# Backhoe! vs Train Simulator PRO 2018

The clearest difference is rating: Backhoe! at 4.5 against Train Simulator PRO 2018's 3.4. Backhoe! also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 5) and ads (none vs shown). Train Simulator PRO 2018's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 53 months) and ratings volume (507 vs 2). On device support there is nothing between them.

Backhoe! costs $1.99 and Train Simulator PRO 2018 $5.99 up front. Train Simulator PRO 2018 sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Backhoe! asks for nothing beyond the download.

Backhoe! holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Train Simulator PRO 2018 has 507 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Backhoe! ships an update every 53 months, Train Simulator PRO 2018 every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backhoe! | Train Simulator PRO 2018 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $5.99 |
| Rating | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backhoe/id1087279396/reviews)** | [3.4 (507 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-pro-2018/id1254419905/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **507** |
| Positive reviews | — | 41.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 53 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#102** |
| Size | 64 MB | 828 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Austin Ivansmith](https://appshunter.io/developer/806084714) | [MAGEEKS SC](https://appshunter.io/developer/611120073) |

## What reviewers say

### Backhoe!

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backhoe/id1087279396)

An interactive illustration game designed for young children, featuring a backhoe with simple touch controls. Kids can explore, dig, and drive without any pressure or complex mechanics.

**Highlights:** Interactive backhoe controls, Simple touch-to-play mechanics, Watercolor illustration style, No ads or in-app purchases, Score tracking, Kid-friendly design

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Train Simulator PRO 2018

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-pro-2018/id1254419905)

**Currently charting:** #102 Top Paid · Family (US App Store)

Experience the thrill of being a train engineer by driving realistic locomotives across a vast US landscape. Manage freight or passenger trains, navigate complex routes, and build a successful railway company. Enjoy stunning graphics and interactive cab controls for an immersive simulation.

**Highlights:** Drive passenger or freight trains, Explore 1000 sq miles of terrain, 15 cities to visit, 6 unique locomotives, Interactive engineer's cabin, Realistic damage system, Dynamic weather and day/night cycle

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Handful of Gems | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pile of Gems | $2.99 | one-time |
| Sack of Gems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bucket of Gems | $9.99 | one-time |
| Chest of Gems | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best train game ever
- 🚀 Awesome game
- 🚀 Excellent
- 🚀 High quality
- 🚀 Great graphics and gameplay

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes
- 🐛 Glitches
- 🐛 Money issues
- 🐛 Lack of features
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases

**Reported bugs**

- Long trains not recognized at grade crossings
- Engine damage and repair costs too high
- Inconsistent speed limit enforcement
- Missions not starting/completing properly
- Inability to unload cargo without crashing

**Requested features**

- Expand map to include West Coast
- Add more train models and types (e.g. steam engines)
- Implement multiplayer functionality
- Add more camera views and free roam mode
- Allow customization of trains (colors, logos, etc.)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backhoe! free?

Backhoe! costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Train Simulator PRO 2018 free?

Train Simulator PRO 2018 costs $5.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Backhoe! or Train Simulator PRO 2018?

Backhoe! is rated higher. Backhoe! averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Train Simulator PRO 2018 averages 3.4 from 507 ratings.

### Do Backhoe! or Train Simulator PRO 2018 have ads?

Train Simulator PRO 2018 shows ads; Backhoe! does not.

### Which is updated more often, Backhoe! or Train Simulator PRO 2018?

Backhoe! ships an update every 53 months, and Train Simulator PRO 2018 every 6 weeks. Most recently, Backhoe! was updated on October 24, 2026 and Train Simulator PRO 2018 on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*