# Z21 vs Dremel

The clearest difference is rating: Dremel at 4.4 against Z21's 3.8. Dremel also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). Z21's advantage is review sentiment (38% vs 21%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Z21 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Dremel asks for nothing beyond the download.

Dremel holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 19 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 38% of Z21's written reviews are positive against 21% of Dremel's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Z21 ships an update every 3 weeks, Dremel every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and June 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Z21 | Dremel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/z21/id1114706450/reviews) | **[4.4 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dremel/id1577928986/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **19** |
| Positive reviews | **37.6% of reviews** | 21.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 232 MB | 193 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Modelleisenbahn GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/533805542) | [Robert Bosch Tool Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1200374538) |

## 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)


### Dremel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dremel/id1577928986)

This app connects to a smart rotary tool to provide usage insights, performance alerts, and speed recommendations. It helps users find the right accessories and settings for their projects, monitor tool battery life, and manage tool health.

**Highlights:** Bluetooth pairing with smart rotary tool, Accessory and speed recommendations, Tool dashboard with battery and usage time, Performance alerts and preventative tips, Accessory guides for various Dremel tools, Material guide for rotary tool accessories

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Z21 free?

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

### Is Dremel free?

Dremel is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Dremel is rated higher. Z21 averages 3.8 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Dremel averages 4.4 from 19 ratings.

### Do Z21 or Dremel have ads?

Neither Z21 nor Dremel shows ads.

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

Z21 ships an update every 3 weeks, and Dremel every 2 months. Most recently, Z21 was updated on September 19, 2026 and Dremel on June 5, 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.*