MemTest86 vs Piston
MemTest86
memtest86.comPiston
piston.appSide by side
| Figure | MemTest86 | Piston |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $6.33/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 11 | 2 |
| Spec score · Hardware Diagnostic Software | 8.8 (#1) | 7.2 (#19) |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Sutherland, New South Wales, Australia |
| Purpose | MemTest86 boots from USB and tests computer RAM for faults using memory test algorithms and patterns. | Piston turns an Android mobile device into a car scanner for reading diagnostic trouble codes and Freeze Frame data. |
| Security | The maker says its Secure Boot binaries are signed and code integrity is verified by Microsoft. | The privacy policy says data sent to remote servers is encrypted and the app uses the Play Integrity API. |
| Support | Free users receive a public forum, while Pro and Site users receive phone, email and forum support plus 12 months of upgrades. | Support is available by email at [email protected]. |
Plans
MemTest86
- Pro Site Edition$5,557, paid once
- MemTest86 Pro Support Extension$76 a year
- Free EditionFree
- Free EditionFree
- Pro Support Extension$76 a year
- Pro Download$116, paid once
- Pro Download$116, paid once
- Pro USB Drive$144, paid once
- Pro USB Flash Drive$144, paid once
- Site Edition$5,557, paid once
In their own words
MemTest86
MemTest86 is a bootable utility that checks computer RAM for faults using memory test algorithms and patterns. It runs from a USB drive without an installed operating system, although Windows, Linux, or an Intel-based Mac can be used to create that drive. Version 11.7 requires UEFI firmware and x86 or ARM64 hardware, and does not support Apple Silicon M-series Macs. Its listed coverage includes 14 algorithms, such as SIMD, Row Hammer, and DMA tests, and support for DDR2, DDR3, LPDDR4, LPDDR5(x), ECC, CDIMM, and CAMM2 memory. It can create customizable HTML reports and, on supported configurations, decode an error address to identify a failed DIMM or chip. The Free Edition supports up to 16 CPU cores; Pro supports up to 512 and adds automation and custom tests. Site Edition adds PXE-based LAN deployment and Management Console integration. The Free Edition costs nothing; Pro Download costs $116, paid once.
Piston
Piston is an Android app that turns a phone into a scanner for vehicle diagnostics. It works with OBD-II and EOBD vehicles through a separate ELM327 adapter connected by Bluetooth or WiFi. The free plan costs nothing and includes reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes, viewing Freeze Frame data, and reading real-time sensor data. Access is limited to information the vehicle provides through OBD2. Premium adds sensor charts, CSV export, Readiness Monitors, fault history, cloud sync, and VIN reading. Some older vehicles may not support VIN readout. Piston uses Firebase services for crash reporting, monitoring, analytics, authentication, remote configuration, and cloud storage. Settings provide opt-outs for several data services, and account deletion permanently removes associated data.