Directed SmartStart vs Helix Launch
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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)
Helix Launch
Control your car remotely via Bluetooth with this app. Start, lock, unlock, and check vehicle status like temperature and battery. Advanced diagnostics are also available for compatible vehicles.
- Remote start, lock, unlock, trunk open
- View vehicle data (battery, temp)
- Access advanced diagnostics
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Smartphone control
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Take full control of your vehicle from your smartphone with Helix Launch — the companion app for your BLE-enabled iDatastart remote starter system. With Helix Launch, you can: • Start, lock, unlock, and open the trunk remotely • View key vehicle data, including battery voltage and cabin temperature • Access advanced diagnostics (when supported) like fuel level, odometer, and tire pressure Bluetooth connectivity means no subscription fees — but also means control is limited to Bluetooth range (typically within 30–50 feet of the vehicle). Designed for convenience and peace of mind, Helix Launch puts the power of your vehicle at your fingertips. Note: Features may vary based on vehicle compatibility and system configuration.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: Helix Launch at free against Directed SmartStart's free with in-app purchases. Directed SmartStart's advantage is review sentiment (22% vs 0%) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.6). On price, update cadence, 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Directed SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, Helix Launch every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Directed SmartStart | Helix Launch |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.7 (123 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 22.0% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 123 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 179 MB | 38 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Directed | Automotive Data Solutions Inc |
Customer experience
Directed SmartStart
Helix Launch
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
Helix Launch
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Directed SmartStart
No in-app purchases
Helix Launch
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Directed SmartStart free?
Is Helix Launch free?
Do Directed SmartStart or Helix Launch have ads?
Which is updated more often, Directed SmartStart or Helix Launch?
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