SmartControls vs Bus Status
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.
Bus Status
This app allows parents to track their school district's buses and receive real-time updates on cancellations, delays, or early arrivals. Users can select specific buses to follow and get push notifications for important changes.
- Follow specific school buses
- Receive push notifications
- Track cancellations
- Monitor delays
- Get early arrival alerts
- District-verified accuracy
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Bus Status 4 enables parents to stay up to date on their school district's buses. Choose which buses to follow, and receive push notifications when a favourited bus is cancelled, delayed, or early! The accuracy of all bus information is ensured by each subscribing district.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: SmartControls at 2.6 against Bus Status's 1.8. SmartControls also leads on review sentiment (43% vs 11%) and update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months). On price, ratings volume, 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
SmartControls holds the better App Store score, 2.6 against 1.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 12 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 43% of SmartControls's written reviews are positive against 11% of Bus Status's.
SmartControls ships an update monthly, Bus Status every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 5, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SmartControls | Bus Status |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.6 (5 ratings) — better | 1.8 (12 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 42.9% of reviews — better | 11.1% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 5 | 12 — better |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 4 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 170 MB | 19 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lightwavetechnology | Box Clever |
Customer experience
SmartControls
Bus Status
In-app purchases
SmartControls
No in-app purchases
Bus Status
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is SmartControls free?
Is Bus Status free?
Which has better reviews, SmartControls or Bus Status?
Do SmartControls or Bus Status have ads?
Which is updated more often, SmartControls or Bus Status?
Other comparisons
