TrainSpotting vs SpotLog
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
TrainSpotting
This app provides a comprehensive digital database for train enthusiasts, cataloging various locomotives, units, and coaching stock. Users can log sightings with detailed information, photos, and journey data, syncing across devices via iCloud. It offers flexible data review and import options.
- Extensive locomotive and unit database
- Log sightings with photos and notes
- Record complete journey information
- iCloud data syncing across devices
- Review data by date, location, or class
- Import data from CSV
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TrainSpotting is the ultimate user-friendly and VoiceOver-compatible app built by a dedicated train enthusiast. The app replaces traditional paper records with an extensive and regularly updated database of locomotives, including diesel, electric and preserved mainline steam, as well as Diesel and Electric Units, all London Underground stock, and increasing numbers of preserved and scrapped vehicles. Trams and loco-hauled coaching stock are also included. Narrow gauge locomotives (steam and diesel) above 2’0” in the UK are covered, along with diesel fleets in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The app allows you to quickly log sightings with just a number, or enhance entries with date, location (including three-letter station codes), photos, and notes. The Haulage feature enables full journey logging including departure and arrival locations and times, making it ideal for RailMiles users. Your data can be viewed and analysed in multiple ways by date, location, or class, and you can choose to include or exclude scrapped locomotives. Existing data can also be imported in bulk via CSV. All data is synchronised securely across your devices using iCloud, including any photos you add. Premium Subscription The app is free to download. An optional subscription unlocks the full Premium Service database, which is updated regularly (typically every two weeks) and supports ongoing development of the app. Monthly and annual subscription options available 1-month free trial for new subscribers Special Offer for ICRS Members Eligible Intercity Railway Society members can redeem a unique code within the app to receive 3 months free access to the Premium Service. Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
SpotLog
Log train sightings with precise location, time, and date. Access detailed datasets for European railway systems, including locomotives and rolling stock. This app is designed for enthusiasts to meticulously record their observations.
- Record train sightings
- Log location, time, and date
- UK and European railway datasets
- Details on locomotives and rolling stock
- User-friendly interface
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Record trains seen with location, time and date. App has datasets for UK and many other European railway systems with details of loco's, units and other rolling stock. https://spotlog.org/spotlog/gettingstarted
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: TrainSpotting at Free against SpotLog's $2.99. TrainSpotting also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (87% vs 70%). SpotLog's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). On 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
TrainSpotting is free to download; SpotLog costs $2.99 up front. TrainSpotting sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. SpotLog asks for nothing beyond the download.
TrainSpotting ships an update every 3 days, SpotLog every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | TrainSpotting | SpotLog |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 87.2% of reviews — better | 70.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 8.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 324 MB | 46 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Imagekings Limited | Mark Goodspeed |
Customer experience
TrainSpotting
SpotLog
In-app purchases
TrainSpotting
- Monthly Purchase$1.991 Month
- Premium Subscription1 Month trial$19.991 Year
SpotLog
No in-app purchases
