# WiThrottle — user reviews

> 65 indexed App Store user reviews of WiThrottle by Beth Hoffman, rated 4.30/5 from 40 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/withrottle/id344172578/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/withrottle/id344172578.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 26 · 4★ 6 · 3★ 3 · 2★ 2 · 1★ 3

## What do users think of WiThrottle?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 🚀 Works great with JMRI
- 📱 Controls trains wirelessly
- 💡 Excellent value for money
- 🔧 Great customer support
- 🎛️ Controls multiple throttles
- 🎛️ Customizable function buttons
- 📱 Works on iPhone and iPad

**Cons**

- 🐛 Connection drops when backgrounded
- 🐛 JMRI connection issues
- 🐛 Some features not working
- 🐛 UI could be improved
- 🐛 Limited on iPhone vs iPad
- 🐛 Not compatible with all systems
- 💰 Expensive full version

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Power ON/OFF broken
- Horn gets stuck on with DCC-EX
- Minor glitchy unresponsive throttle slider
- App would not connect to JMRI 5.2
- Connection to JMRI server drops when app goes to background
- Bug with controlling turnouts
- Blank screen and app crashing on iPhone with WifiTraxx WFD-30
- Connection bug fixes needed
- iPhone XR will not connect to server (Digitrax LNWI)
- Network set to autodetect causes issues
- Problems getting switch names and function labels from Decoder Pro
- When switching locks, loco stops instead of continuing
- App crashes when selecting throttle tab after selecting locomotive address

**Most requested features**

- Support for DCC-EX
- Night mode and dark mode
- Turnout/Points control in main UI
- Routes support with MRC Wi-Fi module
- Customizable features like Android app
- Support for ESU decoders with 30+ functions
- Keep trains running when app closes/phone sleeps
- Support for landscape orientation
- Show layout with JMRI and switch orientation
- Ability to throw switches
- On-cab signaling, block announcement
- Ability to make and break consists
- Turnout controls
- Juggling two locos on one screen
- SS control throttle option
- Screen rotation support
- Control accessory addresses
- Disable auto-stop feature
- Multiple train control
- Consisting
- Ops mode programming
- Switch control
- Torch icon on top of screen
- Ability to change CV values in operations mode
- Volume buttons adjust speed

## Newest reviews (12 of 65)

### 4/5 — works great.

*2024-03-06, version 3.8.3*

awesome app, very simple to use. minor glitchy unresponsive throttle slider for me but otherwise great app. wish it had dcc-ex functions and customizable features like the free android app.

### 4/5 — Good app but needs to support way better

*2023-03-04*

This app is great in all with everything you can do with it, but with esu decoders using up to 30+ functions it really limits you with their decoders. If the developers of WiThrottle are reading this please can you support this in the future so we can get past those limitations that we have now.

### 4/5 — Almost perfect

*2021-11-11*

I pair this with the WiFi track module and train control couldn’t be simpler. The only things that would make this PERFECT for me an the display-type runs I prefer would be if the trains didn’t stop when the app closes (I.e. phone sleeps). Would absolutely make my day if they could solve for this.

### 4/5 — It’s great but falls short of the android version.

*2021-09-27, version 3.4.2*

Really great throttle and super easy to use. But need when standing next to an android user iOS version needs some help and quick.

### 4/5 — Great just needs support

*2021-01-31*

Love this app. It just needs a few connection bug fixes again. With JMRI updating Frequently this app needs to update as well. Thanks guys.

