Comparison

TrainSpotting vs TMC Link

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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/

About

TMC Link

Control your smart aquarium lighting system with this app. Simulate natural sunlight changes throughout the day to create the ideal environment for corals, tropical fish, and freshwater aquatics.

Highlights
  • Control smart aquarium lighting
  • Simulate daily sunlight changes
  • Full spectrum lighting
  • Suitable for corals and fish
  • Adjustable for neritic/deeper zones
Features
Read full description

TMC Link is used to control smart aquarium lighting system. TMC Link lighting system can emit full spectrum to simulate sunlight changes during a day. TMC Link series is suitable for applying to the corals, tropical fishes and freshwater aquatics which live in neritic or deeper zones.

Screenshots

TrainSpotting4 screens
TMC Link4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: TrainSpotting at 87% against TMC Link's 17%. TrainSpotting also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months). TMC Link's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (9.2 vs 15.0). 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. TrainSpotting sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. TMC Link asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TrainSpotting ships an update every 3 days, TMC Link every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
TrainSpotting versus TMC Link: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTrainSpottingTMC Link
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews87.2% of reviews — better16.7% of reviews
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemiumFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.09.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size324 MB55 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperImagekings LimitedHM ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.

Customer experience

TrainSpotting

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews39 reviews
Positive87.2%
Neutral5.1%
Negative7.7%

TMC Link

Written reviews6 reviews
Positive16.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative66.7%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

TrainSpotting

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Purchase$1.991 Month
  • Premium Subscription1 Month trial$19.991 Year
None

TMC Link

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TrainSpotting free?
TrainSpotting is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TMC Link free?
TMC Link is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do TrainSpotting or TMC Link have ads?
Neither TrainSpotting nor TMC Link shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TrainSpotting or TMC Link?
TrainSpotting ships an update every 3 days, and TMC Link every 2 months. Most recently, TrainSpotting was updated on October 24, 2026 and TMC Link on October 19, 2026.

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