Comparison

MyVoltControl vs VgateFwUpdater

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MyVoltControl

Enhance your Chevrolet Volt or Bolt experience with advanced control features. This app allows you to manage vehicle modes, monitor performance, and access diagnostic information, requiring an OBD adapter for full functionality.

Highlights
  • Vehicle information pages
  • Simulated Hold mode for ICE management
  • Engine run and off control
  • Reset lifetime fuel economy
  • EV and ICE travel distance calculation
  • Diagnostic trouble code access
Read full description

MyVoltControl is designed specifically for the Chevrolet Volt (and related models), and the Chevrolet Bolt. ("Related models" include the Cadillac ELR, Cadillac CT6, Opel Ampera, Holden Volt, Opel Ampera-e.) MyVoltControl requires the use of an OBD adapter that complies with the ELM327 specification (most do). You can use either: - an OBDLink MX+ OBD adapter (preferred) - an OBDLink MX-WiFi OBD adapter - a Bluetooth-Low-Energy (aka Bluetooth 4) OBD adapter. (Classic bluetooth adapters are not supported by iOS.) - a generic WiFi OBD adapter will work in most cases (but is not recommended). If you need to buy an adapter, or to see a list of some that aren't ELM327 compatible, refer to the information in our FAQ page at http://www.CraftinDeApps.com/FAQ#MVC These adapters plug into the OBD-II port under the left side of your dash. The App itself is free. Use of the functions described below requires one-time in-app purchases to enable each one that you want to use. MyVoltControl consolidates four functions, long available for other phones, and makes them available for the iPhone and iPad. In addition, the last one is unique to this app. These are known as: -->> MyVoltHold -->> MyVoltLifetime -->> MyVoltDiag -->> MyVoltAfterblow -->> MyVolt12v -->> The Volt Hold function does four things. - First, at the top, it has several "information pages" that you can switch between to see information about your car. These are shown in the photos above. - Second, it allows you to turn on a "Hold" mode which approximates the Hold mode built into the car beginning with the 2013 model. This Hold mode turns on the internal combustion engine (ICE) as needed to try to maintain a State of Charge value that is close to the charge that was present when you turned the mode on. So why, you may ask, would I want that function on a newer car. Very simple really. Since Sport mode and Hold mode are mutually exclusive, this function allows you to use the car Mode button to engage Sport mode, while using the Hold function in this App to achieve Hold mode at the same time! Hold mode can also be automatically engaged based on several factors. - Next, it allows you to ask the car to run the internal combustion engine. You can use this to get heat from the engine on a cold morning, or to manually simulate your own Hold mode if you prefer. - Finally, you can also use this function to force the ICE off, which you might want to do if the ICE is running due to low temperature (done for driver comfort). The Volt Hold function is not available (and would serve no purpose) on the Chevrolet Bolt models. -->> The Volt Lifetime function allows you to reset the lifetime fuel economy value ("Lifetime MPG" or "Lifetime L/100km") value for your car. You will find this useful if you've purchased a car which has recorded the previous owner's fuel economy results. You can also use this to calculate the distance travelled in both EV mode and on the ICE by entering the Lifetime Economy number shown on your dash. The Volt Lifetime function is not available (and would serve no purpose) on the Chevrolet Bolt models. -->> The Volt Diag function allows you to run some tests on your high-voltage (traction) battery. -->> The Volt Afterblow function allows you to control a system that GM added to your car to dry out the A/C vents. This system is OFF by default and the Volt Afterblow function allows you to turn it on (or back off). This app function is not available for 2013 model year cars. - You can use the Volt Afterblow feature ONLY if you are using an OBD adapter which supports the SWCAN (aka GMLAN) bus. It must also support the "ST" command set (in addition to the common "AT" command set). Very few adapters offer this support. The known to be good and recommended adapters for this are the OBDLink MX+ or the OBDLink MX-Wifi adapters. -->> The Volt 12v function displays graphs showing the values of voltage and current on your 12 volt battery.

About

VgateFwUpdater

This utility tool allows users to upgrade the firmware for various compatible automotive diagnostic chips. It supports a range of specific chip models, ensuring optimal performance and functionality of your devices.

Highlights
  • Firmware upgrades
  • Supports Icar01, Icar03, MIC3311, MIC3312, MIC3313, MIC3422, MIC1103, MIC3425 chips
  • Ensures optimal device performance
  • Easy-to-use upgrade tool
Features
Read full description

VgateFwUpdater is an upgrade tool that can upgrade the firmware of Icar01(iCar 1/2/3), Icar03(iCar Pro), MIC3311(vLinker BM), MIC3312(vLinker FD), MIC3313(vLinker MC), MIC3422(vLinker FS), MIC1103(iCarPro 2S) and MIC3425(vLinker MS) chips.

Screenshots

MyVoltControl4 screens
VgateFwUpdater4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: MyVoltControl at 4.1 against VgateFwUpdater's 2.5. MyVoltControl also leads on review sentiment (50% vs 32%). VgateFwUpdater's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. MyVoltControl sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. VgateFwUpdater asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MyVoltControl holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 2.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 46 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of MyVoltControl's written reviews are positive against 32% of VgateFwUpdater's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MyVoltControl ships an update every 5 weeks, VgateFwUpdater every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
MyVoltControl versus VgateFwUpdater: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMyVoltControlVgateFwUpdater
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (18 ratings) — better2.5 (46 ratings)
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews — better31.6% of reviews
Number of ratings1846 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size20 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCraftin De Apps LLC昌云 沈

Customer experience

MyVoltControl

All ratings16 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral12.5%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral7.1%
Negative42.9%

VgateFwUpdater

All ratings41 ratings
Positive36.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative63.4%
Written reviews38 reviews
Positive31.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative68.4%

In-app purchases

5 purchases

MyVoltControl

One-time5
  • Volt Hold Function$0.99
  • Volt Lifetime Function$1.99
  • Volt Diag Function$1.99
Show 2 more
  • Volt 12v Function.$1.99
  • Volt Afterblow Function$2.99
None

VgateFwUpdater

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MyVoltControl free?
MyVoltControl is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is VgateFwUpdater free?
VgateFwUpdater is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, MyVoltControl or VgateFwUpdater?
MyVoltControl is rated higher. MyVoltControl averages 4.1 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while VgateFwUpdater averages 2.5 from 46 ratings.
Do MyVoltControl or VgateFwUpdater have ads?
Neither MyVoltControl nor VgateFwUpdater shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MyVoltControl or VgateFwUpdater?
MyVoltControl ships an update every 5 weeks, and VgateFwUpdater every 2 months. Most recently, MyVoltControl was updated on November 3, 2026 and VgateFwUpdater on November 7, 2026.

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