Comparison

MyCar Controls vs Helix Launch

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

Head to head
About

MyCar Controls

This app allows you to remotely control your vehicle's functions, including starting and stopping the engine, locking and unlocking doors, and locating your car. It requires specific hardware to be installed in your vehicle and an internet connection for operation.

Highlights
  • Remote engine start/stop
  • Remote door lock/unlock
  • Vehicle GPS location
  • Trunk release
  • Motorized liftgate control
  • Security system arming/disarming
  • Customizable auxiliary functions
Features
Read full description

MYCAR™ ------- HARDWARE PURCHASE REQUIRED FOR USAGE ------- MYCAR™ is the fastest, easiest, most versatile and complete telematics system utilizing a smartphone solution to stay connected with your vehicle from anywhere in the world. Using the MYCAR™ app, you can control your vehicle doors (Lock/Unlock), remote start or Stop your engine and even find your current vehicle’s location. PROFESSIONNAL INSTALLATION REQUIRED In order to use MYCAR™ on your vehicle, a MYCAR™ device and compatible remote starter must be installed onto your vehicle. To find an authorized MYCAR™ retailer, visit https://mycarcontrols.com/find-a-dealer.html NOW COMPATIBLE WITH APPLE WATCH Control any of your vehicles securely. Remote Start/Stop your engine, control your vehicle doorlocks and GPS locate your vehicle from your Apple Watch using the MYCAR™ watch app. Download the smartphone app and the watch app will automatically download onto your Apple watch. For more details, please visit https://mycarcontrols.com/watch.html INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED In order to use the MYCAR™ App, it will require a connection to the internet via cellular or WiFi. KEY FEATURES • Remote start engine • Remote shutdown engine • Keyless entry access • Trunk release • Open/Close motorized liftgate (if equipped) • Factory or Aftermarket Security system Arming/Disarming • Up to 4 Customizable auxiliary functions • GPS position* • Push notifications for remote starter trouble codes • Push notifications for security alerts • Low battery condition alerts • Current vehicle status, Battery level and MyCar device signal strength *Instant locate feature included with basic plan. REMOTE STARTER COMPATIBILITY MYCAR™ is currently compatible with the following brands of remote starter and/or security systems: ADS • iDatastart HCx • iDatastart BMx • iDatastart BZx • iDatastart VWx ADS-AL-CA (adapter required) • AKX / OEM ASTROSTART • AF-D600 AUTOSTART • ASD200 • ASD600 COMPUSTAR • CM-7XXX • CM-6XXX • CM-900 • FT-xxx-DC • FT-DC2 • FT-DC3 CRIMESTOPPER • RS-00 • RSx-G5 • SP402 • SP502 DIRECTED • DBALL 2 • DB3 • 4X10 • 5X10 • DS4+ FORTIN • Evo-All • Evo-One MIDCITY ENGINEERING • All modules with Drone telematics port OMEGA • All modules with Blue telematics port POLARSTART • PRS-13 • PRS-16 VOXX • Flashlogic: All FLRS, FLRSBA, FLCMVW remote start modules • FLCAN (adapter required) • Prestige/Pursuit: All E model’s w/ telematics port (Except PRO9233E) • Code Alarm: CASECRS, CARS, CA4555, CA4055 & CA5055 NOTE: All Prestige/Pursuit/CodeAlarm systems must be updated to the latest firmware version (this will require the VOXX USB updating cable, Part# VEPROG) STANDALONE MODE Only Instant GPS locate function is active. All other functions are disabled. For more details on which product is compatible with MYCAR™, visit https://mycarcontrols.com/find-a-dealer.html APP OWNER’S GUIDE Please consult the "Help section" inside our App for a detailed Owners Guide. KEYWORDS MyCar, Car Starter, Remote Starter, MYCAR™, Vehicle Control, Car Access, Locate my car, Automobility SUPPORT URL https://www.mycarcontrols.com/support/ © COPYRIGHT © Copyright MYCAR™   2020 Automobility Distribution Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About

Helix Launch

Control your car remotely via Bluetooth with this app. Start, lock, unlock, and check vehicle status like temperature and battery. Advanced diagnostics are also available for compatible vehicles.

Highlights
  • Remote start, lock, unlock, trunk open
  • View vehicle data (battery, temp)
  • Access advanced diagnostics
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Smartphone control
Read full description

Take full control of your vehicle from your smartphone with Helix Launch — the companion app for your BLE-enabled iDatastart remote starter system. With Helix Launch, you can: • Start, lock, unlock, and open the trunk remotely • View key vehicle data, including battery voltage and cabin temperature • Access advanced diagnostics (when supported) like fuel level, odometer, and tire pressure Bluetooth connectivity means no subscription fees — but also means control is limited to Bluetooth range (typically within 30–50 feet of the vehicle). Designed for convenience and peace of mind, Helix Launch puts the power of your vehicle at your fingertips. Note: Features may vary based on vehicle compatibility and system configuration.

Screenshots

MyCar Controls4 screens
Helix Launch2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: MyCar Controls at 33% against Helix Launch's 0%. MyCar Controls also leads on iOS requirement (9.3 vs 16.6). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MyCar Controls ships an update monthly, Helix Launch every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
MyCar Controls versus Helix Launch: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMyCar ControlsHelix Launch
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.8 (119 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings119 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS9.3 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size119 MB38 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperAutomobility DistributionAutomotive Data Solutions Inc

Customer experience

MyCar Controls

All ratings119 ratings
Positive41.2%
Neutral5.9%
Negative52.9%
Written reviews123 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral3.3%
Negative63.4%

Helix Launch

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Bugs and requests

MyCar Controls

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashes after recent update
  • Subscription renewal problems
  • Inconsistent remote start functionality

Requested features

3 requests
  • Apple Watch app integration
  • Siri/Shortcuts support
  • Customizable app interface

Helix Launch

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

MyCar Controls

No in-app purchases

None

Helix Launch

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MyCar Controls free?
MyCar Controls is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Helix Launch free?
Helix Launch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MyCar Controls or Helix Launch have ads?
Neither MyCar Controls nor Helix Launch shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MyCar Controls or Helix Launch?
MyCar Controls ships an update monthly, and Helix Launch every 2 months. Most recently, MyCar Controls was updated on October 21, 2026 and Helix Launch on October 8, 2026.

Other comparisons