# Trainz Simulator 3 vs Train Simulator

The clearest difference is price: Train Simulator at Free against Trainz Simulator 3's $7.99. Train Simulator also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.8) and review sentiment (64% vs 51%). Trainz Simulator 3's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On in-app purchases, monetization model, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Train Simulator is free to download; Trainz Simulator 3 costs $7.99 up front. Trainz Simulator 3 sells 22 one-off in-app purchases and Train Simulator sells 14 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Train Simulator holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.6K and 5.3K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of Trainz Simulator 3's written reviews are positive against 64% of Train Simulator's.

Trainz Simulator 3 ships an update fortnightly, Train Simulator every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Trainz Simulator 3 | Train Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.8 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainz-simulator-3/id1184768808/reviews) | **[4.7 (5.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-railroad-game/id1587704770/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.6K | **5.3K** |
| Positive reviews | 51.0% of reviews | **64.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#58** | — |
| Size | 2.2 GB | 820 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) | [AZUR INTERACTIVE GAMES LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1296347323) |

## What reviewers say

### Trainz Simulator 3

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

**Currently charting:** #58 Top Paid · Family (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


### Train Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-railroad-game/id1587704770)

Become a train driver in this 2D simulator, delivering cargo and revitalizing regional economies. Upgrade your locomotives, manage infrastructure, and explore diverse landscapes. Experience realistic train gameplay with dynamic weather.

**Highlights:** Cargo delivery and economic management, Train upgrades and modifications, Diverse game world exploration, Realistic train simulation gameplay, Dynamic weather conditions, Challenging tasks and contracts

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

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Engine Boost | $0.99 | one-time |
| Crew 4 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Starter pack sale | $2.99 | one-time |
| Starter Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| ChME3 Sale | $3.99 | one-time |
| WDM2 Sale | $5.99 | one-time |
| ChME3 Locomotive | $5.99 | one-time |
| More gold boxes | $7.99 | one-time |
| WDM2 Locomotive | $7.99 | one-time |
| EMD SD70 Sale | $7.99 | one-time |
| More silver boxes | $7.99 | one-time |
| FD20 Sale | $7.99 | one-time |
| EMD SD70 Locomotive | $9.99 | one-time |
| FD20 Locomotive | $10.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐️ Enjoyable and fun game
- 🚂 Realistic train simulation
- 👍 Good graphics and gameplay
- 💯 Great for train enthusiasts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🙄 Annoying ads
- 🚧 Difficult hills and terrain
- 🔧 Frequent need for repairs
- 🤔 Limited train selection

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes on startup for some users
- Inability to save progress or sync across devices
- Glitches with train performance and handling

**Requested features**

- Add more train types (steam, electric, etc.)
- Implement passenger service
- Improve hill climbing and traction
- Reduce reliance on ads or provide ad-free option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Trainz Simulator 3 free?

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

### Is Train Simulator free?

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

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

Train Simulator is rated higher. Trainz Simulator 3 averages 3.8 out of 5 from 1.6K ratings, while Train Simulator averages 4.7 from 5.3K ratings.

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

Train Simulator shows ads; Trainz Simulator 3 does not.

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

Trainz Simulator 3 ships an update fortnightly, and Train Simulator every 2 months. Most recently, Trainz Simulator 3 was updated on October 29, 2026 and Train Simulator on October 30, 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.*