Car Audio
Remote Start Installation Cost 2026 | Complete Pricing Guide
Blackout Team· Window Tinting Experts
·5 min read
How much does remote start installation cost? Complete pricing for Compustar, Viper, and other brands with labor estimates.
Remote Start Installation Cost
Start your car from the couch. Remote start is one of the most popular car electronics upgrades. Here's what it costs.
Quick Answer
| System Type | Total Installed |
|---|---|
| Basic (short range) | $250-400 |
| Mid-range | $400-600 |
| Long-range/smartphone | $500-800 |
| Premium (all features) | $700-1,200+ |
Cost Breakdown
Remote Start Unit Prices
| Brand/Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic 1-way | $100-200 |
| 2-way with feedback | $200-350 |
| Long-range (1+ mile) | $300-500 |
| Smartphone enabled | $400-700 |
Popular Brands
| Brand | Range | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Compustar | Premium | $200-600 |
| Viper | Popular | $150-500 |
| Avital | Budget | $100-200 |
| Python | Mid-range | $150-300 |
Bypass Module (Required)
Most modern vehicles need bypass module to work with factory security:
| Vehicle Age | Bypass Cost |
|---|---|
| 2010-2015 | $50-100 |
| 2015-2020 | $75-150 |
| 2020+ | $100-200 |
Installation Labor
| Vehicle Type | Labor Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic install | $100-200 |
| Standard vehicle | $150-250 |
| Complex vehicle | $250-400 |
| Push-to-start | $200-350 |
Complete Package Costs
Budget System: $250-400
- Avital or basic Viper
- Standard bypass
- Basic installation
Popular Choice: $400-600
- Compustar T11 or Viper 5706V
- 2-way remote with LCD
- Quality installation
Premium System: $600-900
- Compustar Pro T12
- 3-mile range
- Smartphone integration
- Professional installation
Ultimate: $800-1,200+
- Compustar with DroneMobile
- Unlimited smartphone range
- GPS tracking
- 2-way confirmation
- Premium installation
What Affects Price?
Vehicle Factors
More expensive:
- Push-button start vehicles
- European vehicles (BMW, Audi, Mercedes)
- Diesel engines (glow plug wait)
- Manual transmissions
Less expensive:
- Standard key ignition
- Domestic vehicles
- Automatic transmission
Feature Differences
| Feature | Added Cost |
|---|---|
| 2-way feedback | +$50-100 |
| Long range (+1 mile) | +$100-200 |
| Smartphone control | +$100-300 |
| GPS tracking | +$100-200/year |
| Turbo timer | +$25-50 |
Remote Start Features Explained
1-Way vs 2-Way
1-Way: Sends signal, no confirmation 2-Way: Remote confirms car started (LCD or LED)
Smartphone Control
DroneMobile, Viper SmartStart, etc.:
- Start from anywhere
- Monthly fee ($30-100/year)
- GPS tracking available
Range Comparison
| Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Basic | 500-1,000 ft |
| Standard | 1/4-1/2 mile |
| Long-range | 1-3 miles |
| Smartphone | Unlimited |
Popular Remote Start Packages
Compustar CS4900-S
- 2-way LED remote
- 3,000 ft range
- DroneMobile ready
- Installed: $450-550
Compustar Pro T12
- 2-way LCD remote
- 3-mile range
- Smartphone optional
- Installed: $600-750
Viper 5706V
- 2-way LCD remote
- 1-mile range
- Responder technology
- Installed: $400-550
Ready for Remote Start?
Get your custom quote:
📞 Call 408-848-8468 — discuss options
📝 Get a free quote — no obligation
Related Content
- Car Audio: Installation Cost Guide
- Security: Car Alarm Guide
- Full Service: Car Audio Services
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