Autotuner vs Alientech KESS3: A Comprehensive Comparison

Deciding on the right ECU tuning tool is a significant step for any automotive professional. With so many options available, it can be tough to figure out which tool best suits your needs. Two of the most popular choices in the industry are the Autotuner tuning tool and Alientech KESS3. This article will provide a detailed comparison of Autotuner vs Alientech KESS3, helping you make an informed decision.

What is Autotuner?

Autotuner is a state of the art ECU and TCU tuning tool. It is designed for professionals who demand a reliable and efficient tool for chip tuning. Autotuner allows for reading, writing and cloning of engine and transmission control units. It supports a variety of connection methods, including OBD, bench and boot mode. One of the biggest selling points of the Autotuner tool is that it comes with lifetime free updates. This means you do not have to worry about annual subscription fees.

What is Alientech KESS3?

Alientech KESS3 is the latest generation of ECU and TCU tuning tools from Alientech. It is the successor to the popular KESSv2 and K-TAG tools, combining their functionalities into a single device. The KESS3 offers OBD, bench and boot tuning capabilities. Unlike Autotuner, the KESS3 operates on a subscription based model for updates and support.

Autotuner vs Alientech KESS3: A Head to Head Comparison

When it comes to choosing between Autotuner and Alientech KESS3, it is important to compare their features side by side. Here is a breakdown of how the two tools stack up against each other.

Summary table of Autotuner vs KESS3

Feature	Autotuner	Alientech KESS3
Cost Model	One-time purchase	One-time purchase + Mandatory annual subscription
Updates	Lifetime FREE updates	Updates & support stop if subscription lapses
Core Market	Modern passenger cars (e.g., BMW F/G, VAG, Mercedes)	Extremely broad range: Cars, trucks, tractors, bikes, boats
Key Strength	Exceptional speed & simple support for modern ECUs (Bosch MG1/MD1)	Massive vehicle list & back-catalogue of older protocols
Support	Provided by AutoTuner Tools	Access to Alientech’s large, dedicated support team & our division of companies VIEZU, Alientech Tuning.
Datalogging	Built-in datalogging capabilities included	Datalogging features are available
Hardware	All-in-one tool (OBD, Bench, Boot)	All-in-one tool (replaces KESSv2 & K-TAG)
Versions	Master & Slave	Master & Slave

Reading and Writing Speed

In the world of ECU tuning, time is money. The speed at which a tool can read and write data to an ECU is a critical factor. Autotuner is renowned for its impressive speed, particularly when it comes to reading and writing ECUs on the bench. Many users report that Autotuner is significantly faster than its competitors.

The Alientech KESS3 has made significant improvements in speed compared to its predecessors. However, many users still find that Autotuner has the edge in terms of overall speed.

Vehicle Coverage and Protocols

Both Autotuner and Alientech KESS3 offer extensive vehicle coverage, supporting thousands of makes and models, but they have different areas of expertise.

The Alientech KESS3, building on the legacy of KESSv2 and K-TAG, has a massive back-catalogue of protocols. This gives it a distinct advantage in older vehicles (pre-2014) and a much wider range of vehicle types, including trucks, agricultural vehicles (tractors) and motorbikes.

Autotuner, by contrast, has focused on being the premier tool for modern passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. It is renowned in the tuning community for its exceptional, high-speed support for the latest locked ECUs.

Where Autotuner Excels:

• Modern German Vehicles: It is the tool of choice for many tuners working with newer BMW (F & G-Series), Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and VAG Group (Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda) vehicles.
• Modern Protocols: Autotuner provides fast, stable, and simple solutions for modern Bosch MG1 and MD1 ECUs, which are notoriously difficult to work with.
• TCU (Gearbox) Tuning: Autotuner also features extensive TCU cloning and writing capabilities, making it a true all-in-one solution for modern powertrains.

Subscription Fees

One of the most significant differences between Autotuner and Alientech KESS3 is their pricing model. Autotuner has a one time purchase fee with lifetime free updates. This means that once you have bought the tool, you will not have to pay any annual subscription fees to receive the latest software updates.

The Alientech KESS3 on the other hand, operates on a subscription based model. After the initial purchase of the tool, you will need to pay an annual subscription fee to continue receiving updates and support. This can be a significant ongoing cost for your business.

Master and Slave Versions

Both tools are available in master and slave versions. The master version allows you to read and write files to the ECU without any restrictions. You can also edit the files yourself or send them to a tuner of your choice.

The slave version is tied to a specific master tool. This means that you can only read and write encrypted files from your master. This is a popular option for businesses that want to expand their network of tuners without giving them access to unencrypted files.

View Autotuner Master Tuning Tool

View Autotuner Slave Tuning Tool

Datalogging Capabilities

Datalogging is an essential feature for any professional tuner. It allows you to monitor and record real time data from the vehicle’s sensors. Autotuner has built in datalogging capabilities, allowing you to monitor parameters such as boost pressure, air-fuel ratio and ignition timing.

The Alientech KESS3 also offers datalogging features. However, some users have reported that the datalogging on Autotuner is more user friendly and intuitive.

User Friendliness and Support

Both tools are professional-grade and feature well-regarded interfaces, but they cater to different philosophies.

Autotuner is widely praised for its clean, modern interface and straightforward, guided workflow. The software is designed to be easy to navigate, which minimises the learning curve and reduces the risk of error, which is a significant benefit for both new and experienced tuners.

The Alientech KESS3’s mandatory annual subscription helps fund its large, dedicated technical support team, which many professionals factor into their decision.

Autotuner’s philosophy is different: to provide a rock-solid, intuitive tool that eliminates the need for a paid support subscription. As an official reseller, we at AutoTuner Tools bridge this gap entirely. We provide comprehensive technical support to all our customers, giving you the best of both worlds: a tool with no annual fees, backed by our expert, hands-on support.

Why Choose AutoTuner Tools

When you purchase an Autotuner tool from AutoTuner Tools, you are not just buying a piece of equipment. You are investing in a long term partnership. We offer 0% finance options to help you spread the cost of your investment. We also provide free next day delivery in the UK, so you can get started with your new tool as soon as possible. As an official Autotuner reseller, we provide a 5 year warranty on all of our tools. We also offer dedicated training courses to help you get the most out of your Autotuner tool. Our expert technical support team is always on hand to help you with any questions or issues you may have.

If you need expert Autotuner support or advice then view our common Autotuner FAQs or you can contact us today. 

You can contact us by phone on + 44 (0) 1789 774444, speak to us via live chat during our working hours (Sales office: Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm & Technical support: Mon – Sat: 7am – 6pm) or send us a message via the form on our contact page.

Autotuner vs Alientech KESS3 Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author

Paul Busby is a renowned engine tuning and ECU remapping specialist. With years of experience in the industry, Paul is the Technical Director at AutoTuner Tools, a division of VIEZU Technologies Ltd. He is passionate about helping automotive professionals get the best results from their tuning tools.