eTuning vs eMax vs STUnlockerShimano STEPS feature comparison
Bluetooth region and wheel circumference changes on EP801 and EP6
EP801 and EP6 / EP600 from Android or iPhone, without an interface or computer.
| Feature | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change region and wheel circumference via Bluetooth from the apps | Yes[7]With eTuning Pro. | No[1] | No[4] |
eTuning Pro includes USA Class 3 (up to 45 km/h) and requires firmware preparation through the app.
Bluetooth region and wheel circumference changes on older motors
EP800 / EP8 (including EP800-RS), E8000, E7000, E6100 and E5000.
| Feature | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change region and wheel circumference via Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Region changes up to USA (32 km/h). A downgrade may be required depending on the installed firmware.
Downgrade on older Shimano motors
EP800 / EP8 (including EP800-RS), E8000, E7000, E6100 and E5000.
| Feature | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic downgrade within the app | Yes[3] | No[1]External procedure using E-TUBE. | No[2]External procedure using E-TUBE. |
Region and wheel circumference changes with the latest firmware on older motors
EP800 / EP8 (including EP800-RS), E8000, E7000, E6100 and E5000.
| Feature | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change region and wheel circumference without downgrading | Yes[3]eTuning for Windows or Mac. | Yes[1]miniMax for Windows. | Yes[4]STUnlocker for Windows. |
Region changes up to USA (32 km/h). All three require a compatible Shimano interface, such as SM-PCE1 or SM-PCE02. Latest firmware documented in the sources reviewed.
Supported platforms
| Platform | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone (iOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mac (native macOS app) | Yes | No | No |
eTuning for Mac runs on Apple Silicon and Intel and supports both SM-PCE1 and SM-PCE02 for all interface operations. It is not the iPhone app running on a Mac. [5] [6] [4]
Wired region changes on EP801 and EP6 with the latest firmware
EP801 and EP6 / EP600: all supported regions, including USA Class 3 (up to 45 km/h).
| Feature | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change region via a Shimano interface | Yes[7]eTuning for Windows or Mac. | Yes[1]miniMax for Windows. | Yes[4]STUnlocker for Windows. |
Requires a Shimano SM-PCE1 or SM-PCE02 interface. Supports the latest firmware documented in the sources reviewed.
Interfaces supported by the desktop apps
| Shimano interface | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM-PCE1 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SM-PCE02 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
App compatibility with the interface; available features depend on the motor. [1] [4]
Backups and saved settings
| Feature | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Save and restore settings | YesUp to five motor profiles in the cloud with Plus or Pro. | Not documented[9] | YesCustom settings saved in the app (presets). [8] |
| Cloud backups shared across devices | YesAndroid, iPhone, Windows and Mac. [5] | Not documented | Not documentedThe manual describes in-app storage, not cloud sync. |
Settings backups, not full firmware images. “Not documented” means the feature is not described in the sources reviewed.
Support and help
| Support | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AI assistant with immediate responses | Yes[10] | Not documented | Not documented |
The eTuning assistant answers using our documentation on compatibility, connection, configuration and licenses. It does not replace human support.
Extended maximum power on EP6 and EP801
| Motor | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP6 / EP600Standard: 500 W | Up to 600 WWith eTuning Pro. | Up to 500 WStandard limit. | Up to 500 WStandard limit. |
| EP801Standard: 600 W | Up to 650 WWith eTuning Pro. | Up to 600 WStandard limit. | Up to 600 WStandard limit. |
Increasing the limit with eTuning Pro is at the user’s own risk. Values are maximum power limits, not guaranteed continuous output. Adjusting power within the standard limit is not the same as increasing that limit.
Advanced telemetry on EP801 and EP6
Live riding data with eTuning Ride, included in Pro, for compatible EP801 and EP6 / EP600 motors, without additional sensors.
| Real-time data | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor temperature (°C) | Yes | Not documented | Not documented |
| Rider torque (Nm) | Yes | Not documented | Not documented |
| Rider power (W) | Yes | Not documented | Not documented |
| Motor power (W) | Yes | Not documented | Not documented |
| Rider vs motor contribution (%) | Yes | Not documented | Not documented |
Rider power is calculated from torque and cadence. The rider/motor comparison shows their contribution to propulsion, not electrical consumption by the rider. This table compares live telemetry, not power settings or basic statistics. [11]
Motor torque adjustment on Orbea Rise
All three apps can adjust motor torque on compatible Orbea Rise bikes, including those with factory-reduced torque settings.
| Feature | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjust motor torque (Nm) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
All three offer the same torque adjustment range for the same compatible configuration. The limit and required method (mobile app via Bluetooth or desktop with an interface) depend on the motor and firmware. Motor torque (Nm) is distinct from maximum power (W) and rider pedaling torque.
In-app local help to find an SM-PCE1 or SM-PCE02
| Feature | eTuning | eMax | STUnlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact lookup | Inside the appActive profile directory updated through the service. | External PDFList linked from the FAQ. | Not documented |
| Location map | Map connected to the directoryApproximate locations without publishing contact details. | External Google MapsThe PDF states that the map does not include everyone on the list. | Not documented |
| Create and manage a profile in the app | YesCreate, edit, pause or delete from Windows or Mac with the interface connected. Changes are managed by the service, without editing a PDF. | Not documentedThe published resource is a PDF, not a directory managed by users within the app. | Not documented |
In eTuning, viewing contacts requires a valid license and a connected motor. Help is in person and arranged directly with each participant; availability depends on location and app version. [12] [13]
Pricing and licenses
| License | Price excluding VAT | Included configuration features |
|---|---|---|
| eTuning Plus | €29.99 + VAT | Bluetooth region and wheel changes on older motors; SM-PCE1 or SM-PCE02 configuration, including region changes on EP801 and EP6. Adds automatic downgrade on compatible older motors and a native Mac app. |
| eTuning Pro | €99 + VATReference price. Promotions may be available at purchase. | Everything in Plus, plus Bluetooth region and wheel changes on EP801 and EP6 / EP600 from Android or iPhone, without an interface or computer. |
| eMax | €100 + VATPublished price: €119 including 19% VAT. [6] | Bluetooth region and wheel changes on compatible older motors; interface-based configuration, including region changes on EP801 and EP6. No automatic in-app downgrade. |
| STUnlocker Premium | €30 + VAT [4] | Bluetooth region and wheel changes on compatible older motors; interface-based configuration, including region changes on EP801 and EP6. No automatic in-app downgrade. |
License prices per motor; interface not included. This summarizes the compared features, not every app feature. Motor, firmware, platform and interface compatibility are detailed above.