# Z21 vs SureWake

The clearest difference is update cadence: SureWake at every 3 days against Z21's every 3 weeks. Z21's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 26.1). 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 SureWake sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Z21 | SureWake |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 232 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 26.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Modelleisenbahn GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/533805542) | [益平 林](https://appshunter.io/developer/1622562245) |

## 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)


### SureWake

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surewake/id6803739806)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock SureWake | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Z21 free?

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

### Is SureWake free?

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

### Do Z21 or SureWake have ads?

Neither Z21 nor SureWake shows ads.

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

Z21 ships an update every 3 weeks, and SureWake every 3 days. Most recently, Z21 was updated on October 14, 2026 and SureWake on October 2, 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.*