# TrainSpotting vs LocoScene

The clearest difference is review sentiment: TrainSpotting at 87% against LocoScene's 0%. TrainSpotting also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 5 months) and device support (3 vs 1). LocoScene's advantage is monetization model (free vs freemium). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TrainSpotting sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and LocoScene sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $11.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

TrainSpotting ships an update every 4 days, LocoScene every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TrainSpotting | LocoScene |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 334 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Imagekings Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1194611028) | [Ian Steel](https://appshunter.io/developer/1536144309) |

## What reviewers say

### TrainSpotting

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

Log train sightings with detailed information including type, date, location, and photos. Track full journeys and analyze your data in various ways. Syncs across devices via iCloud.

**Highlights:** Log train sightings with details, Track full journeys with Haulage feature, Extensive locomotive database, View and analyze data by date/location, Import data via CSV, iCloud synchronization

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

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


### LocoScene

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locoscene/id1536144307)

This app allows users to view and record train sightings and sessions, complete with photographs of locomotives. It serves as a mobile companion to a dedicated website, enabling users to easily contribute their own observations while on the go.

**Highlights:** View member-recorded sessions and sightings, Browse locomotive photographs, Add new sessions and sightings, Upload photographs of locomotives, Official companion to LocoScene website

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Subscription | $11.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TrainSpotting free?

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

### Is LocoScene free?

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

### Do TrainSpotting or LocoScene have ads?

Neither TrainSpotting nor LocoScene shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TrainSpotting or LocoScene?

TrainSpotting ships an update every 4 days, and LocoScene every 5 months. Most recently, TrainSpotting was updated on November 11, 2026 and LocoScene on November 3, 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.*