8 Best Car Remote Starters in 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

During those chilly winter months, the commute to work can be an ice-cold pain. Getting in a frozen vehicle, warm breath condensing on the windscreen.

Waiting for your vehicle to warm up can make you late for work, and nobody likes to be stuck in the cold. If only there was a better way.

What if your car could warm up ahead of time? That would let you linger over your coffee, take your time with your toast while the car gets toasty warm.

Remote starters can make the dream of a warm car come true – and they can do much more than that.

From air-con control at a distance to enhanced security features, remote starters are a great upgrade whatever the weather.

If you’re setting off down the road to choosing a remote starter, here’s a pit stop. We’ve assembled all the best car remote starters on the market in 2022.

The Best Car Remote Starters in 2023

From one-way to smartphone integration, from budget car remote starters to the tip-top end, we’ve got one for you. Find your suitable option in the given table:

Whether you’re looking for a car remote starter that’s got you covered from a mile away or smartphone integrated telematics, here are the best car remote starters on the market.

The Compustar CS7900-AS car remote starter lets you control your vehicle from a maximum distance of 3000ft, which is adequate but not top-end. The two-way system, however, sends data back to your key fob which is displayed on the LCD, giving you intuitive control at your fingertips.

Compustar CS7900-AS’s alarm bundle that gives you additional security and the valet mode, timer function, tachometer, oil level sensor, and other vehicle maintenance checks, are incredibly useful.

Compustar CS7900-AS’s also compatible with a wide range of vehicles including diesel engines and can support up to two vehicles on one system.

The downside of such an impressive Compustar CS7900-AS system? It requires complex installation and since there’s no wiring guide or manual included, you’ll be leaving that job up to the professionals.

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There aren’t too many added features with this Start-X Remote Start Kit, but it does give you added security and that all-important remote start option. The range isn’t the most powerful – and it works best with direct line-of-sight for your vehicle.

Although Start-X Remote Start Kit lacks specific climate control options it will restart your vehicle with whatever settings were last used – so if you don’t need to fine-tune your air-con it’ll keep you cool.

Start-X Remote Start Kit’s compatible with a wide range of Ford vehicles, both petrol, and diesel engines, but only automatic transmissions. Within its niche, it does a great job and the detailed installation guide is great for the DIY-inclined.

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For the CS4900-S, Compustar has ditched the LCD. While you don’t get as much feedback on your vehicle, this has let them streamline the key fob to give you a smaller model that’s more comfortable to carry.

The Compustar CS4900-S’s two fobs feature four buttons for lock, unlock, trunk release, and, in the absence of a screen, the fob lets you know your vehicle is running with a beep once it receives notice from your vehicle.

The Compustar CS4900-S two-way system works well, but for an upgrade, you can integrate the starter with Compustar’s Drone Mobile system to gain smartphone compatibility. But without this added extra you get a remote starter that’s great value and solidly built.

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With two kill switches integrated into the alarm system, one for the door and one for the engine, Viper 5305V is a premium security system as well as a functional car remote starter for your vehicle. The LCD screen feeds key information back to your fob, letting you know when the vehicle starts as well as when the security is armed.

The remote range is around ¼ mile – so be mindful of where you park your vehicle. And as well as the security features there are added extras including valet mode. The Viper 5305V system isn’t completely intuitive, so make sure you read the owner’s manual and Viper 5305V may not be the best option for complete technophobes.

And the installation is a complex job requiring serious knowledge of electronics. It’s not for the DIY faint of heart.

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Avital 4105L’s a one-way remote starter so you have to put your faith in your fob, but with Avital’s strong reputation in the industry that isn’t hard. The four-button fobs (two are included in the unit) feature lock, unlock, trunk, and air-con control.

Avital 4105L features a solid 3000ft range – around half a mile – and you get added features such as timed start included. The alarm system also stands out with a fault-proof starter to prevent hot-wiring and dual-zone impact sensors.

Like many car remote starters, it’s a tough installation job. While Avital recommends self-installation as a possibility, there’s a lack of clear instruction in the pack. Best leave it to the pros.

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Although the Avital 5305L kit only includes one LCD fob and one one-way fob, there’s great value to be had with this remote starter setup. The two-way system features a decent range of 1,500 ft too which can get your vehicle started and warming or cooling as you prefer.

The Avital 5305L alarm system features impact sensors to ensure your vehicle is protected at all times, and although the alarm itself isn’t as loud as some competitors the system is sensitive enough to give you peace of mind, especially when paired by the LCD screen.

While the Avital 5305L car remote starter comes with a wiring kit and manual, these alone aren’t always adequate for installation. This is a job for professionals or qualified DIY enthusiasts only.

