Best Car Remote Starters

Review & Comparison, Last Update March 3, 2024
Have you ever wanted to have your car warmed or cooled before you get in? If so, nothing can be handier than a car remote starter. We've examined 5 best remote starters to help you find the right model to your preference. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Communication type
Range
Control method
Controls
Features
Warranty
 
PROS

The highly sensitive Dual-Stage Shock / Impact Sensor instantly beeps to the receiver if it detects the use of force against your car. Now you don't have to worry about the integrity of your car, even if you left it in a suspicious place.

CONS

It may be difficult to program some functions.

OUR VERDICT

Together with the Compustar CS7900-AS you can be sure of the safety of your car. The device uses the latest technology that will meet or exceed the standards of all car owners.

detailed parameters
Communication type

2-way

Range

3000 feet

Control method

Direct remote control. DroneMobile Ready

Controls

LCD screen with Lock button, Unlock button, key button, trunk release button

Features

Keyless Entry, LCD Confirmation and Alarm Alerts, Dual-Stage Shock/Impact Sensor, 105dB+ Alarm Siren, Includes Backup 1-Way Remote

Warranty

1 year

PROS

To create this device, the most advanced sensors were used - the Stinger® DoubleGuard® shock sensor, the six-tone Revenger® siren and the Failsafe® starter sensor, which makes it a powerful anti-theft alarm system.

CONS

Installation requires some skill.

OUR VERDICT

The Viper 5305V 2-Way Security Alarm & Remote Car Starter, operating according to the 66-Bit encryption system, provides remote monitoring of the system and the car in real time.

detailed parameters
Communication type

2-way

Range

1320 feet

Control method

Direct remote control. SmartStart Compatible

Controls

LCD Screen, Lock button, Unlock button, AUX button, Remote strat button, LED Status Indicator

Features

Keyless entry, Clone-Safe® Code-Hopping®, Stinger® DoubleGuard® Shock Sensor, Revenger® Six-Tone Siren, 2 Auxiliary Outputs, Parking Light Flash, Failsafe® Starter Kill, Comfort Closure, Includes 1-Way companion remote

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

The built-in temperature sensor will help to find out the temperature in the car interior, and a countdown timer will help to accurately calculate the duration of parking.

CONS

Instructions are not that good.

OUR VERDICT

An indispensable device for anyone who cares about their car and appreciates high comfort. It will please with a wide functionality, informative display with a lot of useful information and power save mode.

detailed parameters
Communication type

2-way

Range

5280 feet

Control method

Direct remote control. Optional smartphone control

Controls

LCD Screen, Lock button, Unlock button, battery life indicator

Features

Keyless Entry, Multi Tone Mini Siren, Starter Interrupt, Dual Stage Shock Sensor with City Mode, Flashing Parking Lights, Selectable run times, 24-hour digital clock with count down timer, Cold temperature start mode, Includes Backup Remote

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

Thanks to a special self-learning algorithm, the system will quickly determine your car, without the risk of reconnecting to any neighboring one.

CONS

Has a short range in comparison to other models.

OUR VERDICT

A remote engine start for auto models Ford F-150 15-19, F-250 17-19, F-350 17-19, F-450 17-19 Ranger 2019, Expedition 18-19, Edge 15-19, Fusion 14- 19. It allows you to start the engine and warm up the interior of the car in advance, before you hit the road.

detailed parameters
Communication type

1-way

Range

About 200 feet

Control method

Direct remote control. Optional cell phone add on

Controls

Lock button, Unlock button, No honk button

Features

Plug N Play, hood pin required

Warranty

1 year

PROS

At the touch of a button, you can start the engine both with a preliminary warm-up (warm start) and without it (cold start), depending on the weather conditions.

CONS

The buttons are very sensitive, with the risk of accidental touches starting the car.

OUR VERDICT

The Compustar CS800-S 1-Way Remote Start is a compact and convenient starter and charger with a good range, which is an indispensable tool for car owners. The kit contains two transmitters with practical key chains, which are a pleasure to use.

detailed parameters
Communication type

1-way

Range

1000 feet

Control method

Direct remote control. DroneMobile Ready

Controls

Lock/Panic On button, Unlock button, trunk release button, Cold/Hot automatic start button, LED indicator

Features

Keyless Entry, Diesel-Engine Safe, Comfort Closure, 2 x 1-Way Remotes included

Warranty

1 year

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Compustar CS7900-AS

The Ultimate in Car Safety

One of the benefits that remote car starters help bring to car owners is a renewed sense of safety in regard to leaving their car parked somewhere out of sight. Many older models of cars don't have alarm systems, and even ones that do often don't offer much in the way of additional protection for the vehicle. With the installation of the Compustar CS7900-AS All-in-One 2-Way Remote Start, though, you can be sure of the safety of your car. The latest advances in car security and communications technology are utilized here to the max, letting you rest easy when it comes to concerns about your car being left somewhere unattended.

