Every remote start does the same basic job: warm up your vehicle before you get in. Where they differ is how far away you can be, whether the remote tells you the car actually started, and whether you can do it from your phone. Pick the wrong type and you'll be standing at the window wondering if it worked. Here's how 1-way, 2-way and smartphone remote start compare, and which one fits how you actually park and live in the Twin Cities.
1-Way Remote Start
A 1-way remote sends the command to your vehicle and that's it. The car starts, but the remote never hears back. You find out it worked by looking out the window or walking out to a warm car.
Who it's for
- You park in a driveway or garage you can see from the house
- You want the simplest, most affordable option
- You don't need confirmation, you just need it warm
Compustar PRIME G17
Starting at $424.99 installed- Up to 1,000 ft range
- 1-year Compustar PRIME remote warranty
- DroneMobile smartphone control and alarm available as add-ons
2-Way Remote Start
A 2-way remote talks back. Press start and the remote confirms the vehicle is running with a light, a chirp, or on higher-end models a full color screen. That matters most when you can't see your vehicle.
Who it's for
- You park in a work lot, apartment ramp or anywhere out of sight
- You want confirmation that it started, locked, or that something triggered the alarm
- You want more range than a 1-way system
Ask anyone who has walked out to a cold car at 6 AM in January. Confirmation is the difference between trusting your remote start and hoping it worked. For most of our customers, a 2-way system is the sweet spot.
Compustar PRO G18
Starting at $499.99 installed- Up to 3,000 ft range with 2-way LED confirmation
- Includes a 1-way backup remote
- 3-year Compustar PRO remote warranty
Compustar PRIME Q9
Starting at $579.99 installed- Up to 3,000 ft range
- Color LCD screen on the remote
- DroneMobile available as an add-on
Smartphone Remote Start
With DroneMobile, your phone becomes the remote. It works over the LTE cellular network, so there's no range limit. Start the car from your desk, the airport, or the other side of the Mall of America parking lot.
Who it's for
- You park far away or in places a remote can't reach
- You want lock, unlock and status from anywhere
- You want GPS tracking and alerts (higher DroneMobile plans)
DroneMobile smartphone control requires an active DroneMobile subscription. Plans start as low as $4.50/month and vary by features. GPS tracking requires a Premium plan or higher. A free Premium trial is offered on activation.
Use your factory key fob
Don't want another remote on your keychain? Our OEM style system lets you remote start using a button sequence on the key fob you already have, with optional DroneMobile app control.
Compustar OEM Style
Starting at $449.99 installed- Start with your factory key fob
- Optional DroneMobile smartphone control with unlimited range
- Nothing extra on your keychain
The Best of Both Worlds
Our top systems combine a long-range 2-way remote with DroneMobile built in. You get confirmation on your keychain and unlimited range on your phone.
Compustar PRO R5
Starting at $599.99 installed- Up to 2 miles, 2-way LED with alarm alerts
- DroneMobile LTE module included (subscription required)
- 3-year Compustar PRO remote warranty
Compustar PRO T13
Starting at $799.99 installed- Up to 3 miles, full color LCD remote
- Proximity unlock when you walk up
- DroneMobile LTE module included (subscription required)
- 3-year Compustar PRO remote warranty
Quick Comparison
Here's how the main options stack up side by side.
| Type | Confirmation | Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Way | None | Up to 1,000 ft | Driveway or garage you can see |
| 2-Way | LED or LCD | Up to 3,000 ft to 3 miles | Work lots, apartments, out of sight |
| Smartphone | In the app | Unlimited (LTE) | Anywhere, plus tracking options |
| 2-Way + App | Remote and app | Remote range plus unlimited | People who want everything |
What Every Install Includes
No matter which system you choose, the install is the part that makes it reliable.
- Lifetime warranty on installation. Every remote start we install is covered for as long as you own the vehicle.
- Vehicle-specific integration. Proper bypass and data modules for your exact vehicle, not a one-size-fits-all harness.
- Security is optional. Add an alarm system at install if you want shock sensing and alerts.
Manual transmissions and European vehicles
Remote start can be installed on many manual transmission vehicles with the proper safety setup, and on many European vehicles, but both may carry additional fees. Call with your year, make and model and we'll tell you exactly what's possible.
Want more background? Read Best Remote Start Systems for Minnesota Winters, How Much Does Remote Start Installation Cost in the Twin Cities? and Does a Remote Start Void Your Car Warranty?
Get Warm Before You Get In
Remote start installs at our shop in Minneapolis, serving the Twin Cities. Schedules fill fast once the first real cold snap hits. Buy once, install right.
Schedule Your Installation Call 763-260-1491 Email UsPrices shown are starting installed prices and vary by vehicle. Manual transmission and European vehicles may incur additional fees. DroneMobile features require an active subscription purchased through DroneMobile. Range is manufacturer-rated maximum and varies with environment and interference. Security system is an optional add-on. Saint Nordic Custom Autoworks is not responsible for issues caused by customer-supplied products.