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SmogScanner

SmogScanner vs Smog Master

SmogScanner and Smog Master are both work order and invoice software for California smog stations. Smog Master runs in the cloud or on a shop computer and charges per work order; SmogScanner is a phone app that shows which smog test the car needs: scanning is free, and plans are a flat price a month.

Side by side

  • Where it runs

    Smog Master
    In the cloud, or installed on a computer at the shop
    SmogScanner
    A phone app for Android and iPhone (iPhone in early access), plus any computer’s web browser

  • Reading the car

    Smog Master
    Scans the DMV barcode
    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 Master
    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 Master
    Doesn’t connect
    SmogScanner
    Doesn’t connect. You run the test on your analyzer as before

  • Invoices

    Smog Master
    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

  • Parts

    Smog Master
    Inventory
    SmogScanner
    A parts and labor price list. No stock counts

  • Reminders

    Smog Master
    Reminders and mailers
    SmogScanner
    A Due for smog list, and reminder texts when you link SmogCheckDeals. No mailers

  • Price

    Smog Master
    About $0.20 a work order (about $100 a month at 500). 150 work orders free to try
    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: smogmaster.com

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

Where Smog Master is ahead

  • A long track record: on its own site, 17 years, 500 shops and more than 9 million work orders.
  • It can run on a computer at the shop, not only in the cloud.
  • Inventory, and mailers for reminders.
  • You pay per work order, so a slow month costs less. Try it free for 150 work orders.

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 Master

Pick Smog Master if you want the software installed on your own computer, track parts inventory, or write few work orders a month.

SmogScanner

Pick SmogScanner if you want to check in a car from your phone, see the test before it reaches the bay, or pay one flat price at high volume.

Common questions

Is SmogScanner an alternative to Smog Master?

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 Master?

Yes. Save your customer list from Smog Master 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 Master.

Does either one connect to the BAR analyzer?

No. Neither Smog Master 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?

Smog Master charges about $0.20 a work order, about $100 a month at 500 work orders. SmogScanner charges $19, $39 or $49 a month, by features, however many work orders you write. Scanning a VIN is free.

One by one