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Packed with premium features the Prestige APS997Z’s 24-hour timer mode, two or four-hour start delay, and cold start options give you control over your vehicle. Without the LCD, it would almost be a baffling array of features but thankfully you have intuitive control at all times. And smartphone integration gives you greater functionality. With smartphone and telematics integration you’ll know everything about your car, wherever you are.

Additional security features include dual-stage shock sensors and a low-sensitivity city mode. The multi-tone mini siren ensures that the Prestige APS997Z alarm system is suitable for all neighborhoods.

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Although the Prestige APS787Z one-way system doesn’t offer feedback to your fob, you can set your security system and start your vehicle from a phenomenal range. The five-button fob enables remote start, air-con control, and alarm setting.

Prestige APS787Z’s Valet mode can be entered conveniently by a switch on the antenna, making it easy to hand your car over to a friend or service worker.

The Prestige APS787Z alarm system features Prestige’s usual powerful alarm, shock sensors, and multi-tone alarm. That’s complete peace of mind even when leaving your vehicle at a distance.

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Getting Started: The Car Remote Starter Buying Guide

Remote starters are a great new-fangled gadget that can increase your car’s value and give you access to some great modern conveniences. Here’s everything you need to know about remote starters before you commit to buying.

Do I Need A Car Remote Starter?

Car remote starters give you greater control over your vehicle, and the opportunity to use your vehicle’s features from a great distance. If you’re sick of getting into an ice-cold car in the winter, or a sweat-box in the summer, then a remote starter could be for you.

Car remote starters also add value to your vehicle, so they could be a good investment if you plan on selling your vehicle in the future.

Compatibility

You’ll need to know your car remote starter is compatible with your vehicle and be warned: many remote starters only work with petrol engines and automatic transmissions. Drivers of manuals and diesel vehicles may need to look further afield, but brands like Viper and Compustar have got you covered.

Remote Type

There are a few different kinds of car remote starters, all with varying levels of sophistication. Let’s take a look.

• One-way: One-way remote starters are the cheapest and most basic option. These car remote starters communicate commands to your vehicle, such as to turn the heat or air-con on, but your vehicle can’t send a signal back.
• Two-way: Two-way remote starters feature all the benefits of one-way, but with the added ability for your vehicle to communicate back. That means you can get remote information about your vehicle, and you’ll always know the vehicle is warming up once you’ve sent the command.
• Smartphone integration: Remote starters with smartphone integration let you control your vehicle through your phone. Smartphone integration That means you never have to worry about forgetting your key fob again – but you may end up paying a monthly fee to extend cell service to your vehicle.

Range

The range of car remote starters varies from around 3,000 to a whopping 6,000 ft – that’s over a mile. If you’re in the habit of parking some distance from your home or office, a greater range will give you complete control of your vehicle for anywhere you could end up.

Installation

Installation for a car remote starter can be complicated, especially with contemporary vehicles that are jam-packed with electronics. For most people, I recommend employing a professional to install their remote starter – but if you’re a DIY fanatic with a head for electrics, look out for remote starters that come with detailed installation manuals.

Cut-off Switch

A cut-off switch lets you disengage the starter entirely from the key fob and it’s a handy feature if you do a lot of work on your vehicle. Getting under the hood with an armed car remote starter can be dangerous as the engine is primed to start – a cut-off switch gives you, or your mechanic, peace of mind.

Timer

If you’re the kind of driver who likes to set and forget, you can use timer functions to set your vehicle’s temperature at a certain time. The vehicle will warm up ahead of time and you don’t need to remember to push the button.

Valet Mode

Valet mode lets you disable a range of remote start features at the click of a button if your vehicle is going to be used by someone unfamiliar with the system, such as a valet or just a friend or family member. It can turn off the alarm system, but also trunk release to protect your belongings.

LCD Screen

A car remote starter with an LCD screen gives you even more information about your vehicle in a visual format. You can see the actual temperature of your car, information about locking, and an intuitive interface to control your vehicle.

Warranty

A warranty gives you peace of mind because car remote starters can be expensive pieces of kit. At the top end, a lifetime warranty might help you choose between two premium products.

Other Features

In the competitive world of car remote starters, brands are constantly coming up with new features so be on the lookout for anything that appeals to you. These can include GPS vehicle tracking, vehicle maintenance, parking meter countdowns so you don’t get hit with a ticket, and additional vehicle security.

Wrapping Up…

With so many affordable car remote starters available nowadays, this once-premium upgrade can now be enjoyed by everyone.

While two-way systems and smartphone integration give you peak control, even one-way remote starters offer enhanced security and comfort in any climate.

So put the power in your key fob. Pick up a car remote starter today.