# Z21 vs Model Train & Railroad Log

The clearest difference is device support: Z21 at 3 against Model Train & Railroad Log's 1. Z21 also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.6). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Z21 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Model Train & Railroad Log sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

## The numbers

| Metric | Z21 | Model Train & Railroad Log |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.8 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/z21/id1114706450/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **13** | — |
| Positive reviews | 38.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | — |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 232 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Modelleisenbahn GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/533805542) | [MD Shahariar Nazim Joy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893961943) |

## 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)


### Model Train & Railroad Log

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-train-and-railroad-log/id6778712640)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $17.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Z21 free?

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

### Is Model Train & Railroad Log free?

Model Train & Railroad Log is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Z21 or Model Train & Railroad Log have ads?

Neither Z21 nor Model Train & Railroad Log shows ads.

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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.*