ECU Connect vs GPS Race Timer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ECU Connect
This app allows you to program tuned files directly to your car's ECU using your phone. It also provides real-time engine performance monitoring and customizable dashboards. A Bluetooth interface is required for full functionality.
- Program tuned ECU files wirelessly
- Real-time engine performance monitoring
- Customizable parameter dashboards
- Log engine data with GPS coordinates
- Adjust RaceROM features on the fly
- Connects via Bluetooth Vehicle Interface
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IMPORTANT This app requires an EcuTek Bluetooth Vehicle Interface to connect to your car's ECU. These are available from EcuTek Tuners. Find your nearest one at www.ecutek.com/dealers. If you don't have an interface, run the demo mode within the app to see ECU Connect in action. ECU Connect is the free companion app to the new pocket-size Bluetooth Vehicle Interface produced by specialist tuning firm EcuTek Technologies. Once you have purchased your EcuTek Vehicle Interface, plug it into your car's OBD vehicle diagnostic socket, pair it with your phone in the app and you will open up a whole new world of enjoyment with your car. With ECU Connect, you can receive and program in a tuned file from one of our EcuTek Master Tuners just with your phone. No laptop, no wires, no fuss. Just create an account in the app, select the tuner you want to work with, and you are ready to receive the tuned file. Discuss with your tuner what you want to achieve from the tune and once the file has been created, you will receive a notification that the file is ready. Go to Program ECU, select the file and follow the on-screen instructions. It's as easy as that. All that's left is for you to enjoy the car! For more details on programming your car’s ECU with ECU Connect go to www.ecutek.com/phone-flash Your EcuTek Tuner can also set up some unique RaceROM features which allows you to control and adjust some aspects of the tune with your phone: Launch RPM; Traction Control settings; boost and torque levels; switch between different set ups such as track mode, economy mode, fast road and flexfuel on the fly. These are just some of the example set ups. Speak to your EcuTek Master Tuner and discuss with them what you'd like. There are lots of options to choose from. For a list of supported models together with their ECU Connect Features go to www.ecutek.com/ecu-connect Whether your car is tuned on EcuTek or not, with ECU Connect you can instantly see how your engine is performing as you drive it (even if the car is not officially supported, ECU Connect provides basic support for most cars using generic OBD2 CAN communication protocol available on nearly all vehicles manufactured from 2008 onwards). You can view and log any parameter the ECU records and even create unlimited personalised dashboards if you want to monitor specific groups of parameters. Save and send these logs direct from the app to your tuner. You can also record GPS coordinates in the log files, so you can see what was happening at any given point on your logging run (very useful on track days).
GPS Race Timer
Accurately measure vehicle acceleration times like 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile using your iPhone's GPS. Set up timers beforehand and let the app automatically start measurements when speed targets are met or motion is detected. Save, export, and transfer your performance data easily.
- Measure 0-60 mph, 60-120 mph, 1/4 mile
- Automatic start detection
- Save and export results
- Preset and adjustable timers
- No extra hardware required
- Optional PRO version features
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Measure acceleration times such as 0–60 mph, 60–120 mph and 1/4 mile directly with your iPhone — accurately and without extra hardware. The app is designed so it doesn’t need to be operated while driving; you just set everything up beforehand while stationary. Measurements then start automatically — when the target speed is reached or when a start is detected. You can save results locally on your iPhone and, if needed, export them or transfer them to other devices. Preset timers: 60 ft, 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 1 mile, 0 – 60 mph, 0 – 120 mph, 50 – 75 mph, 60 – 120 mph, 0 – 100 km/h, 0 – 200 km/h, 80 – 120 km/h, 100 – 200 km/h. All timers are, of course, fully adjustable. The free version measures up to two times per run. How to use the app: Check the timer settings on the start screen. If everything looks good, place your iPhone in the car where it has good GPS reception and is held securely, then start the acceleration test. You can adjust the timer configuration in the Settings screen (just tap the relevant timer). Then return to the race screen and follow the previous instruction. Optional PRO version (in-app purchase): 1. Up to four timers in parallel (instead of two) 2. Precise determination of elevation differences 3. Simulation of a Sportsman start and reaction-time measurement 4. No ad banners
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ECU Connect at none against GPS Race Timer's 1. ECU Connect also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 7 months). GPS Race Timer's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (2.7K vs 87). On price and device support 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
Both are free to download. GPS Race Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. ECU Connect asks for nothing beyond the download.
GPS Race Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GPS Race Timer has 2.7K ratings behind it against 87, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 63% of ECU Connect's written reviews are positive against 35% of GPS Race Timer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
ECU Connect ships an update every 3 weeks, GPS Race Timer every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ECU Connect | GPS Race Timer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (87 ratings) | 4.5 (2.7K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 63.2% of reviews — better | 34.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 87 | 2.7K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 7 months |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 12.2 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 83 MB | 50 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | EcuTek Technologies Ltd | Thomas Hagenau |
Customer experience
ECU Connect
GPS Race Timer
Bugs and requests
ECU Connect
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
GPS Race Timer
Reported bugs
4 issues- Timer doesn't reset properly
- App crashes on startup
- Significant GPS/speed detection delays
- Recorded times do not match actual performance
Requested features
4 requests- Add 60ft and 1/8 mile times
- Automatic start/stop of timer
- Manual start option for timer
- Improved accuracy and consistency
In-app purchases
ECU Connect
No in-app purchases
GPS Race Timer
- PRO$4.99
Questions
Is ECU Connect free?
Is GPS Race Timer free?
Which has better reviews, ECU Connect or GPS Race Timer?
Do ECU Connect or GPS Race Timer have ads?
Which is updated more often, ECU Connect or GPS Race Timer?
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