# DirectLoader vs Author BT Update

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.

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

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | DirectLoader | Author BT Update |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directloader/id6449791353/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5** | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 23 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VOXX Electronics Corp](https://appshunter.io/developer/1022024144) | [AUTHOR-ALARM](https://appshunter.io/developer/1344731145) |

## What reviewers say

### DirectLoader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directloader/id6449791353)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Author BT Update

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/author-bt-update/id6475983875)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*