# Viper SmartStart vs CL6

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.

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 3.0. 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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Viper SmartStart | CL6 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (8.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viper-smartstart/id333400981/reviews)** | [3.0 (273 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cl6/id1221007547/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8.1K** | 273 |
| Positive reviews | **62.3% of reviews** | 49.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 179 MB | 123 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **9.3** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Directed](https://appshunter.io/developer/329155615) | [Distribution Automobilite Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1126478871) |

## 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


### CL6

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cl6/id1221007547)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


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