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Last updated: April 2026

Carlytics vs carVertical vs autoDNA — 2026

If you are wondering whether carVertical is worth it, Carlytics offers comparable data coverage for EUR 8.90 per report — less than half of carVertical's EUR 19.99–24.99. Carlytics checks 900+ databases across 47+ countries, including 830 million UK MOT and 52 million Czech STK records. All three services cover mileage, theft, and damage — but they differ in pricing, data depth, and regional strengths. This is our honest comparison, including our own limitations.

Transparency note: This comparison is published by Carlytics, one of the three services being compared. We have made every effort to be accurate and fair, but you should verify claims on each service's own website. Last verified: April 2026.

Try the free Carlytics VIN decode to see what you get before paying:

How do Carlytics, carVertical, and autoDNA compare on price?

 CarlyticscarVerticalautoDNA
Single reportEUR 8.90EUR 19.99–24.99EUR 19.99–24.99
Bundle (3 reports)—~EUR 45–55~EUR 40–50
Free VIN decodeYesLimitedLimited
Subscription requiredNoNoNo

What features does each service offer?

FeatureCarlyticscarVerticalautoDNA
Mileage historyYesYesYes
Stolen-vehicle checkYesYesYes
Accident / damage recordsYesYesYes
Safety recallsYesYesLimited
Full spec decodeYes (free)Paid onlyPaid only
Inspection history (MOT/STK/HU)YesYesYes
Market value estimate—Yes—
Photo from listings—YesYes
Mobile app—Yes—

What data sources does each service use?

Carlytics

Cross-references 900+ databases across 47+ countries. Notable sources include 52 million Czech STK inspection records, 830 million UK MOT test records, 5 million Finnish Traficom registrations, Norwegian Vegvesen data, Netherlands RDW inspections, NHTSA (US) complaints and recalls, EEA CO2 emissions data, and EU Safety Gate recalls. VIN decoding uses a proprietary multi-layer pipeline combining offline decoders, manufacturer-specific VDS tables, and NHTSA vPIC.

carVertical

Claims access to databases across 28+ countries. Strong coverage in the Baltics (Lithuania-based company), Poland, and Western Europe. Uses NHTSA data for US-market vehicles. Offers a market value estimator and listing photo retrieval. Has a mobile app for scanning VIN plates with a phone camera. Specific database counts are not publicly disclosed.

autoDNA

Poland-based service with strong coverage in Central and Eastern Europe. Claims access to databases across 30+ countries. Particularly good for Polish, German, and US vehicle history. Partners with auction houses for US salvage and damage records (Copart, IAAI). Offers listing photo retrieval from online marketplaces.

Which service is best for your situation?

What are Carlytics' limitations?

In the interest of transparency, here is what Carlytics does not currently offer:

The bottom line

All three services provide valuable vehicle history data that can protect you from buying a car with hidden problems. The main difference is price: Carlytics at EUR 8.90 delivers comparable data coverage to services charging nearly three times as much. For most European used car buyers, a Carlytics report provides everything needed to make an informed decision. For US imports or if you need a mobile app, the competitors may be worth the premium.

VIN Check Comparison FAQ

Common questions about choosing a VIN check service

Is Carlytics biased in this comparison?
Yes, we are a competitor writing about competitors, so take this comparison with appropriate scepticism. We have tried to be factually accurate about all three services and have included our own limitations honestly. We encourage you to check the pricing and feature pages of carVertical (carvertical.com) and autoDNA (autodna.com) directly to verify our claims. If you find any inaccuracies, contact us and we will correct them.
Which service has the most data for German cars?
For cars currently registered in Germany, all three services offer similar coverage because German TUV/DEKRA inspection records are not publicly accessible via API. The difference shows when the car was previously registered in another country. Carlytics has direct access to 52 million Czech STK records and 830 million UK MOT tests, which are particularly relevant for cars imported into Germany from these countries. Check each service's country coverage for your specific situation.
Can I use multiple VIN check services for the same car?
Yes, and for expensive purchases it can make sense. Each service may have access to different databases. Running a check at Carlytics (EUR 8.90) and one competitor (EUR 19.99-24.99) costs a total of EUR 28.89-33.89. If you are buying a car worth EUR 15,000 or more, this combined cost is still negligible compared to the risk. That said, for most purchases a single comprehensive check is sufficient.
Do any of these services offer a subscription?
carVertical offers discounted bundles (3 reports for a lower per-report price). autoDNA sometimes offers multi-report packages. Carlytics currently offers single-report pricing at EUR 8.90 per VIN with no subscription required. For car dealers who need high-volume checks, contact each service directly for B2B pricing.
Which service is best for UK cars?
For vehicles with UK history, Carlytics has a significant advantage due to direct access to 830 million UK MOT test records from the DVSA, providing a near-complete mileage history for any car that has been registered in the UK since 2005. carVertical and autoDNA also offer UK data but the depth of MOT history coverage varies. If the car you are checking has UK history, Carlytics is the strongest choice.

Try the free Carlytics VIN decode and see the difference.