Comparison

Directed SmartStart vs CL6

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

CL6

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
Read full description

CL6™ ------- HARDWARE PURCHASE REQUIRED FOR USAGE ------- CL6™ 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 CL6™ 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 CL6™ on your vehicle, a CL6™ device and compatible remote starter must be installed onto your vehicle. To find an authorized CL6™ 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 CL6™ 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 CL6™ 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 CL6™ 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 CL6™, 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 CL6, MyCar, Car Starter, Remote Starter, MyCar Controls, Vehicle Control, Car Access, Locate my car, Voxx SUPPORT URL http://www.carlink6.com/ © COPYRIGHT © Copyright CL6™   2020 Automobility Distribution Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Screenshots

Directed SmartStart4 screens
CL64 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: CL6 at 50% against Directed SmartStart's 22%. CL6 also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and rating (3.0 vs 2.7). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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

CL6 holds the better App Store score, 3.0 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 123 and 273 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 22% of Directed SmartStart's written reviews are positive against 50% of CL6's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Directed SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, CL6 monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Directed SmartStart versus CL6: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDirected SmartStartCL6
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.7 (123 ratings)3.0 (273 ratings) — better
Positive reviews22.0% of reviews49.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings123273 — better
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 MB123 MB
Age rating17+4+
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%

CL6

All ratings273 ratings
Positive44.7%
Neutral11.7%
Negative43.6%
Written reviews101 reviews
Positive49.5%
Neutral17.8%
Negative32.7%

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

CL6

From 273 App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

CL6

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

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

In-app purchases

None

Directed SmartStart

No in-app purchases

None

CL6

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Directed SmartStart free?
Directed 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, Directed SmartStart or CL6?
CL6 is rated higher. Directed SmartStart averages 2.7 out of 5 from 123 ratings, while CL6 averages 3.0 from 273 ratings.
Do Directed SmartStart or CL6 have ads?
Neither Directed SmartStart nor CL6 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Directed SmartStart or CL6?
Directed SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, and CL6 monthly. Most recently, Directed SmartStart was updated on September 28, 2026 and CL6 on October 2, 2026.

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