The feature of this system that really stands out in terms of its additional security is its highly sensitive Dual-Stage Shock / Impact Sensor, which sends instant alerts to the receiver if it detects the use of force against your car. This replaces or even adds to the usual security features often offered by many car alarm systems, giving you extra peace of mind about leaving your car somewhere that you aren't sure is entirely safe. A siren is also included with the kit, so you won't just be notified in secret. Any attempts to forcefully enter your car will instantly notify anyone nearby, which is sure to scare away most potential car thieves.

Review of Compustar CS7900-AS All-in-One 2-Way Remote Start

Long Range Control

Although the security system included with this two-way car remote starter is superb, it is but just one aspect of the system. The main use of the system is in having the ability to remotely manage your car, including the ability to start it remotely, which this system offers in a way better than most other models. The kit includes a key fob that contains a small LCD screen that gives you visual information about your car such as its security and operating status as well as easy access to the various functions offered by the system. Not to be left out is the range of the remote, which can work from as far away as 3000 feet from your car, making it one of the longest range systems we've seen.

Along with the LCD screen, the remote offers four buttons that are all clearly marked for their functions, including buttons for locking, unlocking, opening the car trunk, and starting the car. For cars that have a power liftgate, the trunk button can be configured to operate it instead, adding more versatility to this remote. Just be aware, though, that programming additional functions for the buttons isn't very easy to do, so only those with a lot of patience will want to try this. Having said that, this two-way car remote starter kit is one of the best systems available on the market.

Compustar CS7900-AS All-in-One 2-Way Remote Start in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $164.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B07HMX118W

 

Viper 5305V

Secure Operation

Although remote car starters, especially those that are two-way, can offer a higher degree of security for one's car, they can also introduce a new vulnerability as well. Such car starters provide remote access to the car not only for the owner, but also for anyone knowledgeable enough to be able to hack into such a system. Having an extra security layer, such as some kind of encryption for the system's communication, can go a long way towards preventing this from happening. The Viper 5305V 2-Way Security Alarm & Remote Car Starter, utilizing the latest in 66-Bit encryption technology, provides remote monitoring of the system and the car in real time while keeping access to you and you alone, with its high encryption system providing that extra level of security that such systems desperately need.

This system can be installed in a car by connecting it to the DB3 databus, which is available in over 95% of all cars that are currently operating. This gives you an extreme amount of flexibility in choosing this system for your car, as unless you have an extremely old model, you can virtually be guaranteed compatibility. Those who may be left out in the cold by other models should find this excellent remote car starter system to be perfect for their own vehicle.

Review of Viper 5305V 2-Way LCD Security Alarm & Remote Car Starter

Advanced Design

Any highly secure system is going to need the latest technology implemented in order to stay ahead of the protection curve, and that is exactly what you get with the Viper 5305V. Included in this kit are sensors that are made using the latest technology, including the Stinger® DoubleGuard® shock sensor, the six-tone Revenger® siren and the Failsafe® starter sensor, which makes it a powerful anti-theft alarm system. The shock sensor is able to detect any kind of attempts to breach the physical integrity of the car, instantly alerting the owner as well as triggering the siren to scare off a would-be car thief. Along with that, the starter sensor serves as a back-up in case the other sensors are breached, helping to add extra protection against theft.

This remote car starter kit comes with a remote that features an LCD screen that displays the current status of your car, and which offers buttons for locking and unlocking the doors, as well as additional buttons for remotely starting your car. The remote has a range of up to 1320 feet, giving you a quarter of a mile of range for keeping tabs on your vehicle. Just be aware that the system needs to be installed by a professional, so you will need to factor the cost of that into the total purchase price of this system. If that is no problem for you, then you should find this two-way remote starter kit to be the complete package for your vehicle.

Viper 5305V 2-Way LCD Security Alarm & Remote Car Starter in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $225.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B073XTYVQG

 

Prestige APS997Z

Additional Functionality

Remote two-way car starters can be quite convenient to have, as most systems tend to offer a few functions in addition to the ability to remote start your car, including extra security functions. However, many of the systems tend to stop there, just retaining that basic functionality when the tech used in their creation could add a lot more. The manufacturers of the Prestige APS997Z Two-Way LCD Command Confirming Remote Start were keen on this fact, and created a two-way remote car starter that adds extra convenience and usability that will be appreciated by any car owner. Included is a wide range of functionality, an informative display with a lot of useful information and a power savings mode, which will save battery power.

First things first, lets take a look at its basic function. This two-way car remote starter gives you the ability to start your car as well as monitor it from up to 1 mile away, making this by far the longest range device of all of the car starters that we have reviewed. That fact alone may put this at the top of the list for many people, but rest assured that its functionality doesn't stop there. Along with the basic function for remote starting, you also have the ability to lock and unlock your car remotely, as well as take advantage of some of the advanced features that this kit has to offer.

