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SmogScanner

SmogScanner vs Smog Pro

SmogScanner and Smog Pro are both work order and invoice software for California smog stations. Smog Pro runs in a phone or tablet browser with appointments built in; SmogScanner is a phone app that shows which smog test the car needs on every scan.

Side by side

  • Where it runs

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

  • Reading the car

    Smog Pro
    Scans IDs and VINs
    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 Pro
    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 Pro
    Doesn’t connect
    SmogScanner
    Doesn’t connect. You run the test on your analyzer as before

  • Invoices

    Smog Pro
    BAR e-invoices
    SmogScanner
    The customer signs the estimate. The invoice has the $8.25 certificate fee on it. Text or print it

  • Appointments

    Smog Pro
    Appointment scheduling
    SmogScanner
    Bookings come in when you link a SmogCheckDeals listing

  • Coupons and books

    Smog Pro
    Coupon tracking and QuickBooks
    SmogScanner
    A coupons report, and a QuickBooks export

  • Price

    Smog Pro
    $15, $40 or $100 a month
    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: smog-pro.com

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

Where Smog Pro is ahead

  • Appointment scheduling built in. In SmogScanner, bookings come from a linked SmogCheckDeals listing.
  • A lower starting price: $15 a month.
  • 100 free reminders.
  • It scans ID cards as well as VINs.

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 Pro

Pick Smog Pro if you want appointment booking inside the same app, or the lowest starting price.

SmogScanner

Pick SmogScanner if you want to see the test before the car reaches the bay, use a phone app instead of a web page, or run the shop in Spanish.

Common questions

Is SmogScanner an alternative to Smog Pro?

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 Pro?

Yes. Save your customer list from Smog Pro 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 Pro.

Does either one connect to the BAR analyzer?

No. Neither Smog Pro 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 Pro has plans at $15, $40 and $100 a month. SmogScanner has plans at $19, $39 and $49 a month, and scanning a VIN is free.

One by one