TOP 15 best alarm systems with auto start: 2022 rating by price/quality for a car

This rating of alarm systems with auto start on our website Vyborcen.com is an excellent option to quickly select the right model.

For easier navigation, we have divided the rating into categories:

• The best alarm systems with auto start in terms of price/quality for 2021.
• The best alarm systems with auto start and feedback.
• The best alarm systems with auto start and GSM.
• The best alarm systems with auto start and turbo timer.
• The best inexpensive alarms with auto start.

A car alarm with auto start is not only a means of protection against illegal entry/theft of valuables and vehicle theft, but also the ability to remotely heat the car interior.

Using this function, drivers configure the engine to start automatically, which is a definite plus in winter, as it saves time for the vehicle owner.

We analyzed data on purchases of security systems in Russia for 2022 and compiled a rating of the most reliable and easy-to-use models. Some of them have a feedback function, GSM, turbo timer, etc.

To make choosing a device easier for you, we provide current recommendations and expert advice.

You will know what to pay attention to first and make a profitable purchase.

Rating of the best alarm systems with auto start in 2022

Car alarms with GSM

These are security systems, full control functionality and settings are available from a smartphone.
Their obvious advantages are clarity and ease of management. The smartphone screen usually displays security statuses and car statuses (battery charge, interior temperature, engine temperature, and others). Also from it, if you have a GPS / Glonass module, you can track your location in real time.

And of course, they have the ability to remotely autostart, which can be controlled at any distance from the car.

Catalog of GSM alarms

1st place in the ranking of the best car alarms with GSM

Pandect X-1800 L

It can rightfully be called the leader of modern GSM alarm systems in terms of the combination of functionality and price.
It provides the full range of capabilities inherent in this type of security system, at an affordable price! Management -

from a smartphone, using the application, from it you can track the security status and condition of the car and configure the system.

Automatic engine start

- no control distance limitation. This is possible by connecting to the Internet using a SIM card installed in the alarm.

In addition, an important nuance is that the car’s standard immobilizer is software-based and does not require the key to be placed in the passenger compartment, which makes the function safe. Pandora has a very wide list of supported cars.

Security functions

— they are controlled very simply, you need to have a miniature tag with you, which is automatically read by the device when you open the car and the car alarm is disarmed.

The box of the device is made miniature, very stylish, in the spirit of manufacturers of good smartphones; holding this box in your hands you already think about the manufacturability of the device in it. When you get acquainted with the contents, you are surprised at the very miniature size of the base unit of the security system; it barely takes up half the palm of your hand.

The alarm has an excellent package, which includes a piezo siren (in general, manufacturers rarely equip their systems with sirens, there are exceptions, they concern the most top-end systems), a low declared current consumption of 9mA, excellent functionality, and, in my opinion, the most convenient, beautifully drawn and informative mobile application among all competitors.

It is important that it also has the ability to be equipped with additional anti-theft elements (radio relays, various engine compartment radio modules) and we get an almost ideal base for building an impregnable anti-theft system for a car.

2nd place in the ranking of the best GSM car alarms.

Starline S96 BT GSM GPS

It rightfully ranks second.

The main advantage of the first presented alarm is that it has a GSM/Glonass module, which allows you to track the location of the car in real time on the screen of your smartphone.

Control

- traditional for GSM systems, it is extremely easy to control from a convenient application without distance restrictions.

This system does not have key fobs, only contactless tags, and I believe that this is quite sufficient for modern anti-theft systems. Tags are automatically determined by the system, without requiring any additional actions from the owner.

Autostart

— can be used both from the application and by the schedule. Bypassing the standard immobilizer is software-based and supports a large number of cars, making it safe.

Security functions

— the alarm monitors radio tags and, if they are missing, prevents the engine from starting. If the owner is forcibly removed from the car, then in the absence of a tag, the car alarm will turn off the engine after a certain distance.

The advantages of the anti-theft device include the price; for this price, with a wealth of equipment, it simply has no competitors. And even despite this, it can be retrofitted with special radio modules and an anti-theft complex can be built on its basis.

