Comparison

Directed SmartStart vs MyCar Controls

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

Head to head
About

Directed SmartStart

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
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 Directed 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 Directed SmartStart GPS module to the Directed 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 Directed SmartStart-protected car is speeding or goes where it's not supposed to go. - For the ultimate connected car experience, install a complete Directed 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 Directed 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 Directed SmartStart: 1) Download the free Directed SmartStart app 2) Get a SmartStart system installed in your vehicle 3) Set up your account, and start using your SmartStart system Directed SmartStart also includes Directed 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

MyCar Controls

This app allows you to remotely control your vehicle's functions, including starting and stopping the engine, locking and unlocking doors, and locating your car. It requires specific hardware to be installed in your vehicle and an internet connection for operation.

Highlights
  • Remote engine start/stop
  • Remote door lock/unlock
  • Vehicle GPS location
  • Trunk release
  • Motorized liftgate control
  • Security system arming/disarming
  • Customizable auxiliary functions
Features
Read full description

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

Screenshots

Directed SmartStart4 screens
MyCar Controls4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: MyCar Controls at free against Directed SmartStart's free with in-app purchases. MyCar Controls also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months) and review sentiment (33% vs 22%). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 2.7 for Directed SmartStart against 2.8 for MyCar Controls. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 123 and 117 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 22% of Directed SmartStart's written reviews are positive against 33% of MyCar Controls's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Directed SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, MyCar Controls monthly. Both last shipped on September 15, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Directed SmartStart versus MyCar Controls: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDirected SmartStartMyCar Controls
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.7 (123 ratings)2.8 (117 ratings) — better
Positive reviews22.0% of reviews33.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings123 — better117
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 MB118 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperDirectedDistribution Automobilite Inc

Customer experience

Directed SmartStart

All ratings123 ratings
Positive39.0%
Neutral10.6%
Negative50.4%
Written reviews132 reviews
Positive22.0%
Neutral11.4%
Negative66.7%

MyCar Controls

All ratings117 ratings
Positive41.9%
Neutral6.0%
Negative52.1%
Written reviews123 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral3.3%
Negative63.4%

User reviews

Directed SmartStart

From 123 App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

MyCar Controls

From 117 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Works great
  • 🔒 Secure remote access
  • 💡 Useful features like GPS location and battery status

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent connectivity issues
  • 🔋 Unreliable in cold weather
  • 🤯 Poor customer support

Bugs and requests

Directed SmartStart

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App crashes on launch
  • Geofencing not working
  • Remote start failures
  • Incorrect vehicle status

Requested features

4 requests
  • Siri/Shortcuts integration
  • Improved status indicators
  • Scheduled remote start
  • Multilingual support

MyCar Controls

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashes after recent update
  • Subscription renewal problems
  • Inconsistent remote start functionality

Requested features

3 requests
  • Apple Watch app integration
  • Siri/Shortcuts support
  • Customizable app interface

In-app purchases

None

Directed SmartStart

No in-app purchases

None

MyCar Controls

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Directed SmartStart free?
Directed SmartStart is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is MyCar Controls free?
MyCar Controls is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Directed SmartStart or MyCar Controls?
MyCar Controls is rated higher. Directed SmartStart averages 2.7 out of 5 from 123 ratings, while MyCar Controls averages 2.8 from 117 ratings.
Do Directed SmartStart or MyCar Controls have ads?
Neither Directed SmartStart nor MyCar Controls shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Directed SmartStart or MyCar Controls?
Directed SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, and MyCar Controls monthly. Most recently, Directed SmartStart was updated on September 15, 2026 and MyCar Controls on September 15, 2026.

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