Comparison

Viper SmartStart vs CL6

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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)

About

CL6

This system allows you to remotely control your vehicle's functions, including locking/unlocking doors, starting/stopping the engine, and locating your car. It requires a hardware purchase and professional installation, but offers convenient control via your smartphone or smartwatch.

Highlights
  • Remote engine start/stop
  • Keyless entry and trunk release
  • Vehicle GPS location
  • Security system arming/disarming
  • Customizable auxiliary functions
  • Push notifications for alerts
  • Apple Watch compatibility
Features
Read full description

CL6™ ------- HARDWARE PURCHASE REQUIRED FOR USAGE ------- CL6™ 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 CL6™ 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 CL6™ on your vehicle, a CL6™ device and compatible remote starter must be installed onto your vehicle. To find an authorized CL6™ 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 CL6™ 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 CL6™ 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 CL6™ 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 CL6™, 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 CL6, MyCar, Car Starter, Remote Starter, MyCar Controls, Vehicle Control, Car Access, Locate my car, Voxx SUPPORT URL http://www.carlink6.com/ © COPYRIGHT © Copyright CL6™   2020 Automobility Distribution Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Screenshots

Viper SmartStart4 screens
CL64 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Viper SmartStart at 4.6 against CL6's 3.0. Viper SmartStart also leads on ratings volume (8.1K vs 273) and review sentiment (62% vs 50%). CL6'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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Viper SmartStart holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Viper SmartStart has 8.1K ratings behind it against 273, 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 50% of CL6's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Viper SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, CL6 monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Viper SmartStart versus CL6: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterViper SmartStartCL6
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (8.1K ratings) — better3.0 (273 ratings)
Positive reviews62.3% of reviews — better49.5% of reviews
Number of ratings8.1K — better273
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple WatchiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch
Requires iOS14.09.3 — better
Further details — not scored
Size179 MB123 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperDirectedDistribution Automobilite Inc

Customer experience

Viper SmartStart

All ratings8,057 ratings
Positive92.8%
Neutral2.8%
Negative4.4%
Written reviews390 reviews
Positive62.3%
Neutral9.7%
Negative27.9%

CL6

All ratings273 ratings
Positive44.7%
Neutral11.7%
Negative43.6%
Written reviews101 reviews
Positive49.5%
Neutral17.8%
Negative32.7%

User reviews

Viper SmartStart

From 8.1K App Store ratings

What 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

CL6

From 273 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Reliable remote start
  • 👍 Convenient app features
  • 🔒 Secure access
  • 💡 Helpful GPS tracking
  • 🚗 Works with various vehicles

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent app crashes
  • 🔄 Slow refresh/connectivity issues
  • 🔋 Unreliable battery status
  • 🔒 Lack of security notifications
  • 🤖 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

CL6

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App not working after updates
  • Inconsistent lock/unlock status
  • GPS location not updating properly
  • Subscription renewal issues

Requested features

5 requests
  • Scheduled remote start
  • Integration with Siri/Google Assistant
  • Ability to open car location in maps
  • Apple Watch app
  • Customizable app interface

In-app purchases

None

Viper SmartStart

No in-app purchases

None

CL6

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Viper SmartStart free?
Viper SmartStart is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CL6 free?
CL6 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Viper SmartStart or CL6?
Viper SmartStart is rated higher. Viper SmartStart averages 4.6 out of 5 from 8.1K ratings, while CL6 averages 3.0 from 273 ratings.
Do Viper SmartStart or CL6 have ads?
Neither Viper SmartStart nor CL6 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Viper SmartStart or CL6?
Viper SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, and CL6 monthly. Most recently, Viper SmartStart was updated on September 21, 2026 and CL6 on September 18, 2026.

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