5 Best Tuners for F150 Ecoboost (Review and Buyer’s Guide)

5 Best Tuners & Programmers for Ford F150 3.5 Ecoboost

Your F150 Ecoboost is turbocharged to give you both great performance and fuel mileage, but using a tuner can make it even more powerful. However, finding the right tuner for your truck can be a little tricky since there are so many products on the market. Let’s look at the best tuners for F150 Ecoboost that can get you some fantastic performance upgrades.

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[Want to learn more about tuners and programmers? Read our Ultimate Guide to Tuners, Programmers, and Chips.]

The 5 Best Tuners for Ford F150 Ecoboost:

1. SCT X4 Performance Tuner – the best tuner Ford F150 Ecoboost
2. Superchips 1845 Flashpaq F5 Programmer
3. DiabloSport inTune i3 Performance Programmer
4. Edge Gas Evolution CTS2 – 85450
5. Bully Dog GT Platinum Tuner 

Our Recommendation

REVIEWS YOU CAN TRUST 

We strive to always give you genuine, accurate information. To do this, all of mechanicguides.com reviews are based on market research, expert input, and practical experience. This knowledge comes from a team of automotive journalists and an independent mechanic, Steve “Whip” Whipple who has 11 years of experience in the auto industry. For more information, see here.

1. Top pick: SCT X4 Performance Tuner – the best tuner Ford F150 Ecoboost

On top of our list of the best tuners for F150 Ecoboost is the SCT X4 Performance Tuner. It has pre-loaded tunes that can boost your truck’s torque and horsepower. If you want more for your truck than what the pre-loaded tunes can give, you can buy custom tunes from any SCT Custom Tuning Dealer. In fact, it can save as much as 10 custom tunes so you can get tunes for different boosts and driving goals. 

Full-Color Display, Load Custom Tunes, and Download Datalogs

The SCT X4 has a large, full-color display so you can comfortably tune your truck any time of day. The interface is also simple and well-organized so you can quickly pull up the pre-loaded and custom tunes, as well as other features like data logging your parameters, calibrating the tunes, or clearing trouble codes. The device also responds quicker with its improved firmware.

You can connect the SCT X4 to your Wi-Fi to update the system or when SCT has an update to their pre-loaded tunes. But if you want to take a closer look at the datalogs, you can directly connect the X4 to your computer through a data cable and transfer the files.

Adjust for Aftermarket Parts

To install the SCT X4 tuner, connect it to your OBDII port and wait for the device to load. The instructions are very easy to understand and don’t require any technical expertise. You can immediately adjust the parameters that are related to your aftermarket parts (if you have them) after loading your preferred tune, such as cold air kits, exhaust systems, and gears. It’ll help make sure that your tune will match.  

If you’re not happy with the tune you installed, it’s always an option to back to the stock tune from Ford. The SCT X4 Performance Tuner backups your factory PCM program when you’re installing it. You just need to click the “Return to Stock” by connecting it again to your OBDII.

Why should you purchase it?

Ease of use – that’s what SCT X4 Performance Tuner gives you. The fast interface allows you to do everything that you want with no lag. You don’t have to purchase a separate device to monitor your truck’s performance as it can do it for you, too. You can also access and record your truck’s PCM data using the computer. Additionally, you can always purchase custom tunes from the brand to help you maximize performance of your truck based on how you use it. You can have a specific tune for towing, for boosted speed, or for off-road escapades.

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2. Best Value: Superchips 1845 Flashpaq F5 Programmer 

The Superchips 1845 Flashpaq F5 Programmer allows you to quickly adjust and calibrate your F150’s parameters. You’ll be able to boost the torque, horsepower, and improve fuel mileage.

The Flashpaq F5 is packed with pre-loaded tunes for boosts in fuel economy, towing, and increased speed. All you need to do is know what you want.

Note: unfortunately, it’s not available for California customers.

