Comparison

WhatTrain vs NYC Subway Tracker

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

Head to head
About

WhatTrain

This app provides real-time subway train arrival times and service status for New York City. It displays nearby trains sorted by departure, offers detailed station schedules, and includes a subway map with accessible station highlights. The app prioritizes user privacy by not collecting location data.

Highlights
  • Real-time train arrival estimates
  • Nearby trains sorted by departure
  • Detailed station schedules
  • MTA subway map
  • Accessible station highlighting
  • Service delay and change notifications
Features
Read full description

WhatTrain is the subway app for New Yorkers. You already know the subway system. You just want to know *when* your train is coming. That's what WhatTrain gives you. • Open the app for a list of all the trains around you, sorted by departure time, omitting those you couldn't reach on foot. • Tap on a train to view the full schedule at its station along with walking directions. • Check the Status tab for delays or service changes. • Check the Map tab for the MTA subway map. Swipe right for other versions of the map, including one showing accessible stations. REALTIME TRAIN TIMES: WhatTrain incorporates the latest realtime information provided by the MTA. If you see "LIVE" next to a train, that is the MTA's realtime estimate based on live data. PRIVACY: WhatTrain respects your privacy. WhatTrain does not collect or retain your location information or any other personally identifying information about you (including your IP address). The app uses your location locally, and that's it. (As with any app that uses Apple's Location Services, using WhatTrain may expose your location to Apple.) For support, email support@whattrain.com or find us on Twitter (@WhatTrainNYC).

About

NYC Subway Tracker

Navigate New York City's subway system with real-time train tracking, live schedules, and detailed station information. Find your way easily with map integration and line filtering, making your commute or exploration seamless.

Highlights
  • Real-time train tracking
  • Live line, station, and schedule updates
  • Line and station filtering
  • Detailed station insights
  • Map integration for station locations
  • Comprehensive coverage of all NYC subway lines
Features
Read full description

Experience New York City like never before with the NYC MTA Subway Tracker App. Whether you're a seasoned resident or an excited visitor, our app ensures you never miss an MTA subway train again. Here's what makes NYC Subway Tracker the ultimate choice for real-time MTA tracking in New York's Metro: • 100% Free: Enjoy all these incredible features without spending a dime. Our Free NYC MTA Subway Tracker is meticulously designed to optimize your navigation across the city. • Live Lines, Stations & Schedules: Eliminate the guesswork and unnecessary waiting. Gain access to real-time line, station, and schedule updates. Whether exploring the city or commuting, our NYC underground schedule app keeps you updated. • Line & Station Filtering: Effortlessly filter through stations and lines. Finding your way through New York's extensive MTA subway system has never been easier, thanks to our NYC metro stations app. • Detailed Station Insights: A simple tap brings you in-depth details. From schedules to line connections and station locations, our app ensures a smooth transit journey. • Map Integration: Navigate with confidence. Select any station location and instantly find it on your map, making your journey across the boroughs of New York City seamless. • In-App FAQ for All Your Questions: Curious about subway operating hours or specific station details? Our comprehensive in-app FAQ is filled with valuable information to assist your exploration of NYC. • Covers all NYC Subway Lines Across the Boroughs: Featuring extensive coverage of all MTA subway lines, ensuring you have the information you need whether you're traveling to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island. With the NYC MTA Subway Tracker App, navigating New York City's public transportation system becomes a breeze. Download now and revolutionize your NYC experience, completely free of charge.

Screenshots

NYC Subway Tracker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: WhatTrain at none against NYC Subway Tracker's shown. WhatTrain also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). NYC Subway Tracker's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

WhatTrain holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 24 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WhatTrain ships an update every 2 months, NYC Subway Tracker weekly. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
WhatTrain versus NYC Subway Tracker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWhatTrainNYC Subway Tracker
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (12 ratings) — better4.8 (24 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1224 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size65 MB74 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlexander AbdoOne Bite Apps Inc.

Customer experience

WhatTrain

All ratings12 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

NYC Subway Tracker

All ratings24 ratings
Positive95.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative4.2%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

WhatTrain

No in-app purchases

None

NYC Subway Tracker

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is WhatTrain free?
WhatTrain is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is NYC Subway Tracker free?
NYC Subway Tracker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, WhatTrain or NYC Subway Tracker?
WhatTrain is rated higher. WhatTrain averages 5.0 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while NYC Subway Tracker averages 4.8 from 24 ratings.
Do WhatTrain or NYC Subway Tracker have ads?
NYC Subway Tracker shows ads; WhatTrain does not.
Which is updated more often, WhatTrain or NYC Subway Tracker?
WhatTrain ships an update every 2 months, and NYC Subway Tracker weekly. Most recently, WhatTrain was updated on June 1, 2026 and NYC Subway Tracker on September 8, 2026.

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