When considering ECU programming tools, two popular options emerge: PCMTuner and ECU Bench Tool. Here’s a comprehensive comparison to help elucidate the distinctions and functionalities of both.
| Item | PCMTuner | ECUHelp ECU Bench Tool |
| Image |  |
 |
| Dongle | With a Smart USB dongle | No dongle |
| Software | 1.Pcmtuner
2. Pcm flash |
1. AMT bench service tool (AMT BST)
2. ECUHelp 2.0 |
| Version | Master | Master |
| Dataceter | VZ performance | ECUHelp 2.0 |
| Network connection | Yes | Yes |
| Update & Subscription
|
Pcmtuner update online,
No subscription, No annual fee, no monthly fee. Pcmflash update by dongle |
both AMT and ECUHelp software Update online |
| Checksum | Yes | Yes |
| VR read & write | Yes, online | Yes, online |
| BMW Bosch EDC16 EDC17 MEDC17 | No | Yes |
| MG1 MD1 | Coming soon, need to buy new adapter set | Yes, with the license activated |
| VAG Volvo ME9 | No | Yes, with the license activated |
| Operation mode | OBD, Bench, Boot | Bench, boot mode |
| Offline/online | Work offline, VR need online. | work online, VR online |
| Activation | Yes, provide S/N to activate and register with email | Provide S/N to activate |
| ECU list | Check ECU List | Check ECU List |
| ECU Tuning Service | Download VR files for free
Pay for tuning file (Not free) |
Download VR files for free
Pay for tuning file (Not free) |
Conclusion:
Tool Origin:
ECU Bench Tool: This is essentially a clone of the AMT BST bench tool.
PCMTuner: Based on PCMFlash, this tool comes with a unique dongle.
Functional Differences:
1. Dongle Requirement:
PCMTuner: Requires a dongle.
ECU Bench Tool: No dongle needed.
2. OBD Mode Compatibility:
PCMTuner: Read and write ECU via OBD.
ECU Bench Tool: Not Read and Write ECU via OBD.
3. Gearbox ECU Reading:
PCMTuner: Capable of reading gearbox ECUs. Unable to read BMW Bosch EDC16, EDC17, MG1 MD1, and ME9 ECUs.
ECU Bench Tool: Cannot read gearbox ECUs.
4. Software:
Both tools are bundled with two software programs. One software facilitates reading and writing the ECU, while the other is dedicated to accessing wiring diagrams and downloading tuning files.
5. Online Updates:
Neither the ECU Bench Tool nor the PCMTuner flash software supports online updates.
6. Additional Services:
Both tools offer VR file downloads, tuning downloads, and tuning services.