Comparison

Next Caltrain vs Caltrain Companion

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

Head to head
About

Next Caltrain

Get real-time Caltrain arrival predictions for your favorite stations. Quickly view upcoming trains with a widget and explore train destinations with a simple touch. This app provides essential commuter information for the San Francisco Bay Area.

Highlights
  • Real-time arrival predictions
  • Favorite station selection
  • Train destination lookup
  • Home screen widget
  • Supports iPhone and iPad
Features
Read full description

Always know when the next Caltrain is coming! • Add your favorite stations and see the next 3 predicted arrivals at that station • Force touch on a train to see where it's going • Use the widget to get a quick peek at the coming trains without opening the app Caltrain© is a California commuter rail line that operates between San Francisco and Santa Clara Valley This application is not affiliated with or sponsored by Caltrain© commuter rail

About

Caltrain Companion

This travel app provides real-time train tracking, arrival estimates, and trip planning. It offers personalized alerts for delays, next stops, and on-board location, with an optional subscription for advanced features like Clipper tag tracking.

Highlights
  • Real-time train tracking
  • Next train arrival estimates
  • User-friendly trip planner
  • Personalized delay notifications
  • Next stop alerts
  • Clipper tag status tracking
  • On-board location banner
Features
Read full description

Caltrain Companion is your ultimate travel partner, delivering real-time updates powered by our custom algorithm. Instantly know when the next train arrives at your location and explore nearby trains with their upcoming stops. Plus, we offer the most user-friendly trip planner and schedule viewer in the west, complete with options to share your train via text or add it to your calendar! Unlock “My Conductor” features for an even smarter commute: • NEW — Clipper Tag Tracker: Did you remember to tag on? See your Clipper tag status in a Live Activity on your iPhone Lock Screen and Apple Watch. See where you tagged on and follow your trip’s direction and progress. A guided setup walks you through choosing stations and creating a Wallet automation in Apple’s Shortcuts app, which comes with your iPhone. Requires a Clipper card in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch. • My Train Track: Set personalized notifications for your selected trains and receive updates at just the right time—whether it’s a gentle reminder to leave or an early alert for significant delays or cancellations. Customize notifications based on your location or when trains are running late. With support for multiple trains, you’ll always stay informed without unnecessary alerts once you’re on the move. • Next Stop Alerts: Never miss your station again, even while enjoying music or podcasts with AirPods. Designed for both regular commuters and occasional riders, this feature keeps you connected and on track throughout your journey. • On-Board Location Banner: When you are on the train, the app will show you your current location on the tracks • WatchOS App, Complications, & Widgets! “My Conductor” features are available with an annual subscription, which includes a 1-week free trial. Clipper Tag Tracker is included with the My Conductor annual subscription.

Screenshots

Next Caltrain1 screens
Caltrain Companion4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Caltrain Companion at 4.7 against Next Caltrain's 3.0. Caltrain Companion also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (15 vs 2). Next Caltrain's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.1 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support 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. Caltrain Companion sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per year. Next Caltrain asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Caltrain Companion holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Caltrain Companion has 15 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Next Caltrain ships an update every 7 months, Caltrain Companion every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Next Caltrain versus Caltrain Companion: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNext CaltrainCaltrain Companion
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (2 ratings)4.7 (15 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—80.0% of reviews
Number of ratings215 — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS11.1 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndrew FangKristopher Linquist

Customer experience

Next Caltrain

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Caltrain Companion

All ratings15 ratings
Positive93.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative6.7%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%

In-app purchases

None

Next Caltrain

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Caltrain Companion

Subscriptions1
  • My Conductor - 1 Year7 Days trial$3.991 Year

Questions

Is Next Caltrain free?
Next Caltrain is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Caltrain Companion free?
Caltrain Companion is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Next Caltrain or Caltrain Companion?
Caltrain Companion is rated higher. Next Caltrain averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Caltrain Companion averages 4.7 from 15 ratings.
Do Next Caltrain or Caltrain Companion have ads?
Neither Next Caltrain nor Caltrain Companion shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Next Caltrain or Caltrain Companion?
Next Caltrain ships an update every 7 months, and Caltrain Companion every 5 days. Most recently, Next Caltrain was updated on November 2, 2026 and Caltrain Companion on November 8, 2026.

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