### 5/5 — This Changes Everything!

*2019-04-11, version 3.0.1*

I have to update my review (below) from 7 years ago; this Version 3 is incredible. The new features interface with Decoder Pro seamlessly and offer so much more. When I consider how much money I had spent on 3 DCC throttles, the price of this app seems to be much too low, since it offers more features than the throttles do with a much easier to use interface.
What’s changed most since I first reviewed this app? Today when I visit my friends’ layouts, more often than not I’ll be operating trains with my iPhone. Thank you for continuing to improve WiThrottle.
The original review:
Until last year I had almost lost interest in model railroading.  Here I was in the 21st century still running model trains with 19th century technology.
Digital command control (DCC) changed all that -- suddenly model trains could be computerized.  Then came the interface that allowed me to run my trains with my computer using free Decoder Pro software available at jmri.org.  This was getting exciting.
But nothing prepared me for this app.  Imagine running your trains without wires, using the iPhone, iPod or iPad you already own!  Speed up, slow down, reverse, blow the horn or turn on the lights, all with a tap on the screen.
I had anticipated some difficulty in getting this setup to work (since it involved a hand-held device, a computer, two separate software programs and that leftover 19th century technology) but after downloading WiThrottle I was running trains in just a couple minutes on a very well thought out and intuitive interface.  Just open a window in Decoder Pro and WiThrottle hooks right on, ready to go.
Up until now, you've been able to have our friends over to look at your trains.  Imagine how much more impressed they'll be when you can hand them your iPhone and let them actually operate a train!

### 5/5 — Works great! Highly recommend!!

*2018-01-03*

I don't know about earlier versions, but this version is so simple to use! Took me some time to figure out that you have to keep swiping right to get to your turnouts and routes. I'm running a Raspberry Pi with a Pi-Sprog and have had no issues at all with this app connecting to my JMRI. JMRI is about of a learning curve but the WiThrottle app is super easy to use! I highly recommend!

### 5/5 — Well pleased

*2017-05-02*

This is the first time I have felt that I ought to review an App.
I am very pleased, Wi Throttle does exactly what is says in the preview.
I can now control my trains and turnouts from my iPad.
Certain aspects of how to set up Wi Throttle wasn't immediately obvious.  The use of the term "web" fooled me.  This is a local web not necessarily connected to the Internet.  I emailed their help people and received a reply over night (I'm in England).
Very pleased indeed.

### 5/5 — Magical

*2016-12-27*

A brilliant app to control ones trains in collaboration with JMRI software. I personally would like to see the torch icon on top of the screen above the directional indicators, and perhaps the ability to change certain CV values in operations mode such as CV 29 to enable the user defined speed table for example. That said by also using my iPad with the Web Server I can also change by touch my turnouts and signals from a track diagram, or use the routes screen. Truly amazing and more importantly wire free. Highly recommended.

### 5/5 — Great

*2016-12-26, version 2.14.2*

I love to control my Trains on my phone and my Laptop!

### 5/5 — The Gold Standard for Model Railroad controller apps

*2016-10-12, version 2.14.1*

I've been using WiThrottle since June 2015, and have yet to be disappointed. At times, the app is more reliable than the NCE throttles used by my club, and it really shows.

### 4/5 — Good but could be better

*2016-01-17, version 2.12*

A bit expensive for relatively few extra features. One draw back is that only a slide throttle is available, no SS control, which could easily be achieved.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Power ON/OFF broken

*2025-04-13*

The interface is reminiscent of my first Fischer Price toy dash board filled with buttons and knobs that all did nothing.  Basic but important features such as a power button failed to work.   Purchased the full version of the app for the power on/off feature alone only to feel fleeced out of my hard earned $10. Unfortunately this app is underdeveloped with promised but basic features not working at all.  Adding insult to injury I was refused any refund after several requests.  "Fooled me once" is the worst business model, good luck.

### 1/5 — Unable to Operate JMRI Turnouts

*2022-03-07*

There is a bug with controlling turnouts which I found out at my club. The app will not allow me to operate turnouts.

**Developer response:** There have been no reports of an issue with turnout control. Contact me at the support email link in the "Info" page of the app Settings.

### 1/5 — Not good

*2013-05-08*

If it would worked I would like it will not log on :(

### 2/5 — Nice but needs updating

*2023-04-04*

Nice little app but needs to be updated to keep it functional with jmri. Had to go back to jmri 5.0 because this app would not connect to jmri 5.2

### 2/5 — Not impressed

*2015-08-25*

As so often happens it seems that changes are made just to make changes. This is not an improvement over earlier versions of WiThrottle imho.
The earlier versions of WiThrottle we simpler,more intuitive and had a better user-interface.
This latest version is not nearly as intuitive and the user-interface is much more clumsy....not too much fun. Overly complex and clunky.

