SmartControls vs CN Express Pass
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
CN Express Pass
This app connects intermodal customers and employees to daily business information. It allows drivers to plan terminal check-ins and check-outs in advance, saving time and boosting productivity. Users can also access productivity tips, safety information, and facts about specific terminals.
- Advance terminal check-in
- Asset availability updates
- Fast gate entry
- Electronic gate slip
- Bad order reporting
- Productivity and safety tips
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CN Express Pass Application provides Intermodal customers and employees means to stay connected with day to day business information. This application allows drivers to plan check in and check out to CN terminals in advance, thus saving time and increasing productivity. The application will not only provide options to plan trips to the terminal but also help customers make most out of the visits. Users can receive tips on productivity and safety and learn important facts about the CN terminals they are visiting. Please find some features of the application below: 1. Create check-in much before actual visit to the terminal and stay updated about important information about your asset availabilities 2. Clean and fast gate entry process and electronic gate slip 3. Bad order reporting and other features enhancing the experience within the terminal
Screenshots
Verdict
SmartControls and CN Express Pass both sit at 2.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 43% of SmartControls's written reviews are positive against 3% of CN Express Pass's. CN Express Pass's advantage is ratings volume (30 vs 5). On price, rating, update cadence and ads 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 2.6 for SmartControls against 2.5 for CN Express Pass. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CN Express Pass has 30 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 43% of SmartControls's written reviews are positive against 3% of CN Express Pass's.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SmartControls | CN Express Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.6 (5 ratings) — better | 2.5 (30 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 42.9% of reviews — better | 3.1% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 5 | 30 — better |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 170 MB | 36 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lightwavetechnology | Canadian National Railway Company |
Customer experience
SmartControls
CN Express Pass
Bugs and requests
SmartControls
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
CN Express Pass
Reported bugs
40 issues- App not working after update
- Login issues (username/password incorrect, cannot log in)
- App crashes or freezes
- Slow loading times
- Cannot enter empty containers
Show 35 moreShow fewer
- Loads not accepted
- App does not update load status
- Navigation elements (menu, back arrow, X) not working
- Date and time input errors
- Cannot log in for mandatory training
- Cannot enter chassis number
- Buckslip not opening
- Incorrect chassis status (good order vs. bad order)
- Cannot create visits (+ sign not illuminated)
- Cannot find rail car assignment
- Cannot add empty return to yard
- Cannot locate equipment in yard
- App logs out due to inactivity
- Face recognition is useless
- Cannot send tickets via email or text
- Cannot use QR scan or enter number
- Errors causing long waits
- App is unresponsive
- System crashes
- Does not give locations
- Too many error screens
- App stops working most of the time
- Key to start entering information won't work
- Long lineups at gates due to app issues
- UI looks good but functionality is bad
- Cannot create a visit
- App works when it wants to
- Errors preventing entry
- Record not found errors
- Cannot search up a location
- Does not show location to unit
- Does not show if unit is on train
- App breaks down every single day
- Always saying something went wrong
- Does not have reminder of password / keeps logging out
Requested features
17 requests- QR code scan or number entry for check-in
- Location map feature
- Ability to update driver's license/home state
- Ability to delete account and start over
- Fix date and time input errors
Show 12 moreShow fewer
- Improve app speed and reduce slowness
- Make app more user-friendly and less complicated
- Bring back the old app (Modal Pass)
- Allow entering empty container information
- Allow entering chassis number for pickups
- Fix login issues and password problems
- Allow sending tickets via email or text
- Improve rail car assignment visibility
- Allow empty return to yard to be added in app
- Fix issues with navigating and finding container locations
- Implement a dark mode option
- Allow users to update mandatory training without login issues
In-app purchases
SmartControls
No in-app purchases
CN Express Pass
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is SmartControls free?
Is CN Express Pass free?
Which has better reviews, SmartControls or CN Express Pass?
Do SmartControls or CN Express Pass have ads?
Which is updated more often, SmartControls or CN Express Pass?
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