# Ekey Smart Key vs DirectLoader

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ekey Smart Key | DirectLoader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directloader/id6449791353/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **5** |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 78 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Lightwavetechnology](https://appshunter.io/developer/1180167110) | [VOXX Electronics Corp](https://appshunter.io/developer/1022024144) |

## What reviewers say

### Ekey Smart Key

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ekey-smart-key/id1546279214)

**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 Ekey Smart Key free?

Ekey Smart Key is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is DirectLoader free?

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

### Do Ekey Smart Key or DirectLoader have ads?

Neither Ekey Smart Key nor DirectLoader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ekey Smart Key or DirectLoader?

Ekey Smart Key ships an update every 4 months, and DirectLoader every 3 months. Most recently, Ekey Smart Key was updated on October 7, 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.*