Ekey Smart Key vs DirectLoader
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Ekey Smart Key
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Ekey is a smart and reliable system that allows you to use your phone as your car key.
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
Ekey Smart Key and DirectLoader are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
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.
Ekey Smart Key ships an update every 4 months, DirectLoader every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Ekey Smart Key | DirectLoader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 3.4 (5 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 5 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 3 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 78 MB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Lightwavetechnology | VOXX Electronics Corp |
In-app purchases
Ekey Smart Key
No in-app purchases
DirectLoader
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Ekey Smart Key free?
Is DirectLoader free?
Do Ekey Smart Key or DirectLoader have ads?
Which is updated more often, Ekey Smart Key or DirectLoader?
Other comparisons