Modern Design with an Option to Adjust the Stock Tune

The Flashpaq F5 has a sleek look – a red protective case about the size of your mobile phone. The 2.8” display size will work even under direct sunlight. The interface is very user-friendly and most calibrations can be made with just a few clicks. It also runs on a high-speed processor and comes with a 2-year warranty.

If you’re already happy with your F150’s stock tune but just want to tweak a few parameters, you can do that with the Superchips 1845. Just choose “Stock with Options” and you’ll see the parameters that you can change.

Four High Performance Tunes

The Superchips Flashpaq F5 comes with four notable tunes: Performance, Heavy Tow, Mileage XS and 87 Octane. The performance is designed for maximum transmission performance, towing for better power, mileage XS for better fuel economy, and extreme for maximum horsepower, torque, and drivability.

You can also read and clear diagnostic codes with the device. It’s a great feature that users always look forward to using with the Flashpaq F5. It’s so easy to get rid of the errors with just a few clicks.

Why should you purchase it? 

If you want something that will let you make a just a few changes to your truck’s stock tune, the Superchips Flashpaq F5 is what you want. And if you want a tune for a specific performance, you can choose one of the pre-loaded tunes that come with it as well. You’re guaranteed with a 2-year warranty so in case something is wrong, you can always contact their customer support and possibly have your device repaired or replaced for free!

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3. Multiple Vehicle License: DiabloSport inTune i3 Performance Programmer

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The DiabloSport inTune i3 is one of the must-have tuners for the F150 Ecoboost. This device can improve your truck’s throttle responsiveness, enhance vehicle drivability, and increase bottom-end horsepower. It has a rugged design and colored touchscreen, ready to handle daily use. Plus, if you have more than one vehicle, you can buy a multi-vehicle license so you can tune multiple vehicles just a single device. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.

[Do you have also have a F150 4.6L? We have a list of the best programmers for the 4.6 F150 too!]

Wi-Fi Connectivity for Fast Updates and Compatible with Any OS

Updating is definitely a breeze — it’ll be done within just 5 minutes! Just connect the DiabloSport Performance Programmer’s i3 software through your Wi-F- or plug it to your computer using a USB port. You can also analyze the diagnostic data on the device by downloading to your computer and reading it through Diablo’s Data Viewer logging software. The DiabloSport Performance Programmer’s i3 software works with any computer operating system: Windows, Mac, and Linux.  

[Or do you have a 2.3L Ecoboost? We also have a list of the top tuners for EcoBoost Mustang.]

Easy and Advanced Tuning Modes But No Monitoring

Hit the ground running with DiabloSport’s Easy Tune mode that lets you tune through a series of yes/no questions instead of a list of parameters you can change. The DiabloSport inTune i3 also gives its users an option to remove the vehicle’s speed limiter, tire size change capability, and gear ratio. It also has an Advanced Tuning option that lets you customize your own tune. You’ll see a more extensive parameter list like timing, air ratio, and fuel. Before it loads any tune, it’ll first save the stock tune so you can go back to stock if you need to visit your dealer or before you switch to a different tune.

However, it doesn’t monitor your parameters like the other tuners.

Why you should purchase it?

Tuners can be a bit expensive and some devices can only be used on a single vehicle. With the DiableSport inTune i3 Performance Programmer, those who have several cars and trucks can tune them all using one device. That’s definitely a lot of savings! You can also review your diagnostic data using the DiabloSport’s Data Viewer logging software.

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4. Edge Gas Evolution CTS2 – 85450

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Next on our list of best tuners for the F150 Ecoboost is the Edge Gas Evolution CTS2 85450. You can mount it to your dashboard so you can see the data as you drive your truck in realtime. It meets the emissions compliance requirements of the California Air Resources Board and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency too.

Customize the Display and Set Parameter Alerts

The Edge CTS2 Performance Programmer has a large touchscreen display that you can customize to your liking. You can choose from the different background images, and adjust the backlight. You can also change the layout so you can see all the data your ECU monitors, which include RPM, Transmission Fluid Temperature, MPG, coolant temperature, and so on. Depending on your chosen layout, you can see as much as 9 PIDs (Parameter IDs).