So many benefits so why isn't it in first place? Everything is learned by comparison, so if you put the boxes and contents of Pandect-1800 L and Starline S96 GSM GPS side by side, then a lot will become obvious.

The size of the base block, unfortunately Starline has not yet approached the same level as that of the Pandora company, it cannot be called huge, but still 4 Pandect blocks can fit under the Starline case.

The size of the tags, again, is not in Starline’s favor, but they are still comfortable and small. But in any case, 2nd place is an excellent result, considering the small difference in points and the huge number of alarms on the market.

3rd place in the ranking of the best GSM alarms

Pandora DX-4GS Plus

This alarm includes all technologies possible in 2022.
This includes smartphone control, auto start, tracking the location of the car and, most importantly, communication in 4G format, this allows you to instantly receive information from the car, as well as be in touch where previous systems are no longer capable of doing this, for example, underground parking lots. Compared to the previous described car alarms, its only drawback is the price.

Control

— like the previous two models, this is a convenient application for a smartphone, and thanks to the most modern communication standard, connection with the car will be guaranteed in almost any situation.

Autostart

— the engine is started both from the application and according to various conditions configured in the application.

Like many Pandora security systems, it can implement remote auto engine start with a keyless bypass of the car’s standard immobilizer, which means that there is no need to hide the key in the cabin. It is better to check compatibility with a specific car with a specialist.

Security functions

— security functions are the same as the previous two. The owner has a tag for his authentication and it is automatically read via radio communication. All functions are present including anti-robbery.

To summarize, this is a car alarm with all the latest functions and high reliability from a renowned manufacturer.

How to choose an alarm system with auto start and what to pay attention to?

When choosing an alarm system with auto start, consider the following parameters of the security system:

• Method of starting the engine . The engine can be started remotely (just press a button on the key fob) or automatically. The second option involves a predetermined time, a certain temperature and other factors. This is very convenient if the car is left overnight in a parking lot located hundreds of meters from the house. Thus, having set the engine start at the desired time, the driver will sit in the already warmed-up cabin and immediately go about his business.
• Signal encoding method . Experts in the field of security systems recommend choosing alarm systems with conversational coding and GSM modules. This reduces the likelihood of theft or break-in to a minimum percentage.
• Additional functions . Alarms with auto start may have various sensors that monitor the condition of key systems/mechanisms of the vehicle. Some models are equipped with a large number of operating modes and a flexible interface, which allows you to configure the system the way you need.

In this case, the alarm must be suitable for the type of signal encryption for a specific make/model of car. And yet, it is important to consider the range of the security system (to start the car remotely from a distance convenient for you). By choosing a reliable alarm system, you will protect not only the doors, but also the trunk/hood of your car from burglary.

About installation

How an auto-start alarm will work depends even more on the installation than even in the case of conventional systems. Almost all modern cars are equipped with a standard immobilizer. Simply put, this is a “friend or foe” system that allows the machine to understand that the key (or tag) belongs to it. Therefore, when installing autorun, this system must be bypassed. A few years ago, a standard key was hidden in the interior for this purpose. The decision, I will say this, is not very sound, and it significantly makes it easier for criminals to do their dirty work. Then immobilizer bypassers began to appear, both as part of anti-theft systems and as separate modules. If you have a modern car, don't skimp on it.

Everyone has probably seen videos on the Internet where a parked car without a driver suddenly starts moving. In fact, this is not very funny - an almost guaranteed accident. And the problem is always the same - qualified installation of an alarm system with auto start. The systems have a special lock that will not allow the car to move if you leave it in gear. If it was installed somehow, then trouble is not far away.

