# TrainSpotting vs TMC Link

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | TrainSpotting | TMC Link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainspotting/id1194611029/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| Positive reviews | **87.2% of reviews** | 16.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 324 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.2** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Imagekings Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1194611028) | [HM ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/922849695) |

## What reviewers say

### TrainSpotting

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainspotting/id1194611029)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Purchase | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium Subscription | $19.99 | per year |


### TMC Link

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tmc-link/id1400651626)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


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