates

  • Which smog test

    Smog Advantage
    Not advertised
    SmogScanner
    On the scan: whether the car needs a smog check, and which test (OIS, ASM or two-speed idle)

  • BAR analyzer

    Smog Advantage
    Doesn’t connect. It prints a DMV barcode the technician scans into the analyzer
    SmogScanner
    Doesn’t connect. You run the test on your analyzer as before

  • Invoices

    Smog Advantage
    BAR Write It Right invoices with e-signature
    SmogScanner
    The customer signs the estimate. The invoice has the $8.25 certificate fee on it. Text or print it

  • Reminders

    Smog Advantage
    22-month reminders, and mailing lists for postcards
    SmogScanner
    A Due for smog list, and reminder texts when you link SmogCheckDeals. No postcards

  • Price

    Smog Advantage
    $19 a month for 50 work orders, $39 for 250, $49 at most. Add-ons $2 to $10
    SmogScanner
    Scanning a VIN is free. $19, $39 or $49 a month, by features

Last reviewed October 26, 2026. Their sites were checked June 2026; prices and features can change. We make SmogScanner.

Source: smogadvantage.com

If something here has changed, tell us and we will fix it.

Where Smog Advantage is ahead

  • Postcard mailing lists for reminders. SmogScanner doesn’t do postcards.
  • Plate to VIN in all 50 states. SmogScanner looks up typed plates, 10 a day on the free plan.
  • A 2D barcode scanner reads the driver’s license and the DMV registration, and it prints a DMV barcode to scan into the analyzer.
  • Kiosk and tablet screens for check-in.
  • A 30-day trial, and 3 months free for new shops.

Where SmogScanner is ahead

  • A phone app: scan the VIN with your phone. No barcode scanner to buy, no 17 characters to type.
  • The answer on the scan: whether the car needs a smog check, and which test. You know before it reaches the bay.
  • Scanning a VIN is free, with no paid plan.
  • English and Spanish, on the phone and on the computer.
  • The counter computer shows every car you scanned: where each one is, and today’s totals.

Who should pick which

Smog Advantage

Pick Smog Advantage if you mail postcard reminders, want a check-in kiosk, or look up a lot of out-of-state plates.

SmogScanner

Pick SmogScanner if you want to check in a car from your phone, see the test before it reaches the bay, or run the shop in Spanish.

Common questions

Is SmogScanner an alternative to Smog Advantage?

Yes. Both write work orders and BAR invoices for California smog stations. SmogScanner adds a phone app that reads the VIN and shows which smog test the car needs.

Can I bring my customers over from Smog Advantage?

Yes. Save your customer list from Smog Advantage as an Excel or CSV file and import it under Customers, or email it to support@smogapp.com and we import it for you. Your old work orders and invoices stay in Smog Advantage.

Does either one connect to the BAR analyzer?

No. Neither Smog Advantage nor SmogScanner connects to the BAR analyzer. The smog test runs on your analyzer, and your analyzer has the final word.

Which one costs less?

Both start at $19 a month. Smog Advantage charges by how many work orders you write, up to $49. SmogScanner charges by features ($19, $39 or $49), and scanning a VIN is free.

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