Viper SmartStart vs MyCar Controls
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Viper SmartStart
Control your car remotely from your smartphone or smartwatch. Start, lock, unlock, and locate your vehicle from anywhere. Receive real-time status updates and safety notifications.
- Remote start, lock, and unlock
- Vehicle location tracking
- Real-time status updates
- Safety notifications (speeding, geofencing)
- Trunk release
- Apple Watch control
- Roadside assistance
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Start, locate and control your car from virtually anywhere with your iPhone or Apple watch! "Making the cloud-connected car a reality" - Edmunds.com "Without a doubt, one of the coolest apps I've ever seen" - GIZMODO With the release of its all-new 5th generation Viper SmartStart app, connecting with and controlling your vehicle is easier than ever – including real time status via the updated dashboards, and control via your Apple watch! - Add a Viper SmartStart GPS module to the Viper remote start or security system in your car so you can start, lock and unlock your car from virtually anywhere. You can also locate your car, share its location with your friends or family, and get safety notifications if your Viper SmartStart-protected car is speeding or goes where it's not supposed to go. - For the ultimate connected car experience, install a complete Viper SmartStart Digital System and you’ll also get engine runtime and real time status on your choice of app dashboard. Get notified if your vehicle sets a diagnostic code, or check your fuel, battery, or odometer right in the app! - All 4G LTE GPS modules come with a free 30-day GPS trial so you can check out the cool features right away, and there’s even an option for a year of free Basic service. Step up to Secure service to get 2-way control confirmations or add GPS or Small Fleet & Family for the ultimate in car control and monitoring along with extended warranty and theft protection. The sleek, modern dashboards of Viper SmartStart 5.3 mobile app give you fingertip control over the following features of your installed Viper remote start or security/remote start system: - Lock/arm - Unlock/disarm - Remote car starter - Trunk release - Panic - Aux channels Follow these three simple steps to get Viper SmartStart: 1) Download the free Viper SmartStart app 2) Get a SmartStart system installed in your vehicle 3) Set up your account, and start using your SmartStart system Viper SmartStart also includes Viper Motor Club, providing convenient 24/7 access to our nationwide roadside assistance network. Just press a button in the app to get connected for towing due to breakdown or accidents, or assistance with a dead battery or flat tire. Member roadside assistance is free with Secure or higher level service plans and pre-registration. Even if you don’t sign up, you can use the guest program for the same great service at a fixed cost. Latest features: - Real time status on your favorite dashboard! Check the remote start runtime or whether your doors are locked and more instantly just by opening the app! (digital systems only) - Monitor the battery, odometer, and fuel level in the extended Status page (requires a digital system, some features may not be supported on all vehicles) - Convenient widget for one-touch command execution without needing to open the app first - Start, lock, unlock or locate your car using your Apple watch, or send other commands - Receive alert notifications on your phone and Apple watch - Four user-selectable dashboards and launch page settings – now you can customize the app for the way you use it - Modern dashboard "swipe up to start" feature eliminates accidental remote start commands - Map page integrates GPS and SmartPark features seamlessly – locate your vehicle, or track down where you parked - Manage notifications: Each user can select how they want to receive alerts or other notifications. Choose from push alerts with custom sound effects, email, or SMS (SMS alerts may not be available outside North America)
MyCar Controls
This app allows you to remotely control your vehicle's functions, including starting and stopping the engine, locking and unlocking doors, and locating your car. It requires specific hardware to be installed in your vehicle and an internet connection for operation.