Autorun programsIn general, now even inexpensive systems can do a lot in terms of autorun functions. There are all kinds of timers, and intervals can be set according to the temperature in the cabin/engine start. But the most convenient thing, in my opinion, is using a key fob or an application on a smartphone. And here the operating range of a particular alarm decides. Operating range. Although in classic radio alarms they like to claim 1.5-2 km from the key fob to the car, this is unattainable in the city. It often happens that there is a car under the window of an apartment on the 10th floor, but the signal no longer reaches. Fashionable Bluetooth is not about communication range at all, with it a maximum of 20 meters. In general, I advise everyone to spend money on a GSM system now. And not only if you need autostart - there is a completely different level of protection. And with remote start it’s a real treat!

This is interesting
How to choose the best car alarm - we’ll tell you right now!

The best brands

According to experts and the results of numerous tests, the best car alarm brands in 2022 will be StarLine, Pandora and Alligator. These manufacturers have the lowest theft statistics compared to other companies. However, they also have their drawbacks.

Pandora

Professionals

• Most models have two-way communication and GSM communication function
• Installed on cars of any brand
• Easy to connect
• Large assortment of keychains
• Equipped with sensitive sensors
• Ergonomic
• Reliability
• Multi-level protection

Against

• The battery in the tag drains quite quickly

Reliability and quality have made the brand with the intriguing name Pandora very popular and recognizable among motorists. The range is very wide and is suitable for any car and any budget. The reporting of this manufacturer perfectly combines time-tested traditions. Each new model is an improved and modified version of the previous one.

StarLine

Professionals

• Modular architecture
• Reliability
• Versatility
• Compactness
• High quality materials
• Multifunctionality

Against

• A bit overpriced
• The declared range of the remote control does not always correspond to the actual one
• Changing modes takes some practice

StarLine has developed a line of car alarms from economy to premium class. The system has a model architecture that allows you to connect additional elements and expand the signaling functionality. Depending on the model, control is carried out using a remote control, tag or mobile phone. A certain difficulty in controlling the remote control is that to change the mode you need to press some keys correctly. It is important to observe not only the sequence of presses, but also their duration. Over time, this inconvenience ceases to be felt.

Alligator

Professionals

• Range increased to 3000 m
• Encryption keys are individual for each report
• Fast response time
• Compact size
• Detailed installation instructions

Against

• The operating range of the remote control on some models does not correspond to that specified in the instructions

The functions of old and new Alligator alarm models differ significantly, but the basic characteristics remain the same. These include: high security of communication channels, good signal reception range and quick response to the received impulse. In this regard, even the cheapest Alligator model can reliably protect the car from unwanted interference.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any alarm system, feedback alarm system has both advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages and disadvantages inherent in car alarms with feedback are described below.

As for the benefits:

1. allow the owner to constantly monitor the condition of his car at a sufficiently large distance, receiving all the information on a special device - a module or key fob, since the car should not be in sight or audibility;
2. have several options for transmitting encoded data: dynamic and interactive encoding - more affordable financially, mobile communications - more reliable security systems, which, however, are more expensive;
3. the ability to install additional options - remote engine start, interior heating, calling a car and others.

As for the disadvantages:

• oddly enough, the key fob can be called the weak point of the entire system, since it runs on a battery and if you forget to charge it, then at the most inopportune moment you can simply be left without communication with the car;
• systems with dynamic and interactive encoding have one common drawback - a limited range of action. And even if a company indicates a figure of 1000 or 2000 meters, then it means ideal conditions without interference. In fact, the average distance for data transmission is 500 m;
• the cost of high-quality feedback alarms often requires large financial investments, and even if you choose one of the budget models presented in 2015, you will still need to pay extra for its installation or equipment, if desired, with additional options.

No. 2: StarLine D94 2CAN GSM/GPS Slave

Cost: 20,500 rubles

The alarm system has unlimited possibilities. Using the GSM-GPS module, you can control the device from a mobile phone, search for a vehicle in a parking lot, or determine the location of a car with great accuracy (for example, when a car is stolen).

The magazine "Behind the Wheel" called the StarLine D94 model an alarm with the highest level of protection from any impact. When you try to lift the car with a jack or tow truck, the tilt sensor is triggered. And the auto-start alarm function reacts to changing air temperature and automatically adjusts the engine warm-up time.

