Comparison

PIDTune vs Megatuner Plus

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PIDTune

This utility calculates PID tuning parameters using the IMC method for various process and controller types. It allows for direct input of process gain or variable changes, with adjustable tuning aggression via a slider.

Highlights
  • IMC method for PID tuning
  • Calculates Kc, Ti, Td
  • Supports FO, SO, and I process types
  • Handles Parallel and Series controller types
  • Adjustable tuning aggression slider
  • Input process gain or variable changes
Features
Read full description

PID Tuner uses the IMC (Internal Model Control) method to calculate PID tuning parameters. I’ve tried a lot of tuning methods over the years and have found this one to be the best. The app is written for the iPad to show all the information on one page. The program calculates: PID Parameters: Controller Gain (Kc) Integral Time (Ti) Derivative Time (Td) For process types First Order with Dead Time (FO) Second Order with Dead Time (SO) Integrating or Long Time Constant with Dead Time (I) For controller types Parallel (non-interacting) c(s) = Kc (1 + 1/(Ti s) + Td s) Series (interacting) c(s) = Kc (Ti s + 1)/(Ti s)(Td s + 1) For controller modes PID PI You can either enter the process gain (Kp) directly or enter the changes in the controlled virable (CV) and manipulated variable (MV). Tuning aggression is adjusted using the slider to set the closed loop time constant to the process time constant ratio (λ/Ƭ). The closed loop time constant (λ) is the time the controller is expected to reach set point (plus the dead time (ϴ)). Setting the closed loop time constant to process time constant ratio (λ/Ƭ) to 1.0 will make the MV change to its final value and allow the process to settle out to the setpoint. Setting (λ/Ƭ) greater than 1.0 will give a slower responce. Setting (λ/Ƭ) less than 1.0 will cause the MV to make a larger change and then reduce to its final value. Tight tuning would be to set the close loop time constant to the dead time. Use the Integrating Process type (Ƭ = ∞) for both integrating processes or processes with long time constants. These processes use the maximum slope as the process gain. Tuning aggression for these processes is determined by setting the closed loop time constant to the dead time ratio (λ/ϴ). Once again, setting the closed loop time constat to the dead time gives tight control. References: “Probably the test simple PID tuning rules in the World,” Sigurd Skogestad, Jounal of Process Control, July 3, 2001 “Consider the generalized IMC-PID method for PID controller tuning of time-delay processes,” Y. Lee, S. Park, M. Lee, Hydrocarbon Processing, January 2006

About

Megatuner Plus

Features
Read full description

Introducing an Advanced PID Controller Tuner for iOS. The Megatunes Plus app makes the tuning of your PI/PID controllers of (generally) noisy & possible interacting process loops easier. Using data from your control loop experiments. Our advanced algorithms analyze the data to help you find the optimal settings for your controller, ensuring optimal performance and stability. Example processes: Chemical processing plants, Power Plants, ship position control, to mention some. Features: * Advanced PI/PID Controller Tuner for generally noisy & possible interacting process loops. * User-friendly interface for simple and efficient data input and analysis * Advanced algorithms for accurate and precise model and controller tuning * Convert your PID controller parameters over 20 different DCS vendor forms. Whether you're an experienced engineer or just starting out, our PI/PID controller tuner app for iOS can help you fine-tune your control loop and improve your process control system. Download now and start optimizing your loops today! Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

PIDTune3 screens
Megatuner Plus4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Megatuner Plus at Free against PIDTune's $4.99. Megatuner Plus also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 4 months). PIDTune's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Megatuner Plus is free to download; PIDTune costs $4.99 up front. Megatuner Plus sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month. PIDTune asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PIDTune ships an update every 4 months, Megatuner Plus every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PIDTune versus Megatuner Plus: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPIDTuneMegatuner Plus
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB1 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperRichard H StreetChrister Dalen

In-app purchases

None

PIDTune

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Megatuner Plus

Subscriptions2
  • Megatuner_Mimo Full$4.491 Month
  • Megatuner_Mimo Full$44.901 Year

Questions

Is PIDTune free?
PIDTune costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Megatuner Plus free?
Megatuner Plus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PIDTune or Megatuner Plus have ads?
Neither PIDTune nor Megatuner Plus shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PIDTune or Megatuner Plus?
PIDTune ships an update every 4 months, and Megatuner Plus every 5 weeks. Most recently, PIDTune was updated on September 21, 2026 and Megatuner Plus on September 15, 2026.

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