Review of Prestige APS997Z Two-Way LCD Command Confirming Remote Start

High Tech Features

The advanced features that are offered on this kit go well beyond what is offered on most other remote car starters. You still have the alarm and security functions that are offered by many other devices, but some other features are included as well. For instance, the built-in temperature sensor will constantly keep tabs on the exact temperature of your vehicle's interior, and a parking timer will display the exact amount of time that your car has been parked in a particular spot. This is especially useful for those who live in extreme climates and want to make sure they will enter a car with a comfortable atmosphere, as well as those who need to park in metered parking and want to avoid having to pay extra. These two features alone can really help pay for the cost of the system.

All of these features can be monitored by the advanced remote control, which features an LCD screen that will give you detailed information about your car. The additional key fob provided with the kit gives a single user added control, or allows a second user to have access to your car, whichever is your choice. There is even a free gravity phone holder included in the kit, adding to its convenience. If you decide to spring for this model, rest assured that you will be getting one of the best remote car starter kits available for any car.

Prestige APS997Z Two-Way LCD Command Confirming Remote Start in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0049P2J1K

 

Start-X Remote Starter

Remote Starter for Trucks

One of the issues with many of the car remote starter kits available is that they are primarily made for passenger vehicles, such as cars and SUVs. Very few of the kits are made especially for trucks, which often will have a different design and not be well suited to the functions provided by most of the kits. Thankfully, those who have a Ford truck or SUV can have their own choice with the Start-X Remote Starter kit. This is a remote engine start for auto models Ford F-150 15-19, F-250 17-19, F-350 17-19, F-450 17-19 Ranger 2019, Expedition 18-19, Edge 15-19, Fusion 14- 19. This kit provides the normal functions that one would expect of a remote car starter, including the ability to start up your car well before you reach it, ensuring that it is ready to go when you enter it.

Unlike the previous models reviewed here, this is a one-way starter kit, providing only one-way communication from the remote to the vehicle, so it doesn't include some of the features that many two-way systems have. Not to worry, however, as this model is not lacking in overall functionality, as it has all of the necessary features that most people need in such a device, including remote locking and unlocking. Your vehicle will be perfectly safe with this kit installed.

Review of Start-X Remote Starter For Ford F150 F-150 2015-2019, F-250 17-19

Easy to Install

Before hitting on all of the great features that this kit offers, let's start off with the bad news first. This remote car starter has a range of only 200 feet, being far shorter than any of the other kits in this review. For most people, however, this is fine, especially those who are more concerned about being able to warm up or cool down their car before they get into it, as the range is still plenty enough for that to happen before you reach your vehicle. Just take note that this kit doesn't control the AC or heating functions in your car, so you will want to make sure these are set to turn on as soon as your car is started.

Despite being a one-way car starter, this kit still has plenty of functionality to offer. Along with the remote start and locking/unlocking capabilities, the remote is able to automatically identify your vehicle. Included in the remote is a self-learning algorithm that gives it the ability to automatically connect to your car without attempting to connect to a different one, a problem that has plagued some other similar models. You won't have to worry about the remote affecting other vehicles, or other remotes affecting yours adding to your vehicle's security. Best of all, though, is that this kit is one of the easiest to install, meaning that those who prefer to save money on installation costs should be able to install it without too much trouble, adding to its overall value. If you are the owner of one of the Ford models of trucks, SUVs, or sedans that are compatible with this model, then you have a clear choice when it comes to the best remote car starter to buy.

Start-X Remote Starter For Ford F150 F-150 2015-2019, F-250 17-19 in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $99.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07F422Y98

 

Compustar CS800-S

Inexpensive But Effective

Most remote car starters don't come cheap, as can be seen by many of the models that are available on the market, including all of the ones in this review. However, there is no reason that they all need to be so expensive. It is certainly possible to have one that is priced for budget buyers, as is evidenced by the Compustar CS800-S 1-Way Remote Start kit. This model is a budget-priced remote car starter that is both compact and easy to use, making it a welcome addition to any supported vehicle. The kit comes with two car remotes with included keychains, which allow for two people to have equal access to the same car, a feature that is great for a couple who share the same car, or for parents who wish to give their teenager access without giving up their own keys.

Although some other one-way remote car starters have a very limited range, the opposite is true of this model. This one-way remote starter kit has a range of 1000 feet, which is quite competitive with most other one-way remote systems out there. This gives you plenty of time to start your car and get it ready before you reach it, even for those who had to park far way from their office or in a crowded shopping mall parking lot. Those who live in very hot or very cold climates will especially find this to be most useful for letting their car's interior get warm or cool enough.