TOMAHAWK 9.9

Our rating continues with the TOMOHAWK 9.9 alarm system. This model is popular among residents of the northern regions of the country for its stable operation in cold temperatures. In addition to starting directly by pressing a button on the key fob, it has the ability to do this at a given time or at a certain temperature. The signal transmission range of this alarm system reaches 1200 meters. Therefore, it will allow you to warm up the car even if you are far from it. This alarm uses a dialogue code, which can significantly increase resistance to electronic hacking. And yet, it will not stop functioning even after turning off the power from the network. TOMOHAWK 9.9 can be installed on various brands of modern cars, including those with different power units and types of gearboxes. The advantage of the product is that it can be installed on machines equipped with Start/Stop buttons. Most car owners are satisfied with the installation of this alarm system and do not note any significant shortcomings. The only caveat is that the batteries in the key fob run out quickly. But if this drawback doesn’t bother you, then TOMOHAWK 9.9 will be excellent protection for your car.

• Range up to 1.2 km.
• Dialogue code.
• Auto start: temperature/timer.
• 2-level shock sensor.
• Panic mode.
• Valet mode.
• Car search function.
• Immobilizer.
• Turbo timer.

Which company should you choose?

An equally important role when choosing a car alarm is played by its brand. Only time-tested manufacturers can guarantee the high quality of their products and maximum vehicle protection.

We analyzed user reviews for 2022 and determined that StarLine, Pandect, Scher-Khan and Pandora were recognized as the best manufacturers of GSM car alarms.

The list of manufacturers is small, but they have a huge range of car alarms, so choosing the right model will not be difficult.

Rating of budget car alarms with auto start

1. Pandora DX 9X Lora (RUB 13,650)
2. StarLine A97 (RUB 20,500)
3. Pandora DX 57R (RUB 12,430)

Pandora DX 9X Lora (1st place)

Pandora DX 9X Lora is an upgraded model of the 2020 best-selling DX-9X. The new product received a LoRa radio path thanks to which the system has a high communication range (up to 2 km). The package includes only one updated key fob (D-027 with feedback), an autostart relay module and a PS-330 piezo siren. The main unit has Bluetooth/2CAN/LIN/IMMO-KEY interfaces. based on the DX 9X Lora, you can build a powerful anti-theft complex: register the BTR-101 radio relay, implement blocking of the standard radio channel, OBD connector and connect the pins in the doors, enable authorization by mobile phone or tag, connect the hood locks (when purchasing RHM-03 BT), implement additional wired engine blocking. Automatic starts are possible based on the following parameters: time, engine temperature and voltage.

Minuses:

• There is only one key fob included (it is possible to purchase an additional tag, key fob, or control the car from a smartphone via Bluetooth)
• When installed on some cars with full anti-theft functionality and additional locks, additional service functions, and auto start, there may not be enough additional channels

Price 13650 rubles.

StarLine A97 (2nd place)

The 7th generation of StarLine with an integrated 3CAN module, which allows you to work simultaneously with three CAN buses of the car (for example: in Citroen to implement keyless engine starting, and in BMW to block the standard radio channel), the A97 also has built-in 4LIN and Bluetooth Smart + modules expanded logic of flexible channels (60 programs). Built-in beeper for more comfortable authorization of the owner using standard buttons on the steering wheel of the car. At any time it is possible to supplement the alarm system with wireless Bluetooth locks, GSM and GPS modules. Based on the A97, you can build a powerful anti-theft complex: block the standard radio channel and OBD connector, connect hood locks and door locks (pins in the door). The ability to implement useful service functions, alerts and even a start/stop button on cars with a conventional ignition switch. Intelligent autostart allows you to automatically start the engine based on temperature, at a given time, based on battery drain or days of the week. Many cars support starting with a standard key. Remote control of the DVR.

Minuses:

• The communication range between the key fob and the car is shorter than that of Pandora DX 9X Lora
• Compared to the leader in the rating, A97 is significantly more expensive

Price 20,500 rubles.

