Scan vs DirectLoader
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Scan
Easily manage Whelen flash patterns for compatible lightheads using your phone. Browse, test, and assign patterns wirelessly via Bluetooth with a required programmer.
- Browse and assign flash patterns
- Test patterns up to 20 seconds
- Access steady pattern option
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Supports compatible Whelen lightheads
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Scan-Lock+ is the simplest way to change Whelen flash patterns. Designed for optimal convenience, Scan-Lock+ features an easy to use interface and utilizes a Bluetooth connection. Download the Scan-Lock+ app and browse, test, and assign Whelen flash patterns right from your phone. Key Features Scroll and Update Flash Patterns Using a Scan-Lock+ Programmer, pair any compatible Whelen lighthead with the Scan-Lock+ app and easily browse, test, and assign flash patterns. Test Flash Patterns Preview any flash pattern for up to 20 seconds. Easily Access the Steady Pattern Enable the steady option right from the top of the flash pattern list. Bluetooth Connectivity The Scan-Lock+ app communicates to a Scan-Lock+ Programmer via Bluetooth connection. Supported Whelen Lightheads Compatible with any Whelen lighthead that supports Scan-Lock+ or the original Scan-Lock. A Scan-Lock+ Programmer is required to use this app. See more at www.whelen.com/scanlockplus
DirectLoader
This app allows authorized installers to wirelessly flash and program select remote start and security systems. It provides access to vehicle wiring databases, installation guides, and technical updates for DIRECTED by VOXX products.
- Wireless flashing for DS4/DS4+ modules
- Wired/Wireless flashing for DBALL2, DB3, DS3/DS3+ modules
- Wired/Wireless 'Bitwriter' programming
- DirectWire vehicle wiring database access
- Installation guides and technical news
- SmartStart activation
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DirectLoader App – Wirelessly flash and program select DIRECTED by VOXX Remote Start & Security systems. “For Installers, By Installers” At DIRECTECHS, our motto is “For Installers, By Installers.” We are committed to supporting installation technicians with our decades of technical experience, unrivaled passion, and dedication to the industry. Note: This app is intended for use only by authorized DIRECTED by VOXX Dealers and Distributors. Login credentials are required to access DIRECTECHS resources, which include the DirectWire vehicle wiring and information database, installation guides, online training, tech tips, and much more. With the DirectLoader APP, along with the DLOADER4, you can flash and program our analog and digital products, including many legacy products, along with mobile access to the following features and functions: • Wirelessly flash DS4/DS4+ modules (DLOADER4 not required) • Wired/Wireless flashing for DBALL2, DB3, DS3/DS3+ modules (DLOADER4 required) • Wired/Wireless ‘Bitwriter’ programming for supported analog systems (DLOADER4 required) • DirectWire Access • Installation Guides • Technical News Alerts and ‘Vehicles Added’ updates • DIRECTED by VOXX SmartStart Activation
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Scan at 5.0 against DirectLoader's 3.4. Scan also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.6). 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.
Scan holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 5 respectively.
Scan ships an update every 3 weeks, DirectLoader every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Scan | DirectLoader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (5 ratings) — better | 3.4 (5 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 5 | 5 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 41 MB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Whelen Engineering Co. | VOXX Electronics Corp |
Customer experience
Scan
DirectLoader
In-app purchases
Scan
No in-app purchases
DirectLoader
No in-app purchases
