Comparison

DirectLoader vs Author BT Update

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

Head to head
About

DirectLoader

This app allows authorized installers to wirelessly flash and program select remote start and security systems. It provides access to vehicle wiring databases, installation guides, and technical updates for DIRECTED by VOXX products.

Highlights
  • Wireless flashing for DS4/DS4+ modules
  • Wired/Wireless flashing for DBALL2, DB3, DS3/DS3+ modules
  • Wired/Wireless 'Bitwriter' programming
  • DirectWire vehicle wiring database access
  • Installation guides and technical news
  • SmartStart activation
Features
Read full description

DirectLoader App – Wirelessly flash and program select DIRECTED by VOXX Remote Start & Security systems. “For Installers, By Installers” At DIRECTECHS, our motto is “For Installers, By Installers.” We are committed to supporting installation technicians with our decades of technical experience, unrivaled passion, and dedication to the industry. Note: This app is intended for use only by authorized DIRECTED by VOXX Dealers and Distributors. Login credentials are required to access DIRECTECHS resources, which include the DirectWire vehicle wiring and information database, installation guides, online training, tech tips, and much more. With the DirectLoader APP, along with the DLOADER4, you can flash and program our analog and digital products, including many legacy products, along with mobile access to the following features and functions: • Wirelessly flash DS4/DS4+ modules (DLOADER4 not required) • Wired/Wireless flashing for DBALL2, DB3, DS3/DS3+ modules (DLOADER4 required) • Wired/Wireless ‘Bitwriter’ programming for supported analog systems (DLOADER4 required) • DirectWire Access • Installation Guides • Technical News Alerts and ‘Vehicles Added’ updates • DIRECTED by VOXX SmartStart Activation

About

Author BT Update

Features
Read full description

The Author-Alarm Firmware Update Utility is a powerful tool designed to facilitate the seamless updating of firmware for Author-Alarm devices. Secure Firmware Downloads: Firmware updates are sourced securely from Author-Alarm servers, guaranteeing the authenticity and integrity of the files. This safeguards against potential security threats and ensures a reliable update process. User-Friendly Interface: The utility boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users. Clear navigation and instructions guide users through the firmware update process. Device Compatibility: The utility is engineered to support a variety of Author-Alarm devices, including but not limited to alarm systems, immobilizers, and tracking units.

Screenshots

DirectLoader4 screens
Author BT Update3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Author BT Update at monthly against DirectLoader's every 3 months. DirectLoader's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DirectLoader ships an update every 3 months, Author BT Update monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
DirectLoader versus Author BT Update: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDirectLoaderAuthor BT Update
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.4 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.6 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB4 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperVOXX Electronics CorpAUTHOR-ALARM

In-app purchases

None

DirectLoader

No in-app purchases

None

Author BT Update

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DirectLoader free?
DirectLoader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Author BT Update free?
Author BT Update is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do DirectLoader or Author BT Update have ads?
Neither DirectLoader nor Author BT Update shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DirectLoader or Author BT Update?
DirectLoader ships an update every 3 months, and Author BT Update monthly. Most recently, DirectLoader was updated on September 24, 2026 and Author BT Update on September 8, 2026.

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