# Scan vs DirectLoader

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Scan | DirectLoader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-lock-plus/id1273746211/reviews)** | [3.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directloader/id6449791353/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 5 | 5 |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 41 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Whelen Engineering Co.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1273746210) | [VOXX Electronics Corp](https://appshunter.io/developer/1022024144) |

## What reviewers say

### Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-lock-plus/id1273746211)

Easily manage Whelen flash patterns for compatible lightheads using your phone. Browse, test, and assign patterns wirelessly via Bluetooth with a required programmer.

**Highlights:** Browse and assign flash patterns, Test patterns up to 20 seconds, Access steady pattern option, Bluetooth connectivity, Supports compatible Whelen lightheads

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### DirectLoader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directloader/id6449791353)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Scan free?

Scan is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is DirectLoader free?

DirectLoader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Scan or DirectLoader?

Scan is rated higher. Scan averages 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while DirectLoader averages 3.4 from 5 ratings.

### Do Scan or DirectLoader have ads?

Neither Scan nor DirectLoader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Scan or DirectLoader?

Scan ships an update every 3 weeks, and DirectLoader every 3 months. Most recently, Scan was updated on September 23, 2026 and DirectLoader on October 10, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*