Comparison

MyCar Controls vs DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO

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
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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

DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO

Read full description

Start, control, and locate your car from virtually anywhere with your iPhone! “Making the cloud-connected car a reality.” - Edmunds.com "Without a doubt, one of the coolest apps I've ever seen." - GIZMODO With the release of the all-new VIPER SMARTSTART PRO app, connecting with and controlling your vehicles is easier and more powerful than ever. Send commands, track your vehicle's location in real time, and monitor key status updates right from the integrated control screen, complete with light and dark mode support and seamless vehicle personalization in the Garage. New Features: • Trip Review & Route Tracking: Access detailed logs of your trips and view routes directly on an interactive map to easily monitor where your vehicle has traveled. (Requires a qualifying service plan). • Direct DS4 Bluetooth (BLE) Support: Enjoy direct local control of your DS4 system over Bluetooth. Lock, unlock, remote start, and control up to two custom AUX functions without relying solely on cellular networks. - Add VIPER SMARTSTART PRO GPS to any compatible VIPER remote start or security system in your car, and you can start, lock, and unlock your car from virtually anywhere. You can also locate your car, share its location with your friends or family, and get safety notifications if your VIPER SMARTSTART PRO monitored car is speeding or goes where it's not supposed to go. - For the ultimate connected car experience, use your VIPER SMARTSTART PRO as part of a complete VIPER Digital System, and you’ll also get engine runtime and other real-time status info right on the app dashboard. Even if a thief opens your vehicle using a cloned factory fob, you can get alerted immediately while the VIPER security system sounds the alarm and prevents unauthorized vehicle starting. - VIPER SMARTSTART PRO comes with a free 30-day GPS trial so you can check out the cool features right away. You can have Basic 1-way service free for the first year, step up to Secure service to get 2-way control confirmations, or add GPS or Small Fleet & Family plans for the ultimate in car control and monitoring. The simple, uncluttered new control screen design for VIPER SMARTSTART PRO gives you quick, fingertip control over the following features of your installed VIPER remote start or security/remote start system: - Lock/arm - Unlock/disarm - Remote car starter - Trunk release - Panic - Aux channels - View current status, including cabin temperature, lock status, remote start runtime, and more at a single glance Follow these three simple steps to get VIPER SMARTSTART PRO: 1) Download the free VIPER SMARTSTART PRO app 2) Get a VIPER SMARTSTART PRO system installed in your vehicle 3) Set up your account and start using your VIPER SMARTSTART PRO system Key features: - Real-time status on your favorite dashboard! Check the remote start runtime or whether your doors are locked, and more instantly just by opening the app! (digital systems only) - Monitor vehicle data such as battery voltage, odometer, and fuel level in the extended Vehicle Status tab (requires a digital system; some features may not be supported on all vehicles) - Map page integrates GPS and SmartPark features seamlessly – locate your vehicle, or track down where you parked (live vehicle location requires GPS or Small Fleet & Family GPS plan) - Manage notifications: Each user can select how they want to receive alerts or other notifications. Select push notification, email, or SMS as desired (SMS alerts may not be available outside North America)

Screenshots

MyCar Controls4 screens
DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: MyCar Controls at monthly against DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO's every 8 months. MyCar Controls also leads on iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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, DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
MyCar Controls versus DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMyCar ControlsDIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.8 (119 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings119 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 8 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS9.3 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size119 MB27 MB
Age rating17+12+
DeveloperAutomobility DistributionVOXX Electronics Corp

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

DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

MyCar Controls

No in-app purchases

None

DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MyCar Controls free?
MyCar Controls is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO free?
DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MyCar Controls or DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO have ads?
Neither MyCar Controls nor DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MyCar Controls or DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO?
MyCar Controls ships an update monthly, and DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO every 8 months. Most recently, MyCar Controls was updated on October 21, 2026 and DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO on October 24, 2026.

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