# Z21 vs Meross

The clearest difference is rating: Meross at 4.5 against Z21's 3.8. Meross also leads on review sentiment (77% vs 38%) and ratings volume (7.9K vs 13). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Z21 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Meross sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Meross holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Meross has 7.9K ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 38% of Z21's written reviews are positive against 77% of Meross's.

Z21 ships an update every 3 weeks, Meross fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Z21 | Meross |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/z21/id1114706450/reviews) | **[4.5 (7.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meross/id1260842951/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **7.9K** |
| Positive reviews | 38.3% of reviews | **77.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 232 MB | 232 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Modelleisenbahn GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/533805542) | [Chengdu Meross Technology Co.,Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1260842710) |

## What reviewers say

### Z21

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/z21/id1114706450)

Control your model train layout and locomotives wirelessly from your iOS device. Manage your locomotive library, program digital components, and operate switches and signals with an intuitive touch interface. Enjoy a realistic train control experience with customizable driver cabs.

**Highlights:** Wireless control of locomotives and layout, Manage locomotive library with images, Program digital components, Intuitive graphic interface for switches and signals, Downloadable driver cabs for realistic control, Demo mode available

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Z21 Full Version | $17.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🚀 Fast and reliable locomotive control
- 💡 Innovative layout design with schematic control station
- 🎨 Clean, modern orange and black design
- 📱 Works seamlessly across multiple iOS devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- 🔌 Connection drops to Z21 control station
- ⚠️ White screen startup issues in recent updates
- 🎮 Throttle display bugs showing incorrect speeds
- 📉 Slow performance on older devices

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup (white screen issue)
- Connection drops to Z21 central station
- Throttle display shows incorrect or blank speeds
- Function buttons not responding properly in multitraction mode
- Route synchronization failures across multiple control station pages

**Requested features**

- Offline locomotive database access
- Dark mode or customizable color schemes
- Background image support for layout design
- Turntable/rotary module support
- Automatic event-based control (occupancy detection, crossing automation)


### Meross

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meross/id1260842951)

Control and manage a wide range of smart home devices remotely. Set schedules, create custom scenes, and integrate with voice assistants for automated control. Access troubleshooting guides, firmware updates, and community forums for support.

**Highlights:** Remote device control, Custom schedules and scenes, Voice assistant integration, Firmware updates, In-app hardware guides, Consumer forum

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10 SMS for a month | $0.99 | per month |
| 优惠测试-月 | $1.99 | per month |
| 优惠测试-年 | $1.99 | per year |
| 优惠测试-周 | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| 30 SMS for a month | $2.49 | per month |
| 100 SMS for a month | $6.99 | per month |
| 30 SMS | $3.49 | one-time |
| 100 SMS | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use app
- 🚀 Reliable and stable performance
- 💡 Useful features like power consumption monitoring
- 🔒 Secure and private
- 🔌 Seamless integration with smart home platforms

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connectivity issues and device disconnections
- 🔧 Setup can be tricky at times
- 📱 Limited customization options in the app
- 🕰️ Routines and scheduling could be more flexible

**Reported bugs**

- Unreliable garage door status reporting
- Compatibility issues with iOS 16 updates
- Inconsistent device discovery and pairing

**Requested features**

- Add support for more smart home platforms
- Improve app interface and allow for more customization
- Enhance scheduling and automation features
- Provide more detailed energy consumption reporting


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Z21 free?

Z21 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Meross free?

Meross is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Z21 or Meross?

Meross is rated higher. Z21 averages 3.8 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Meross averages 4.5 from 7.9K ratings.

### Do Z21 or Meross have ads?

Neither Z21 nor Meross shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Z21 or Meross?

Z21 ships an update every 3 weeks, and Meross fortnightly. Most recently, Z21 was updated on October 14, 2026 and Meross on October 21, 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.*