An automotive remote starter is the kind of device you don’t know you need or want until you’ve actually used one. It allows you to control functions of your car from afar. One of the most common uses, for example, is being able to turn on your vehicle and adjust the interior temperature of your car—while you're comfortably inside your home or office. Pre-cool your car in the heat of summer or warm it up in the dead of winter so your cabin's interior is just as you would like it when you get inside.
But remote starters can do more than that. Certain systems offer security features (to deter potential thieves), remote door locking/unlocking, and even assist you when you can't locate your car in a crowded parking lot.
Many newer vehicles already come with remote start, but not to worry if you're driving something older: you can still add this feature to a wide range of cars with an aftermarket system. Cost will be anywhere from $50 to $650 (without installation).
A basic, low-cost remote starter will crank the engine, but as you step up in price these systems offer additional features like allowing you to set a specific climate-control temperature to heat or cool your car. Some even enable you to keep tabs on various aspects of your vehicle via a smartphone app.
The Best Remote Control Starters
- Best Overall: Viper 5706V
- Most Compatible Remote Starter: Crimestopper RS7-G5
- Best Budget Remote Starter: Compustar CS920-S
- Best Value Remote Starter: Avital 5305L
The Expert: I’ve been testing and writing about automotive technology for 35 years and spent about half of that time covering aftermarket automotive products. During that time I worked closely with the largest automotive aftermarket electronics brands that market remote starters and hanging out at aftermarket shops and with installers.
What to Look for in a Remote Starter
How We Selected Remote Starters
In addition to basing product selection on my own knowledge of aftermarket automotive electronics brands and connecting with other industry experts, I researched sources such as Auto Quarterly and Lifewire, and combed through consumer reviews on retailer sites such as Walmart and Amazon. I used these sources and factors to determine which products to include. Each recommendation was rated on price, features, category, and reputation in the market.
Pros
- Remote with large LCD screen
- Rechargeable remote battery
- Security system with remote alerts
Cons
- Basic monochromatic screen
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 4.7 x 3.8 x 1.2 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7 oz |
| Range | 1 mile |
| Features | 2-Way Antenna, Fob Display, Lock Control, and Alarm |
A big benefit with a remote starter is the enhanced driving experience you're afforded with preheating or precooling the interior of your ride. The Viper 5706V does this with unrivaled accuracy courtesy of its Active Temp Check—it reports the exact internal temperature of your car’s cabin on the large key-fob LCD screen.
This remote starter, with a 1-mile range, features a two-way key fob that confirms the signal has reached your car and the engine has started so you won't have to walk out to double check. You can also add functions to lower the windows or flash the lights.
Included is a security system—a bright blue LED status indicator alerts would-be criminals there's a security system onboard—that triggers a 120dB six-tone alarm if a break-in attempt occurs. It then alerts you via the key fob, which has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and micro-USB port for recharging so you don’t have to swap out batteries.
Pros
- Works with diesel engines and with manual transmissions
- Compatible with a smartphone app
- Feature-filled LCD remote key fob
Cons
- Short range
- Lacks basic security features
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 8 x 6 x 3 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.7 lb |
| Range | 3,000 feet |
| Features | LCD remote key fob, compatible with a smartphone app |
Like some of the more expensive remote starters recommended here, the Crimestopper RS7-G5 comes with an LCD remote key fob that shows actions like whether the engine is running or not. It’s also compatible with a smartphone app that allows controlling functions without the key fob.
The system, which is compatible with diesel engines and cars with manual transmissions, offers multi-vehicle control as well. It can be installed on two vehicles and controlled by a single remote. While this system includes conveniences such as start, stop, door locking/unlocking, and trunk release, it lacks the basic security features of other systems.
Pros
- Works with diesel engines
- Keyless entry and a trunk-opening option
Cons
- Short range
- Incomplete wiring diagrams and installation instructions
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 8.15 x 5.28 x 3.43 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.81 lb |
| Range | 1,000 ft |
| Features | Keyless entry and trunk opening options |
If you want a no-frills remote starter, the Compustar CS920-S is the lowest-priced pick included here and provides the basics. It comes with two one-way remotes, provides keyless entry and a trunk-opening option, and works with diesel engines, but only vehicles with an automatic transmission.
