Remember the days of carrying dozens of different transponder chips in your van? I remember a few years ago, auto locksmiths and technicians needed to stock every possible transponder type – from ID46 for Nissans to ID48 for VWs. Your van probably looked like a tiny chip warehouse, and heaven help you if you ran out of a specific transponder type during a job!
Fast forward to 2024, and the game has completely changed. Universal transponders have revolutionized our industry, with two major players leading the charge: the Xhorse XT27B and Autel AT100. Let’s break down how these tiny chips are making life easier for technicians everywhere.
The New Kids on the Block
Xhorse XT27B: The Reusable Wonder Think of the XT27B as the Swiss Army knife of transponders. Released in 2022 as an upgrade to the XT27A, this chip brings something special to the table – reusability. Yes, you read that right. Program it, use it, and when needed, reset it for another vehicle. For technicians watching their bottom line, this feature alone is worth its weight in gold.
What’s great:
- Can be reset and reused multiple times
- Covers most common transponder types (47, 49, 4A, MQB, and more)
- Works seamlessly with Xhorse equipment
- Reduces inventory headaches dramatically
The catch:
- Plays best with Xhorse equipment only
- Takes some practice to master the reset process
Autel AT100: The Coverage King Autel took a different approach with the AT100. While it’s a one-and-done chip (no resets here), it boasts coverage for over 500 vehicle models. For technicians working with Autel equipment, it’s like having an entire transponder inventory in a single chip type.
What’s great:
- Extensive vehicle coverage
- Simple to use – no reset process needed
- Smooth integration with Autel tools
- Reliable first-time programming
The catch:
- Can’t be reset for reuse
- Limited to Autel’s ecosystem
Real-World Impact
Remember that anxiety when a customer called about a 2015 Honda key, and you realized you were out of ID47 chips? Those days are gone. Now, whether you’re team Xhorse or team Autel, a handful of universal transponders in your van can handle most jobs you’ll encounter.
One experienced locksmith in Denver recently shared, “I used to track inventory for 12 different transponder types. Now I carry five XT27Bs and can handle the same workload. It’s transformed how I operate.”
Looking Ahead
The industry is clearly moving toward these universal solutions, and both companies continue to expand their compatibility. While neither Xhorse nor Autel has announced their next moves, the competition between them keeps driving innovation forward.
Making Your Choice
Your choice between the XT27B and AT100 will likely come down to your existing equipment and work style. If you’re using Xhorse tools and like the idea of reusable chips, the XT27B is your play. Running Autel equipment? The AT100 will serve you well.
The bottom line? Whether you choose Xhorse or Autel, you’re miles ahead of the “chip warehouse on wheels” days. These universal transponders aren’t just new products – they’re a whole new way of doing business, saving time, money, and van space for technicians everywhere.