- Remote engine start/stop
- Remote door lock/unlock
- Vehicle GPS location
- Trunk release
- Motorized liftgate control
- Security system arming/disarming
- Customizable auxiliary functions
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MYCAR™ ------- HARDWARE PURCHASE REQUIRED FOR USAGE ------- MYCAR™ is the fastest, easiest, most versatile and complete telematics system utilizing a smartphone solution to stay connected with your vehicle from anywhere in the world. Using the MYCAR™ app, you can control your vehicle doors (Lock/Unlock), remote start or Stop your engine and even find your current vehicle’s location. PROFESSIONNAL INSTALLATION REQUIRED In order to use MYCAR™ on your vehicle, a MYCAR™ device and compatible remote starter must be installed onto your vehicle. To find an authorized MYCAR™ retailer, visit https://mycarcontrols.com/find-a-dealer.html NOW COMPATIBLE WITH APPLE WATCH Control any of your vehicles securely. Remote Start/Stop your engine, control your vehicle doorlocks and GPS locate your vehicle from your Apple Watch using the MYCAR™ watch app. Download the smartphone app and the watch app will automatically download onto your Apple watch. For more details, please visit https://mycarcontrols.com/watch.html INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED In order to use the MYCAR™ App, it will require a connection to the internet via cellular or WiFi. KEY FEATURES • Remote start engine • Remote shutdown engine • Keyless entry access • Trunk release • Open/Close motorized liftgate (if equipped) • Factory or Aftermarket Security system Arming/Disarming • Up to 4 Customizable auxiliary functions • GPS position* • Push notifications for remote starter trouble codes • Push notifications for security alerts • Low battery condition alerts • Current vehicle status, Battery level and MyCar device signal strength *Instant locate feature included with basic plan. REMOTE STARTER COMPATIBILITY MYCAR™ is currently compatible with the following brands of remote starter and/or security systems: ADS • iDatastart HCx • iDatastart BMx • iDatastart BZx • iDatastart VWx ADS-AL-CA (adapter required) • AKX / OEM ASTROSTART • AF-D600 AUTOSTART • ASD200 • ASD600 COMPUSTAR • CM-7XXX • CM-6XXX • CM-900 • FT-xxx-DC • FT-DC2 • FT-DC3 CRIMESTOPPER • RS-00 • RSx-G5 • SP402 • SP502 DIRECTED • DBALL 2 • DB3 • 4X10 • 5X10 • DS4+ FORTIN • Evo-All • Evo-One MIDCITY ENGINEERING • All modules with Drone telematics port OMEGA • All modules with Blue telematics port POLARSTART • PRS-13 • PRS-16 VOXX • Flashlogic: All FLRS, FLRSBA, FLCMVW remote start modules • FLCAN (adapter required) • Prestige/Pursuit: All E model’s w/ telematics port (Except PRO9233E) • Code Alarm: CASECRS, CARS, CA4555, CA4055 & CA5055 NOTE: All Prestige/Pursuit/CodeAlarm systems must be updated to the latest firmware version (this will require the VOXX USB updating cable, Part# VEPROG) STANDALONE MODE Only Instant GPS locate function is active. All other functions are disabled. For more details on which product is compatible with MYCAR™, visit https://mycarcontrols.com/find-a-dealer.html APP OWNER’S GUIDE Please consult the "Help section" inside our App for a detailed Owners Guide. KEYWORDS MyCar, Car Starter, Remote Starter, MYCAR™, Vehicle Control, Car Access, Locate my car, Automobility SUPPORT URL https://www.mycarcontrols.com/support/ © COPYRIGHT © Copyright MYCAR™ 2020 Automobility Distribution Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Viper SmartStart at 4.6 against MyCar Controls's 2.8. Viper SmartStart also leads on review sentiment (62% vs 33%) and ratings volume (8.1K vs 117). MyCar Controls's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Viper SmartStart holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Viper SmartStart has 8.1K ratings behind it against 117, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 62% of Viper SmartStart's written reviews are positive against 33% of MyCar Controls's.
Viper SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, MyCar Controls monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Viper SmartStart | MyCar Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (8.1K ratings) — better | 2.8 (117 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 62.3% of reviews — better | 33.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 8.1K — better | 117 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 9.3 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 179 MB | 118 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Directed | Distribution Automobilite Inc |
Customer experience
Viper SmartStart
MyCar Controls
User reviews
Viper SmartStart
From 8.1K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Years of reliable use
- 🔒 Secure and dependable
- 👍 Convenient remote start and control
- 👍 Helpful in cold/hot weather
- 👍 Easy to use app
Room to improve
- 🐛 Connectivity issues and unreliable performance
- 🐛 Frequent disconnects and errors
- 🐛 Buggy app with crashes and glitches
- 🔋 Battery drain on phone
- 🤔 Lacking key features like temperature monitoring
MyCar Controls
From 117 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Works great
- 🔒 Secure remote access
- 💡 Useful features like GPS location and battery status
Room to improve
- 🐛 Frequent connectivity issues
- 🔋 Unreliable in cold weather
- 🤯 Poor customer support
Bugs and requests
Viper SmartStart
Reported bugs
4 issues- App crashing on map view
- Persistent login issues
- Vehicle status not updating correctly
- Geofencing not working as expected
Requested features
4 requests- Siri/Shortcuts integration
- Customizable dashboard and widgets
- Automatic start/stop based on temperature
- Improved notification system
MyCar Controls
Reported bugs
3 issues- App crashes after recent update
- Subscription renewal problems
- Inconsistent remote start functionality
Requested features
3 requests- Apple Watch app integration
- Siri/Shortcuts support
- Customizable app interface
In-app purchases
Viper SmartStart
No in-app purchases
MyCar Controls
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Viper SmartStart free?
Is MyCar Controls free?
Which has better reviews, Viper SmartStart or MyCar Controls?
Do Viper SmartStart or MyCar Controls have ads?
Which is updated more often, Viper SmartStart or MyCar Controls?
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