Best Aftermarket Remote Starts: You’ll Wonder How You Lived Without One
With these efficient remote starts, you’ll be able to stop bribing your kids to start the car for you in the cold and rain or ungodly heat.

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How much do you dread having to start your car in the freezing cold or driving rain? It’s a chore no one relishes. Or how about on a blazing hot day when you open up your car door to release the heat equivalent of an actual oven? Is there something actually cooking in your car? Why does it smell like grilled cheese and feet? All that can be nothing more than a distant memory by simply investing and installing an aftermarket remote start for your vehicle.
If you’re like me and bribe your kid with a few bucks to start your car for you, you’ve probably already spent the same amount as a remote starter. Since we’re all in this together, I’ve come up with a list of some of the top remote starts on the market, as well as a handy buying guide to teach you exactly what to look for to ensure you’re getting the best one to suit your needs and vehicle make and model.

Viper 4105V Remote Start System
- Compatible with up to 95 percent of vehicles
- Can be operated via your smartphone app
- Streamlined, simple remote fob
- Pricey
- Requires professional installation
Avital 4105L 1-Way Remote Start System
- Highly affordable
- Anti-theft and impact features
- Long range operation
- Not compatible with diesel or electric vehicles
- May need to purchase additional equipment for it to work properly
EasyGuard EC003N-K Remote Engine Start System
- Affordable
- Features an sleek and convenient push-button start
- Can be used on vehicles with manual transmissions
- Not compatible with pneumatic or double pulse unlocking vehicles
- Short operation range
Summary List
Best Overall: Viper 4105V Remote Start System
Best Budget: Avital 4105L 1-Way Remote Start System
Honorable Mention: EasyGuard EC003N-K Remote Engine Start System
Best with Phone App: Compustar CSX4900-S 4-Button 2-Way, 3000' Remote Start System
Best Plug and Play: Start-X Complete Plug N Play Remote Starter
Our Methodology
When it comes to choosing the best remote starts, I wanted to provide you with a well-rounded list that features a good variety of reputable manufacturers with solid track records of providing high-quality, reliable products. I included a wide range of price points to suit any budget. I focused on remote car starters that use the latest technology and that have innovative features and designs suitable for a wide variety of vehicles. For more information on the selection criteria, click this link to The Drive’s Gear About page, which explains our methodology further.
Best Remote Start Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Brand: Viper
- Model: 4105V
- Range: 0.25 miles
Pros
- Compatible with up to 95 percent of vehicles
- Can be operated via your smartphone app
- Streamlined, simple remote fob
Cons
- Pricey
- Requires professional installation
Specs
- Brand: Avital
- Model: 4105L
- Range: 0.5 miles
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Anti-theft and impact features
- Long range operation
Cons
- Not compatible with diesel or electric vehicles
- May need to purchase additional equipment for it to work properly
Specs
- Brand: EasyGuard
- Model: EC003N-K
- Range: 100-165 feet
Pros
- Affordable
- Features a sleek and convenient push-button start
- Can be used on vehicles with manual transmissions
Cons
- Not compatible with pneumatic or double pulse unlocking vehicles
- Short operation range
Specs
- Brand: Compustar
- Model: CSX4900
- Range: 0.5 miles
Pros
- Durable and water-resistant system
- Can be controlled via your smartphone through the app or with voice commands
- Equipped with GPS locating technology to prevent theft
Cons
- Only includes one key fob
- Difficult to install; may need professional assistance
Specs
- Brand: Start-X
- Model: BA-T7
- Range: Varies
Pros
- Easy and fast installation can be completed without a pro
- Uses existing key fob for function
- Kit includes everything necessary for install
Cons
- Pricey
- Vehicle specific and not compatible with all makes and models
Specs
- Brand: Prestige
- Model: APS997Z
- Range: 1 mile
Pros
- Long operating range
- Two-way confirming communication
- Included alarm function
Cons
- Installation instructions are very confusing
- Customer service support isn’t the greatest
Our Verdict
If you want the ideal combination between vehicle compatibility, functionality, range, and price point, my top pick to click has to be the Viper 4105V Remote Start System. This a not only a remote start, but also a keyless entry system with two 4-button, 1-way transmitters that are capable of reaching up to 1/4 mile range.
For a reliable and well-functioning budget-conscious choice, check out the Avital 4105L 1-Way Remote Start System. This affordable system is equipped with two 4-button remote fobs that can function up to 1/2 mile away and gives you remote start, lock, unlock, and trunk release functions.
Things to Consider Before Buying An Aftermarket Remote Start
When it comes to aftermarket remote starts, there are a lot of confusing options and much to consider. It’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all choice. Today’s aftermarket remote starters come in a wide variety of functions and options suitable for different vehicles. Be sure to get the one that most suits your specific needs.
Vehicle Compatibility
One of the most important boxes to check when buying an aftermarket remote start is ensuring it’s compatible with your specific vehicle make and model. While many are designed to be compatible with a wide range of cars, this isn’t always the case. Some are also only compatible with automatic transmissions, not manual. Still others may be compatible with only fuel-driven vehicles while others may work with diesel or electric powered cars.
Range
Operating range is another important consideration, especially if you live in a complex or area in which you park your car at a distance from your home. Of course, if you keep your car in a garage attached to your house, operating range may be less of a concern, but also consider if you’re going to want to remotely start your car from where you work. Be sure to get a starter with a range that will reach where you need it.
Communication
If you want a remote stater that gives you a confirmation that’s it’s activated, you’ll need to be sure you purchase a two-way start kit. These are often a little pricier than their one-way counterparts that don’t give you a confirming beep or sound to let you know it’s on. Two-way communication is preferable in order to ensure that you don’t accidentally activate your starter when you don’t want it to be.
Aftermarket Remote Start Pricing
You can get a reliable, one-way remote start for between $65 to $100. If you want two-way compatibility, smartphone functionality, a decent warranty, optional alarm system or GPS tracking, and plug-and-play installation, expect to spend closer to $150 to $450.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Can I install a remote car starter myself?
A: If you want to do your own installation of your aftermarket remote starter, consider buying a plug-and-play product that doesn’t require you to mess around with splicing and clipping wires. If you’re relatively handy, you can install many remote starts without the help of a professional, but for the more complex ones that feature a lot of bells and whistles, it’s best to have it done by a pro to ensure proper function.
Q: Do you still need your key with a remote start?
A: Many remote starts replace your factory key fob. There are a few aftermarket remote starts that use your existing key, however. It all depends on the one you decide to go with.
Q: Does the remote start drain your battery?
A: Generally, no. The simple act of starting your engine will charge the battery, whether you use a remote starter or not. There are instances, however, if the remote start is not properly installed, that can cause unwanted battery drain. That’s another reason why you may want to consider having your aftermarket remote start installed by a professional.
Q: Will fitting an aftermarket remote starter invalidate my warranty?
A: No. Installing an aftermarket remote starter will not void your warranty. In fact, many remote starts that are installed by your dealer are actually aftermarket remote starts. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act actually makes it illegal for a car manufacturer to void your warranty or deny you coverage, as long as the remote start was properly installed.

Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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