This remote starter only has a 1,000-foot-max range and many online DIY reviewers report that the wiring diagrams and installation instructions included with the system are incomplete. If you're planning to install it yourself and need tech support, the company will direct you to an authorized dealer for professional installation, which ultimately will cost more money.
Pros
- Two-way operation
- LCD key-fob remote
- Includes security system with starter-kill and notifications
Cons
- Short range
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 6 x 6.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.98 lb |
| Range | 1,500 ft |
| Features | Remote indicates security system has been tripped, starter kill |
This is one of the lowest-priced remote starters that offers two-way operation and an LCD key-fob remote that provides command confirmations and event notifications via tones and vibrations. It comes with a security system with a starter-kill, and the remote lets you know if the system has been tripped via beep or vibrations and shows the “zone” that’s been compromised such as an impact sensor or an opened door.
One downside is it has the second-shortest range of any system listed here: just 1,500 feet. Despite this, this is a solid option for those not wanting to break the bank on a remote starter system.
Pros
- Adds pushbutton start to cars without it
- Keypad backup
- Works with manual transmission cars
Cons
- Diesel vehicles may require extra timer-delay switch
- Short range
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 10.04 x 7.13 x 4.25 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.77 lb |
| Range | 150 ft |
| Features | Passive keyless entry and exit, keypad, works with many different vehicles |
One of the most convenient features on newer vehicles is keyless pushbutton start, and the Easyguard EC002NS lets you add it to your ride if it doesn’t have it. The system comes with a keypad as backup that can be installed to gain access to the vehicle, and it has passive keyless entry and exit that unlocks the doors when the transmitter is 3- to 6-feet away.
Remote start is activate via one of the two included key-fob transmitters, and it works with either a manual or automatic transmission; diesel vehicles may require an extra timer-delay switch. The minus here is a range of only about 150 feet, making it the shortest of any system recommended here.
Pros
- High-quality OLED key-fob display
- Uses animation to confirm commands
- Alarm with sensor bypass feature
Cons
- Bulky key fob remote
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 6.6 x 5.7 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.49 lb |
| Range | 1 mile |
| Features | OLED display with anti-glare polarizing for improved daylight visibility and uses animation to confirm commands and show system features |
The Viper 5906V features the company’s most advanced key-fob remote with a 128- by 128-pixel, full-color OLED screen, 160-degree viewing angle, and anti-glare polarizing for improved daylight visibility.
The remote, bulkier compared to some other key fob remotes, uses animation to confirm commands and has a status screen with information center built right in. It shows system features like the vehicle's interior temperature. There's even a Parking Meter timer, which emits warnings at 15 minutes, 5 minutes, and at expiration so you are aware of when to feed the meter.
The Viper 5906V has 1-mile range, is a two-way system, and includes security features. It can control two vehicles from a single remote. To reduce false alarms, a sensor-bypass will identify potentially faulty sensors and send the car owner an update.
Clifford 5606X with Viper VSM550 SmartStart Interface
Pros
- Smartphone app keeps tabs on a vehicle
- Works with diesel and hybrid vehicles
Cons
- Requires a subscription after 1-year free trial
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 6.5 x 6 in. / 4 x 2 x 6 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.68 pounds/6.5 ounces |
| Range | Half mile/NA |
| Features | Cloud-based system, two remote transmitters, 1-year free trial |
Together, these two systems allow not only remotely starting a nearby vehicle, but also keeping tabs on it anywhere there’s a cell signal. The Clifford 5606X is a basic one-way unit that starts a car’s engine up to a half mile away and includes an alarm system. It also works with diesel vehicles with automatic transmissions.
When combined with the VSM550 SmartStart GPS module from corporate cousin Viper, a smartphone app is used to find, share, and get directions to the vehicle location and receive alert notifications via text or email on the vehicle’s speed, movement, and battery level. But after a 1-year free trial, Viper SmartStart requires a service plan ranging from about $70 to $170 a year.
If Car Comfort is What You Want, Consider A Remote Starter. Expert Doug Newcomb Has the Key to This Purchase.
Doug Newcomb splits his time between Hood River, Ore., and Todos Santos, Mexico. He's been writing about technology and cars for more than 30 years for Wired, Rolling Stone, Road & Track, Automobile, PCMag.com, Playboy and numerous other publications. He cofounded the C3 Group in 2013 to produce automotive industry events in New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and at SXSW in Austin. C3 Group was acquired by Informa in 2018. When he's not writing, he's riding a surfboard