If you want to set specific alerts, you can do that too. Just set the threshold for the parameters you’re interested in and if your truck reaches it, the CTS2 will notify you. For example, you can set a reminder to change your oil every 3000 miles.

Three Preloaded Tunes for Optimum Performance

The Edge Evolution Programmer F150 comes with three pre-installed tunes, categorized as Level 1, 2 and 3. Level 1, also known as Economy, helps increase your fuel efficiency. It’s the lowest level setting that provides a firmer transmission shift, promoting longer transmission life.

Level 2, or Towing, gives you that power when you need to drive with heavy loads. It offers an added engine performance boost by improving your transmission shifting and modifying your timing and fuel injection parameters, supporting both 87 and 89 octanes. Level 3, which is intended for racing, will let you get some massive speed gains and aggressively tunes the timing and fuel injection methods without sacrificing its drivability and durability. For Level 3, though, you can only use 91 octane and you shouldn’t be towing or carrying heavy equipment.

The only downside is that it is the most expensive tuner among the list.

Why you should purchase it? 

The Edge CTS2 Programmer is great tuner that improves your horsepower and torque without picking up a wrench. If you’re a non-techy person, you’ll love easy it is to load a tune or modify the calibrations through its on screen instructions. It’s packed with tunes that will improve the over-all performance of your truck. It can also help you monitor your truck’s performance and notify you if you’ve reached a parameter limit.

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5. Bully Dog GT Platinum Tuner

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The Bully Dog GT Platinum Tuner is known for its Driving Coach that assesses how you drive your F150 and shows where energy is wasted. Then you can improve your driving style to maximize fuel efficiency. You can set your fuel economy goal and acceleration adjustment that the Driving Coach will use to measure your style. This is a great feature in the Bully Dog GT Premium, one of the best tuners for F150 Ecoboost.

That this is not available for customers who live in California.

Mountable with 1-Year Warranty

The Bully Dog GT Platinum Tuner measures 3” x 2”. It has 7 buttons that correspond to each option on the screen. At the back, you’ll see the T-Slot Mount Socket, which allows you to use the GT Platinum with different mounting options, HDMI port, Micro-SD card port, and Mini USB Port. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and is updatable over Wi-Fi.

You can also change the background theme, adjust the backlight, and set animations. If you’re into metric units or just in Canada or Mexico, you can switch between miles to kilometer and gallons to liters.

For easy access, you can purchase a separate RAM Mirror-Mate that can mount your GT Platinum to your rearview mirror.

Hold 10 Custom Tunes and Monitors up to 10 PIDs

The Bully Dog GT can save up to 10 custom files. You can also monitor up to 10 PIDs right on the display so you can assess whether there’s something wrong under the hood. If you’re seeing trouble codes, you can view and clear them using the device, too.

Why you should purchase it?

The Bully Dog GT Gas Programmer is known for its Driving Coach that grades the driver on their road habits. It can also give you ways on how you can improve your fuel consumption for better fuel mileage.  You can save 10 custom tune and monitor 10 parameter IDs of your truck. The device can be mounted on your dash or windshield. If you’re from California, this device is not legal in your state.

Conclusion

In our view, the SCT X4 Power Flash Tuner is the best F150 tuner. It has space for 10 custom tunes and the pre-loaded tunes allow you to quickly optimize and enhance performance. If you’re on a budget, the Superchips Flashpaq F5 is the one for you. You have pre-loaded tunes to play with or you can just dabble a little bit by adjusting some parameters on the stock tune. If you want to tune all the vehicles in your garage, the DiabloSport InTune i3 is an ideal device. You can buy a multi-vehicle license that will work for all your trucks and save you money. For those non-techy users, the Edge CTS2 has simple interface that makes it so easy to install a tune and see what’s going on with your truck Last, but not least, for a modern tuner that you can mount on your dashboard, the Bully Dog GT is your best bet. This also has a Driving Coach that will help you get rid of your bad driving habits.