Comparison

simos.app vs Truck Explorer v8

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

Head to head
About

simos.app

This tool provides diagnostic, data logging, and flashing capabilities for VAG petrol engines with specific Simos ECUs. Monitor real-time engine parameters, analyze recorded sessions with graphs, and update your ECU with stock or custom tunes.

Highlights
  • Real-time ECU parameter monitoring
  • Live data logging via Bluetooth LE
  • ECU identification (software/calibration IDs)
  • Multi-channel graph analysis of logged sessions
  • ECU and TCU flashing (stock and custom tunes)
  • Support for Simos 18.x and 12.1 ECUs
Read full description

simos.app is a diagnostic, data logging and flashing tool built specifically for VAG petrol engines running Simos 18.1, 18.2, 18.6, 18.10 and Simos 12.1 ECUs. The platforms found in most modern TSI and TFSI engines across Audi, VW, Škoda, SEAT, Cupra and Porsche. LIVE DATA LOGGING Read ECU parameters directly in real time. Monitor boost pressure, injection timing, lambda, temperatures, torque and more at high sample rates over a Bluetooth LE connection. ECU IDENTIFICATION Read software versions, calibration IDs and hardware info straight from the control unit. LOG ANALYSIS Visualize recorded sessions with multi-channel graphs. Spot correlations between parameters without leaving the app. FLASHING Update your ECU and TCU to the latest version for your vehicle or flash a custom tune. Full features available for Simos 18.1/18.10 and 18.6. Flashing stock files or pre-unlocked ecus for Simos 18.2, 18.4, 18.41 and Simos 12.1. –– Built for enthusiasts, tuners and workshops who need more than a generic scan tool. Basic knowledge of ECU diagnostics is recommended. This app is for informational and diagnostic purposes only. Any modifications to vehicle systems are the sole responsibility of the user and must comply with local laws and regulations. –– Bluetooth LE OBD adapter required. Get yours here: https://simos.app/dongle Other compatible adapters: Macchina A0, DIY A0 clone https://github.com/Switchleg1/AMAleg require custom firmware: https://simos.app/dongle/firmware

About

Truck Explorer v8

This specialized tool offers comprehensive programming and diagnostic solutions for trucks, buses, and heavy vehicles. It enables reading/writing control unit memory, ECU repair, key programming, and parameter adjustments. Supports a wide range of major heavy vehicle brands.

Highlights
  • Read/write/clone control unit memory
  • Repair and recover ECUs
  • Program new keys
  • Immobilizer off functionality
  • Pair/unpair ECUs
  • Change speed and torque limits
  • Perform OBD and bench diagnostics
Features
Read full description

Truck Explorer® - unique special operation tool for trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles. All in one tool for programming and diagnostic solutions. VEI device together with Truck Explorer software allows you to: Read / write / clone memory of control units (full Flash & Eeprom); Repair & recover ECU; Increase maximum power; Program new keys; Make immo off; Pair/unpair ECU; Change speed and torque limits; Calculate access codes (FDOK, VeDOC, DAS); Perform diagnostics by OBD and on bench; Change parameters and more. Supported heavy vehicle brands: Mercedes-Benz, MAN, Iveco, Scania, Volvo, Freightliner, Bharat-Benz, DAF, CLAAS, Setra, VW and many more...

Screenshots

simos.app4 screens
Truck Explorer v84 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Truck Explorer v8 at none against simos.app's 3. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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

Both are free to download. simos.app sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Truck Explorer v8 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for simos.app against 5.0 for Truck Explorer v8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

simos.app ships an update every 6 days, Truck Explorer v8 every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
simos.app versus Truck Explorer v8: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parametersimos.appTruck Explorer v8
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Number of ratings2 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterEvery 9 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.617 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB256 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTycho Sebastian HolzerDIELEKTRIK

Customer experience

simos.app

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Truck Explorer v8

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

simos.app

One-time3
  • App VIN Unlock$17.99
  • Wizard: Pops & Bangs - Single Bin$17.99
  • Stage 1 Bin$179.99
None

Truck Explorer v8

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is simos.app free?
simos.app is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Truck Explorer v8 free?
Truck Explorer v8 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, simos.app or Truck Explorer v8?
simos.app and Truck Explorer v8 are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do simos.app or Truck Explorer v8 have ads?
Neither simos.app nor Truck Explorer v8 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, simos.app or Truck Explorer v8?
simos.app ships an update every 6 days, and Truck Explorer v8 every 9 days. Most recently, simos.app was updated on October 24, 2026 and Truck Explorer v8 on October 6, 2026.

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