Comparison

Viper SmartStart vs Element Home

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

Element Home

Features
Read full description

Reduce the Cost of Ownership Element Home can reduce your HVAC system’s operating costs. It provides precise temperature control, reducing energy usage. This smart thermostat app also ensures you get the services you need when you need them. It incorporates the following innovative features: • Remote monitoring • Predictive maintenance alerts • One-touch appointment booking • Service at the touch of a button A crisp LCD screen ensures all functions are easy to find and use. Is your home not comfortable or are energy costs going up? Use the onscreen service request feature to get prompt assistance from your local HVAC company. Get the Most Out of Your Climate Control System The Element Home app lets you control and monitor temperature, fan speed, and other functions via the main control panel or a smartphone. The future of home comfort and on-demand service, it delivers benefits including: • Smart Notifications: Receive instant notifications on changes in system performance so you can be proactive with maintenance. • Real-Time Monitoring: By monitoring the health of your HVAC system, Element Home can provide predictive maintenance alerts, which can prevent downtime and increase equipment lifespan. • Service Alerts: Receive notifications of service reminders, membership renewals, and more. Even receive custom messages from your HVAC provider. • Diagnostic Tools: An overview of system health and air quality are available at the touch of a button, at no extra cost. • System Health and Air Quality Alerts: If a problem with your climate control system or an indoor air quality issue is detected, you and your service provider will be automatically notified. Quick and Simple Installation The convenience of an Element Home thermostat begins even before you start using it. Swapping out an old unit is simple. A technician removes the old thermostat, mounts the new one, and connects the wiring. They’ll even help you set up the app. The new model’s settings are adjusted to meet your climate control requirements. It provides an instant response so you experience immediate comfort. Settings from the old thermostat instantly transfer over using the serial numbers of both units, so the process is fast, simple, and convenient. Forge an Instant Connection with Your HVAC Provider The Element Home thermostat and app display your HVAC company’s logo onscreen. Their help is available at the touch of a button, so you can put your trust and confidence in a local contractor. It’s not just a modern thermostat. Element Home is a direct link between you and your AC/heating services provider. Be a Part of the NuveNetwork Nuve has partnered with local HVAC companies so you benefit from new services and smart technologies. Real-time access to your system allows contractors to quickly diagnose and resolve system issues. This can result in fewer emergency calls and in-home visits, so you can save time and money. Get Started Today Getting an Element Home thermostat and app is easy. Once you’re ready, a representative will contact you and schedule an appointment. Visit the App Store or contact your HVAC dealer to learn more.

Screenshots

Viper SmartStart4 screens
Element Home4 screens

Verdict

The call

Viper SmartStart and Element Home are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Viper SmartStart versus Element Home: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterViper SmartStartElement Home
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (8.1K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews62.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings8.1K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size179 MB62 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperDirectedNuve Home

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

Element Home

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Viper SmartStart

No in-app purchases

None

Element Home

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Viper SmartStart free?
Viper SmartStart is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Element Home free?
Element Home is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Viper SmartStart or Element Home have ads?
Neither Viper SmartStart nor Element Home shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Viper SmartStart or Element Home?
Viper SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, and Element Home every 3 months. Most recently, Viper SmartStart was updated on October 15, 2026 and Element Home on October 1, 2026.

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