Comparison

Directed SmartStart vs CL7

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

CL7

Control your car remotely from anywhere. Start the engine, check status, locate your vehicle, and receive alerts. Offers advanced features like trip tracking and geofencing for enhanced vehicle management.

Highlights
  • Remote engine start/shutdown
  • Vehicle location tracking
  • Door lock/unlock
  • Real-time status monitoring
  • Smart alerts and notifications
  • Trip tracking and route mapping
  • Geofencing and zone monitoring
Features
Read full description

# CARLINK™ 7 — Control Your Car from Virtually Anywhere **THE FUTURE OF VEHICLE CONNECTIVITY** CARLINK™ 7 is the fastest, easiest, and most complete telematics system designed to keep you connected with your vehicle from anywhere in the world. Start your engine remotely, check vehicle status, or locate it in busy parking lots. **REQUIREMENTS** - Hardware purchase and professional installation required - Compatible CARLINK™ 7 device with supported remote-starter system - Active internet connection via cellular or Wi-Fi - Find authorized resellers at: https://carlink.voxxelectronics.com/dealer-locator/index ## NEW FOR 2025 **APPLE WATCH SUPPORT** Control key features from your wrist — start, lock, unlock, GPS locate, and get walking directions. **MYBRANDED APP** White-label branding for authorized retailers with custom logos, contact info, and promotions. **BLE COMMANDS (LOCAL CONTROL MODE)** Use Bluetooth Low Energy for essential functions (remote start, lock/unlock, trunk release) when cellular signal is unavailable. Perfect for underground parking or remote areas. *Note: Requires latest firmware update.* ## PREMIUM SERVICE FEATURES (INCLUDED WITH DEVICE) **CONTROL YOUR VEHICLE** - Remote Start/Shutdown with True Runtime - Door Lock/Unlock with status - Trunk Release or motorized hatch control - Up to 4 Auxiliary functions - Extend Runtime (on supported starters) **REAL-TIME STATUS** - Battery Voltage monitoring - GPS Location (instant locate) - Walk Me to My Vehicle with Apple/Google Maps directions **CUSTOMIZATION** - Unlimited users, devices, and vehicles per account - Customizable app layout and vehicle image picker ## PREMIUM PLUS UPGRADE Upgrade anytime with 30-day free trial included after installation. Premium Plus includes all Premium features plus smart alerts, driving reports, and enhanced notifications. **ALERTS & NOTIFICATIONS** - Low & Critical Battery Alerts - Excessive Speed Alerts - Movement notifications for unauthorized usage **TRIP TRACKING** - Detailed route mapping and recording - Playback feature for past journeys **ZONE MONITORING** - Zones of Interest: Up to 10 circular alert zones per vehicle - Guard Alerts: Up to 10 high-priority zones per vehicle - Curfew Alerts: Restrict driving during specific days/times - Geofences: Up to 4 advanced custom zones (circular, rectangular, or polygonal) **COMPATIBILITY** Supports major digital remote-starter brands: ADS, Directed, Eurostart, Firstech, Fortin, Mid City Engineering, Omega, Polarstart, and Voxx. Full compatibility list: https://www.voxxelectronics.com/security/carlink/ **HELP & SUPPORT** See in-app Help section for Owner's Guide or contact your authorized CARLINK™ 7 retailer. © 2025 Automobility Distribution Inc. All Rights Reserved. CARLINK™ 7 is a trademark of Automobility Distribution Inc.

Screenshots

Directed SmartStart4 screens
CL74 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Directed SmartStart at none against CL7's shown. Directed SmartStart also leads on rating (2.7 vs 2.3). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence 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

Directed SmartStart holds the better App Store score, 2.7 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 123 and 71 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 22% of Directed SmartStart's written reviews are positive against 15% of CL7's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Directed SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, CL7 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and July 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Directed SmartStart versus CL7: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDirected SmartStartCL7
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.7 (123 ratings) — better2.3 (71 ratings)
Positive reviews22.0% of reviews — better14.8% of reviews
Number of ratings123 — better71
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple WatchiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.5.0
Further details — not scored
Size179 MB131 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%

CL7

All ratings64 ratings
Positive25.0%
Neutral14.1%
Negative60.9%
Written reviews61 reviews
Positive14.8%
Neutral16.4%
Negative68.9%

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

CL7

From 71 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Basic functions work well
  • 🚀 Remote start is reliable
  • 👍 Installation is easy
  • 👍 GPS location works
  • 👍 Plug and play installation

Room to improve

  • 🐛 App frequently crashes
  • 🐛 App goes offline often
  • 🐛 Unreliable connectivity
  • 🐛 Login issues
  • 🐛 Technical support is difficult

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

CL7

Reported bugs

19 issues
  • App constantly crashing
  • App going offline
  • Login and account creation issues
  • App not receiving signal from module
  • System requires frequent reboots by company
Show 14 more
  • GPS connection loss
  • App not communicating with vehicle after updates
  • Face ID continuously triggering
  • On/Off start button not showing
  • Position button showing instead of start button
  • Vehicle status not updating correctly (e.g., engine off while driving)
  • App not always updating car status accurately
  • Command timeouts reported
  • Security settings (Face ID) broken and difficult to disable
  • App not opening to main screen after update
  • Inability to delete or edit vehicle information
  • Face authentication in infinity loop
  • App signed out and cannot log back in
  • Communication error on forgot password feature

Requested features

9 requests
  • Apple Watch app integration
  • Siri control integration
  • Alexa support
  • Google Assistant support
  • Widgets for iOS
Show 4 more
  • Ability to delete vehicles
  • Notification for unlocked doors
  • Siri shortcut integration
  • Automatic selection of favorite car

In-app purchases

None

Directed SmartStart

No in-app purchases

None

CL7

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Directed SmartStart free?
Directed SmartStart is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CL7 free?
CL7 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Directed SmartStart or CL7?
Directed SmartStart is rated higher. Directed SmartStart averages 2.7 out of 5 from 123 ratings, while CL7 averages 2.3 from 71 ratings.
Do Directed SmartStart or CL7 have ads?
CL7 shows ads; Directed SmartStart does not.
Which is updated more often, Directed SmartStart or CL7?
Directed SmartStart ships an update every 3 months, and CL7 every 2 months. Most recently, Directed SmartStart was updated on September 15, 2026 and CL7 on July 30, 2026.

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