TrainSpotting vs SrcpClient
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/
SrcpClient
Control your model trains remotely with this mobile application. It supports multiple locomotives simultaneously and offers intuitive speed and function control. Connects to various control center protocols.
- Control up to 3 locomotives simultaneously
- Intuitive speed slider
- Access all locomotive functions via buttons
- Supports SRCP, Z21, and WiThrottle protocols
- iPad landscape view displays all 3 controllers
- iPhone view allows switching between controllers
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The SRCP Client is a mobile controller for model railways Features: - 3 locomotive controllers can be used in parallel - All 3 controllers visible on iPad landscape format - Speed controller via slider - Access to all functions via buttons Protocols: - SRCP including MFX extension - Z21 from Fleischmann / Roco - WiThrottle as used e.g. in JMRI or DCC++EX - DCC++EX The SRCP client for iOS can primarily connect to control centrals supporting the SCRP protocol. As a special feature, the SRCP client also supports the Z21 protocol and the WiThrottle protocol as used e.g. DCC++EX, even if these two protocols are not SRCP protocols. Up to 3 locomotives are currently supported at the same time. The app is primarily designed as a mobile locomotive controller. Speed and the functions of locomotives can be used. Only one controller at the dame time can be displayed on an iPhone, but it can be switched back and forth between the three controllers. All three controllers are displayed simultaneously on an iPad in landscape. More information at https://io-expert.com/srcpclientios
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: TrainSpotting at 5.0 against SrcpClient's 4.0. TrainSpotting also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months). SrcpClient's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and review sentiment (100% vs 87%). On price, ratings volume, 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
Both are free to download. TrainSpotting sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. SrcpClient asks for nothing beyond the download.
TrainSpotting holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 87% of TrainSpotting's written reviews are positive against 100% of SrcpClient's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
TrainSpotting ships an update every 3 days, SrcpClient every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | TrainSpotting | SrcpClient |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | 4.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 87.2% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 9.3 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 298 MB | 30 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Imagekings Limited | Manuel Schreiner |
Customer experience
TrainSpotting
SrcpClient
In-app purchases
TrainSpotting
- Monthly Purchase$1.991 Month
- Premium Subscription1 Month trial$19.991 Year
SrcpClient
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is TrainSpotting free?
Is SrcpClient free?
Which has better reviews, TrainSpotting or SrcpClient?
Do TrainSpotting or SrcpClient have ads?
Which is updated more often, TrainSpotting or SrcpClient?
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