# Viper SmartStart vs Smart FM+

The clearest difference is rating: Viper SmartStart at 4.6 against Smart FM+'s 2.3. Viper SmartStart also leads on ratings volume (8.1K vs 15) and review sentiment (62% vs 50%). Smart FM+'s advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and update cadence (every 3 weeks 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 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Viper SmartStart has 8.1K ratings behind it against 15, 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 Smart FM+'s.

Viper SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, Smart FM+ every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Viper SmartStart | Smart FM+ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (8.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viper-smartstart/id333400981/reviews)** | [2.3 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-fm-plus/id1476802817/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8.1K** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **62.3% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 179 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Directed](https://appshunter.io/developer/329155615) | [桂标 曾](https://appshunter.io/developer/985954900) |

## 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


### Smart FM+

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-fm-plus/id1476802817)

This app helps you locate your parked car using your phone's location and Bluetooth connectivity. It also monitors your car's battery voltage and provides historical data. Simply plug in the transmitter, connect via Bluetooth, and set your car radio to a matching FM frequency.

**Highlights:** Car-seeking positioning, Voltage detection, FM frequency settings, Bluetooth connectivity, Parking location recording, Map navigation to car

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Viper SmartStart free?

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

### Is Smart FM+ free?

Smart FM+ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Viper SmartStart or Smart FM+?

Viper SmartStart is rated higher. Viper SmartStart averages 4.6 out of 5 from 8.1K ratings, while Smart FM+ averages 2.3 from 15 ratings.

### Do Viper SmartStart or Smart FM+ have ads?

Neither Viper SmartStart nor Smart FM+ shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Viper SmartStart or Smart FM+?

Viper SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, and Smart FM+ every 3 weeks. Most recently, Viper SmartStart was updated on September 27, 2026 and Smart FM+ on June 1, 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.*