Pandora DX 57R (3rd place)

Model 2022, with feedback, the ability to start the engine and keyless bypass of standard immobilizers. It has an improved radio path, digital interfaces 2CAN, LIN and Bluetooth 4.2. Includes key fob D-010, relay starting module RMD-5M and engine temperature sensor. Low power consumption. The system can in most cases only be used for remote starting for low-cost vehicles that are not on the theft list. Pandora DX 57R can start the engine: every day at a designated time, when the engine sensor temperature drops, periodically after a specified period of time.

Minuses:

• There is only one key fob included (it is possible to purchase an additional tag, key fob, or control the car from a smartphone via Bluetooth)
• When installed on some cars with full anti-theft functionality and additional locks, service functions, and auto start, there may not be enough additional channels

Price 12430 rubles.

The best slave and telematic car alarms (without key fob)

The telematics package is linked to the car owner’s smartphone. Using a special application, the driver can control security and service functions, as well as starting and stopping the engine.

All information about the location of the car is sent to the gadget in the form of SMS. In case of car theft, you can easily find it using GSM coordinates. The smartphone can also be used as a key fob (up to 60 m).

Prizrak 8L – super compact system

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

“Ghost” differs from competitive products in its maximum functionality, has an updated base unit with a built-in GSM antenna and is pleased with its compact dimensions. Small dimensions increase the possibility of hidden installation and minimize the risk of detection.

The Prizrak 8L is available with the Ghost mobile application, as well as the Dozor telematics service. The system is equipped with such popular functions as automatic window closing, beach and service modes.

Advantages:

• compact dimensions;
• a full-fledged security complex at the price of a conventional alarm system;
• adaptation to operating conditions in northern regions;
• central locking function.

Flaws:

• When the system freezes, you need to return to factory settings.

The device is equipped with a 2CAN module, which allows it to be installed on modern brands of cars with two CAN buses.

Pandect X 1900 BT – smart security alarm

4.5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Not long ago, an updated version of the popular Pandect X 1900 BT based on the powerful STM32F413 microcontroller appeared. The main advantage of this telematics complex is a double set of accelerometers. They provide increased sensitivity and maximum protection against false alarms.

The system provides detailed information about driving style, which is especially important when applying for insurance and receiving discounts from insurance companies.

Advantages:

• built-in siren;
• small dimensions;
• fine tuning of the system;
• wide functionality;
• a modern microcontroller that minimizes the risk of freezing.

Flaws:

• Possible poor reception if connected independently.

The new Pandect X security system is suitable for installation on any model of passenger car.

Review of inexpensive budget alarms

Before considering specific devices, let’s consider the TOP 5 alarm manufacturers in Russia:

StarLine. One of the first manufacturers of car alarms. The Starline brand first announced itself in 1988, and its debut system went on sale three years later.

Pandora. In 2022, Pandora celebrated its 15th anniversary. And, it is worth recognizing, during this period the manufacturer managed to take a leading position not only in Russia, but also in the world, which is a reason to trust this company. Pandora is the main manufacturer in the premium systems segment.

SCHER-KHAN. Since 1998, the Russian manufacturer Shere Khan has been offering convenient and reliable, inexpensive and high-quality alarm systems for vehicles.

ALLIGATOR. A popular American manufacturer that has confidently gained a foothold in the global alarm market. Thus, at the end of 2022, the brand entered the top three in terms of sales in Russia and the CIS countries.

Pantera. This brand appeared on the Russian market in the 2000s, immediately taking its place in the security device market.

#6: Alligator C-500

Cost: 7,100 rubles

The alarm range is 2.5 km. It has channels for controlling additional devices, intelligent autostart, and two-way notification. Thanks to standard connectors, any user can configure the device.

The alarm includes a turbo timer function and the activation of vehicle security even with the engine running. Expanded auto-start of the device, seven security zones and additional sensors make the Alligator a very reliable device. The dual alarm code and changing frequencies will protect against hacking.