Comparison

SmartControls vs Artika

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

Head to head
About

SmartControls

This app allows you to remotely control your vehicle's starter system, lock/unlock doors, and receive security alerts. It requires a specific hardware add-on and professional installation to function.

Highlights
  • Remote engine start/stop
  • Keyless entry and trunk release
  • Security system arming/disarming
  • Push notifications for alerts
  • Up to 1.5 miles operating range
  • Multi-vehicle operation
Features
Read full description

Connected SmartControl™ ------- HARDWARE PURCHASE REQUIRED FOR USAGE ------- Connected SmartControl™ is the fastest, easiest, most versatile and complete remote starter Add-on Smart Antenna and Remote Control system utilizing a smartphone solution to stay connected with your vehicle with up to 1.5 miles of operating range. Using the Connected SmartControl™ app, you can control your vehicle doors (Lock/Unlock), remote Start or Stop your engine and more. PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION REQUIRED In order to use Connected SmartControl™ on your vehicle, a Connected SmartControl™ device and compatible remote starter must be installed onto your vehicle. To find an authorized Connected SmartControl™ retailer, visit https://connectedremotestart.com/find-a-dealer.html KEY FEATURES • No monthly fees • 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 • Push notifications for security alerts • System Bluetooth connection status • Real-time smartphone interaction • Intuitive user display • Alarm notification with zones identification • True runtime display • Environment temperature • Vehicle and transmitter battery level indicator • Multi vehicle operation • True 2-way communication™ powered by LoRa technology™ • BLE Direct Connect pair up to 4 smartphones directly to the antenna REMOTE STARTER COMPATIBILITY Connected SmartControl™ 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 • 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 VOXX • Flashlogic: All FLRS remote start modules • FLCAN • 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) For more details on which product is compatible with Connected SmartControl™, visit https://connectedremotestart.com/find-a-dealer.html APP OWNER’S GUIDE Please consult the Help section of the App for detailed Owners Guide. KEYWORDS Connected, SmartControl, Car Starter, Remote Starter, Vehicle Control, Car Access, Automobility SUPPORT URL https://www.connectedremotestart.com/sc1/ © COPYRIGHT © Copyright Connected SmartControl™ 2019 Lightwave Technology Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About

Artika

Effortlessly connect, automate, and manage all your smart devices from a single, intuitive application. Create custom scenes, schedule device actions based on various triggers, and enjoy voice control integration. Share device access easily with family members for a truly connected home experience.

Highlights
  • Connect and manage smart devices
  • Create custom scenes and schedules
  • Voice control integration (Amazon Echo, Google Home)
  • Geolocation and time-based automation
  • Widget for quick access
  • Easy device sharing
Read full description

Artika Smart You’ve updated your home with smart devices. Now the fun truly begins, and the Artika app makes it simple. With one easy-to-use app you can connect, automate and manage all your Artika smart devices - from anywhere, any time. Your home, your way The Artika app puts you in control. Group devices together by room or zone. Create scenes that welcome you home, set the ambiance for movie night, or put the house to sleep at bedtime. Schedule your devices to turn on/off based on temperature, geolocation and time. Compatible with Amazon Echo and Google Home voice control, it can be as simple as saying it. With the widget feature, no need to unlock your phone to control your devices or your favorite scenarios, a swipe of the finger and a click will suffice. What’s more, the app is free and enables easy device sharing among family members. So, go ahead, you’re an app tap away from your perfect home setting.

Screenshots

SmartControls4 screens
Artika4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Artika at 4.4 against SmartControls's 2.6. Artika also leads on ratings volume (45 vs 5) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). SmartControls's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 15 months). On price, review sentiment, 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Artika holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Artika has 45 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 43% of SmartControls's written reviews are positive against 45% of Artika's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SmartControls ships an update monthly, Artika every 15 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
SmartControls versus Artika: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmartControlsArtika
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.6 (5 ratings)4.4 (45 ratings) — better
Positive reviews42.9% of reviews45.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings545 — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 15 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size170 MB205 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLightwavetechnologyArtika for Living Inc.

Customer experience

SmartControls

All ratings5 ratings
Positive40.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative60.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive42.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative57.1%

Artika

All ratings45 ratings
Positive82.2%
Neutral6.7%
Negative11.1%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive45.5%
Neutral9.1%
Negative45.5%

In-app purchases

None

SmartControls

No in-app purchases

None

Artika

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SmartControls free?
SmartControls is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Artika free?
Artika is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SmartControls or Artika?
Artika is rated higher. SmartControls averages 2.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Artika averages 4.4 from 45 ratings.
Do SmartControls or Artika have ads?
Neither SmartControls nor Artika shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SmartControls or Artika?
SmartControls ships an update monthly, and Artika every 15 months. Most recently, SmartControls was updated on October 7, 2026 and Artika on October 1, 2026.

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