# Trainz Simulator 3 vs DashPanel

The clearest difference is price: DashPanel at Free against Trainz Simulator 3's $7.99. Trainz Simulator 3's advantage is ratings volume (1.6K vs 124) and chart position (#45 vs unranked). On rating, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

DashPanel is free to download; Trainz Simulator 3 costs $7.99 up front. Trainz Simulator 3 sells 22 one-off in-app purchases and DashPanel sells 13 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Trainz Simulator 3 holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Trainz Simulator 3 has 1.6K ratings behind it against 124, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 51% of Trainz Simulator 3's written reviews are positive against 58% of DashPanel's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Trainz Simulator 3 ships an update fortnightly, DashPanel every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Trainz Simulator 3 | DashPanel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[3.8 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainz-simulator-3/id1184768808/reviews)** | [3.6 (124 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dashpanel/id1441894380/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.6K** | 124 |
| Positive reviews | 51.3% of reviews | **57.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#45** | — |
| Size | 2.2 GB | 231 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [N3V Games Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/405824664) | [Bernhard Deininger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441894379) |

## What reviewers say

### Trainz Simulator 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainz-simulator-3/id1184768808)

**Currently charting:** #45 Top Paid · Family, #158 Top Paid · Simulation (US App Store)

Experience the most realistic train driving simulation with next-generation graphics. Take control of various locomotives across diverse global locations, from the comfort of your home or on the go. Master complex operations and manage entire railroads.

**Highlights:** Realistic train driving experience, Global route exploration, Control of multiple locomotive types, Detailed rolling stock, Simple and realistic driving modes, Driver command system

**In-app purchases (22)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Free Drive Sessions & Consists | Free | one-time |
| City and Country USA | Free | one-time |
| PT Badgers Pass | Free | one-time |
| Razorback Classic | Free | one-time |
| NYC J3a-Dreyfuss | $0.99 | one-time |
| Amtrk P42DC ph V | $0.99 | one-time |
| BNSF SD70MAC H3 | $0.99 | one-time |
| CSX C40-8W | $0.99 | one-time |
| Nickel Plate High Speed Set | $1.99 | one-time |
| PRR T1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| N&W Y6B Weathered | $1.99 | one-time |
| NS (Norfolk Southern) ES44AC | $1.99 | one-time |
| NS Dash 9-44CW | $1.99 | one-time |
| Shortline Railroad | $2.99 | one-time |
| Model Trainz: Chicago | $2.99 | one-time |
| Midwestern Branch Route | $3.99 | one-time |
| Route: Marias Pass Approach | $4.99 | one-time |
| Route: Sequoia Valley | $4.99 | one-time |
| Centrella Sub Division | $5.99 | one-time |
| Horseshoe Curve | $5.99 | one-time |
| Route: Inyo Mountains | $5.99 | one-time |
| BP - The Western Branch | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Realistic graphics
- 🚂 Detailed train models
- 👍 Immersive audio
- 🚅 Variety of train content
- 🎨 Good graphics for mobile

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and white screen issues
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly
- 🤔 Clunky user interface and menus
- 🤯 Lack of customization options
- 🙄 Buggy and glitchy at times

**Reported bugs**

- Trains disappearing or getting stuck
- Locomotive sounds glitching out
- Switches not functioning properly
- Inconsistent camera controls
- Saving/loading issues

**Requested features**

- Add more US steam locomotives
- Implement a route/world builder
- Include a main menu and settings
- Add more free drive options
- Improve derailment physics


### DashPanel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dashpanel/id1441894380)

Create custom dashboard displays and virtual button boxes for your favorite PC racing simulators. Monitor critical game data and trigger in-game actions with customizable layouts. A demo version is available to test compatibility.

**Highlights:** Customizable dashboard displays, Virtual button box functionality, Powerful layout editor, Download and share layouts, Real-time critical data display

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Classic Full Data | $0.99 | one-time |
| BeamNG.drive Full Data | $1.99 | one-time |
| Assetto Corsa Full Data | $4.99 | one-time |
| rFactor Full Data | $4.99 | one-time |
| Codemasters Full Data | $4.99 | one-time |
| PCARS Full Data | $4.99 | one-time |
| SimBin/Sector3 Full Data | $4.99 | one-time |
| iRacing Full Data | $4.99 | one-time |
| Forza Full Data | $4.99 | one-time |
| Truck Simulator Full Data | $4.99 | one-time |
| Virtual Button Box Unlock | $4.99 | one-time |
| Farming Simulator Full Data | $4.99 | one-time |
| PRO | $12.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Amazing app
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Highly customizable
- 👍 Great presets
- 🚀 Works great

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work with certain games
- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🐛 Lags or freezes
- 🐛 Certain features don't work
- 🐛 Demo mode issues

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't connect to certain games
- Freezes or crashes
- Certain features not working as expected
- Compatibility issues with newer OS versions
- Unreliable connection to game servers

**Requested features**

- Add support for more racing games
- Improve compatibility with consoles
- Add more customization options
- Implement live timing/telemetry features
- Add support for more data points (e.g. engine temp, tire wear)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Trainz Simulator 3 free?

Trainz Simulator 3 costs $7.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is DashPanel free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Trainz Simulator 3 or DashPanel?

Trainz Simulator 3 is rated higher. Trainz Simulator 3 averages 3.8 out of 5 from 1.6K ratings, while DashPanel averages 3.6 from 124 ratings.

### Do Trainz Simulator 3 or DashPanel have ads?

Neither Trainz Simulator 3 nor DashPanel shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Trainz Simulator 3 or DashPanel?

Trainz Simulator 3 ships an update fortnightly, and DashPanel every 4 weeks. Most recently, Trainz Simulator 3 was updated on October 17, 2026 and DashPanel on October 17, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*