# Metra Heise Connect vs DirectLoader

The clearest difference is rating: DirectLoader at 3.4 against Metra Heise Connect's 3.0. DirectLoader also leads on review sentiment (50% vs 40%). Metra Heise Connect's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 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.

DirectLoader holds the better App Store score, 3.4 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 5 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of Metra Heise Connect's written reviews are positive against 50% of DirectLoader's.

Metra Heise Connect ships an update monthly, DirectLoader every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Metra Heise Connect | DirectLoader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metra-heise-connect/id1659677714/reviews) | **[3.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directloader/id6449791353/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 28 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Metra Electronics Corp.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1133973919) | [VOXX Electronics Corp](https://appshunter.io/developer/1022024144) |

## What reviewers say

### Metra Heise Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metra-heise-connect/id1659677714)

Control Heise LED lighting products remotely from your smartphone or tablet. The app automatically detects lighting types and allows for group control of various products.

**Highlights:** Remote control for Heise LED lighting, Automatic lighting type detection (RGB, RGBW, Chasing), Group control of multiple products, Wireless streaming connection, Free to download

**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 Metra Heise Connect free?

Metra Heise Connect 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, Metra Heise Connect or DirectLoader?

DirectLoader is rated higher. Metra Heise Connect averages 3.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while DirectLoader averages 3.4 from 5 ratings.

### Do Metra Heise Connect or DirectLoader have ads?

Neither Metra Heise Connect nor DirectLoader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Metra Heise Connect or DirectLoader?

Metra Heise Connect ships an update monthly, and DirectLoader every 3 months. Most recently, Metra Heise Connect was updated on September 22, 2026 and DirectLoader on September 24, 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.*