Review of Compustar CS800-S 1-Way Remote Start

Easy to Use Remotes

Car remotes have long been a sore spot for many people, with many of them featuring buttons that are very hard to press, which can often become even worse over the span of time. Not so for this model, however. The buttons featured on this kit's remotes are very easy to press, and even include some additional features. The four buttons of the remote allow for locking and unlocking the car doors, as well as opening the trunk of your vehicle and starting it. For the car starting function, at the touch of a button, you have the ability to start the car with either a warm start or cold start, which can be useful in certain weather conditions where your car may not respond properly to a remote start. Many other remote car starters don't give you this same flexibility in how you start your car.

One note of caution should be issued about the buttons on the remote. Being so easy to press can be a double-edged sword, as it does make them susceptible to accidental presses while the remote is in your pocket or purse, so extra care should be taken when storing the remote in such a place. Despite this small negative, though, this kit is easy to install and use, and should help provide extra security and convenience for anyone who installs this in their vehicle.

Compustar CS800-S 1-Way Remote Start in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00J9OSVEA

 

What Is a Car Remote Starter?

Cars have been moving towards "keyless" systems for a while now, although many cars still rely on using a key of some sort in order to start it up. For those that are still based on keyed starts, though, you can by an aftermarket car remote starter kit in order to give you all of the convenient capabilities that newer cars come with. A car remote starter is a unique device with which you can start your car, lock and unlock a vehicle and preheat its interior while staying out, all in a remote fashion. Remote starters are usually designed in the form of a fob and as such, can be easily hitched to car keys to be within your easy reach at all times. Remote car starters are irreplaceable in cold weather when you plan a drive and want your car to be preheated. All you need to do is start an engine remotely and activate the climate control system. Handy, isn't it?

We'd like to recommend that you consider buying a jump starter to bring a dead car battery to life, as well as a car battery tester to check its operability. Both of these tools are extremely important to have on hand at all times, and can really save your hide in an emergency.

What Features to Compare

Communication type

Communication type is the very first point to consider when choosing a car remote starter. All remote starters are divided into 1-way and 2-way by the type of communication they provide. A 1-way starter transmits a signal to a vehicle in a single direction and receives no signal back. 2-way remote starters send signals and get a confirmation after certain actions. Some remote starters feature sound alarms or lights that confirm the performance of the commands. Thus, 2-way car starters are more prevalent and secure than 1-way models. Pay attention to the remote starter control method. A remote starter may employ a direct remote control or control via a GSM module. A starter with the direct remote control has a limited operating range set by the manufacturer and may be up to 1 mile. If a starter is connected to a GSM module, its operating range is limitless and a vehicle can be controlled at any distance through a mobile connection. The control is performed from smartphones via a special app.

Controls

The controls of a remote starter are also important. Car remote starters usually include diverse buttons for controlling. There are buttons for vehicle locking and unlocking that work with the central door locking system. Some remote starters feature a special button for a keyless trunk release. The control buttons may be dedicated to opening and closing the windows and can do that automatically while locking and unlocking the vehicle. Some models of remote starters are fitted with LCD displays to show the information regarding the performance of specific commands. Alternatively, remote starters may be equipped with LED lights that confirm the signal transmission. Finally, every car remote starter comes with a remote start button to start or warm-up a vehicle from a certain distance. Each starter has a predefined operating range and the bigger it is, the easier the vehicle control will be. For example, you can leave your car in a parking lot, go shopping and then start the engine remotely just before you come back. In such a way, you won’t have to get into a cold car in winter or wait until the air conditioner cools it down on hot days.

Features

Lastly, give consideration to the included features when you choose a remote starter. Some starters have timers that allow scheduling the engine start to a specific time. It is definitely a convenient function as it lets you set the daily start of your car for prior heating or cooling. It is essential to know whether a remote starter is compatible with your car’s transmission, as some models can work only with automatic gears. Consequently, the best solution is to buy a model compatible with both manual and automatic transmissions. Car starters may have the Panic function that activates the lights and horn of your car and allows you to identify it on a large parking lot. The Turbo Timer function keeps the engine running until it gets cooled down. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who have cars equipped with air compressors. At the conclusion, note that some remote starters are capable of controlling a few vehicles at the same time.

Sources:

1. How to Choose a Remote Car Starter, wikiHow.

2. Choosing the Best Remote Start Kit, About. August 20, 2016.

3. Car Remote Starter Installation, Amazon.

4. How to Install a Remote Starter in a Car (With Pictures), wikiHow.

5. Jeremy Laukkonen How Remote Car Starters Work, About. May 16, 2016.

6. Remote starter, Wikipedia. May 6, 2016.

7. Valerie Johnston How to Buy a Good Quality Remote Starter, YourMechanic. December 22, 2015.

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