# AcuraLink vs DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO

The clearest difference is update cadence: AcuraLink at fortnightly against DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO's every 4 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

AcuraLink ships an update fortnightly, DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 15, 2026 and November 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AcuraLink | DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (57K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/acuralink/id610964308/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **57K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 9.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 186 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Acura](https://appshunter.io/developer/378902490) | [VOXX Electronics Corp](https://appshunter.io/developer/1022024144) |

## What reviewers say

### AcuraLink

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/acuralink/id610964308)

Connect with your vehicle remotely to check its status, locate it, and even precondition the cabin. Schedule service appointments and receive important maintenance alerts and recall notifications.

**Highlights:** View vehicle status (fuel, range, doors), Remote commands (precondition, locate), Service scheduling, Recall and maintenance alerts, Vehicle compatibility checker

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast remote commands
- 📊 Useful vehicle status information
- 🔒 Security features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app glitches and bugs
- ⏱️ Slow response times for remote commands
- 💰 Expensive subscription fees
- 🤖 Unreliable connectivity and coverage
- 🚫 Lack of key features like remote window/sunroof control

**Reported bugs**

- App unable to connect to vehicle
- Inaccurate mileage and fuel range reporting
- Remote start/unlock commands failing
- App crashing or freezing

**Requested features**

- Remote window/sunroof control
- Ability to use phone as a key
- Apple Watch app integration
- Customizable app dashboard
- Improved vehicle health monitoring


### DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directed-smartstart-pro/id6740499759)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AcuraLink free?

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

### Is DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO free?

DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do AcuraLink or DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO have ads?

Neither AcuraLink nor DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AcuraLink or DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO?

AcuraLink ships an update fortnightly, and DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO every 4 months. Most recently, AcuraLink was updated on November 15, 2026 and DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO on November 12, 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.*