Comparison

Z21 vs PetMic

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Z21

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
Read full description

Use this app to connect to a Z21 Digital Center. A demo mode is available. With this app you can manage locomotive libraries, locomotives and locomotive functions, program digital components – and of course control all locomotives with DCC- or Motorola-decoder, as easy and convenient as is only possible with touch-technology. The digital switchboard Z21 connects your model train unit and your digital locomotives with your iOS device via WLAN. This way you can control the operation on your train layout easily and conveniently from your mobile device. Model train control was never this easy and convenient: With one swipe of your hand you can scroll to your model of choice in the locomotive library. A slight touch on the headlight symbol and the front and backlights go on. A second touch, this time on the speaker symbol, and the locomotive makes a sound. Drag your finger over the speed indicator and the train accelerates. The further highlights of the Z21-App • Control your entire layout with an intuitive, graphic interface and have easy access to the entire scope of functions of your digital locomotives. • Manage your entire locomotive-library in just one application, including individual locomotive images for an ideal overview. • Control the digital functions of your locomotives with intuitive function symbols instead of complicated key combinations. • Create a blueprint of your railway system and control your switches, signals and modules with a single click. • Download driver cabs and control your locomotives from a real train driver’s point of view.

About

PetMic

Features
Read full description

PawMic — Your Pet’s Health, Always on Record. Just speak. PawMic listens and turns your words into a simple health log for your pet — from meals and energy levels to symptoms and vet visits. No typing required. WHY PawMic ? 1. Voice Recording Tap the mic and talk. “Max didn’t eat breakfast and threw up after dinner.” Done. PawMic highlights important keywords in your notes and helps you review key health details easily. 2. Photo & Video Attachments Limping? Skin rash? Unusual stool? Attach photos or videos directly to your pet’s health record. 3. Smart Record Insights PawMic helps you notice repeated notes in your records. 4. Clear Health Reports View a clean timeline of symptoms, notes, photos, and health events in one place. 6. Medical Document Storage Store lab results, prescriptions, vaccination records, and receipts. Organized by year with simple filters and zoom support. 7. Daily Reminders “How is Max doing today?” A gentle daily reminder helps you keep consistent health records. 8. Privacy First No account. No ads. Everything stays on your device with iCloud backup. One-time purchase. Your pet’s health diary — for life. — Made by IAMCRAFT Disclaimer PawMic is a pet health logging tool and not a medical device. Translations between Korean and English are provided for convenience only and should not be used as official medical documentation or advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical decisions.

Screenshots

Z214 screens
PetMic4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PetMic at none against Z21's 1. Z21's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.6). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Z21 ships an update every 3 weeks, PetMic every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Z21 versus PetMic: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterZ21PetMic
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (13 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews38.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings13 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS12.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size232 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperModelleisenbahn GmbHHeather Kim

Bugs and requests

Z21

Reported bugs

17 issues
  • 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
Show 12 more
  • Weichen (turnout) display showing white/blank images
  • App freezes during speed adjustment
  • Export functionality crashes (PRO version)
  • Occupancy feedback not displaying (Roco 10808)
  • iOS 14+ compatibility issues
  • Slow response times and lag
  • Layout elements jumping off-screen when editing
  • Routes highlighting incorrectly or not at all
  • Password-protected bug report zip file inaccessible to users
  • Fleischmann turntable module not available
  • Bridge modules cannot be displayed diagonally
  • Data loss after app updates

Requested features

20 requests
  • 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)
Show 15 more
  • Pendulum train control functionality
  • Manual route deactivation capability
  • Larger emergency stop button
  • Locomotive database sharing between layouts
  • Multi-language support (Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese)
  • Diagonal bridge module display
  • Camera locomotive integration
  • Double slip switch operation
  • Text labeling in layout designer
  • Improved signal image selection interface
  • Vehicle filtering and categorization system
  • Windows/Mac desktop application
  • Start-destination buttons for easier route control
  • Occupancy feedback module support (Roco 10808)
  • Copy and paste functionality in layout mode

PetMic

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Z21

One-time1
  • Z21 Full Version$17.99
None

PetMic

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Z21 free?
Z21 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PetMic free?
PetMic is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Z21 or PetMic have ads?
Neither Z21 nor PetMic shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Z21 or PetMic?
Z21 ships an update every 3 weeks, and PetMic every 2 weeks. Most recently, Z21 was updated on October 14, 2026 and PetMic on October 11, 2026.

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