# DroneMobile vs Directed SmartStart

The clearest difference is rating: DroneMobile at 4.8 against Directed SmartStart's 2.7. DroneMobile also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and ratings volume (27K vs 123). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

DroneMobile holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DroneMobile has 27K ratings behind it against 123, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 38% of DroneMobile's written reviews are positive against 22% of Directed SmartStart's.

DroneMobile ships an update every 6 weeks, Directed SmartStart every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DroneMobile | Directed SmartStart |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (27K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dronemobile/id380549030/reviews)** | [2.7 (123 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directed-smartstart/id393395612/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **27K** | 123 |
| Positive reviews | **38.0% of reviews** | 22.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 228 MB | 179 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Firstech, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/380549036) | [Directed](https://appshunter.io/developer/329155615) |

## What reviewers say

### DroneMobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dronemobile/id380549030)

Control and track your vehicle remotely from your smartphone or smartwatch. Lock/unlock doors, start the engine, and receive alerts for security and maintenance. Requires hardware installation.

**Highlights:** Remote start, Lock/unlock doors, GPS tracking, Widget control, Apple Watch app, Security alerts, Maintenance reminders

**Features:** Siri integration, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Remote start/control from anywhere
- 🔒 Security features (alarm, GPS tracking)
- 👍 Convenient app and Apple Watch integration
- 💡 Useful features (battery status, maintenance)
- 🚗 Works great when it does

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues, app not always responsive
- ⏱️ Limited remote start duration
- 🔑 Requires multiple steps for basic functions
- 🔋 Battery drain issues
- 🤖 Unreliable notifications/alerts

**Reported bugs**

- Doors show incorrect locked/unlocked status
- GPS not accurately tracking vehicle location
- Login/password issues after app updates
- Frequent server downtime/outages

**Requested features**

- Add NFC/local control for when out of cell range
- Implement winter timer/remote start automation
- Allow customizable alert sounds
- Make single car the default for all commands


### Directed SmartStart

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directed-smartstart/id393395612)

Control your car remotely from your smartphone or smartwatch. Start, lock, unlock, and locate your vehicle, with advanced features like real-time status and safety notifications. Includes roadside assistance access.

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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works great
- 🔒 Robust security features
- 💡 Convenient remote start
- 🗺️ Useful GPS tracking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable connectivity
- 🔋 Battery drain issues
- ⚠️ Inconsistent performance
- 🕰️ Slow response times

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Geofencing not working
- Remote start failures
- Incorrect vehicle status

**Requested features**

- Siri/Shortcuts integration
- Improved status indicators
- Scheduled remote start
- Multilingual support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DroneMobile free?

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

### Is Directed SmartStart free?

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

### Which has better reviews, DroneMobile or Directed SmartStart?

DroneMobile is rated higher. DroneMobile averages 4.8 out of 5 from 27K ratings, while Directed SmartStart averages 2.7 from 123 ratings.

### Do DroneMobile or Directed SmartStart have ads?

Neither DroneMobile nor Directed SmartStart shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DroneMobile or Directed SmartStart?

DroneMobile ships an update every 6 weeks, and Directed SmartStart every 3 months. Most recently, DroneMobile was updated on September 24, 2026 and Directed SmartStart on September 15, 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.*