Comparison

SmartControls vs Direct Energy Canada

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

Direct Energy Canada

Manage your energy account securely and conveniently on the go. Track usage, make payments, receive real-time notifications, and access rewards. Discover energy plans and simplify your energy management.

Highlights
  • Secure biometric login
  • Self-serve payment and billing
  • Real-time account notifications
  • Energy usage tracking
  • Personalized energy-saving insights
  • Rewards program access
  • Refer a friend program
Features
Read full description

Take charge of your energy, your way—anytime, anywhere. The Direct Energy Canada app puts the power in your hands with a seamless, secure and more direct way to manage your energy account on the go. Whether you're a Direct Energy or Direct Energy Regulated Services customer, the app offers a mobile-first experience designed to make energy management easier, faster and more transparent. Both Direct Energy Regulated Services and Direct Energy customers have access to these essential features to manage their account: ∙ Quick and secure login – Use biometric login (face or fingerprint ID) for fast, safe access. ∙ Self-serve payment options – Make payments and manage your billing info with ease. ∙ Real-time notifications – Get alerts for upcoming bills, important account updates, expiring payment methods and more. If you're a Direct Energy customer, you’ll get to enjoy full access to enhanced app features which are designed to help you save energy, stay informed and get rewarded: ∙ Track energy usage – View your electricity and natural gas consumption with interactive graphs and monthly comparisons. ∙ Smart usage insights – Get personalized suggestions based on your usage to reduce seasonal energy consumption and lower your bills. ∙ My Rewards hub – Track your rewards progress and unlock perks just by using the app. ∙ Refer a Friend program – Invite friends and earn rewards when they sign up with Direct Energy. ∙ Self-serve tools – Update payment methods, renew plans and manage your account without the need to call in. No matter which type of customer you are, the Direct Energy Canada app makes your energy experience easier and more convenient, right from your phone. New to Alberta or thinking of switching energy providers? Discover exclusive energy plans in the app and unlock the full Direct Energy app experience. Download today and experience energy made effortless. Customers are free to purchase natural gas services or electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310-4822 (toll free in Alberta).

Screenshots

SmartControls4 screens
Direct Energy Canada4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Direct Energy Canada at 5.0 against SmartControls's 2.6. Direct Energy Canada also leads on review sentiment (57% vs 43%). SmartControls's advantage is ratings volume (5 vs 1). 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Direct Energy Canada holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SmartControls has 5 ratings behind it against 1, 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 57% of Direct Energy Canada's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 5, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
SmartControls versus Direct Energy Canada: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmartControlsDirect Energy Canada
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.6 (5 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews42.9% of reviews57.1% of reviews — better
Number of ratings5 — better1
Update frequencyMonthlyMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size170 MB116 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLightwavetechnologyDirect Energy, LP

Customer experience

SmartControls

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

Direct Energy Canada

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive57.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative42.9%

In-app purchases

None

SmartControls

No in-app purchases

None

Direct Energy Canada

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SmartControls free?
SmartControls is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Direct Energy Canada free?
Direct Energy Canada is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SmartControls or Direct Energy Canada?
Direct Energy Canada is rated higher. SmartControls averages 2.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Direct Energy Canada averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do SmartControls or Direct Energy Canada have ads?
Neither SmartControls nor Direct Energy Canada shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SmartControls or Direct Energy Canada?
SmartControls ships an update monthly, and Direct Energy Canada monthly. Most recently, SmartControls was updated on September 5, 2026 and Direct Energy Canada on September 21, 2026.

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