### 3/5 — Missing some key features

*2025-05-14*

Rock solid and reliable but missing some features that are found in other apps such as Engine Driver. Turnouts/Points is missing from the main UI. Night mode and dark mode function to match the system interface would set this app apart from others

### 3/5 — No Routes

*2025-04-20*

The app does not handle routes with the MRC Wi Fi module. Unfortunately you do not find this out until you have purchased the full version

### 3/5 — Needs updated for DCC-EX also a Bug

*2025-03-21*

The defacto throttle for iOS.  Works great with things like JMRI and Sprog, but it needs updated to support DCC-EX. 

There’s also a bug when using DCC-EX where sometimes the horn gets stuck on.

The UI, while functional and easy to read, could use sprucing up.

### 3/5 — Works great until you change focus to another app.

*2023-03-23*

This app does everything I want as long as my phone doesn't go to sleep or I change focus to a different app. When that happens connection to the JMRI server drops and I have to reconnect. This is a problem if I get a text or phone call or want to look something up while running my loco. Other apps don't stop if they go to the background. Not sure why this one does.

### 3/5 — Used to work great

*2015-12-23, version 2.12*

WiThrottle (and Lite) will go nuts if you have network set to autodetect.

Temporarily disabling wifi and then setting WiThrottle to manually enter network settings will work as a work around. 

Otherwise, still a great throttle program in need of some attention (updates).

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — 4 at once

*2026-02-13*

This app works great on the iPad. You can control four throttles at one time. On the iPhone I can only control two at a time. It’s a great app.

### 5/5 — Works great on iPad

*2023-03-10*

Love this app! I had trouble understanding how to connect it to the MRC transformer. Sent inquiry to support and heard back the next day.
Great support! Got it connected and am enjoying it very much! The ‘Roster’ is great as I can set up a file for each locomotive and give the function keys a name instead of having to look at a sheet with the function number assignments.

### 5/5 — Excellent and top notch support

*2022-12-30*

I’m using WiThrottle with JMRI v5, a Raspberry Pi and a Lenz LZV200 and it’s seamless

Operating locos and turnouts has never been easier, and as my collection of sound equipped locos increases I’m loving the ability to LABEL function buttons (and hide the ones not in use)

### 5/5 — Amazing app. Best $10 I have spent in a long time!

*2022-10-30*

Using with MRC Prodigy Express Squared with Wi-Fi Module. I can see and easily control 4 locomotives from my iPad at one time. No switching screens, no switching back and forth.

### 5/5 — Works great

*2021-06-12*

Controls my digitrax system, and just works. Easy to use.

### 5/5 — Excellent app and speedy update to 3.2.1

*2021-05-30*

Just to make everyone aware when the app was updated to v3.2, once you selected a locomotive address and then selected throttle Tab, I was getting a blank screen and the app was crashing on my iPhone. Please not this was only relevant whilst connected to the WifiTraxx WFD-30 wireless NCE cab bus controller. I contacted support at WiThrottle and subsequently after a few days the revised version 3.2.1 was available. I just wanted to thank Support very much for their speedy update, the app now works well with the WiFi controller.

### 5/5 — Wonderful App

*2020-07-14, version 3.0.4*

This is the best $10 app I have purchased.  This app works seamlessly with JMRI and made my transition to DCC a joy.  For anyone interested in the model railroad hobby this is a top notch app because it is intuitive, flexible and works with on most iPad and iPhones.  Save time and energy by investing in this first before purchasing more expensive radio stations for wireless control.  Beware you will need to invest in some hardware before using this product. It is not a stand-alone app.  Do a little homework to maximize the enjoyment.

### 5/5 — Great stuff

*2019-11-22*

Best train app ever

### 5/5 — Great App but does not work with my phone

*2019-11-15*

I have this app running on some older iphones and it works just great. I love the interface. I have absolutely no complaint about this in that respect. This app is my favorite way to run trains. In fact I have sold some of my Digitrax throttles because this is such a great app.

But, my iPhone XR running latest iOS will not connect to the server (I am using Digitrax LNWI). It can’t find the LNWI no matter what (even putting in the IP address).  If that could get fixed I would be a real happy camper!

### 5/5 — Great app!

*2019-06-10*

This app works extremely well with my digitrax module. Response is immediate and is easier for me to use vice my dt400. I actually prefer my phone as a controller. I am able to control switches as easily as with a digitrax throttle. 
UI graphics are inconsequential to the operation of the functions and provide excellent responses. Keep the improvements coming.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-29.*