# Viper SmartStart vs Author ID

The clearest difference is rating: Viper SmartStart at 4.6 against Author ID's 3.6. Viper SmartStart also leads on review sentiment (62% vs 22%) and ratings volume (8.1K vs 9). Author ID's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 14.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Viper SmartStart has 8.1K ratings behind it against 9, 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 22% of Author ID's.

Viper SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, Author ID every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Viper SmartStart | Author ID |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (8.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viper-smartstart/id333400981/reviews)** | [3.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/author-id/id1144594689/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8.1K** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | **62.3% of reviews** | 21.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 179 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Directed](https://appshunter.io/developer/329155615) | [AUTHOR-ALARM](https://appshunter.io/developer/1344731145) |

## What reviewers say

### Viper SmartStart

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viper-smartstart/id333400981)

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.

**Highlights:** Remote start, lock, and unlock, Vehicle location tracking, Real-time status updates, Safety notifications (speeding, geofencing), Trunk release, Apple Watch control, Roadside assistance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Years of reliable use
- 🔒 Secure and dependable
- 👍 Convenient remote start and control
- 👍 Helpful in cold/hot weather
- 👍 Easy to use app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

- App crashing on map view
- Persistent login issues
- Vehicle status not updating correctly
- Geofencing not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Siri/Shortcuts integration
- Customizable dashboard and widgets
- Automatic start/stop based on temperature
- Improved notification system


### Author ID

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/author-id/id1144594689)

Transform your smartphone into a key fob for your vehicle's anti-theft system. Easily activate and deactivate security features remotely. Compatible with specific models of AUTHOR Alarm systems.

**Highlights:** Use smartphone as key fob, Activate security system, Deactivate security system, Compatible with AUTHOR Alarm systems, Remote control for vehicle security

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Viper SmartStart free?

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

### Is Author ID free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Viper SmartStart or Author ID?

Viper SmartStart is rated higher. Viper SmartStart averages 4.6 out of 5 from 8.1K ratings, while Author ID averages 3.6 from 9 ratings.

### Do Viper SmartStart or Author ID have ads?

Neither Viper SmartStart nor Author ID shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Viper SmartStart or Author ID?

Viper SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, and Author ID every 7 months. Most recently, Viper SmartStart was updated on September 27, 2026 and Author ID on September 22, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*